Division of Life Science

UG Courses Offered

Fall Semester 2017 - 2018

LIFS 1010 Appreciation of Biological Sciences [3 Credit(s)]
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts and principles of biological sciences, including chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, genetics and molecular biology, evolution, origin of life, diversity of life forms and their influence on human, structure and life processes in human, and ecology and environment. The inter-relationships between human, environment and society in daily life will be focused. Exclusion(s): LIFS 1901, LIFS 1902, Level 3 or above in HKDSE 1/2x Biology OR in HKDSE 1x Biology, a passing grade in HKCEE Biology OR HKAL Biology

LIFS 1030 Environmental Science [3 Credit(s)]
is course introduces students to the general concepts of environment, natural resources, and sustainable development. The topics include pressing global, regional and local environmental changes; life-supporting systems of our planet; biodiversity and its conservation; atmosphere, water resources, and their pollutions; solid and hazardous waste management; environmental health and sustainable development. Throughout the course, students will gain a sufficient background and a better understanding of the root-causes of the upfront environmental issues. They will also become more aware of their role, as citizens, in environmental protection and sustainable development.

LIFS 1901 General Biology I [3 Credit(s)]
This course targets science students not having taken HKDSE 1x Biology or AL/AS Biology. It provides students with a general overview of fundamental biology: basic characteristics of life (the chemistry of life, cells), vital life processes (respiration, photosynthesis, genetics), essential concepts of evolution and ecology, and so on. Exclusion(s): Level 3 or above in HKDSE 1x Biology, a passing grade in AL/AS Biology

LIFS 1902 General Biology II [3 Credit(s)]
This course targets science students who have acquired basic knowledge in fundamental biology through HKDSE 1x Biology, AL/AS Biology or LIFS 1901. It functions as a bridging course to prepare the students for further study in life science. Its focus is on human biology, biotechnology and human impacts on the environment. Current examples will be used as well to relate the knowledge to real life issues. Students without the prerequisites but have completed biology course or program at equivalent level may seek instructor’s approval for enrollment. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 1901 OR level 3 or above in HKDSE 1x Biology OR a passing grade in AL/AS Biology

LIFS 1903 Laboratory for General Biology I [1 Credit(s)]
This is a practical course accompanied by the lecture course LIFS 1901. It provides students with some basic concepts and some hands-on experience in biological investigation within the areas covered by LIFS 1901. The emphasis is on the understanding and application of the scientific principles underlying the experimental designs and procedures. Graded P or F. Exclusion(s): Level 3 or above in HKDSE 1x Biology, a passing grade in AL/AS Biology Corequisite(s): LIFS 1901

LIFS 1930 Nature of Life Sciences [3 Credit(s)]
This is an innovative blended-learning course that comprises both independent e-learning and face-to-face tutorial components. The course covers general and up-to-date topics such as conservation biology and animal forms and functions in the field of Biology, metabolism and cell signaling in Biochemistry, and recombinant DNA, animal and plant biotechnology and bioethics in Biotechnology. Exclusion(s): LIFS 2030 (prior to 2014-15)

LIFS 2010 Modern Approaches to Biochemical and Cell Biological Research [3 Credit(s)]
Our current understanding of biochemical reactions and internal organization of a cell was progressively enriched by technological and conceptual breakthroughs in the 20th century. This course will use personal and scientific stories of six prominent scientists to highlight research areas that are still being actively pursued today. Topics to include are DNA and protein biochemistry, physical and chemical methods for biological research, and the use of model organisms. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 1902

LIFS 2011 A Practicum on Wetland Conservation [3 Credit(s)]
[Previous Course Code(s): LIFS 1011] This one-year course engages students in practical training and enriches their knowledge and skills in interpretive services under ecotourism, identification of wetland species, and nature photography. The students will also have a chance to contribute to the society through environmental education. At the end of the course, students should gain hands-on experience in environmental conservation and improve their skills in communication, problem solving, team work, and time management. For LIFS and ENVS students only. Approval of the course coordinator is needed for students to enroll in this course. Graded PP, P or F.

LIFS 2060 Biodiversity [3 Credit(s)]
Diversity of life; taxonomy and phylogeny; different kingdoms of living organisms; structure and function ; evolution and the generation of biodiversity.

LIFS 2070 Introduction to Biotechnology [3 Credit(s)]
Advancement in science has enabled scientists to modify biological systems for specific purposes. Many of these technologies have been used to improve our daily life and this area of study is commonly referred to as biotechnology. This course is designed to introduce some of the major subjects in this field including the history of biotechnology, ethics in genetic modification and use of animals in experimental studies, molecular foundation of biotechnology, animal biotechnology, plant and agricultural biotechnology, and health-care applications. You will learn how different aspects of biotechnology affect our daily life and have impact on the society. Exclusion(s): LIFS 1070 (prior to 2016-17) Prerequisite(s): LIFS 1902

LIFS 2210 Biochemistry I [3 Credit(s)]
Major classes of biochemical compounds; primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures of macromolecules; enzyme kinetics and mechanisms; biosynthesis of DNA and RNA; transfer RNA and protein synthesis. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 1901 OR LIFS 1902

LIFS 2720 Biochemistry Laboratory [2 Credit(s)]
Investigation of the properties of enzymes, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids by physicochemical methods and specific assays; purification and quantitation of biochemical compounds by various biochemical techniques. Corequisite(s): (for BCB and BISC students) LANG 3014 AND LIFS 2820; (for others) LIFS 2820

LIFS 2820 Biochemical Laboratory Techniques [1 Credit(s)]
Principles of biochemical techniques including spectrophotometry, column chromatography, electrophoresis, metabolite assay, enzyme assay, nucleic acid isolation and protein isolation. Corequisite(s): LIFS 2720

LIFS 3010 Molecular and Cellular Biology I [3 Credit(s)]
Replication and roles of nucleic acids in cellular and viral systems; genome organization, vector-host systems, expression and regulation of genes; catalytic RNA, genetic code evolution, RNA modification and processing, and anti-sense systems. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2210 and LIFS 2220

LIFS 3110 Biotechnological Application of Recombinant DNA Techniques [2 Credit(s)]
Basic recombinant DNA technique, DNA transfection, DNA construction. DNA sequencing, PCR, bioinformatic analysis, identification of genes by hybridization. Exclusion(s): LIFS 3120 Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2040 Corequisite(s): (for BIOT, BIBU and BTGBM students) LANG 3014 AND LIFS 3210; (for other students) LIFS 3210

LIFS 3130 Marine Biology [3 Credit(s)]
Survey of the major marine living organisms; their habitat and community structures; trophic interactions and the marine ecosystem.

LIFS 3140 General Genetics [4 Credit(s)]
Principles and mechanisms of heredity and variation; genetic analysis in pro-and eukaryotic organisms. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2040 OR LIFS 2210

LIFS 3160 Ecology [3 Credit(s)]
Basic principles and patterns of ecology; population growth; community interaction; ecosystem; ecosphere.

LIFS 3330 Marine Biology Laboratory [3 Credit(s)]
Both laboratory and field investigations will provide the opportunity to apply and adapt the experimental methods developed here to specific groups of marine organisms, diversified marine habitats, and practical issues in marine/environmental science. Tutorial sessions and field trips will be used to enhance student's understanding of the practical work and the theories covered in the lectures. Corequisite(s): LIFS 3130

LIFS 3510 Junior Research Project I [2 Credit(s)]
The objective of the course is to increase awareness of preparation in research and learn how to synthesize a research proposal. Together with the supervisor each student will identify a research question, do a literature review, familiarize themselves theoretically with technical aspects of the project and write a short proposal. Approval of a faculty supervisor is required for students to enroll in the course. Graded P or F. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2040 and LIFS 2240

LIFS 4090 Developmental Biology [3 Credit(s)]
Processes of cellular and tissue differentiation, early and late embryonic development spanning from molecular, cellular, organ to organismal levels; reproduction, fertilization, gastrulation, neurulation, axis formation, body patterning, cellular communication, short and long range signaling, sex determination, aging, environmental influence and evolutionary significance of different regulatory mechanisms. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2040

LIFS 4150 Plant Biotechnology [3 Credit(s)]
Current status and future potential of Biotechnology, with emphasis on the fundamentals of plant molecular biology and biotechnology. Using examples of marketable products from food industry, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and agricultural fields. The role of basic research in the development and production biotechnology products will be described. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2040

LIFS 4200 Concepts and Issues in Contemporary Biotechnology [3 Credit(s)]
This course will survey the methods and applications of biotechnology, in the aspect related to animals, microbes, agriculture, human health and environment. The consequences of developments in this area will be examined, with emphasis on the aroused great public interest and the increasing demand for the informed debate. For BIOT students only. Prerequisite(s): CENG 1600 OR LIFS 2040

LIFS 4370 Human Genetics and Personalized Medicine [3 Credit(s)]
Many variations in the human population such as hair thickness, tolerance to milk in adults, high blood cholesterol and susceptibility to certain types of cancer can be determined by genetic factors. This course will cover the principles and up to date technologies for the discovery and analysis of human genetic variation. The application of basic scientific knowledge in a clinical setting will be discussed. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2210 OR LIFS 3140

LIFS 4630 Advanced Topics in Biotechnology [3 Credit(s)]
Principles and roles of various disciplines in biotechnology, including manipulation of various cell types, gene expression, immunochemistry, protein engineering, downstream processing, cell and enzyme immobilization, and fermentation; case studies in the development and applications of biotechnology. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2040

LIFS 4820 Entrepreneurship in Biotechnology [3 Credit(s)]
Students will be guided to understand the complexities of biotechnology entrepreneurship with focus on convergence of scientific, technological, regulatory and commercial factors. The course will take a case study approach by interaction with guest speakers who have experience in starting and managing biotechnology companies. Site visits to local company with specialty product development will also be arranged. For BIOT students in their fourth year of study and students with instructor’s consent only.

LIFS 4950 Neurochemistry [3 Credit(s)]
Introduction to the molecular understanding of brain function, building upon the basis of biochemistry and biology. Four specific themes are covered: (i) structural neurochemistry and neural membranes; (ii) synapses, transmitters and receptors; (iii) cellular and (iv) medical and behavioral neurochemistry. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2040

LIFS 4960 Biological Science Capstone Project [3 Credit(s)]
Under the supervision of a faculty member, students will undertake a project, which may involve investigation on topics in an area of Biological Science. The project can be delivered through the format of literature review, research, or practical study. Students are required to submit a written report that documents the project work and learning experiences. For BISC students only. Approval of the course supervisor is needed for students to enroll in this course. Corequisite(s): LANG 4014

LIFS 4961 Biochemistry and Cell Biology Capstone Project [3 Credit(s)]
Under the supervision of a faculty member, students will undertake a project, which may involve investigation on topics in the discipline of Biochemistry and Cell Biology. The project can be delivered through the format of literature review, research, or practical study. Students are required to submit a written report that documents the project work and learning experiences. For BCB students only. Approval of the course supervisor is needed for enrollment in the course. Corequisite(s): LANG 4014

LIFS 4963 Biotechnology Capstone Project [3 Credit(s)]
Under the supervision of a faculty member, students will undertake a project, which may involve investigation on topics relevant to biotechnology industry and business. The project can be delivered through the format of literature review, research, or practical study. Students are required to submit a written report that documents the project work and learning experiences. For BIOT students only. Approval of the course supervisor is needed for enrollment in the course. Corequisite(s): LANG 4014

LIFS 4970 Biological Science Project Research I [3 Credit(s)]
Project research in one of the Life Science research laboratories under the supervision of a faculty member; report. Students who select to register in LIFS 4970 must also register in LIFS 4980. Approval of the course instructor is needed for students to enroll in this course.

LIFS 4971 Biochemistry and Cell Biology Project Research I [3 Credit(s)]
A research project conducted under faculty supervision. Course to include background research, design of experiments and analysis of data. Approval by a faculty supervisor is required to enroll in the course.

LIFS 4973 Biotechnology Project Research I [3 Credit(s)]
Students will undertake a research project of their choice in an area of biotechnology under faculty supervision: design of experiments, analysis of data, submission of a written report. Approval of the course instructor is needed for students to enroll in this course. For BIOT students only. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 3110

LIFS 4980 Biological Science Project Research II [4 Credit(s)]
Project research in one of the Life Science research laboratories under the supervision of a faculty member; report; poster presentation. Approval of the course instructor is needed for students to enroll in this course. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 4970 Corequisite(s): LANG 4017

LIFS 4981 Biochemistry and Cell Biology Project Research II [4 Credit(s)]
Continuation of research project started in LIFS 4971 and to be conducted under faculty supervisor. To include design of experiments, analysis of data and to be completed with poster presentation and written report. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 4971 OR SCIE 4500 Corequisite(s): LANG 4014

LIFS 4983 Biotechnology Project Research II [4 Credit(s)]
Continuation of LIFS 4973. Students will undertake a research project of their choice in an area of biotechnology under faculty supervision: design of experiments, analysis of data, submission of a written report and poster presentation of research results. Approval of the course instructor is needed for students to enroll in this course. For BIOT students only. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 4973 OR SCIE 4500 Corequisite(s): LANG 4014

Spring Semester 2017 - 2018

LIFS 1020 Biology of Human Health [3 Credit(s)]
This course introduces the basic biological principles of human health and diseases with an emphasis on the contemporary leading causes of death in Hong Kong and in the world. Topics mainly focus on common and emergent diseases, aging, and the influence of biotechnology, environment and culture on human health. Exclusion(s): Level 3 or above in HKDSE 1/2x Biology or in HKDSE 1x Biology, a passing grade in HKAL Biology, LIFS 1901, LIFS 1902, LIFS 4760

LIFS 1904 Laboratory for General Biology II [1 Credit(s)]
This is a practical course accompanied by the lecture course LIFS 1902. It provides students with some basic concepts and hands-on experience in biological investigation within the areas covered by LIFS1902, including plant biology, human biology and ecology. The emphasis is on the understanding and application of the scientific principles underlying the experiments. . Prerequisite(s): LIFS 1901 OR level 3 or above in HKDSE 1x Biology OR a passing grade in AL/AS Biology Corequisite(s): LIFS 1902

LIFS 2011 A Practicum on Wetland Conservation [1 Credit(s)]
[Previous Course Code(s): LIFS 1011] This course will engage students in practical training and experience at areas including organic farming, herbal medicines, eco-tour guide service, or environmental-related community service. At the end of the course, students are expected to be enhanced in their exposure to the real-life situation, capability of being responsible citizens, as well as skills of communication, problem solving, team working, and so on. Approval of the course coordinator is needed for students to enroll in this course. Graded P or F.

LIFS 2040 Cell Biology [3 Credit(s)]
Structure and function of the cell and sub-cellular organelles; from genes to proteins; membrane and cytoskeleton; cell communication and cell signaling; cell cycle and programmed cell death.

LIFS 2080 Plant Biology [3 Credit(s)]
Structure and life processes in plants; cellular structures; molecular and cellar mechanism; transport of water and nutrients; nutrition and soil; reproduction; photosynthesis; growth and development; biotechnology. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2040 OR LIFS 2210

LIFS 2220 Biochemistry II [3 Credit(s)]
Principles of bioenergetics and cellular structures; glycolysis, citric acid cycle, electron transport, oxidative phosphorylation and chemiosmosis; carbohydrate, lipid, amino acid and nucleotide metabolism; photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 1902
Reference(s):
- Mathews and Van Holde, Biochemistry

LIFS 2240 Cell Biology Laboratory [3 Credit(s)]
Exploration and understanding of both theories and practical techniques in cell biology through tutorials and hands-on experiments. Microscopy, cell culture, cell fractionation; and their applications in studying cell division and gene expression will be covered. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 1902

LIFS 2280 Plant Biology Laboratory [3 Credit(s)]
This course is designed to introduce theories and practical techniques used in the current research of plant biology, plant molecular biology and biochemistry to students. Corequisite(s): LIFS 2080

LIFS 3002 Special Topics of Biological Sciences [2-4 Credit(s)]
This course aims to broaden students' exposure to a broad range of topics within the biological science discipline. Teaching format and course credits will vary, depending on the subject matters to be covered. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2040

LIFS 3020 Molecular and Cellular Biology II [3 Credit(s)]
Cell structure; the molecular biology of cell signaling and cell cycle control; oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes; the mechanism of cell division; cell junctions and adhesion; cytoskeleton; programmed cell death. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2040 AND LIFS 2210 AND LIFS 2220

LIFS 3040 Animal Physiology [3 Credit(s)]
Structure and life processes in animals; neurophysiology; circulation; respiration; digestion and absorption; metabolism and energy regulation; muscle and movement; endocrinology. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2040

LIFS 3060 Microbiology [3 Credit(s)]
Classification, identification, structure, physiology, and genetics of microorganisms; importance of microorganisms in health, environment, and biotechnology. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2040 OR LIFS 2060

LIFS 3070 Biophysics and Physical Biochemistry [3 Credit(s)]
An introduction to the principles and applications of biophysical techniques, including ultra-centrifugation, electrophoresis, optical and NMR spectroscopies, scattering and diffraction techniques, and radioisotope labeling and detection techniques. Basic concepts of thermodynamics at the cellular level and chemical kinetics. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2040

LIFS 3150 Biostatistics [3 Credit(s)]
Statistical reasoning relevant to biological, medical and agricultural research, statistical analyses and interpretation, statistical techniques applied under various research circumstances. Exclusion(s): IELM 2510, ISOM 2500, MATH 2411

LIFS 3220 Animal Physiology Laboratory [3 Credit(s)]
Physiology is an experimental science and laboratory experience is an important part of the discipline. Students will learn laboratory techniques and develop their powers of observation and data recording to test basic physiological principles. Analytical skill will be emphasized in both the tutorial and lab sessions. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2040 Corequisite(s): LIFS 3040 Corequisite(s): (for BISC students) LANG 3014 AND LIFS 3040 ; (for other students) LIFS 3040

LIFS 3240 Introduction to Neurobiology [3 Credit(s)]
Principles of neuroscience with a focus on the systems/neural circuit level. Topics covered will include sensory and motor systems, genetic model organisms, optogenetics, and functional imaging. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2040

LIFS 3260 Microbiology Laboratory [3 Credit(s)]
Tutorial and practical instruction on cultivation, differentiation, and identification of microorganisms, determination of microbial numbers, sterilization, disinfection, antimicrobials, and the prevalence of microorganisms in the body and environment will be covered. Corequisite(s): LIFS 3060 Corequisite(s): (for BISC students) LANG 3014 AND LIFS 3060 ; (for other students) LIFS 3060

LIFS 4060 Immunobiology [3 Credit(s)]
Cellular, biochemical and genetic basis of immunity; cells in immune response, antigens and antigen recognition; antibodies and the generation of diversity; major histocompatibility complex; cell mediated immune response; regulation of immune response; autoimmunity, tissue transplantation and rejection. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2040/2210, and LIFS 3140

LIFS 4140 Cancer Biology [3 Credit(s)]
Fundamentals in the epidemiology, etiology and treatment of cancers; basic mechanisms of carcinogenesis. For LIFS students in their third year (for 3Y degree) or fourth year (for 4Y degree) of study. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 3020 OR LIFS 3030 OR LIFS 3140

LIFS 4190 Advanced Cell Biology [3 Credit(s)]
Recent advances in the study of cellular structure and function; molecular mechanisms of cell function; cell division and cell cycle; cell-cell signaling; molecular and cellular control in small eukaryotes; control of cell differentiation and morphogenesis. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 3020 or LIFS 3030 (prior to 2016-17)
Remarks: LIFS 4190 is offered in every other year.

LIFS 4360 Aquaculture Biotechnology [3 Credit(s)]
Overview of aquaculture in relation to food production and biotechnology, including problems and prospects. Examples of aquacultured aquatic species and aquaculture biotechnology enterprises. Aquaculture biology and practices: larval rearing, nutritional practices and feeds, reproductive control, application of genetics and genetic manipulations. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2040 OR LIFS 2060

LIFS 4380 Pharmacology and Toxicology [3 Credit(s)]
Fundamental concepts of drug action and toxicity; clinically useful agents in central and peripheral disorders; toxicology of drugs and agents that are hazardous to living organisms. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2040
Remarks: LIFS 4380 is offered in every other year.

LIFS 4540 Structure and Function of Proteins [3 Credit(s)]
Determination of protein sequences and three-dimensional structures; relationship between structure and function; principles of protein design and engineering; molecular, biochemical and genetic approaches to study protein function and regulation. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2210
Reference(s):
- Creighton, Proteins, Structures and Molecular Properties

LIFS 4550 Biochemistry of Nutrition [3 Credit(s)]
The biochemistry of major food ingredients including proteins, oil, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals; functional and nutritional properties will be emphasized.

LIFS 4580 Bioinformatics [3 Credit(s)]
Frontier knowledge in bioinformatics. From the fundamental data mining, to the advanced topics in evolutionary analysis, protein structure prediction and genomics study. Both basic and applied aspects of bioinformatics will be explored in this course.

LIFS 4620 Advanced Biological Chemistry [3 Credit(s)]
Advanced studies of biological macromolecules; functional genomics and proteomics; laboratory techniques in modern biochemistry; milestone discoveries in biochemistry. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2040 OR LIFS 2210

LIFS 4760 Biochemistry of Diseases [3 Credit(s)]
This course covers the clinical manifestations, physiology, pathophysiology and treatment of common human diseases, with focus on the underlying biochemical basis of the diseases and treatment. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 1901 OR LIFS 1902 OR LIFS 2040 OR LIFS 2210

LIFS 4800 Epigenetics and Chromosome Biology [3 Credit(s)]
Chromosome biology and epigenetics is an important field highly relevant to human health. This course will cover recent advances in the fields of epigenetics and chromosome biology. Prerequisite(s): LIFS 2210

> Top