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.
Credit(s): 2
Corequisite(s):
(for BCB and BISC students) LANG 3014 AND LIFS 2820; (for others) LIFS 2820
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.
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.
Diversity of life; taxonomy and phylogeny; different kingdoms of living organisms; structure and function; evolution and the generation of biodiversity.
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.
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.
Credit(s): 1
Exclusion(s):
Level 3 or above in HKDSE 1x Biology, a passing grade in AL/AS Biology
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.
Credit(s): 3
Prerequisite(s):
LIFS 1901 OR level 3 or above in HKDSE 1x Biology OR a passing grade in AL/AS Biology
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.
Credit(s): 3
Exclusion(s):
Level 3 or above in HKDSE 1x Biology, a passing grade in AL/AS Biology
