An introduction of the development and registration of pharmaceutical products in Hong Kong and the Mainland markets. Registration of pharmaceutical products (drugs, medical devices, food supplements) is a comparatively new biotechnology‐business model, which has evolved from governmental regulations to public health through the assurance of safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. This course emphasizes the essential components of pharmaceutical development; discusses the key stages and decision points in the process; and gives a detailed analysis on the quality control and regulatory requirements. The technological and financial requirements of the development of pharmaceutical products are also covered. Professional training in these disciplines, lacking in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, is crucial for students who plan to pursue further studies or develop their career in the biotechnology sectors.
Many ribonucleic acids (RNA)-related technologies, including gene-editing and gene-silencing, are essential for research and clinical applications. In addition, mRNA vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 have been successfully developed, making RNAs more exciting and crucial material to learn. The success of making mRNA vaccines encourages scientists to develop mRNA-based drugs to treat different diseases in the future. This experiential learning course focuses on applying several essential RNA-related technologies in diagnosing and treating human diseases. The course introduces the basic knowledge of RNAs, fundamental principles on RNA-related technologies, and experimental practices for RNA technologies. After learning the basics of RNAs and the principles of six RNA technologies, students will work in teams to develop their projects, and design experiments to make their RNA-related products. By the end of the course, each team will conduct experiments, collect the data, and present and discuss their results at the end of the course. For LIFS/BIBU students in their third or fourth year of study and students with instructor’s consent only.
Previous course code: LIFS 4580
An introduction to bioinformatic analysis in life science. Students will learn about the principles and approaches used in working with genetic, genomic and proteomic data. Applications to basic science and translational research will also be introduced. No experience in computer programing is required.
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.
The biochemistry of major food ingredients including proteins, oil, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals; functional and nutritional properties will be emphasized.
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.
[LIFS 4380 is offered in every other year.]
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.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This course will not be offered in Spring 2021
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.
Fundamentals in the epidemiology, etiology and treatment of cancers; basic mechanisms of carcinogenesis. For LIFS/BIBU students in their fourth year of study.
The aim of the course is for students to acquire hands-on laboratory experience in conducting a short research project and producing a formal written report. Each student will conduct the bench work for the proposal developed in the prerequisite course LIFS 3510 and hence under the same faculty supervisor as LIFS 3510. Due to the short duration, emphasis is on appreciation of the research process rather than results obtained. Approval of a faculty supervisor is required for students to enroll in the course. Graded P or F.
