LIFS 4000 Special Topics in Life Science

Special topics in an identified area of life science not covered by existing course. Students may repeat the course for credits if the topics studied are different. Graded letter grade or P/F subject to different offerings.

Credit(s): 1-4

LIFS 2901 Case Study on Biomedical and Health Sciences I: From Proposal to Practice

In this course, students will analyze one human genetic disease. Working in teams, students will be guided to review the literature so they can formulate a proposal to either simulate the disease in a model organism or perform computational analysis on human populations. Fundamental laboratory and computational skills will be taught to prepare students for the execution of their proposals. For BSc in Biomedical Health and Sciences (BMH) students only.

Credit(s): 3

LIFS 1980

LIFS 1980 Guided Study on Biomedical and Health Sciences

This course provides students with a general overview about how common and rare diseases are treated, under the directed guidance of life science faculty members and biomedical professionals. This course comprises a combination of lectures as well as volunteering/shadowing opportunities. For students in the BMH program only. Non-BMH students may enroll in the course upon instructor’s approval only. Graded P or F.

Credit(s): 1

Fall Semester

LIFS 4888 Development and Registration of Pharmaceutical Products

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.

Credit(s): 3

LIFS 2070

LIFS 4884 Application of RNA Technology to Human Diseases

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.

Credit(s): 3

LIFS 1904 AND LIFS 2210

LIFS 5310 Biostatistics: Theory and Application in Life Science Research

[Previous Course Code(s) LIFS 6000C]

[Background] Students are expected (i) to know calculus and basic probability and (ii) to have some experience of programming (in any language). Requirement (ii) can be satisfied by self-learning an R tutorial before the course.

Statistical analysis has become an essential component in research for testing hypothesis and designing experiments. This course is tailored to postgraduate students in Life Science. We will introduce common methodologies used in research, such as ANOVA, linear regression, nonparametric methods, and bootstrapping. The students will also gain practical skills of using R for analysis.

Credit(s): 3

Spring Semester

LIFS 3580 Bioinformatics

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.

Remarks: BCB and BIOT elective

Credit(s): 3

LIFS 3140

LIFS 6800 Frontiers in Nucleic Acid Research

This course will cover the biogenesis and function of non-coding RNAs, drawn from molecular, biochemical and cell biological studies. Dysfunction of non-coding RNA in disease and the application of non-coding RNA as research tools will be discussed.

Credit(s): 4

Lecture: 2 hours per week

Tutorial, Seminar or Recitation: 2 hours per week

Laboratory or Field Study: 0 hours per week

LIFS 5001 Responsible Conduct of Biomedical and Biotechnology Research

[Co-List with BIEN 5001]
This course will present some of the most common ethical issues encountered in biomedical research and biotechnology. Students will engage in active discussion to provide deeper understanding of each issue. The objective of this course is to raise awareness of the ethical issues around biomedical/bioengineering research, and encourage critical and responsible consideration of research conduct. Topics covered will fall into three categories: 1) Research integrity, 2) Applied ethics in biological research and biotechnology, and 3) Contemporary ethical issues arisen from emerging biotechnologies. Graded P or F.

Credit(s): 3

Lecture: 3 hours per week

Tutorial, Seminar or Recitation: 0 hours per week

Laboratory or Field Study: 0 hours per week

BIEN 5001

Some knowledge of general biology concepts, equivalent to introductory biology at the undergraduate level

LIFS 5260 Biochemical and Molecular Basis of Diseases

[Previous Course Code(s): BISC 526]
Advanced topics on the biochemical basis of human diseases, molecular medicine and structure based drug design; an oral presentation and a written essay on a specific topic are required.

Credit(s): 3

Lecture: 3 hours per week

Tutorial, Seminar or Recitation: 0 hours per week

Laboratory or Field Study: 0 hours per week

LIFS 4760 or equivalent