This major aims to nurture students to embark on professional, educational, scientific or technical career after graduation. We provide a rigorous, broad-spectrum curriculum combined with specialization in major fields of biology such as cancer biology, nanobiotechnology, neurobiology and ecology. The Biological Sciences (BS) major presents an in-depth study of modern biology, with courses ranging from bioinformatics to biochemistry, genetics and cellular molecular biology. The BS major provides a thorough understanding of how science is done with state-of-the-art equipment in laboratory for students interested in research and other science-based careers.

Biology is the study of life, and this major offers courses in many areas of the life sciences that are aimed at expanding our understanding of the natural world. The subject areas offered in the major command applications in diverse fields such as molecular and cellular biology, physiology, ecology, biodiversity, biotechnology and systems and regenerative biology. The curriculum is rigorous and provides a background in problem-solving, critical thinking, research, organisation, time management and communication skills. Students are encouraged to participate in various faculty-mentored research projects, and benefit from a variety of interdisciplinary streams and industrial and co-op programmes that provide a wide range of professional and personal development options. This major is designed for students interested in careers in areas such as education, basic and applied research and the environmental and biomedical sciences.

Upon graduation, students can work in various areas, such as:

Bio-related Scientific Research

• Academic laboratory in universities
• R&D in pharmaceutical and biotech industries

Management and Consultant

• Consultancy services
• Laboratory management

Various Government Departments

• Environmental Protection Department
• The Government Laboratory
• Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department

Our courses are practical and based on examples from the local region. Many courses are augmented with laboratory sessions, field trips and field camps.

We aim to facilitate your active learning, rather than forcing you to memorise information. We use a range of strategies to help you learn, including:

• Web-based software to enhance your discussion of course materials;
• the Personal Response System, an electronic device used in the classroom to gauge your understanding during lessons;
• problem-based learning schemes that stimulate you to apply subject knowledge to solve daily life problems related to biology; and
• open book examinations in some courses to encourage you to read widely and enhance your comprehension skills.