Programme Features
The BBiomedSc programme is global in outlook, with flexibility given to students in tailoring their interest-based learning, be it biomedical research, articulation to a healthcare profession, or innovation and entrepreneurship.
Biomedical Sciences cover a wide range of scientific and allied disciplines, with the inclusion of molecular and cell biology, genetics and genome science, bioinformatics, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, biological and medicinal chemistry, immunology and microbiology, as well as public and environmental health. The study of biomedical sciences focuses on the inter-relationships between humans, health, and diseases, along with the translation of biomedical applications of basic sciences into the clinical practices of health services, and the healthcare industry.
The 21st century is widely regarded as an age of ‘biomedicine’. Building on the foundation of its excellent track record in biomedical research and a strong team of biomedical scientists, the Faculty offers the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BBiomedSc) programme with the aim of nurturing graduates well-versed in key biomedical disciplines. Having much more than core knowledge, they will be broadly trained for a variety of career fields, such as research in universities, government and medical laboratories; research and development for the pharmaceutical, diagnostics, medical devices and laboratory instrumentation industries, and management and business development of related industries; clinical trials management; media and communication; and health promotion, hospital administration and healthcare planning. In addition, they will acquire an excellent foundation for articulation to medical, veterinary sciences and other health-related professional programmes through graduate entry, and for MPhil/PhD studies.
The BBiomedSc curriculum is designed with a good balance of structure and flexibility, allowing students to plan their studies according to their individual interests. The Biomedical Sciences primarily covers the following core courses:
- The structures and functions of the human body and the processes that are essential to life.
- The basic principles of the processes, mechanisms, patterns of diseases and concepts of diagnostics and therapeutics, and essential analytical methodologies and state-of-the-art contemporary information technology in the field of biomedical sciences.
“As a student of biomedical sciences at the University of Hong Kong, you will be equipped with core and broad knowledge of the biomedical disciplines, preparing you for the challenges in contemporary and innovative health delivery and research.”
Professor Danny Chan
Director, School of Biomedical Sciences
Programme Structure
The BBiomedSc curriculum is designed with a good balance of structure and flexibility, allowing students to plan their studies according to their individual interests. The Biomedical Sciences primarily covers the following core courses:
- The structures and functions of the human body and the processes that are essential to life.
- The basic principles of the processes, mechanisms, patterns of diseases and concepts of diagnostics and therapeutics, and essential analytical methodologies and state-of-the-art contemporary information technology in the field of biomedical sciences.
Students are required to complete a total of 240 credits of courses in the four-year curriculum, of which 96 credits from Biomedical Sciences major courses, 36 credits from Common Core courses, and 18 credits from Language Enhancement courses. The remaining 90 credits are from minors and electives.
“Active learning is a critical part of student learning – learning about DNA structure through building models is a great experience for the first year students.”
Professor Julian Tanner
Associate Director (Teaching & Learning), School of Biomedical Sciences
The introductory courses consolidate students’ knowledge of anatomy, human biology, human physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology, which are all necessary to understand the basis of human biology and processes that are essential to life.
Students are required to complete the following introductory courses:
- Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Perspectives in Biochemistry
- Biomedical Statistics
- General Chemistry I/Foundations of Chemistry
- Basic Biomedical Laboratory Techniques
- Fundamental Biomedical Laboratory Techniques
Plus any four of the following: :
- Human Anatomy
- Biomedical Pharmacology
- Physiological Basis of Health and Disease
- Essential Molecular Biology
- Introduction to Clinical Research
- Exercise Physiology
- Human Genetics
- Fundamentals of Clinical Trial Management
- Physical and Health Benefits of Exercise
- Research Methods in Medicine and Health Sciences
* Subject to change
The advanced courses provide students with a foundation in the cellular, molecular and genetic basis of human diseases, as well as strategies for diagnosis. In the last year of study, students are required to undertake a Final Year Project or the Biomedical Innovation Team Project. The Final Year Project constitutes a capstone experience for students, allowing them to integrate their knowledge and apply experimental and informatics skills to solve defined problems through research. On the other hand, the Biomedical Innovation Team Project provides a capstone experience for students, allowing them to integrate their knowledge of biomedical sciences with business and marketing knowledge taught in this advanced course so that they can translate biomedical research into viable products.
Students are required to complete the following advanced courses:
- Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory
- Final Year Project/Innovation Team Project
Plus any four of the following:
- Medical Microbiology
- Molecular Biology of the Cell
- Mechanisms and Pathology of Diseases
- Infection and Immunity
- Cancer Biology
- Essential Proteomics
- Genome Science
- Emerging Infections
- Molecular Neuroscience
- Stem Cell Biotechnologies in Regenerative Medicine
- Biomechanics and Biomedical Technologies
- Developmental Genetics
- Biopharmaceutical Research and Development
- Sequence Bioinformatics
- Molecular Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Science
- Biological Basis of Exercise and Health
- Exercise and Chronic Disease
Students can plan their studies to acquire the remaining 90 credits by various combinations. They may opt to take a minor and/or electives offered within the BBiomedSc curriculum or from other curricula. The minor options offered in the BBiomedSc curriculum include:
Minor in Biotechnology & Clinical Research
Example courses:
- Contemporary Topics in Biomedical Technology
- Stem Cell Biotechnologies in Regenerative Medicine
- Biopharmaceutical Research and Development
Minor in Kinesiology
Example courses:
- Exercise Physiology
- Biological Basis of Exercise and Health
- Physical and Health Benefits of Exercise
Minor in Genetics & Genomics
Example courses:
- Cancer Biology
- Genome Science
- Public Health Genetics
Admissions Information
For JUPAS Candidates
In addition to satisfying the University entrance requirements, candidates for admissions shall satisfy all of the following requirements in HKDSE:
b) attain at least level 3 in two electives*, one of which must be:
(i) Biology or
(ii) Chemistry or
(iii) Combined Science with Biology as one of the components or
(iv) Combined Science with Chemistry as one of the components
* Mathematics Extended Part (Module 1 (M1) / Module 2 (M2)) will be recognised as equivalent to a full elective subject.
Scoring Formula
The scoring formula considers Category A subjects and M1/M2 only. Best 6 subjects will be considered.
Consideration of Other Factors
- Interview performance
- Student learning profile
Consideration of HKDSE Combined Results & Penalty for HKDSE Repeaters
- Latest results in the recent three years
- Penalty will be imposed on subjects which were retaken
Interview
Before release of HKDSE results
- June 2024
After release of HKDSE results
- July 2024
For Non-JUPAS Candidates
University Entrance Requirements
Additional Requirements
- High School Level Chemistry or Biology (e.g. GCE/International A-level Chemistry or Biology, or IB Higher Level Chemistry or Biology)
- Preference for First Choice Applicants
Interview
- Dec 2023 – Apr 2024
Advanced Standing
Applicants with GCE A-Level, Cambridge Pre-U or IB Diploma qualifications and at least seven years of secondary education at the time of being admitted to the University will be granted 18 credits of Advanced Standing. These are made up of 6 credits for Core University English course and 12 credits of the Common Core courses provided that students take one Common Core course in each Area of Inquiry.
Advanced Standing will be granted automatically and separate application is not required. You will be contacted by the Faculty Office should Advanced Standing be granted.
Competitive Score for IB Diploma and GCE/International A-level Candidates^
IB: 37
GCE/International A-level: 2A*1A (excluding Chinese and English language subjects)
^ Competitive Score refers to the score which most successful candidates achieved over the past few years. Please note however that achieving the Competitive Score does not guarantee admission to the programme as admission decisions are based on a number of factors.
Possible Articulation Pathways
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (4 years)
+3 Years
Veterinary Surgeon
at The University of Edinburgh
+1.5 Years
Diagnostic Radiographer
at The University of Sydney
+4 Years
Medical Doctor
at The University of Hong Kong
“Science is more than just knowledge, but the art of questioning the world. BBiomedSc provides a variety of articulations, encouraging students to explore the meaning of life beyond textbooks and lectures, equipping them to question the world, pursue their dreams, and strive for excellence.”
Fong Hoi Chun
BBiomedSc 2019
Professional Recognition & Career Prospects
Biomedical Sciences graduates will be equipped with practical and transferable skills applicable to a wide range of areas in both the public and private sectors. They are highly employable in such areas as research in university and government laboratories; medical development and management for the pharmaceutical, diagnostics, medical equipment industries; and hospital and healthcare planning. BBiomedSc students can participate in overseas exchange and/or articulation programmes in their third year of study for obtaining professional qualifications after graduation.
“Through delivering the biomedical sciences curriculum, we aim to encourage more students to find and develop their passion for research and innovation, and grow their entrepreneurial mindset to translate biomedical research findings into clinical applications that can benefit society.”
Professor Stephanie Ma
Associate Director(Knowledge Exchange and Global), School of Biomedical Sciences
