Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences

Programme Features

The BBiomedSc is global in outlook, with flexibility given to students to tailor their learning towards their area of interest, be it biomedical research, articulation to a healthcare profession, or innovation and entrepreneurship.

 

Biomedical sciences cover a wide range of scientific and allied disciplines, including molecular and cell biology, genetics and genome science, bioinformatics, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, biological and medicinal chemistry, immunology and microbiology, and public and environmental health. The study of biomedical sciences focuses on the relationships between humans, health, and disease, translating biomedical applications of basic sciences to the clinical practices of health services and the healthcare industry. 

The 21st century is widely regarded as an age of ‘biomedicine’. With 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 with multidisciplinary knowledge across key biomedical disciplines. They will be well prepared for careers in the wide spectrum of biomedical science related areas. Such careers include research and development for the pharmaceutical, diagnostics, medical devices and laboratory instrumentation industries; research in universities, government and medical laboratories; management and entrepreneurship in the fast-changing healthcare-related economy; clinical trials management; healthcare media and communication; health promotion, hospital administration and healthcare planning. They will also have acquired an excellent foundation for articulation to medical, veterinary sciences and other health-related professional programmes through graduate entry, and for future 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 and diverse interests. The focus of the Biomedical Sciences core courses is to cover: 

  • 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 therapeutic strategies 
  • the essential analytical methodologies and the state of the art of contemporary information technology in the field of biomedical sciences 

 

“As a student of biomedical sciences here 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
Interim Director, School of Biomedical Sciences

Modes of Learning

Students will be exposed to a wide range of learning experiences, varying with courses they are enrolled in. We focus on active learning across our courses, integrating laboratory practicals, problem-based learning tutorials, innovative e-learning as well as significant interaction with research.During their third year, students are encouraged to go on exchange internationally at a choice of many of the world’s leading universities, or to articulate for a semester or a year into a professional programme. 

Research and Summer Internship Opportunities

BBiomedSc students are provided with ample opportunities to experience laboratory-based research and to be ready for a career in research and development. Under the Summer Internship Programme, they can join the research teams of professoriate members of the Faculty, attach to the research laboratories of top class universities abroad, or to gain experience beyond the university in an innovative workplace related to the field of biomedical sciences in the summers of years 1, 2 and 3.

 

The Undergraduate Research Fellowship Programme (URFP) of the University supports students in their pursuit of research and development with the provision of scholarships.

Programme Structure

The BBiomedSc curriculum is designed with a good balance of structure and flexibility, allowing students to plan their study according to their individual interests. The focus of the Biomedical Sciences core courses is to cover:

  • 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 are Biomedical Sciences major courses, 36 credits are Common Core courses, and 18 credits are Language Enhancement courses. The remaining 90 credits are for minor 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

 

 

Read the Prospectus

 

 

 

 

Introductory Courses

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
  • Biostatistics
  • General Chemistry I/Foundations of Chemistry
  • Basic Biomedical Laboratory Techniques

 

Example courses:

  • Human Anatomy
  • Biomedical Pharmacology
  • Physiological Basis of Health and Disease
  • Exercise Physiology
  • Human Genetics
  • Fundamentals of Clinical Trial Management
  • Physical and Health Benefits of Exercise
  • Research Methods in Medicine and Health Sciences
Advanced Courses

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 by research. The Biomedical Innovation Team Project provides a capstone experience for students, allowing them to integrate their knowledge in biomedical sciences previously acquired, and knowledge in business and marketing introduced in this course to translate biomedical research to viable products.

 

Students are required to complete the following advanced courses:

  • Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory
  • Final Year Project/Biomedical Innovation Team Project

 

Plus any four of the following:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology of the Cell
  • Mechanisms and Pathology of Diseases
  • Infection and Immunity
  • Biomechanics and Biomedical Technologies
  • Sequence Bioinformatics
  • Biopharmaceutical Research and Development
  • Emerging Infectious
  • Molecular Neuroscience
  • Biological Basis of Exercise and Health
  • Exercise and Chronic Disease
Minor Options and Electives

Students can plan their study with the remaining 90 credits in various manners. They may opt to take a minor and/or electives offered within the BBiomedSc curriculum or offered in 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
  • Business Aspects of Biotechnology

 

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

JUPAS Candidates
Non-JUPAS Candidates
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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

 

 

Professional Recognition & Career Prospects

 

Biomedical Sciences graduates will be equipped with practical and transferable skills applicable to a wide range of areas in both public and private sectors. Major employment areas include research in university and government laboratories; medical development and management for the pharmaceutical, diagnostics, medical devices industries; and hospital and healthcare planning. BBiomedSc students can participate in overseas exchange and/or articulation programmes in the third year of study for obtaining professional qualification after graduation.

 

 

“Science is more that 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

 

 

 

“Through the biomedical sciences curriculum, we aim to encourage more students to find and develop their passion for research and innovation and nurture an entrepreneurial mindset to translate biomedical research finds into clinical applications that can benefit society.”

 

Dr Stephanie Ma
Associate Professor, School of Biomedical Sciences