Faculty of Science Molecular Biology & Biotechnology

Offered As:	Intensive Major	Major	Minor
URL:	https://webapp.science.hku.hk/sr4/servlet/enquiry?Type=Major&Code=MajorInMolecularBiolBiotechIntensive&AdmissionYear=2026	https://webapp.science.hku.hk/sr4/servlet/enquiry?Type=Major&Code=MajorInMolecularBiolBiotech&AdmissionYear=2026	https://webapp.science.hku.hk/sr4/servlet/enquiry?Type=Minor&Code=MinorInMolecularBiolBiotech&AdmissionYear=2026
*Open to students of other Faculties:	only open to BSc students	Yes	Yes
Selection process required:	No	No	No
Credits:	144	96	36
What is it about?	Recent advancements in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology have not only cracked important and fundamental problems in life sciences, but also emerged as a mainstay of science and technologies of the 21st century. Innovations from advances in these fields have substantially transformed our daily lives, society and environment. This Major/ Intensive Major offers specialized training in state-of-the-art molecular and cell biology, and in the translation of basic knowledge into modern industrial and medical applications. The Minor in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology aims to provide students with a fundamental understanding of molecular biology and biotechnology which are relevant to many other disciplines of study and our daily life. Students will learn the principles underlying current molecular and cell biology advances, and biotechnological applications and will become literate in biotechnology business and advancements. The intensive major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology has been accredited by the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), UK, for the purpose of meeting in part the academic and experience requirement for the Membership and Chartered Biologist (CBiol).
Offering Faculty/ Department/ School/Institute	School of Biological Sciences

Pre-requisite requirements and/or other conditions for declaring the major/minor	Major/ Intensive Major/ Minor: Please refer to the course prerequisites of the required courses. For details, please check with the School of Biological Sciences.
Career opportunities	Built upon a sound theoretical foundation, students will further develop various essential skills in molecular biology and biotechnology through hands-on laboratory trainings and experimental biology-based projects. A feature of this major is to provide key transferable skills by engaging students in inquiry, critical thinking, and problem solving in their learning. The intensive major involves additional coursework and research/capstone experience. It is designed for students with interest on a fuller scope of the discipline or planning to pursue research studies for a higher degree in any area of life science. For details, please check with Faculty or CEDARS (Careers & Placement).
Further information	Major: https://webapp.science.hku.hk/sr4/servlet/enquiry?Type=Major&Code=MajorInMolecularBiolBiotech&AdmissionYear=2026 Intensive Major: https://webapp.science.hku.hk/sr4/servlet/enquiry?Type=Major&Code=MajorInMolecularBiolBiotechIntensive&AdmissionYear=2026 Minor: https://webapp.science.hku.hk/sr4/servlet/enquiry?Type=Minor&Code=MinorInMolecularBiolBiotech&AdmissionYear=2026
Contact	E: biosch@hku.hk T: 3917 3800

* Note: Students pursuing curricula with major / minor programme(s) must complete at least one major programme from their home Faculties upon graduation. Disclaimer: The information is provided by the Faculties/Schools as of August 2026 and is subject to change by respective units. Students are advised to consult their Faculty/School Office(s) in case of doubt.