Biochemistry is the study of biological molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, etc which form the morphological structures represented by the cell and cellular organelles, provide machinery tor the inheritance and expression of genetic information, and energise catalytic transformations essential to cellular growth and reproduction. The study of the nature of these molecules and their reactions has brought about rapid advances in the biological and medical sciences, and has furthermore enabled the development of biotechnological industries that are playing an increasingly important role in the global economy.
The Department of Biochemistry offers a comprehensive teaching and research programme in both basic and applied aspects of biochemistry. At the same time it maintains a close relationship with the Biotechnology Research Institute, because of the fundamental significance of biochemistry in that field.
Both the teaching and research laboratories in the Department of Biochemistry are equipped with advanced instrumentation. This equipment, sewing biochemical and biotechnological studies, includes protein sequencer, oligonucleotide synthesizer, DNA sequencer, centrifugal partition ch;omatograih, and fermentation and cell culture facili- ties. In addition to departmental laboratories, faculty and students may utilise the extensive central facilities and computer network of the University.
Faculty
Professor and Head of Department : J. Tze-Fei WONG, BA, PhD Toronto Professor :
Tian-Yow TSONG, MSc, PhD Yale
(Director of Biotechnology Research Institute) Senior Lecturers :
James A. HACKElT, BSc, PhD Dublin; PhD Australian National
Raymond S.C. WONG, Dip Hong Kong Baptist Coll; MSc, PhD South Dakota State
Lecturers :
Robell CHEN, BSc National Taiwan Normal; DSc Univ of Texas, Arlington King-Chuen CHOW, BSc, MPhil Chinese Univ of Hong Kong; PhD Toronto Xiao-Ming GAO, BA, BM Beijing Medical Univ; PhD Council for National
Academic A wards, UK
Yi-Fan HAN, BS Shanghai First Medical Coll; MS Peking Union Medical Coll;
PhD Medical Coll of Ohio
Robert K.M. KO, BSc, MPhil Chinese Univ of Hong Kong; PhD British Columbia Peter H.Y. LAM, BSc Chinese Univ of Hong Kong; PhD Univ of Wisconsin,
Madison
Wan-keung R. WONG, Dip Hong Kong Baptist Coll; MSc Regina; PhD British Columbia
School o f Science School of Science
Undergraduate Programme
The objective of the BSc programme in Biochemistry is to instruct students in the understanding of biochemical molecules and processes, and to provide training in the methodologies used in laboratory investigation. Accordingly, the programme empha- sises both theory and experimentation.
For admission, in addition to the general entrance requirements of the University, acceptable grades are required in two AL subjects plus one AUAS subject. One of the ALsubjects must be Chemistry, and oneof the remaining AUAS subjects must be Biology.
The following semester-by-semester description of the undergraduate pro- gramme defines what students must complete to satisfy programme requirements, and the desirable times for taking particular courses. Student should note that all courses selected, including electives, require departmental approval. Explanations of core (C), required (R), and elective (E) courses can be found on page 29.
First Year Fall Semester
BlCH 121 C Introduction to Biochemistry [3-0-0131
CHEM 1 1 1 R Organic Chemistry l [3-0-0131
COMP 101 R Computing Fundamentals [2-0-2:3]
(1) LANG 001 Language Skills Enhancement I [0-3-1101
(2) MATH 001 R Beginning Calculus [3-1-0141
C Introductory Biochemical Laboratory C Biochemical Laboratory Techniques R General Genetics
C Organic Chemistry ll
C Organic Chemistry Laboratory I E Humanities and Social Science Elective
Algebra and Calculus II (optional)
18 credits
Second Year Fall Semester
BlCH 201 C Modern Molecular Biology [3-0-0:3]
(4) BlCH 21 1 C Biochemistry of Nucleic Acids [0-0-6121 CHEM 215 C Organic Chemistry Laboratory II [0-1-3121
ENGG E Engineering Elective [3-0-0:3]
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science Elective [3-0-0:3]
SB&M E Business and Management Elective [3-0-0:3]
16 credits
Structure and Function of Proteins Animal Physiology
Microbiology
Analybcal -on and Instrumental Analysis Intermediate Calculus
BlCH 313 C lmmunochemistry Laboratory [0-0-3111
BlCH 355 C Food Biochemistry [3-0-0131
BlCH 363 C Principles of Biotechnology [3-0-0:3]
FREE E Free Elective [3-0-0:3]
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science Elective [3-0-0:3]
SB&M E Business and Management Elective [3-0-0131 19 credits Spring Semester
BlCH 318 C Cell Membranes and Metabolic Regulation [3-0-0:3]
BlCH 366 C Biotechnology Seminar [0-4-0:4]
or BlCH 398 C Biochemical Research [0-1-9:4]
BlCH 376 C Biochemistry of Diseases [3-0-0131 H&SS E Humanities and Social Science Elective [3-0-0:3]
13 credits
School of Science
(1) Students exempted from this course by the Language Centre may replace it with a Humanities and Social Science elective.
(2) Students admitted with an acceptable grade in AL Pure Mathematics will replace this course with an amroved course in the School of Science. Students admitted with Additional
ath he ma tics
in HKCEE may not take MATH 005.(3) Students should have taken MATH 005 and have the approval of the Department.
(4) Part of the laboratory instruction will be given in the Winter Session.
A minimum of 101 credits is required for the BSc programme in Biochemistry. A student's choice of electives may result in this minimum being exceeded.
Postgraduate Programmes and Research
The Department of Biochemistry conducts a comprehensive research pro- gramme providing an excellent postgraduate education in both basic and applied aspects of biochemistry. Departmental staff with different specialties and expertise perform research and development work in the areas of genetic and protein engineering, immunochemistry, plant and medicinal biochemistry, and neurochemistry.
Faculty working in each of these areas form a coordinated research team. Such coordination takes full advantage of the faculty's expertise in generating innovative development and productive research. At the same time it creates a stimulating atmosphere in which students will both receive training in the latest techniques and experience the challenge of modem research through direct participation.
The Department offers postgraduate programmes leading to the degrees of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biochemistry. The Department also participates in the Master of Science (MSc) programme in Biotechnology.
Admission to the MPhil programme in Biochemistry or the MSc programme in Biotechnology requires a BSc degree in biochemistry, chemistry, a biological science, or engineering. Admission to the PhD programme requires a BSc, an MPhil or an MSc degree in biochemistry, biotechnology, chemistry, a biological science, or engineering.
Transfer to the PhD programme after completion of at least one year of the MPhil or MSc programme may be considered on the basis of a progress review.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Biochemistry
The MPhil programme in Biochemistry enables students to acquire the experi- ence and judgement required for research on biochemical projects. While an original contribution to biochemical knowledge is not a prerequisite to the completion of the MPhil degree, the attainment of scientific competence is important. The duration of the programme normally ranges from 18 months to three years for full-time studies, and can be extended to five yearsfor part-time studies. Students with afirst degree in an area other than that of their postgraduate programme may be required to take additional courses.
School of Science
In fulfilling the degree requirements, students are expected to attend and present seminars, undertake course work and conduct thesis research. The passing standard in a graded course is C and the overall average must be B or above. In the final stage of the programme, students are required to submit theses to the Department and, subsequently, to present and defend them. Any student who has performed unsatisfactorily will be asked to re-submit the thesis as recommended by the examination committee. The result of the second attempt of the thesis defence will be either Pass or Fail.
Specific programme requirements are:
at least one of the following courses:
BlCH 363 Principles of Biotechnology:
Pharmaceuticals, Environment and Energy
BlCH 376 Biochemistry of Diseases BlCH 535 Food Biochemistry BlCH 541 lmmunochemistry BICH 561 Physical Biochemistry BlCH 551 Biochemical Instrumentation BlCH 601 Biochemistry Seminar I BlCH 602 Biochemistry Seminar II BlCH 699 MPhil Thesis Research; and presentation and oral defence of MPhil thesis.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biochemistry
The purpose of the PhD programme in Biochemistry is to prepare students, through completion of a research project, to become independent scientists capable of the design, initiation and execution of original research. The duration of the programme normally rangesfromfourtoeight yearsfrom the firstdegree, with areductionof 18 months if arelevant master's degree is earned priorto entering the PhD programme. Students with afirst degree in an area other than their postgraduate programme may be required to take additional courses.
In fulfilling the degree requirements, students are expected to attend and present seminars, undertake course work and conduct thesis research. The passing standard in a graded course is C and the overall average must be B or above. Students are also required to pass a comprehensive/qualifying examination set by the Department. In the final stage of the programme, students must submit their theses to the Department and, subsequently, to present and defend them. Any student who has performed unsatisfac- torily will be asked to re-submitthe thesis as recommended by the examination committee.
The result of the second attempt of the thesis defence will be either Pass or Fail.
S C ~ O O C of science
Specific programme requirements are : at least one of the following courses:
BlCH 376 Biochemistry of Diseases [3-0-0:3]
BlCH 535 Food Biochemistry [3-0-0:3]
BlCH 541 lmmunochemistry [3-0-0131
BlCH 561 Physical Biochemistry [3-0-0:3]
BICH 551 Biochemical Instrumentation [O-0-4:3]
BlCH 601 Biochemistry Seminar I [0-1-0:1]
BlCH 602 Biochemistry Seminar lI [O-1-0:1]
at least six credits of course work outside of Biochemistry;
comprehensive/qualifylng examination;
BICH 799 PhD Thesis Research; and presentation and defence of PhD thesis.
Faculty Research Interests
Professor J. Tze Fei WONG, Head of Depaflment
Coevolution of the genetic code, and pathways of amino acid biosynthesis; origin of genetic coding; evolution of codon usages. Identity elements of transfer RNA;
mechanisms of substrate recognition by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. Dextran-haemo- globin as an oxygendelivering blood substitute; pharmacological actions and physical properties of covalent dextran-protein and dextran-drug conjugates.
Professor Tian Yow TSONG
StructuraVFunctional relationship of protein; calorimetricstudy of protein stability;
kinetic investigation of protein folding; hydrophobic and hydrophilic contributions to protein stability using sitedirected mutagenesis.
Dr James A. HACKElT, Senior Lecturer
Molecular cloning and analysis of genes of Salmonella typhimurium. Virulence function of, and vaccine development against Salmonella. Molecular genetics of
Campylobacier and Selenomonas.
Dr Raymond S. C. WONG, Senior Lecturer
Improvement of edible oil through genetic manipulation of plant storage lipids;
plant bioengineering with special emphasis on the nutritional aspects of Chinese vegetable crops (Brassicaspp). Use of microspores in plant strain isolation, tissue culture manipulation, mutagenesis, biochemical characterisation and transgenic plant develop- ment. Biosynthesis of plant storage lipids, proteins and secondary metabolites with respect to product development.
School of Science
Dr Robell Hueih-Min CHEN, Lecturer
Chemical approaches to protein folding: kinetics and thermodynamics. Physical approaches to protein folding: laser optics. The study of the structure of unfolded state of the protein. Structure-function relations of enzymes. Enzyme purification. Site-directed mutagenesis. Computer-aided protein design, and computer-aided drug design.
Dr King Chuen CHOW, Lecturer
Regulation and mechanism of the transposition of transposable elements of plants. Stress response of plants and improvement of stress tolerance of plant strains.
Molecular biology and biochemistry of seed germination. Mechanism of seed priming.
Development of gene overexpression systems for plants.
Dr Xiao-Ming GAO, Lecturer
Structure and function of the class I molecules of major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Association between HLA-B27, a human class I MHC molecule, and seronegative arthritis (ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter's syndrome, juvenile arthritis, reactive arthritis).
Immune tolerance and mechanisms of autoimmunity. Vaccination against autoimmune diseases.
Dr Yi-Fan HAN, Lecturer
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of associative learning and memory.
Neuropsychopharmacological research and development of memory enhancers and analgesics particularly from Chinese medicinal herbs. Role of protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation in neuronal functions; and role of central neurotransmitters in acupuncture analgesia.
Dr Robert K. M. KO, Lecturer
Free radical-related mechanisms in tissue injuries, especially myocardial ischemia/
reperfusion injury and carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity; protection against such injuries by antioxidants; transition metal ions and hydroperoxide-mediated peroxidation of biological membrane lipids; age-related alterations in tissue antioxidant defence; antioxidant properties of traditional Chinese medicinals in relation to their anti- aging activities; isolation of active principle(s) from Chinese medicinals; fractionation of their ph'armacologically active components; HPLC and centrifugal partition chromato- graphy.
School of Science
Dr Peter H. Y. LAM, Lecturer
Biochemistry and pharmacology of signal transduction processes involving calcium binding proteins, and the action of steroid hormones; development of monoclonal antibodies, and use of monoclonal antibodies in studies of protein structure and functions;
protein expression in eukaryotic systems based on baculovirus and vaccinia vectors; use of synthetic and recombinant peptides in the development of therapeutic and diagnostic agents.
Dr Wan Keung R. WONG, Lecturer
Bacterial genetics; cloning and expression of genes in Eschenchia mli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae; excretion of proteins from E mli; development of E coli systems for extracellular production of valuable proteins; production and reconstitution of recombinant cellulases for use in energy generation and cellulosic waste management;
investigation and application of Pseudomonas as a recombinant host.
School of Science