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 for 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. ~t thesame time it maintains a close relationship with the Biotechnology Research Institute, because of the fundamental significance of biochemistry in that field.
Both teaching and research laboratories in the Department of Biochemistry are equipped with advanced instrumentation. This equipment, sewing both bio- chemical and biotechnological studies, includes a protein sequencer, an oligonucleotide synthesizer, a centrifugal partition chromatograph, and fermentation and cell culture facilities. 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
(Director of the Biotechnology Research Institute) Professor :
Tian-Yow TSONG, MSc, PhD Yale Senior Lecturer :
James A. HACKEl7, BSc, PhD Dublin; PhD Australian National Raymond S. C. WONG, Dip Hong Kong Baptist Coll ; MSc, PhD South
Dakota State Lecturers :
King-Chuen CHOW, BSc, MPhil Chinese Univ of Hong Kong; PhD Toronto Robert K. M. KO, BSc, MSc Chinese Univof Hong Kong; PhD British
Columbia
Peter H. Y. LAM, BSc Chinese Univof Hong Kong ; PhD Univof Wisconsin, Madison
Wan-Keung R. WONG, Dip Hong Kong Baptist Coll; MSc Regina; PhD British Columbia
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 emphasises both theory and experimentation.
For admission, in addition to the general entrance requirements of the University, acceptable grades are required in at least three AL subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Pure Mathematics). In 1994, the minimum requirements will be acceptable grades in two AL subjects plus one AUAS subject. One of the AL subjects must be Chemistry, and one of the remaining AUAS subjects must be Biology.
The following description of the undergraduate programme defines which courses are required and when they should be taken. Courses designated C in the first-year curriculum are core courses which must be taken in the semester indicated.
In certain circumstances, and with the permission of the Department, those courses designated as R (required) and E (elective) may be taken at other times. When a specific course is not identified, the course vector shown defines the minimum credit required. The third-year programme is provisional.
Fall Semester
BlCH 121 C CHEM 111 C COMP 101 R (1) LANG 001 (2) MATH 001 R or MATH 005
PHYS 101 R
First Year
Introduction to Biochemistry Organic Chemistry I Computing Fundamentals Language Skills Enhancement I Beginning Calculus
Algebra and Calculus I General Physics I
17 credits
(1) Students exempted from this course by the Language Centre may replace it with a Humanities and Social Science course.
(2) Students admitted with an acceptable grade in AL Pure Mathematics will replace this course with an approved course in the School of Science.
Students admitted with Additional Mathematics in HKCEE may not take MATH 005.
Spring Semester Third Year Fall Semester
BlCH 122 C Intermediary Metabolism [3-0-0131 BlCH 172 C Introductory Biochemical Laboratory [0-0-9:3]
BlOL 108 R Introduction to Genetics (3-0-0:3]
CHEM 1 12 C Organic Chemistry ll [3-0-0131
CHEM 114 C Organic Chemistry Laboratory I [0-0-6121 H&SS E Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0:3]
(1) MATH 006 Algebra and Calculus II (optional) [3-1-0:4]
CHEM 215 C Organic Chemistry Laboratory II [0-0-6:2]
ENGG E Engineering Elective [3-0-0131
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0131 SB&M E Business and Management Elective [3-0-0:3]
16 credits (1) Part of the laboratory instruction will be given in the Winter Session.
Spring Semester
R Animal Physiology [3-0-3:4]
Microbiology [3-0-3141
E Engineering Elective 13-0-0131
R A n a l y h l Separafion and Instrumental Analysis [2-0-6:4]
Intermediate Calculus [3-1-0141
Applied Statistics [3-1-0141
R Technical Communicdion (0-3-2131
R General Physics ll [3-0-3:4]
BlCH 314 Structure and Function of Proteins [3-1-0141 BlCH 318 Cell Membranes and Metabolic Regulation [3-0-0:3]
(1) BlCH 366 Biotechnology Seminar [0-1-3:4]
or BlCH 398 Biochemical Research II [0-1-9:4]
BlCH 376 Medical Biochemistry [3-0-0131
H&SS Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0131 17 credits (1) Either BlCH 366 or BlCH 398 will be taken.
A minimum of 104 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 interaction between proteins and nucleicacids, geneticengineering of proteins and enzymes, pharmacology, biochem- istrv of the cell membrane, immunochemistrv and monoclonal antibodies, controlled drug delivery and distribution, microspore-based plant biotechnology, and environ- mental biochemistry and toxicology.
Facultv workinq in 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 modern 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 will also participate in the campus-wide 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. Conversion into 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 experience 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 normally rangesfrom 18 months to three yearsforfull-time studies, and can be extended to five vears for art-time studies. Students with a first degreein an area other than their programme may be required to take additional courses.
As partial fulfilment of the degree requirements, students are expected to attend and Dresent seminars. undertake course work and conduct thesis research.
The standard of 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 their 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".
Students enrolled in the MPhil programme in the Department of Biochemistry have to fulfil all the requirements stipulated above. Specifically, students have to attain a satisfactory completion of the following:
at least one of the following courses:
BlCH 363 Principles of Biotechnology [3-0-0:3], BlCH 376 Medical Biochemistry [3-0-0131, BlCH 535 Agricultural and Food Chemistry [3-0-0:3], BlCH 541 lmmunochemistry [3-0-0:3], BlCH 561 Physical Biochemistry 13-0-0:3];
BlCH 551 Biochemical Instrumentation [0-0-4:3];
BlCH 601 Biochemistry Seminar I [0-1-0:1];
BlCH 602 Biochemistry Seminar II [0-1-0:1];
BlCH 699 MPhil Thesis Research; and presentation and oral defence of MPhil thesis.
Master of Science (MSc) in Biotechnology
This MSc programme is being prepared by a joint committee of faculty from various HKUST departments involved in biotechnology research, in particular, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, and Chemical Engineering. Its purpose will be to train research and technical personnel for the biotechnological industry. Students with a background in either science or engineering will be encouraged to apply. The programme will offer courses in biotechnology-related topics and extensive labora- tory training in biotechnological techniques. Normally, the programme will take 18 months to two years of full-time study to complete.
Students may enter the programme from any one of the participating departments. Each student will be required to take a set of subjects determined individually by the joint committee and to perform research in one of the biotechnology- related laboratories. Research projects will be interdisciplinary in nature and applied in orientation. While an original contribution to biotechnological knowledge will not be a prerequisite to the completion of the MSc degree, the attainment of scientific competence will be essential. Submission and successful defence of a written report on a well-defined research project will be required for the degree.
It is expected that students may first enter the programme in 1993.
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 ranges from four to eight years from the first degree, with a reduction of 18 months if a relevant Master's degree is earned prior to entering the PhD programme. Students with afirst degree in an areaotherthan their postgraduate programme may be required to take additional courses.
As partial fulfilment of the degree requirements, students are expected to attend and present seminars, undertake course work and conduct thesis research.
The passing standard of a graded course is C and the overall average must be B or above.
Students are required to take a comprehensivelqualifying examination set by the Department.
In the final stage of the programme, students are required to submit their 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".
Students enrolled in the PhD programme in the Department of Biochemistry have to fulfil all the requirements stipulated above. Specifically, students have to attain satisfactory completion of the following:
at least one of the following courses:
BlCH 376 Medical Biochemistry [3-0-0:3], BlCH 535 Agricultural and Food Chemistry [3-0-0:3], BlCH 541 lmmunochemistry [3-0-0:3], BlCH 561 Physical Biochemistry [3-0-0:3];
BlCH 551 Biochemical Instrumentation [O-0-4:3];
BlCH 601 Biochemistry Seminar I [0-1-0:1];
BlCH 602 Biochemistry Seminar II [O-1-0:1];
at least six credits of course work outside of Biochemistry;
comprehensivelqualifying examination;
BlCH 799 PhD Thesis Research; and presentation and defence of PhD thesis.
Faculty Research Interests Professor J. Tze Fei WONG Head of Department
Coevolution of the genetic code, and pathway's of amino acid biosynthesis;
origin of geneticcoding; evolution of codon usages. Identity elements of transfer RNA;
mechanisms of substrate recognition by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. Dextran- haemoglobin as an oxygendelivering blood substitute; pharmacological actions and physical properties of covalent dextran-protein and dextran-drug conjugates.
Professor Tian Yow TSONG
StructurallFunctionaI relationship of protein; calorimetric study of protein stability; kinetic investigation of protein folding; hydrophobic and hydrophilic contribu- tions to protein stability using site-directed mutagenesis.
Dr James A. HACKETT Senior Lecturer
Molecular cloning and analysis of genes of Salmonella typhimurium. Viru- lence function of, and vaccine development against Salmonella. Molecular genetics of Campylobacter 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 (Brassica spp). Use of microspores plant strain isolation, tissue culture manipulation, mutagenesis, biochemical characterisation and transgenic plant development. Biosynthesis of plant storage lipids, proteins and secondary metabolites with respect to product development.
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 Robert K. M. KO Lecturer
Free radical-related mechanisms in tissue injuries, especially myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity; protec- tion against such injuries by antioxidants; transition metal ions and hydroperoxide- mediated peroxidatibn of biblogical membrane lipids; age-related alterations in tissue antioxidant defence: antioxidant ~ r o ~ e r t i e s
. .
of traditional Chinese medicinals in relation to their anti-aging activities; isolation of active principle(s) from Chinese medicinals; fractionation of their pharmacologically active components; HPLC and centrifugal partition chromatography.BlCH 122 Intermediary Metabolism [3-0-0:3]
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 Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae; excretion of proteins from E coli; development of E coli systems for extracellular production of valuable proteins: ~roduction .
.
and reconstitu- tion of recombinant cellulases for use in energy generation and cellulosic waste management; investigation and application of Pseudomonas as a recombinant host.Undergraduate Courses
Permission of the Department is an alternative to the stated prerequisite, and this is a requirement for all courses for which prerequisites are not stated.
BlCH 103 Nature of Biochemistry and Biotechnology [3-0-0:3]
This course is designed to introduce the fundamental scope and principles of biochemistry to students without an in-depth knowledge of chemistry. Topics ~.
include major classes of biochemical compounds; enzymic catalysis, meta- bolic pathways; replication, storage and transmission of genetic information;
genetic coding of protein synthesis, genetic engineering; industrial, medical and agricultural applications of biochemistry.
Prerequisite : None
Textbook : Plummer, Biochemistry - The Chemistry of Life
BlCH 121 Introduction to Biochemistry [3-0-0:3]
This course is designed to introduce biochemical knowledge to students with some background in chemistry. Titration; buffering systems and the bio- chemistry of blood. Major classes of biochemical compounds - proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures of macromolecules. Enzyme kinetics and mecha- nisms. Biosynthesis of DNA and RNA. Transfer RNA and protein synthesis.
Prerequisite : AL Chemistry or Biology
Textbook : Mathews and Van Holde, Biochemistry
The principles of bioenergetics and cellular structures, glycolysis, citric acid cycle, electron transport, oxidative phosphorylation and chemiosmosis, car- bohydrate, lipid, amino acid and nucleotide metabolism. Photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation.
Prerequisite : BlCH 121
Textbook : Mathews and Van Holde, Biochemistry
BlCH 172 Introductory Biochemical Laboratory [O-0-9 :3]
The properties of enzymes, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids will be investigated by physkocheiical methods and specific assays. Various techniques for the purification and quantitation of biochemical compounds, including column and thin-layer chromatography, spectroscopy, and electrophoresis will be illustrated.
Corequisite : BICH 122 Textbook : Not required
BlCH 21 1 Biochemistry of Nucleic Acids [3-0-5:5]
Lectures will be directed to the replication and roles of nucleicacids in cellular and viral systems. Topics will include genome organisation, vector-host systems, expression and regulation of genes, catalytic RNA, genetic code evolution, RNA modification processing, and anti-sense systems. The laboratory sessions will focus on plasmid isolation, gene cloning, restriction mapping, DNA sequencing, and identification of genes and gene-products by blotting procedures. Part of the laboratory instruction will be given in the Winter Session.
Prerequisites : BlCH 121 and BlCH 122
Textbook : Mathews and Van Holde, Biochemistry; and Lewin, Genes IV
BlCH 314 Structure and Function of Proteins [3-1-0:4]
Determination of protein sequences and three-dimensional structures. Rela- tionship between structure and function. Principles of protein design and engineering.
Prerequisites : BlCH 121 and BlCH 122 Textbook : To be determined
BlCH 318 Cell Membranes and Metabolic Regulation [3-0-0 :3]
The structure of biological membranes, and the nature of membrane trans- port. Receptor-signalling systems in intermediary metabolism : role of enzymic phosphorylation, second messengers, response to hormones and growth factors, action of oncogenes.
Prerequisites : BlCH 121 and BlCH 122 Textbook : To be determined
BlCH 363 Principles of Biotechnology [3-0-0:3]
The principles of important methods in biotechnology, including bioreactors, immobilised enzymes, fermentation, filtration, chromatography, cryopreservation, drug formulation and delivery, food processing. The industrial impact of biolotechnology.
Prerequisite : BICH 21 1 Textbook : To be determined
BlCH 366 Biotechnology Seminar [0-1-3:4]
An in-depth reading and analysis by the student of selected facets of biotechnology leading to the submission of a written thesis, and its presenta- tion in a seminar.
Prerequisite : BICH 363 Textbook : Not required
BlCH 376 Medical Biochemistry [3-0-0:3]
Biochemical changes in diseases. Diagnostic applications of biochemical and immunological methods. Principles of drug action, and major classes of drugs.
Prerequisites : BlCH 121 and BICH 122 Textbook : Not required
BlCH 397 Biochemical Research I [O-0-9:3]
[Previous Course Code: BlCH 3 8 7
The student will conduct a research project under faculty supelvision, analyse the data, and proceed to the submission of a written thesis and its oral presentation. Enrolment is limited a n d m B l C H 397 and BlCH 398 must be taken.
Prerequisite : BICH 21 1 Textbook : Not required
BlCH 398 Biochemical Research II [Previous Course Code: BlCH 3881
Continuation of BlCH 397 in the Spring Semester.
Prerequisite : BlCH 397 Textbook : Not required
Postgraduate Courses
Permission of the Department is an alternative to the stated prerequisite, and this is a requirement for all courses for which prerequisites are not stated.
BlCH 521 Intermediate Biochemistry [3-0-0:3]
Structural and functional properties of proteins and enzymes; aspects of generation and storage of metabolic energy, genetic information and hormo- nal action.
BlCH 535 Agricultural and Food Chemistry [3-0-0:3]
Functional and nutritional properties of major food ingredients including protein, oil and starch from important agricultural crops; aspects of food formulation and production.
BlCH 541 lmmunochemistry [3-0-0:3]
[Previous Course Code: BlCH 5421
Nature of the immune response, structure and diversity of antibodies, the complement system and immunoassays.
BICH 551 Biochemical Instrumentation [O-0-4:3]
The principles and application of modern instrumentation in fermentation, cell culture, and the preparation and characterisation of nucleic acids and proteins.
BlCH 561 Physical Biochemistry [3-0-0:3]
The principles and application of physicochemical techniques in biochemical investigations; computer analysis of protein and nucleic acid sequences, and three-dimensional structures.
BlCH 601 Biochemistry Seminar I [0-1-0:1]
[Previous Course Code: BlCH 5711
Presentation of research by students, faculty, and visiting scientists.
BlCH 602 Biochemistry Seminar II [Previous Course Code: BlCH 5721
Continuation of BlCH 601 in the Spring Semester.
BlCH 699 MPhil Thesis Research
BlCH 799 Doctoral Thesis Research