The study of biology covers a wide range of systems at all levels of organisation, ranging from molecules and cells to organisms and populations, both plants and animals.
At HKUST, the biological research and teaching programmes reflect all levels, with emphasis on the molecular and cellular levels. Research areas within the Department include molecular biology and genetics, cell and developmental biology, plant and animal physiology, neurobiology, marine biology and environmental biology. The Department also contributes to the research and development programmes of the Biotechnology Research Institute and the Institute for Environmental Studies.
The Department of Biology is equipped with modern teaching facilities and state- of-the-art research instruments, including facilities for cell culture, molecular and cell biology, and modern microscopy as well as animal care facilities and a greenhouse for plant studies.
Faculty
Professor and Head of Department:
Madeline C.S. WU, BSc National Taiwan; PhD Univ of Texas, Austin Professors:
Donald C. CHANG, BSc National Taiwan; MA, PhD Rice
Fu-Shiang CHIA, BSc National Taiwan; MS, PhD Univ of Washington Shain-dow KUNG, BSc Chung-Hsing; MSc Guelph; PhD Toronto
(Pro-Vice-chancellor for Academic Affairs) Shang Fa YANG, BS, MS National Taiwan; PhD Utah Senior LecturersIAssociate Professors:
Maria Li LUNG, BSc Cornell; PhD Stanford
I-Hsun NI, BSc, MSc National Taiwan; PhD British Columbia Lecturers/Assistant Professors:
Robert N. HOLDEFER, BA Drake; MA PhD Southern lllinois
W. L. Wendy HSIAO, BS National Taiwan; MS Univ of Michigan, Ann Arbor; PhD Columbia
Nancy Y.Y. IP, BS Simmons Coll; PhD Harvard Mun-Fai LEUNG, BSc Northeastern; PhD Boston
Ning LI, BS Beijing Forestry Coll; MS, PhD, Univ of Washington
Peiyuan QIAN, BSc Qingdao Univ of Oceanolog)r, MSc Xiamen; PhD Alberta Karl Wah-Keung TSIM, BSc, MPhil Chinese Univ Hong Kong; PhD Cambridge Joseph T Y WONG, BSc, Univ Coll of North Wales; MSc, PhD Stirling Yung-Hou WONG, BSc London; MPhil, PhD Cambridge
Yong XIE, MS Fudan; PhD Cornell
Albert C H YU, BSc, MSc; PhD Saskatchewan
Undergraduate Programme
The undergraduate programme leading to the Bachelor of Science degree provides basic training in the biological sciences through course work and laboratory studies. During the first two years of study, students take a set of core subjects in biology and biochemistry. Laboratory work associated with the core and some elective courses
IS also required. In the~r second and third yearsof study, students take a series of electives specialising in one of the following: (1) cell and molecular biology. (2) organismal biology (3) marine biology or (4) environmental biology. Optional seminar courses designed to enhance students' communication skills and research projects to train students in laboratory research are also prov~ded.
Admission Requirements 1995-96
In addition to the general entrance requlrernents of the University, acceptable grades are required in two AL subjects plus one AUAS subject. One of the subjects must be AL B~ology. and one other must be AUAS Chemistry.
Curriculum for BSc i n Biology
First Year Fall Semester
BlOL 101 C Biodiversity [3-0-3:4]
BlCH 121 R Introduction to Biochemistry [3-0-0:3]
BlCH 172 R Introductory Biochemical Laboratory [O-0-6:2]
BlCH 182 R Biochemical Laboratory Techniques [I -0-0:1]
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science Elective [3-0-0:3]
(1) LANG 001 Language Skills Enhancement I [0-3-1 :0]
(2) SClE E Science Elective [3-0-0:3]
16 credits
Spring Semester
BlOL 102 C Environmental Biology [3-1-0:4]
BlOL 104 C Cell Biology l [3-0-3:4]
BlCH 122 R Intermediary Metabolism [3-0-0:3]
FREE E Free Elective [3-0-0131
SB&M E Business and Management Elective [4-0-014) 18 credits
Second Year Fall Semester
BlOL 211 C General Genetics [3-1-0:4]
BlOL 225 C Plant Biology [3-0-3:4]
(3) BlOUBlCH E Biology or Biochemistry Elective [3-0-0:3]
FREE E Free Elective [3-0-0:3]
H&SS E Human~ties and Social Science Elective [3-0-0:3]
17 credits
School of Science
Spring Semester
BlOL 202 C Animal Physiology [3-0-3141
BlOL 206 C Microbiology [3-0-3:4]
(3) BlOUBlCH E Biology or Biochemistry Elective [3-0-0:3]
(4) COMP 101 E Computing Fundamentals [2-0-2131
SB&M E Business and Management Elective [3-0-0:3]
Third Year Fall Semester
(5) BlOL E Biology Elective [3-0-0:3]
(5) BlOL E Biology Elective [3-0-0131
ENGG E Engineering Elective [3-0-0131
FREE E Free Elective [3-0-0:3]
FREE E Non-Biology Elective [3-0-0:3]
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science Elective [3-0-0:3]
18 credits Spring Semester
(5) BlOL E Biology Elective [3-0-0:3]
(5) BlOL E Biology Elective [3-0-0:3]
(5) BlOL E Biology Elective [3-0-0:3]
FREE E Free Elective [3-0-0:3]
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science Elective [3-0-0:3]
15 credits (1) Students may be exempted from this course by the Language Centre.
(2) Students may electtotake CHEM I01 or MATH 005. Students with an acceptable grade in AL Pure Math will replace MATH 005 with MATH 101.
(3) Students may elect one of the following: BlOL 204, BlOL 213, BlOL 216, BlCH 201, and BlCH 21 1.
(4) The course shown is recommended, but may be replaced by an elective approved by the Department.
(5) Biology electives: BlOL 301, 302, 307, 309, 312, 313, 314, 316, 317, 319, 324, 328,338,397, and 398
A minimum of 101 credits is required for the BSc programme in Biology.
Postgraduate Programmes and Research
The Department of Biology provides postgraduate training in basic and applied biology. In addition to taking advanced postgraduate courses, each student will conduct research in one of the following fields:
Molecular Genetics: gene regulation; molecular biology of plant organelles;
tumor virology
53
School of Science
Cell and Developmental Biology: receptors and signal transduction; cell growth and differentiation; membrane biophysics
Neurobiology: molecular neurobiology; growth factors; neural regeneration;
visual neuroscience and neurotransmitters
Plant Molecular Biology and Physiology: Phytohormone biosynthesis and action; plant senescence; molecular biology of sea weeds
Marine Biology and Environmental Biology: Remote sensing; larval ecology;
mariculture; settlement and metamorphosis of fouling organisms; marine pollu- tion
Biotechnology: gene transfer; immuno-diagnostics; cancer drug development The first two areas encompass molecular genetics, developmental biology, microbiology, molecular pharmacology and immunology, and genetic engineering in plants and animals. The Department focuses on a few key areas and emphasises co- operative efforts with other research groups. One of the projects to be developed is the delineation of the mechanisms of cell differentiation at cellular and molecular levels. This work will involve departmental laboratories that engage in studies such as development, gene regulation, growth factors and signal transduction, ultrastructure, cell manipulations, and gene transfer.
The plant physiology and animal physiology/neurobiology areas focus on re- search with great potential for technological applications in the coming decades. Molecu- lar approaches are emphasised to study many important aspeck of neurobiology, including neuronal differentiation and neural regeneration.
Marine biology and environmental biology cover molecular studies of red tide dinoflagellates and other marine algae, genetic manipulations of economically important marine invertebrates, reproductive biology of marine fouling organisms, ecotoxicology of marine plants; and remote sensing (satellite) of marine environment. Special attention is directed towards improving the environment of Hong Kong and the optimisation of its marine resources.
Research in biotechnology is an integral part of the activity of the University's Biotechnology Research Institute.
The Department offers research-oriented programmes leading to the Master of Philosophv (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophv (PhD) dearees in Bioloav. The Deoartment also in the Master of science (MSC) progkmme in ~ i o k c h n o l o ~ ~ . '
Qualified students with a bachelor's degree in biological sciences, or related fields, may apply for admission to the postgraduate degree programmes in the Depart- ment of B i o l m . Transcripts from the applicant's underaraduate institution and letters of re~ommendGon from f o h e r instructors are required. Scores in the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), if available, should be submitted as supplementary information.
Master of Science (MSc) in Biotechnology
This multi-disciplinary programme is jointly offered by the Departments of Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Civil and Structural Engi- neering. For details, please refer to page 97.
School of Science
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) i n Biology
The purpose of the MPhil degree is to train postgraduate students to conduct independent research in biological sciences. The programme normally takes two years of full-time studies to complete, and about twice as long for part-time students. Students with a first degree in an area other than that of 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 araded course is C and the overall averaae must be B or above. In the final stage of the
gara am me,
studentsare required to subm; theses to the Department and, subs&quently, io present and defend them. Any student who has performed unsatisfactorily will be asked to re-submit the thesis. The result of the second attempt of the thesis defence will be either Pass or Fail.Specific programme requirements are:
at least two four-credit postgraduate courses selected by students and approved by the postgraduate supervising committee;
BIOL 61 1 Postgraduate Seminars I;
BIOL 612 Postgraduate Seminars II;
presentation of two seminars, one on the research proposal and one on research results;
.
BIOL 699 MPhil Thesis Research;presentation and oral defence of the MPhil thesis.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biology
The purpose of the PhD programme is to train students in original research in biological sciences, and to cultivate the independent and innovative thinking that is essential for a successful research career in either basic or applied biology. The programme normally takes four years from the first degree to complete. Students with a first 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 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. The result of the second attempt of the thesis defence will be either Pass or Fail.
Specific programme requirements are:
BIOL 61 1 Postgraduate Seminars I, and BIOL 612 Postgraduate Seminars II;
in the first year of study, and attendance of the postgraduate seminar series in subsequent years; and
School o f Science
\
School o f Science
three postgraduate courses for students starting with a first degree or two postgraduate courses for those who start the programme with a relevant MPhil or MSc degree;
a qualifying (candidacy) examination;
.
BIOL 799 PhD Thesis Research; and.
presentation and oral defence of the PhD thesis.Faculty Research Interests
Professor Madeline C.S. WU. Head of De~aftment
The regulatory mechanism that controls the initiation of chloroplast DNA replication and the molecular mechanism for sequestering heavy metal in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
Broad range molecular and transformation studies of marine macroalga.
Professor Donald C. CHANG
Current research interests include: (i) development of improved technologies for gene transfer and cell fusion; (ii) biological applications of digital and laser microscopy ; and (iii) molecular mechanisms of cell development and cell differentiation.
Professor Fu-Shiana CHlA
Research interests concern gametogenesis, organogenesis, brooding behaviour, settle- ment, metamorphosis, and larval predation of marine invertebrates.
Professor Shain-Dow KUNG, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs
One area of research is the molecular evolution of chloroplast genomes. The second area involves the molecular mechanism of genetic tumours, while the third area involves analysis of the regulatory sequences of UV-B radiation inducible.
Professor Shang-Fa YANG
The plant hormone ethylene regulates many aspects of plant growth and development.
Professor Yang's research focuses on the biochemistryand molecular biology of ethylene biosynthesis and action in relation to plant senescence.
Dr Maria LI LUNG, Associate Professor
Primary research interest lies in the causes of cancer, particularly molecular studies to establish the role of oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and other genetic factors which may contribute to the development of lung cancer and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Dr I-Hsun NI, Senior Lecturer
Fisheries management and aquaculture, with the ultimate aim of increasing fish produc- tivity in Hong ~ 6 n g ; marine environmental impact assessment, with interest in the interrelationship between biological components and environmental factors.
Dr Robert HOLDEFER, Assistant Professor
Primary research interest is in the brain function of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and 5-HT, concentrating on their postsynaptic effects in well-defined brain systems (e.g.
the visual system).
Dr Wendy W.L. HSIAO, Assistant Professor
Primary interests are in the molecular aspects of cancer. By introduction of various oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes into rodent cell lines, the role of each gene in the process of neoplastic development is explored in terms of gene expression, gene regulation, signal transduction and cell growth. Other research includes the study of interactions between oncogenes and environmental carcinogens.
Dr Nancy IP, Lecturer
Major research interest is in molecular neurobiology: more specifically, the use of molecular approaches to study novel neurotrophic growth factors and their receptors, and the study of these growth factors and receptors in neuronal differentiation.
Dr Mun-Fai LEUNG, Lecturer
The role of cytoskeleton during cell growth and differentiation. Current areas of research are (i) leukemia differentiation; (ii) multidrug resistance; (iii) microtubule-perturbating drugs; (iv) immunosuppressive peptide.
Dr Ning LI, Assistant Professor
Primary research interest lies in the elucidation of molecular mechanism(s) by which the programmed death of a whole plant or a plant organ (such as afruit or flower) is regulated.
Dr Pei-Yuan QIAN, Assistant Professor & r
Current research focuses on environmental impact on larval development and mortality of marine invertebrates; marine pollution and ecotoxicology.
Dr Karl W.K. TSIM, Assistant Professor
Molecular genetic methods are used to investigate the cellular and molecular events that lead to the formation of synapses during development and regeneration.
Dr Yuna-Hou WONG. Lecturer
Major research interests are in the delineation of the mechanisms of cell signalling. The role of G proteins in the regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation and the development of drug tolerance is studied in cell cultures.
Dr Joseph T. Y. WONG, Lecturer
Research interestsfocus on molecular mechanism of cell cycle control; molecular biology of dinoflagellates and molecular phylogeny of aquatic organisms.
Dr Yong XIE, Assistant Professor
Major research interests focus on (i) understanding the mechanism of inflammation through investigation of a recent described cell adhesion molecular (PECAM-I) and (ii) the immunology of hepatocarcinoma, liver-cancer-specific surface proteins and the coopera- tive interaction between proto-oncogenes are being investigated.
Dr Albert C.H. YU, Lecturer
Research focuses on the molecular mechanisms of cellular injury and regeneration in the central nervous system, with emphases on neural cell interactions, signal transduction and gene expression under and after mechanical and metabolic insults.