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 developmen- tal biology, plant and animal physiology, neurobiology, marine biology and environ- mental biology. The Department also contributes to the research and development programmes of the Biotechnology Research Institute.
The Department of Biology is equipped with state-of-the-art research instru- ments, including facilities for cell culture and hybridoma, molecular and cell biology, and modern microscopy. In addition, animal care facilities and a green house for plant studies will be constructed. Also, faculty and students may utilise the extensive central facilities and computer network of the University.
Faculty
Professor and Acting Head of Department :
Ernest H. Y. CHU, BSc St John's; MSc, PhD Univ of Calif, Berkeley
Professors :
Donald C. CHANG, BSc National Taiwan; MA, PhD Rice Shain-Dow KUNG, BSc Chung-Hsing; MSc Guelph; PhD Toronto
(Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs)
Madeline C.S. WU, BSc National Taiwan; PhD Univ of Texas, Austin
Senior Lecturers :
Maria Li LUNG, BSc Cornell; PhD Stanford
I-Hsun NI, BSc, MSc National Taiwan; PhD British Columbia Yuk-Shan WONG, BA Concordia; MSc, PhD McGill
Lecturers :
Robert HOLDEFER, BA Drake; MA, PhD Southern Illinois Nancy Y.Y. IP, BS Simmons Coll; PhD Haward
Mun-Fai LEUNG, BSc Northeastern; PhD Boston
Karl Wah-Keung TSIM, BSc, MPhil Chinese Univ of Hong Kong, P h D Cambridge
Kwong-Kee WAN, BSc, MSc Toronto; PhD Queen's Univ, Kingston Yung-Hou WONG, BSc London; MPhil, PhD Cambridge
Undergraduate Programme Spring Semester The three-year 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 cell biology, microbiology, animal physiology, biochemistry and marine biology is also required, as are seminar courses designed to enhance students' communication skills. In their second and third years of study, students are required to select one of three options, namely, (1) cell and molecularbiology, (2) plant and animal biology or (3) environmen- tal and marine biology.
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 Biology, and one of the remaining AUAS subjects must be Chemistry.
The following description of the undergraduate curriculum defines which courses are required and when they should be taken. Coursesdesignated C in the first year are core courses which must be taken in the semester indicated. Under certain circumstances, and with the permission of the Department, those coursesdesignated as
R
(required) and E (elective) may be taken at other times. When a specific course is not listed, the course vector shows the minimum credits required. The third-year programme is provisional.First Year Fall Semester
BlCH 121 C Introduction to Biochemistry [3-0-0131 BlOL 105 C Introduction to Modern Biology I [2-1-0131 CHEM 101
R
Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry [3-0-0:3](1) LANG 001 Language Skills Enhancement I [0-3-1 :0]
(2) MATH 005
R
Algebra and Calculus l [3-1-0141PHYS 101 R General Physics l [3-0-3:4]
17 credits
(1) Students exempted from this course by the Language Centre may replace it with a Humanities and Social Science course.
(2) Students with an acceptable grade in AL Pure Mathematics will replace this course with MATH 101, Multivariable Calculus, [3-1-0:4].
BlCH 122 C Intermediary Metabolism [3-0-0131 BlCH 172 C Introductory Biochemical Laboratory [0-0-9:3]
BlOL 106 C Introduction to Modern Biology II [2-1-0:3]
BIOL 108 C Introduction to Genetics [3-0-0131 COMP 101 R Computing Fundamentals [2-0-2131 H&SS E Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0:3]
18 credits
Second Year Fall Semester
(1) BlCH 21 1 R Biochemistry of Nucleic Acids [3-0-5151
or BlOL 213 R Marine Biology [3-0-3:4]
BlOL 201 R Cell Biology [3-0-3:4]
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0131
(2) NON-SCIE E Non-Science Elective [3-0-0:3]
SB&M E Business and Management Elective [3-0-0:3]
17-1 8 credits
(1) Cell and Molecular biology option: BlCH 21 1
Plant and animal biology option: BlCH 21 1 or BIOL 213 Environmental and marine biology option: BlOL 21 3
(2) Students will choose a course offered by any department except those in the School of Science.
Spring Semester
BlOL 202 R Animal Physiology [3-0-3141
BlOL 206
R
Microbiology [3-0-3:4]BIOL 214 R Environmental Biology [3-0-0131
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0:3]
SB&M E Business and Management Elective [3-0-0:3]
17 credits
Third Year (1) Selected students may take BlOL 397, others may take a third-year Biology
elective.
(2) Students will take BlOL 305 or BlOL 31 5.
Spring Semester
BlOL 302 Advanced Seminars (1) BlOL 398 Project Research II
or BlOL Biology Elective
BlOL 306 Developmental Biology (2) BlOL 310 Ecology
or BlOL Biology Elective
SB&M Business and Management Elective
16 credits (1) Selected students may take BlOL 398, others may take a third-year Biology
elective.
(2) Cell and molecular biology option: a third-year Biology course Plant and animal biology option: BlOL 310
Environmental and marine biology option: BlOL 310
molecular biology and genetics cell and developmental biology physiology and neurobiology marine and environmental biology
The first two areas broadly encompass molecular genetics, developmental biology, microbiology, molecular pharmacology and immunology, genetic engineer- ing on plants and animals. The Department is focusing on a few key areas and involving wide-ranging expertise in co-operative efforts. One of the projects being developed is the delineation of the mechanisms of cell differentiation at the cellular and molecular levels. This work involves a number of departmental laboratories that engage in studies such as development, gene regulation, growth factors and signal transduction, ultrastructure, cell manipulations, and gene transfer. Research in these areas is an integral part of the activity of the University's Biotechnology Research Institute.
The areas of physiology and neurobiology include major frontiers in biological research with great potential in the coming decades, particularly for technological applications.
Another area, marine biology and environmental biology, is relevant to the improvement of the environment of Hong Kong, and to the management of its marine fisheries and aquaculture.
The Department offers research-oriented programmes leading to the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Biology. The Department will also participate in the campus-wide Master of Science (MSc) programme in Biotechnology.
Qualified students with a bachelor's degree in biological sciences, chemical sciences, physical sciences, or engineering may apply for admission to the post- graduate degree programmes in the ~ e ~ a i m e n t of Biology. Transcripts from the applicant's underaraduate institution and letters of recommendation from former instructors are required. Scores of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), if available, should be submitted as supplementary information. Students lacking background in biology may be accepted into the programme, but will be required to take undergraduate biology courses during the first year of their graduate study.
A minimum of 102 credits is required for the BSc programme in Biology. A student's choice of electives may result in this minimum being exceeded.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Biology Postgraduate Programmes and Research
The Department of Biology provides postgraduate training in basic and applied biology. In addition to taking a number of advanced postgraduate courses on a wide range of biological systems, students will engage in research in one of the following areas, which represent the major foci of Departmental research interests:
The purpose of the MPhil degree is to provide postgraduate training in major areas of biological sciences with particular emphasis on extensive laboratory expe- riences. The duration of the programme normally ranges from 18 months to three years for full-time studies, and it can be extended to five years for part-time studies.
Students with a first degree in an area other than 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.
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 Biology have to fulfil all the requirements stipulated above. Specifically, the students have to attain satisfactory completion of the following:
at least two Ccredit postgraduate courses selected by students and approved by the postgraduate supervising committee;
BlOL 61 1 Postgraduate Seminar I [0-2-0:2];
BlOL 612 Postgraduate Seminar II [0-2-0:2];
presentation of two seminars, one on research proposal and one on research results;
BlOL 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 sdience or engineering will be encouraged td 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 andtoperform research inoneof 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 welldefined 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 Biology
The purpose of the PhD programme is to give the student experience in original research in one of the major research areas 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 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 a first degree in an area other than 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 comprehensive/qualifying 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 Biology have to fulfil all requirements stipulated above, and have to attain satisfactory completion of the following:
attendance of postgraduate seminars for credit in the first year and the postgraduate seminar series in subsequent years of study;
BlOL 61 1 Postgraduate Seminar I [0-2-0:2];
BlOL 612 Postgraduate Seminar II 10-2-0:2];
four postgraduate courses for students starting with a bachelor's degree; two postgraduate courses for those who start the programme with a relevant MPhil or MSc degree;
a cornprehensive/qualifying examination;
BlOL 799 PhD Thesis Research; and presentation and oral defence of PhD thesis.
Faculty Research Interests Professor Ernest H. Y. CHU Acting Head of Department
In recent years, Professor Chu's research activities have focused on two topics: (i) mutagenesis and DNA repair; and (ii) regulation of expression of genes in mammalian wrimidine metabolism. At HKUST. he has initiated two different research
.
projects: (i) cloning and analysis of the mammalian CTP synthetase gene; and (ii) a cytogenetic and molecular analysis of the etiology of lung adenocarcinomas among women in Hong Kong.
Professor Donald C. CHANG
Professor Chang's current research interests may be grouped into three areas: (i) development of improved technologies of electroporation and electrofusion, particularly for gene transfer and other applications in cell biology, molecular biology and biotechnology; (ii) development and applications of modern microscopy, includ- ing video microscopy, computer-enhanced image processing, confocal laser microscopy, immunofluoresence microscopy, and rapid-freezing electron microscopy;
and (iii) molecular mechanisms of cell development and cell differentiation, particu- larly the functional roles of cytoskeletal proteins, membrane receptors, and signal transduction by growth factors.
Professor Shain-Dow KUNG
Acting Pro- Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Professor Kung's research interests are in the general field of plant molecular biology. One area of research is the molecular evolution of chloroplast genomes, which contain varying lengths of inverted repeats ranging from none to a large portion of the genome length. His earlier work suggested that the inverted repeats may represent a vestige of ancient chloroplast genome, which existed as dimers. He is testing this hypothesis by further analysis of the chloroplast genome of Nicotiana acuminata.
A second area of research involves the molecular mechanism of genetic tumours. Genetic tumours occur spontaneously on certain interspecific tobacco hybrids. Morphological and biochemical features of genetic tumours resemble very closely that of crown gall tumours, yet they are triggered by entirely different mechanisms. Using genetic transformation and recombinant DNA technology, Professor Kung is seeking the answers to its cause at the molecular level.
The third area involves identification and analysis of the regulatory se- quences of UV-B radiation inducible genes from UV-B sensitive and resistant soybean cultivars and rice. In collaboration with Dr S Dube, he has devoted his
attention specifically to the understanding of these UV-inducible phenomena at the sequence level. Using the biotechnological approaches, he is attempting to identify these UV-B responsive regulatory sequences from UV-B sensitive and resistant soybean cultivars, rice, and other important crops.
Professor Madeline C.S. WU
Professor Wu's research focuses on the regulatory mechanism that controls the initiation of chloroplast (cp) DNA replication in Chlamydomonasreinhardtii In vivo footprinting of the replication brigin region will be conducted in algal cells collected at different developmental stages. These data as well as the in vitrofootprinting data will be used to design DNA-sequence-alteration experiments for the replication origin.
Gene-knock-out and gene-alteration experiments for a cp-genorne-encoded DNA- binding protein which has high sequence-specific binding for the replication origin will be carried out. The morphological and physiological characteristics of verified mutants will be determined to define other biological functions of this protein.
Professor Wu will also conduct exploratory experiments using the marine macroalgae, Gracilaria. A heavy metal sensitive strain will be selected or constructed for the development of pollution indicator for marine environment. A heavy metal resistant strain will be selected and its metal removal capacity will be amplified for the effective treatment of heavy metal polluted brackish water and sea water through the biosorptive process.
Maria Li LUNG Senior Lecturer
Dr Lung's primary research interest lies in thecauseand prevention of cancer.
She has been involved in molecular studies to establish the relationship of Epstein- Barr virus (EBV) with a locally important tumour in Hong Kong, i.e., nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). NPC occurs at a high frequency in Southern China. Dr Lung will focus on the molecular epidemiology of EBV infections and the development of screening assays for early detection of the disease.
Another cancer of importance in Hong Kong is lung cancer. This malignancy ranks the highest in causing cancer deaths in Hong Kong. Currently, Dr Lung is investigating the role of oncogenes, anti-oncogenes, and other genetic factors which may be involved in the development of this malignancy.
I-Hsun NI Senior Lecturer
Dr Ni's earlier research was with Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans on fish population dynamics and management as well as stockdiscrimination
and assessment. His research interests then encompassed population assessment of marine mammals with advanced remote sensing techniques; interaction between seals and fish stocks, transmission of parasites, density effect on population param- eters, and pollutant studies. He is now continuing quantitative analysis in the following three areas: (i) fisheries management and aquaculture, with the ultimate aim of increasing fish productivity in Hong Kong; (ii) marine environmental impact assess- ment, with particular interest in the interrelationship between biological components and environmental factors; (iii) comparative population dynamics of marine animals, by studying the life history strategies from vital statistics.
Yuk-Shan WONG Senior Lecturer
Dr Wong's early research involved hormonal regulation of plant cellulases and p-1, 3-glucanases, particularly on the purification and characterisation of these enzymes. His current research interests, which involve various environmental topics using biochemical approach, may be summarised in three areas: (i) biochemical studies of heavy metal tolerance in plants, particularly on the biochemistry of Cd and Cu binding peptides, (ii) study on the application of free and immobilised micro-algae for wastewater treatment, (iii) application of mangrove ecosystems as a secondary treatment facility for industrial wastewater.
Robert HOLDEFER Lecturer
Dr Holdefer's primary research interest is in understanding the brain function of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and 5-HT. These diffusely projecting neurotransmitter systems are involved in normal and pathological cognitive and attenional processes in man. By studying the postsynaptic effects of norepinephrine and 5-HT release on multiple, simultaneously recorded neurons in well-defined brain systems (primarily the visual system) it is hoped that insights will be gained into the function of these monoamines in the brain which will lead to more effective treatment of psychiatric disorders in man.
Mun-Fai LEUNG Lecturer
Dr Leung's primary interest is in studying the role of cytoskeleton during cell growth and differentiation. The cell models employed are leukemia, squamous carcinoma and neuroblastoma. Other current areas of research are (i) the production, purification and monitoring of taxol, an experimental therapeutic agent; (ii) the role of cytoskeleton in mutidrug resistance of lymphocytic leukemia; (iii) the mechanism of action of immunosuppressive drugs, cyclosporin and FK506.
Karl W.K. TSlM Lecturer
Dr Tsim chooses neuromuscular junction as the model system to investigate the cellular and molecular events that lead to the formation of synapses during development and regeneration. The postsynaptic apparatus at the vertebrate neuromuscular junction is characterised by high concentrations of specialised extracellular matrix, the myofibrils plasma membrane and the underlying cytoplasm.
Several lines of evidence suggest that agrin, an extracellular matrix protein first isolatedfrom theelectricorgan of Torpedocalifornica, directs the muscle fibers to form these postsynaptic specialisations that include aggregates of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and other molecules. Chickagrin was cloned and found to belong to a family of molecules having highly similar structures but differing in function and distribution. Dr Tsim intends to use molecular genetic methods: (i) to study the regulation of agrin during development and regeneration of
Several lines of evidence suggest that agrin, an extracellular matrix protein first isolatedfrom theelectricorgan of Torpedocalifornica, directs the muscle fibers to form these postsynaptic specialisations that include aggregates of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and other molecules. Chickagrin was cloned and found to belong to a family of molecules having highly similar structures but differing in function and distribution. Dr Tsim intends to use molecular genetic methods: (i) to study the regulation of agrin during development and regeneration of