APPLIED BIOLOGY MAJOR
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Major Aims/Objectives & Careers
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The Applied Biology Major is structured to provide the necessary 
background and training in the biological sciences to meet local 
needs in the fields of agriculture and fisheries, biotechnology, 
conservation, environmental monitoring and pollution control, health 
and sanitation.

Specific objectives of the Major are as follows:

1)   To train students as biologists with a foundation in both botany 
     and zoology.

2)   To instill in students an understanding of the unique 
     characteristics and underlying principles of the vast spectrum of 
     living organisms.  Biochemical, physiological, molecular, 
     behavioural, numerical, environmental and modern biotechnological 
     perspectives in both pure and applied biology are considered.

3)   To develop problem solving skills.  Students are repeatedly 
     exposed to problem solving exercises and small projects that 
     utilise local examples, apart from the honours project in the 
     third year.

All courses in the first and second years of studies are compulsory.  
In the final year, students have a choice of two options, taking 
either Environmental Studies or Biotechnology.

In Environmental Studies, students are introduced to local 
environmental problems as well as their control and management 
techniques.  Students are trained to understand the biological and 
chemical basis of environmental problems and to suggest appropriate 
solutions.

Students who elect to take Biotechnology will acquire basic knowledge 
and be trained in the modern techniques of biotechnology including 
Molecular Biology, Immunology, and Fermentation and Enzyme 
Technology.

Prospects for graduates from Applied Biology include the civil 
service: Agriculture and Fisheries Department, Environmental 
Protection Department, Urban Services Department; commerce/industry; 
technical sales promotion/technical advising; research and technical 
support; secondary school teaching and postgraduate studies.


Major Curriculum
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The subjects offered in this major are summarized as follows:

Year 1  Animal/Plant Diversity, Cell Biology, Genetics & Evolution, 
	Microbiology, Chemistry for Life Science, Computer 
	Literacy, Religion & Philosophy and English Language.

Year 2  Animal/Plant Physiology, Ecology & Conservation, Chemical 
	Analysis, Field Biology & Project, Biochemistry, Numerical 
	& Statistical Methods, Religion & Philosophy, Geography 
	subject and Elective subjects (Arts/Social Sciences).

Year 3  Independent Research Project

	Environmental Studies Option:
	   Environmental Chemistry & Pollution,
	   Environmental Management & Pollution,
	   Control and Environmental Toxicology.

	Biotechnology Option:
	   Fermentation & Enzyme Technology,
	   Immunology and Molecular Biology.

	Apart from the two options offered, elective subjects 
	available are:
	   Applied Animal Physiology,
	   Biological Resources Entomology & Integrated Pest Control,
	   Environmental Biotechnology and Plant Pathology.

Most of the subjects offered in Biology include practical and/or 
field work and tutorial sessions in small groups.  Apart from the 
honours project in the third year, smaller projects are also included 
in some of the subjects.  Students are repeatedly exposed to problem 
solving exercises that are relevant to the local situation during 
their studies.

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