This Major is designed for students seeking a broad-based training in modern biology.  Students are guided in an inquiry-driven learning environment to appreciate the major biological systems at different levels of biological organization.  Teaching emphasizes both core concepts and applied aspects in biological sciences.  The programme is highly flexible as students can select courses according to their own interests from a wide spectrum of elective courses.  At the advanced level, students are further exposed to three fundamental areas of biological sciences (genetics, molecular & cell biology; ecology, systematics and evolution; physiology and organismic biology) and will undertake experiential learning activities. The diverse learning experience exposes students to problem-based learning, and an exciting array of laboratory and field techniques.  Students will also be able to acquire valuable transferable skills in analysis, organization and communication.  The Biological Sciences Major applies modern scientific inquiry to prepare graduates for employment as professionals in a variety of careers or for postgraduate study.

Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive)
Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive)
Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive)

1. Double-counting of courses up to a maximum of 24 credits is permissible when a student with a science major opts to undertake a second major in science. The double-counted courses must include SCNC1111 Scientific method and reasoning (6 credits) and SCNC1112 Fundamentals of modern science (6 credits). Additional credits to be double-counted must be for courses required ('disciplinary core') by both majors. For cases with 24 or less double-counted credits, the student must make up an equivalent number of credits by taking other courses offered by any Faculty.

2. If more than 24 credits (including SCNC1111 & SCNC1112) are listed as required courses ("disciplinary core") in both the first and second majors undertaken by a student, the student must make up the number of credits above the 24 permissible by taking replacement course(s) (disciplinary electives) in the second major. Double counting of credits is not permissible for major-minor or double-minors combinations. For details, please refer to "Students taking double Majors, Major-Minor or double Minors with overlapping course requirements" in the BSc syllabuses.

3. Students are not required to take Capstone if this Science major is taken as a second major on the condition that the capstone experience in the first major requires the integration or application of knowledge from both major disciplines.  If this is approved, a 6-credit advanced level course (disciplinary electives) in the second major must be taken to fulfill the credit requirement of the capstone experience.

4. Candidates who have been admitted to Year 1 in 2020-21 (and thereafter) and have achieved any one of the following qualifications are exempted from taking SCNC1111. It is optional for them to take this course. Those who do not take this course should take a 6-credit disciplinary elective course of the science major in lieu.
- Level 4 or above in Mathematics Extended Part Module 1 or 2 in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
- Level 5 or above in Mathematics Higher Level in International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Grade B or above in Mathematics and Further Mathematics in General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCEAL)
- Mathematics qualification in Gao Kao will be considered on a case-by-case basis

5. Candidates who have been admitted to Year 1 in 2021-22 (and thereafter) and have achieved any one of the following qualifications are exempted from taking SCNC1112. It is optional for them to take this course. Those who do not take this course should take a 6-credit disciplinary elective course of the science major in lieu.
- Level 4 or above in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
- Level 5 or above in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics Higher Level in International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Grade B or above in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCEAL)
- Biology, Chemistry, and Physics qualification in Gao Kao will be considered on a case-by-case basis

Important! Ultimate responsibility rests with students to ensure that the required pre-requisites and co-requisite of selected courses are fulfilled. Students must take and pass all required courses in the selected primary science major in order to satisfy the degree graduation requirements.