Enquiry for Science Major/Minor/Programme Requirements
BIOC3600 Principles of molecular biology (6 credits) Academic Year 2026
Offering Department Biomedical Sciences Quota 80
Course Co-ordinator Dr B H B Yuen, Biomedical Sciences < yuenbbh@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Dr B H B Yuen,Biomedical Sciences)
(Dr J W Y Ho,Biomedical Sciences)
(Dr M Kotaka,Biomedical Sciences)
(Dr W C W Chan,Biomedical Engineering)
Course Objectives To provide students with an overview of recent advancements in molecular biology and emphasize the significance of biochemistry in understanding cellular molecular biology.
Course Contents & Topics This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the central dogma of molecular biology, including DNA replication, RNA transcription, and protein translation. Additionally, it addresses the regulation of gene expression in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Students will investigate the structure and function of nucleic acids and proteins, develop competencies in interpreting molecular biology data, and gain proficiency in essential laboratory techniques, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing, cloning, and transgenic technology.

Topics:
- Introduction to molecular biology and DNA structure
- DNA replication and genome maintenance
- Prokaryotic transcription and regulation
- Eukaryotic transcription and regulation
- RNA processing and regulation
- Translation and protein synthesis
- Recombination, transposition and genome dynamics
- Recombinant DNA technology and cloning
- Molecular biology in medicine and biotechnology
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 demonstrate a basic understanding of the structures of DNA, RNA, and proteins, as well as the mechanisms involved in the packaging of DNA in eukaryotic cells
CLO 2 understand the key molecular processes outlined in the central dogma of molecular biology
CLO 3 develop the ability to apply and analyse information related to gene expression processes
CLO 4 communicate fundamental concepts of molecular biology in a scientific format
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in BIOC2600 or BIOL2103 or BIOL2220 or MEDE2301 or BMED2301.
Not for students who have passed BBMS2007 or BIOL3401 or are enrolled in these courses.
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2026 Major in Biochemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2026 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Major in Biochemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Biochemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Biochemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Biochemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2026 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2025 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2024 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2023 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2022 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y        1st sem    Examination Dec     
Offer in 2027 - 2028 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Demonstrates thorough and extensive knowledge and skills required for attaining all the course learning outcomes. Displays a strong analytical ability and logical thinking and is able to apply knowledge to a wide range of complex situations. Consistently able to communicate sophisticated ideas confidently and clearly.
B Demonstrates substantial knowledge and skills required for attaining most of the course learning outcomes. Shows evidence of analytical ability and logical thinking and is sometimes able to apply knowledge to complex situations. Often communicates complex ideas clearly.
C Demonstrates general but incomplete knowledge and skills required for attaining most of the course learning outcomes. Shows evidence of some analytical ability and logical thinking and is sometimes able to apply knowledge to familiar or uncomplicated situations. Sometimes communicates ideas clearly.
D Demonstrates limited knowledge and skills required for attaining some of the course learning outcomes. Shows poor analytical ability and logical thinking and is rarely able to apply knowledge to solve problems. Has difficulty in expressing ideas coherently.
Fail Demonstrates little or no evidence of knowledge and skills required for attaining the course learning outcomes. Lacks analytical ability and logical thinking and is unable to apply knowledge to solve problems. Ineffective at communicating ideas.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Lecture with laboratory component course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Laboratory 12.0
Lectures 30.0
Reading / Self study 100.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Assignments 30.0 1,2,3,4
Examination 50.0 1,2,3,4
Laboratory reports 20.0 1,2,3,4
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 - Alberts, Bruce. Essential Cell Biology. 3rd ed. New York: Garland Science, 2009.
- Clark, David P, Nanette Jean Pazdernik, and Michelle R McGehee. Molecular Biology. 3rd ed. David P. Clark, Nanette J. Pazdernik, Michelle R. McGehee. Amsterdam: Academic Cell, 2019.
- Selected journal articles and web learning materials.
Course Website NIL
Additional Course Information NIL


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