Enquiry for Science Major/Minor/Programme Requirements
BIOC3999 Directed studies in biochemistry (6 credits) Academic Year 2025
Offering Department Biomedical Sciences Quota 36
Course Co-ordinator Dr B H B Yuen, Biomedical Sciences < yuenbbh@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (All academic staff in Biochemistry Major,Biomedical Sciences)
(Dr B H B Yuen,Biomedical Sciences)
Course Objectives [This is a certified Communication-intensive (CI) Course which meets all of the requirements endorsed by HKU's Senate, including (i) the teaching and assessment of oral and written communication 'literacies'; and (ii) at least 40% of the course grade assigned to communication-rich assessment tasks.]

To enhance students knowledge of a particular topic and the students self-directed learning and critical thinking skills.
Course Contents & Topics The student undertakes a self-managed study on a topic in biochemistry under the supervision of a staff member.  The topic is preferably one not sufficiently covered in the regular curriculum.  The directed study can be a critical review or a synthesis of published work on the subject.  A laboratory or field study may also be involved that would enhance the student's understanding of the subject.
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 critically appraise research literature in a specific area of biochemistry and molecular biology
CLO 2 examine the theoretical or experimental basis for existing concepts
CLO 3 identify questions and evaluate issues for further research development
CLO 4 interpret scientific data in original research articles and communicate using appropriate scientific language
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in at least 24 credits of advanced level (level 3 or 4) disciplinary core/elective courses in Biochemistry Major including BIOC2600 or BIOL2220 and BIOL3401.
This capstone course is for Biochemistry Major students only.
The earliest that a student is allowed to take this capstone course is their year 3 study.
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2025 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2025 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2024 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2023 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2022 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2021 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
Offer in 2025 - 2026 Y        1st sem    2nd sem    Summer    Examination No Exam     
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Produces a sophisticated and detailed appraisal of the biochemical literature, displaying a comprehensive and deep understanding of the selected topic. Able to contextualize all the ideas within a personal framework of knowledge and evaluate relevant issues emerging from the study. Works proactively with a supervisor to enhance understanding and scientific writing skills. Communicates the findings to a broader audience in an effective way and responds knowledgeably to questions. Excellent time-management skills and able to reflect honestly on one’s own learning.
B Produces a coherent appraisal of the biochemical literature, displaying a sound understanding of the selected topic. Able to contextualize many of the ideas within a personal framework of knowledge and identify some relevant issues emerging from the study. Works constructively with a supervisor to enhance understanding and scientific writing skills. Clearly communicates the findings to a broader audience and responds knowledgeably to most questions. Able to time-manage effectively and reflect on one’s own learning.
C Produces a reasonable appraisal of the biochemical literature, displaying an adequate understanding of the selected topic. Able to contextualize a few of the ideas within a personal framework of knowledge and makes some attempt to identify some relevant issues emerging from the study. Works with a supervisor and other co-workers to improve understanding and scientific writing skills. Communicates the findings to a broader audience with reasonable clarity and responds to most questions. Acceptable time-management and self-reflection skills.
D Produces a superficial appraisal of the biochemical literature, displaying a limited understanding of the selected topic. Able to contextualize a few of the ideas within a personal framework of knowledge but unable to identify any relevant issues emerging from the study. Works reluctantly with a supervisor and other co-workers to develop understanding and scientific writing skills. Displays weak communication skills when presenting the findings to a broader audience. Poor time-management and self-reflection skills.
Fail Fails to appraise the biochemical literature and thus unable to display any understanding of the selected topic. Unable to contextualize the ideas within a personal framework of knowledge or identify any relevant issues emerging from the study. Works in isolation, thus failing to make progress in understanding and scientific writing skills. Unable to communicate effectively when presenting the findings to a broader audience. No time-management skills or ability to self-reflect.
Communication-intensive Course Y
Course Type Project-based course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Reading / Self study at least 120 hours on the project 120.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Dissertation 50.0 1,2,3,4
Oral presentation 25.0 1,2,3,4
Research report Supervisor comments 15%; Mind map 10% 25.0 1,2,3,4
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 as suggested by project supervisors
Course Website NIL
Additional Course Information NIL


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