Offered to students admitted to Year 1 in ALL
Major/Minor ALL
Course Type
Offer in 2023 - 2024 Y N
Course Code BIOC4613
Date2023/09/24 22:25
Enquiry for Course Details
BIOC4613 Advanced techniques in biochemistry & molecular biology (6 credits) Academic Year 2023
Offering Department Biomedical Sciences Quota 70
Course Co-ordinator Prof D Chan, Biomedical Sciences < chand@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Dr B C W Wong,Biomedical Sciences)
(Dr C Y S Chung,Biomedical Sciences)
(Dr M C H Cheung,Biomedical Sciences)
(Dr. A B Kinghorn,Biomedical Sciences)
(Prof D Chan,Biomedical Sciences)
(Prof J A Tanner,Biomedical Sciences)
Course Objectives This is an advanced experimental-based course for students majoring in Biochemistry and related disciplines.  The aim is to provide the necessary training for students to pursuit postgraduate research education and potential employment in a scientific laboratory/industry environment.
Course Contents & Topics Hands-on experiments using advanced techniques in biochemistry, molecular and cell biology, and bioinformatics.  Students will also have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with modern instruments used in life sciences.
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 explain the basic principles of current advanced techniques commonly used in biochemistry and molecular biology
CLO 2 apply and perform these techniques in other novel experimental settings
CLO 3 critically evaluate experimental data and design alternative approaches to test or validate hypotheses
CLO 4 collaborate with team members to complete laboratory experiments
CLO 5 document laboratory work and data using a laboratory notebook following standard practices in research laboratories
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in BIOC3604
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2023 Major in Biochemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Biochemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Biochemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2021 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2020 Major in Biochemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2020 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
2019 Major in Biochemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2019 Minor in Biochemistry ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 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 >
2020 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2019 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
Offer in 2023 - 2024 Y        1st sem    Examination Dec     
Offer in 2024 - 2025 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the principles and applications of advance technologies in biochemistry; clear and effective ability to identify problems and generate solutions relating to applications in a laboratory setting; clear evidence of ability to evaluate experimental data; cohesive and systematic planning and organization of experimental design and presentation of experimental data.
B Comprehensive understanding of the principles and applications of advance technologies in biochemistry; clear ability to identify problems and generate solutions relating to applications in a laboratory setting; evidence of ability to evaluate experimental data; systematic planning and organization of experimental design and presentation of experimental data.
C Sound understanding of the principles and applications of advance technologies in biochemistry; sound ability to identify problems and generate solutions relating to applications in a laboratory setting; some evidence of ability to evaluate experimental data; satisfactory planning and organization of experimental design and presentation of experimental data.
D Superficial understanding of the principles and applications of advance technologies in biochemistry; limited ability to identify problems and generate solutions relating to applications in a laboratory setting; some awareness of ability to evaluate experimental data; some evidence of planning and organization of experimental design and presentation of experimental data.
Fail Lack of understanding of the principles and applications of advance technologies in biochemistry; lack of ability to identify problems and generate solutions relating to applications in a laboratory setting; lack of evidence of ability to evaluate experimental data; insufficient evidence of planning and organization of experimental design and presentation of experimental data.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Lecture with laboratory component course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Laboratory 72
Lectures 12
Tutorials 6
Reading / Self study 76
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Assignments 50 CLO 1,2,3,4,5
Examination One 3-hour written examination 50 CLO 1,2,3,4
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 Wilson K, Walker KM (2010) Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 7th ed. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
Course Website NIL
Additional Course Information NIL
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