Enquiry for Science Major/Minor/Programme Requirements
BIOL2103 Biological sciences laboratory course (6 credits) Academic Year 2025
Offering Department Biological Sciences Quota 280
Course Co-ordinator Prof. K W Y Yuen, Biological Sciences < kwyyuen@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Dr S K S Leung,School of Biological Sciences)
(Prof B K C Chow,School of Biological Sciences)
(Prof K W Y Yuen,Scholl of Biological Sciences)
(Prof K W Y Yuen,School of Biological Sciences)
Course Objectives The objective is to provide students a comprehensive training in basic laboratory techniques used in modern biological studies. The course will cover a number of techniques used by molecular biologists and microbiologists to conduct scientific research.
Course Contents & Topics This course will be divided into three modules and each module will have 3 laboratory sessions.

Module one: Nucleic acid analysis
DNA & RNA isolation, spectrometry, gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme analysis and DNA sequence analysis.

Module two: Protein analysis
Centrifugation, chromatography and SDS-PAGE electrophoresis.

Module three: Microbiology
Microscopy, observation of microorganisms and staining of bacteria, isolation of pure cultures by streaking and serial dilution, enumeration of microbial cells by Petroff-Hausser counting chamber, and turbidity. Identification and classification of microbes from natural source and statistical analysis.
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 demonstrate knowledge in proper use of simple research equipment
CLO 2 demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how and why certain techniques are used in a research setting
CLO 3 master some basic laboratory techniques for carrying out experiments
CLO 4 understand the different ways that microorganisms were categorized according to their size, shape, colour and response to dye etc. and how they were counted
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in BIOL1110.
Not for students having taken any level 3 (or above) Biochemistry (BIOC) course or BBMS2001.
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2025 Major in Biological Sciences ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Minor in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Biological Sciences ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Minor in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Biological Sciences ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Minor in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Biological Sciences ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Minor in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Biological Sciences ( Core/Compulsory )
2021 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2021 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity ( Core/Compulsory )
2021 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2021 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2021 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Core/Compulsory )
2021 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2021 Minor in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Minor in Plant Science ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2025 Major in Biological Sciences < PLO 1,2,3 >
2025 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) < PLO 1,3,4 >
2025 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity < PLO 1,3,4 >
2025 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,4 >
2025 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 1,2,3 >
2025 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology < PLO 1,2,3 >
2025 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3 >
2024 Major in Biological Sciences < PLO 1,2,3 >
2024 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) < PLO 1,3,4 >
2024 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity < PLO 1,3,4 >
2024 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,4 >
2024 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 1,2,3 >
2024 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology < PLO 1,2,3 >
2024 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3 >
2023 Major in Biological Sciences < PLO 1,2,3 >
2023 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) < PLO 1,3,4 >
2023 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity < PLO 1,3,4 >
2023 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,4 >
2023 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 1,2,3 >
2023 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology < PLO 1,2,3 >
2023 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3 >
2022 Major in Biological Sciences < PLO 1,2,3 >
2022 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) < PLO 1,3,4 >
2022 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity < PLO 1,3,4 >
2022 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,4 >
2022 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 1,2,3 >
2022 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology < PLO 1,2,3 >
2022 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3 >
2021 Major in Biological Sciences < PLO 1,2,3 >
2021 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) < PLO 1,3,4 >
2021 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity < PLO 1,3,4 >
2021 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,4 >
2021 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 1,2,3 >
2021 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology < PLO 1,2,3 >
2021 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3 >
Offer in 2025 - 2026 Y        1st sem    2nd sem    Examination Dec    May     
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Demonstrate thorough mastery at an advanced level of extensive knowledge required for attaining all the course learning outcomes. Show strong analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, with evidence of original thought. Apply highly effective lab skills and techniques. Critical use of data and results to draw appropriate and insightful conclusions. Apply highly effective organizational and presentational skills.
B Demonstrate substantial command of a broad range of knowledge required for attaining at least most of the course learning outcomes. Evidence of analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking. Apply effective lab skills and techniques. Correct use of data of results to draw appropriate conclusions. Apply effective organizational and presentational skills.
C Demonstrate general but incomplete command of knowledge required for attaining most of the course learning outcomes. Evidence of some analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking. Apply moderately effective lab skills and techniques. Mostly correct but some erroneous use of data and results to draw appropriate conclusions. Apply moderately effective organizational and presentational skills.
D Demonstrate partial but limited command of knowledge required for attaining some of the course learning outcomes. Evidence of some coherent and logical thinking, but with limited analytical and critical abilities. Apply partially effective lab skills and techniques. Limited ability to use data and results to draw appropriate conclusions. Apply limited or barely effective organizational and presentational skills.
Fail Demonstrate little or no evidence of command of knowledge required for attaining the course learning outcomes. Evidence of little or lack of analytical and critical abilities, logical and coherent thinking. Apply minimally effective or ineffective lab skills and techniques. Misuse of data and results and/or unable to draw appropriate conclusions. Organization and presentational skills are minimally effective or ineffective.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Laboratory and workshop course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Laboratory 11 laboratory sessions (4 hours each) 44.0
Tutorials lecture/tutorials 18.0
Reading / Self study 100.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Laboratory reports plus lab performance 50.0 1,2,3,4
Test 1 hour final examination 50.0 1,2
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 NIL
Course Website http://moodle.hku.hk/
Additional Course Information Quota 170 - 1st Semester
Lab A on Wed. with 30 students, Lab. B on Thurs. with 70 students and Lab. C on Fri with 70 students.
Quota 110 - 2nd Semester
Lab D on Thurs. with 40 students; Lab. E on Fri. with 70 students


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