Enquiry for Science Major/Minor/Programme Requirements
BIOL2409 Biotechnology industry and entrepreneurship (6 credits) Academic Year 2026
Offering Department Biological Sciences Quota 60
Course Co-ordinator Prof W B L Lim, Biological Sciences < bllim@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Dr Terry Lo,Faculty of Sciience)
(Guest Lecturer,School of Biological sciences)
(Prof W B L Lim,School of Biological Sciences)
Course Objectives The course will give an overview of the innovative developments in biotech industry and provide the students with useful tools in learning how an exciting research idea can be turned into a viable business.
Course Contents & Topics The purpose of the course is to introduce you to the entrepreneurial process with a focus on the biotechnology
industry. The course will provide a thoughtful, practical guide to the process of successfully launching an
entrepreneurial venture. We place a special emphasis on the decision to become a biotech entrepreneur and how
to develop successful business ideas, however we will also discuss the process of moving from an idea to a biotech
firm. Topics on intellectual properties, patent laws, patent application process, licensing and fundraising will be
covered as well. Throughout the course, guest entrepreneurs, managers and directors of the biotech industry will
be presenting case studies and explain their involvement in various biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
Topics:
1. Introduction to Biotechnology Industry: 4 P in Biotechnology Business (3 hours)
2. IP rights: Patent application, Patent system, USPTO, SIPO, PCT (6 hours)
3. Licensing of IP rights (3 hours)
4. Technology Transfer Office and HKSTP (3 hours)
5. How to raise fund for startup companies (3 hours)?
6. Agrobiotechnology and Green Tech (Monsanto, Novozymes, etc) (4.5 hours)
7. Drug development and clinical trials (Gilead Sciences, Wuxi PharmaTech, etc). (6 hours)
8. Diagnostics business (BGI, Diagcor, etc) (4.5 hours)
9. Company analysis (3 hours)
10. Company Visit
11. Company analysis
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 understand and demonstrate knowledge of the development and management of biotechnology business
CLO 2 understand and demonstrate how discoveries and inventions are commercialized
CLO 3 navigate the various steps in the development of a biotechnology derived product: from bench, to scale-up,to market
CLO 4 gain technical and business knowledge of the biotechnology and bioprocessing industries
CLO 5 participate and contribute to the business side of scientific enterprises
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in BIOL1110
NOT for Year 1 students.
Priority will be given to students majoring in MBB / MBB intensive Major.
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2026 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Disciplinary Elective )
2026 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
Course to PLO Mapping 2026 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology < PLO 1,3,4,5 >
2026 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2 >
2025 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology < PLO 1,3,4,5 >
2025 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2 >
2024 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology < PLO 1,3,4,5 >
2024 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2 >
2023 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology < PLO 1,3,4,5 >
2023 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2 >
2022 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology < PLO 1,3,4,5 >
2022 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) < PLO 1,2 >
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y        1st sem    Examination No Exam     
Offer in 2027 - 2028 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Students acquire exceptional skills and knowledge from the course and are capable of independently analyzing the business and technological developments of various biotechnology ventures.
B Students demonstrate a broad and in-depth understanding of the current developments in biotechnology industry and are capable of analyzing the business and technological developments of various biotechnology ventures under guidance.
C Students demonstrate a broad and in-depth understanding of the current developments in biotechnology industry.
D Students demonstrate a moderate understanding of the current developments in biotechnology industry.
Fail Students fail to demonstrate a moderate understanding of the current developments in biotechnology industry.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Lecture-based course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Field work 6.0
Group work Presentation 12.0
Lectures 36.0
Assessment 18.0
Reading / Self study 60.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Assignments 50.0 1,2,3,4,5
Presentation 30.0 1,2,3,4,5
Test 20.0 1,2,3,4,5
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 Thomas H. Byers, Richard C. Dorf, Andrew J. Nelson (2011) Technology Ventures: From Idea to Enterprise 3rd ed.
McGraw Hill
Company annual reports
Online materials
Course Website http://moodle.hku.hk/
Additional Course Information This course will be offered subject to a minimum enrollment number and availability of teachers.
Priority will be given to students majoring or minoring in MBB


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