The Biochemistry Major provides students with a thorough grounding in contemporary biochemistry and molecular biology. Combining core and elective courses with experiential learning, this programme equips students with the critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical experience needed to excel in scientific and medical fields.
Studying Biochemistry
This Major is designed to provide students with both basic and advanced knowledge in modern biochemistry and molecular biology. Our goal is to develop and equip students with enough critical thinking and analytical skills so that they can embark on a career in biochemical sciences.
Major Highlights
- Core courses in the curriculum emphasise equipping students with a general understanding of the fundamental ideas, principles and theories of biochemistry
- Elective courses extend this core knowledge to provide students with specialised insight into both basic and applied scientific endeavour in
- Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Molecular medicine
- Molecular genetics
- Throughout the curriculum, there is an emphasis on experiential learning through laboratory practicals, problem-solving exercises, group-based learning, industrial experience, overseas exchange and research-based projects.
Curriculum
| Major in Biochemistry (96 credits) |
| Offers students a comprehensive degree-level education in biochemistry, catering to careers in the science, health, and education sectors, as well as research opportunities in biomedicine. |
Career Prospects
Over half of our Biochemistry graduates have entered the commercial world and become business professionals, while approximately a third have found employment in occupations related to science, biotechnology and healthcare. Some of our graduates are employed in the education sector, or have become scientific personnel in hospitals and tertiary institutions. A small group of graduates have joined the Civil Services. Each year, a significant number of students take up postgraduate studies and pursue a career in advanced scientific and medical research.
Industry
► Biotechnology Research Scientist
► Pharmaceutical Development Specialist
Commercial
► Business Development
► Manager Healthcare Consultant
Government
► Environmental Health Officer
► Scientific Advisor
Education
► High School Biology or Chemistry Teacher
► College Professor
Postgraduate Studies
Hear from Our Student
Chung Hin WONG
BSc graduate (major in Biochemistry)
PhD student at the University of Oxford
“This Major provided the academic foundation for my research journey. With a strong emphasis on molecular biology, protein biochemistry and chemical biology, the curriculum offered me insights into the molecular mechanisms of various physiological processes and diseases. Its unique capstone research opportunity further enabled me to undertake a year-long research project at the School of Public Health, where I was mentored by Professor Michael Chan while studying virus-host interaction using respiratory organoid models. Together, these experiences prepared me for my current DPhil in Biochemistry at the University of Oxford, where I focus on glycobiology, mass spectrometry and infectious disease.”
Ka Hin CHEUNG
BSc graduate (major in Biochemistry)
Participant of Research Colloquium for Science Undergraduate Students
HKU Rugby Club Chairperson and Men’s team Captain
“Seeing is Believing. This Major allowed me to appreciate the fine details of biomolecules and their reactions. It is also a rewarding journey of experiencing biomedical innovation through guided practical sessions. The diversity of this Major, bridging biochemistry to genetics to data analysis and management, broadened my horizons. The scope of the courses, together with well-designed laboratory practicals, fully integrated and deepened my understanding of biochemistry and its applications. I also acquired sufficient programming skills and statistical knowledge for bioinformatics analysis, which is absolutely beneficial for my future research career.”