Postgraduate Courses

This course will present some of the most common ethical issues encountered in biomedical research and biotechnology. Students will engage in active discussion to provide deeper understanding of each issue. The objective of this course is to raise awareness of the ethical issues around biomedical/bioengineering research, and encourage critical and responsible consideration of research conduct. Topics covered will fall into three categories: 1) Research integrity, 2) Applied ethics in biological research and biotechnology, and 3) Contemporary ethical issues arisen from emerging biotechnologies. Graded P or F.

Laboratory exercises, including recombinant DNA technology, protein purification, microscopy, tissue culture and other technologies currently in use.

This course is designed for the postgraduate students majoring in Life Science, Chemistry and Physics. Advanced nano-related topics such as bioinformatics, peptide design, basic and biological application of NMR, protein structure and function and techniques of biophysical chemistry, nano science and technology, etc.

Principles underlying the structure and function of the nervous system, integrating molecular, cellular systems, and computational approaches. Topics include chemical neurotransmission, sensory processes, control of movement, neuroendocrinology, neuronal plasticity in development and learning.

Advanced topics on the biochemical basis of human diseases, molecular medicine and structure based drug design; an oral presentation and a written essay on a specific topic are required.

To study the impact and toxic effects of pollutants on diversity, growth and metabolism of living organisms and the ecosystem as a whole.

Molecular basis of cellular regulation. Cellular signal transduction cascades.

Advanced seminar series presented by postgraduate students on their research topics in biological sciences offered in Fall/Spring Terms. This course may be repeated for credit. Graded PP, P or F.

Recent advances in molecular, cell and developmental biology will be presented and discussed in lectures and tutorials.

Study on selected current topics in life science through attending seminars in LIFS seminar series. Students can repeat the course for credits. Graded PP, P or F.

Project research in one of the life science research laboratories under the supervision of a faculty member. Graded P or F. (for Visiting Internship Postgraduate student)

This joint course offered under the HKU-CUHK-HKUST Centre for Advanced Study will give an introduction to basic concepts as well as modern techniques and technologies in Molecular Medicine. Cancer as well as neurodegenerative diseases will be used as disease models in most of the examples covered in the course. Classes will be held in the campus of the university concerned for that part of the course offered.

This two-credit course aims at providing research postgraduate students basic training in ethics, teaching skills, research management, career development, and related professional skills. This course lasts for one year, and is composed of two parts, each consisting of a number of mini-workshops. Part 1 of the course is coordinated by the School; and Part 2 consists of some department-specific workshops which are coordinated by the department. Graded PP, P or F.

This course will cover the biogenesis and function of non-coding RNAs, drawn from molecular, biochemical and cell biological studies. Dysfunction of non-coding RNA in disease and the application of non-coding RNA as research tools will be discussed.

Master's thesis research supervised by a faculty member. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.

Original and independent doctoral thesis research. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.