Postgraduate Programs 2024/25
Master of Science Program in Biotechnology
GENERAL INFORMATION
Award Title

Master of Science in Biotechnology

Program Short Name

MSc(BIOT)

Mode of Study

Both full- and part-time

Normative Program Duration

Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: 1.5 years

The majority of the courses will be conducted on weekday evenings/Saturdays at HKUST.

Program Fee

Full-time: HK$142,000
Part-time: HK$128,000

New students admitted with credit transfer are also required to pay the full program fee.

Offering Unit

Division of Life Science

Program Advisor

Program Director:
Prof Yung-Hou WONG, Chair Professor of Life Science

Website

http://www.btec.ust.hk

Enquiry

mscbtec@ust.hk

INTRODUCTION

The Master of Science (MSc) Program in Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary program designed to provide rigorous training to students for professional careers in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Since its inception in 1993, the program has been widely recognized as a premier academic program by professional practitioners in the relevant fields. It covers various basic and advanced biotechnological elements, including pharmaceutical, analytical, transgenic and recombinant technology, bioprocessing, business operations and management. All these elements are unique for preparing students to become scientific research leaders with entrepreneurship in emerging bio-industrial areas. With this training and exposure, graduates from the program will be able to initiate innovative solutions in biotechnology and rapidly advance their careers.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:

  1. Explain in-depth and up-to-date knowledge in basic and advanced biotechnological elements;
  2. Evaluate information relevant to concepts and issues of contemporary biotechnology;
  3. Analyze and solve both theoretical and applied biotechnological problems related to research and technical aspects of the industry;
  4. Describe legal, ethical, social and business aspects of biotechnology-based products and services; and
  5. Perform biotechnological research or assessments independently and/or collaboratively with peers.
CURRICULUM

  1. Minimum Credit Requirement

    26 credits 
     

  2. Required Courses  

    14 credits
     

BTEC 5210
BTEC 5220
BTEC 5260
BTEC 5760

 

  1. Elective Courses

    At least 9 credits 

    Students are required to take at least two BTEC or LIFS courses from the following list:
     

BTEC 5340
BTEC 5360*
BTEC 5380
BTEC 5550
BTEC 5630
BTEC 5900
DRAP 5101
DRAP 5102
DRAP 5103
EEMT 5260
EEMT 5510
LIFS 4380*
LIFS 5260*
LIFS 5710*
* Only for students who can attend day-time courses on weekdays.

 

  1. Project Courses

    At least 3 credits

    Full-time students are required to take one of the following project courses, with an option to take up to two project courses to make up the total credits maximally to 31. Part-time students are required to take either BTEC 6900 or BTEC 6930.
     

BTEC 6900
BTEC 6930#
BTEC 6940#
# Research projects in the area of biotechnology under the supervision of a faculty member. Students enrolled in these courses are required to participate in day-time laboratory work.

Last update: 30 May 2024

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for admission, applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Admission is selective and meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
 

1. General Admission Requirements of the University

  • Applicants seeking admission to a master's degree program should have obtained a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution, or an approved equivalent qualification.

2. English Language Admission Requirements

Applicants have to fulfill English Language requirements with one of the following proficiency attainments:

  • TOEFL-iBT: 80 *

  • TOEFL-pBT: 550

  • TOEFL-Revised paper-delivered test: 60 (total scores for Reading, Listening and Writing sections)

  • IELTS (Academic Module): Overall score: 6.5 and All sub-score: 5.5 *

* Refers to scores in one single attempt only. Test at home option is not accepted.


Applicants are not required to present TOEFL or IELTS score if

  • their first language is English, or

  • they obtained the bachelor's degree (or equivalent) from an institution where the medium of instruction was English.

3. Program-Specific Admission Requirements

  • A bachelor's degree in Biological Science or a related area

4. Additional Information

  • Applicants should have a proven record of good performance, be proficient in English and must demonstrate basic knowledge in biotechnology concerns.

 

Integrated Bachelor-Master Pathway

  • Only for HKUST students in Year 3 or above who are studying a bachelor's degree in Biological Science or a related area. Admissions are selective depending on academic excellence and interview performance.
  • Successful applicants will receive a conditional offer for admission to MSc(BIOT) and need to pay a deposit at the prevailing deposit rate.
  • They will be allowed to start taking MSc(BIOT) courses in their final year of undergraduate study, and will enter the MSc(BIOT) Program upon successful completion of the undergraduate degree.
  • Upon entering MSc(BIOT), they can transfer up to 6 credits taken during the undergraduate study to fulfill the MSc(BIOT) program requirements. They will pay tuition fee for the remaining credits on a pro-rata basis, with a minimum payment for 20 credits.
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