Full-Time
Part-Time
Normative Study Period
1 year
2 years
Maximum Study Period
3 years
4 years
Courses Offered in Term 1 (2026/27 Year)
Courses Offered in Term 2 (2026/27 Year)
BEST5300
Research Methods and Scientific writing in BEST
Course Units :
3
Course Description :
This course aims to provide students with basic research methods, data analysis, writing and presentation skills in the field of Biodiversity, Environmental Management, Sustainability and Technology (BEST). Also, this course provides guidelines and educates students for conducting research responsibly and at a high ethical standard.
Course Title :
Course Code :
Research Methods and Scientific Writing in BEST
BEST5300
BEST5320
Field Survey
Course Units :
3
Course Description :
This course introduces basic fieldwork techniques and analytical methods in conducting field surveys. Students are required to conduct fieldwork in different habitats. Conventional and latest methods in ecological and environmental evaluation will also be introduced in this course.
Course Title :
Course Code :
Field Survey
BEST5320
BEST5340
Environmental Impact Assessment
Course Units :
3
Course Description :
This course introduces the concepts, as well as practices and skills that are widely used in evaluating environmental consequences resulting from anthropogenic activities. Students will be introduced to methods in assessment of environmental impact such as habitat and protected species surveys.
Course Title :
Course Code :
Environmental Impact Assessment
BEST5340
BEST5380
Literature Research in BEST
Course Units :
3
Course Description :
Students, with the help of a supervisor, will identify a specific topic in the field of Biodiversity, Environmental Management, Sustainability and Technology (BEST) to perform literature research, and critically assess the scientific basis of the conclusions drawn. Students will discuss regularly with the supervisor and summarize the research findings in an oral presentation and a review paper.
Course Title :
Course Code :
Literature Research in BEST
BEST5380
BEST5350
Zoological Diversity and Pest Management
Course Units :
3
Course Description :
This course presents the diversity of the major lineages of animals. The concepts and recent advance in animal phylogeny will be introduced and the enormous diversity of animals will be introduced through an evolutionary journey. We will discuss the major structural, anatomical and physiological characteristics in respect to the origin and adaptive radiation of animals. Second half of the course focus into the intricate relationship between zoological diversity and effective pest management strategies. Students will study the principles of zoological diversity conservation and its significance in sustainable pest control practices. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, students will gain insights into the cost and benefit of integrated pest management approaches, aiming to minimize environmental impact while effectively managing pest populations. By the end of this course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to address pest challenges while promoting biodiversity conservation.
Course Title :
Course Code :
Zoological Diversity and Pest Management
BEST5350
BEST5360
Applied Plant Biology, Microbiology and Technology
Course Units :
3
Course Description :
This course will equip students with knowledge of micro-organisms and plants, as well as current technologies and measures for the protection of plant species as well as the applications of microbiology.
Course Title :
Course Code :
Applied Plant Biology, Microbiology and Technology
BEST5360
BEST5390
Research Project on BEST (Optional)
Course Units :
3
Course Description :
In this course, students will acquire hands-on experience of performing a research project on a current topic in biodiversity, conservation, or environmental management under the supervision of a teaching staff. Students will be required to analyse the data, and summarise them in the format suitable for an international peer-reviewed academic journal.
Course Title :
Course Code :
Research Project on BEST
BEST5390
BEST5330
Applied Ecology and Conservation
Course Units :
3
Course Description :
This course introduces major concepts, daily-life examples, issues, technologies, and possible solutions in ecology and conservation. Topics will include modern techniques used in biodiversity estimation, functions of protected areas, wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and conservation policies/laws.
Course Title :
Course Code :
Applied Ecology and Conservation
BEST5330
BEST5310
Techniques in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
Course Units :
3
Course Description :
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of key techniques and tools in molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics. Students will gain insights into fundamental methodologies such as DNA/RNA extraction, modification, and amplification, gene cloning, sequencing technologies, and CRISPR-based genome editing. The curriculum also delves into genomic data analysis, including transcriptomics, functional genomics, and epigenetics, alongside bioinformatics tools for sequence alignment, comparison, and functional annotation. Through engaging lectures and practical computational exercises, students will develop the skills necessary to analyze and interpret complex biological data, emphasizing the integration of molecular biology techniques with computational strategies to address biological challenges. Designed to build a robust theoretical foundation, this course equips students for advanced studies or careers in research, biotechnology, and related disciplines.
Course Title :
Course Code :
Techniques in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
BEST5310
BEST5400
Environmental Pollution, Monitoring, and Remediation
Course Units :
3
Course Description :
This course aims to take students to explore the principles and current status of various global environmental pollution problems, which cover a range of chemical classes including legacy and emerging contaminants, environmental and ecotoxicological consequences, impacts on biodiversity, effective environmental monitoring, and pollution remediation technologies and application developments. The course will include basic concepts of environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, ecology, ecosystem sciences, and environmental technology. Emphasis will be put in how these measurements can contribute to environmental sustainability. Pollution remediation technologies will be thoroughly examined through a number of large-scale case studies on their effectiveness.
Course Title :
Course Code :
Environmental Pollution, Monitoring, and Remediation
BEST5400
LSCI5958
Biotechnology for Environment and Business Sustainability (Optional)
Course Units :
3
Course Description :
This course aims to take students to explore the theory and case studies in environmental biotechnology on a wide range of applications, including pollution removal, renewable energy, biomass production, ecological restoration sustainable farming, monitoring of environmental quality, environmental-friendly products, etc. The course will include basic concepts of ecology, environmental sciences, microbiology, plant and animal sciences, ecotoxicology, and environmental sustainability. The applications of the knowledge of environmental biotechnology on global business sustainability will be discussed through case studies and literature.
Course Title :
Course Code :
Biotechnology for Environment and Business Sustainability
LSCI5958
Students are required to complete all core subject (minimum 27 credits) for Graduation.
Courses Offered in Term 1
Courses Offered in Term 2
BEST5300
Research Methods and Scientific writing in BEST
Course Units :
3
Course Description :
This course aims to provide students with basic research methods, data analysis, writing and presentation skills in the field of Biodiversity, Environmental Management, Sustainability and Technology (BEST). Also, this course provides guidelines and educates students for conducting research responsibly and at a high ethical standard.
Course Title :
Course Code :
Research Methods and Scientific Writing in BEST
BEST5300
BEST5320
Field Survey
Course Units :
3
Course Description :
This course introduces basic fieldwork techniques and analytical methods in conducting field surveys. Students are required to conduct fieldwork in different habitats. Conventional and latest methods in ecological and environmental evaluation will also be introduced in this course.
Course Title :
Course Code :
Field Survey
BEST5320
BEST5340
Environmental Impact Assessment
Course Units :
3
Course Description :
This course introduces the concepts, as well as practices and skills that are widely used in evaluating environmental consequences resulting from anthropogenic activities. Students will be introduced to methods in assessment of environmental impact such as habitat and protected species surveys.
Course Title :
Course Code :
Environmental Impact Assessment
BEST5340
BEST5380
Literature Research in BEST
Course Units :
3
Course Description :
Students, with the help of a supervisor, will identify a specific topic in the field of Biodiversity, Environmental Management, Sustainability and Technology (BEST) to perform literature research, and critically assess the scientific basis of the conclusions drawn. Students will discuss regularly with the supervisor and summarize the research findings in an oral presentation and a review paper.
Course Title :
Course Code :
Literature Research in BEST
BEST5380
BEST5400
Environmental Pollution, Monitoring, and Remediation
Course Units :
3
Course Description :
This course aims to take students to explore the principles and current status of various global environmental pollution problems, which cover a range of chemical classes including legacy and emerging contaminants, environmental and ecotoxicological consequences, impacts on biodiversity, effective environmental monitoring, and pollution remediation technologies and application developments. The course will include basic concepts of environmental chemistry, ecotoxicology, ecology, ecosystem sciences, and environmental technology. Emphasis will be put in how these measurements can contribute to environmental sustainability. Pollution remediation technologies will be thoroughly examined through a number of large-scale case studies on their effectiveness.
Course Title :
Course Code :
Environmental Pollution, Monitoring, and Remediation
BEST5400
BEST5330
Applied Ecology and Conservation
Course Units :
3
Course Description :
This course introduces major concepts, daily-life examples, issues, technologies, and possible solutions in ecology and conservation. Topics will include modern techniques used in biodiversity estimation, functions of protected areas, wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and conservation policies/laws.
Course Title :
Course Code :
Applied Ecology and Conservation
BEST5330
BEST5350
Zoological Diversity and Pest Management
Course Units :
3
Course Description :
This course presents the diversity of the major lineages of animals. The concepts and recent advance in animal phylogeny will be introduced and the enormous diversity of animals will be introduced through an evolutionary journey. We will discuss the major structural, anatomical and physiological characteristics in respect to the origin and adaptive radiation of animals. Second half of the course focus into the intricate relationship between zoological diversity and effective pest management strategies. Students will study the principles of zoological diversity conservation and its significance in sustainable pest control practices. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, students will gain insights into the cost and benefit of integrated pest management approaches, aiming to minimize environmental impact while effectively managing pest populations. By the end of this course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to address pest challenges while promoting biodiversity conservation.
Course Title :
Course Code :
Zoological Diversity and Pest Management
BEST5350
BEST5360
Applied Plant Biology, Microbiology and Technology
Course Units :
3
Course Description :
This course will equip students with knowledge of micro-organisms and plants, as well as current technologies and measures for the protection of plant species as well as the applications of microbiology.
Course Title :
Course Code :
Applied Plant Biology, Microbiology and Technology
BEST5360
BEST5390
Research Project on BEST (Optional)
Course Units :
3
Course Description :
In this course, students will acquire hands-on experience of performing a research project on a current topic in biodiversity, conservation, or environmental management under the supervision of a teaching staff. Students will be required to analyse the data, and summarise them in the format suitable for an international peer-reviewed academic journal.
Course Title :
Course Code :
Research Project on BEST
BEST5390
BEST5310
Techniques in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
Course Units :
3
Course Description :
This course provides a comprehensive exploration of key techniques and tools in molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics. Students will gain insights into fundamental methodologies such as DNA/RNA extraction, modification, and amplification, gene cloning, sequencing technologies, and CRISPR-based genome editing. The curriculum also delves into genomic data analysis, including transcriptomics, functional genomics, and epigenetics, alongside bioinformatics tools for sequence alignment, comparison, and functional annotation. Through engaging lectures and practical computational exercises, students will develop the skills necessary to analyze and interpret complex biological data, emphasizing the integration of molecular biology techniques with computational strategies to address biological challenges. Designed to build a robust theoretical foundation, this course equips students for advanced studies or careers in research, biotechnology, and related disciplines.
Course Title :
Course Code :
Techniques in Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
BEST5310
LSCI5958
Biotechnology for Environment and Business Sustainability (Optional)
Course Units :
3
Course Description :
This course aims to take students to explore the theory and case studies in environmental biotechnology on a wide range of applications, including pollution removal, renewable energy, biomass production, ecological restoration sustainable farming, monitoring of environmental quality, environmental-friendly products, etc. The course will include basic concepts of ecology, environmental sciences, microbiology, plant and animal sciences, ecotoxicology, and environmental sustainability. The applications of the knowledge of environmental biotechnology on global business sustainability will be discussed through case studies and literature.
Course Title :
Course Code :
Biotechnology for Environment and Business Sustainability
LSCI5958
Teaching staff
“Full and part-time teaching staff from School of Life Sciences as well as other similarly qualified/experienced individuals”
Classes
-
Language of instruction: English
-
All classes are scheduled on weekday evenings and Saturday afternoons at CUHK
Tuition fee
-
HK$208,000 for the whole programme (2027/28 admission), HK$7,704 per unit (subject to university approval)
-
HK$23,112 for the extra optional research project course (BEST5390)
-
HK$23,112 for the extra elective course Biotechnology for Environment and Business Sustainability(LSCI5958)
Graduation
All students are required to :
-
meet all the programme requirements
-
pass all the assessments & complete at least 27 units (Not Included BEST5390 Research Projrect and LSCI5958 Biotechnology for Environment and Business Sustainability)
-
obtain a cumulative overall GPA of 2.0 or above