LSCI1004 Frontiers in Biological Sciences

Course Code

LSCI1004

Course Title

Frontiers in Biological Sciences

Class Date

14, 15, 16, 17, 20 and 21 July 2026

(22 July 2026 is reserved for class make-up in case there is any cancellation of classes due to bad weather or other unexpected factors.)

 

(23 July 2026 is reserved for class assessment, if any.)

Class Time

2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Teacher

Dr. KOON Chun Alex

Senior Lecturer

School of Life Science

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

 

Dr. LAW Man Suet Michelle

Lecturer

School of Life Science

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

 

Prof. NGO Chi Ki Jacky

Associate Professor

School of Life Science

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

 

Dr. SIOW, Lam Nina

Lecturer

School of Life Science

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

 

Prof. TSANG Ling Ming

Associate Professor

School of Life Science

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Medium of Instruction

English

Pre-requisite

Students studying in S.5 of the HKDSE curriculum (or equivalent) with background knowledge in Biology or Chemistry.

Course Description

This course aims to take students to explore recent advances in life sciences and to appreciate their impacts in health and medical, environmental and industrial areas. The course will include a lecture series and two parallel workshops I) Molecular & Cellular Biology, or II) Biodiversity & Evolution. Students can select one of the workshops according to their interest.

Workshop I) Molecular & Cellular Biology introduces students to basic laboratory techniques commonly used in life science research laboratories. Through hands-on training, the workshop will allow students to understand how fundamental discoveries in basic science and innovations in experimental methodologies advance life science research.

 

Workshop II) Biodiversity & Evolution introduces students to animal and plant diversity. The workshop will include: 1) animal diversity and evolution, in-particular the comparative anatomy and function of different animal groups will be illustrated with preserved and live specimens; 2) plant diversity and floral structures, with a hands-on session on floral dissection.

Course Content

This course presents the recent breakthrough and advancements in biological sciences. The lectures are on a range of topics, covering biochemistry, biotechnology, cell biology, development biology, evolution, molecular biology, biodiversity and conservation. Contents will vary from year to year.

Examples of activities in the Molecular & Cellular Biology workshop include mapping DNA using restriction enzymes and using cultured cells in the laboratory to perform biochemical assays.

 

Examples of activities in Biodiversity & Conservation workshop include display of live and preserved specimens and discussions on their biological interests and adaptations, in-particular the comparative structure and functions of vertebrate limb evolution will be illustrated with relevant examples. Students will also be guided to observe different types and structures of flowers, and to discuss the corresponding pollination strategies. A hands-on practical session on floral dissection will also be included.

Learning Outcomes

Students are expected to understand the basic concepts and recent development in various life science disciplines, and to appreciate their contribution that revolutionizes our daily life.

 

For students who take workshop I, they are expected to

  1. Build up practical skills in molecular biology and animal cell biology commonly used to solve problems in life science disciplines; and
  2. Develop a proper attitude towards science that values curiosity, creativity, and innovation through discussions and hands-on training.

 

For students who take workshop II, they are expected to

  1. Understand the diversity and adaptive features of various groups of animals, concept of selection and evolution, the interdependence of structure and function in animal evolution, in-particular the concept of homologous and heterologous structures will be illustrated with examples on the evolution of limbs in vertebrates;
  2. Appreciate the diversity and “wisdom” of flowering plants;
  3. Understand the basic approach to observe different types and structures of flowers, and evaluate the adaptive values of floral features in regard with the pollination strategies; and

Learn and practice how to dissect a flower and present their observations in the form of floral diagrams.

Course Assessment

Towards the end of the course, students are required to complete a written test on the lecture series and the selected workshop. (100%)

 

 

 

The above course information is subject to change and approval.
 

Last updated on 20 February 2026

 

 

 

 

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