The Biology curriculum is designed to cover both breadth and depth of the subject. Some modules adopt a spiral approach, e.g. Cell Biology is covered in Basics of Cell Biology (BL1101), Cell Biology (BL4101) and Biochemistry (BL5105). There are also stand-alone modules such as Functions and Adaptations (BL6401) and Proteins (BL6402).
The first two years provide students with a solid foundation in Biology. Students learn to observe and inquire to pick up good habits of the mind and effective scientific skills.
Students in the third and fourth years read modules that bring them beyond the basics. They investigate biological phenomena and engage in more in-depth studies. These modules will be more demanding in terms of critical thinking and analytical skills.
Modules in the fifth and sixth years adopt a more applicative approach. Students apply what they have learnt from earlier years in broader and more concept-orientated themes. Students are expected to be more independent in their learning approach.
The Department offers both Major in Biology and Major with Honours in Biology. To qualify for reading a Major with Honours in Biology, students have to achieve consistently good results in Core modules.
Students normally sit for AP Biology in their Year 6.
The Department follows the general school policies on curriculum and assessment. For more details, please refer to the school curriculum framework.
The Department does not practice exemption and acceleration of modules. Students who may have advanced knowledge in certain topics in Biology will still be expected to go through the modules to attain hands-on experience which unlike theoretical knowledge cannot be acquired from textbooks.
