School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Top reasons to study at School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Strong Academic Reputation
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is consistently ranked among the leading universities in Asia and worldwide. Studying at SLS places students in an academically rigorous, internationally recognised environment, supported by excellence in teaching, research, and global engagement.
Interdisciplinary and Applied Learning
Our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes integrate life sciences with health, nutrition, biotechnology, and molecular sciences, offering students a broad yet rigorous scientific foundation. Through an applied and interdisciplinary curriculum, students connect theory with real‑world applications, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed for diverse career pathways in healthcare, research, industry, education, and related fields.
Research-Led Teaching
From the undergraduate level, students have ample opportunities to engage with active researchers and field experts, thereby gaining firsthand experience in scientific discovery. Through our signature research programmes, including Young Scientist Mentorship And Research Training (SMART) Programme and Dedicated Research Exchange and Mentorship (DREAM) Programme, as well as participation in international scientific competitions such as International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition (iGEM), undergraduates engage in hands‑on, cutting‑edge research, building critical thinking, problem‑solving, and teamwork skills from an early stage.
This experience culminates in the Final Year Project (capstone course), where students conduct an independent research project under faculty supervision. Together, these research‑rich experiences prepare graduates not only for postgraduate study and research careers, but also for diverse career pathways beyond the laboratory, through the development of highly transferable analytical, communication, and project‑management skills.
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Overview of the university
The School of Life Sciences (SLS) offers five undergraduate major programmes -Biochemistry (BCHE), Biology (BIOL), Cell and Molecular Biology (CMBI), Food and Nutritional Sciences (FNSC), and Molecular Biotechnology (MBTE) - with a total annual intake of about 200 under a broad-based admission scheme of Life Sciences. This flexible entry pathway allows students to develop a strong foundation in life sciences before selecting a major aligned with their academic interests and career aspirations.
The undergraduate programmes provide comprehensive training in modern biological, health, and biotechnological sciences, emphasizing a solid grounding in scientific principles, hands‑on laboratory experience, data analysis, and critical thinking. Graduates are well prepared for diverse career pathways in healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, food and nutrition industries, environmental and regulatory sectors, education, and scientific research, as well as for postgraduate studies and professional training in biological, biomedical, health, and related disciplines.
At the research postgraduate level, SLS currently has a vibrant and international community of over a hundred M.Phil. and Ph.D. students engaged in cutting-edge research across a wide range of life science disciplines. Complementing this strong reserach environement, the School also offers three taught Master of Science (M.Sc.) programmes in Biochemical and Biomedical Sciences, Nutrition, Food Science and Technology, and Biodiversity, Environmental Management, Sustainability and Technology. These programmes are designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional practice, career advancement, and further specialization in life, health, environmental, and sustainability‑related fields.
SLS hosts a broad spectrum of active research areas, including plant molecular biology and biotechnology, protein structure and function, marine biology, environmental science, and food science and technology. Notably, research in plant and agricultural biotechnology has received funding support from the Area of Excellence Scheme of the Hong Kong University Grants Council, underscoring the School’s strength and leadership in high‑impact, internationally recognised research.
Programs and courses at School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
8 courses at School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, listed alphabetically:
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Student and alumni reviews
As an Oxford D.Phil student who has also studied at UC Berkeley as an exchange student before, I would boldly claim that CUHK Biochemistry is one of the best programmes in the world. Over the years, the director of the Biochemistry Programme and other teaching staff have put a lot of efforts in creating and maintaining an excellent academic environment for the students to learn and grow. I am very proud for being a CUHK BCHE graduate. If Utopia existed, CUHK biochemistry would be the place where you receive the real best education.
Miss Siu Yiu Ching Rice
Current D.Phil student at the University of Oxford
Recipient of the Esther Yewpick Lee Millenium Scholarship
One of the most memorable experiences was the practicum course, which brought together a group of over ten of us. It was through this experience that we truly got to know one another, collaborate closely, and even meet some of our closest friends in the major.
During the practicum, we gained insights from real-world experiences. I had the opportunity to work with individuals in mental health issues, our team conducted talks and activities to raise awareness about food and nutrition. Additionally, we organized an event at CUHK Cultural Square focused on "fluid consumption", using games to help students and staff understand its role and the sugar content in various beverages. One participant, from a different background, persistently challenged our recommended daily water intake, and we had to seek help from the course teachers to clarify. That moment made me realize how vast and complex nutrition knowledge is - and that continuous learning is part of being a professional.
Community service isn't just about having good intentions - it requires learning through trial and error. I'm grateful for the hands-on experience gained through the Nutritionist Stream, which helped me understand that "running an event" does not always go as planned, and for us as an university student that was a truly eye-opening lesson.
Miss Chan Hoi Yi
Driven by a passion for solving biotechnological challenges, I found the MBT Programme's rigorous training in both basic and applied sciences invaluable. It equipped me with essential research skills and scientific knowledge, paving the way for my PhD at CUHK and M.Sc. at Oxford. The programme's industry exposure and networking opportunities revealed diverse career paths, ultimately inspiring me to co-found Codex Genetics - transforming genomics research into clinical insights through AI and Big Data, with support from ITC, HKSTP, and CUHK.
Dr. Yu Chi Shing
Chief Technology Officer, Codex Genetics Limited
Accommodation
Over 50% of CUHK undergraduates reside in the hostels of our Colleges. Jointly with the postgraduate halls, these accommodate over 9,000 students.
The University adopts the N-2 residence policy (i.e., a student’s normative study period minus 2 years) for international students admitted to full-time undergraduate studies at CUHK, should they wish to stay on campus. Additionally, some Colleges offer a fully residential and communal dining system.
Scholarships
Scholarships and Financial Support (as at 2025-26)
To attract and nurture outstanding students, SLS offers a range of scholarships and financial support schemes for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, including:
- Admission Scholarship (HKD6,000 - HKD50,000)
- 1966 Biology Alumni Scholarship (HKD10,000)
Biochemistry Programme
- Biochemistry Alumni Association Scholarship (HKD1,800)
- Biochemistry Alumni (1977) Award for Distinguished Final Year Research Project (HKD2,000)
- Prof. C.Y. Lee's Academic Award (HKD2,000)
- Prof. K.K. Ho's Academic Award (HKD2,000)
- Prof. Ma Lin's Academic Award (HKD2,000)
Biology Programme
- CUHK 1981 Biology Alumni Scholarship (1 award of HKD5,000)
- NA 66' Biology Alumni Scholarship (1 award of HKD4,200)
- Biology Alumni of CUHK Prize (1 award of HKD500)
Biology and Chemistry Double Major Programme
- Admission Scholarship (up to 4 awards of HKD5,000 - HKD10,000)
Cell and Molecular Biology Programme
- Prof. Mark Kai-keung Cell and Molecular Biology Scholarship (1 award of HKD10,000)
Food and Nutritional Sciences Programme
- Nestle Award in Food Science (1 award of HKD1,000)
- Nutricia Prize for FNS Student (1 award of HKD1,000)
- Nissin Foods Scholarships (2 awards of HKD44,500 each per annum)
- FNSC Student Development Scholarship (5-6 awards of HKD2,000 each)
- FNSC Academic Scholarship (5-6 awards of HKD2,000 each)
Molecular Biotechnology Programme
- Best Presenter Award of Introduction to Molecular Biotechnology (2 awards of HKD1,000 each)
- Molecular Biotechnology Programme Young Scholars Award (2 awards, first prize HKD3,000, second prize HKD2,000)
Study abroad information
CUHK offers over 280 student exchange programmes; they include university-wide, college, faculty and department options. University-wide programmes are administered by the Office of Academic Links (OLA) and available to all CUHK students.
In addition, students at SLS have exceptional opportunities to study and conduct research overseas, gaining global perspectives and invaluable international experience. Through programmes such as Berkeley Biosciences Study Abroad (BBSA) Programme and Dedicated Research Exchange and Mentorship (DREAM) Programme, students undertake research projects at leading universities, research institutes, and industry laboratories around the world. These overseas experiences broaden scientific horizons, strengthen cross‑cultural communication, and prepare students to thrive in an increasingly globalised scientific and professional landscape.