Research Postgraduate
Programmes

For Postgraduate Research at the School of Biological Science we offer a stimulating and supportive environment for research and research training.

In postgraduate research programmes, students undertake supervised research leading to the production of a thesis over a prescribed period of time. Higher degrees available by research are:

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, 3 or 4 years)

Master of Philosophy (M.Phil, 2 years)

School Requirements

For MPhil students: Participation in and presentation at research seminars and/or guided studies.

For PhD students: Participation in and presentation at seminars.

Applicants are strongly recommended to browse the web pages of each Research Area: Area of Ecology & Biodiversity and Area of Molecular & Cell Biology to identify a staff member who is carrying out research closest to their interests. You should then contact them by email to ascertain whether the staff member intends to take on a new student this year, and whether you are suitable. If you receive a positive response, you should work with this member of staff to develop a research project of mutual interest.

Postgraduate Admissions Advisor

Dr David M. Baker (Area of Ecology & Biodiversity)

Prof. Aixin Yan (Area of Molecular & Cell Biology)

Tel: 2299 0800

Fax: 2559 9114

Email: biosch@hku.hk

Information for Current Students

Research postgraduates (RPGs) are required to take two compulsory courses and two elective courses, please check Course Modules for details.

Apart from completing the courses, RPGs should fulfill the requirements for confirmation of candidature, please visit FAQ in Graduate School.

Procedures for MPhil / PhD Thesis Submission, please visit Online Thesis Submission System (Instruction)

Procedures for Confirmation and Transfer of MPhil / PhD Candidature, please click here

Career Prospects

RPGs of the biological sciences find work in departments of government, food industries, hospitals, institutes, education, consultancies, non-governmental organizations, private sector and doing research in universities both locally and overseas.

For Postgraduate Resources, please visit Faculty of Science or Graduate School.

Research Experiences

Field sampling and intense laboratory work mirror my year-long academic seafaring. They trained my physical toughness and mental perseverance. From feeding my lovely snails in aquaria, running statistical tests, plotting graphs all the way to interpreting my results and presenting my findings in front of scholars and classmates with the grateful assistance from my supervisor, these were the exhilarating moments I never got by merely attending lectures.

Alex Yeung - PhD

There are many opportunities for undergraduates to gain research experiences by participating in various research projects. Many senior students would recruit juniors to assist their field work and in return, they have taught us useful identification and experimental skills. I was able to make use of such knowledge in my postgraduate research project, and it had greatly enhanced my ability to conduct my own experiments as a postgraduate student. My supervisors have always been very supportive and given me insightful advice. The help I received from the senior schoolmates and advisors had encouraged me to do the same for current junior students. I am now working on the freshwater invertebrate photo catalogue in the Freshwater Ecology and Conservation Laboratory.

Nicole Kit - M.Phil

APPLY NOW

For Postgraduate Research at the School of Biological Science we offer a stimulating and supportive environment for research and research training