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The Department of Biology and Chemistry is striving 
for excellence in teaching and research. We provide quality education in biology and chemistry as well as environmental science and technology. The study programmes offered by the Department are applied in nature and specially designed to meet the local and regional employment needs. An interdisciplinary approach is adopted in teaching and emphasis is placed on the integration of theory with practical classes via hands-on experience in many subjects. Relevant industrial experience is included as appropriate as well as field trips and studies. Through these teaching activities, we hope to instill analytical and critical thinking in our students. The Department has been recognized for teaching experience by the University in both of the last two exercises of Merit Board Reward Scheme in 2000 and 2002 respectively.
The Department strongly fosters interdisciplinary research. Staff expertise lies in environmental biology and chemistry, ecotoxicology, bioactive compounds, ecology, spectroscopy and catalysis, microbiology, biochemistry and biotechnology. Research of the Department primarily focuses on marine science and coastal pollution, which is built upon the interdisciplinary strength of biology and chemistry within the Department. Other areas such as bioactive products and catalysis are also increasing in strength.
Following the great success of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd International Conference on Marine Pollution and Ecotoxicology in 1995, 1998 and 2001, the Department organized the 4th International Conference of the same series at the City University of Hong Kong in June 2004. These conferences focus on future global marine pollution problems, and have been supported by international organizations including the United Nations Development Program and International Maritime Organization. Over 200 scientists, government officials and consultants from all over the world have attended the conferences and presented their latest findings in marine pollution research, as well as techniques at the forefront of pollution monitoring and control, many of which are highly relevant to Hong Kong. Selected papers of the first two conferences have been published in two special issues of the renowned international journal, “Marine Pollution Bulletin”.
The Centre for Coastal Pollution and Conservation that was established by the Department in 1998, has been identified as one of the six Areas of Excellence in the City University of Hong Kong. The Centre comprises biologists and chemists of the Department, as well as mathematicians, physicists and lawyers from other Departments and Faculties. The Centre aspires to be a leading research centre in the Asia Pacific region and internationally, especially in studies relevant to tropical and sub-tropical environments.
Furthermore, academic staff in the Department contribute actively to the community through consultancy work and a variety of professional services. Our staff have been involved in a number of consultancy projects commissioned by the United Nations, government departments, including the Agriculture and Fisheries Department, Environmental Protection Department, Drainage Services Department, the Education Department and the private sector such as Hong Kong Electric Co. Ltd., in Hong Kong.
The Department, judged on research output and the outcome of the latest Research Assessment Exercise conducted by the University Grants Committee (UGC) of Hong Kong, is top of the league in biological research in Hong Kong. The review panel of the Research Grants Council (RGC) also highly commended our research activities. Members of the Department were awarded a HK$45 million Area of Excellence Grant.
Moreover, the Department, in conjunction with the Centre for Coastal Pollution and Conservation, has played a central role in establishing a government contract of over HK$7 million from the Environmental Protection Department through competitive bidding with international consortia. This project aims to develop a bioindicator system for pollution monitoring of the marine environment of Hong Kong. This project is the largest consultancy project ever awarded to the University in its history. The Department is well prepared to further excel in research and teaching and to embrace the challenge of the coming new era.
