Every aspect of our life is touched, and sometimes radically changed, by developments in Earth and Environmental Sciences, Chemistry and Life Sciences. In this post genome-decoding world, the applications of the different branches of science are increasing so rapidly that it is vital to have a sound grasp of them. The study of Life Sciences, Chemistry and Earth and Environmental Sciences will prepare students for a career in related areas, such as Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Nursing, Food Technology, Materials Science, Medicinal Chemistry, Biochemistry, Geology, Petrology and Environmental Sciences.

This programme will provide students with a solid foundation in Earth and Environmental Science, Life Science and Chemistry and prepare them for entrance into a degree-granting programme at university, and provide them with a sound base for a future career.

This programme consists of three main areas of study - Biological Science, Chemistry and Earth and Environmental Sciences. In the first year, students will strengthen their background in Chemistry and Biology. The second year is a university year-one programme, run in collaboration with the Science Faculty of the University of Hong Kong, and covers much of the core syllabus taken by the first-year undergraduates at HKU and other universities. All laboratory sessions are conducted at HKU.

In addition to the minimum entrance requirements, you are also required to have taken AL/AS Biology and Chemistry, or equivalent.

Once students have successfully completed the programme, they will be eligible for further studies in local or overseas universities. A number of options are available for our graduates. In the past, our graduates have successfully joined the following programmes at university: Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Food and Nutrition, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Radiotherapy, Life Science, Chemistry and related programmes in Earth Sciences.

In the 2008-09 academic year, around 30% of first-year students and around 40% of graduates were admitted to local universities, mostly HKU. Graduates can also apply for direct entry to the third year of bachelor's degree programmes offered by the University of Ulster, UK.

Persons with a scientific training are in short supply in Hong Kong. There are therefore, many job opportunities for those who have an Associate Degree in Science. This programme is an ideal starting point for related professions in Life Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences and Chemistry and for careers ranging from teaching to government service. Students will also be well prepared for professions that place a strong emphasis on analytical skills, such as the legal and banking professions.