This topic is expected to provide students with opportunities to study the general principles of biotechnology and its wide range of applications. This will enable them to recognise biotechnology as a rapidly expanding branch of Biology. Students will first develop an
understanding of the principles of different techniques in modern biotechnology, e.g. recombination DNA technology, polymerase chain reaction, genetically modification of organisms, plants and animal cloning. They will also become familiar with the applications of biotechnology in the area of medicine and agriculture, and be aware of the ethical, legal, social, economic and environmental implications of biotechnology. Current issues, research and developments in biotechnology, as well as the contribution of biotechnology to the advancement of biology will also be discussed.

Biotechnology builds on students’ prior knowledge of Cells and Molecules of Life; Molecular genetics; Reproduction, growth and development; Ecosystems and Diseases studied in the compulsory part. The diagram below shows how the prior knowledge is related to this topic.