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1
4.5
The need to seek part-time employment has materially affected the performance of many students in the past.
The level intended in the Senior Diploma programme would be similar to a DipHE in the UK, which is higher than the second year attainment of the Higher Diploma programme at the Polytechnic. The intended level of the Honours Diploma programme would be similar to that of a UK non-Honours Degree and could be further enhanced to UK Honours level given better resources.
Resources
HKP Factual
A new laboratory is to be added in the new wing. There are greenhouses but no animal house. The preparation room is limited and there are 2 technicians. Recurrent expenditure is HK$ 60,000, and capital over a two year period has been HK$ 240,000. The paramedical subjects are soon to move away from Biology and this will cause a duplication of some previously shared equipment.
Teaching staff total 11, one of whom is temporary; six have PhD's and a further one was working for a PhD while on sabbatical.
HKBC Factual
The laboratories are barely adequately equipped for the programme, particularly the courses in biochemistry and physiology. Laboratory space, however, is adequate. except for the minimal provision for project/research space. The space for the animal house and the preparation room is inadequate.
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There is a lack of basic equipment to support the teaching of physiology and biochemistry, but in other areas - notably dissecting microscopes - the standard of provision is at least as good as many UK institutions. Students work in groups on a "circus" basis in order to overcome the lack of equipment.
There is only one laboratory clerk, whose job is to keep the laboratories clean and to order materials as requested.
There are five faculty staff, of whom 4 have PhD's and one an MSc, and 4 tutor/demonstrators whose duties are to prepare all the materials for practical classes, lay out the materials and then assist in the teaching of the classes. They are responsible, under the moderation of a member of faculty for the setting of course assessment tests and the final practical