Civil and Structural Engineering is a broadly based discipline. It applies technical skills to solve problems related to the maintenance and advancement of civilisation. All solutions to societal problems have a component which involves civil and structural engineering, including the development, utilisation, and control of resources. Since the practice of the profession is rapidly changing, the civil and structural engineering programme emphasizes the teaching of fundamental knowl- edge and basic technical and human skills to prepare the students to meet the challenges in thedevelopment of amodem society. In particular, the programmeaims at familiarising the student with the broad and interdisciplinary nature of civil and structural engineering and the role and responsibility of civil engineers for the planning, design and construction of modern infrastructures.
Faculty
Professor and Head of Department :
C. K. SHEN, BS National Taiwan; MS New Hamsphire; PhD Univof Calif, Berkeley
Professor :
Thomas E. STELSON, BS, MS, DSc Carnegie lnst of Tech (Pro-Vice-chancellor for Research and Development)
Undergraduate Programme
Due to the broad-based nature of the discipline, as well as the general practice of the profession and University policy, all undergraduate students in this programme are required to take at least 12% of their credits in Humanities and Social Science. Students also take a series of subjects covering the areas of structural engineering, environmental engineering, water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering, transportation engineering, and construction engineering. Upon com- pletion of the above, the student may elect to focus on one or two areas of applications by taking elective subjects with comprehensive planning and design elements.
Because of the importance of computer use in modern engineering practice, all students of Civil and Structural Engineering will, in the course of the three-year programme, take at least one class in computer analysis and one class in computer- aided design.
The undergraduate programme will begin in 1992, the admission require- ments being acceptable grades in the Hong Kong A-level Examination in Pure Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics.
Postgraduate Programmes
The postgraduate programmes in civil and structural engineering aim at training students to solve problems in civil and structural engineering by enlarging and deepening their knowledge base as well as encouraging the intellectual pursuit of creative ideas to improve human and natural environments.
The announced and planned projects in Hong Kong for airport construction, port facility expansion, improved road systems, pollution control, and urban re- development demand the work of large teams of civil and structural engineers in the next decade. As the practice of civil and structural engineering itself develops rapidly, the leaders of these teams are likely to be those who have broad-based and in-depth knowledge of the discipline as well as a good grasp of new design concepts and technologies.
Postgraduate training develops such potentials and offers excellent oppor- tunities for students who wish to become future leaders in this profession. Students engaging in postgraduate studies in civil and structural engineering may concentrate on structural, environmental, geotechnical, water resources, transportation or con- struction engineering. In addition, doctoral students may also concentrate on applied mechanics and materials science.
The postgraduate programmes lead to the degrees of Master of Science (MSc), Master of Philosophy (MPhil), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in civil and structural engineering. The Master's degree programmes focus on strengthening students' knowledge in certain areas of civil and structural engineering and exposing them to the issues involved in theconception, design, construction, maintenance, and useof structures and facilities. The PhD programme aims to develop the skills needed to identify issues related to civil and structural engineering and the ability to formulate and propose solutions to a problem in an independent manner.
Applicants for admission to the postgraduate programmes are required to have completed, by the time they enrol in HKUST, a bachelor's degree or equivalent in civil engineering or a related engineering field. Students must demonstrate a sound training in physical sciences and mathematics and a good knowledge of basic engineering skills, including the use of digital electronic computers. Deficiencies must be made up concurrently with postgraduate work if students are otherwise deemed admissible to a postgraduate programme on account of their overall preparation.
Master of Science (MSc) in Civil and Structural Engineering DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE The programme is designed for students who intend to pursue a career of
engineering practice along with management responsibilities. Students are required to complete approved course work followed by a design project under the supervision of a qualified adviser, either from the University or industry.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Civil and Structural Engineering The MPhil programme is designed for students who are interested in the formulation of new knowledge and skills; it is intended to furnish students with a good preparation for advanced positions in a large engineering firm or for more advanced studies leading to a doctoral degree. Students are required to complete approved course work and a thesis based on research conducted under the supervision of a faculty adviser.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Civil and Structural Engineering
The PhD programme is designed for students interested in either industrial research and development or an academic career in tertiary institutions. In addition to fulfilling the course work requirements, all students must demonstrate ability to perform original and independent research by completing a thesis.
Research Interests Professor Chih-Kang Shen Head of Department
Geotechnical engineering; soil-structure interaction; ground modification;
laboratory characterization of geotechnical material.
Professor Thomas E. Stelson
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Development
Energy and environmental systems, transportation, construction and infra- structure development.
Computer science is the discipline that studies the structure, function, and applications of computers. The Computer Science programmes at HKUST cover such topics as computer architecture, communications and networks, operating systems, language and compilers, database management, human computer inter- faces, algorithmicanalysis and design, artificial intelligence, and software engineering.
Traditional computer science research covers computer hardware (the physical components of computer systems) and computer software (the logical instructions to the computer for problem solving). Computer science programmes at HKUST will cover both areas but will particularly emphasise software. This emphasis is consistent with the trend of increasing importance of software.
The Department of Computer Science offers a full range of university-level courses to meet the needs of its own students in programmes leading to the BEng, MPhil, MSc, and PhD degrees, and of students from other departments at the University. In particular the postgraduate programmes aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the challenges of satisfying Hong Kong's present and future development needs related to computer systems.
The Department of Computer Science operates a number of teaching1 research laboratories. For 1991, the Department has equipped two laboratories with 40 personal computers each to meet theteaching needsof the beginning programming courses. The equipment is similar to that provided by the Centre for Computing Services and Telecommunications (CCST) in the "computer barns". All computers have colour monitors running Microsoft Windows, while one, to be used by the instructor, has a screen projector for class viewing. In addition, the Department has equipped one laboratorywith high-end workstations for research in artificial intelligence and data and knowledge management. In 1992 the Department will open teaching laboratories in graphics and software systems. Laboratories for computer architecture will open in 1993. Computer Science staff and students have access to all of the University's central facilities, such as the University Library and the equipment operated by the CCST.
Faculty
Professor and Head of Department :
Vincent Y. S. SHEN, BS National Taiwan; MA, PhD Princeton Professor :
Frederick H. LOCHOVSKY, BASc, MSc, PhD Toronto
Senior Lecturers :
AmeliaC. W. FONG LOCHOVSKY, BSc Toronto; MSc, MA, PhD Princeton Ting-Chuen PONG, BS Univof Wisconsin, Eau Claire; MS. PhD Virginia Polytech lnst and State Univ
Lecturers :
Scott DEERWESTER, BS, MS, PhD Purdue
Jianzhong DU, BS Huazhong UnivofSciand Tech; MS Northwestern; PhD Univ of Texas, Dallas
Mounir HAMDI, BS Southwestern Louisiana; MS, PhD Pittsburgh Man-Chi PONG, BSc, MPhil Hong Kong; MSc Univ of Calif, Los Angeles;
PhD Kent
Dit-Yan YEUNG, BSc (Eng), MPhil Hong Kong; PhD Southern Calif
First Year Fall Semester
COMP 101 C Computing Tools & Techniques [3-0-1:3]
COMP 102 C Programming Techniques [3-0-1131
COMP 105 C Pascal Programming [0-1-2111
ELEC 101 R Electronics and Instrumentation [3-1-3141 (1) LANG 001 Language Skills Enhancement I [0-3-2:0]
MATH 11 1 R Linear Algebra [3-1-0141
15 credits
(1 ) Students excused from this course by the Language Centre will replace it with a Humanities and Social Science course.
Visiting Scholar :
Stephen M. THEBAUT, BA Duke; MS. PhD Purdue
Spring Semester
Undergraduate Programme
All Engineering undergraduates are required to take aseries of courses which will provide them with basic engineering theories, concepts, and practices. Classes in the basic sciences and mathematics also form part of the curriculum. Introductions to the theory, and applications of computers will be taught in the second year. In the third year, students may specialise in one of the major concentrations such as artificial intelligence, data and knowledge management, or software engineering. Alterna- tively, students may chooseto remain inthegeneral programmewith acourseof study tailored to their own interests. The final yearthesis is prepared underthe supervision of an academic adviser.
The admission requirements are acceptable grades in A-level Pure Math- ematics, Physics and Chemistry.
The following semester-by-semester description of the undergraduate pro- gramme defines which courses are required and when they should be taken. Courses designated C in the first-year curriculum are core courses which must be taken in the semester indicated. In certain circumstances, and with the permission of the Head of the Department, those courses designated as R (required) and E (elective) may be taken at other times. When aspecificcourse is not identified, the course vector shown defines the minimum credit required. Second- and third-year programmes are provisional.
COMP 106 C C Programming COMP 171 C Data Structures COMP 191 C Computer Organization H&SS E Humanities and Social Science MATH 132 R Discrete Structures
MECH 182 R Experimental Methods
18 credits
Second Year Fall Semester
COMP 201 Programming Languages and Compilers [3-1-0:4]
COMP 231 Database Management Systems [3-1-0:4]
LANG 103 Technical Communication [0-3-2:2]
MATH 244 Applied Statistics [3-1-0141
SB&M Business and Management Elective [3-0-0131 17 credits
Spring Semester Postgraduate Programmes and Research COMP 221 Artificial Intelligence
COMP 271 Analysis of Algorithms COMP Computer Science Elective H&SS Humanities and Social Science
SClE Science Elective
Third Year Fall Semester
18 credits
COMP 371 Theory of Computation [3-1-0:4]
COMP 31 1 Operating Systems [3-1-0141
COMP Computer Science Elective [3-0-0131
(1) ENGG Engineering Elective [3-0-0:3]
H&SS Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0:3]
17 credits
(1) Students will take a course offered by any department in the School of Engineering other than the Department of Computer Science.
Spring Semester
(1) COMP 380 Thesis [O-0-12:4]
COMP Computer Science Elective [3-0-0:3]
MECH 172 Seminar on Design and Manufacturing [O-2-0:2]
SB&M Business and Management Elective [3-0-0:3]
H&SS Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0131 15 credits
A minimum of 100 credits is required for the BSc programme in Computer Science.
A student's choice of electives may result in this minimum being exceeded.
From the large variety of subfields within the relatively young discipline of computer science, the Department of Computer Science at HKUST is establishing critical mass in a few research areas that are relevant to the needs of society and that can be sustained by talents from the local community. The particular focus of these selected research areas is software. This is because research in computer software is gaining importance worldwide, the cost of software development is increasing at an alarming rate, and the education system in Hong Kong produces many young people qualified to pursue careers in the software area. Brief descriptions of the initial areas are given below. Additional research areas will be established as the Department reaches maturity.
Artificial intelligence research studies how computers can be made to exhibit intelligent behaviour in performing certain tasks which, traditionally, are better done by humans. These tasks include speech recognition, vision, language understand- ing, common-sense reasoning, and motion control. The ability to learn is a crucial feature in simulating natural intelligence. Specific areas under investigation include machine learning, pattern recognition, robotics, and neural networks. Several possible applications that are valuable to Hong Kong are automatic translation techniques between Chinese and English, computer-assisted manufacturing, and expert teaching systems.
Data and knowledge management research deals with techniques for repre- senting and utilising data and knowledge bases and on effectively integrating these two technologies into a unified approach for supporting all of an organisation's data and knowledge processing activities. Technologies of relevance to this research area includedatabase modelling and design, query languages, knowledge representation, planning, and problem-solving. Specific sub-areas under investigation include database design tools, intelligent user-interfaces, object-oriented data-based man- agement systems (DBMS's), and architectures and systems for integrating data and knowledge management. A major application is to provide intelligent multi-language access systems to help Hong Kong's financial and telecommunication institutions manage their proprietary information.
The area of software engineering covers topics related to the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software systems, especially those that are large and complex. The goal is to identify the methods and tools that will be used by software engineers in the future to produce high-quality systems at low cost.
Specific technologies under investigation are formal specification methods, visualisa- tion technologies, and reusable software parts. Advances in software engineering research can keep Hong Kong in the lead of custom software producers.
The Department offers the degrees of Master of Science (MSc), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctorof Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science. Applicants for admission are required to have completed, by the time they enter HKUST, a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related science or engineering field.
Students must have demonstrated knowledge in computer science as normally required by an undergraduate programme of computer science. Deficiencies can be made up concurrently with postgraduate work. Students must also demonstrate a sufficient command of English.
Applicants are required to submit academic transcripts of undergraduate studies (and beyond, if applicable), two letters of recommendation, a one-page statement of purpose for postgraduate study, and a completed application form for admission. Students admitted to postgraduate studies in the Department of Computer Science must satisfy all University requirements for postgraduate degrees as well as Departmental programme requirements.
The programme of study must be approved by the Postgraduate Studies Committee of the Department and may include courses offered by other departments at HKUST. Normally, a student must take at least one course in each of three of the established research areas of the Department as well as at least one course in the foundations of computer science. Currently the research areas are software engi- neering; data and knowledge base systems, and artificial intelligence. A student whose formal computer science background is deemed inadequate may be admitted on a provisional basis and additional courses may be required to address such deficiencies. This will be stipulated in the individual offers of admission.
In addition to the traditional areas of research in computer science, students are encouraged to choose applications from other research areas in science, engineering, business, social science, and the humanities.
Master of Science (MSc) and Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Computer Science
The MSc and ~ ~ h i l programmes focuson strengthening students' knowledge in certain areas of computer science and on exposing them to the issues involved in the development of scientific, educational and commercial applications of computer systems. Holders of these degrees are qualified to be technical leaders in industrial research and development organisations. This level of advanced education is already in great demand in most industrial societies at this time, as many multinational companies require their technical employees to hold master's degrees. Some companies in North America even send their newly hired personnel back to university
immediately at the company's expense in order to earn such a degree before they begin their careers.
Students must complete a programme of postgraduate courses including a seminar course for two semesters to receive the MSc degree.
Students must complete a series of postgraduate courses and a seminar course for two semesters to receive the MPhil degree. In addition, students must conduct research and submit a thesis for approval by the Department. Any student who intends to proceed to a PhD degree is encouraged to enrol in the MPhil programme.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Computer Science
The PhD programme aims at developing skills needed to identify issues related to a practical application, to formulate an original research problem that addresses some of the issues, and to independently create an effective computer solution to the problem. This degree is normally required for people planning to pursuing a career in academia. It is also an excellent qualification for a position in research organisations in industry. Successful careers in these organisations often lead to senior management positions in high-tech companies.
To be awarded a PhD in Computer Science, a student must complete a programme of courses approved by the Postgraduate Studies Committee of the Department, a seminar course for two semesters, aqualifying examination which may consist of both written and oral parts, a written thesis proposal approved by the Department, a PhD thesis describing significant original research completed at HKUST, and an oral examination in defence of this research.
Career Activities and Research Interests Professor Vincent Y. S. SHEN
Head of Department
Professor Shen taught at the Computer Sciences Department of Purdue University (Indiana, USA) from 1969 to 1985. He also held visiting positions at Tsing Hua University (Taiwan, ROC) and IBM (California, USA) during that period. He joined the Microelectronics and Computer Technology Corp. (Texas, USA), a research consortium supported by 20 major US computercompanies, in 1985. Before he came to HKUST in 1990, he directed the company's software technology research programme involving about 60 professional and support personnel.
Professor Shen was adepartment editor of IEEESoftwarefrom 1987 to 1 990.
He is currently on the editorial board of IEEE Computer and IEEE Transactions on Software Engineering.
His research interests include software engineering; distributed and real-time systems.
Professor Frederick H. LOCHOVSKY
Before joining HKUST in 1991, Professor Lochovsky was a Professor of Computer Science and Management at the University of Toronto (Ontario, Canada), where he began his academiccareer. He also held avisiting position at IBM Research Laboratory (San Jose, California, USA) in 1983. He directed the database and office systems research group at Toronto.
Professor Lochovsky has sewed on the editorial boards of lnformation Systems (Pergamon Press), ACM Transactions on lnformation Systems, IEEE Da- tabase Engineering, lntemational Journalof Co-operative andlntelligent Systems, and South African Computer Journal, and as Editor-in-Chief of IEEE Office Knowledge Engineering. He is currently Chairman of the IEEE-CS Technical Committee on Office Automation.
His research interests are data and knowledge engineering.
Dr Amelia FONG LOCHOVSKY Senior Lecturer
Dr Fong Lochovsky taught at the University of Toronto (Ontario, Canada) from 1976 to 1978, and at the University of Guelph (Ontario, Canada) from 1978 to 1990. She was Associate Professor of Computer and lnformation Science when she joined HKUST. She also held visiting positions at IBM Research Laboratories
(Yorktown Heights, New York and San Jose, California, USA).
Dr Lochovsky sewed on the program committee of IEEE Computer Society Symposium on Office Automation in 1987. She also chaired sessions during several IEEE international conferences.
Dr Lochorsky's research interests include artificial intelligence, image processing and pattern recognition.
Dr Ting-Chuen PONG Senior Lecturer
Before joining the University in 1991, Dr Pong was Associate Professor of
Before joining the University in 1991, Dr Pong was Associate Professor of