Physics is the science that deals at the most fundamental level with matter and energy, their interactions, and their transformation. Thus it provides the foundation for many other sciences and for engineering.
In its early years , the Department of Physics is concentrating its resources in interdisciplinary and appliedfields with potential relevanceto technological industry.
Despite the applied physics emphasis, the Department has a strong offering of core subjects in the fundamental fields of physics. Undergraduates are permitted to select areas of concentration in the traditional as well as applied subjects of physics.
Areas of faculty and postgraduate research will include solid state physics, device physics and materials, thin films, surfaces and interfaces, liquid crystals and polymers, optics and laser physics, atomic and molecular physics, condensed matter and statistical physics. In the early stages of development, however, the Department focuses on only a few of these.
A number of central service facilities and interdisciplinary research institutes provide support for the Department's research programmes. Particularly relevant to Physics are the centres for Materials Characterisation and Preparation, Microelec- tronic Fabrication, and Computing Services and Telecommunications, and the research institutes for Information Technology, and Advanced Materials. Large scale and extensive scientific computations are possible with state-of-the-art computing facilities. The Department has in-house laboratories planned for laser physics, new thin-film materials, surfacelinterface studies, solid state properties, and polymers and liquid crystals.
The Zheng Ge Ru Foundation and the Joyce M. Kuok Foundation recently made a joint donation to the University to establish two new laboratories: the Zheng Ge Ru Thin Film Physics Laboratory and the Joyce M. Kuok Laser and Photonics Laboratory. These facilities, which form a nucleus for HKUST's Advanced Materials Research Institute and are housed in Physics, are open to students for training and research.
Faculty
Professor and Head of Department :
Nelson CUE, BS Feati; PhD Univ of Washington (Acting Dean of Science from 1 September, 1992) Professors :
David J. BARBER, BS, PhD Bristol
(Director of the Materials Characterisation and Preparation Centre) Chih-Yung CHIEN, BS NationalTaiwan; MS, PhD Yale
Peter N. DOBSON, Jr, BS Massachusetts lnst of Tech; PhD Maryland (Director of Planning and Co-ordination)
George K. WONG, BS, PhD Univ of Calif, Berkeley
Chia-Wei WOO, BS Georgetown Coil; MS, PhD Washington Univ (Vice-Chancellor and President)
Senior Lecturer :
Kwok-Kwong FUNG, BS Cornell; MS, PhD Bristol Visiting Senior Lecturers:
Jason T. L. HO, BSc Chinese Univ of Hong Kong; PhD Cornell
Michael MA, BSCaliflnstof Tech; MS, PhD Univoflllinois, Urbana-Champaign Lecturers :
Michael S. ALTMAN,BA Pennsylvania; ScM, PhD Brown Ting CHEN, BS Zhejiang; MS, PhD Univ of Calif, Los Angeles Pak-Wo LEUNG, BSc Hong Kong, PhD Cornell
Tai-Kai NG, BSc Hong Kong; PhD Northwestern
Philip lam-Keong SOU, BS Jinan; MS, PhD Univ of Illinois, Chicago Kwok-Yip SZETO, BA(Eng) Toronto; MA State Univ of New York, Stony
Brook; PhD Massachussetts lnst of Tech Xiang-Rong WANG, BA Wuhan; MA, PhD Rochester Kam-Sing WONG, BSc London; DPhil Oxford
Michael Kwok-Yee WONG, BSc Hong Kong; MS, PhD Univ of Calif, Los Angeles
Rong-Fu XIAO, BS Chongqing; PhD Utah Xiao YAN, BS Beijng; PhD Pennsylvania Zhi-Yu YANG, BS Fudan; PhD Purdue
Kwong-Mow YOO, BS Malaya; MS Nebraska; PhD City Univ of New York
Undergraduate Programmes
Two three-year Bachelor of Science degree programmes are offered. The BSc programme in Physics is intended for students who plan to become teachers in secondary schools or to pursue further studies in Physics and related subjects. The BScprogramme in Applied Physics, with options in Computational Physics, Laser and Optical Physics, and Materials Physics, is intended for students with interest in the more applied areas of Physics. Upongraduation, they could enter gainful employment in the government and private sectors or pursue postgraduate studies in fields other than Physics.
The first-year courses are common to both degree programmes. Many courses are also common in the second year. The suggested course sequences for all degree programmes and options are shown below.
Certain mathematics and computer science subjects are highly recom- mended for all students. These include ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations, linear algebra and matrix theory, complex variables and modern algebra, data structure, and numerical methods for digital computation.
For admission, in addition to the general entrance requirements of the University, acceptable grades are required in at least three ALsubjects (Physics, Pure Mathematics, and one of Chemistry, Applied Mathematics, or Biology). In 1994, the minimum requirements will be acceptable grades in two AL subjects (Physics and Pure Mathematics) plus one AUAS subject.
Curriculum for BSc Degree in Physics First Year Fall Semester
COMP 101 R Computing Fundamentals [2-0-2131
ELEC 101 R Basic Electronics [3-1-3141
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0:3]
LANG 001 Language Skill Enhancement I [0-3-1:0]
MATH 101 R Multivariable Calculus [3-1-0:4]
PHYS 121
C
Electricity and Magnetism [3-0-3:4]18 credits
Spring Semester
CHEM 102 R Physical Chemistry: Fundamentals and
Applications [3-0-0131
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0131
MATH 1 1 1 C Linear Algebra [3-1-0:4]
MECH 182 R Experimental Methods [I -2-4:3]
PHYS 124 C Optics, Waves, Particles [3-0-3141 17 credits
Second Year Fall Semester
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0131 MATH 151 R Differential Equations and Applications 13-1 -0:4]
PHYS 221 C Intermediate Classical Mechanics [4-0-0:4]
PHYS 223 C lntermediate Electricity and Magnetism 1 [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 241
C
Introductory Modern Optics [3-0-3:4]18 credits
Spring Semester Computational Physics Option H&SS E Humanities and Social Science (3-0-0:3]
MATH 231 R Numerical Analysis [3-1-0:4]
OR PHYS 214 R Mathematical Methods in Physics [4-0-0:4]
NON-SCIE E Non-Science Elective [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 224 C lntermediate Electricity and Magnetism 11 [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 234 C Elementary Quantum Mechanics I [4-0-0:4]
17 credits Third Year
Fall Semester
PHYS 311 Advanced Experimental Physics [2-0-6:4]
PHYS 321 Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics (4-0-0:4]
PHYS 331 Elementary Quantum Mechanics II [4-0-0:4]
(1) PHYS Physics Elective [3-4 credits]
SB&M Business and Management Elective [3-0-0:3]
18-9 credits
(1) A course selected from PHYS 335,351,361,381.
Spring Semester
NON-SCIE Non-Science Elective [3-0-0 :3]
PHYS 398 Independent Study Project [0-2-6141
(1) PHYS Physics Elective [3-4 credits]
SB&M Business and Management Elective [3-0-0:3]
SClE Science Elective [3-0-0 131
16-7 credits
(1) A course selected from PHYS 332, 336 (335 is prerequisite), 342,354,382 (381 is prerequisite).
A minimum of 104 credits is required for the BSc programme in Physics. A student's choice of electives may result in this minimum being exceeded.
Curriculum for BSc Degree in Applied Physics First Year
Students follow the first year curriculum of the BSc Physics programme.
Second Year Fall Semester
COMP 102 R Computer Fundamentals and Programming [3-0-2:4]
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0131 MATH 151 R Differential Equations and Applications [3-1-0:4]
PHYS 221 C Intermediate Classical Mechanics [4-0-0141 PHYS 223 C lntermediate Electricity and Magnetism 1 [3-0-0:3]
18 credits Spring Semester
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0131
MATH 231 R Numerical Analysis [3-1-0:4]
PHYS 214 C Mathematical Methods in Physics [4-0-0141 PHYS 224 C lntermediate Electricity and Magnetism 11 [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 234 C Elementary Quantum Mechanics I [4-0-0:4]
18 credits Third Year
Fall Semester
NON-SCIE Non-Science Elective [3-0-0131
PHYS 321 Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics [4-0-0:4]
PHYS 331 Elementary Quantum Mechanics II [4-0-0141
PHYS 381 Computational Physics I [3-0-3:4]
SB&M Business and Management Elective [3-0-0131 18 credits Spring Semester
COMP Computer Science Elective [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 382 Computational Physics II [3-0-3141
(1) PHYS Physics Elective [3-4 credits]
SB&M Business and Management Elective [3-0-0131
SClE Science Elective [3-0-0131
16-7 credits (1) A course selected from PHYS 332,336 (335 is prerequisite), 342,354, 382
(381 is prerequisite).
A minimum of 105 credits is required for the BSc programme in Applied Physics (Computational Physics Option). A student's choice of electives may result in this minimum being exceeded.
Aminimumof 105credits is requiredforthe BScprogramme in Applied Physics (Laser and Optical Physics Option). A student's choice of electives may result in this minimum being exceeded.
Laser and Optical Physics Option
Materials Physics Option Second Year
Fall Semester
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0:3]
MATH 151 R Differential Equations and Applications [3-1-0:4]
PHYS 221 C Intermediate Classical Mechanics [4-0-0:4]
PHYS 223 C lntermediate Electricity and Magnetism 1 [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 241 C Introductory Modem Optics [3-0-3:4]
18 credits Spring Semester
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0:3]
MATH 231 R Numerical Analysis [3-1 -0:4]
OR PHYS 214 R Mathematical Methods in Physics [4-0-0141 PHYS 224 C lntermediate Electricity and Magnetism 11 [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 234 C Elementary Quantum Mechanics l [4-0-0:4]
PHYS 242 C Modern Optics [3-0-3:4]
18 credits Third Year
Fall Semester
PHYS 311 Advanced Experimental Physics [2-0-6:4]
PHYS 321 Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics [4-0-0:4]
PHYS 331 Elementary Quantum Mechanics II [4-0-0:4]
PHYS 335 Quantum Electronics I [3-0-0:3]
SB&M Business and Management Elective [3-0-0:3]
18 credits Spring Semester
NON-SCIE Non-Science Elective [3-0-0:3]
NON-SCIE Non-Science Elective [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 336 Quantum Electronics II [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 398 Independent Study Project [0-2-6141 SB&M Business and Management Elective [3-0-0:3]
Second Year Fall Semester
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0131 MATH 151 R Differential Equations and Applications [3-1-0:4]
PHYS 221 C Intermediate Classical Mechanics [4-0-0 :4]
PHYS 223 C lntermediate Electricity and Magnetism 1 [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 241 C Introductory Modern Optics [3-0-3141 18 credits Spring Semester
H&SS E Humanities and Social Science [3-0-0131
PHYS 222 C Continuum Physics [4-0-0141
PHYS 234 C Elementary Quantum Mechanics I [4-0-0141 PHYS 250 C Introduction to Materials Science [3-0-0:3]
SClElENGG E Science or Engineering Elective [3-0-0:3]
17 credits Third Year
Fall Semester
NON-SCIE Non-Science Elective [3-0-0131
PHYS 321 Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics [4-0-0:4]
PHYS 351 Structure and Properties of Materials [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 361 Microcharacterisation [2-0-3:3]
SB&M Business and Management Elective [3-0-0:3]
16 credits Spring Semester
NON-SCIE Non-Science Elective [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 332 Introductory Solid State Physics [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 354 Device Materials [4-0-0141
PHYS 398 Independent Study Project [0-2-6 :4]
SB&M Business and Management Elective [3-0-0131
16 credits 17 credits
A minimum of 103 credits is required for the BSc programme in Applied Physics (Materials Physics Option). A student's choice of electives may result in this minimum being exceeded.
Postgraduate Programmes and Research
As a fundamental science, physics presents major challenges to the human mind and the principles of physics serve as a foundation for engineering and other sciences. The new technologies that physics has spawned are so ingrained in our civilisation that their scientific origins are often overlooked. The discoveries of the principles of solid-state transistors which led to the miniaturisation of electronic devices, of atomic hyperfine structure and superconductivity which made possible nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging, and of the laser which underpins present-day communication technology are but afew examples. In addition to directly generating technological innovation, physics also indirectly supports progress throughout society by providing tools with which people in other fields create innovations.
The postgraduate Physics programmes at HKUST aim to provide students . - - . -with a solid grounding in broad areas of physics principles and techniques, an ambience for creative and innovative activities, and opportunities for cross and inter- disciplinary research.
Of all the branches in physics, condensed matter physics (CMP) has the greatest impact on our daily lives. It is thus natural that the Department places emphasis on CMP. The research programmes initially consist of both experimental and theoretical CMP (including physics of devices, low-D systems, materials, mesoscopic systems, and surfaces and interfaces) and optical physics. A programme of regular visiting faculty members and scholars in other specialties helps ensure a breadth of coverage.
The Department of Physics offers postgraduate programmes leading to the degrees of Master of Science (MSc), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Applicants for postgraduate programmes in Physics are expected to hold a BSc degree in Physics from a college or university of recognised standing. Selection for admission will be based on academic records and available results of standardised tests in physics, proficiency in the English language, a one-page essay on reasons for pursuing postgraduate study, two letters of reference, and a personal interview at the discretion of the Department.
Master of Science (MSc) in Physics
The MSc programme emphasises course work to strengthen students' general background knowledge in physics. It prepares students for careers in teaching or for advanced work in industry. The duration of the programme normally rangesfrom 18 months to three years for full-time studies, and can be extended to five years for part-time studies. Students with a first degree in an area other than their postgraduate programme may be required to take additional courses.
As partial fulfillment of the degree requirements, students are expected to attend and present seminars, undertake course work and complete an assigned project.
he
minimum number of credits to fulfil the degree requirements is30.- he
passing standard of agraded course is C and the overall average must be B or above.
Students enrolled in the MSc programme in the Department of Physics have to fulfil all the requirements stipulated above. Specifically, the students have to attain satisfactory completion of the following:
In Year I
PHYS 51 1 Mathematical Methods in Physics [4-0-0:4]
PHYS 513 Classical Mechanics [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 520 Classical Electrodynamics I [3-0-0131 PHYS 521 Classical Electrodynamics II [3-0-0131
PHYS 525 Quantum Mechanics I [4-0-0:4]
PHYS 531 Statistical Mechanics II [3-0-0131 In Year 2
PHYS 526 Quantum Mechanics II [4-0-0141
PHYS 591 Solid State Physics I [3-0-0131 PHYS 592 Solid State Physics II [3-0-0131
and one of the following groups:
Theorists
PHYS 532 Statistical Mechanics II [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 594 Theory of Many-Particle Systems [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 681 Special Topics [ I -4 credit(s)]
Ex~erimentalists
PHYS 540 Projects in Experimental Physics [0-1-6:3]
PHYS 681 Special Topics [I-4 credit(s)]
PHYS 5xx Any other course at 500 level
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Physics PHYS 699 MPhil Thesis Research
presentation and oral defence of the MPhil thesis The MPhil is a research degree and the programme is designed to prepare
students for teaching, for further postgraduate studies, or for advanced work in industry. The duration of the programme normally ranges from 18 months to three years for full-time studies, and can be extended to five years for part-time studies.
students with afirst degree in an area other than their postgraduate programme may be required to take additional courses. After one year, students registered in the MPhil programme may apply to transfer to the PhD programme.
As partial fulfilment of the degree requirements, students are expected to attend and present seminars, undertake course work and conduct thesis research.
The minimum requirement in a graded course is C and the overall average must be B or above.
In the final stage of the programme, students are required to submit their theses to the Department and, subsequently, to present and defend them. Any student who has performed unsatisfactorily will be asked to re-submit the thesis as recommended by the examination committee. The result of the second attempt of the thesis defence will be either "Pass" or "Fail".
Students enrolled in the MPhil programme in the Department of Physics have to fulfil all the requirements stipulated above. Specifically, the students have to attain satisfactory completion of the following:
In Year 1
PHYS 51 1 Mathematical Methods in Physics [4-0-0:4]
PHYS 51 3 Classical Mechanics [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 520 Classical Electrodynamics I [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 521 Classical Electrodynamics II [3-0-0131
PHYS 525 Quantum Mechanics I [4-0-0:4]
PHYS 531 Statistical Mechanics I [3-0-0:3]
In Year 2
PHYS 526 Quantum Mechanics II (4-0-0:4]
PHYS 591 Solid State Physics I [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 592 Solid State Physics II [3-0-0131 and one of the following groups:
Theorisb
PHYS 532 Statistical Mechanics II
PHYS 594 Theory of Many-Particle Systems i3-0-0:3]
Extxrimentalista
PHYS 540 Projects in Experimental Physics [O-1-6:3]
PHYS 681 Special Topics [ I -4 credit(s)]
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Physics
The PhD degree is conferred primarily in recognition of breadth of scholar- ship, depth of research, and power to investigate problems independently and efficiently. The duration of the programme normally ranges from four to eight years from the first degree, with a reduction of 18 months if a relevant Master's degree is earned prior to entering the PhD programme. Students with a first degree in an area otherthan their postgraduate programme may be required to take additional courses.
As partial fulfilment of the degree requirements, students are expected to attend and present seminars, undertake course work and conduct thesis research.
The passing standard of a graded course is C and the overall average must be B or above.
Students are required to take a comprehensive/qualifying examination set by the Department.
In the final stage of the programme, students are required to submit their theses to the Department and, subsequently, to present and defend them. Any student who has performed unsatisfactorily will be asked to re-submit the thesis as recommended by the examination committee. The result of the second attempt of the thesis defence will be either "Pass" or "Fail".
Students enrolled in the PhD programme in the Department of Physics have to fulfil all the requirements stipulated above. Specifically, the students have to attain satisfactory completion of the following:
In Year 1
PHYS 51 1 Mathematical Methods in Physics [4-0-0:4]
PHYS 513 Classical Mechanics [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 520 Classical Electrodynamics I [3-0-0131 PHYS 521 Classical Electrodynamics II [3-0-0:3]
PHYS 525 Quantum Mechanics I [4-0-0141
PHYS 531 Statistical Mechanics I [3-0-0131 In Year 2
PHYS 526 Quantum Mechanics II [4-0-0 :4]
PHYS 591 Solid State Physics I [3-0-0131 PHYS 592 Solid State Physics II [3-0-0:3]
and one of the following groups:
Theorists
PHYS 532 - - - - Statistical Mechanics II 13-0-0:31 PHYS 594 Theory of Many-Particle Systems [3-0-0:3]
Experimentalists
PHYS 540 Projects in Experimental Physics [O-1-6:3]
PHYS 681 Special Topics [ I -4 credit(s)]
aain admission to PhD candidacy by:
-
i) completing satisfactorily a departmental qualifying examination;
ii) completing three semesters of full-time study; and iii) achieving a satisfactory academic record.
Professor George K. WONG
Nonlinear optics; nonlinear optical properties of liquid crystals, polymers, and Langmuir-Blodgett films; optical and transport properties of semiconductors; molecu- lar beam epitaxy (MBE) of narrow band gap semiconductors; and electron-hole drops in semiconductors.
Professor Chia-Wei WOO Vice-Chancellor and President
Quantum many-body theory; statistical mechanics; low temperature physics;
surface physics; liquid crystals.
PHYS 799 Doctoral Thesis Research presentation and oral defence of PhD thesis
Dr Kwok-Kwong FUNG Senior Lecturer Faculty Research Interests
Professor Nelson CUE Head of Department
Fundamental processes of atomic collisions in solids; physics of materials;
spectroscopy of atoms, molecules and nuclei; radiation effects; ion beam analysis;
microscopy.
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of microstructures and defects;
semiconductor superlattices and epilayers; oxide superconductors; ferroelastic, ferroelectric and nonlinear optical crystals; quasicrystals.
Dr Jason T. L. HO Visiting Senior Lecturer
Theory of quasicrystals and quantum Hall systems.
Professor David J. BARBER
Director of Materials Characterisation and Preparation Centre
Phvsics of novel man-made electronic and opto-electronic materials; struc- ture sensithe properties, including strength and deformation of materials; electron microscopy; ion thinning; mineralogy; fission tracks in non-metals.
Professor Chih-Yung CHlEN
Experimental research on particle physics; structure and interaction of elementary particles; development and application of data processing and nuclear physics detection devices.
Professor Peter N. DOBSON
Director of Planning and Co-ordination
Theory of elementary particles and their interactions at high energy.
Dr Micheal MA Visiting Senior Lecturer
Theory of strongly correlated systems; superconductivity; metal-insulator transitions; applications of field theoretical methods to condensed matter physics;
renormalisation group approach to critical phenomena.
Dr Michael S. ALTMAN Lecturer
Static and dynamic properties of surface structure; structural phase transition in clean and adsorbate covered surfaces; two-dimensional growth during epitaxy;
surface magnetic structure and transitions; low energy electron microscopy (LEEM);
scanning tunnellinglatomic force microscopy (STMIAFM).
Dr Ting CHEN Lecturer
Dr Kam-Sing WONG Lecturer
Fullerene molecules; surface adsorbates, nanoscale surface structures and ultrathin film growth; charge-density wave, superconductivity and phase transitions;
mechanism of imaging surfaces and adsorbates by STM and AFM.
Dr Pak-Wo LEUNG Lecturer
Computational physics; Kagome lattice; Hubbard model.
Dr Tai-Kai NG Lecturer
Theory of Fermi liquid systems; quantum Hall effects; strongly-correlated metal and quantum spin systems; disordered and mesoscopic systems; density- functional theory.
Dr lam-Keong SOU Lecturer
Molecular beam epitaxial (MBE) growth and characterisation of Il-VI variable band gap semiconductor alloys; infrared laser devices; transport properties.
Dr Kwok-Yip SZETO Lecturer
Theory of quasicrystals; dynamics of frustrated spin systems; the Berry phase; superconductivity; critical phenomena in magnetic graphite intercalation compounds; cellular automata; chaos.
Dr Xiang-Rong WANG Lecturer
Kinetic aggregation; electron tunnelling in'disordered systems and polymers with complex weights; dynamics of an entangled polymer in disordered system;
Picosecond and femtosecond lasers; nonlinear optical properties of organic materials; ultrafast spectroscopy of the photoexcited carriers in conjugated polymers and semiconductors.
Dr Michael Kwok-Yee WONG Lecturer
Neural networks and performance optimisation; graph bipartitioning; dilute spin glasses; dynamic behaviour of highly connected systems; processing of corre- lated pattern sequences; quantum transport.
Dr Rong-Fu XlAO Lecturer
Thin film growth; single crystal growth; Monte Carlo or molecular dynamic simulation of crystal growth; surface physics.
Dr Xiao YAN
Dr Xiao YAN