Handbook for Prospective Postgraduate Students 2002-2003

COVER

Principal Officers

A Message from the

President

Contents

MVO Statement

The University

Admission of

Students

Fees, Scholarship

and Financial

Assistance

General Information

on Postgraduate

Studies

Academic Services

Central and

Interdepartmental

Research Units

Student Services

Additional

Information

Index

Location Map

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PRINCIPAL OFFICERS

Chancellor

The Chief Executive, the Hon TUNG Chee Hwa (
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) Pro-Chancellor

Dr the Hon Sir Sze-Yuen CHUNG (
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), GBM, JP Chairman of the Council

Dr Vincent H. S. LO (
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), GBS, JP Vice-Chairman of the Council Mr Philip N. L. CHEN (
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), JP

Treasurer of the University Mr Tim LUI Tim-Leung (
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), JP

President

Professor Paul C. W. CHU (
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), BS, MS, PhD, NAS, AAAS, CAS, Academia Sinica

Acting Vice-President for Academic Affairs

Professor Yuk-Shee CHAN (
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), BBA, MA, MBA, PhD

Vice-President for Administration and Business

Mr P. A. BOLTON (
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), BA, MA

Vice-President for Research and Development Professor Otto C. C. LIN (
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), BS, MA, PhD

For many decades the bachelor degree has been the springboard for young people to

enter the business and professional world; however, the economic conditions that we

face in Hong Kong, the rest of China and the region have been rapidly changing the

world we live in. The strong globalizing forces swirling around us, particularly in an

international city such as Hong Kong, mean that we can no longer rely upon our

traditional strengths. The new, higher value-added economy that we can and must

build, if we are to prosper in this young century, will be one that depends upon a

highly educated, creative, exceptionally motivated people for its competitive

advantage. A sound postgraduate degree is therefore essential for the education of the

leaders of tomorrow.

These are days of great challenges. By becoming a postgraduate student at the Hong

Kong University of Science and Technology, you will be able to equip yourself with

the leading-edge knowledge in science, technology, business and management, and

the humanities and social sciences. HKUST is committed to the education of great

minds who can meet the challenge of the knowledge era, and contribute to the well

being of Hong Kong, Greater China and beyond. I am sure our postgraduate programs

are well designed to fulfill this goal.

As a leading science and technology research university in Hong Kong, HKUST has

the mandate to transform Hong Kong into a knowledge-based economy. Postgraduate

programs are offered by all of our four Schools—Science, Engineering, Business and

Management, and Humanities and Social Sciences. We want our postgraduate students

to participate fully in the HKUST community, and for that reason all full-time

postgraduate students are entitled to residence on campus.

The members of our academic staff, of whom we are justifiably proud, are the heart

and soul of the University. All of them possess doctoral degrees, the majority from

the best universities in the world. Only first-rate faculty can attract first-rate students,

and at HKUST, we have among us a host of distinguished scholars and topnotch

professionals from business and industry.

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

The discovery of new knowledge and the pursuit of excellence are the hallmark of

the HKUST spirit. Our scholars and researchers have cultivated an innovative research

culture and their works are published in numerous leading professional journals.

Another emphasis of the University is to promote high-tech development in Hong

Kong and beyond. Therefore, in addition to fundamental research, our faculty devote

themselves to applied research. The strong links they have forged with industry and

business has placed HKUST at the forefront of research and development in Hong

Kong. We are fortunate that we have among ourselves such a professional and

dedicated community of educators and thinkers.

HKUST welcomes local and overseas applications, including those from other parts

of China. We value the intellectual stimulation that a diverse cultural milieu offers,

and I am sure HKUST’s global outlook would make the University home to many

students from abroad.

HKUST advocates lifelong learning and professionals are invited to apply for our

part-time and full-time postgraduate programs. Mature students constitute an integral

part of our postgraduate student body and at HKUST they can blend their experience

at work with the intellectual rigor offered by academic pursuits.

I invite you to take up the challenge and join us here at HKUST.

Sincerely yours,

Professor Paul C W CHU President

CONTENTS I. THE UNIVERSITY ... 1

Introduction ... 1

Academic Faculty ... 2

Students ... 2

Postgraduate Programs ... 3

II. ADMISSION OF STUDENTS ... 8

Postgraduate Admission Requirements ... 8

Application for Admission ... 8

Students from Outside Hong Kong ... 9

Visiting Overseas Students ... 10

III. FEES, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ... 12

Fees for 2002-2003 Academic year ... 12

Scholarships ... 14

Financial Assistance ... 14

IV. GENERAL INFORMATION ON POSTGRADUATE STUDIES 17 Postgraduate Studies ... 17

Full-time and Part-time Study ... 17

Double Registration ... 17

Duration of Study ... 17

Credit Transfer ... 18

Residency Requirements ... 19

V. ACADEMIC SERVICES ... 21

Center for Enhanced Learning and Teaching ... 21

Information Technology Services Center ... 21

Language Center ... 22

Publishing Technology Center ... 23

Safety and Environmental Protection Office ... 23

University Library ... 24

VI. CENTRAL INTERDEPARTMENTAL AND DEPARTMENTAL RESEARCH UNITS ... 27

Research Institutes ... 27

Advanced Manufacturing Institute ... 27

Biotechnology Research Institute ... 28

Europe Institute ... 30

Hong Kong Telecom Institute of Information Technology ... 30 THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Institute of Integrated MicroSystems ... 31

Institute of Nano Science and Technology ... 31

Shenzhen Institute ... 33

Sino Software Research Institute ... 33

Transportation Institute ... 34

Research Centers ... 34

Center for Asian Financial Markets ... 34

Center for Cultural Studies ... 35

Center for Economic Development ... 35

Center for Electronic Commerce ... 35

Center for Energy and Thermal Systems ... 36

Center for Experimental Business Research ... 36

Center for Medical Diagnostic Technology ... 37

Center for Scientific Computation ... 37

Center for Wireless Information Technology ... 38

Consumer Media Center ... 38

Hainan Center ... 38

Hang Lung Center for Organizational Research ... 39

Molecular Neuroscience Center ... 39

Multimedia Technology Research Center ... 40

Shui On Center for China Business and Management ... 41

South China Research Center ... 41

Survey Research Center ... 41

Center for Coastal and Atmospheric Research ... 42

Cooperative Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Research Center ... 42

Cooperative Research Center for Soluble Receptor Biology .... 43

High-Throughput Drug Screening Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine ... 43

Hong Kong Bioinformatics Center ... 43

Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode Displays Cooperative Research Center ... 44

Advanced Cement-Based Building Products Cooperative Research Center ... 44

Advanced Composite Materials for Infrastructure Repair Cooperative Research Center ... 44

Advanced Electronic Packaging and Assembly Cooperative Research Center ... 45

ATM/IP Telephony Solution Cooperative Research Center ... 45

Automation Technology Cooperative Research Center ... 46

Center for Display Research ... 46

THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Cyberspace Center ... 47

Internet Switching Technology Center ... 47

Semiconductor Product Analysis and Design Enhancement Center ... 47

Applied Technology Center ... 48

Central Research Facilities ... 48

Advanced Engineering Materials Facility ... 48

Animal Care Facility ... 49

CLP Power Wind/Wave Tunnel Facility ... 49

Design and Manufacturing Services Facility ... 50

Geotechnical Centrifuge Facility ... 50

Glassblowing Facility ... 51

Liquid Helium Facility ... 51

Materials Characterization and Preparation Facility ... 51

Microelectronics Fabrication Facility ... 52

Plant Growth Facility ... 52

VII. STUDENT SERVICES ... 54

Student Housing ... 54

Student Counseling Service and Career Center ... 55

Physical Education and Sports ... 55

Student Health Service ... 55

Student Activities ... 55

Student Amenities ... 56

VIII. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ... 58

Academic Year 2002-2003 ... 58

Academic Calendar for 2002-2003 ... 58

Admission Enquiries ... 59

Index ... 61

Location Map ... 65

MISSION

To advance learning and knowledge through teaching and research, particularly : (i) in science, technology, engineering, management and business studies; and (ii) at the postgraduate level;

and to assist in the economic and social development of Hong Kong.

VISION

To be a leading university with significant international impact and strong local commitment. GLOBAL To be a world-class university at the cutting edge internationally in

all targeted fields of pursuit.

NATIONAL To contribute to the economic and social development of the nation as a leading university in China.

LOCAL To play a key role, in partnership with government, business, and industry, in the development of Hong Kong as a knowledge-based society.

OBJECTIVES

STUDENTS To give all students, undergraduate and postgraduate alike, a broadly based university experience that includes: superior training in their chosen fields of study; a well-rounded education that enhances the development of their creativity, critical thinking, global outlook, and cultural awareness; a campus life that prepares them to be community leaders and lifelong learners.

FACULTY AND STAFF To provide a dynamic and supportive working environment in which faculty and staff may continually develop intellectually and professionally.

RESEARCH To be a leading institution for research and postgraduate study, pursuing knowledge in both fundamental and applied areas, and collaborating closely with business and industry in promoting technological innovation and economic development.

CAMPUS CULTURE To provide an open environment and atmosphere conducive to the exchange of knowledge, views, and innovative ideas among students, faculty, staff, and visiting scholars.

COMMITMENT TO To promote and assist in Hong Kong’s economic and social development, and to enrich Hong Kong’s culture.

THE UNIVERSITY

I. THE UNIVERSITY

Introduction

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) opened in October 1991 as a technological university dedicated to the advancement of learning and scholarship, with special emphasis on research, postgraduate education, and close collaboration with business and industry.

The University occupies an impressive 60-hectare site on the northern end of Clear Water Bay Peninsula at Tai Po Tsai. Situated on the slopes along the shore, the campus grounds are terraced to afford buildings on all levels with unobstructed panoramic views of the sea.

The campus has been built in two phases. Phase I was completed in July 1991 and has a capacity of 2,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) undergraduate and postgraduate students. Phase II, bringing capacity to about 7,000 FTE students, was completed in January 1993.

The major source of financial support for the University is the Government of Hong Kong through the University Grants Committee (UGC) and its Research Grants Council (RGC). Student fees, other sources of research support and donations are also significant contributors to the University’s budget, which will exceed $1.7 billion in 2001-2002. Construction of Phases I and II of the campus was assisted by a grant from the Hong Kong Jockey Club of almost $2 billion towards the cost of over $3.2 billion.

The President is the chief executive officer and the three principal branches of the University are Academic Affairs, Administration and Business, and Research and Development, each headed by a Vice-President. Within Academic Affairs are the four schools which comprise the academic heartland of HKUST, each school being divided into departments or divisions. There are a number of academic service units and research units located administratively within the branch as well. Administration and Business is concerned with the non-academic administrative and financial operation of the University, and Research and Development focuses on research administration and contractual and applied research relevant to Hong Kong’s technological and socio-economic development.

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THE UNIVERSITY

Three of the University’s schools - Science, E n g i n e e r i n g , a n d B u s i n e s s a n d Management - provide both undergraduate and postgraduate education. The School of Humanities and Social Science offers postgraduate education and general education for all undergraduates. As the medium of instruction is English, classes aimed at improving English language skills are required of most students.

To complement the schools and their constituent academic departments, the University has set up interdisciplinary research institutes and centers, the Applied Technology Center and the Technology Transfer Center to facilitate collaboration among the different schools and partnerships between the University and the public and private sectors.

Academic Faculty

The University recruits worldwide for faculty who have achieved excellence in their fields and are highly respected as both teachers and researchers. These include both established academics and promising younger scholars. More than 85% have experience at the world’s leading research universities, either as PhD graduates, or through postdoctoral studies or teaching appointments.

These men and women care about Hong Kong, its people and its future. They have broad intellectual interests, and wish to work collaboratively with colleagues in other fields and interact with professionals in industry, commerce and the public services. Most importantly, they care about their students.

The University began instruction in 1991 with some 100 faculty, a large percentage of whom were in senior positions. In 2001-2002, the teaching staff establishment will include 520 full-time equivalent positions.

Students

The University seeks highly qualified and motivated young men and women with wide interests who have received a well-rounded secondary education. In addition to having achieved good grades, they should be active participants in diverse activities and possess great potential.

The University’s goal is to engage its students in a continuous dialogue, to challenge them intellectually, and to encourage them to think on their own and to learn how to learn. Thus the University’s graduates will become competent professionals, innovative leaders in their fields, adaptable and versatile generalists, and sensitive, caring citizens.

THE UNIVERSITY

Postgraduate Programs

The University offers postgraduate programs leading to the graduate diploma, master’s and doctoral degrees: Program Code

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE

Materials Science and Engineering# M517

Mathematics M141

Physics M151

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Atmospheric Environmental Science M160

Biochemistry M110

Biology M120

Chemistry M130

Marine Environmental Science M162

Mathematics M140

Physics M150

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Atmospheric Environmental Science D160

Biochemistry D110

Biology D120

Chemistry D130

Marine Environmental Science D162

Mathematics D140

Physics D150

4 THE UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Electrical and Electronic Engineering (part-time only) M241

Environmental Engineering M519

Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management M252

Mechanical Engineering M261

Master of Technology Management (MTM)

Global Logistics Management A205

Information Technology A206

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Bioengineering^ M270

Chemical Engineering M210

Civil Engineering M223

Computer Science M230

Electrical and Electronic Engineering M240

Environmental Engineering^ M280

Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management M253

Mechanical Engineering M260 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Bioengineering^ D270 Chemical Engineering D210 Civil Engineering D221 Computer Science D230

Electrical and Electronic Engineering D240

Environmental Engineering^ D280

Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management D251

Mechanical Engineering D260

THE UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) A300

Master of Business Administration (MBA) A301

Dual Degree Programs (part-time only) :

Master of Business Administration / Master of Science in A301 SM Information Systems Management

Master of Business Administration / Master of Science in A301 IM Investment Management

Master of Business Administration / Master of Science in A303 Electronic Commerce Management

Master of Science (MSc, part-time only)

Electronic Commerce Management A302

Information Systems Management M321

Investment Management M341

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Accounting M310 Finance M340 Information Systems M320 Operations Management M373 Management of Organizations M350 Marketing M360 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Accounting D310 Economics D330 Finance D340 Information Systems D321 Operations Management D323 Management of Organizations D351 Marketing D360

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THE UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCE

China Studies M523

Humanities M413

Social Science M423

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Humanities M410

Social Science M420

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Humanities D410

ADMISSION OF STUDENTS

II. ADMISSION OF STUDENTS

Postgraduate Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to a master’s degree program should have obtained a first degree from this University or a recognized institution, or obtained an approved equivalent qualification; and satisfied the school and department concerned as to their fitness as well as their English ability to pursue the postgraduate program.

To be eligible for admission to a PhD degree program, applicants should normally have obtained a master’s degree from this University or an approved institution, or presented evidence of satisfactory work at the postgraduate level on a full-time basis for at least one year, or on a part-time basis for at least two years; and satisfied the school and department concerned as to their chosen subject of research, as well as their fitness and English ability to undertake the research.

Selected applicants may be invited for interview. Successful applicants will receive an offer of admission from the school or department concerned, and may be required to satisfy specified conditions. Applicants receiving an offer will be expected to accept or decline by a specified date.

Application for Admission

Application forms for admission to postgraduate programs are available directly from : Admissions, Registration and Records Office

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay

Kowloon Hong Kong

The application form can also be downloaded from the University’s homepage on the World Wide Web at the address: “http:// www.ab.ust.hk/arr” under the topic “For Prospective Postgraduate Students - How to Apply”.

The application fee for 2002-2003 is HK$120 (except for EMBA, graduate diploma, MBA, MSc (ECMT) and MTM programs). Applications for admission to postgraduate programs in September of the year are normally invited from January onwards. Interested persons are strongly advised to apply well before the program closing dates. In order to allow sufficient time to obtain a visa to study in Hong Kong, non-local applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible and not to delay submission until the closing date. Late applications may be considered, subject to availability of places.

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ADMISSION OF STUDENTS

Items to be submitted with the completed application form include a one-page statement on study plans and career goals; two letters of recommendation mailed directly to the Director of Admissions, Registration and Records; and officially certified academic transcripts of undergraduate studies (and postgraduate studies, if any); and a copy of the bank pay-in-slip confirming that the application fee of the HK$120 has been paid into the University bank account.

For non-local applicants, if official transcripts are in a language other than English or Chinese, a certified translation into English must be provided. In lieu of the bank pay-in slip confirming payment of application fee, non-local applicants may submit a bankdraft of an amount equivalent to US$16.00 with the completed application form.

Students from Outside Hong Kong

The University welcomes applications from non-local students who are seeking admission to full-time studies at the postgraduate level. Applicants should be aware, however, that competition for admission is such that only very well-qualified candidates will gain admission. Certified true copies of all degrees, diplomas, certificates and other qualifications held should be submitted with the application form. Applicants accepted for admission will be required to produce the original documents on arrival at the University.

Tuition Fee and Cost of Living

Non-local students should carefully consider the financial aspects of their studies in Hong Kong before applying for admission. Non-local students should note that they are not allowed to work in Hong Kong, part-time or full-time. The tuition fee for the current academic year 2001-2002, is HK$42,100 per annum (except for EMBA, graduate diploma, MBA, MSc and MTM programs). The tuition fee amount is annually reviewed by the Hong Kong Government.

Accommodation in on-campus postgraduate housing will involve approximately HK$16,000 - HK$30,240 per residential year (9 months). In addition monies will be needed for subsistence, textbooks, local travel, sports equipment, clothing, and other personal needs. A total of at least HK$120,000 - HK$140,000 per academic year (9 months) is likely to be required for postgraduate study.

ADMISSION OF STUDENTS

Visa

Non-local students must obtain a Hong Kong student visa before they travel to Hong Kong to begin their studies. Without a valid visa, they cannot register for their program of study at the University. The student visa will also enable students to enter Hong Kong as students. Applications should be made well in advance at a Chinese Embassy or Consulate, or by writing directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department, 2/F, Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong. Applicants will be required to show sufficient financial resources to cover expenses for their period of study. Applicants must also nominate a sponsor who is a resident of Hong Kong, aged over 21, to whom they are known personally. Applicants who have difficulty in nominating a sponsor in Hong Kong may indicate on their visa applications that the University’s Director of Admissions, Registration and Records is willing to act in this capacity.

Students from the Chinese Mainland

Students from the Chinese Mainland should note that they must apply for a student visa through their home unit, which is a process that takes several months. In addition, students from the Chinese Mainland cannot come to Hong Kong as students using ordinary Special Administrative Region (SAR) Entry Permits. They must have a valid Public Affairs Entry Permit issued by the State Council of China in order to be issued a student visa.

Visiting Overseas Students

Students from overseas institutions who wish to study at the University on a short-term basis, i.e. a minimum of one semester and a maximum of two, may apply for admission to the University as visiting overseas students. The application fee for 2002-2003 is HK$120. Visiting overseas students may take courses but are not enrolled on specific programs of the University. Details on the application procedures for visiting overseas students can be obtained from the Admissions, Registration and Records Office.

FEES, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

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III. FEES, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

This section deals with tuition and other fees, and financial assistance available for students.

Fees for 2002-2003 Academic Year

There are a variety of fees as described below. Except for caution money, fees described below are not refundable.

1. Application Fee

An application fee of HK$120 (except for EMBA, graduate diploma, MBA, MSc (ECMT) and MTM programs) is charged for each application for admission in 2002-2003 to the University. This fee, payable at the time of submission of the application form, is not refundable.

2. Tuition Fee

The tuition fee for the current academic year 2001-2002 is HK$42,100 per annum (except for EMBA, graduate diploma, MBA, MSc and MTM programs) for full-time students and HK$21,050 per annum for part-full-time students. The tuition fee amount is annually reviewed by the Hong Kong Government. The fee is to be paid in two equal installments before the beginning of each semester.

3. Fees for visiting overseas postgraduate students

Application fee HK$120

Tuition fee for visiting overseas HK$21,050 (subject to review by the postgraduate students HKSAR Government) for one semester of full-time mode of study;

or

HK$1,754 per credit (subject to review by the HKSAR Government) for studies during the Winter or Summer Session.

4. Partial fees

Taught postgraduate (non-SBM) students HK$1,754 per credit (subject to studying beyond the normal duration review by the HKSAR Government) (applicable to students in their final

semester only)

Quarter-time fee for research postgraduate HK$5,265 per semester students in their final stage of thesis

writing

Research postgraduate students studying 50% of the tuition fee paid for that

beyond the normal period semester will be refunded if all

program and residency requirements of the University have been met within the first three calendar months of a semester.

FEES, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

5. Caution money

Each new student is required to pay a deposit of $300 as caution money on first registration. Charges will be made against this deposit if there are any unpaid claims against the student, such as outstanding library dues. The balance will be refunded if the student leaves the University before graduation. At graduation, the student is required to restore the balance of the caution money to its original level and the full amount of the caution money will be transferred towards the graduation fee.

6. Graduation fee

Upon completion of the program of study and before the degree or diploma is awarded, each student is required to pay a graduation fee of $300. The fee is normally settled by transferring the full amount of the caution money.

7. Students’ Union fee

Students joining the Students’ Union are required to pay an initial entry fee and thereafter an annual subscription. These fees are set by the Union and collected by the University on behalf of the Union. The entry fee, applicable to students admitted for the first time, is $100 and the annual subscription is $100.

8. Late charges

Students may be required to pay late charges for failure to complete certain University procedures by stipulated deadlines. These include overdue library books. Late charges are levied in accordance with the rules and regulations set by the respective offices.

9. Charges per person for on-campus student accommodation

(Charges are subject to confirmation)

Postgraduate Hall: Single rooms; HK$16,000 per residential year (9 months) University Apartments: Single rooms; HK$3,300 per calendar month (excluding

utility charges)

All rooms are air-conditioned and the charges for Postgraduate Hall do not include electricity charges for air-conditioning. All charges are paid in advance by installments.

10. Other small fees and charges

Transcript fee per copy# (excluding registration mail charges) $50

Replacement of Student I/D Card $50

Testimonial fee $20

# A free copy will be issued to students upon graduation or withdrawal from the University.

▲ Subject to review by the University.

FEES, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

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Scholarships

Scholarships and Prizes

The University administers a number of scholarships and prizes on behalf of individual and corporate donors. Most are awarded to students, without application, on the strength of academic merit and the recommendations of a school or department. Other scholarships may have conditions specified by the donor. Details are obtainable from the Student Affairs Office or this website: http://www.ust.hk/scholarship.

Postgraduate Studentships

The University awards postgraduate studentships (PGSs) to selected full-time research postgraduates who consequently engage in ancillary teaching and/or research duties. In the 2002-2003 academic year, the rates of PGSs will be $14,500, $15,000 or $15,500 a month, depending on the year of study of the recipient.

Financial Assistance

Government Student Financial Assistance

Full-time students who have the right of abode in Hong Kong or have resided or have had their home in Hong Kong continuously for three complete years immediately prior to the commencement of their year of study are eligible to apply to the Government Student Financial Assistance Agency for financial aid. Assistance is offered through two schemes :

• Local Student Finance Scheme (LSFS):

Under this scheme, means-tested awards are offered in the form of grants and/or loans. Grants are given for tuition fee and academic expenses while loans are for living expenses. The amount awarded is related to family income and financial status. Grants need not be repaid; loans are to be repaid at a relatively low interest rate of 2.5% per annum within a specified period after graduation or upon leaving the University.

• Non-means Tested Loan Scheme (NLS):

This scheme offers loans up to the amount of tuition fee to applicants who do not apply for assistance or who fail to receive assistance from the LSFS. It also allows students who receive assistance from the LSFS to obtain loans up to the difference between the maximum assistance and the amount they receive under the LSFS, subject to the NLS loan maximum (equivalent to the tuition fees payable) not being exceeded. Loans awarded are not means-tested. Students are expected to repay the loans at a cost recovery interest rate within a specified period after graduation or upon leaving the University.

FEES, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Students may apply for assistance from both schemes or either one. Application forms and further details may be obtained from the Government Student Financial Assistance Agency at 12/F Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, or from the Student Affairs Office of the University. Students with financial difficulties are urged to apply for Government assistance as soon as it is open for application.

University Loans and Bursaries

Students with additional financial needs may apply for loans and bursaries administered by the University. In general, these funds are used to supplement, but not substitute for, Government financial assistance. Details of loans and bursaries are available at the Student Affairs Office.

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GENERAL INFORMATION ON POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

IV. GENERAL INFORMATION ON POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

Postgraduate Studies

1. Full-time and Part-time Study

Most postgraduate degrees are available on both part-time and full-time basis. The taught programs leading to the EMBA, MA, MBA, MSc and MTM degrees and graduate diplomas are suitable for students interested in part-time study. The MPhil and PhD are research degrees, and students in some disciplines may be required to participate in research on a full-time basis.

Postgraduate students may apply to their department, prior to the beginning of any semester, for transfer from time to part-time status or from part-time to full-time status. When such a transfer is allowed, the remaining degree requirements will be determined.

Full-time students in taught programs are expected to be in attendance during those semesters and sessions for which their programs are scheduled. Research students are expected to be in attendance on a year-round basis. For part-time students, attendance shall be as above except on a part-time basis as defined by the requirements of their programs.

2. Double Registration

Unless prior permission from the Director of Admissions, Registration and Records is obtained, students are not permitted to concurrently register for another program at this University or at another tertiary institution. Student enrollment lists are compared with those of other tertiary institutions from time to time. If students are found to be registered elsewhere, they will normally be required to discontinue their studies at this University.

3. Duration of Study

Taught master’s programs

For full-time MSc and MA students, the normative periods for completing the degrees is one or one and a half years as specified by individual programs. Part-time students may expect to take twice the time of full-time students. The normal period for completing the full-time and part-time MBA programs is one and a half years and two years, respectively.

GENERAL INFORMATION ON POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

Research degree programs

The normal period for completing the PhD degree in full-time mode is four years after the first degree with a reduction of one year if a relevant master’s degree is earned prior to entering the PhD program. For the MPhil degree in full-time mode, the normal period of study is two years.

Time restrictions on degree completion

The maximum time allowed for degree completion is five years for the master’s degree and eight years for the doctoral degree, with a one-and-a half-year reduction if a relevant master’s degree is earned prior to entering the PhD program. These time limits are in effect whether or not the student is in continuous registration. Time limits for part-time study are the same as for full-time study.

4. Credit Transfer

Credit Transfer may be granted to students in recognition of studies completed successfully elsewhere. Application must be made to their major department during their first semester after admission. Students applying for credit transfer must produce evidence, such as a transcript and course syllabus, to illustrate that a course is equivalent in content and level to another course taken elsewhere, for which a satisfactory grade has been obtained. Late applications will not be considered. Conditions on the granting of transfer credits are as follows:

a. No more than half of the required course work for students on taught postgraduate programs can be granted transfer credits;

b. Credits earned at the undergraduate level can only be used for credit transfer purpose if the credits had not been used to earn another academic qualification, and that the course must be at the 300-level or above, and

c. Transfer credits cannot be granted in recognition of non-course work experience or research work completed either at the University or at other institutions. The amount of transfer credits to be granted will be determined by the major department following review of past academic records and the level of equivalence to HKUST courses required.

Transfer credits granted will not be included in the calculation of grade averages. In addition, courses approved for credit transfer will not appear on a student’s transcript.

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GENERAL INFORMATION ON POSTGRADUATE STUDIES

5. Residency Requirements

Normally, a full-time research student is required to be on campus full-time and consequently in such geographical proximity as to be able to participate fully in University activities associated with the program. Residency provides the student with an opportunity to become immersed in the intellectual environment of the University. Also included in residency are periods during which the student’s research requires off-campus field or non-HKUST laboratory work.

Normally, the residency requirement for an MPhil degree is four full-time semesters and that for a PhD degree is eight. In many departments, the semester may include all or part of the subsequent session. A semester of residency of a part-time student counts as a one-half semester of residency. Students who have not completed their thesis work should continue registration on a full or part-time basis, without interruption.

These residency requirements do not apply to taught postgraduate programs which are defined by the semesters and sessions in which the programs are scheduled.

ACADEMIC SERVICES

V. ACADEMIC SERVICES

Teaching and research at the University are supported by a number of academic service units.

Center for Enhanced Learning and Teaching

The Center for Enhanced Learning and Teaching (CELT) is an academic support unit, dedicated to the advancement of quality education by fostering a continuous improvement culture on learning and teaching quality among students, faculty and other teaching staff at HKUST.

CELT provides leadership in the development and promulgation of effective teaching methods and technologies and is active in forming partnership with faculty to explore pedagogical and technological initiatives. Through consultation, evaluation service, grants for teaching improvement projects and provision of needed professional advice and technical support, the Center assists faculty members and other teaching staff in improving their teaching quality and achieving teaching excellence.

The Center also organizes orientation and series of workshops and seminars for teaching assistants (TAs) and works with departmental TA Coordinators to support TAs in their work. It plays an active role in enriching students’ learning from an institutional and cross-discipline perspective with learning enhancement programs that encourage well-rounded and active learning experience for UST students. As a form of community service, CELT also extends its support services to the wider education community in HK by conducting training sessions to schoolteachers in information technology and teaching.

For more information, please visit our website at http://www.ust.hk/celt or email [email protected]

Information Technology Services Center

The Information Technology Services Center (ITSC) develops and manages the computing and networking infrastructure of the University. It provides computing support to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, and research applications in all Schools. In addition, the Center also looks after the central audio-visual (AV) needs of the University to facilitate teaching and learning.

The HKUST computing environment is based on a secure distributed computing architecture. The cornerstone is an advanced high-speed and fault-tolerant switched Gigabit Ethernet network backbone. International Internet connectivity is provided by multiple high-speed links. Most of the laboratories and offices are provided with switched Ethernet or Fast Ethernet connections. The network covers not only all the academic buildings but also reaches out to staff quarters and student halls. Staff and students can also access network services via a

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ACADEMIC SERVICES

Mobile notebook users can have convenient network access through wireless or wired access points in public areas like computing laboratories, library and canteens. Off-campus users can connect their home computer to the campus network via dial-up modem pools. The Center operates powerful servers to provide campus-wide network services such as e-mail, network printing, World-Wide Web and electronic notice board. One important characteristic of the University’s computing environment is its multimedia and Chinese-English bilingual capability. Increasingly, more network services will have these features. All personal computers and scientific workstations are connected to the campus network, providing desktop computing power as well as a window to a vast array of information and computing resources such as Library systems, administrative systems, academic software packages and audio/video broadcasting programs.

The Center manages a number of central computing laboratories, providing PC, Macintosh and Unix workstation facilities for teaching and students use. Software training programs are provided to assist users to get the most out of their computers. The Center also looks after centrally-provided AV facilities in all common teaching venues, including 8 lecture theaters, some 70 classrooms and 30 teaching laboratories.

Language Center

The Language Center has a pan-University role in the provision of language courses. Its English programs seek to help students acquire the necessary language skills to gain the maximum benefit from their postgraduate curriculum. The Language Center also provides Business Communication programs for the School of Business and Management, and Technical Communiction programs for the School of Science and Engineering, all of which cater for the career needs of our graduates.

Courses in written Chinese, Putonghua, Cantonese, Japanese, French, German, Spanish and Latin are also offered by the Language Center.

The Center has three 24-booth language laboratories, complete with audio-visual and computer equipment, which are used by class groups to practice their listening, speaking and writing. Under the auspices of the Language Center, the English Writing Center organizes workshops and gives individual consultations. The Language Center also operates the Self-Access Center -- a well-equipped facility that provides a wide variety of materials, activities and services to aid self-directed learning of English, Putonghua and many other languages. The Self-Access Center is open to staff and students on weekdays (9 am - 8 pm) and Saturday mornings.

ACADEMIC SERVICES

Publishing Technology Center

The University is committed to high standards and up-to-date methods in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, research and publication. To this end, the Publishing Technology Center (PTC) sustains a comprehensive publishing service for all academic and research staff.

The Design and Multimedia Team of the Center provides assistance in the graphic design and production of university publications, teaching, research and promotional materials. It also provides web page design, CD-ROM production, computer graphics output and large-format plotting services. Meanwhile, its Photo Imaging Team supports photographic flat-copying, location shooting, portrait and event photo-taking together with image editing to

produce slides, transparencies and prints for academic and publicity purposes. The Print Shop provides high-speed, high-volume reprographic and offset printing services. In addition, the AV Production Team assists in the planning, videotaping, editing and duplication of AV, digital and multimedia materials.

Besides fulfilling the publishing needs of the university users, PTC acts as an in-house consultant and coordinator for production projects outsourced to commercial sector. The center also provides expertise advice regarding choice of delivery approach, production format, budget planning, system configuration and specification of multimedia facilities; it can further assist in tender evaluation and system integration processes.

Throughout the academic year, hands-on technical workshops will be organized and offered to faculty and staff to promote and enhance a wider use of electronic and web-publishing technology in teaching, learning, research, and publicity activities.

Safety and Environmental Protection Office

The University is committed to conducting all its teaching, research and other operation in a safe and environmentally friendly manner and in compliance with relevant regulations. Heads of all campus units have the responsibility to implement the University safety policy and to ensure a safe and environmentally healthy workplace. All members of the campus community must follow established safety and environmental procedures and watch out for the safety and health of one another. The Safety and Environmental Protection Office (SEPO) mission is to develop and help implement safety and environmental policies and procedures.

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ACADEMIC SERVICES

The Office provides leadership on the promotion of safety and environmental protection culture and awareness. SEPO’s vision is that students will learn about safe and environmentally friendly practices while studying at HKUST and will take this knowledge and experience into the community after graduation to positively impact the safety performance and environmental consciousness of the Hong Kong community.

Specifically, SEPO contributes to this University commitment by providing guidance and assistance in the following areas :

• Facilities and operations planning • Regulatory compliance

• Research proposal review and risk assessment • Hazardous materials exposure monitoring • Hazards control equipment evaluation

• Safety training to complement supervisors’ hands-on safety training • Personal protective equipment selection

• Emergency response and drill coordination • Medical surveillance program supervision

• Air emission, liquid effluent and waste management monitoring

• Accident and incident investigation to identify causes and to prevent recurrence • “Stop work” orders for repeated violation or imminently dangerous situation

University Library

The Library is an integral component of the academic programs, supporting the University's teaching and research in science, engineering, business and management, the humanities and social sciences. As of 2002, the Library’s book, periodical, and microform collections total approximately 620,000 volumes, plus 28,000 media materials. Its electronic collections include more than 100 electonics databases, and over 5,000 full-text e-journals.

ACADEMIC SERVICES

In addition, the Library offers its users a learning environment rich in electronic information and services. In a sense the Library is always open in that its extensive array of electronic resources can be accessed from every corner of the campus, including all student and staff housing, twenty-four hours a day. Users can search the Library catalog in both English and Chinese using a telnet or Web interface. The Library Web server (http://library.ust.hk) has developed into a central information hub for access to Library information, services, and resources; instructional materials; pathfinders; and Internet sites.

An experienced library staff assists users in a variety of ways, from the selection, acquisition, and cataloging of materials to making use of the collection, online searches, and interlibrary loans. There is also a fully-equipped classroom and a computer laboratory for group instruction. The University Library has a strong service orientation in order to effectively meet the information needs of its academic community.

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CENTRAL INTERDEPARTMENTAL AND DEPARTMENTAL RESEARCH UNITS

VI. CENTRAL INTERDEPARTMENTAL AND DEPARTMENTAL RESEARCH UNITS

To support and extend research based in academic departments, the University has established a number of research institutes and centers. Institutes promote and facilitate broad interdisciplinary research collaboration, while centers tend to be more focused. Such units advance the complementary research interests of a group of faculty and research staff, normally across traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Together with disciplinary research in academic departments, the following specialized research units provide both postgraduate and undergraduate students with opportunities to participate in leading-edge fundamental and applied research.

Research Institutes

Each research institute is managed by a Director who is responsible for programs, projects, facilities and personnel. Faculty, staff, students and visitors should contact the director if they wish to become involved in a particular program.

Advanced Manufacturing Institute

The mission of the Advanced Manufacturing Institute (AMI) is to enhance the competitiveness of manufacturing enterprise in Hong Kong. By building a synergy among the existing strengths in Automation Technology, Design Technology and Systems Integration Technology in the University and by leveraging on the unique location of Hong Kong in an area of rapid industrialization, the University is well positioned to be a major international center in global manufacturing.

The AMI’s research outcomes will directly benefit Hong Kong economy through the upgrading of its manufacturing industry. This includes transferring research results to local industry, spinning off appropriate projects as stand-alone business ventures, and providing better trained manufacturing professionals.

Areas of Focus

The scope of AMI encompasses the planning, design, implementation and operation of the manufacturing industry from marketing to delivery. Research and development of AMI focus on:

• Automation Technology (including Motion Control, Sensor, Actuator, Instrumentation and Rapid Prototyping),

• Design Technology (CAD/CAM, Concurrent Engineering, Human Modeling, Design Modeling and Virtual Reality Technology), and

• System Integration Technology (Mass Customization, Supply Chain Management, System Engineering, and Environment Policy Compliance).

CENTRAL INTERDEPARTMENTAL AND DEPARTMENTAL RESEARCH UNITS

These technologies are key elements of modern manufacturing systems. In order to achieve world class manufacturing, all three elements above need to be strengthened.

Research Programs and Projects

Manufacturing automation technology programs include rapid prototyping/tooling, manufacturing process control, grinding technology, multi-fingered robotic hands and manipulation, special-purpose robots, robotic vision and sensing systems, fuzzy control systems, non-linear and robust control techniques for mechatronic applications, motor drive and control systems, transportation automation, industrial motion control applications. Design technology programs include manufacturing system design, modeling and simulation for business process engineering, computer-aided design, human modeling, finite element modeling, reliability modeling of electronic packaging, design for supply chain management, concurrent engineering, design knowledge management systems, process design, CAD for quality and manufacturability.

System integration technology programs of manufacturing include mass customization, supply chain, integrating human factor, organization and technology, CAD/CAM integration systems, computer-aided process planning, computer integrated manufacturing system, quality control and measurement technology, management for new product development.

Biotechnology Research Institute

Globally, biotechnology continues to represent one of the most rapidly growing industries as a result of its propensity to provide innovative and state-of-the-art solutions to many complex issues facing the future well-being of the world and its population. As we enter the 21st Century, exciting and historical breakthroughs in basic and applied research await us just over the horizon. These critical advancements and their immediate applications to the medical, agricultural, food, energy and environmental sciences will ensure the continued outgrowth of the biotechnology industry. Noting the rapid pace by which biotechnology products are being developed, the future growth and expansion of this industry will most assuredly have a profound impact on the future health and well-being of humankind, as well as the world’s economy. In light of these developments, many countries have begun to recognize the importance of building-up their existing biotechnology base. From its inception, HKUST has made development and advancement of biotechnology one of the primary research initiatives of its faculty. With intuitiveness, HKUST in 1990 established the Biotechnology Research Institute (BRI) using a generous donation of $130 million from the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

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CENTRAL INTERDEPARTMENTAL AND DEPARTMENTAL RESEARCH UNITS

The mission of the BRI is to assist Hong Kong in developing a strong biotechnology industry through recruitment of outstanding and motivated faculty, training of professionals, expansion and continued development of state-of-the-art research facilities, support of basic and applied research in relevant areas of science, and further development and enhancement of promising biotechnology products. Additionally, the Institute has assumed a committed and supportive role for the development of enabling technologies, such as DNA array and integrated biochips, which are key capabilities vital to establishing a globally competitive biotechnology industry in Hong Kong. The focus of BRI research and development interests and expertise include :

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

• to provide scientific verification of the effects of TCM • to discover lead compounds for new drug development • to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM

• to develop methods and protocols for TCM quality assurance and reformulation

Neuro-Proteins

• to discover novel neuro-proteins and elucidate their cellular functions and molecular interactions

• to identify potential therapeutic and diagnostic approaches to neuro-diseases

Protein Engineering and Design

• to elucidate the pathways of protein folding and the structural basis of protein stability so that therapeutically useful proteins with improved properties can be designed.

Plant Biotechnology

• to produce transgenic crop plants that can better withstand the environmental stresses inherent to this region, and bring about improvements to the agricultural economy of the region.

Additionally, BRI actively sponsors several research facilities essential for conducting cutting-edge biotechnology research:

• Plant Growth Facility • Animal Care Facility

• Fermentation Facility • High-Throughput Drug Screening Facility

• Microscopy Facility • Molecular Biology Facility

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance • Genechip Facility

Facility (500 MHz & 750 MHz) • Combinatorial Chemistry Facility

Currently, BRI maintains worldwide affiliations with universities, research institutes and industrial entities, as well as serving as a supporting institution for the newly formed International Molecular Biology Network for Asia and the Pacific Rim (IMBN). BRI’s web site address: (http://www.ust.hk/~bri)

CENTRAL INTERDEPARTMENTAL AND DEPARTMENTAL RESEARCH UNITS

Europe Institute

The mission of the Europe Institute - an umbrella organization focused on science, technology, and management - is to promote academic exchange and R&D collaboration with European universities, research institutes, and corporations. It provides a foothold for European institutions seeking to establish a strong, long-term presence in China or East Asia - especially in academic research, applied R&D work, technology-based manufacturing, and the service industry.

Two national centers are formed under the Institute: the German Center and the French Center. Activities of these Centers include:

• faculty collaboration involving short-term visits • long-term collaborative research projects

• student exchange, particularly at the graduate level • collaboration on contract research and R&D projects Europe Institute’s Website : http://www.ust.hk/ei

Hongkong Telecom Institute of Information Technology

This Institute was founded with a grant of $65 million from Hong Kong Telecommunication Limited. The concept of the Institute is based on the recognition that in future there will be no economic development, no industry or commerce, no service or manufacturing capability of any significance without the full utilization of telecommunication and information technology. All Schools at the University are involved in the research activities of this Institute. At present, the Institute is sponsoring five major research programs, namely lightwave technology, network technology, wireless communication, video technology, and human language technology.

Undergraduate scholarships and postgraduate research assistantships are also offered through the Institute, and certain members of the academic faculty are designated as Institute Fellows.

Institute for Environment and Sustainable Development

Hong Kong has made the improvement of its environment a high priority to ensure sound future development. HKUST has contributed to this effort over the past years through its Institute for Environment and Sustainable Development and through the collaborative efforts of the staff and students in the participating departments. Over 40 projects have been carried out for a total funding of over $35 million in collaboration with governments and industries in Hong Kong, China and Southeast Asia. The projects cover air and water pollution, marine coastal zone management, cleaner production for Hong Kong and China’s industries, eco-labelling for Hong Kong, remote sensing and environmental GIS studies, to name but a few.

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CENTRAL INTERDEPARTMENTAL AND DEPARTMENTAL RESEARCH UNITS

The change of name to “Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development” (IESD) as of 1 April 1997 is deliberate. It emphasizes that the philosophy of the Institute is to support development necessary for a growing population and an increasing standard of living, but to ensure as much as possible that such development is carried out in a “substainable” way, that is, in harmony with our environment.

IESD, in collaboration with the Department of Chemical Engineering has started a newly funded project by the Hong Kong Jockey Club to build Mobile Real-time Air Monitoring Platform (MAP). This is an advanced system for the measurement of gaseous air pollutants, volatile organic compounds, and various aerosols properties and compositions while in transit. MAP will be important in understanding the dynamics and mechanisms of atmospheric pollution. In collaboration with the Departments of Biology and Chemical Engineering, a program in bioaerosols has been initiated. Bioaerosols are of primary importance in Hong Kong because of the high temperature and humidity in the summer.

The Pearl River Estuary Pollution (PREPP) is a joint project between HKUST’s IESD and CCAR (Center for Coastal and Atmospheric Research) and several partner institutions in the Mainland. Its objectives are to improve our scientific knowledge of the physical, chemical and biological ecosystem of the estuary.

Institute of Integrated Microsystems

The Institute of Integrated Microsystems (IIMS) was established in January 2001. It is a new initiative based on the prior success of the Institute of Microsystems (IMS), which was active from 1994 to 2000.

The main objective of IIMS is to coordinate the frontier research across campus on micro-sciences and micro and nano technologies. Involving about 40 faculty in both the School of Engineering and School of Science at HKUST, the current activities include micro and nano fabrication technology and applications of MEMS, MOEMS, various types of sensors, actuators, and bio-chips; micro and nano tribology, micro-heat transfer, micro-dynamics, thin films and ER fluids, micro-fuel cells, micro machining and micro-assembly, packaging and bio-chips.

IIMS is enhancing the infrastructure for the fabrication and characterization of micro and nano systems at HKUST. It will facilitate interdisciplinary projects, and promote interaction with local industries and collaboration with institutions in the Chinese Mainland and overseas.

Institute of Nano Science and Technology

Mission

The Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) aims to pursue world-class fundamental research in the area of nanostructured materials, to create critical interdisciplinary opportunities, to train human resources, and to partner with local and regional industry for technology transfer of research results.

CENTRAL INTERDEPARTMENTAL AND DEPARTMENTAL RESEARCH UNITS

Goals

• To forge a multidisciplinary collaborative team, and through the synergism of materials synthesis, experiment/characterization, and theory/simulation, to generate new knowledge in the physics and chemistry of nanostructured materials and their attendant properties, with an eye toward industrial applications.

• To strengthen scientific interactions with other local research groups and top research groups around the world in nanostructured materials.

• To educate students in the science and technology of nanostructured materials, and to disseminate the most up-to-date discoveries and their implications to the general public. Research Programs

Nanostructured materials constitute a field of immense diversity. In order to be effective in obtaining the best results with limited resources, INST intends to focus its research in the following three areas of existing strength.

(a) Ordered nanostructures

At HKUST, we have successfully fabricated the world’s smallest carbon nanotube arrays by means of using zeolite crystals as templates. We are also the world’s first to discover room-temperature UV lasing from zinc oxide nanocrystal arrays. With the additional support of INST, organized efforts will be mounted to study the fascinating electrical and optical properties of quantum wires as represented by the 4.2-Angstrom carbon nanotubes, and to understand the role of strong electron-electron correlation in the measured characteristics. We also intend to fabricate, by using either the atomic force microscope or the chemical means, ordered two dimensional nanostructures. These structures are expected to exhibit exotic physical characteristics such as the Giant Hall effect, which could have potential applications.

(b) Composites and polymeric systems

A new type of materials systems, consisting of multiply-coated microspheres ranging from 0.5 micron to 50 microns in diameter, was conceived and successfully fabricated at HKUST. These microspheres exhibit not only record-setting electrorheological yield strength under an applied field, but can also form mesocrystals that undergo field-induced structural transitions. Future directions include the realization of photonic crystals by using these coated spheres, and fabrication of coated microrods for application in electrorheological fluids. In polymeric systems, polymers with biomemetic nanostructures were successfully synthesized. We would like to explore the use of these polymers as templates for the formation of novel materials. In addition, we intend to pursue the study of polymers in nanosized confined spaces, a topic that can yield potentially significant insight into polymer dynamics that deviate from th bulk.

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CENTRAL INTERDEPARTMENTAL AND DEPARTMENTAL RESEARCH UNITS

(c) Semiconductor heterostructures

A new type of UV detector, using zinc sulfide heterostructures, was successfully demonstrated. This UV detector exhibits not only superior performance, but also lower cost of production. It is now in the commercialization stage. Fundamental questions, such as the role of the isoelectronic center and band-bending, are to be addressed in future research. In III-V semiconductor systems, a new and unified framework has been proposed to explain and predict the current oscillation behavior observed in the vertical electrical transport of the GaAs/A1As superlattice system. Based on the phenomenon of negative differential resistance, the theoretical framework allows the possibility of chaotic oscillations. Such possibility, as well as their physical and technological implications, will constitute part of the research program to be pursued under INST.

In all the research programs, the synergy of theory/simulation, experimentation/ characterization, and material synthesis will be the basic driving force that insures their progress and eventual success.

Shenzhen Institute

Hong Kong and Shenzhen will become a twin-city and the core of a great metropolis in South China. It is only natural for a university designed to enhance the economic and social development of Hong Kong and its region to contribute to the building of a strong partnership across the border.

Funded mainly by the Shenzhen Municipal Government, and under the banner of “Peking University (PKU) - Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Academic Alliance”, a base has been established in Shenzhen’s High-Tech Industrial Park to offer executive education programs, house applied R&D projects, and incubate technology enterprises. Also, a “Shenzhen PKU-HKUST Medical Center” is being built, and a multi-partner law program is being planned. These peripheral activities round out HKUST’s very focused core programs in teaching, research, and public service.

This Shenzhen Institute coordinates HKUST’s participation in all these activities.

Sino Software Research Institute

The Sino Software Research Institute (SSRI), established in July 1992 with a $20 million grant from the Sino Land Co., Ltd., has the dual aims of supporting software research that can lead to practical applications, and providing assistance in transforming those applications into useful products.

CENTRAL INTERDEPARTMENTAL AND DEPARTMENTAL RESEARCH UNITS

The Institute sees its primary role as that of a catalyst, helping software research projects reach the critical phase in which ideas may be translated into prototypes that can be evaluated using large-scale trails. The Institute also encourages development efforts in areas that are relevant to the economic and social development of Hong Kong. One such project is the “Hong Kong SuperNet”, which has made full Internet access available to the public, an important step towards maintaining Hong Kong’s status as a regional communications center. Beyond its interest in software research and development, the SSRI also provides technical and consultative help to local businesses as they seek to implement the latest software technologies. As part of this effort, the Institute sponsors conferences, workshops, seminars and lectures on software topics related to the needs of businesses and public institutions. Examples are the 16th IEEE International Conference on Distributed Computing Systems and the 10th International World Wide Web Conference which were held in Hong Kong in May 1996 and May 2001 respectively. Both are flagship conferences in the areas.

Transportation Institute

Hong Kong must continually upgrade its transportation services and infrastructure to maintain mobility of people and freight. The Transportation Institute is making a contribution through human resource development and R & D partnerships. Its mission is to become an acclaimed world-class Institute, offering education, training and research programs to international standards of excellence while, at the same time, providing services to the transportation industry in Hong Kong and the region. In consideration of needs and opportunities, the Transportation Institute is strategically focusing on systems engineering and technology aspects of:

• passenger transportation systems (urban, regional and international) • freight systems and logistics (regional and international)

• economics of transportation (passenger and freight)

Research Centers

Center for Asian Financial Markets

The Center for Asian Financial Markets is formed to develop a data and knowledge base on Asian financial markets to facilitate research and the dissemination of knowledge and expertise. It will also provide an academic interface with government and business. Activities will include publications, provisions of expertise, development of new data and teaching materials, a bi-annual newsletter, a working paper series, seminars and public lectures, executive education, consulting services, and contract research.