Undergraduate Prospectus 1994-95

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The Chancellor The Chairman of the Council The Vice-Chairman of the Council The Treasurer of the Council The Vice-Chancellor and President The Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs The Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Administration and Business The Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Development

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Principal Officers of the University

His Excellency the Right Honourable Christopher PATTEN Sir Sze-yuen CHUNG, GEE, JP

Mr. CHENG Hon-kwan, OBE, JP

The Honourable LAU Wah-sum, OBE, JP

Professor Chia-Wei WOO, BS, MA, PhD

Professor Shain-Dow KUNG, BS, MS PhD

Mr. Ian F.C. MACPHERSON, CBE, MA

Professor Thomas E. STELSON, BS, MS, DSc

Prospectus for entry in September 1994

This Prospectus is published for the guidance of students who wish to enter the University in September 1994. The information herein may be changed from time to time by the appropriate University Authority. In the event of inconsist-ency between information contained in the Prospectus and a University regulation or programme, or where an interpreta-tion of the Prospectus is required, the decision of the Univer-sity Authority shall be final. The Prospectus does not form any part of a contract between any person and the University. An Undergraduate Prospectus in Chinese will be produced at a later date and will be available on request.

All enquiries should be addressed to: The Director

Admissions, Registration and Records Office

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay

Kowloon Hong Kong Telephone: 358 6622 Facsimile: 358 0769 July 1993

P R 0 5 P E C T U 5

U N D E R G R A D U A T E

1994-95

PROSPECTUS FOR ENTRY IN SEPTEMBER 1994

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THE

HONG

KONG

UNIVERSITY

OF

SCIENCE

AND

TECHNOLOGY

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Dear Applicants,

THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

· A Message from the

Vice-Chancellor and President

to Potential Applicants

On 8 November 1989, the Prince of Wales came out to ClearWater Bay Peninsula to lay the foundation stone for the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. More than 500 young students, representatives from secondary schools throughout the Territory, took part in this memorable event. Anew university was to be built, dedicated to the education of Hong Kong's future leaders, and to the economic development of the Territmy. Why did we invite these young guests to participate in the ceremony? Our sole aim was to inform you, the young people of Hong Kong, that this University was built for you.

As we approach the day when our fourth class of students will apply to join us on our magnificent campus, we have more to say to our young friends. The purpose of this Prospectus, then, is to inform you and your parents about the programmes offered by our different Schools and Departments, what kinds of students we are looking for, how our courses will be taught, and the campus activities in which you may wish to participate.

If you are curious about a wide range of topics, capable of hard work, compassionate, and enthusiastic about life in general, you will find the challenges you are looking for at HKUST.

Students entering in the initial years will blaze an exciting new trail for others to follow. As HKUST graduates, you will become cultured individuals endowed with specific knowledge relevant to the Territmy's economic and social well-being. With your hands on the present and your eyes on the future, you will build a better tomorrow for yourselves and for all of us-the people of Hong Kong.

Chia-Wei WOO Vice-Chancellor and President

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I. The University

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\The Campus

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Academic Staff \ St~dents

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Student Numbers i '\ ~

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Un,dergraduate Programmes

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Postgraduate Programmes \ l

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Uni~ers~ty

Entrance Requirements Ge'neral₁Undergraduate Entrance Requirements General[Uniyersity Requirements . , Entrance Rtjquirement Equivalents

English Larlguage Requirement Equivalents

iY~ature

Applicants

i .

~epart~ental Entrartc~

Requirements Ill. Application and Selection Procedures Undergraduate Programmes Available 1994

Degree Titles . .

Application for Adrilission in i994 Through JUPAS Timetable 'of the JUPAS 1994 Exercise

Application for Direct Admission in 1994 Advanced Standing

Selectioh Procedures • ··Successful Applicants Students from Overseas Double Registration Admission Enquiries· IV. The School of Science Selection Criteria

Interviews and Tests

The Department of Biochemistry The Departp1ent of Biology

The Depart~ent of Chemistry

The Department of Mathematics The Department of Physics V. The :school of Engineering Selectidn Criteria ·

Ihtervie\vs and Tests

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The Department of Chemical Engineering

The Department of Civil and Structural Engineering The Department of Computer Science

The Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering The Department of Industrial Engineering

The Department of Mechanical Engineering The Department of Computer Science and

the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering VI. The School of Business and Management

International Co-operation Selection Cliteria

Admission Requirements Interviews and Tests Degree Structure

The Department of Accounting

The Department of Business Information Systems The Department of Economics

The Department of Finance The Department of Management The Department of Marketing

VII. The School of Humanities and Social Science VIII. Research Centres, Institutes and Lal)qratories IX. Centralised and Academic Support Services X. Student Services

XI•. ~e~s, Othe~ Expenses and Financial Assistance

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Xll. Additional Information Index

Location Map Campus Plan

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The objectives of the University

are-(a) 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 (b) to assist in the economic and

social development of Hong Kong.

-The University Ordinance

I. I

THE UNIVERSITY

... the challenge of developing this new University not only to fulfill the needs and aspirations of the comnumity but to become a pride for Hong Kong.

- HKUST Council Chainnan SirS. Y. Chung

he Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) was incorporated in April1988, and opened in October 1991, as a publicly funded technological university dedicated to the advancement of learning and scholarship, with special emphasis on research, post-graduate education, and close collaboration with business and industry. It seeks to educate men and women who will contribute to Hong Kong's economic and social well-being, and to promote research, development, and entrepreneurship in the Asia-Pacific region.

To accomplish these goals, HKUST places emphasis on teaching - the dissemination of knowledge, on research - the creation of knowledge, and on service - the application of knowledge.

The University comprises four Schools. Three of the Schools-Science, Engineering, and Business & Management-provide both un-dergraduate and postgraduate education through to the doctorate. The School of Hu-manities and Social Science offers postgradu-ate education to the doctorate level, and provides general education for all under-graduates.

In addition, the University has set up inter-disciplinary research institutes and a Technology Transfer Centre to facilitate collaboration among the different Schools and partnerships between the University and the public and private sectors.

The medium of instruction is English. Undergraduate stu-dents are provided with instruction in English language skills as needed.

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8

HKUST is a gift from the people of Hong Kong to themselves and, surely some day, to the people of the world. - HKUST Vice-Chancellor Chia-Wei Woo THE UNIVERSITY

The Campus

The campus occupies a 60-hectare site of sweeping beauty on the northern end of ClearWater 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, looking east and northeast towards Port Shelter and the Sai Kung area. The main academic complex is situated on the highest level of the slope, while student residential halls, outdoor sports facilities, and other student amenities are close to the water and the natural marina.. The campus is being built in three phases. Phase I was completed in July 1991 with a capacity of 2,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) undergraduate and postgraduate students. Phase II, to bring capacity to about 7,000 FTE students, was completed in January 1993. Construction costs were $3.598 billion, of which the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club generously donated a total of $1.926 billion, and was also responsible for managing the overall construction project. The remaining cost was provided by the Government of Hong Kong. With the completion of Phase III (contingent upon Government's approval of construction funds), the Uni-versity will be able to accommodate a student body of 10,000 FTE students and will have about 9.3 million square feet of indoor academic space.

Academic Faculty

The University recruits worldwide for faculty who have achieved excellence in their respective fields and are highly respected as both teachers and researchers. They include both established academics and promising younger scholars who have demonstrated a high degree of professional competence. 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.

THE UNIVERSITY

These men and women care about Hong Kong, its people and its future. Most importantly, they care about their students. The University began instruction in 1991 with some 100 faculty, a large percentage of whom are in senior positions. By the end of 1994, about 350 academics will have been ap-pointed. Presently at a lower level, the steady-state student-faculty ratio will be 11: 1.

Students

The University seeks highly qualified and motivated young men and women who have wide interests and have received a well-rounded broad-based secondary education. They should be active participants rather than spectators in diverse activi-ties, and possess great potential in addition to having achieved good grades.

The University's goalis 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.

Projected Student Numbers

According to current projections, the University will admit 1,900 undergraduate and approximately 450 postgraduate students in 1994. A total of 5,000 full-time equivalent students will be registered in 1994. When fully established it is projected that the University will admit approximately 2,750 undergraduate and 700 postgraduate students annually to the four Schools.

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School of Science

School of Engineering

10

THE UNIVERSITY

Undergraduate Programmes

The undergraduate programmes offered by the University involve students attending full time for three academic years. The University curriculum is founded on a credit-based system, and all undergraduate programmes lead to honours degrees. HKUST believes in total education and the credit-basedstmcture of undergraduate academic programmes strikes a compromise between the sharp focus prevalent in traditional Chinese and British universities and the broad approach characteristic of Amelican universities. To ensure breadth of education, undergraduates take just over one-third of their credits outside their major department with at least 12 credits in the School of Humanities and Social Science and the remaining credits spread over subjects offered by other de-partments. For graduation purposes students will need to accumulate a total of 100-105 course credits.

As the University is being constmcted in phases, the Schools are introducing degree programmes in their respective De-partments over a period of three years. The School of Humanities and Social Science offers general education for all undergraduates in the other three Schools and accepts no first-degree students of its own.

Based on cunent planning, by 1994 all of the following first-degree programmes will be offered:

Bachelor of Science (BSc) (3 years) Biochemistry Biology Chemistry Mathematics Physics Applied Physics

Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) (3 years) Chemical Engineering

Civil and Stmctural Engineering Computer Science

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Industrial Engineering Mechanical Engineering

*

Computer Engineering School of Business and Management THE UNIVERSITY

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) (3 years) Accounting

Business Information Systems Economics Finance Management Marketing Bachelor of Science (BSc) Economics

*

Joilzt degree offered by Departmmt of Computer Science and Department of Electrical and Electronic Engilzeering

There will be more joint degrees offered by agreements between Departments and Schools. For details regarding the various Departments, please refer to appropriate sections of this Prospectus.

The quality of work completed is recognised by the assign-ment of grades where:

Grade A is given for excellent pelformance, Grade B is given for good performance,

Grade C is given for satisfactmy performance, and GradeD is given for a marginal pass.

Students are expected to attend classes regularly and to complete assigned work.

Postgraduate Programmes

The University offers postgraduate studies leading to mas-ter's and doctoral degrees in all four Schools. Please refer to the Postgraduate Handbook and individual departmental brochures for further details.

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12

II. UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

Knowing ignorance is strength. Ignoring knowledge is sickness.

-Lao Tzu

General Undergraduate Entrance Requirements

To qualify for admission to the University, applicants must: (a) normally be at least 17 years of age by the first day of the

academic year to which they are seeking admission; (b) meet the general entrance requirements of the University

and the requirements of the particular programme or programmes for which they are applying; and

(c) apply on the prescribed form before the application dead-line.

Entry to an undergraduate programme of study at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology requires pro-spective students to satisfy both general University and spe-cific departmental entrance requirements.

UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

General University Requirements

To satisfy the general University requirements, an applicant must have obtained:

(a) Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (HKCEE)

passes in at least seven subjects at the first and second attempts, with passes in at least five of these subjects at a single sitting, and

i) three of these subjects must be Mathematics, English Language, and another language, either Chinese or an alternative language;

ii) for English Language (Syllabus B), the grade ob-tained must beD or above, or equivalent, and iii) in at least two subjects the grade obtained must be C

or above.

(b) Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) grade E or above in the same sitting of

either (1) one Advanced Level (AL) subject plus (2) either Advanced Supplementary Level (AS)

Chinese Language and Culture, or AS Liberal Studies;

(3) two AS subjects; or (1) two AL subjects plus

AND

(2) either AS Chinese Language and Culture, or AS Liberal Studies;

(c) a pass at GradeD or above in AS Use of English. Alternatively, a pass at Grade E in AL Chinese Literature is acceptable ~n lieu of AS Chinese Language and Culture, in which case the student is required to have Grade E or above in:

either (1) two AL subjects (including Chinese

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or (2) AL Chinese Literature and 3 AS subjects. For applicants who are using an alternative language, rather than Chinese, to satisfy the language requirements in the HKCEE, AS Liberal Studies or another AS subject may be used as a substitute for the Chinese Language and Culture requirement.

For applicants with HKALE qualifications obtained prior to 1994, passes in at least three AL subjects and a pass at grade D or above in the Use of English Examination are required.

Entrance Requirement Equivalents

Alternatively the general entrance requirements may be sat-isfied by obtaining one of the following qualifications: (a) the General Certificate of Secondary Education, or the

General Certificate of Education, with passes in at least seven subjects at the Ordinary Level including Math-ematics, English Language, and a language other than English and passes in 1 AL subject + 3 AS subjects or 2 AL subjects+ 1 AS subject or, for candidates without AS subjects, passes in at least 3 AL subjects;

(b) at least one year's successful full-time study or equivalent in a bachelor's degree programme at a university or other institution recognised by this University;

(c) a professional diploma, higher diploma or higher certifi-cate from a polytechnic or recognised tertiary college in Hong Kong;

(d) an International Baccalaureate.

Notwithstanding the above, the University may recognise other qualifications from, or successful study at, an overseas institution for the purpose of satisfying the general entrance requirements. In assessing such qualifications, the Univer-sity wishes to ensure that overseas applicants have an educa-tional background which is equivalent to that required of

local candidates. Proficiency in English will also be a consid-eration.

English Language Requirement Equivalents

As an alternative to the English Language (Syllabus B) of the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination required at GradeD or above, one of the following examinations will be acceptable:

a) English Language (Syllabus A) of the Hong Kong Certifi-cate of Education Examination - Grade B or above; b) English Language of the Hong Kong Higher Level

Ex-amination - Grade D or above;

c) English Language of the General Certificate of Education Examination (Ordinary Level) - Grade C or above; and d) English Language of the General Certificate of

Second-ary Education - Grade C or above.

Mature Applicants

Applicants who do not satisfy the general entrance require-ments or the programme requirerequire-ments of the University but are aged 25 or over by the first day of the academic year in which admission is sought may be granted exemption from the University Entrance Requirements provided they can demonstrate aptitude and suitability for admission to a par-ticular programme of study.

Departmental Entrance Requirements

In addition to the general requirements, applicants must also satisfy entrance requirements for their desired programmes of study. Th~se are specified in the relevant departmental sections of this Prospectus.

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School of Science School of Engineering School of Business and Management 16

Ill.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES

Students may enter the University through two routes. Ap-plicants who are seeking admission on the strength of their Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination results should apply via JUPAS, as described below. All others including applicants currently reading full-time and sandwich degree programmes in one of the UPGC-funded institutions enter by direct admission.

In the September of 1994 the University will admit students to the following undergraduate programmes:

Degree

Title of Course

Abbreviated

Course

Title

Code

BSc Biochemistry BICH E420

BSc Biology BIOL E430

BSc Chemistry CHEM E440

BSc Mathematics MATH E460

BSc Physics PHYS E480

BSc Applied Physics APHY E481

BEng Chemical Engineering CENG E320

BEng Civil and Structural Engineering CIVL E330

BEng Computer Science COMP E340

BEng Electrical & Electronic Engineering ELEC E350

BEng Industrial Engineering INDE E360

BEng Mechanical Engineering MECH E370

BEng

*

Computer Engineering CPEG E380

BBA Accounting ACCT E220

BBA Business Information Systems BINF E230 BBA

orBSc Economics ECON E240

BBA Finance FlNA E250

BBA Management MGMT E260

BBA Marketing MARK E270

*

Joint degree offered by tlze Department of Computer Science and the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

All programmes are of three years' duration and involve

full-APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES

Degree Titles

Undergraduate programmes in the School of Science lead to the degree of Bachelor of Science (BSc).

Undergraduate programmes in the School of Engineering lead to the degree of Bachelor of Engineering (BEng). Undergraduate programmes in the School of Business and Management lead to the degree of Bachelor of Business · Administration- (BBA), or Bachelor of Science (BSc).

Application for Admission in 1994 Through JUP AS

In the Autumn of 1990 the "Joint University and Polytechnic Admissions System" (JUPAS) was introduced. This system enables applicants to apply on the strength of their HKALE results to the undergraduate programmes of the following seven member institutions of JUP AS:

City Polytechnic of Hong Kong Hong Kong Baptist College Hong Kong Polytechnic Lingnan College

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology The University of Hong Kong

For 1994 admission through JUPAS, the JUPAS Office will, in September 1993, provide the secondary schools of Hong Kong with the appropriate application forms, copies of the JUP AS Guide and the prospectuses of the seven participating institutions. The JUP AS Guide contains detailed information on application and selection procedures and a list of pro-grammes offered by individual institutions. It is essential that applicants study the JUPAS Guide and the prospectuses of the various institutions carefully before completing the appli-cation form. An appliappli-cation fee of HK$320 will be payable to the JUP AS Office by all applicants.

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18 l 1 November 1993 26 November 1993 15 December 1993 January to mid-June 1994 Late May 1994 15 June 1994 Early July 1994 1 August 1994 1-3 August 1994 Mid August-September 1994

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCEDURES

Timetable of the JUPAS 1994 Exercise

The following are important dates for the process of 1994 admission. It is included here to illustrate the admission process. JUPAS may make adjustments to the timetable.

Closing date for applications for admission

School applicants and non-school applicants receive application checklists of their personal data and choice of study programmes

Final date for applicants to report errors, if any, in applicants' checklists to JUPAS Office

Interview and tests, where appropriate

Announcement of HKAL U.E. examination results Final date for applicants to request IN PERSON for changes of their choice of study programmes to the JUP AS Office

Announcement of HKALE results

Publication of results of the main round offer in newspapers

Applicants to reply IN PERSON to offers in the main round to the JUP AS Office

Subsequent rounds of selection by individual institutions, if vacancies are still available. Applicants, if selected, receive letters direct from the institutions concerned.

If one learns from others but does not think, one will be bewildered.

If, on the other hand, one thinks but does not learn from others, one will be in peril. -Confucius

Application for Direct Admission in 1994

Applicants who are not eligible to apply for admission through the "Joint University and Polytechnic Admissions System" (JUPAS) including those currently enrolled in full-time and sandwich degree programmes of one of the University and Polytechnic Grants Committee (UPGC) -funded institutions should apply direct to the University. However, in accord-ance with UPGC' s guidelines on the inter-institutional trans-fer of students, applicants wishing to transtrans-fer from the first year of a full-time degree programme to the first year of the same or similiar discipline/study area in our University will only be considered in very exceptional cases.

Copies of the Undergraduate Prospectus and application forms will be available from 2 October 1993 for entry in September 1994 at:

Admissions, Registration and Records Office The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Clear Water Bay Kowloon Hong Kong

The completed application form should be returned to the University·at the above address by 31 December 1993 to-gether with a copy of the bank pay-in-slip confirming that the application fee of HK$120 has been paid into the bank account of "The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology" through a branch of one of the following banks: 19

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Bank of China or Hang Seng Bank Ltd., using the pay-in slips provided by the University.

The application form allows the applicant to select up to three degree programmes of study at the University. The selected programmes should be listed in order of preference on the application form. Subsequent changes are not normally permitted. Requests for change can only be made by writing to Admissions, Registration and Records Office.

Advanced Standing

Applicants from Universities, Polytechnics or other post-secondary institutions who have completed/are studying cur-riculum relevant to the programme(s) for which they are going to apply may choose to be admitted to the programme(s) with advanced standing. However, application for direct entry to year 2 or a later stage of the study programmes, will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Departments may grant advanced standing to students for successful study completed elsewhere within the guidelines: (a) for programmes normally requiring three years of

full-time study, a minimum of one year's full-full-time study at HKUST is required before a student is considered for award of the degree; and

(b) a minimum of 35 HKUST credits are required for graduation.

Selection Procedures

As stated earlier in this Prospectus, and it is worth repeating, the University seeks highly qualified and motivated young men and women who have wide interests and have received a well-rounded, broad-based secondary education; they should be active participants rather than spectators in diverse activi-ties. They should possess great potential in addition to having achieved good grades.

To meet these aims the University will rely heavily on the information contained in the school principal's or academic referee's report and on the information provided by the applicant in the application form.

The JUP AS procedure is described in a previous section (page 17). For direct applications to the University, after a careful scrutiny of the application forms and reports, arrange-ments will be made for selected applicants to be interviewed between 1 January 1994 and 31 March 1994. Firm offers and some conditional offers will be made to successful applicants after the interview. The conditional offers will specify the requirements that will need to be met to gain admission to the chosen programmes of study. Other selected applicants will be placed on a reserve list and will be reconsidered when the HKALE or other examination results are published.

Successful Applicants

Successful applicants are likely to be those who have strong support from their school principals or academic referees, have gained high examination marks over a number of years and over a wide range of subjects, and have been actively involved in extra-cunicular activities.

Students from Overseas

The University welcomes applications from overseas stu-dents who are seeking admission to full-time studies at the undergraduate or postgraduate level.

Applicants should be aware, however, that competition for admission is such that only well-qualified candidates will gain admission.

Details of the application and selection procedures have been given previously. However, because of differences between the educational system in Hong Kong and those in other countries, students eligible to enter undergraduate pro-grammes in their own countries may find that their

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qualifica-22

tions are not necessarily recognised for entry to the first year at HKUST. Prospective overseas undergraduate students should first write to the Director of Admissions, Registration and Records Office, providing full details of their educa-tional qualifications so that an initial assessment may be made as to their entry qualifications.

If that assessment indicates that the requirements may be met, the appropriate forms will be sent to the prospective student. These should be returned to the Director of Admissions, Registration and Records Office together with a bank draft to cover the application fee of HK$120. At that point the formal selection process will begin.

Certified true copies of all degrees, diplomas, certificates and other qualifications held should be submitted with the appli-cation form. Applicants accepted for admission will be required to produce the original documents on arrival at the University.

Overseas students should carefully consider the financial aspects of their studies in Hong Kong before applying for admission. In 1994-95 fees for local students will amount to HK$24,000. In addition monies will be needed for subsist-ence, text-books, local travel, sports equipment, clothing, and other personal needs. A total of at least HK$53,000 per academic year is likely to be required for undergraduate study.

The University is unable to act as a guarantor or otherwise to assist students in making arrangements for entry to Hong Kong. Overseas applicants should make their own arrange-ments to obtain a student visa by contacting the nearest British Consulate, High Commission or Visa Office in their own country.

Alternatively, prospective overseas applicants may write to the Hong Kong Immigration Department, 7 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong for advice.

Double Registration

Students admitted to a full-time programme of study at this University will be expected to study full-time for their de-grees. They will not be permitted to register for another qualification at this University or at another post-secondary institution unless they have obtained approval, in writing, from the Director of Admissions, Registration and Records Office. Students should note that student enrolment lists will be compared with those of other post-secondary institutions from time to time. If students are found to be registered elsewhere on a programme for another qualification they may be required to discontinue their studies at this University.

Admission Enquiries

Students requiring advice or assistance on application proce-dures, choice of programmes, entrance requirements or other related matters are welcome to visit, phone or write to the Admissions, Registration and Records Office which is open Mondays to Fridays during the following hours:

9am - 12:30pm 2pm- 5pm

and on Saturdays during the following hours: 9am- 12 noon

All enquiries should be addressed to: The Director

Admissions, Registration and Records Office

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Clear Water Bay

Kowloon Hong Kong

Telephone: 358 6622 Facsimile: 358 0769

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IV. THE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE

Degree offered: Bachelor of Science (BSc) with Honours The School of Science which comprises five Depart-ments; namely, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Math-ematics, and Physics, enrols about 25% of the Univer-sity's undergraduates and 23% of the postgraduates.

Science has, as its whole purpose, the rendering of the physical world understandable and beautiful.

- J.R. Oppenheimer

All five Departments were inaugu-rated in the fall of 1991 with simul-taneous intake of undergraduate and postgraduate students. All Depart-ments in the School offer first-degree programmes leading to the BSc de-gree, and postgraduate programmes leading to the master's and doctoral degrees.

In keeping with the University's phi-losophy of providing specialised train-ing with a generalist outlook, under-graduates are required to take, in ad-dition to the credits in their major Department, just over one-third of their credits in Departments belong-ing to other Schools with a minimum of 12 credits in the School of Humani-ties and Social Science.

Selection Criteria

Selection for admission to the University and the School is not based solely on the results of a single examination. Results of the HKALE and HKCEE are assessed together with other criteria such as progress and breadth of sub-jects taken throughout secondary school and participation in extra-cunicular activities. Reports and recommenda-tions from school principals and teachers are critically evaluated.

THE SCHOOL OF SCIENCE

For overseas and other applicants who have not participated in Hong Kong public examinations, other equivalent exami-nations and/or academic qualifications are considered.

Interviews and Tests

Applicants may be requested to attend personal interviews and/or take additional tests to be administered by the Univer-sity. Interviews are designed to provide further assessment information on the applicant's motivation, aptitude and overall suitability for the chosen field of study.

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26

The Department

of

Biochemistry

Degree offered: BSc in Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of biological molecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids etc. which form the mor-phological structures represented by the cell and cellular organelles, provide machinery for the inheritance and expression of genetic information, and energise catalytic transformations es-sential to cellular growth and reproduc-tion. The study of the nature of these molecules and their reactions has brought about rapid advances in the biological and medical sciences, and has furthermore enabled the develop-ment of biotechnological industries that are playing an increasingly important role in the global economy.

I hope mankind will be able to end the dangers threatening us and to progress while preserving all that makes us human.

Admission Requirements

- Andrei Sakharov

In addition to the general entrance requirements of the University, acceptable grades are required in two AL subjects plus one ALl AS subject. One of the AL subjects must be Chemistry, and one of the remaining ALIAS subjects must be Biology. For those candidates who attempted the Advanced Level Examinations prior to 1994, acceptable grades are required in at least three of the four subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Pure Mathematics. Students deficient in one of these subjects may be required to take remedial work in the first year of the degree programme.

Candidates applying on the basis of other qualifications will also be expected to have achieved acceptable grades in examinations taken.

Degree Structure

(l[ac,t, jn ,~cjeiJC~, ifiJO{ a mere fact, but an instance.

- Bertrand Russell

The objectives of the Bachelor of Science programme are to introduce students to the basic concepts of biochemical molecules and processes, and to provide training in the methodologies used in laboratory investigations. Accord-ingly, the programme will emphasise both theory and experi-mentation.

In addition to basic chemistry and biology classes, first-year students will be introduced to the concepts of molecular biology; mo-lecular structure and metabolism in topics such as nucleic acid structure and enzymology; DNA replication and transcrip-tion; protein structure; enzyme kinetics; and the chemistry and metabolism of carbohy-drates, lipids and amino acids.

Second-year courses will include genetic engineering, pro-tein chemistry, and membrane and cellular metabolism. In the final year, in addition to lecture courses, students may choose to conduct specialised research in a major area under the supervision of academic advisers or to· participate in a seminar programme examining the current status of various areas of biotechnological development.

Practical laboratory classes corresponding to the lecture sessions will be required in the first two years.

The most incomprehensible thing about the world is that it is comprehensible. -Albert Einstein

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Man masters nature not by force but by understanding.

- Jacob Bronowski

The Department of Biology

Degree offered: BSc in Biology

The study of biology covers a wide range of systems at all levels of organisation, ranging from molecules and cells to organisms and populations in both plants and animals. At HKUST, the biological research and teaching pro-grammes reflect all levels, with emphasis on the molecu-lar and cellumolecu-lar levels. Research areas within the Depart-ment include molecular biology and genetics, cell and developmental biology, plant and animal physiology, neurobiology, marine biology and environmental

biol-ogy. The Department also contributes to the research and develop-ment programmes of the Biotechnology Re-search Institute and the Institute for Environ-mental Studies. The Department of Bi-ology is equipped with modern teaching facili-ties and state-of-the-art research instruments, including facilities for cell culture and hybridoma, molecular and cell biology, and modern microscopy as well as animal care facilities and a green house for plant studies. Also, faculty and students may utilise the extensive central facilities and computer net-work of the University.

In addition to the general entrance requirements of the University, acceptable grades are required in two AL subjects plus one ALl AS subject. One of the AL subjects must be Biology, and one of the remaining ALIAS sub-jects must be Chemistry. For those candidates who at-tempted the Advanced Level Examinations prior to 1994, acceptable grades are required in at least three of the four subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Pure Math-ematics. Degree Structure Scientists ... peeping toms at the keyhole of eternity. - Artlwr Koestler

Other candidates with equivalent qualifications may also apply.

The three-year undergraduate programme leading to the Bachelor of Science degree provides basic training in the biological sciences through course work and laboratory stud-ies. During the first two years of study, students take a set of core subjects in biology and biochemistry. Laboratory work associated with the core and some of the elective subjects are also required. In their second and third years of study, students are required to take a series of electives so that they can specialise in one of the four areas, namely (1) Cell and Molecular Biology, (2) Organismal Biology (3) Marine Bi-ology and (4) Environmental BiBi-ology. These specialties reflect the current and future needs of Hong Kong and its neighbouring territories. Options for seminar courses that are designed to enhance the students' communication skills and research projects to train the student in laboratory re-search are also pr~vided.

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The Department of Chemistry

Degree offered: BSc in Chemistry

Chemistry is the science which deals with the composi-tion and properties of substances, and with the reaccomposi-tions by which substances are produced or converted into other substances. It is traditionally divided into four mainstream areas: analytical chemistry, organic chemis-try, inorganic chemischemis-try, .and physical chemistry. Just as in many other fields of study, the thrusts of advances in chemistry are gradually shifting to interdisciplinary areas, thus creating new opportunities for research and study.

First there must be a true man; then there can be true knowledge -Chuang Tzu

In addition to the general entrance requirements of the Uni-versity, acceptable grades are required in two AL subjects (Chemistry, and one of Biology, Physics, Pure Mathematics, or Applied Mathematics) plus one ALIAS subject (Biology, Physics, Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, or Math-ematics and Statistics). Candidates are discouraged from using two Mathematics subjects to satisfy the requirements. For those candidates who attempted the Advanced Level Examinations prior to 1994, acceptable grades are required in at least three of the four subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Pure Mathematics. Students deficient in one of these subjects may be required to take remedial work in the first year of the degree programme.

The three-year programme leading to the Bachelor of Sci-ence degree is designed to provide students with a strong theoretical and practical foundation in the four mainstream areas of chemistry: analytical, organic, inor-ganic, and physical. Introductory courses in these areas are required of all first-degree students throughout the three years. Students may choose a general programme tailored to their individual interests, or may specialise in one area by taking additional advanced course work and participating in approved research projects. Though this is not required for graduation, students with good records are encouraged to complete a research project under the super-vision of individual academic advisers.

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The Department of Mathematics

Degree offered: BSc in Mathematics

There are three categories of first -degree programmes in the Department of Mathematics: the programme in Pure Mathematics, the programme in Mathematical Sciences, and the programme in Scientific Computation. All courses of study lead to the Bachelor of Science degree in three years.

Generally speaking, students in the Pure Mathematics programme are interested mainly in the mathematical content of the subject matter, while students of Math-ematical Sciences are more interested in the scientific content of the subject. The Mathematical Sciences pro-gramme is usually interdisciplinary study undertaken in conjunction with another department of the University. The Scientific Computation programme is also interdisci-plinary and emphasises the study of large scale computa-tional algorithms (that are reliable, accurate and eco-nomic) to solve complex problems in science and tech-nology. In both the design of interdisciplinary under-graduate programmes and in research, the Department of Mathematics collaborates closely with many departments in the University, based on the interests of students and academic staff.

In addition to the general entrance requirements of the University, acceptable grades are required in two AL subjects (Pure Mathematics and Physics) plus one ALl AS subject. For those candidates who attempted the Ad-vanced Level Examinations prior to 1994, acceptable grades are required in Pure Mathematics, Physics, and at least one other Advanced Level subject.

Rigorous course structures have been designed for the pro-gramme in Pure Mathematics, Scientific Computation and various options in Mathematical Sciences.

Students in Pure Mathematics programme are required to take one year sequence each of Analysis, Algebra and Geometry.

Students in Scientific Computation programme are required to take the Scientific Computation project, totaling 9 credits, in the third year of study, besides other courses related to scientific computation.

Three options (physical science, computer science, and busi-ness and management) have been designed for the Math-ematical Sciences programme. In each option, specific areas of concentration have been designed as follows :

i) Physical Science Option Physics; Applied Mechanics ii) Computer Science Option

Artificial Intelligence; Computer Systems; Data & Know

l-edge Base Management

iii) Business and Management Option

Accounting; Business Information System; Economics; Finance; Management Operations; Organization & Management; Marketing

Students are strongly encouraged to take up to 9 or 10 courses in each of area of concentration in order to fulfil the option requirements.

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Man cannot live without seeking to describe and explain the universe. -Sir Isaiah Berlin

The Department of Physics

Degrees offered: BSc in Physics BSc in Applied Physics

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 which the scientific principles and laws are applied to the develop-ment of practical problems and devices.

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The programmes in the Department of Physics emphasise the study of basic laws and principles as well as practical problem solving. Students are given opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary activities in collaboration with other Departments.

All that glitters may not be gold, but at least it contains free electrons.

- J.D. Bernal

In addition to the general entrance requirements of the University, acceptable grades are required in two AL subjects (Physics and Pure Mathematics) plus one ALl AS subject. For those candidates who attempted the Advanced Level Exami-nations prior to 1994, acceptable grades are required in Physics, Pure Mathematics and one other subject chosen from Applied Mathematics, Chemistry or Biology. Candidates applying on the basis of other qualifications will also be expected to have achieved acceptable grades in examinations taken.

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 BSc programme in Applied Physics, with options in Computational Physics, Laser and Optical Physics, and Materials Physics, is intended for students interested in the more applied areas of Physics. Upon graduation, they could enter gainful employment in the government and private sectors or pursue postgraduate studies in Physics and related fields.

The first-year courses are common to both degree pro-grammes. Many courses are also common in the second year.

Certain mathematics and computer science subjects are highly recommended for all students. These include: ordinary differential equations, partial dif-ferential equations, linear algebra and matrix theory, complex vari-ables and modern algebra, data structure, and numerical methods for digital computation.

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V. THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Art is I; science is we.

- Claude Bemard

Degree offered: Bachelor ofEngineering (BEng) with Honours The School of Engineering is the largest of the four Schools. When fully established, it will enrol40% of the University's undergraduates and approximately 35% of the postgraduates. The School comprises six Departments: Chemical Engineering, Civil and Structural Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. In addition, starting with the 1994-95 academic year, the School will offer a degree programme in Computer Engineering managed jointly by the Computer Science and Electrical and Electronic Engineering departments. All Departments offer first-degree programmes leading to the BEng degree, and postgraduate studies leading to the master's and doctoral degrees. Undergraduate teaching in the School of Engineering is based on fundamentals in science and mathematics with strong emphasis on laboratory skills and design technique. In addition, most undergraduate students are required to attend industrial training in an approved training centre. Practical hands-on experience gained from industrial training in an industrial-like environment is necessary for professional engineering certification. Instruction and research in all disciplines is supported by the University's state-of-the-art laboratories, computing facilities and the Library as well as the central facilities including the Electronic Support Shop, Instrumentation Pool, Machine Shop, Glass Blowing Shop, CAD/CAM Laboratories, Microelectronics Fabrication Centre, and Materials Characterisation and Preparation Centre.

In keeping with the University's general philosophy of providing professional training with a generalist outlook, engineering undergraduates take no more than two-thirds of their credits within the School of Engineering. All students are required to take at least 12 credits in the School of Humanities and Social Science, 6 credits in the School of

THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Science, and 6 credits in the School of Business and Management. The remaining credits are spread over courses offered by departments other than the student's major department.

Selection Criteria

Selection for admission to the University and the School of Engineering is not based solely on the results of a single examination. Applicants are evaluated on a variety of characteristics. In addition to HKCEE and HKALE results, the University relies on recommendations and reports from school principals or academic referees. Applicants' progress and breadth of subjects taken throughout secondary school, and participation in extra-curricular activities is also considered.

For applicants who have not participated in Hong Kong public examinations, other equivalent examinations and/or academic qualifications are considered.

Interviews and Tests

Applicants may be requested to attend personal interviews and/or take additional tests to be administered by the University. Interviews are designed for the purpose of providing further assessment information on the applicant's motivation, aptitude and overall suitability for the chosen field of study.

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The Department of Chemical Engineering

Degree offered: BEng in Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering is a discipline in which the principles of mathematics, physical and natural sciences are used to solve problems in chemical systems. Chemical engineers design, develop, and optimise processes or plants, operate them, manage the individuals and capital which make them possible, and do the necessary research for new developments. These skills are critically needed in a broad range of industries, ranging from the traditional areas of petroleum refining and chemical processing to the increasingly important areas of environment, biotechnology, and microelectronics. In order to prepare the students for such a diversity of opportunities, the programme in the Department emphasises strongly the skills to solve problems, to do experimental work, and to communicate technical information effectively. The latest problem-solving tools and experimental apparatus are used to educate students to assume a leadership role in the rapidly changing technological world.

In addition to the general entrance requirements of the University, acceptable grades are required in two AL subjects (Chemistry, and one of Physics or Pure Mathematics) and two AS subjects(Biology and one of Applied Mathematics, or Mathematics and Statistics). For those candidates who attempted the Advanced Level Examinations prior to 1994, acceptable grades are required in Chemistry and Pure Mathematics, and one other subject chosen from Applied Mathematics, Physics, or Biology.

Candidates applying on the basis of other qualifications should demonstrate acceptable grades in the equivalent subjects in examinations taken.

The core of the curriculum is a series of required chemical engineering courses which cover the fundamental principles of the discipline. These courses include material and energy balances, thermodynamics, transport processes, reactor design, and process engineeling. By taking elective courses, students can build upon this foundation a specialised area of expertise. They can choose from several areas which coincide with the research strengths of the Department in advanced materials, bioengineering, environmental engineering, mathematical modelling, and computer applications. These areas are interdisciplinary by nature, and students may participate in research activities by enroling in project courses for up to six credits.

Other than the general University requirements, the curriculum also contains science and engineering electives for courses outside of the Department. The specific courses to be taken depend on the student's interests and are subject to approval by the academic advisor. Some options are: statistics. numerical analysis, statics and dynamics, circuits, biology, biochemistry, and advanced chemistry courses.

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The Department of Civil and Structural Engineering

Degree offered: BEng in Civil and Structural Engineering Civil and structural engineering is a broad-based discipline which provides the knowledge and technical skills to solve problems related to the creation and advancement of civilization. Civil and structural engineers are primarily responsible for the planning, design and construction of what is commonly referred to as the infrastructure of society. This includes the development, utilisation, and control of resources for the benefit of mankind. Participating in the rapid changes in the practice of the profession, the civil and structural engineering programme at HKUST emphasises the teaching of fundamental knowledge and basic technical and human skills to prepare students to meet the challenges in the development of a modem society. In particular, the programme is aimed at familiarising the students with the broad and interdisciplinary nature of the profession, and its role in, and responsibility to, society.

In Hong Kong, as in many other parts ofthe world, the 1990's is the decade of environmental awareness and rapid development and modernisation of infrastructure. The PADS Projects to be designed for and constructed in Hong Kong present an enormous challenge to the ingenuity and creativity of civil and structural engineers. The Department, through teaching and research, is committed to motivate and equip students with superior technical competence, managelial skills and leadership quality to fulfil the present and future needs of Hong Kong.

In addition to the general entrance requirements of the University, acceptable grades are required in two AL subjects (Pure Mathematics and Physics) and two AS subjects. For those candidates who attempted the Advanced Level Examinations prior to 1994, acceptable grades are required in Pure Mathematics, Physics, and one other subject chosen from Applied Mathematics, Chemistry or Biology.

Candidates applying on the basis of other qualifications should demonstrate acceptably high grades in the equivalent subjects in examinations taken.

Due to the broad-based nature of the discipline as well as the general practice of the profession, all undergraduate students in this programme are required to take at least 20% of their credits in humanities and social sciences as well as business and management, in addition to the comprehensive basic subjects covering the areas of construction engineering, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, and water resources engineering. Upon completion of the above, the student may elect to focus his or her study on one or two areas of applications by taking elective subjects containing comprehensive planning and design elements. Altematively, students may choose to remain in the general programme with a course of study tailored to their own interests.

Because of the importance of computer use in modern engineering practice, all students in civil and structural engineering must, in the course of the three-year programme, take at least one class in computer analysis and one course in computer-aided design. Each student is required to complete a final-year project and submit a written report under the supervision of an academic adviser.

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The Department of Computer Science

Degree offered: BEng in Computer Science

Computer science is the study of the structure, function and applications of computer systems. The Computer Science programmes include such topics as computer architecture, communications and networks, operating systems, programming languages and compilers, database systems, human interface, design and analysis of algorithms, and artificial intelligence.

...

You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him to find it within himself.

- Gali/eo

In addition to the general entrance requirements of the University, acceptable grades are required in two AL subjects (including Pure Mathematics) and two AS subjects; or three AL subjects including Pure Mathematics. For those candidates who attempted the Advanced Level Examinations prior to 1994, acceptable grades are required in Pure Mathematics, Physics, and at least one other Advanced Level subject. Candidates applying on the basis of other qualifications should demonstrate acceptable grades in the equivalent subjects in examinations taken.

All Engineering undergraduates are required to take a series of courses which provide them with basic engineering theories, concepts, and practices. Classes in the basic sciences and mathematics also form part of the cuniculum. Introductions to the theory, architecture, and applications of computers are taught in the second year. In the third year, students may specialise in one of the major concentrations such as software, information science, or computer engineering. Alternatively, students may choose to remain in the general programme with a study plan tailored to their own interests.

A final-year project is required for graduation, under the supervision of an academic adviser.

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The true scientist never loses the faculty of amazement. It is the essence of his being. -HansSelye

The Department of Electrical and

Electronic Engineering

Degree offered: BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Electrical and electronic engineers utilise theories of electricity, electromagnetism, circuits and electronics to

analyse and design devices or systems that generate or use electricity. In performing their jobs, electrical and electronic engineers today rely not only on physical principles but also on sophisticated engineering tools such as computer-aided design tools and sophisticated signal generation, test and measurement equipment. The programme in the Department emphasises electronics, signal processing, communication and microprocessor systems. The curriculum is designed to equip students with solid skills in fundamental principles and conceptualisation of the subject and to give good exposure to state-of-the-art CAD and CAE tools.

In addition to the general entrance requirements of the University, acceptable grades are required in two AL subjects (Pure Mathematics and Physics) and two AS subjects. For those candidates who attempted the Advanced Level Examinations prior to 1994, acceptable grades are required in Pure Mathematics, Physics, and one other subject chosen from Applied Mathematics or Chemistry or Biology.

Candidates applying on the basis of other qualifications should demonstrate acceptable grades in the equivalent subjects in examinations taken.

Young's Law: All great discoveries are made by mistake. -Harold Faber

The undergraduate programme in Electrical and Electronic Engineering is structured such that the student will complete the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Core Courses as well as basic mathematics, language and humanities and social science requirements during the first two years of study. The Electrical and Electronic Engineering Core Courses equip students with the basics of modern Electrical and Electronic Engineering. EEE Core Courses prepare the students for more advanced and specialised EEE elective courses during the third year of study. The EEE Core Courses together with other Engineering Courses provide students with the tools they need for their senior project. During the third and final year of study, each student is required to do a senior project. The senior project is counted as the equivalent of one six credit course for two semesters. Students should choose an EEE faculty member appropriate to their field of interest to be their project advisor. The project advisor will help the students to define the scope of their project. The students are responsible for carrying their project. The advisors are responsible for providing regular advice. The project advisor will work with the Department to ensure that departmental resources are available for the conduct of project. At the end of the year, the students are responsible for the documentation and presentation of their projects.

In the final year, students may specialise in a major subject area. Possible majors include integrated circuits, telecommunication, solid-state devices, digital signal processing robotic and control. A general programme is also available for those who elect not to specialise in one subject area.

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The Department of Industrial Engineering

Degree offered: BEng in Industrial Engineering

Industrial engineering is a broad-based discipline which is built upon a collection of methodological tools brought together for problem-solving in engineering and manufacturing management, with productivity improvement as its overall objective. Unique among the engineering disciplines, industrial engineering is primarily concerned with translating designs into economic products, rather than with the fundamental design of the product themselves.

Modern industrial engineering encompasses a wide spectmm of sub-specialties, from the "people-oriented" human-factor engineering to the "high-tech" sounding computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM). Other examples may be manufacturing strategy, facility and environment engineering, quality assurance, and manufacturing processes. Industrial engineers work in diverse industries and environments under a wide variety of job titles.

In addition to the general entrance requirements of the University, acceptable grades are required in two AL subjects (Physics and Pure Mathematics) and two AS subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Design and Technology, Applied Mathematics, Computer Applications, or Mathematics and Statistics). For those candidates who attempted the Advanced Level Examinations prior to 1994, acceptable grades are required in Pure Mathematics, Physics, and one other subject chosen from Applied Mathematics, Chemistry or Biology.

The three-year cuniculum is designed to provide the student with a broad and balanced knowledge base in the areas of mathematics, humanities, social science, basic engineering, computer application, and business administration. In order that theory and practice can be combined, workshop and industrial training are required. Students are also required to take a number of courses from other engineering departments in addition to the departmental requirements, such as quality control and production and manufacturing systems.

The programme emphasises computer and analytical skills. The concept of concurrent-engineering receives prominent treatment. After the first two years of common cmTiculum, a student may elect to specialise in computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM), facility and environment engineering, systems engineering, operations research, human factor engineering, or manufacturing strategy. All students are encouraged to take courses offered by the School of Business and Management.