The Mainstay of Science Education

Admitting more 400 new students each year, the broad-based admission scheme in the Faculty of Science at CUHK looks to attract students who are intellectually curious, persistent, open-minded and creative in their approach to scientific subjects. In the words of Prof. Song Chunshan, Dean of the Faculty, 'We aim to educate and inspire the next generation of scientific innovators and leaders, and to expand the frontier of human knowledge through quality teaching and research excellence.'

The broad-based admission scheme places high priority on each individual student and his/her interests. Students can choose from among 10 major programmes in the Faculty:

• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Cell and Molecular Biology
• Chemistry
• Food and Nutritional Sciences
• Mathematics
• Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Molecular Biotechnology
• Physics
• Statistics

There is no quota for a specific major, while ample academic advising will be provided to assist students in selecting their programmes of study. Students may declare their majors at the time of entrance, or at the end of Year 1 or Year 2. Acceptance is guaranteed.

In Pursuit of Science

The Bachelor of Science programme at CUHK allows students to take time to explore their interests in science through taking a series of fundamental courses covering a variety of fields of study before declaring their majors. Having confirmed her enthusiasm for organic chemistry in the first year of study, Cheung Tsz Lam Bonnie is happy to be admitted to the Chemistry programme, where she is able to explore the mechanisms of chemical reactions under the guidance of experienced teachers. She appreciates the opportunity granted by the Programme for her to complete theses on well-defined research topics individually. During her course of study, she has known herself better, reaffirming her commitment to academic pursuit in the field. She once joined an 8-week summer programme at the University of Warwick, an exposure that further whipped up her research interest and gifted her new perspectives on the differences in local and international research environments. The experience expanded her horizons.

Cheung Tsz Lam Bonnie (2nd right)

Speaking of her relationship with classmates, Bonnie says, “There is an excellent peer learning environment at CUHK. You can easily find companions to study and have fun with.”

As a student in the Science, Technology and Research Stream (STARS), Bonnie has benefited both from early exploration of her research interest and taking part in overseas exchange programmes with financial support. She encourages students with a passion for research to apply for STARS, through which they are sure to gain valuable insights from a group of dedicated and supportive teachers.

Ng Tin Long Chris was first drawn to CUHK’s Science programme due to the wide range of majors it offers. Now a year five Molecular Biotechnology major, he values the multidisciplinary approach adopted by the faculty and the diverse opportunities provided for students. Chris has been able to explore a variety of fields in biological science such as ecology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and medical science. Moreover, the hands-on laboratory training plays a pivotal role in shaping students’ values and principles as researchers. Chris was particularly impressed by Professor Wong Kam Bo’s teaching on laboratory techniques, which inspired him to perform experiments with a creative mind and agile problem-solving skills.

“Being in one of the major programmes in the School of Life Sciences with the smallest class size, my classmates and I are like a family,” Chris says. In the future, he aspires to further his skills and knowledge in the field by studying for a PhD in pharmacology.

The Biochemistry programme attaches equal importance to theoretical teaching and laboratory practice, motivating Siu Yiu Ching to delve deeply into intriguing biological phenomena and look at a problem from multiple perspectives. She shares, “Textbooks only guide you to put forward hypotheses, but to prove them, you must conduct hands-on research.” Siu has worked in multiple laboratories and on a variety of research projects at the School of Life Sciences. She attributes her rich research exposure to the trust placed in undergraduates by her teachers.

Siu Yiu Ching

Each year, CUHK sponsors five students to attend the top-notch Berkeley Biosciences Study Abroad Programme. Siu was glad to be one of those who benefited from the Programme. She was able to build upon her interest, develop her confidence and pursue her dream by engaging in laboratory training at the world-renowned Advanced Bioimaging Centre. Recalling the valuable takeaways in her undergraduate study, Siu said that the experience of being a student lab assistant to professors and graduate students who were generous with advice constructive to her personal growth was vastly eye-opening.

CUHK’s Physics programme covers fundamental topics in the field ranging from relativity and Newton mechanics to thermodynamics and quantum mechanics, etc. Wong Sum Ming has been working closely on cutting-edge research, including an investigation into the properties of iron-based superconductors, through which he has learnt to control a range of experimental instruments with absolute precision. He says, “These research experiences have allowed me to learn a lot about instrument control and build up my critical thinking, problem-solving and cooperative skills.” With an extensive curriculum and enriching research opportunities, the Programme encompasses both theoretical and experimental components, equipping Wong well to continue his studies and research on physical science in the future.

Published: Summer 2017
Last Updated: Summer 2021