Programmes
Launched in 1978, the Computer Science (CSCI) programme has gained an international reputation for its excellent research and teaching. The programme has a wide coverage of studies, including algorithms, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, computer and network security, database systems, machine learning, programming languages, etc. Students will progressively learn from the introductory courses to the more advanced topics, accompanied with tutorials and projects for hands-on experience, and develop a problem-solving mindset to tackle any possible challenges in the computer-related fields.
Studying in the CSCI programme is not just about academics. The programme encourages students to participate in various activities, such as ICPC, to broaden their horizons. The Work-Study programme and internships are also available for students to gain practical experience in the industry, equipping them with the necessary skills and career tactics for employment.
Computer science in constantly creating new opportunities in various fields. The CSCI programme will empower you to gain knowledge of state-of-the-art technologies. You will be the next computer scientist who innovates and changes the world.
Department-based Major Allocation
Starting from 2022-23, the CSCI programme will be under the department-based admission scheme. By the end of the first year of study, students who are admitted to the Computer Science and Engineering programme will be invited to declare their programme choices, either CSCI or Computer Engineering (CENG). The Department shall give due consideration to students’ preferences and try to accommodate students with their most preferred programme.
Gearing Up for the Technological and Digitized Society
Established in 1978, the Computer Science programme has developed a comprehensive curriculum with courses covering various areas, including theory, AI, machine learning, database techniques, computer graphics, distributed systems, big data analytics, computer and network security, etc. Six optional streams are available for students to choose according to their own interests:
- Intelligence Science
- Database and Information Systems
- Rich Media
- Distributed Systems, Networks and Security
- Algorithms and Complexity
- Data Analytics
A double-degree programme in Computer Science and Integrated Business Administration offers an option for students to broaden their horizons if they can fulfil the admissions requirements of both programmes. Students can use an additional year to gain the BBA degree upon completion of the BSc degree in Computer Science. Apart from having a double degree, students are also welcome to minor in other subjects according to their interests.
Our Computer Science Graduate
Yu CHAO, a CSCI graduate in 2021, now works as a software engineer at Google Taiwan. He attributes his success in securing a job at Google to the skills and knowledge he acquired from the programme. ‘Most tech companies nowadays look for candidates with good algorithmic problem-solving skills, so I regard “Data Structures” (CSCI2100) and “Design and Analysis of Algorithms” (CSCI3160) as the two most essential courses in CS. In CSCI2100, we were required to implement common data structures such as a stack, hash table, AVL tree, and heap in plain C language code. Although the course was very challenging and time-consuming, it made me comfortable with translating algorithmic ideas into actual working programs. CSCI3160 laid the theoretical foundations and made me excel in analysing time and space complexities.’
‘“Operating Systems” (CSCI3150), “Database” (CSCI3170), “Programming Languages” (CSCI3180), and “Computer Networks” (CSCI4430) are equally important. They came up a lot during knowledge-based interviews.’ Yu further mentioned how the programme had helped prepare him for the workplace: ‘I’m now working with Google’s Android Pixel team. Topics from these courses still often pop up during my day-to-day job. The courses offered by the CSE department give a solid foundation in both the practical and theoretical sides of CS. As the software industry becomes increasingly competitive, I feel quite lucky to have undergone such rigorous academic training.’
Every year, the programme admits over 100 students who are curious about computer systems and programming, including computer-aided design, multimedia, information retrieval, data science, and bioinformatics. The curriculum is designed with different levels of difficulty to help newcomers adapt. After beginning with introductory courses and hands-on projects, students advance to more challenging courses that combine theories and practical knowledge. The goal of the courses is to nurture students’ critical thinking about ethical, professional, and societal issues associated with information technologies.
Students are always encouraged to participate in placement and internship programmes, and some may choose to spend up to a year working in a real industrial setting. They can apply their knowledge to real-life situations under the supervision and guidance of their advisors and companies.
According to Prof. Irwin Kuo Chin King, Chairman of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, most graduates become software engineers or system designers for computer or product system advancement. ‘Many have taken up important positions in various organisations and companies, such as the HKSAR government, HSBC, Intel, Microsoft, IBM, and Google. Our graduates are highly sought after in different sectors. With the shift from a traditional to a technological and digitised society, computer scientists and software engineers are in high demand in every sector. Besides choosing to work in the industry, some graduates have entered postgraduate programmes in CUHK or other world-renowned universities overseas,’ said Prof. King.
Published: Summer 2020
Last Updated: Summer 2022