Programmes
The Faculty of Science is a world-class leader in academic excellence and competitive research. Students with a passion in science can join us through the SCIENCE Broad-based Admission Scheme, which offers opportunities for students to explore their interests and foster broad exposure in 11 science major programmes.
The flexible first-year curriculum and the specially designed Faculty Package courses not only equip students with multidisciplinary knowledge across various science subjects, but also help prepare them to select a major. Major declaration can be done at three time points with admission guaranteed, as no quota will be set for each specific major.
An integral part of our curriculum is undergraduate research. Students admitted to SCIENCE with strong abilities and interest to acquire wider exposure and research experience can apply to enroll in Science, Technology and Research Stream (STARS). STARS students can have access to cutting-edge research facilities where they can participate in research starting from 1st year under the supervision of our professors. They will also be given extensive exposure to relevant topics by taking part in international conferences, seminars and outgoing exchange.
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 Science, '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 11 major programmes in the Faculty:
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biology and Chemistry (Double Major Programme)
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Food and Nutritional Sciences
- Mathematics
- 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 major at the time of entrance, or at the end of Year 1 or Year 2 Note. 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 Chemistry, 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 eight-week summer programme at the University of Warwick, an exposure that further increased 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 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, who majored in Molecular Biotechnology, was first drawn to CUHK’s SCIENCE due to the wide range of majors it offers. 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.
Biochemistry 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 from School of Life Sciences 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 covers fundamental topics in the field ranging from relativity and Newton mechanics to thermodynamics and quantum mechanics. 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 cooperation 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.
Note
Students interested in the Biology and Chemistry Double Major Programme should declare their major at the time of entry or at the end of Year 1.
Published: Summer 2017
Last Updated: Summer 2022