Message from the Chair

Welcome to the Department of Mathematics at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Our Department started even before the establishment of the University in 1963. It began as three separate Mathematics Departments in Chung Chi College, New Asia College and United College some 60 years ago, and merged into a single department when the University was formed in 1963.

Over the years, our Department has developed into a world-class Mathematics Department to meet societal needs and global challenges through quality teaching, research and knowledge transfer. We have trained thousands of graduates who have been occupying top positions here in the Hong Kong and the world over. Most noteworthy is our alumnus Prof. S.T. Yau, who obtained the Fields Medal (the highest honor in Mathematics) in 1982.

Mathematics is the foundation of all sciences as it provides the universal language and tools to study and analyze different disciplines. It becomes increasingly important in this day and age when people collect vast amounts of information and data daily via different sources – financial, social, medical, environmental or astronomical. Analyzing these data requires a deep understanding of the mathematical models behind them, and solving the models requires sophisticated mathematical knowledge. The knowledge which a mathematics student would gain from the Department will prepare them for a wide range of careers.

Our Department provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers different aspects of mathematics and various streams of study to cater for the diverse career goals the students may have. We have world-leading researchers in algebra, analysis, geometry, number theory, partial differential equations, scientific computing and topology on our staff list. Even in today’s environment where research always takes the lead, high-quality teaching has always been the hallmark of the Department. As a result, our programme is able to attract top-notch students and has become one of the most competitive programmes within the University.

I invite you to browse our website to learn more about our curriculum and streams of study.

Jun Zou

Choh-Ming Li Chair Professor and Chairman, Department of Mathematics