Bulletin For Prospective Undergraduate Students 2012-2013

Abstract

2012–2013 Bulletin for Prospective Undergraduate Students

Find Yourself at HKUST

THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 香港科技大學

Our Miracle Continues

Are you ready to tap in the energy of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology ?

Discover how you will shine at this powerhouse of learning, which is transforming the community into a knowledge-based society. Since 1991, HKUST has advanced academic excellence with its all-PhD faculty and has risen through global rankings. You will be part of the developments in the world’s most exciting region, learning and applying your knowledge in Asia-nurturing your future career prospects.

Springboard to the world HKUST offers you the world when it comes to international exchanges and opportunities. Fun and fascinating, these learning journeys strengthen your first-class education. We have academic partnerships with the world’s top universities.

Ranked among the world’s best No. 1, World’s Top 200 Asian Universities (2011) (QS Asian University Rankings) No. 40, World’s Top 200 Universities (2010) (QS World University Rankings) No. 41, World’s Top 200 Universities (2010) (Times Higher Education World University Rankings) Are you ready to tap into the energy of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology?

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Message from the President of HKUST 1991 was a year of great significance. That year, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology was established.

With record breaking speed, the University has risen among the world’s best universities. Our achievements, powered by visionary founders, exceptionally dedicated teachers and researchers, as well as outstanding students, have brought us the name - “Miracle University”.

Over the past two decades, the HKUST has nurtured over 40,000 globally competitive, professionally competent and socially responsible graduates. Our groundbreaking researches and discoveries in science, engineering, business, humanities and social science bear witness to our commitment to advance knowledge and to foster creative thinking.

It all originates from a simple idea - to think the unthinkable and to reach the unreachable. With technological developments rapidly accelerating and the world of information at our fingertips, we are marching into the age of imagination. And imagination is limitless.

Join us. Join the HKUST - a vibrant, forward-looking research University aspiring to nurture pioneers, discoverers and inventors. This is a magical place where miracles happen, imagination celebrated, creation encouraged and innovation facilitated. Be part of our fascinating achievements.

Tony F Chan President

2 Message from Associate Provost and Dean of Students

Celebrating our 20th anniversary this year, HKUST belongs to the same generation as many of our current and prospective students. Young may be the University, much has been achieved, with many of our first aspirations now become realities.

Constantly on the move and always ready to take on challenges, we have re-designed the entire undergraduate curriculum. Starting from the 2012 academic year, we will fully implement school-based admission and the first cohort of DSE students will opt for UST’s four individual Schools. Students will get a better understanding of different academic fields during their first months at HKUST. Such a broad disciplinary exposure will give students a better idea of their real interests and strengths. The new structure also offers them greater flexibility in deciding their study paths, leading to single major, double major, major with minor(s) and inter-disciplinary degrees.

As a HKUST student, you are strongly encouraged to participate in a wide array of development and enrichment activities including international exchange, undergraduate research opportunities, corporate internship, leadership training and community services. The very successful HKUST Connect is a service-learning program offering diverse community service and leadership training opportunities for students to integrate curricular and co-curricular experiences. Our Living Learning Communities at student residential halls extend learning beyond classroom by engaging students in a variety of dynamic and vibrant activities.

If you want to join a university that will turn your aspirations into realities, HKUST is for you. We are here to help you recognize your strengths and excellence and we focus on your success. Browse this brochure, visit our website http://join.ust.hk, or better, come to our picturesque campus at Clear Water Bay and find out the life-changing education that lies ahead of you.

K Y Tam Associate Provost and Dean of Students

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Development and diversity

We strive to develop the leaders of tomorrow. If you have the potential, you can discover it at HKUST. We offer you the freedom to explore, through learning and co-curricular activities, your own uniqueness.

4 “I actively participated in a slew of extra-curricular activities at HKUST. These involvements did help my management and critical thinking skills. Yet what I treasure most is the learning-to-learn mindset and research and project management know-how … at the core of HKUST’s academic curriculum.”

Hon. Starry Lee, JP Legislative Council Member BBA (Accounting) 1996

Breadth and depth You may already know which program might suit you best – in science, engineering, humanities, business and management. But did you know that you have the flexibility to choose courses outside your discipline, according to your interests? You will also have the chance to contribute to valuable research and join collaborations with business and industry.

Facts at a glance (as at Jan 2011) UG Students Teaching Staff Science 1,462 123 Engineering 2,363 163 Business & Management 2,142 145 Humanities & Social Science New program launched in 2011 59 Interdisciplinary Programs 205 7 from the Division of Environment, plus teaching staff pooled from all 4 Schools Total 6,172 497

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Learn • Experience • Grow 6 “The HKUST is an open-minded university and students are encouraged to embrace challenges, which suits me very well. Studying at the HKUST could be the single best decision I’ve ever made in my life. I was in my element the three years I spent there.”

Francis Kwok Founder & CEO, Radica Systems Limited BSc (Physics) 1998

Our program philosophy

HKUST’s undergraduate programs focus on four areas essential for our graduates to succeed today. We offer well-rounded training through a balance of academic and non-academic programs.

Four educational pillars for balance and achievement Broad-based education Global perspectives and international outlook Integration of theory and practice Personal development

7 Introduction of 4-year Undergraduate Program In building up towards the 4-year undergraduate program, the University will enhance both in-class and out-of-class learning.

School-based admission Broad-based University Common Core Capstone experiences for undergraduates Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)

We offer a holistic approach to your undergraduate education in order to nurture your finest potential. Here, you will find academic and extra-curricular enrichment programs plus a satisfying choice of discipline options.

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Pursue your true academic interests

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School of Science The School of Science promotes a vibrant and dynamic environment that emphasizes academic excellence, innovation, and collaboration. We offer a wide spectrum of programs in life sciences, chemistry, mathematics, and physics, with content periodically updated to reflect the latest technological advancements and scientific developments. Our challenging curriculum emphasizes flexibility and creativity, and is structured to equip the next generation of scientists who would be inspirational leaders and independent thinkers.

School of Engineering The Engineering discipline prides itself for innovation and creativity in providing solution for our industries and the betterment of the society. Making a significant contribution on a global scale has always been a priority for the School of Engineering. Our high international rankings confirm our standing as a leading academic force.

School of Business & Management The key missions of the HKUST Business School are to advance the frontiers of global business knowledge; develop business leaders in Asia for the world; and contribute to the social and economic transformation of the region. To enlighten the next generation of young leaders, we have pioneered a holistic approach to our undergraduate education - an education that emphasizes arousing intellectual curiosity, sharpening logical reasoning and cultivating enterprising spirits for compassionate and forward-thinking individuals who dare to dream and make positive impacts on the world.

School of Humanities & Social Science The School boasts of its strengths in China and comparative research, and it has the largest interdisciplinary program in social science anywhere and some of the strongest programs in Chinese linguistics and Chinese philosophy. It is also developing collaborative programs with strategic high-impact university partners in China, Europe, and North America. The School’s mission to extend students’ knowledge and widen their field of vision is crucial to the education of the region’s future leaders in commerce, the professions and public service.

Interdisciplinary Programs Office The interdisciplinary programs bring together two or more different fields of study, offering a great opportunity for students with more than one interest to integrate their abilities. This brand-new type of educational experience is characterized by small multicultural intake, high-powered curricula across different schools and wide-ranging professional enrichment activities. Programs are referenced to Hong Kong’s needs and global trends to ensure relevance, with strong input from business and industry to keep training in line with market demand.

Your gateway to global perspectives

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As one of the most international campuses in Hong Kong, we celebrate diversity in our population by recruiting a worldwide faculty and students. We have over 1000 international students at UG level, plus over 500 inbound international exchange UG students. We offer our students a myriad of global opportunities with exchange programs at more than 150 partner institutions worldwide.

“Bonjour! Going on exchange really opened my mind to many new possibilities. I selected courses that were not available yet in Hong Kong over 10 years ago when I went to ESC Rouen in France. Academic learning aside, I am still good friends with my exchange roommate, Mutsuko who now lives in Tokyo. Professionally, the exchange experience enhances cultural awareness. Certainly this is advantageous when working across continents, especially in places like Hong Kong.”

Angelica Leung Manager of International Operations, InvestHK BBA (Marketing) 1998

Internationalization is an integral element of the undergraduate experience. HKUST has the most extensive student exchange network in Asia. Approximately one -third of our students are chosen for outbound academic exchanges every year.

Our partner institutions in Asia are located in Mainland China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan. We also have many partners in the United States, United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Canada, South America and Oceania.

Partner institutions’ regions Oceania Asia Europe United Kingdom United States Canada Mexico

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Way more than classes

You will not be immersed in dry academia. What you learn in class will be applied in real life. You will discover the satisfaction of researching your assignments and presenting them to the others. You will see your work come to life.

Academic competitions Competitions are a great way to tap into the energy of cutting-edge thinking, and offer excellent drilling and training. Our faculties are there to help you succeed.

Capstone projects Students undertake company-sponsored projects that strengthen their ability to apply knowledge from different areas in real-world situations. Through working with real managers on real business problems, students will gain experiences in project management and establish future business links.

Internships Test your knowledge and skills in a world-class workplace. Choose from Hong Kong, Mainland China or abroad to build your personal skills and your network.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) UROP offers the chance to work on exciting research - whether you join established research projects or pursue your own ideas. Our students gain satisfaction from aligning their research with their academic, career and life goals.

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In 2009, Prof Zexiang Li of HKUST’s Electronic and Computer Engineering Department, assisted by his student Frank Wang, developed an unmanned miniature helicopter which made the world’s first autonomous flight to Mount Everest.

13 “Starting up a business is no easy task. We’ll never forget how much support we gained from HKUST when we started our company. All the staff and professors in HKUST are very supportive and gave us a lot of opportunities, not only when we were studying, but also after graduation. During our years at HKUST, we had lots of chances to explore, experience and enrich our network. These were amongst the happiest moments of our lives.”

Terence Tsang Founder & Technical Director, Pencake Limited BEng (Computer Science & Engineering) 2006

Terry Tsang Founder & Marketing Director, Pencake Limited MPhil (Civil Engineering) 2006

Life on campus

HKUST’s campus life gives access to excellent sports facilities and over 30 sports clubs. Students can also get involved in the arts, dance, drama, film, orchestras, choirs … life is full of joyful possibilities.

14 “Your well-being is the foundation on which your success is built. Staying healthy physically and psychologically is important. The Student Counseling Service at HKUST is a peaceful place for you to recharge, allowing you to lay down your stressful burden and relax your body and soul, this enables you to combat life and academic challenges with more positive energy. We are here to share, to care, and to grow together with you!”

Vava Kwok Student Counselor, HKUST

Hall life Student hall is a unique learning ground for enriching the life experiences. It provides rare opportunities for you to cultivate friendships, learn about yourself, develop intellectual faculties and experience a true sense of community. Students can choose to join an array of Living Learning Communities (LLC). http://llc.ust.hk

REDbird Program The REDbird Award Program is a three-year holistic student development program that aims to foster the participants’ desirable attributes of Respectful, Energetic, Diverse, Bright, Innovative, Responsive, Diligent and dependable through action-learning. REDbird Club Members are also exposed to numerous opportunities to grow through training, service learning, internship, and learning trips. https://sao.ust.hk/redbird

Green Ambassador Program The HKUST - Hang Seng Bank Green Ambassador Program is an Environmental Education program. Through community-building projects, internships and cross-cultural activities, it helps you to enhance the environmental and sustainability awareness of peers and the public, and solve critical environmental issues facing our communities. It also aims to empower HKUST students to be role models and agents of change in the University and the community. http://hsgreen.ust.hk/

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97.1% had found jobs, started businesses, pursued further studies or returned to their homeland by December Over 80% received their first job offer before September Over 50% received more than 1 job offer

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“We look for graduates with a proactive and aggressive work attitude. They should have the ‘can do’ spirit. Having an excellent work attitude is more important than a First Class Honors. HKUST graduates working in our company outperform. They are eager to learn and take up responsibilities. Even under intensive job training, they are able to work under stress.”

Ms Catherine Lo Vice President of Human Resources & Administration – CPCNet

Distribution of employed graduates by employment sector Community & Social Services 1.5% Government & related Organisations 2.7% Education 8.1% Engineering Industries 23%

Commerce & Business 64.7%

Our graduates Learn • Experience • Grow

We encourage you to be a lifelong learner, capable of planning your life and career with confidence, as well as responding and adapting to change. Life is more than finding the ideal occupation. It’s managing the variety of work roles - paid and unpaid - as well as life roles, leisure activities and learning throughout a lifetime.

We are proud that our graduates were described by corporations as ‘flexible’, ‘professional’, ‘quick learner’ and ‘possessing leadership qualities’. This was reflected by the consistently high employment rate.

join.ust.hk