Undergraduate Courses 2017-18

The course aims to develop students' proficiency in English as well as their academic literacy skills, so that they can cope with the linguistic demands of studying through the medium of English. The course aims to develop students' competence in academic writing and their ability to engage in oral interaction in social and academic contexts. For students under the four-year degree curriculum.

The course builds on LANG 1002 and aims to further develop students' proficiency in English as well as their academic literacy skills, so that they can cope with the linguistic demands of studying through the medium of English. The course aims to develop students' competence in reading and writing, as well as the ability to engage in oral interaction in social and academic contexts. For students under the four-year degree curriculum.

This course seeks to enhance the market competitiveness of HKUST graduates by making them effective users of spoken Putonghua and Standard Written Chinese in meeting communicative needs in academic, social and professional contexts. The course materials and activities help students acquire fluency and accuracy in the use of Chinese by engaging them in authentic communication tasks based on real-life situations and needs. Students' mastery of Putonghua phonology and Chinese syntax and lexis will also be enhanced through in-class teaching and outside class practice.

This course targets students who enter HKUST with a good command of the Chinese Language and who wish to raise their proficiency level in reading and writing. The focus of this course is on critical reading and higher-order thinking skills, leading on to the production of written texts which demonstrate clarity of thought and sophisticated use of the Chinese Language. Students’ learning experience is enhanced by a range of classroom and outside-class activities involving them in reading, critiquing, researching and writing tasks.

This course targets students who enter HKUST with a good command of the Chinese Language and who wish to raise their proficiency level in reading and speaking. The focus of this course is on critical reading and higher-order thinking skills, and the ability to produce coherent speech showing clarity of thought, sophistication in language use, as well as clear and accurate speech in spoken Putonghua. Students' learning experience is enhanced by a range of classroom and outside-class activities involving them in reading, critiquing, researching and speaking tasks. Students with qualifications equivalent to the prerequisite may seek instructor's approval for enrollment in the course.

This course specifically caters for students who have a good command of the Chinese Language and who wish to raise their proficiency level in reading and speaking further. It equips students with the ability to read critically and formulate coherent arguments for speaking in demanding situations, including participation in fora and making public speeches. Specific attention will be paid to the expert use of voice and articulation, as well as features such as pausing, stress, rhythm and tone in speaking Putonghua. Students with qualifications equivalent to the prerequisites may seek instructor's approval for enrollment in the course.

This course seeks to advance the Putonghua speaking and Chinese writing abilities of local Hong Kong students who have attained a reasonably high standard in Chinese language on leaving secondary schools. The course materials and learning tasks help students to engage in rigorous intellectual analysis of academic and socio-economic issues and formulate coherent arguments for Putonghua speaking and Chinese writing in demanding situations such as participation in public fora and writing critical essays for publication in the media.

This course seeks to enhance the Putonghua speaking and Chinese writing abilities of students who have typically undergone schooling in a Chinese language community. Learning tasks and activities on this course further challenges students to aim at very high levels in terms of precision of expression in writing and expressiveness and persuasiveness in speaking. The learning experience will also sharpen the students' awareness of style and tone and context of situation.

Introduction to Chinese language and culture; basic understanding of Putonghua phonology and Chinese syntax; basic communicative competence in Chinese; recognition of high‐frequency Chinese characters. The course is restricted to students with non‐Chinese language backgrounds. Instructors’ approval is required for students with Chinese backgrounds who are from international schools of Hong Kong, China Mainland and other Asian countries, also for overseas students with either Mandarin or Cantonese language backgrounds.

This course builds on the groundwork laid in LANG 1120, and takes students to a higher level of understanding of Putonghua phonology and a stronger communicative competence in using Chinese in daily and social situations. The course is restricted to students with non‐Chinese language backgrounds. Instructors’ approval is required for students with Chinese backgrounds who are from international schools of Hong Kong, China Mainland and other Asian countries, also for overseas students with either Mandarin or Cantonese language backgrounds. For students without prerequisite but with prior Chinese learning experience of approximately 50 hours may seek instructors’ approval to enroll in the course.

This course builds on the groundwork laid in LANG 1120 and LANG 1121, and takes students to a higher level of understanding of spoken Chinese and a stronger communicative competence in using Chinese in daily, social and professional situations. The course is restricted to students with non-Chinese language backgrounds. Instructors’ approval is required for students with Chinese backgrounds who are from international schools of Hong Kong, China Mainland and other Asian countries, also for overseas students with either Mandarin or Cantonese language backgrounds. For students without prerequisite but with prior Chinese learning experience of approximately 100 hours may seek instructors’ approval to enroll in the course.

This course builds on the groundwork laid in LANG 1120, LANG 1121 and LANG 1122, and takes students to an intermediate level of understanding of spoken Chinese and a stronger communicative competence in using Chinese in social, professional and business situations. The course is restricted to students with non-Chinese language backgrounds. Instructors’ approval is required for students with Chinese backgrounds who are from international schools of Hong Kong, China Mainland and other Asian countries, also for overseas students with either Mandarin or Cantonese language backgrounds. For students without prerequisite but with prior Chinese learning experience of approximately 150 hours may seek instructors’ approval to enroll in the course.

This course builds on the groundwork laid in LANG 1120, LANG 1121 and LANG 1122 and LANG 1123, and takes students to an intermediate-high level of understanding of spoken Chinese and a stronger communicative competence in using Chinese in social and professional situations. Restricted to students with non-Chinese language backgrounds only. Students without the prerequisite but with approximate 200 hours of prior Chinese learning experience or attained level 4 in the HSK Chinese Proficiency Test may seek instructor’s approval for enrollment in the course.

This course builds on the groundwork laid in LANG 1120, LANG 1121 and LANG 1122 and LANG 1123, and LANG 1124, and takes students to an intermediate-high level of understanding of spoken Chinese and a stronger communicative competence in using Chinese in social and professional situations. Restricted to students with non-Chinese language backgrounds only. Students without the prerequisite but with approximate 250 hours of prior Chinese learning experience or attained level 4/5 in the HSK Chinese Proficiency Test may seek instructor’s approval for enrollment in the course.

This course builds on the groundwork laid in LANG 1120, LANG 1121 and LANG 1122 and LANG 1123, LANG 1124 and LANG 1125, and takes students to a high level of understanding of spoken Chinese and a stronger communicative competence in using Chinese in social and professional situations. Restricted to students with non-Chinese language backgrounds only. Students without the prerequisite but with approximate 300 hours of prior Chinese learning experience or attained level 5 in the HSK Chinese Proficiency Test may seek instructor’s approval for enrollment in the course.

This course builds on the groundwork laid in LANG 1120, LANG 1121 and LANG 1122 and LANG 1123, LANG 1124, LANG 1125 and LANG 1126, and takes students to a high level of understanding of spoken Chinese and a stronger communicative competence in using Chinese in social and professional situations. Restricted to students with non-Chinese language backgrounds only. Students without the prerequisite but with approximate 350 hours of prior Chinese learning experience or attained level 6 in the HSK Chinese Proficiency Test may seek instructor’s approval for enrollment in the course.

This course is restricted to students with non-Chinese language backgrounds who are beginners in the learning of Cantonese. It equips students with Cantonese communicative competence necessary for living and net-working in Hong Kong, thus facilitating their smooth integration into the local community. The learning activities involve developing students' listening and speaking skills in an attempt to build learners' confidence and fluency in using Cantonese for daily communication.

This course is restricted to students with Chinese language backgrounds who are beginners in the learning of Cantonese. It equips students with Cantonese communicative competence necessary for living and net-working in Hong Kong, thus facilitating their smooth integration into the local community. The learning activities involve developing students' listening and speaking skills in an attempt to build learners' confidence and fluency in using Cantonese for daily communication.

This is a course for learners with no previous knowledge of Japanese. It aims to offer students a foundation in Japanese language and related Japanese culture with an emphasis on practical oral communication. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate appropriately in Japanese on a variety of everyday topics.

This is a course for learners with no previous knowledge of Arabic. It provides a foundation in modern standard Arabic, and a survey of important aspects of the related history and culture of the Arab world which have had an influence on contemporary life. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate appropriately in Arabic on a variety of everyday topics.

This is a course for learners with no previous knowledge of French. It aims to promote an international perspective by helping them acquire the basics of French. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate appropriately in French on a variety of everyday topics, and have an overview of certain themes in French and Francophone culture which will enhance their knowledge of Europe and the world.

This is a course for learners with no previous knowledge of German. It aims to offer students a foundation in German language and related German culture, with an emphasis on practical oral communication, and consideration of the impact of major German achievements in the world of Science and Technology. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate appropriately in German on a variety of everyday topics.

This is a course for learners with no previous knowledge of Spanish. It aims to offer students a foundation in Spanish language and related culture, with an emphasis on practical oral communication. It presents aspects of essential Spanish and Latin American cultures, the flamenco to the salsa, from the temples of the Incas to the architecture of Gaudi. By the end of the course, students will be able to communicate appropriately in Spanish on a variety of everyday topics.

Basic introduction to Latin, with an emphasis on vocabulary which has survived in modern English and aspects of Roman culture which have a contemporary relevance.

An English course for students of the School of Science. The course introduces students to the language and discourse of science and develops their competence in speaking and writing about scientific topics.

The course provides students with a broad introduction to English within the discipline of engineering. A central aim of the course is to encourage students to analyze critically the wider social implications of engineering products and processes, through the careful examination of texts (and other media) beyond their own specific engineering field and to communicate effectively by delivering oral presentations and writing reports on topics relevant to all engineers.

Restricted to students on programs offered by the School of Humanities and Social Science. The course is an integrated skills course with a special emphasis on critical reading. It develops students' critical thinking skills and equips them with an ability to assimilate different sources of information for analysis and commentary.

This course aims to develop students' competence in academic and discipline-related English, with particular reference to environmental issues such as climate change, energy, biodiversity and pollution. Students will produce a piece of extended writing on an environmental topic and give oral presentations. For EVMT students under the four-year degree only.

This course further develops students' competence in academic and discipline-related English and builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in LANG 2082. The course adopts a case study approach, in which environmental issues are analyzed so as to identify real-world problems faced by professionals and organizations, and posit solutions. Students read texts on a variety of topics including climate change, energy, biodiversity and pollution. Students will apply their knowledge in a range of communicative tasks, including weekly assignments and a final oral presentation. For EVMT students under the four-year degree only.

Restricted to students on the Global China Studies program. The course enables students to achieve thorough comprehension of texts written in Chinese, and prepares them for writing academic papers such as project reports and dissertations, with special attention paid to the demands on students from various Humanities and Social Science disciplines. Students must be able to read and write Chinese.

A one-term, major-specific language course for all Mathematics & Economics students undertaking a final year Capstone Project. The course focuses on developing students' ability to use effective and appropriate organizational structures, vocabulary, language and style in Mathematics & Economics Capstone Project reports and presentations.

A one-term, major-specific language course for all Mathematics students undertaking a final year Capstone Project. The course focuses on developing students' ability to use effective and appropriate organizational structures, vocabulary, language and style in Mathematics Capstone Project reports and presentations.

This course focuses on developing Chemistry students' ability to produce effective laboratory reports with appropriate organizational structures, vocabulary, language and style. For CHEM students only.

This course focuses on developing Physics students' ability to produce effective laboratory reports with appropriate organizational structures, vocabulary, language and style. For PHYS students only.

This course focuses on developing Life Science students' ability to produce effective laboratory reports with appropriate organizational structures, vocabulary, language and style. For LIFS students only.

This course focuses on developing Biotechnology students' ability to produce effective laboratory reports with appropriate organizational structures, vocabulary, language and style. For BIOT students only.

This course focuses on developing Environmental Science students' ability to produce effective laboratory reports with appropriate organizational structures, vocabulary, language and style. For ENVS students only.

Restricted to students on programs offered by the School of Humanities and Social Science. The course builds on the critical reading and thinking skills students have developed, and prepares them for writing up long documents such as project reports and dissertations, with special attention paid to the demands on students from various Humanities and Social Science disciplines.

This course aims to develop students' ability to use English effectively in professional contexts relevant to their careers. The course equips students with the appropriate English competence related to seeking employment (letters of application, resumes, etc.) and applying for further study (personal statements, etc.), as well as the skills required for job and admissions interviews. For EVMT students only.

The course focuses on developing Chemistry students' ability to use effective and appropriate organizational structures, vocabulary, language and style in Capstone Project reports and presentations.

The course focuses on developing Physics students' ability to use effective and appropriate organizational structures, vocabulary, language and style in Capstone Project reports and presentations.

The course focuses on developing Life Science students' ability to use effective and appropriate organizational structures, vocabulary, language and style in Capstone and Final Year Project reports and presentations.

The course focuses on developing Biotechnology students' ability to use effective and appropriate organizational structures, vocabulary, language and style in Capstone Project reports and presentations.

The course focuses on developing Environmental Science students' ability to use effective and appropriate organizational structures, vocabulary, language and style in Capstone Project reports and presentations.

The course focuses on developing Biological Science students' ability to use effective and appropriate organizational structures, vocabulary, language and style in Capstone Project reports and presentations reports and to analyze and interpret quantitative data and present it to a specific audience.

A one-term, major-specific language course for all CSE students and for all CPEG students undertaking a CSE Final Year Project. The course focuses on Final Year Project report writing and presentations, and communication in professional contexts relevant to CSE and CPEG.

A one-term, major-specific language course for all ECE students and for all CPEG students undertaking an ECE Final Year Project. The course focuses on Final Year Project report writing and presentations and communication in professional contexts relevant to ECE and CPEG.

A one-term, major-specific language course for all students of the IELM Department. The course focuses on Final Year Project report writing and presentations and appropriate communication strategies and language use in professional contexts relevant to IELM. For IELM students in their third or fourth year of study only.

A one-term, major-specific language course for all students of the CIVL Department undertaking the Final Year Project and Capstone Project. The course focuses on Final Year Project report writing and presentations, and communication in professional contexts relevant to the CIVL Capstone Project. For CIVL and CIEV students in their third or fourth year of study only.

A one-term, major-specific course for all Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering students. The course focuses on academic speaking and writing skills for laboratory report writing and the Final Year Design Project. For MAE students only.

This is a course with a special delivery mode -- a combination of input sessions plus highly individualized assistance provided for students to address their specific writing needs, dictated by students' choices of topics in particular areas of Global China Studies. For GCS students only.