Undergraduate Courses 2022-23

Undergraduate courses marked with [BLD] or [SPO] may be offered in the mode of blended learning or self-paced online delivery respectively, subject to different offerings. Students should check the delivery mode of the class section before registration.

• LANG 1005

  Expressive Clarity

  4 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  Grade B+ or above in LANG 1003 (prior to 2022-23) OR Level 5 or above in HKDSE English Language

  Description

  This course aims to develop students' English communication skills beyond basic language accuracy (e.g. grammar and pronunciation) through the adoption of an online active learning platform. In order to better equip students for their academic and professional careers, this course will focus on communication competencies related to critical thinking, oral presentations, reading and writing, medium and style. Students will develop an understanding of why style and rhetoric matter and learn how to use effective word choice, phrasing, sentence structure, and tone across a variety of mediums.
• LANG 1006

  The Art of Public Speaking

  3 Credit(s)
  Medium of Instruction

  [EN] Taught in Eng/Chin subject to diff. offerings
  [PU] Putonghua
  [CA] Cantonese

  Mode of Delivery

  [BLD] Blended learning

  Description

  This introductory course in public speaking is delivered in two complementary stages. The first, presented in a blended learning environment, will help students to understand some basic terms, concepts and theories applicable to the art of public speaking. The second part of the course consists of small-class face to face tutorials and will have a practical focus. In this part of the course, students will be guided from the theoretical introduction to the practical work of composing and delivering two public speeches. The first speech will be of a knowledge sharing character and the second, longer, speech will be a persuasive public speech. The medium of instruction of the first part of the course will be English, and for the second part of the course, Cantonese, English or Putonghua will be used, depending on the target language chosen by students. Graded P or F.
• LANG 1117

  Advanced Chinese Communication

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  Level 4 or above in HKDSE Chinese

  Exclusion(s)

  CORE 1416, CORE 1423, LANG 1120 (prior to 2022-23), LANG 1121 (prior to 2022-23), LANG 1122 (prior to 2022-23), LANG 1123 (prior to 2022-23), LANG 1124 (prior to 2022-23), LANG 1125 (prior to 2022-23), LANG 1126 (prior to 2022-23), LANG 1127 (prior to 2022-23)

  Description

  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.
• LANG 1130

  Cantonese for Non-Chinese Language Background Students I

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  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.
• LANG 1133

  Cantonese for Chinese Language Background Students I

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  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.
• LANG 1210

  Japanese Language and Related Culture

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  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.
• LANG 1310

  French: World Language and Culture

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  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.
• LANG 1330

  Spanish and the Other America

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  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.
• LANG 2010

  English for Science I

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CORE 1403 OR CORE 1404 OR LANG 1003 (prior to 2022-23)

  Description

  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.
• LANG 2030

  Technical Communication I

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CORE 1403 OR CORE 1404 OR LANG 1003 (prior to 2022-23)

  Description

  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.
• LANG 2070

  English Communication for Humanities and Social Science Studies I

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CORE 1403 OR CORE 1404 OR LANG 1003 (prior to 2022-23)

  Description

  Restricted to students in programs offered by the School of Humanities and Social Science. The course is an integrated skills course with a special emphasis on critical reading and thinking. It develops students' ability to understand the nuances of English vocabulary and to assimilate information from different sources for analysis and commentary. The course also hones students' skills in giving effective academic presentations.
• LANG 2082

  Communication for Environmental Management and Technology I

  2 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CORE 1403 OR CORE 1404 OR LANG 1003 (prior to 2022-23)

  Description

  This course aims to develop students’ competence in discipline-related English, specifically communicating topics in the field of Environmental Management and Technology to the general public. Throughout the course, environmental issues will be examined, and students will learn the necessary skills to be applied in weekly communicative tasks and individual spoken and written assessments. For EVMT students only.
• LANG 2083

  Communication for Environmental Management and Technology II

  2 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  LANG 2082

  Description

  This course aims to develop students’ competence in discipline-related English, specifically communicating topics in the field of Environmental Management and Technology to a business audience. Throughout the course, the importance of communication and persuasion will be examined, and students will learn the necessary skills to be applied in weekly communicative tasks, and individual and group assessments. For EVMT students only.
• LANG 2170

  Chinese Communication Skills for Humanities & Social Science Studies

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  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.
• LANG 3021

  Science Communication in English (Mathematics)

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  (For DSCT only) LANG 2010 OR LANG 2030 ; (For all others) LANG 2010

  Description

  The course focuses on developing students' ability to communicate mathematical knowledge to the general public through effective writing and speaking skills. In writing, students learn the specific skills to produce genres of both expository and persuasive nature, and reflect on how to explain mathematics concepts in an accessible manner without losing the scientific complexity. In speaking, students learn how to communicate mathematics notions and implications to nonexpert audiences using short videos and oral presentations with appropriate rhetorical and stylistic devices. For MATH and DSCT students only.
• LANG 3022

  Science Communication in English (Chemistry)

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  LANG 2010

  Description

  The course focuses on developing students' ability to communicate chemistry knowledge to the general public through effective writing and speaking skills. In writing, students learn the specific skills to write genres of both expository and persuasive nature, and reflect on how to explain chemistry concepts in an accessible manner without losing the scientific complexity. In speaking, students learn how to communicate chemistry notions and implications to nonexpert audiences using short videos and oral presentations with appropriate rhetorical and stylistic devices. For CHEM students only.
• LANG 3023

  Science Communication in English (Physics)

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  LANG 2010

  Description

  The course focuses on developing students' ability to communicate physics knowledge to the general public through effective writing and speaking skills. In writing, students learn the specific skills to produce genres of both expository and persuasive nature, and reflect on how to explain physics concepts in an accessible manner without losing the scientific complexity. In speaking, students learn how to communicate physics notions and implications to nonexpert audiences using short videos and oral presentations with appropriate rhetorical and stylistic devices. For PHYS students only.
• LANG 3024

  Science Communication in English (Life Science)

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  (For DDP only) CORE 1403 OR CORE 1404 OR LANG 1003 (prior to 2022-23); (For all others) LANG 2010

  Description

  The course focuses on developing students' ability to communicate life science knowledge to the general public through effective writing and speaking skills. In writing, students learn the specific skills to produce genres of both expository and persuasive nature, and reflect on how to explain life science concepts in an accessible manner without losing the scientific complexity. In speaking, students learn how to communicate life science notions and implications to nonexpert audiences using short videos and oral presentations with appropriate rhetorical and stylistic devices. For BCB, BISC and BIOT students only.
• LANG 3025

  Science Communication in English (Environmental Science)

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  LANG 2010

  Description

  The course focuses on developing students' ability to communicate environmental science knowledge to the general public through effective writing and speaking skills. In writing, students learn the specific skills to produce genres of both expository and persuasive nature, and reflect on how to explain environmental science concepts in an accessible manner without losing the scientific complexity. In speaking, students learn how to communicate environmental science notions and implications to nonexpert audiences using short videos and oral presentations with appropriate rhetorical and stylistic devices. For students on programs offered by the Department of Ocean Science.
• LANG 3027

  Science Communication in English for Research Students

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  LANG 2010

  Description

  This course offers undergraduate students the opportunity to improve their skills in writing research articles, abstracts, review articles, and other related genres. The course teaches academic writing features and research writing, referencing and editing skills, to help Science students write up their research project reports professionally. Input on how to write different sections of a scientific research paper will be provided, with illustrations from authentic texts. Students will be guided to complete their individual reports by exploring the research writing conventions of their individual disciplines and will receive feedback on their own writing. Instructor's approval is required for enrolment in the course. For IRE students and students doing research projects in the School of Science only.
• LANG 3070

  English Communication for Humanities and Social Science Studies II

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  LANG 2070

  Description

  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.
• LANG 3081

  Communication for Environmental Management and Technology III

  2 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  LANG 2083

  Description

  The course aims to develop students' ability to use effective and appropriate organizational structures, vocabulary, language and style in Capstone Project proposals, reports and presentations. For EVMT students only.
• LANG 4030

  Technical Communication II for CSE, CPEG & DSCT

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  (For DDP only) CORE 1403 OR CORE 1404 OR LANG 1003 (prior to 2022-23); (For DSCT only) LANG 2010 OR LANG 2030; (For all others) LANG 2030

  Corequisite(s)

  (For COMP and DSCT) COMP 4910 OR COMP 4981 OR COMP 4981H ; (For CPEG) CPEG 4901 OR CPEG 4902 OR CPEG 4910; (For COSC) Nil

  Description

  A one-term, major-specific language course for CSE students, and for CPEG and DSCT students undertaking a CSE Final Year Project or Final Year Thesis. The course focuses on report writing and presentations, and communication in professional contexts relevant to the disciplines.
• LANG 4031

  Technical Communication II for ECE & CPEG

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  (For DDP only) CORE 1403 OR CORE 1404 OR LANG 1003 (Prior to 2022-23); (For all others) LANG 2030

  Corequisite(s)

  ELEC 4900 OR ELEC 4901 OR ELEC 4910 OR CPEG 4910 OR CPEG 4911 OR CPEG 4912

  Description

  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.
• LANG 4032

  Technical Communication II for IEDA and ISDN

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  (For DDP only) CORE 1403 OR CORE 1404 OR LANG 1003 (prior to 2022-23); (For all others) LANG 2030

  Description

  A one-term, major-specific language course for students in IEDA and ISDN. The course focuses on Final Year Project report writing and presentations and appropriate communication strategies and language use in professional contexts relevant to the disciplines. For IEDA and ISDN students in their third or fourth year of study only.
• LANG 4033

  Technical Communication II for Civil and Environmental Engineering

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  (For DDP only) CORE 1403 OR CORE 1404 OR LANG 1003 (Prior to 2022-23); (For all others) LANG 2030

  Description

  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.
• LANG 4034

  Technical Communication II for Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  (For DDP only) CORE 1403 OR CORE 1404 OR LANG 1003 (Prior to 2022-23); (For all others) LANG 2030

  Corequisite(s)

  MECH 3690 OR MECH 3830

  Description

  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.
• LANG 4035

  Technical Communication II for Chemical and Biological Engineering

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  (For DDP only) CORE 1403 OR CORE 1404 OR LANG 1003 (Prior to 2022-23); (For all others) LANG 2030

  Description

  A one-term, major-specific course for all students in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. The course focuses on Final Year Project report writing and presentations, and communication in professional contexts relevant to chemical and biological engineering. For CBE students in their third or fourth year of study only.
• LANG 4070

  Academic Writing in Context - Global China Studies

  1 Credit(s)
  Corequisite(s)

  SHSS 4991 OR SHSS 4992

  Description

  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.