Undergraduate Courses 2025-26

Undergraduate courses marked with [EXP] may adopt the approach of experiential learning subject to different offerings. Students should check the delivery mode of the class section before registration.

• SCIE 1000

  Science School Induction

  0 Credit(s)
  Description

  This is a one-year course designed for year 1 science students. It provides induction activities to help students adapt to university life, and to understand the program structure of the school and the meaning of university education. Led by faculties, staffs, and peers, students will learn and practice skills such as teamwork, communication, time management, and goal setting. Graded P or F.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Express their opinions and concerns about their education to faculty members and their fellow students in both small and large group settings
  • 2.
    Participate in small group discussions on various topical issues
  • 3.
    Summarize the key concepts needed for effective teamwork and time management
  • 4.
    Search for and retrieve information on a variety of topics relevant to lifelong learning
• SCIE 1010

  Enrichment Project

  0-3 Credit(s)
  Description

  For Science students only. This course aims to provide complementary educational experience to students outside normal academic curriculum through engagements in internship or outside-classroom project activities related to his/her own discipline. Students enrolled would work under the supervision of a faculty member and are required to submit a report by the end of the semester, in addition to other criteria set by his/her supervisor. Course coordinator's approval is required for taking the course. 1 credit is normally assigned for 40 hours of work. Graded P or F. May be graded PP. May be repeated for credits if different topics are taken.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Identify and explain the application key concepts or methods from their discipline in the internship or project context.
  • 2.
    Demonstrate effective communication skills.
  • 3.
    Identify areas of professional or personal growth experienced during the internship or project.
• SCIE 1030

  Special Topics

  1-4 Credit(s)
  Description

  Selected topics in Science. May be repeated for credit, if different topics taken. May be graded by letter or DI/PA/F for different offerings.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Explain key concepts, principles, or methods.
  • 2.
    Apply appropriate scientific reasoning or techniques to analyze problems or case studies.
  • 3.
    Communicate scientific ideas effectively using discipline-appropriate terminology and formats.
  • 4.
    Critically reflect on how the selected topic contributes to broader scientific knowledge or societal relevance.
• SCIE 1080

  Development and Management on Science Activities

  1-2 Credit(s)
  Description

  For Science students only. Under the supervision of a faculty member, students are given an opportunity to apply scientific knowledge and experimental skills, through developing 6 to 12 hours Science courses/ workshops/activities for primary/secondary school students, and drafting the operation procedures. They would also be able to polish their skills in aspects like resource and manpower management, team building, etc. Course instructor's approval is required for taking the course. Maybe graded PP.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Design engaging science activities or workshops.
  • 2.
    Apply scientific knowledge and experimental skills in the development of educational content.
  • 3.
    Demonstrate effective communication of scientific concepts to non-specialist audiences.
• SCIE 1090

  Community Services Project

  1-4 Credit(s)
  Description

  The course is offered in a form of a community project at a designated non-governmental organization (NGO) under the supervision of the School. Students are required to attend all the training sessions, design and implement the service project / participate in the service learning tasks as instructed by the host NGO and/or the course instructors. By the end of the course, students have to submit a reflective statement in the format of a paper, a group project report or a presentation to demonstrate the attainment of all intended learning outcomes, in addition to other requirements of the relevant NGO as appropriate. Approval from the course coordinator is needed prior to enrolling in the course. Graded PP, P or F. Students may repeat the course for credits if different topics are taken.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Demonstrate understanding of the social needs addressed by the community project and how scientific knowledge can contribute to meeting those needs.
  • 2.
    Collaborate effectively with team members to achieve project goals.
  • 3.
    Communicate project objectives, processes, and outcomes clearly in oral and/or written form.
• SCIE 1100

  Career Building for Science Students

  1 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  GNED 2510, GNED 2520

  Description

  For Science students only. Co-offered by the School of Science and the Career Center (Dean of Students' Office), this course helps students in exploring careers within the arena of Science and beyond. To achieve this, it guides students to have basic understanding of the career planning process, the current job market and employers' expectation in different fields. This course also equips students with practical job application skills, such as the skills for resume writing, aptitude tests, interviews, group discussions, etc. Experiential learning opportunities and individual feedback will be provided to actively engage students in the learning process. Graded DI, PA or F.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Identify own strengths, skills and talents.
  • 2.
    Understand what employers look for and express a basic understanding of the job market requirements.
  • 3.
    Produce a professional resume and cover letter.
  • 4.
    Demonstrate winning interview skills.
  • 5.
    Indicate the appropriate way of job offer handling.
  • 6.
    Explain the key elements of professionalism in the workplace.
• SCIE 1102

  Designing Your Life for Science Students

  1 Credit(s)
  Mode of Delivery

  [EXP] Experiential learning

  Description

  Originated from Stanford University’s Life Design Lab (Bill Burnett and Dave Evans), this course employs a method called “design thinking” to help students from any program develop a constructive and effective approach to finding and designing their vocation after university. Through small group discussions, in-class activities, personal reflections and individual coaching, this course teaches students to use design thinking to explore many of life’s major challenges, such as pursuing careers they love and finding personal fulfillment. Topics include the integration of work and worldviews, ideation techniques, a portfolio approach to thriving, designing to increase balance and energy and how to prototype all aspects of your life. We also touch on the realities of engaging the workplace, and practices that support vocation formation throughout your life. The capstone assignment is the creation of an “Odyssey Plan” focusing on taking actions in the 3-5 years following your HKUST graduation. For Science students only. Graded P or F.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Use design thinking to develop a growth mindset that is an essential foundation for life design
  • 2.
    Apply the skills of self-management, reflection, and way finding to chart a personal life and career path
  • 3.
    Develop confidence and self-belief to explore different career options
  • 4.
    Integrate different planning strategies to design a successful life
• SCIE 1110

  Great Ideas in Science

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  The course is designed for students with no science background. Using historical great breakthroughs in science and mathematics as examples, the course intends to inspire students to appreciate scientific approaches and develop a genuine appreciation towards human curiosity in the understanding of the world and the power of ingenuity observation to overcome ignorance. The course is composed of 4 modules covering topics in mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. Examples of topics include geometry, quantum physics, forensic chemistry and theory of evolution. In addition, the course develops students' sense of enquiry thinking and foundation of scientific methods through various active learning processes.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Recognize fundamental concepts in the chosen topics of sciences
  • 2.
    Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts by elaborating their applications or explanation(s) of key observation and classic experiments
  • 3.
    Demonstrate basic scientific inquiry skills
  • 4.
    Recognize the importance of the human curiosity in the understanding of our world and the power of observation
• SCIE 1120

  Chemistry and Life

  3 Credit(s)
  Exclusion(s)

  Any 2000-level or above courses in CHEM, LIFS, CENG, BIEN

  Description

  The course aims to introduce students without an extensive science background into the chemistry of life and in life as well as some elementary units and mechanisms of life shaped by core chemical molecules and other compounds. Co-taught by lecturers from chemistry and life science, respectively, approximately one half of the course deals with an introduction into the chemical universe that makes life possible; simple sugars and complex carbohydrates, amino acids, peptides and proteins, DNA, RNA and lipids. Interactions and laws governing these substances and ways we can observe what they are doing are covered. The other half of the course is about how these compounds are involved in some of the basic mechanisms of life; from the functions and evolution of membranes to cells all the way up to humans and other organisms; areas covered include genetics and genomics, diseases, food and health, and biotechnology.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Define the major classes of the molecules of life
  • 2.
    Describe the structure and constituents of macromolecules
  • 3.
    Differentiate the roles of different types of chemical compounds and the type of interactions they undergo
  • 4.
    Propose suitable analytical methods for molecules, ions and complexes, organelles, cells and bigger assemblies on the micro- and nanoscale
  • 5.
    Reproduce the effects food, drugs, infections and environmental factors have on cells and metabolism
  • 6.
    Formulate the mechanisms involved in DNA replication and repair, transcription and translation and genetic diseases
  • 7.
    List great achievements in science history such as discovery of the periodic table, cell structure and contents, the DNA double helix, genetic forensics and others and describe their story
• SCIE 1130

  Scientific Understanding of Our World

  1 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course aims to provide students an overall scientific understanding of our world. This course will deal with fundamental questions, such as: Where does this universe come from? What is the origin of matter? What is the origin of life? What guides the human behavior? What shapes the development of the human society? What will be the future of this world? Students are expected to have Science background. Graded DI/PA/F.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Being stimulated to think about important problems in science
  • 2.
    Acquire an overall scientific understanding of the world from cosmology to living system to the evolution of human society
  • 3.
    Gain the ability to integrate concepts from different fields of study
  • 4.
    Develop a macroscopic perspective towards science and how it informs us about our world
  • 5.
    Develop a habit of independent thinking
• SCIE 1500

  Guided Study on Research I

  1 Credit(s)
  Description

  Studies under the directed guidance of a faculty member on a life science / chemistry / environmental science / mathematics / physics topic which serves as the first step in exploring and being exposed to knowledge of different disciplines and fields to build a foundation of interdisciplinary knowledge. An individual general written report and/or presentations of exploratory nature on self-discovery of future directions of research and/or various disciplines by young scientists are required. For IRE students only. Non-IRE students may enroll in the course upon instructor's approval only.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Explain knowledge, principles and use of tools in science at college level
  • 2.
    Self-evaluate their own learning progress, and develop motivation and skills for lifelong learning
  • 3.
    Access, evaluate and use library databases to search for relevant information resources
  • 4.
    Communicate effectively, both orally and tn writing, in the forms of general reports and presentations
  • 5.
    Show appreciation of science, arouse audience's interest in the beauty, logic and precision of science
  • 6.
    View issues in science with a global perspective in conjunction with scientific knowledge
• SCIE 2500

  Guided Study on Research II

  1 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SCIE 1500

  Description

  Studies under the directed supervision of a faculty member on a life science / chemistry / environmental science / mathematics / physics topic which serves as the first step in equipping the students with hands-on experience in supervised independent study. An individual written report and/or presentations on a chosen topic are required. For IRE students only.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Explain knowledge, principles and use of tools in science at college level
  • 2.
    Access, evaluate and use library databases to search for relevant information resources
  • 3.
    Apply appropriate experimental skills and quantitative reasoning methods, in conjunction with scientific principles to solve problems
  • 4.
    Make independent judgment and evaluate information critically by applying principles and methods in science
  • 5.
    Seif-evaluate their own learning progress, and develop motivation and skills for lifelong learning
  • 6.
    Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the forms of scientific reports and presentations
  • 7.
    Show appreciation of science; arouse audience's interest in the beauty, logic and precision of science
  • 8.
    View issues in science with a global perspective in conjunction with scientific knowledge
  • 9.
    Recognize the important of complying with ethics of research
• SCIE 2800

  SCIE Cooperative Education Program

  3 Credit(s)
  Mode of Delivery

  [EXP] Experiential learning

  Description

  This course is intended to enhance Science students’ career readiness by combining classroom-based education with practical work experience. By taking any two standalone career development programs offered by the Career Center or those as recognized by the School, students are required to apply the skills and knowledge learnt in a full-time coop work experience for a single employer for at least 4 months. Approval from the course coordinator is required for enrollment in the course. For SSCI Year 2 students or above only. Graded P or F.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Apply academic knowledge and/or transferable skills to real-life situations
  • 2.
    Learn and demonstrate the practical application of career skills in real-world scenarios within the chosen industry
  • 3.
    Cultivate effective communication, teamwork, and critical thinking abilities through hands-on experiences in diverse workplace settings
  • 4.
    Strengthen employability through gaining industry-specific experience and mastering workplace dynamics for seamless career transitions
  • 5.
    Build valuable connections with industry experts and peers to unlock potential career pathways
• SCIE 3110

  Teaching Science Using Innovative Teaching Tools

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  Level 4 or above in HKDSE (1x Physics OR 1x Chemistry OR Mathematics M1/M2 )

  Mode of Delivery

  [EXP] Experiential learning

  Description

  This course presents a unique opportunity for students to experience the process of preparing learning activities in contrast to being taught. The experiential program will provide a preview to potential students who wish to pursue a teaching career. Students will develop teaching tools for secondary school students under the guidance of instructors. They will participate in organizing a science camp in which they will deliver their teaching tools through innovative learning activities such as analyzing movie clips using the knowledge of science. The experiential course also serves to strengthen students' concepts in science, and improves their organization and presentation skills which are important in future success. Instructor's consent is required for enrollment.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Demonstrate the ability to create and develop teaching tools that can be used to teach science in an interesting manner
  • 2.
    Acquire presentation skills to communicate science with secondary school students in a succinct and coherent manner
  • 3.
    Acquire organizational skills needed to create and carry out the science camp activities
• SCIE 3500

  IRE Research Project I

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  (for IRE students in LIFS, MATH, PHYS and OST) SCIE 2500; (for IRE students in CHEM) SCIE 2500 AND CHEM 3550

  Corequisite(s)

  (for IRE students in LIFS) LIFS 3110

  Description

  This course is a one-term research project course specially designed for students in the IRE track. Together with SCIE 4500, these two courses comprise of two terms of research experience on a non-textbook specialized topic under the supervision of a faculty member, aiming to equip students with hands-on laboratory experience or independent studies and doing research reports. The course also aims at training students’ research communication and collaboration skills through discussion on their research topics and presentation of findings to peers and faculty members in different disciplines / areas of research. For IRE students only.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Explain knowledge, principles and use of tools in science at college level
  • 2.
    Effectively communicate in the forms of scientific oral presentations with professionals and/or to lay audience
  • 3.
    Self-evaluate and develop strategies to continuously enrich themselves for their whole-person wellness
  • 4.
    Recognize the importance of complying with ethics of scientific research and citizenship towards the environment and the community
  • 5.
    Show appreciation of science; arouse audience's interest in the beauty, logic and precision of science
• SCIE 3900

  International Research Experience

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SCIE 1500 AND (SCIE 3500 OR PHYS 3090)

  Corequisite(s)

  LANG 3027

  Description

  Research project under the direct supervision of a local faculty member and a co-supervising foreign faculty member in a foreign institution/national laboratory, which aims to guide students to explore advanced cutting-edge research opportunities with international visions and hands-on experience. Assessments comprise an individual written report and a presentation on a chosen topic. For IRE students only. Graded DI, PA or F.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Apply appropriate experimental skills and quantitative reasoning methods, in conjunction with scientific principles, to execute tasks and solve problems at work and in daily life
  • 2.
    Work independently and collaborate effectively with peers in research projects and communicate effectively with professors
  • 3.
    Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, in the forms of scientific reports and presentations with professionals and/or lay audience
  • 4.
    Self-evaluate and develop strategies to continuously enrich themselves for their whole-person wellness
  • 5.
    Recognize the importance of complying with ethics of scientific research and citizenship towards the environment and the community
  • 6.
    View issues in science with a global perspective in conjunction with scientific knowledge
• SCIE 4500

  IRE Research Project II

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  SCIE 3500

  Description

  This course is a one-term research project course specially designed for students in the IRE track. Together with SCIE 3500, these two courses comprise of two terms of research experience on a non-textbook specialized topic under the supervision of a faculty member, aiming to equip students with hands-on laboratory experience or independent studies and doing research reports. The course also aims at training students’ research communication and collaboration skills through discussion on their research topics and presentation of findings to peers and faculty members in different disciplines / areas of research. For IRE students only.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Explain knowledge, principles and use of tools in science at college level
  • 2.
    Effectively communicate in the forms of scientific oral presentations with professionals and/or to lay audience
  • 3.
    Self-evaluate and develop strategies to continuously enrich themselves for their whole-person wellness
  • 4.
    Recognize the importance of complying with ethics of scientific research and citizenship towards the environment and the community
  • 5.
    Show appreciation of science; arouse audience's interest in the beauty, logic and precision of science
• SCIE 4860

  Young Entrepreneurial Syndicate in Applied Sciences Project

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  In this course, students will team up to work on entrepreneurial projects under the guidance of faculty and/or mentors from industry. Each team will be assessed based on their engagement and preparation of a business proposal, which includes background and market research, product design and / or technology development, financing and operation plans. Outstanding teams may be supported to join various entrepreneurship competitions. Instructor's approval is required for enrollment in the course.

  Intended Learning Outcomes

  On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • 1.
    Understand the principles in scientific innovations which achieve and maintain the competitiveness of science and technology-based enterprise
  • 2.
    Apply functional knowledge to solve problems in management and operations of entrepreneurship in science and technology-based industry
  • 3.
    Deliver business proposal and communicate with lay audiences effectively
  • 4.
    Put in practice of team work in research, preparation and in enterprise perspective
  • 5.
    Demonstrate self-reflective thinking for commercialization of product ideas in various scientific and technological fields
  • 6.
    Recognize the importance and impact of social responsibilities and ethical practices of a scientific and technological enterprise
  • 7.
    Evaluate and analyze the information relevant to contemporary scientific and technological innovations with a global perspective