The Faculty of Science was formally established in 1939, though basic science subjects were taught as early as in 1912 when the University first admitted students. Since then, the Faculty has developed into one of the largest in the University, comprising six departments/school: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics and Actuarial Science.
The Faculty seeks to provide comprehensive education in sciences to meet the needs of society, and to promote science literacy through its quality teaching, research and interaction with the community. We are committed to educating the younger generation to be well prepared for the rapid developments in science with an analytical and innovative mind.
The six departments/school in the Faculty, together with the Department of Biochemistry in the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, offer a wide range of undergraduate majors to suit your individual interests. Two undergraduate degrees: Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science are offered.
First-Class Scholars and Excellent Research Achievements
The Faculty of Science has around 120 full-time teaching staff, who have all obtained PhD degrees from prestigious universities around the world. With the combined efforts of this team of distinguished scholars, the Faculty enjoys an excellent reputation for research both in Hong Kong and on the global stage. Our teachers include members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Croucher Foundation Senior Research Fellows. Several are recipients of National Natural Science Awards and other internationally-recognised distinctions.
Comprehensive Educational Facilities
The Faculty's laboratories are equipped with advanced scientific instruments, equipment and extensive computing systems; museums with comprehensive collections of science exhibits, and the abundant resources in the University's libraries also provide strong support to facilitate students' learning and research. Off-campus facilities at the University Kadoorie Agricultural Research Centre and the Swire Institute of Marine Science also significantly benefit students' learning through direct experience.
Experiential Learning
The Faculty recognizes the importance of Experiential Learning (EL) and out-of-classroom learning experience for our students. Starting from 2007, all BSc students are required to take at least one form of EL activities for graduation. EL activities are classified into the following four categories: (1) Project-based learning; (2) Field studies: (3) Internship and professional preparation programme; (4) Exchange studies.
As a strong research-oriented Faculty, our students are encouraged and provided the opportunity to engage in research project at the undergraduate level. In addition to offering project courses (directed studies, and final year project for second and third year students), the Faculty organizes annually a Research Colloquium for Science Undergraduate Students which provides a platform for students to share their project findings and research experience and to build up their confidence in giving presentation.
Summer Research Fellowship and Overseas Research Fellowship are offered to encourage academically strong students to undertake research in Hong Kong or at an overseas university during summer. In 2009-2010, some students do their overseas research internship in institutions such as California Institute of Technology, University of California, Los Angeles, University of Nottingham, Rockefeller University and China Agricultural University.