CUHK to launch three new undergraduate courses

Rachael Ng

The Chinese University is launching three new undergraduate courses in September next year - Public Humanities, Human Movement Science and Health Studies, and Materials Science and Engineering.

This initiative aims to train students to become forward-looking professionals.

The Bachelor of Arts in Public Humanities offers programs in cultural management and cultural studies. The curriculum includes study areas such as gender, culture, society, and heritage management, as well as features a compulsory internship.

The first-year intake is expected to be around 37 students, with an anticipated requirement of about 23 points in the best five subjects of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education exams, without conversion.

"Students are encouraged to be entrepreneurs and make a social impact in the community after they graduate," said Isaac Leung Hok-bun, associate professor of the Faculty of Arts.

The Bachelor of Science in Human Movement Science and Health Studies is designed to prepare students for careers in sports science, health education, and physical activity.

Five to 10 students will have the opportunity to pursue an optional dual degree with Beijing Sport University, earning a Bachelor of Education in Sport Science by spending their second and third years in Beijing.

The curriculum includes courses in public health, sports psychology, and sports physiology, along with a compulsory 200-hour internship.Graduates can pursue careers as coaching, exercise science, or sports therapy.

The intake is projected to be around 20 students, with an expected HKDSE requirement of 25 to 26.

The undergraduate program in Materials Science and Engineering will focus on hardware materials, including semiconductor devices and polymers.

"A compulsory internship is part of the course requirement, allowing students to choose companies or be assigned by CUHK," said Ady Suwardi, vice chancellor assistant professor in the Department of Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering.

Career prospects include roles in microelectronics, advanced manufacturing, and new energy. The expected intake is around 20 students, with a required HKDSE score of 24.

Meanwhile, CUHK has reported to the police after discovering a student with suspected forged academic qualifications.

"We've blocked about 10 applications due to suspicions of forged qualifications, which have originated from various countries," said the university.

Also, the university has identified "corrupt agencies" sending fake admission notices to students.

"We learned of this when unfortunate victims came to us for inquiries, and the amounts involved were surprisingly large," CUHK said.

"These agencies collect fees from students, claiming to guarantee admission to CUHK bachelor degree courses, but no such offers exists."

rachael.ng@singtaonewscorp.com