HKU launches new undergraduate programmes to nurture big data talents
The University of Hong Kong (HKU) offers programmes that keep pace with the times to nurture talents in response to rapid social and economic development. With the growing importance of big data and digitalisation, it is believed that the demand for talents in related fields will substantially increase. In view of this, HKU will launch several new undergraduate programmes to cater to market demand in the 2022-23 academic year. Students can choose their pathways according to their aspirations, abilities, and interests.
“Big data is a major driving force for economic development nowadays. We have entered a fully data-driven and digitalised era, and the demand for talents with expertise in big data and digital technologies has increased significantly across industries. As such, HKU has launched five new big data-oriented programmes to develop professionals in related fields. These professionals will become leaders in shaping the big data-led future,” said Professor Bennett Yim, Director of Undergraduate Admissions and International Student Exchange, HKU.
The five big data-oriented undergraduate programmes (including one revamped programme):
- JS6262 Bachelor of Engineering in Data Science and Engineering
- JS6286 Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Digital Technologies
- JS6470 Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics
- JS6793 Bachelor of Business Administration (Business Analytics)*
- JS6846 Bachelor of Science in Marketing Analytics and Technology
*Starting from the 2022-23 academic year, “JS6793 Bachelor of Business Administration (Information Systems)” will be revamped and renamed as “JS6793 Bachelor of Business Administration (Business Analytics).
“The Bachelor of Engineering in Data Science and Engineering programme focuses on the computational and engineering aspects of data science, such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and big data infrastructure. Also, the programme will cover data privacy as well as ethical and legal issues, and knowledge of privacy protection technology, which are not available in other programmes,” said Professor Reynold Cheng, Programme Director, Bachelor of Engineering in Data Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering.
“HKU offers the only undergraduate Bioinformatics degree in Hong Kong to nurture future professionals in biomedical data science, who can adapt to the big data revolution in the medical sector worldwide,” said Dr. Joshua Ho, Programme Co-Director, Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics.
In addition, HKU will also launch two new professional programmes, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws (double degree programme) and Bachelor of Psychology. Please refer to Appendix I for the details of the new programmes.
The extended part of mathematics (M1/M2) can be used to fulfil University Entrance Requirements
Starting from this academic year, the result of the Mathematics Extended Part (M1/M2) will be recognised as equivalent to that of a full elective in fulfilling the University Entrance Requirements.
Professor Yim believes that this change will offer HKDSE candidates a greater degree of flexibility in calculating their admission scores.
He hopes this will boost candidates’ confidence to apply for their desired programmes.
“HKDSE Top 1% Scholarship” to support students
Since the launch of the new “HKDSE Top 1% Scholarship” last year to commend outstanding students across disciplines, 115 HKDSE students had received this scholarship. The scholarship recipients have been enrolled in different programmes, such as Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Science (Surveying), Bachelor of Science (Speech and Hearing Science), Bachelor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Arts and Sciences (AppliedAI) and Bachelor of Engineering. HKU will continue to offer the “HKDSE Top 1% Scholarship” in the next academic year without a limit to the number of awards. It will be awarded to HKDSE top 1% students who have met the university entrance requirements and admitted to HKU.
HKU holds Virtual Information Day for Undergraduate Admissions
HKU Virtual Information Day (IDAY) for Undergraduate Admissions will be held online from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturday, 30 October 2021. Students, parents, teachers and the general public are welcome to join. Please register here: http://go.hku.hk/infoday
On IDAY, HKU will organise over 100 live webinars and sharing sessions covering the features of new programmes, admission requirements, and other unique learning opportunities. Student ambassadors will also share their life at HKU. With over 70 virtual booths, participants can watch videos and download brochures. They can also engage in live chats with our academics, students, and representatives to learn about their favourite programmes, career pathways, admissions tips, student life and more.
The JUPAS admission scores and scoring formula of the last academic year will be announced on the Virtual IDAY. Details of the IDAY live webinars can be found in Appendix II.
“IDAY” live webinar schedule, please visit http://infoday.hku.hk/webinar