HKUST Annual Report 2018-19

11 HKUST INNOVATIVE CURRICULUM Undergraduate Studies In 2018-19, the University introduced or prepared a series of new and revamped programs to ensure students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to fulfill emerging talent needs, flourish in evolving fields, and succeed in today’s rapidly changing world. To nurture talents at the forefront of disruptive innovation, the Division of Integrative Systems and Design in the School of Engineering launched a BSc in Integrative Systems and Design in Fall 2018-19, with an initial intake of 14 students. The program focuses on innovative integrative design, engineering and systems, using experiential learning as the key pedagogy and a major annual project from Year 2 onward. Preparations to reposition the BSc program in Risk Management and Business Intelligence (RMBI), previously under the Interdisciplinary Programs Office, took place over the year to enhance the program’s scope and reach, and realign it with new developments and market demand in the RMBI field. The program will be jointly offered by the Schools of Business and Management, Engineering, and Science from Fall 2019-20, with a new option in Financial Technology and more elective courses due to be offered under the new curriculum. Both the BEng in Chemical Engineering and BEng in Chemical and Environmental Engineering in the School of Engineering were adapted to put stronger emphasis on chemical product design, add more project-based and enquiry-driven learning, and provide more electives. The School of Science has also reviewed all majors after feedback from stakeholders, with Marine Ecology and Oceanography options and the International Research Enrichment track now set to be introduced to the BSc in Ocean Science and Technology in 2019-20. The flagship Global China Studies program in the School of Humanities and Social Science implemented a new curriculum that gives students the choice of taking a broader or deeper approach to their studies, with two tracks to consider after finishing their foundation year: the Integrated Humanities and Social Science track or Social Science Track. Other student-centered moves saw the Division of Environment and Sustainability launch the “Introduction to Sustainability” Common Core Course, using blended and experiential learning to promote sustainability education to all undergraduates (see also P47). With demand for dual degree programs increasing, a BEng in Bioengineering and BBA in General Business Management, and a BEng in Decision Analytics and BBA in General Business Management have been added to the combinations of degrees offered under the Interdisciplinary Programs Office’s popular five-year Dual Degree in Technology and Management. This brings the combinations offered under this program to 11. The HKUST-Minerva Scholar Program got underway with 18 students in the first cohort and six faculty members involved in teaching highly interactive discussion-based Minerva courses that stimulate critical thinking and a creative mind-set. The program was well received by students and faculty, and two courses using HKUST- Minerva pedagogy approved by the Committee on Undergraduate Studies as regular courses. Postgraduate Studies The year saw launches or recruitment open for a number of new postgraduate programs focused around the University’s areas of focus. An interdisciplinary Master of Public Policy was launched, with a dual degree option available with the University of Washington. Meanwhile, a Master of Science in Financial Technology jointly offered by the Schools of Business and Management, Science, and Engineering started enrollment for its initial intake in Fall 2019. It is the first MSc program of its kind in Hong Kong and Mainland China. It has been a dynamic year for program development within and across Schools and for widening student horizons on campus and outside Hong Kong