中文繁體 | 中文简体

FAQs for Prospective Undergraduate Students

  1. How is HKUST different from the other HK universities?
  2. What is the difference between BEng in Computer Science (COMP) and BEng in Computer Science (Information Engineering) (CSIE)?
  3. What is the difference between Computer Engineering (CPEG) and Computer Science (CS)?
  4. Can we transfer between the different programs easily?
  5. What are the program requirements of COMP and CSIE?
  6. Are there opportunities for research during undergraduate study?
  7. What facilities does the Department have?
  8. What help does the Department/school of engineering/university provide to students when they are looking for jobs?
  9. Can we get residence in the University undergraduate halls?

  1. How is HKUST different from the other HK universities?

    HKUST was founded in 1991 with the mission to be a world-class university in teaching and research. Many of its founders and current faculty obtained their PhDs or held previous academic positions at top universities in the west, especially North America. They used the North American university as a template when designing the academic programs at HKUST and adopt the American teaching style. At HKUST, all teaching is conducted in English, and all local students are required to take English courses throughout their studies here. Most of its faculty members live on campus and thus are very accessible.

    The Department of Computer Science and Engineering at HKUST, in particular, is the largest computer science department in all Hong Kong universities. Therefore we offer the widest range of courses. In addition, we have a very strong, internationally recognized postgraduate program with about 100 PhD and 40 MPhil research students, serving as competent and helpful teaching assistants.

  2. What is the difference between BEng in Computer Science (COMP) and BEng in Computer Science (Information Engineering) (CSIE)?

    BEng in Computer Science (COMP) is our primary program that provides solid education in all core areas of Computer Science, while allowing students the flexibility to pursue individual interests in higher-level courses. COMP students may take any courses in the CSIE curriculum, with enrollment subject to availability of quota.

    BEng in Computer Science (Information Engineering) (CSIE) is a specialized program in computer science, with emphasis on certain important areas and applications in information engineering, specifically, multimedia computing and computer networking. This program requires the students to have slightly better Math background.

    There are additional required courses for CSIE:

    CSIE (Multimedia Computing)

    • COMP 341 Computer Graphics
    • COMP 343 Multimedia Computing
    • COMP 344 Image Processing

    CSIE (Networking)

    • ELEC 211 Signals and Systems
    • ELEC 214 Communication Systems
    • COMP 361 Computer Communication Networks I
    • COMP 362 Computer Communication Networks II

  3. What is the difference between Computer Engineering (CPEG) and Computer Science (CS)?

    BEng in Computer Engineering is a joint program offered by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering. It emphasizes the design, analysis and implementation of computer systems, and bridges the gap between computer science and electronic engineering with both software and hardware applications.

  4. Can we transfer between the different programs easily?

    Since the University operates under a credit system, transfers between programs are generally allowed. Course credits in one program can usually be carried over to another, hence, program transfers usually do not significantly delay graduation. Approval of program transfer applications depends on several factors including your grades, the availability of places in the program that you wish to transfer into.

    Transfer is easy between Computer Science (COMP) and Computer Science (Information Engineering) (CSIE), since both programs are part of our Department. Transfer is also possible, though not quite as easy, to and from Computer Engineering or Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

  5. What are the program requirements of COMP and CSIE?

    COMP and CSIE students must take a minimum of 101 credits, which are composed of Core, Required, Elective, General Education, and English Communication courses.

    • Core courses (9 courses for both COMP and CSIE) should be taken in the semester indicated or, with departmental approval, earlier.
    • Required courses may be taken at other times. An important required component is the final-year project, which students must complete under faculty supervision, either individually or in groups of 2-4 students.
    • Elective courses are from four groups: Computer Science Electives (5/3/1 courses for COMP/CSIE(MC)/CSIE(NW)), Computer Science/Mathematics/Electronic Engineering Electives (2 courses), Business and Management Electives (1 course), and Free Electives (3 courses).
    • General Education Electives (GEE) (minimum 12 credits) come from three categories: Science GEE, Business and Management GEE, Humanities and Social Science GEE.
    • English Communication courses (3 credits) are taken by all Engineering students throughout their three years of undergraduate study.

    In addition, all students are required to complete and pass a prescribed industrial training program where they get practical exposure to key hardware and software skills that are in great need in industry (e.g., Computer Maintenance, Unix/Linux System Administration, Unix Network Administration, Implementation and Administration of Win 2000 Server). The training normally takes place in the Winter and Summer Sessions of the first and second year of study.

    Read more detailed program requirements on COMP and CSIE.

  6. Are there opportunities for research during undergraduate study?

    All Computer Science students are required to conduct Final Year Projects during the last 2-3 semesters of their study. They may work individually or in groups of 2-4 under faculty supervision. Students may select from a variety of projects that emphasize design, application, or research. Besides delivery of programming code, students are required to submit a proposal, progress report, and a detailed final report, as well as to give a presentation at the end.

    In addition, Year-1 and Year-2 students with an interest in research can apply to join the Summer Undergraduate Research Opportunitues Program (UROP). Each participant is expected to work on a project under the supervision of a faculty member for 8 weeks and will receive a studentship of $1,000/week from the university.

  7. What facilities does the Department have?

    Our Department has four computer labs to satisfy the needs of undergraduate teaching. Three of the four labs are equipped with PCs, while one lab is equipped with Linux boxes. Each lab has about 40 machines. The Department also has a lab equipped with more specialized hardware and software for students to work on their final-year projects. In addition, the Department has many research labs (e.g. Pervasive Computing Lab, Vision and Graphics Lab, Database Lab); some of which may allow undergraduate students to use the facilities upon approval from their faculty advisor.

  8. What help does the Department/school of engineering/university provide to students when they are looking for jobs?

    The university has a career center that provides career advice and organizes recruitment activities. On-campus recruitment talks and interviews are conducted by major employers throughout the year. The School of Engineering and our Department also help to solicit some placement opportunities for our students.

  9. Can we get residence in the University undergraduate halls?

    The university offers every first-year student residence in a hall for at least one semester.

Enquiries

Students who need advice or assistance on the application procedure, choice of programs, entrance requirements or other related matters are welcome to contact us:

Dr. Wilfred NG
Associate Head of Department for Undergraduate Studies and Outreach
Department of Computer Science and Engineering
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Email: