In the new millennium, the fields of science and technology are facing challenges in the areas of information technology, biotechnology, nanotechnology, energy and environmental science. Materials issues are ubiquitous in all of these areas and an understanding of the fundamental principles of physics is essential. In 1993, CityU, recognising the importance of these challenges and the need for synergism between education and research encompassing both physics and materials, formed the Department of Physics and Materials Science – the first of its kind in Hong Kong.
Over the years, the Department has grown to its current size of 30 academic staff, approximately 70 research students and 110 research and technical staff. It now offers two undergraduate majors, Applied Physics and Materials Engineering, with approximately 300 full-time students. The Department also offers a taught Master of Science (MSc) degree in Materials Engineering and Nanotechnology with about 60 students, and post-graduate Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programmes. The Department has three objectives: to educate students with advanced knowledge and skills, to conduct cutting-edge research and development leading to the advancement of science and technology and to render professional services for Hong Kong and the Greater China region.
The Department of Physics and Materials Science offers two undergraduate majors:
BSc Applied Physics
BEng Materials Engineering
The Applied Physics major is not an ordinary Physics major. In Applied Physics, students are taught biomedical physics, nuclear radiation, materials physics and optoelectronics, enabling them to seek employment in hospitals, nuclear radiation facilities and engineering companies.
