Every aspect of our life is touched, and sometimes radically changed, by developments in Sciences. Scientists are continually searching for ways to make advancements in technology to improve life. Living in an ever-changing world, there is always a need for new technologies to be developed by scientists working collaboratively in Life Sciences, Food and Nutritional Science, Chemistry, Physics, Statistics, Biomedical Sciences and Nursing, Earth and Environmental Sciences. In this post genome-decoding world, there is always a need for new technologies. This Programme is offered in collaboration with The University of Hong Kong to provide students a systematic way of training and a firm foundation in sciences.
This programme will provide students with a solid foundation in different aspects of sciences, and prepare them for entrance into a degree-granting programme at university, and provide them with a sound base for a future career. This programme consists of SIX main areas of study – Physics, Statistics & Risk Management, Biological Science, Nursing studies, Chemistry and Earth and Environmental Sciences. The first year aims at strengthening students’ background in foundation sciences. The second year is a university year-two programme, run in collaboration with the Science Faculty of the University of Hong Kong, and covers much of the core syllabus taken by the second-year undergraduates at HKU and other universities. Majority of the Year 2 specialism courses are co-offered with HKU AND most laboratory sessions are conducted at HKU.
In addition to the minimum entrance requirements, applicants are also required to have taken at least one subject in AL/AS Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Pure Mathematics or Mathematics & Statistics or Applied Mathematics; or obtained Level 2 or above in one of the following HKDSE subjects: Combined Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics (Extended Module I/II) subjects or equivalent .
Once students have successfully completed the programme, they will be eligible for further studies in local or overseas universities. A number of options are available for our graduates. In the past, our graduates have successfully joined the following programmes at university: Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Food and Nutrition, Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Radiotherapy, Life Science, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Statistics, Investment Science, Mathematics, Physics, Materials Engineering, Building Engineering and Sports Science are among the most popular choices of our students who go on to university.
In the academic year of 2009-10, 40% of the graduates were admitted to UGC funded programmes offered by local universities with 65% of them being admitted to HKU. Over 20% of the graduates were admitted to other degree programmes offered by local or overseas universities.
Persons with a scientific training are in short supply in Hong Kong. There is always a great need for people who have qualities such as logical thinking and analytical ability. There are therefore, many job opportunities for those who have an Associate Degree in Science. This programme is an ideal starting point for related professions in the Sciences or related fields and for other careers in Commerce, Law, Finance and Education as well as a career in the Civil Service. Students will also be well prepared for professions that place a strong emphasis on analytical skills, such as the legal and banking professions.
