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School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences

2.2.1 Degree programmes and requirements


Undergraduate study

The undergraduate programmes incorporate broad-based education beyond the major or concentration. In addition, to stay relevant and to meet the career needs of the students, SPMS offers opportunities for industrial and R&D attachments in industries, universities or research institutes that will count towards graduation requirements. Such attachments may be overseas.

The four-year direct B.Sc. (Hons) programme will require 144AUs for graduation distributed over four levels:

• 72AUs, effectively two years, in a major or concentration - Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics which cover the interfaces, with more majors to be defined in future years including Honours project work;
• 45AUs of electives or a minor;
• 27AUs of broadening or distribution including writing and communication courses.

The major in Mathematics Economics integrates two disciplines which has a heavier proportion in the major study.

• 108AUs, effectively three years, in the major including Honours project work;
• 15AUs of electives or a major;
• 21AUs of broadening or distribution including writing and communication courses.

The three-to four-year programme leads to a B.Sc. (Hons) in the following courses:


1. Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry

- B.Sc. (Hons) in Chemistry and Biological Chemistry
- B.Sc. (Hons) in Chemistry and Biological Chemistry with concentration in Green Chemistry or Medicinal Chemistry or Food Science and Technology
The major in Chemistry and Biological Chemistry is modelled on the rigorous American Chemical Society accredited Chemistry programs at major US universities for professional training in the field.


2. Division of Mathematical Sciences

- B.Sc. (Hons) in Mathematical Sciences
- B.Sc. (Hons) in Mathematical Sciences with concentration in Mathematics of Information and Communication or Computational Mathematics
The major in Mathematical Sciences will cover a good mix of fundamental, as well as applied, computational, and industrial aspects of mathematics and statistics.
- B.Sc. (Hons) in Mathematics and Economics (jointly offered by the School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences and School of Humanities and Social Sciences). This major integrates mathematics and economics, and leverages on the synergy between these two disciplines. Students learn to apply advanced mathematical techniques to economic problems and how issues in economics motivate advances in mathematics.


3. Division of Physics and Applied Physics

- B.Sc. (Hons) in Physics
- B.Sc. (Hons) in Applied Physics
- B.Sc. (Hons) in Physics with concentration in Nanotechnology
- B.Sc. (Hons) in Applied Physics with concentration in Nanotechnology or
Optical Technology or Semiconductor Technology or Biophysics
- B.Sc. (Hons) in Physics with second major in Mathematical Sciences
The majors in Physics and Applied Physics prepare graduates for a variety of challenging careers through strong theoretial and experimental training. These careers include R&D and engineering positions in industry, management, banking and finance, and professional and scientific positions. Students enjoy the rigourous yet flexible curriculum, and the friendly and stimulating exchanges with professors add to a conductive and thriving environment. Graduates can look forward to fruitful and rewarding prospects in their work, while those who intend to pursue postgraduate degrees will find that our curriculum provides thorough preparation for GRE papers. The Applied Physics concentrations highlight how science advances technologies, and illustrate the applications of physical principles in interdisciplinary fields ranging from materials and engineering, to the life sciences. Students in the Physics programme who possess excellent entrance qualification may also apply for second major in Mathematical Sciences.