Enquiry for Science Major/Minor/Programme Requirements
SCNC1111 Scientific method and reasoning (6 credits) Academic Year 2026
Offering Department Faculty Quota ---
Course Co-ordinator Prof R K W Lui, Faculty < lui2012@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Prof R K W Lui,Faculty of Science)
Course Objectives The objectives are to give students a holistic view of the science discipline in terms of its nature, concepts and impact on civilization and society; to equip students with basic skills of logical and quantitative reasoning; and to introduce to students mathematical and statistical methods for science studies and research.
Course Contents & Topics Part I: The nature and methodology of science
- Demarcation between science and non-science
- Shared features of the sciences
- Scientific method
- The role of mathematics in the historical development of science

Part II: Quantitative reasoning
Topics selected from the following ones, which are grouped under three categories:
a. Mathematics
- Foundation of mathematics
- Mathematics and advancement of science - an introduction
- Mathematical modelling - an introduction
- Guesstimation
- Difference equations
- Linear algebra and matrices
- Calculus and differential equations

b. Statistics
- Probability rules
- Probabilistic methods
- Statistical inference
- Confidence intervals estimation
- Hypothesis testing
- Decision making with statistics
- Statistical modelling, and use and misuse of statistics

c. Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis and Programming using Microsoft Excel
- Performing operations by using formulas and functions and Data Analysis in Microsoft Excel
- Linear Regression including overfitting and underfitting
- Fundamental concepts of Supervised Learning
- Computational Thinking
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 describe key aspects of scientific methodology
CLO 2 describe the key elements of the foundation of mathematics and statistics
CLO 3 identify the mathematics that underlies scientific problems
CLO 4 apply logical and quantitative reasoning to re-formulate both real life and scientific problems in mathematical terms, to interpret their solutions, and to present this in visual, oral and written format
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Not for students who have taken STAT1016/STAT1018 from taking SCNC1111 (unless they have declared a Science major).
(This course is compulsory for all students taking a Science major offered by the Faculty of Science, except those who are eligible for exemption. Students should take this course in their first year.)
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2026 Major in Biochemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2026 Major in Biological Sciences ( Core/Compulsory )
2026 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2026 Major in Chemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2026 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2026 Major in Earth System Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2026 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity ( Core/Compulsory )
2026 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2026 Major in Environmental Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2026 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2026 Major in Geology ( Core/Compulsory )
2026 Major in Geology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2026 Major in Mathematics ( Core/Compulsory )
2026 Major in Mathematics (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2026 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Core/Compulsory )
2026 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2026 Major in Physics ( Core/Compulsory )
2026 Major in Physics (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Biochemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Biological Sciences ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Chemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Earth System Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Environmental Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Geology ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Geology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Mathematics ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Mathematics (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Physics ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Major in Physics (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Biochemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Biological Sciences ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Chemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Decision Analytics ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Earth System Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Environmental Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Geology ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Geology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Mathematics ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Mathematics (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Physics ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Physics (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Risk Management ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Major in Statistics ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Biochemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Biological Sciences ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Chemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Decision Analytics ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Earth System Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Environmental Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Geology ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Geology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Mathematics ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Mathematics (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Physics ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Physics (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Risk Management ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Major in Statistics ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Biochemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Biological Sciences ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Chemistry ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Decision Analytics ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Earth System Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Environmental Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Food & Nutritional Science ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Geology ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Geology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Mathematics ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Mathematics (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Physics ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Physics (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Risk Management ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Major in Statistics ( Core/Compulsory )
Course to PLO Mapping 2026 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 3,4 >
2026 Major in Biological Sciences < PLO 1,2 >
2026 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) < PLO 1,3 >
2026 Major in Chemistry < PLO 4 >
2026 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) < PLO 4 >
2026 Major in Earth System Science < PLO 6 >
2026 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity < PLO 5 >
2026 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) < PLO 4 >
2026 Major in Environmental Science < PLO 2 >
2026 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 1,2,3 >
2026 Major in Geology < PLO 5 >
2026 Major in Geology (Intensive) < PLO 5 >
2026 Major in Mathematics < PLO 1,4,5 >
2026 Major in Mathematics (Intensive) < PLO 1,4,5 >
2026 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology < PLO 3,4 >
2026 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) < PLO 3,4 >
2026 Major in Physics < PLO 3,4,5 >
2026 Major in Physics (Intensive) < PLO 3,4,5 >
2025 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 3,4 >
2025 Major in Biological Sciences < PLO 1,2 >
2025 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) < PLO 1,3 >
2025 Major in Chemistry < PLO 4 >
2025 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) < PLO 4 >
2025 Major in Earth System Science < PLO 6 >
2025 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity < PLO 5 >
2025 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) < PLO 4 >
2025 Major in Environmental Science < PLO 2 >
2025 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 1,2,3 >
2025 Major in Geology < PLO 5 >
2025 Major in Geology (Intensive) < PLO 5 >
2025 Major in Mathematics < PLO 1,4,5 >
2025 Major in Mathematics (Intensive) < PLO 1,4,5 >
2025 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology < PLO 3,4 >
2025 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) < PLO 3,4 >
2025 Major in Physics < PLO 3,4,5 >
2025 Major in Physics (Intensive) < PLO 3,4,5 >
2024 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 3,4 >
2024 Major in Biological Sciences < PLO 1,2 >
2024 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) < PLO 1,3 >
2024 Major in Chemistry < PLO 4 >
2024 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) < PLO 4 >
2024 Major in Decision Analytics < PLO 2 >
2024 Major in Earth System Science < PLO 6 >
2024 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity < PLO 5 >
2024 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) < PLO 4 >
2024 Major in Environmental Science < PLO 2 >
2024 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 1,2,3 >
2024 Major in Geology < PLO 5 >
2024 Major in Geology (Intensive) < PLO 5 >
2024 Major in Mathematics < PLO 1,4,5 >
2024 Major in Mathematics (Intensive) < PLO 1,4,5 >
2024 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology < PLO 3,4 >
2024 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) < PLO 3,4 >
2024 Major in Physics < PLO 3,4,5 >
2024 Major in Physics (Intensive) < PLO 3,4,5 >
2024 Major in Risk Management < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2024 Major in Statistics < PLO 1,4,5 >
2023 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 3,4 >
2023 Major in Biological Sciences < PLO 1,2 >
2023 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) < PLO 1,3 >
2023 Major in Chemistry < PLO 4 >
2023 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) < PLO 4 >
2023 Major in Decision Analytics < PLO 2 >
2023 Major in Earth System Science < PLO 6 >
2023 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity < PLO 5 >
2023 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) < PLO 4 >
2023 Major in Environmental Science < PLO 2 >
2023 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 1,2,3 >
2023 Major in Geology < PLO 5 >
2023 Major in Geology (Intensive) < PLO 5 >
2023 Major in Mathematics < PLO 1,4,5 >
2023 Major in Mathematics (Intensive) < PLO 1,4,5 >
2023 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology < PLO 3,4 >
2023 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) < PLO 3,4 >
2023 Major in Physics < PLO 3,4,5 >
2023 Major in Physics (Intensive) < PLO 3,4,5 >
2023 Major in Risk Management < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2023 Major in Statistics < PLO 1,4,5 >
2022 Major in Biochemistry < PLO 3,4 >
2022 Major in Biological Sciences < PLO 1,2 >
2022 Major in Biological Sciences (Intensive) < PLO 1,3 >
2022 Major in Chemistry < PLO 4 >
2022 Major in Chemistry (Intensive) < PLO 4 >
2022 Major in Decision Analytics < PLO 2 >
2022 Major in Earth System Science < PLO 6 >
2022 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity < PLO 5 >
2022 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) < PLO 4 >
2022 Major in Environmental Science < PLO 2 >
2022 Major in Food & Nutritional Science < PLO 1,2,3 >
2022 Major in Geology < PLO 5 >
2022 Major in Geology (Intensive) < PLO 5 >
2022 Major in Mathematics < PLO 1,4,5 >
2022 Major in Mathematics (Intensive) < PLO 1,4,5 >
2022 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology < PLO 3,4 >
2022 Major in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (Intensive) < PLO 3,4 >
2022 Major in Physics < PLO 3,4,5 >
2022 Major in Physics (Intensive) < PLO 3,4,5 >
2022 Major in Risk Management < PLO 1,2,3,4,5 >
2022 Major in Statistics < PLO 1,4,5 >
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y        1st sem    2nd sem    Examination No Exam     
Offer in 2027 - 2028 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Demonstrate thorough mastery of extensive knowledge and skills required for attaining all the course learning outcomes. Show strong analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to a wide range of familiar and unfamiliar situations. Carry out computations carefully and correctly. Apply highly effective organizational and presentational skills.
B Demonstrate substantial command of a broad range of knowledge and skills required for attaining at least most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to familiar and some unfamiliar situations. Carry out computations mostly in a careful and correct way, but commit some minor computational errors. Apply effective organizational and presentational skills.
C Demonstrate general but incomplete command of knowledge and skills required for attaining most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to most familiar situations. Commit a number of minor computational errors. Apply moderately effective organizational and presentational skills.
D Demonstrate partial but limited command of knowledge and skills required for attaining some of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some coherent and logical thinking, but with limited analytical and critical abilities. Show limited ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Commit some substantial computational errors. Apply limited or barely effective organizational and presentational skills.
Fail Demonstrate little or no evidence of command of knowledge and skills required for attaining the course learning outcomes. Lack of analytical and critical abilities, logical and coherent thinking. Show very little or no ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Commit serious computational errors. Organization and presentational skills are minimally effective or ineffective.
Communication-intensive Course Y
Course Type Lecture-based course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Lectures 36.0
Tutorials 12.0
Reading / Self study 100.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Assignments (individual) assignment 5.0 1,2,3,4
Project reports group project 50.0 1,3,4
Test two written tests 45.0 1,2,4
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 TBC
Course Website NIL
Additional Course Information Candidates who have been admitted to Year 1 in 2020-21 (and thereafter) and have achieved any one of the following qualifications are exempted from taking SCNC1111. It is optional for them to take this course. Those who do not take this course should take a 6-credit disciplinary elective course of the science major in lieu.
- Level 4 or above in Mathematics Extended Part Module 1 or 2 in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
- Level 5 or above in Mathematics Higher Level in International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Grade B or above in Mathematics and Further Mathematics in General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCEAL)
- Mathematics qualification in Gao Kao will be considered on a case-by-case basis


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