Enquiry for Science Major/Minor/Programme Requirements
SCNC3111 Frontiers of science honours seminar course (6 credits) Academic Year 2026
Offering Department Faculty Quota 70
Course Co-ordinator Prof R K W Lui, Faculty < lui2012@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Dr D Yu,Faculty of Science)
(Dr E K M Leung,Faculty of Science)
(Dr Y Qian,Earth and Planetary Sciences)
(Prof K W Y Yuen,Biological Sciences)
(Prof R K W Lui,Faculty of Science)
Course Objectives To introduce the research being done by our Faculty's professors
To broaden and enrich students' scientific knowledge in and outside of their chosen major
To foster intellectual discussions between our research professors and students
To observe how research is done and note the thinking processes and paths that lead to scientific discoveries
To enhance students' awareness of the importance of science to solve some of the problems facing the society
To collaborate with and learn from peers from different academic backgrounds in a scientific setting
To develop essential written and spoken communication skills
To serve as a potential mentor-mentee matching platform for faculty members and students
To develop an awareness of research ethics
Course Contents & Topics Professors from different departments will be featured in the honours seminar course, and they will discuss their latest research with students.  The topics will span the areas of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Physics, as well as Mathematics/Statistics & Actuarial science.  In addition, the following topics to prepare students for conducting and communicating research will also be introduced: Introduction to Different Search Engines for Scientific Journals and/or Decoding a Scientific Paper and/or Effective Communication for Scientists (Writing, Oral and Poster Presentations).
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 describe and discuss in an informed manner the fields of research of some of our research professors
CLO 2 identify how professors with different scientific training solve their research problems
CLO 3 apply literature search skills to identify and develop a research topic
CLO 4 practice and master scientific writing and presentation skills
CLO 5 demonstrate interpersonal skills in collaborating with their peers in a scientific setting
CLO 6 devise a research proposal and evaluate their peers' works
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in a level 2 science course.
The course is for Science students only .
Students who participated or will participate in ORF/SRF must take this course.
Course to PLO Mapping
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y        1st 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Organization and presentational skills are minimally effective or ineffective.
Communication-intensive Course N
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 A series of writing and reflection assignments will be given 40.0 1,2,4
Presentation Students will give a 30-minute group presentation during the last week of the instruction 40.0 3,4,5,6
Project reports In-class formative assessment: activities for students to work in groups 20.0 1,2,4,5
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 TBC (suggested by the professors)
Course Website NIL
Additional Course Information NIL


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