For Shafayet Yaseen from Bangladesh, the BSc (Hons) in Engineering Physics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s (PolyU) Department of Applied Physics (AP) has been life-changing.
Since 1987, AP has been creating opportunities for talented students from around the world to explore their interests and grow beyond the classroom. Yaseen made the most of these opportunities by working as a research assistant, interning at Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf in Germany, and joining an Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS) project that applied AI and computer vision to commercial painting applications. He also served as the President of the International Student Association and Vice President of the English Debate Club.
These experiences played a key role in helping him earn one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world. The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is highly competitive, with a 3% to 5% acceptance rate. It’s not impossible, however, especially if you have the right preparation and credentials, as Yaseen did.
But research opportunities are only one part of the many benefits that AP offers.
AP’s scholars and researchers help shape the curriculum and support exciting research in new materials, AI, big data, and optoelectronics. Source: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Future-ready physics
Physics is everywhere today — and so are the opportunities it creates. To help you build interdisciplinary skills and stay ahead of industry trends, AP has launched a four-year BSc (Hons) in Physics, where you can acquire a secondary major degree.
The first option is the BSc (Hons) in Physics with a Secondary Major in Artificial Intelligence & Data Analytics (AIDA). From smartphone apps to healthcare technologies, AI is transforming how the world works. What many people don’t realise is how important physics is here. This programme brings together the best of both worlds; you’ll be exposed to both fundamental and applied physics topics in addition to the principal theories of AI.
If you’re more interested in the intersection between applied physics, innovation, and business, there’s the BSc (Hons) in Physics with a Secondary Major in Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IE). Created for those with an entrepreneurial mindset, the programme equips future physics innovators with the skills to transform technology into impact.
Although the two programmes have different academic focuses, students in both enjoy the same support. You’ll learn in well-equipped laboratories; Physics x AIDA/IE students, for example, can access a dedicated AI laboratory.
Global partnerships give you the opportunity to develop as learners and individuals. Source: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Ready for the world
Beyond the classroom, both programmes encourage you to gain real-world experience through a wide range of local and international internships. These opportunities are tailored to each pathway: Physics x AIDA/IE students get extended internship training with major technology companies or start-ups. Along the way, you’ll apply what you’ve learned, gain industry experience, and build practical skills that will be useful for your future career. In the past, students have interned with organisations such as the Mitacs Globalink Research Internship in Canada, China Merchants Bank in China, and Chun Ling Engineering Limited in Hong Kong.
Another way you’re encouraged to look beyond borders is through international exchange opportunities. With partner institutions around the world, including the University of Sydney, McGill University, and the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon, you can experience different education systems, make international connections, and grow academically and personally.
With all these academic, industry, and international experiences, you’ll graduate with a well-rounded skill set (lateral thinking, communication, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills) that’s essential in today’s job market.
These skills open doors to many career paths, whether that’s becoming a data scientist in finance, working as a teacher, joining the medical field as a lab manager or quantitative researcher, or exploring something entirely different. Some students even start building their careers before they graduate. Jong Hoi-lam Gavin, a Year 4 student of the Physics x IE programme, co-founded Chinese Writing Wizard Limited, an AI-powered tool that makes learning and teaching Chinese writing easier.
Follow The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s Department of Applied Physics on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn
