Want to Impact the World? Study and Research at Faculty of Applied Science & Textiles, HK PolyU

The Faculty of Applied Science & Textiles (FAST) prides itself on its provision of a research-rich learning environment, making it its mission to “excel in professional education, applied research and partnership for the betterment of Hong Kong, the nation and the world.”

FAST has certainly delivered, and has a plethora of achievements and awards to show for the excellence in research. The abundance of research opportunities offered to students encourages them to develop analytical and research skills, leaving graduates ready to succeed in a complex working environment.

Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology

The Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology brings together expertise in molecular biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, proteomics, cancer biology, bioimaging, biofuel, physiology, organic and inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, chemical engineering, nanotechnology and food science/technology. In addition to offering quality programmes with relevance to industry, the department is poised for high-level research and consultancy projects that require interdisciplinary knowledge.

BSc (Hons) in Applied Biology with Biotechnology

The programme goes well beyond the classroom by partnering with biotechnological and pharmaceutical companies. One such partnership was formed to create a new ground-breaking oral cancer drug that was awarded Investigational New Drug status by the U.S. FDA earlier this year. This is one of the first biological drugs produced in Hong Kong to have been awarded IND status. In fact, the first Hong Kong anti-cancer drug to be awarded this status was possible thanks to a significant discovery made at HK PolyU in 2012.

BSc (Hons) in Chemical Technology

The programme emphasizes the applied, technological and commercial aspects of Chemistry. The application of Chemistry makes it unique and different from “pure” chemistry programmes. Career prospects are promising with graduates going on to work as chemists, technologists and chemical/ biochemical process engineers.  The Department has also appointed a Human Resource Consultant firm that seeks to enhance Chemical Technology students’ career planning skills.

BSc (Hons) in Food Safety and Technology

The programme gains its professional recognition in accreditation by the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) and the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST). The overarching goal of the Food Safety and Technology programme is to “contribute to the well-being of the Hong Kong society at large, in particular to the assurance of food safety in the community.”

Click here to keep up with the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology.

Department of Applied Mathematics

The Department of Applied Mathematics is committed to quality teaching and research activities in mathematical science. The Department’s main research directions are Applied Statistics and Financial Mathematics, Operations Research and Optimization, Engineering and Computational Mathematics.

The 2015 Academic Ranking of World Universities ranked HK PolyU in the top 100 world universities in mathematics. The 2016 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Ranking places HK PolyU in the top 100 leading universities in mathematics and in the top 50 in statistics and operational research.

The Department offers a BSc (Hons) in Investment Science. The programme provides cutting-edge knowledge and skills of Investment Science and emphasizes on all rounded education. Students gain solid mathematical knowledge, quantitative analysis, critical thinking and communication skills specialised to investment and finance.

Click here to keep up with the department’s awards and achievements.

Department of Applied Physics

As one of the most dynamic departments at the university, the Department of Applied Physics is dedicated to providing quality education, research, industrial consultancy and professional service to the community. Its research focuses on smart materials and systems, nanomaterials, photonic materials and devices, polymers and composites, theoretical and computational physics, and environmental studies. The Department has acquired a list of sophisticated, versatile and up-to-date equipment to support its research and consultancy work.

Earlier this year, the Department teamed up with another HK PolyU department, the Interdisciplinary Division of Biomedical Engineering, to produce a ground-breaking Nano Biosensor for more rapid detection of the flu virus. This new technology reduces testing time from 1-3 days to 2-3 hours, and is 80% less expensive than other established testing methods.

The Department offers a BSc(Hons) in Engineering Physics and a revolutionary Minor programme in Optoelectronics, which is the study of integrating electronic and light technology. This programme seeks to provide manufacturers looking to replace manual labour with high-quality technological production by training students in optoelectronic system design as well as processing and testing.

Click here for more information on the Optoelectronics programme.

For more information about the world-changing work the department is doing, click here.

Institute of Textiles and Clothing

The Institute of Textiles & Clothing has pioneered the provision of fashion and textiles education in Hong Kong, and has a long-established research culture for both fundamental and applied research in every element of the diverse fashion industry. Apart from being a close partner of local and international business, ITC has established strong regional and global connections.

The Institute offers a BA (Hons) Scheme in Fashion and Textiles, which covers a broad spectrum of specialisms:

  • Fashion and Textile Design
  • Fashion and Textile Marketing
  • Fashion and Textile Technology
  • Fashion Retailing
  • Intimate Apparel
  • Knitwear Design and Technology

Each programme paves the way to each student’s unique and exciting careers in one of the world’s most elusive industries, but two specialisms in particular, draw more and more students, year after year:

Knitwear Design and Technology

This specialism focuses on integrating design with technology, and trains students in the art of yarn and knitting technology. Fashion designers are not the same as knitwear designers; the latter are well-educated in the technology behind knitwear as well as design.

Fashion and Textiles: Fashion & Textile Marketing

This specialism focuses on teaching students to recognize problems and apply problem-solving techniques associated with the business side of the fashion industry, particularly marketing and merchandising. The Institute uses a variety of methods to teach these skills, specifically individual and team research projects in conjunction with marketing programmes.

Click here to find out more about the ITC’s exciting student fashion show.

With the exposure to invaluable intern opportunities, research partnerships, interdisciplinary projects and many other innovative facets, graduates of the Faculty of Applied Science & Textiles of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University are granted the tools they need to make their vision and dream a reality.

Think you have what it takes to become a groundbreaking researcher? Check out their international student exchange page.

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All images courtesy of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

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