Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science was formally established in 1939. Since then, the Faculty has developed into one of the largest in the University, comprising six departments/school: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics and Actuarial Science.
As the forerunner of science education in Hong Kong, the Faculty is committed to providing quality science education and enhancing our curricula to keep abreast of times.
Programme Features
Cambridge-track for Selected YSS Participants in Natural Sciences Disciplines
Thematic Week Activities (Oct 19-25)
[Virtual Tour] Introducing the Biodiversity Museum
The Biodiversity Museum of the School of Biological Sciences hosts one of the most extensive collection of terrestrial and marine animals in Hong Kong. Dr Guénard will bring us around the museum for a virtual visit introducing some of the most remarkable pieces of the thousands of specimens found within the collection. A journey to discover the diversity of life and creatures found in Hong Kong and abroad.
[Demonstration] Understanding COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2
Understanding COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2
[Science Talk] Understanding COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2
The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is still ongoing. In this talk, Prof. Jin will give a brief introduction to the science of COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2. The talk will cover all important areas including the origin of SARS-CoV-2, the life cycle of the virus, the COVID-19 disease, diagnosis, treatment and vaccine development. Particularly, he will explain how HKU scientists made a difference in the fight against COVID-19. He will also provide an answer to many key questions such as whether SARS-CoV-2 is man-made, what herd immunity is and when vaccines might be available.
[Demonstration] Viewing of Green Fluorescence Protein (GFP) Mouse
Viewing of Green Fluorescence Protein (GFP) Mouse
[Demonstration] Developing Chicken Embryo
Developing Chicken Embryo
[Science Talk] Go with the Electron Flow
Date: October 20, 2020 (Tuesday)
Time: 4:30 pm (30-min talk + 10-min Q&A)
Flow is all around us, ranging from intangible information flow to tangible water flow. Through careful inspection, one will be intrigued to find that electron flow serves as the backbone to support life processes and enable a sustainable society. In this talk, the speaker will share with the audience some thoughts on and experience in dealing with electron flows found in biological contexts and artificial settings, including but not limited to biofilms, DNA, proteins, sensors, energy catalysis systems, and electrochemical devices. Join us and enjoy an electrifying Science Talk!
[Science Talk] Studying Geology and Earth System Science at HKU
Date: October 23, 2020 (Friday)
Time: 4:45 pm (30-min talk + 10-min Q&A)
In this talk, Dr. Jessica King and Dr. Yiliang Li will introduce our Majors in Geology, Geology (Intensive) and Earth System Science and what it is like to study these fascinating subjects.
[Science Talk] Can you hear me? Noise pollution impacts on wildlife and people
Date: October 21, 2020 (Wednesday)
Time: 4:40 pm (30-min talk + 10-min Q&A)
Urban areas are growing rapidly around the world - with Asia being home to some of the biggest, brightest and noisiest cities in the world. Noise from human activities, such as traffic or construction noise, impacts the ability of animals and humans to communicate and thrive in urban areas. In this talk, I will explore the many impacts of noise pollution, discuss ways in which animals and people try to adapt to noise, and explore solutions to reduce the negative impacts of urban noise.
[Virtual Tour] Journey to Environmental Science
A virtual tour will be made to introduce ENVS major and Special sustainability and innovative features in Centennial Campus. In the part of introducing ENVS major, we would like to let our guest know more about different laboratories related to ENVS major, such as the Swire marine laboratory, Dingle Lab (about bird), Plant Lab… In the of introducing Special sustainability and innovative features in Centennial Campus, we will introduce the location and functions of each feature, including Daylight sensors, Environmental performance monitoring display system.
[Science Talk] AI and Mathematics
Date: October 22, 2020 (Thursday)
Time: 4:15 pm (30-min talk + 10-min Q&A)
In this talk, speaker will briefly introduce the development of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the applications of AI in science and technology. Then, speaker will explain how mathematics theories and algorithms are used in AI. Even if you have less mathematics or programming knowledge you can learn how does the deep learning work. The presentation aims to motivate secondary school students appreciate mathematics and increase their interests in learning mathematics.
[Science Talk] Giant Black Holes Devouring Stars: Extreme Cosmic Events Illuminating Black Hole Spacetimes
Date: October 23, 2020 (Friday)
Time: 4:30 (30-min talk + 10-min Q&A)
In the center of every big galaxy, there is an enormous black hole with billions of stars orbiting around it. Astrophysicists want to study how these black holes grow together with galaxies throughout cosmic history and how they affect the surrounding spacetime. However, this is a hard task, since these black holes are usually dark and faraway.
Recently, a lot of progress has been made in studying how such massive black holes can tear apart stars wandering too close. Such phenomena, called tidal disruption events, can produce very bright flares which temporarily illuminate the black holes. In this talk, Professor Dai will show how massive black holes destroy and eat stars, why general relativity is important in the whole process, and how the properties of massive black holes can be probed through such events. She will also discuss how the frontier of this research topic has been pushed forward by using modern telescopes and large-scale computer simulations.
[Science Talk] Interesting Things about Interest Rates
Date: October 19, 2020 (Monday)
Time: 4:30 pm (30-min talk + 10-min Q&A)
This talk will introduce some basic concepts and characteristics about the operation of interest rates. The speaker will also briefly look into the relationships between interest rates and other economic variables.
[Science Talk] Statistics in Mahjong
Date: October 21, 2020 (Wednesday)
Time: 4:30 pm (30-min talk + 10-min Q&A)
Mahjong has long been a popular board game among Asian culture. Different people have developed their own strategies in terms of winning the game based on experience. This talk will explore how statistical tools could be useful for a more subjective analysis.