The interdisciplinary research course aims to broaden Year-1 students’, irrespective of their disciplines, exposure in research by providing them with research opportunities to undertake existing research projects outside their normal disciplines of study, under the supervision of faculty members who conduct research in specific fields. It also allows freshmen to get familiar with the inter-discip
linary research basis and culture, which are essential teaching and learning components for educating smart professionals for the knowledge-based society. In this course, a group of up to six students will be under the supervision of a faculty member. During the course, students will work as a team of 2 or 3 on a given project (approved by a CSE sub-committee). Throughout the semester, students are required to attend a series of lectures given by faculties from CSE, CLASS, SLW and CB. The purpose of the lecture series is to guide students to appreciate the basis and importance of interdisciplinary undergraduate research. In addition, students are required to participate in interactive seminars with the supervisor on a fixed weekly schedule to discuss the proposals, directions, problems, and challenges of an existing research, and particularly their involvement in the data collection and analysis of the research. Also, students are required to discuss their assigned readings on interdisciplinary research with the supervisor. On the other hand, students are required to submit an individual journal as a reflective record of their involvement and contributions to the research. Students are also required to submit a final group report with presentation.
