Hong Kong

This course provides a grounding in basic bioinformatics algorithms, tools, and databases. The course also provides hands-on bioinformatics analysis experience and the ability to conduct independent bioinformatics analyses. Topics: algorithms, especially those for sequence alignment and assembly, which comprise the foundation of the rapid development of bioinformatics and DNA sequencing; leading bioinformatics tools for comparing and analyzing genomes starting from raw sequencing data; the functions and organization of a few essential bioinformatics databases and how they support various types of bioinformatics analysis.

Introduction to system equations, block diagrams, signal flow graphs, state-space systems, transient response using convolution integral, root locus and frequency response methods. Design by root locus, frequency response and state space method. Nyquist stability test.

This course provides some basic understanding of archaeology. It introduces the basic theory, method and practice of archaeology. Focus is on the nature and development of archaeology, data acquisition (archaeological surveys and excavations), data processing and analysis, synthesis and interpretation (reconstruction of the past environmental ecology, economic, social and cultural life) and important archaeological discoveries and studies around the world. The significance of archaeology to contemporary societies is discussed.

This course is an introduction to the historical and sociocultural study of popular music. The first part of the course focuses on Anglo-American popular music of the postwar era, while the second part of the course explores East Asian popular musics and cultures. The goal of the course is to develop analytic and critical tools to better understand popular music and culture in our daily lives, and to familiarize students with the dominant themes and issues in popular music studies.

The course addresses the concept of poisoning from several perspectives, including the basic principles of posology, which is concerned with dosage and is the foundation of toxicology. The basic concepts of poisoning are illustrated with simple clinical examples such as specific human organ toxicities related to drugs, household poisons, plant and animal sources of poisons, food poisoning and seafood poisoning. In addition, examples of poisoning in Hong Kong are explored from a historical and legal perspective. The psychology of poisoning is explored with examples that highlight precautions needed to ensure safe handling of toxic materials. Finally, the course develops a thread of common metaphors, symbolism and other associations used to describe poisons in cinema, late Victorian and early 20th century detective fiction, and other historical references.

This course introduces social administration and social welfare; the role and function of social policy as an agent of allocating power, status, life opportunity, and social resources among various groups and individuals; and the development of the social welfare system in Hong Kong context. Topics include basic concepts of social policy, development of social welfare in industrialized society, the philosophies and values of welfare, development of social welfare in East Asian countries, education, public housing, medical and health care systems, and social security systems.

This course examines how globalization is fundamentally transforming the meanings of culture. Students learn the processes of globalization of culture and better understand the nature of their own culture and selves within a globalizing world. Topics include the changing meanings of culture; imperialism, colonialism, and capitalism; modernity and postmodernity; the globalization of the world economy and its cultural implications; globalization and consumption; globalization, mass media, and cultural values; globalization and immigration; globalization and tourism; globalization and terrorism; cultural identity in a globalizing world; the ethnic, national, and global in the shaping of cultural identity. Assessment: midterm exam, final exam, class participation and attendance.

This is an advanced Cantonese language course designed to further improve fluency in professional communication settings through language activities, role playing and discussion practice. Topics for discussion include various China news and issues related to the Chinese society, such as education system, economy and immigration.