University of Hong Kong

This course builds on the foundation modern physics course. The course discusses quantum mechanics in the advanced undergraduate level with vigorous mathematical treatment. It serves as a core course for physics major students as well as an elective core for those who are interested to gain a deep understanding of quantum mechanics and to apply related techniques in their own majors. Topics include: particle properties of wave, wave properties of particle, Schrodinger Equation, some solutions to Time Independent Schrodinger Equation, hydrogen atom, spin and many particles system. Text: D.J. Griffiths, INTRODUCTION TO QUANTUM MECHANICS. Assessment: assignments, lab reports, final exam. Prerequisite: modern physics.

This course examines the issues of social policy in Hong Kong including privatization of welfare services, the impact of welfare ideology on the state of development in Hong Kong, the issue of equity and equality in welfare provision, community care and service needs of the new arrivals from the mainland. Different theories of welfare will be discussed in relation to local welfare issues. 

There is an old saying, “You are what you eat”, which means the food one eats has a bearing on one’s state of mind and health. Since the discovery of fire, culinary practices have been instrumental in the progress of human evolution. Culinary practices may be regarded as one of the oldest and most widespread applications of chemistry and physical sciences in everyday life. Traditionally, understanding and knowledge on cooking are based on collective experiences of diverse individuals passed down from generations to generations. This course explores everyday life cooking and food preparation activities from scientific perspectives. It examines critically the “folk knowledge” of cooking from the viewpoints of chemical, biological, physical and social studies. This course promotes science literacy through exploring concepts and theories that are behind everyday cooking and cuisines. Using knowledge of cooking as a starting point, students explore the intimate relationship between sciences, personal life and society through daily life examples and laboratory demonstrations. All course contents including practical sections are designed to be suitable for students having little or no science training.

This course examines major trends and issues in international relations of East Asia. Instead of providing a comprehensive survey of the history, culture, and national policies of countries in the region, it mainly addresses four issues in the course: What are major trends in regional IR? What is the source of conflict in the region? What are the common interests that unite peoples and states of East Asia? How does the region organize itself? It explains dynamics and patterns of regional international relations in a broad geopolitical and geoeconomic context. Topics in discussion include major powers’ role in the region, the Korean Peninsula, the Taiwan Strait, ASEAN, Southeastern Asia and regional institution-building.