SSCI

School of Science

Blended learning – a summer course of “the science of gastronomy” for HKUST students

Project Overview
Project Title	Blended learning – a summer course of “the science of gastronomy” for HKUST students
Project Leader	Prof King L CHOW and Prof Lam Lung YEUNG
School / Dept	SSCI / LIFS & CHEM
Project Duration	Oct 2013 - Nov 2014
Project Description	This project aims to develop and offer a six week "Gastronomy" course in the summer 2014 using a blended learning mode. This new course very different from the original gastronomy course will enable students to apply knowledge learned from video and in class lectures, project exercise, discussion in tutorial sessions, and skills learnt to real life situations (practices at home or in class experiments) so that they would fully integrate the learned knowledge and apply in their cuisine preparation eveyday. This credit base course offered on campus would be developed to combine the merits of the flexibility, active engagement and interaction of online course, the face-to-face oral communication and instant feedback of instructor-to-student and student-student discussion in class.
Project Outcome	A fully blended course with extensive flipping of the classroom was delivered as a package of our own HKUST students, which served well as a pilot operation ot cover over 23,000 students online and a small cohort of students for the HKUST student on campus. A full set of in-class materials, inlcuding numerous experiemental demonstrations, in-class and off-class group project manual and detailed organization plan was developed. The course was taken as a refernce for blended learning in other courses. The experience we gathered were disseminated to colleagues at HKUST, local institutions and in international conferences.
Status	Completed
Project Documents (Only accessible by HKUST users)	Project Plan Final Report
Adaptation	Full Project

An Integrated and Cyber-based Approach to Biotechnology

Project Overview
Project Title	An Integrated and Cyber-based Approach to Biotechnology
Project Leader	Dr Helen Cheung
School / Dept	SSCI / LIFS
Project Duration	Sep 2013 – Jan 2016
Project Description	This project aims to make use of a multimedia approach to design a series of flexible learning medium by deploying instructional strategies including interactive self-directed learning aids, task-based problem solving exercises, self-test quizzes and supplementary reference reading, which will be accessible from the LMES platform. This series of self-learning materials can prepare the students for the lab session and consolidate what they have learnt in lectures lab sessions.
Project Outcome	A series of interactive self-study learning aids, complementing theoretical inputs and experimental practices. Task-based problem-solving exercises highlighting the application of knowledge taught
Status	Completed
Project Documents (Only accessible by HKUST users)	Project Plan
Adaptation	Full Project

Innovation in Mathematics Support through a Blended-Learning Approach

Project Overview
Project Title	Innovation in Mathematics Support through a Blended-Learning Approach
Project Leader	Prof Allen Moy & Prof Jimmy Fung
School / Dept	SSCI / MATH
Project Duration	Sep 2012 - Aug 2015
Project Description	This project is built on the pilot project in 2011-12 in implementing an open source online homework system WeBWorK and establishing a pilot Math Support Center. The aim of the current project is to scale up the pilot project to implement WeBWorK in more service courses and to expand the Math Support Center in order to respond to the demand of the large influx of students under the 3-3-4 curriculum. In a blended-learning approach, WeBWorK and the Math Support Center are combined to support mathematics learning through: 1) an online system to provide instant feedback to the students to access their learning process and 2) a physically established Math Support Center which may facilitate more contacts and interactions among students and teachers (including instructors, teaching assistants and peer students) in a supportive learning environment.
Project Outcome	Deliverables of the project include: establishment of a dedicated physical location for a continuing math support center, migration of basic courses to use the support center, with the majority of basic courses also integrating the open source WeBWorK as an essential blended learning component of the course, a 2 day workshop held June 10-11, 2014 devoted to WeBWork and Support Centers assemblage of a long-term staff with operational experience in running the support center, establishment in partnership with CELT of a program to train staff and helpers in the support center.
Status	Completed
Project Documents (Only accessible by HKUST users)	Project Plan Final Report Project-end Review by Project Leader
Adaptation	Full Project

Multimedia Teaching Development for Introductory Physics Courses

Project Overview
Project Title	Multimedia Teaching Development for Introductory Physics Courses
Project Leader	Prof K K Fung
School / Dept	SSCI / PHYS
Project Duration	Sept 2004 - Aug 2005
Project Description	In the learning of many physical courses, students often foundd difficulties in visualizing various abstract concepts and understanding different physics ideas. Computer animations, video demonstrations and other multimedia teaching aids were able to present geometrical and dynamical concepts in a clear and lively way. They overcame the hurdles of students learning these concepts, thus helping the students to have a deeper understanding of the principles, and maintaining a high interest of the students on the subject. The aim of this project was to illustrate and explain complicated physics concepts and through the use of a web-based database to enhance effective teaching in physics courses.
Project Outcome	PHYS011: a) A quiz bank in WebCT platform for pre-lecture online quizzes; b) 59 active figures and 56 movies from publisher were adapted to the course website; c) 3 video demonstrations on elevator forces, friction and contact area and conservation of angular momentum; d) 2 animations on centre of mass and simple harmonic motion; and e) 11 assignment solutions with hints and annotations for further explanations. PHYS013: a) A quiz bank in WebCT platform for pre-lecture online quizzes; b)57 active figures and 22 movies from publisher were adapted to the course website; c) 1 video demonstration on Mechanical Analogue for Resistance; d)1 animation on Mechanical Analogue for Resistance; and e) 11 assignment solutions with hints and annotations for further explanations.
Status	Completed
Project Documents (Only accessible by HKUST users)	Project Plan Final Report
Adaptation	Full Project

Scanning Electron Microscopy for Materials Science via the Internet

Project Overview
Project Title	Scanning Electron Microscopy for Materials Science via the Internet
Project Leader	Prof Ning Wang & Prof K K Fung
School / Dept	SSCI / PHYS
Project Duration	Feb 2004 - Dec 2004
Project Description	In this project, an interactive interface was developed which enhanced the teaching and learning of electron microscopy in material science. Using the online SEM, instructors could demonstrate using the microscope in real time via an Internet connection in a classroom. Students could perform experiments with the instrument through the same channel after class too. This led to improvements in their learning efficiency. Since the operation of an SEM required considerable resources, an interactive virtual SEM was a useful substitute. SEM images and spectra was collected in this project to build a database for demonstrations in material science classes using the virtual SEM.
Project Outcome	Collected all necessary data such as available software/ program and the codes/ function that controls the SEM through the internet Used Flash communication server to control the SEM video transmission and SEM workstation control system Data and video capture devices are operated separately by two PCs Created RS232 PC/ SEM interface to control the SEM Developed the web-based interactive interface for the online SEM The internet SEM has been placed in the E-Class website (http://jsp.phys.ust.hk/jsp/index.jsp) for a PG course of PHYS 582 Fine-tune Flash communication server to control the SEM video transmission and SEM workstation control system Fine-tune the web-based interactive interface for the online control SEM Incorporation of all functions of the online SEM into the existing course website Phys250-E-Class System Relocation of the SEM from 4/F to 2/F and reinstall and setup the online SEM. Test and use the SEM via the internet for a UG course Phys250 fall semester 2004 as class demonstration and experiment. Development of interactive interface for online experiment; Development of new http version of the online SEM Development of a stand-alone version of the SEM version Finalize the software
Status	Completed
Project Documents (Only accessible by HKUST users)	Project Plan Final Report
Adaptation	Full Project

All-round Development of Sciences Students through Project Courses

Project Overview
Project Title	All-round Development of Sciences Students through Project Courses
Project Leader	Prof K Y M Wong
School / Dept	SSCI / PHYS
Project Duration	Sept 2002 - Mar 2005
Project Description	The education reform emphasizes on all round development of students according to his/her own attributes. By introducing this project course, students had more opportunities to strengthen their skills in searching, discovering, integrating and organizing knowledge. Besides, their collaborative skills and communication skills were improved through assisting the juniors and presentations. This project basically followed the action research approach through stages of planning, action, evaluation and reflection. Science faculty members who shared the same vision of providing all-round education to UG students collected wide range of project topics. A proper computer and laboratory environment were set up for project work. Students were enrolled in project courses and choosed their own project topic and work under the supervision of a UST Science faculty, with assistance from TA’s, senior UG students, as well as external collaborators. They were evaluated by their project reports, plus their presentations both inside UST (such as UG seminars in PHYS180) and outside (such as popular lectures and secondary schools). Student evaluations were studied, and students were invited to share their experience. Experienced students wereinvited to be helpers for new project students in the coming year. This built a tradition of peer guidance.
Project Outcome	2002 - 2003 Spring: a) 10 students delivered 10 school talks covering 4 topics: The Science of UV, Binary Pulsars, Life Out There and Mobile Network; from March 2003 to July 2003; b) The seminars were held in 6 secondary schools including Baptist LMC, Christian Alliance Cheng Wing Gee, Sun Kei, Ng Siu Mui Technical School, St Joseph’s, and St Paul’s Co-educational; and c) Due to the unexpected outbreak of SARS, a number of secondary school talks were cancelled during Apr 03. The network with secondary schools was expanded and a few more secondary school talks were successfully arranged after SARS. 2003 - 04 Fall: a) 14 students delivered 8 school talks covering 4 topics: The Science of UV, Binary Pulsars, Life Out There and Mobile Network; from October 2003 to December 2003; and b) The seminars were held in 7 secondary schools including St. Clare, Chinese Women’s Club, St. Paul’s Covent, La Salle, Lam Kau Mow, Law Chan Chor Si, and Shung Tak. 2003 - 04 Spring: a) 11 students delivered 25 school talks covering 7 topics: The Science of UV, X-ray Astronomy, ER Fluid, Nanotechnology, Wonderful Butterflies, Special Relativity and Mobile Network; from March 2004 to July 2004; and b)  The seminars were held in 19 secondary schools including Lam Woo, Notre Dame, Tak Sun, Carmel Divine Grace, Cheung Chuk Shan, CNEC Christian, Siu Ming, Ying Wah, Lam Kau Mow, Shatin Methodist, Buddhist Wong Wan Tin, St Stephen Girls’, Shung Tak, St Mark’s, Buddhist Wong Fung Ling, Chinese Women’s Club, Sun Kei, Clementi, and Chan Nam Chong. 2004 - 2005 Fall: a) 8 students delivered 8 school talks covering 4 topics: The Science of UV, Microwave Oven, Nanotechnology and Special Relativity; from November 2004 to January 2005; and b) The seminars were held in 6 secondary schools including Bishop Hall Jubilee, Shung Tak, Ma Ko Pan, Memorial, Belilios Public School, Chan Nam Chong, and Buddhist Wong Fung Ling.
Status	Completed
Project Documents (Only accessible by HKUST users)	Project Plan Progress Report: First \| Second \| Third \| Forth \| Final Report
Adaptation	Full Project

Multimedia Teaching Development for Physics Course

Project Overview
Project Title	Multimedia Teaching Development for Physics Course
Project Leader	Prof T K NG
School / Dept	SSCI / PHYS
Project Duration	Sept 2002 - Dec 2004
Project Description	Students often have difficulties in visualizing various abstract concepts when learning topics such as 3D geometry, wavevector space, and topics involving complicated time dependence in a series of events. Computer animations and other teaching aids can present geometrical and dynamical concepts clearly and in a lively manner. They arouse students’ interests in the subject, help them in visualizing complex concepts and thus develop a deeper understanding of underlying physics principles. The animations were developed for the Introduction to Astrophysics and Astronomy course and were used in Spring 2004. Animations and other multimedia teaching tools were also be used in other physics courses (for example, PHYS121) to arouse students’ interest and prompted them to learn the subject with greater depth. Videos and a quiz bank were implemented in the course on the WebCT platform.
Project Outcome	PHYS007 (both Spring and Fall): A comprehensive animation on relativistic effects PHYS002 (Spring 04): Three animations on (1) celestial sphere (2) neutron star (3) gravitational wave of binary pulsars PHYS104 (Spring 04): Standardization of teaching materials from course PHYS121 (Fall 03) PHYS121 (Fall 04): a) Demonstration videos and quiz question bank in WebCT platform; b) One animation and video demonstration on electricity; and c) A newly produced animation on the microwave oven PHYS011 (Fall 04): Four animations and videos on Mechanics
Status	Completed
Project Documents (Only accessible by HKUST users)	Project Plan Progress Report: First \| Second \| Third \| Forth \| Final Report
Adaptation	Full Project

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Modification on the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Project for MSc Program in Material Science

Project Overview
Project Title	Modification on the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Project for MSc Program in Material Science
Project Leader	Prof XX Zhang
School / Dept	SSCI / PHYS
Project Duration	Nov 2004 - Aug 2005
Project Description	Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was one of the most important equipment for the experiment course of the MSc program in materials science, yet the SEM was not accessible to all students due to resource limitation. The Internet SEM developed by the Physics Department gave a solution to this problem. This was because the MSc students could do some experiments through the Internet in evenings or weekends. The project proposed to modify the Internet SEM for the MSc program and to upload it to the MSc course website.
Project Outcome	The internet SEM has been modified and incorporated into the course website of the MSc program in materials science. A data base has been built up for the internet SEM in the course website of the MSc program. The online experimental interface of the internet SEM for the MSc program has been developed. The experimental procedures, data collection and recording, experimental report and grading system were integrated An interactive virtual SEM interface which provided multiple accesses to the virtual SEM has been developed. All these developments have been completed by Aug. 31, 2005. A MSc course (MATL515) has used the internet SEM for class demonstration. Some students also used the internet SEM on a voluntary basis in the spring semester 2005.
Status	Completed
Project Documents (Only accessible by HKUST users)	Project Plan Final Report
Adaptation	Adaptation from Scanning electron microscopy for material science via the internet

All-Round Development of Science Students through Mini-Lecture Series

Project Overview
Project Title	All-Round Development of Science Students through Mini-Lecture Series
Project Leader	Prof Jimmy Fung
School / Dept	SSCI / PHYS
Project Duration	Oct 2004 - Apr 2006
Project Description	The Hong Kong higher education reform emphasized on all-round development of students according to his/her own attributes. With the aim of drawing the best out of students and entailing intense participation and extensive teamwork, this project included more intensive training and extended the scope to include topics of Mathematics and Physics. In addition to organizing secondary school mini-lecture series for the participants, the project planned to arrange a few outstanding talks to be presented in UG seminar classes in the Departments of Mathematics and Physics. This benefited a larger pool of students with the aim to stimulate further participation and to enrich the academic culture.
Project Outcome	During the reporting period, a number of presentation rehearsals were arranged where Jack, Brian, CELT staff (both ID and ER team) and Prof Fung, Wong, Sou, and Ng, gave comments and suggestions to students. All school talks were video-taped and the website of the project (http://www.phys.ust.hk/genphys/) was updated regularly. 8 PHYS students took part in 8 school talks covering 4 different topics (The Science of UV, Special Relativity, Microwave Oven and Nanotechnology). The talks were delivered to 6 secondary schools (Bishop Hall Jubilee School, Shung Tak Catholic English College, SMKMCF Ma Ko Pan Mem College, Belilios Public School, HKSYC&IA Chan Nam Chong Memorial College and Buddhist Wong Fung Ling College) during the period of Nov 19, 2004 to Jan 25, 2005. Students attended CELT’s DIY workshop series (school talk training) on “How to Prepare Multimedia Instructional Materials for Physical Science Subjects” in the period of Jan 10-21, 2005.
Status	Completed
Project Documents (Only accessible by HKUST users)	Project Plan Progress Report Final Report
Adaptation	Adaptation from All-round development of science students through project courses

Further Application of Metabolic Pathways Interaction Including Further Environmental Applications

Project Overview
Project Title	Further Application of Metabolic Pathways Interaction Including Further Environmental Applications
Project Leader	Prof WK Wong
School / Dept	SSCI / BICH
Project Duration	Oct 2004 - Jan 2005
Project Description	This innovation was extended for final year students to increase their understanding of metabolic pathways in the biotechology related fields. It went into the area in greater depth than the previous adaptation. More specifically, it introduced further environmental applications to the software namely, polymer storage and utilization relevant to biological phosphorous removal.
Project Outcome	The metabolic pathway calculator has been further developed to include a) Alternative Electron Acceptors to Oxygen and b) Polymer Storage and Utilisation. The calculator has been checked for any run errors and the accuracy of its calculations – it is now error free in all of the applications we have tested. A new interface has been developed to include these new features. The package has been tested in both biochemistry classes (BISC363) and chemical engineering classes (CENG361). The feedback from students was generally good in terms of the usefulness and ease of use of the package. However, it was considered that more background information to explain the operation of the package further would be helpful. A more extensive manual was also recommended by some. These will be undertaken over the next few months before the package is again tested in the classroom (CENG565 in Oct). Specific problems relevant to Environmental Engineering / Environmental Biotechnology are also being developed.
Status	Completed
Project Documents (Only accessible by HKUST users)	Project Plan Final Report
Adaptation	Adaptation from Understanding the Practical Consequences of Metabolic Pathways Interaction Using Computer Simulations

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