FAQ

About the Common Core Program

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Studying Common Core courses provides various benefits that enhance your educational journey. These courses encourage interdisciplinary learning, enabling you to explore multiple fields and develop a broader perspective. They focus on essential skills such as critical thinking, communication, and data literacy, which are crucial for both academic success and professional development. Additionally, Common Core courses emphasize real-world applications, allowing you to engage with practical issues and gain valuable experience. By fostering cultural awareness and personal growth, these courses prepare you for a diverse and interconnected world, ultimately equipping you with transferable skills that enhance your employability and readiness for future studies.

Studying Common Core courses provides several key benefits that enhance both academic and personal development:

  • Comprehensive Skill Development: Common Core courses focus on essential competencies like critical thinking, data literacy, and effective communication. This foundation prepares you for both academic success and personal management.
  • Interdisciplinary Learning: The courses encourages exploration across various disciplines, such as arts, humanities, science, and technology. This broadens your perspectives and fosters creativity and cultural awareness.
  • Preparation for Future Endeavors: The competencies gained through Common Core courses are directly applicable to various career paths, making you more competitive in the job market.
  • Lifelong Learning Mindset: The courses foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptability, equipping you to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

It depends on which year you were admitted to HKUST. If you were admitted in 2022-23 and thereafter, you are required to complete the 30-credit Common Core Program.

If you were admitted on or before 2021-22, you are required to complete the requirements of the 36-credit Common Core Program.

The main differences lie in the structure and credit requirements.

The 36-credit Common Core Program is designed for students admitted in 2021-2022 or earlier. This program requires you to complete a total of 36 credits, regardless of your major discipline. These credits are divided into 8 broad core areas, with 9 credits to be taken from School-Sponsored Courses (SSCs), including 3 credits each in the Humanities, Social Analysis, and Science and Technology. The remaining areas include Quantitative Reasoning, Arts, English Communication, Chinese Communication, and Healthy Lifestyle.

In contrast, the 30-credit Common Core Program is a new framework implemented from 2022-23. This structure consists of 3 tiers of Common Core groups: Foundations, Broadening, and Experiencing. The requirements for the Broadening group vary by major. This program emphasizes competencies, which refer to a student’s ability to master the knowledge and skills necessary to perform tasks or navigate real-life situations. All Common Core courses within the 30-credit framework incorporate the essential competencies that students are expected to acquire.

 30-credit Program36-credit Program
Target StudentsAdmitted in 2022-23 and thereafterAdmitted on or before 2021-22
Common Core Areas
  • Foundations:
    • Cognitive Foundations of University Education: Critical Thinking and Data Literacy (CTDL), 
    • Behavioral Foundations of University Education: Habits, Mindsets, and Wellness (HMW), 
    • English Communication (E-Comm),
    • Chinese Communication (C-Comm) 
  • Broadening:
    • Arts (A), 
    • Humanities (H),
    • Science (S), 
    • Technology (T),
    • Social Analysis (SA),
    • Sustainability (SUS) (with effect from 2025-26)
  • Experiencing: 
    • Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program(UROP); 
    • Undergraduate Teaching Opportunities Program (UTOP);
    • Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program (UPOP); 
    • Undergraduate Global Challenges and Opportunities Program (UCOP)
  • Humanities (H),
  • Social Analysis (SA),
  • Science and Technology (S&T), 
  • Quantitative Reasoning (QR), 
  • Arts (A),
  • English Communication (E-Comm),
  • Chinese Communication (C-Comm),
  • Healthy Lifestyle (HLTH)
RequirementDifferent requirements for the Broadening group for different majors, refer to program- specific requirements.Same for all majors

 To maximize your experience, here are some  tips:

  • Engage Actively in Class
    • Participate: Contribute to discussions, ask questions, and share insights to deepen your understanding.
    • Collaboration: Work with classmates on group projects and study sessions to enhance learning through diverse perspectives.
  • Explore Diverse Subjects
    • Broaden Horizons: Take advantage of the variety of disciplines offered and explore areas outside your major for a well-rounded education.
    • Connect Concepts: Look for connections between different subjects to enrich your understanding and foster interdisciplinary thinking.
  • Develop Effective Study Habits
    • Time Management: Create a study schedule that balances Common Core courses with major requirements.
    • Active Learning: Use techniques like summarizing, questioning, and teaching others to reinforce your understanding.

To identify Common Core courses, you can utilize the course search engine to look for specific competencies you wish to develop. The Common Core Program is designed to equip graduates with essential competencies that are vital for success in both academic and real-world contexts. These competencies encompass a range of attributes and skill sets, reflecting a commitment to holistic education.

For 30-Credit Program Students

  1. Course Selection: Use the course search engine to select from current offerings that fulfill your Common Core requirements. Ensure you take courses listed for the academic term, as only those can satisfy your requirements.
  2. Focus Areas: Complete 30 credits across three areas—Foundations, Broadening, and Experiencing. Start with the Foundations group to build essential skills, then explore the Broadening group for interdisciplinary insights, and finally participate in the Experiencing group for experiential learning opportunities.
  3. Course Overlap: Be mindful that some courses may appear under multiple areas, but each can only count for one. Choose based on your academic and career goals.
  4. Consult Advisors: Regularly consult with academic advisors to ensure your selections align with your overall educational objectives.

 

For 36-Credit Program Students

  1. Course Selection: Utilize the Common Core course search engine to choose courses from the current offerings. Ensure these courses are listed for the term you are enrolling in, as prior listings cannot be used.
  2. Flexibility in Course Choice: While fulfilling your Common Core requirements, remember that these courses can also satisfy additional graduation requirements. Familiarize yourself with restrictions from your major program.
  3. Course Overlap: Similar to the 30-credit program, some courses may be listed under multiple Common Core areas, but you can only count each course toward one area. Make strategic choices to meet your requirements.
  4. Multiple Majors: If enrolled in more than one major, ensure the reuse of Common Core courses adheres to the individual restrictions of each program. Understanding these rules is crucial for fulfilling all academic requirements.

When selecting E-Comm courses, it’s recommended that you complete at least 3 credits during your first year of study. Focus on courses that enhance your communication skills, particularly in writing and speaking, as these are essential for effective interaction in academic and professional environments. You may also consider Advanced Communication courses, which are specifically designed to improve your skills for professional contexts.

Similar to E-Comm, C-Comm courses aim to improve your communication skills in Chinese. While the document does not specify a minimum credit requirement for C-Comm courses, it’s beneficial to choose courses that foster your language proficiency and cultural understanding. This will enhance your ability to engage in diverse academic and professional settings. Aim to take courses that complement your interests and career goals.

No, you cannot retake Common Core courses that you have already completed. If you took a Common Core course with the "CORE" prefix in the 2022-23 academic year, you can use that course to fulfill Common Core requirements, but you cannot retake the same course under its new subject area code in subsequent terms. Additionally, courses taken without a "CORE" prefix in 2022-23 cannot be used to fulfill any Common Core requirements.

You can view the course offerings on the Course Offering Information page.

Yes, you can take "extra" Common Core courses even after fulfilling your Common Core requirements. These additional courses can enhance your educational experience and provide further opportunities for learning across different disciplines. Just be mindful of any credit reuse restrictions as outlined by your major or program.

You can view the records of Common Core areas and the block credits granted in the Student Information System at the Student Services Center. These records will be finalized upon your graduation. If you notice any mismatches, please contact the Academic Registry Office (ARO) directly for assistance.

No, you cannot rearrange how Common Core requirements are fulfilled. The Course List includes Common Core courses and their designated areas, while the Delisted Course List features courses removed from the Common Core curriculum. If a course is listed under multiple areas, it can only count towards one.

For example, if you took Course X in both the Arts and Humanities areas and SIS shows fulfillment of the Arts area, you cannot use Course X to fulfill the Humanities requirement. Each course can only satisfy one designated area.

Any deviation from the minimum credit, English language, Common Core, or Legal Education requirements must be approved by the Provost or the Provost’s designate. Any deviation from school or program requirements must be approved by your dean or dean's designate.

HMAW 1905 (Behavioral Foundations of University Education: Habits, Mindsets, and Wellness) is designed to help students adapt to university life by focusing on advising, sharing, discussion, and applying the science of well-being to enhance personal and interpersonal development. The course aims to foster self-understanding and confidence, enabling students to fully enjoy their university education and future careers.

The course consists of three components:

  1. Lectures and Seminars: These sessions orient students to their respective Schools/IPO, provide academic advice, and equip them with the scientific foundations of well-being.
  2. Self-Directed Experience: This component offers opportunities for students to develop mindsets and habits that promote physical and social-emotional wellness.
  3. Advising and Community Meetings: In these meetings, students reflect and discuss their knowledge and skills with peers and advisors, covering topics such as learning and time management skills, the purpose of university education, and planning for personal and professional development.

The course is graded as Pass/Fail (PP, P, or F).

The Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) offers you experiential learning to enhance your research skills, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary communication.

Key Points:

  • Course Options: You can choose any research topic under faculty supervision. The Common Core UROP is distinct from non-common-core courses (UROP 1000, UROP 1100, UROP 2100, etc.).
  • Requirements: To fulfill the 3-credit requirement, you must complete three 1-credit UROP courses, which must include at least one Common Core UROP course. Double-counting is not permitted.
  • Prerequisites: You need to complete preparatory courses: either two UROP 1100 or one UROP 1100 and one UROP 2100.
  • Course Structure: The 1-credit Common Core UROP includes research activities and presentations, with options for mini-conferences and poster presentations.
  • Assessment: Your evaluation will consist of applying knowledge from preparatory courses, performance in research activities, presentation effectiveness, and a final report. You must also submit a self-reflection report.
  • Faculty Engagement: Faculty are encouraged to discuss your research work through meetings and regular research activities.

This program aims to develop your research capabilities and enhance your overall educational experience.

The Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program (UPOP) provides structured internships with faculty mentors, focusing on real-life work experience to prepare you for graduate careers, enhance your career options, boost your confidence, and improve your competitiveness in the workplace.

Key Points:

  • Course Options: You can choose internships within or outside your major discipline, either sourced by you or arranged by course instructors.
  • Requirements: To fulfill the 3-credit requirement, you must take one credit from a non-common-core pre-internship training course and one 2-credit UPOP course. All 3 credits will count as common core credits only if the 2-credit course is completed.
  • Prerequisites: You need to complete a credit-bearing non-common-core course on pre-internship training before taking UPOP courses.
  • Course Structure: The 2-credit UPOP course includes internship practices and presentations. You must conduct oral presentations in formats like mini-conferences or poster presentations.
  • Training Materials: The Undergraduate Core Education (UCE) Team will provide online pre-internship training covering topics such as workplace ethics, CV writing, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Internship Requirements: You need to work for at least six consecutive weeks or 240 hours of full-time or equivalent part-time internships.
  • Assessment: Your assessment will evaluate your ability to apply knowledge from preparatory training, performance as an intern, presentation effectiveness, and a final report. You must also submit a self-reflection report and learning journals.
  • Feedback: Work supervisors will provide evaluation reports, which will help determine your final grade, but their feedback will not count toward it.

This program aims to develop your practical skills and enhance your overall educational experience.

Competency

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Competency refers to your ability to master the knowledge and/or skills required to perform in tasks or real-life situations. By developing these competencies, you gain valuable skills that improve your communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. This holistic approach prepares you to engage meaningfully with diverse communities, fostering social responsibility and cultural awareness. Ultimately, mastering these competencies sets you on a path to success in both your academic journey and future career. 

The University has identified some common core competencies that not only catch the eye of employers but also help you grow personally and professionally. There are four broad competencies, which include 15 sub-competencies. You can select and search for Common Core courses that teach the competencies you want to learn.

Communication

  • Mastery of language accuracy and contextual appropriateness allows students to articulate ideas clearly and engage meaningfully with diverse audiences, enhancing both personal and professional interactions.

Personal Development

  • By fostering self-awareness and promoting self-directed learning, students cultivate essential skills for lifelong growth, enabling them to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.

Problem Solving

  • The ability to generate innovative solutions and practice divergent thinking equips students to tackle complex issues with confidence and creativity.

Social Responsibility

  • Emphasizing civic engagement and collaboration prepares students to contribute positively to society, fostering a sense of responsibility and ethical awareness in their actions.
  • Understanding and appreciating cultural diversity enhances students' ability to work effectively in multicultural environments, promoting inclusivity and cooperation.

Competency education offers several advantages that will benefit you:

  • Master Your Skills: You will build the knowledge and skills needed to tackle real-life situations, which will enhance your academic performance.
  • Get Your Message Across: By honing your communication skills, you will learn to express your ideas clearly and connect with all sorts of people.
  • Grow Personally: This approach encourages self-awareness and helps you become a self-directed learner, setting you up for lifelong growth and adaptability.
  • Boost Your Problem-Solving Skills: You will develop the confidence and creativity to handle complex challenges, equipping you with innovative thinking skills.
  • Be a Responsible Citizen: With a focus on civic engagement, you will be prepared to make a positive impact in your community, building a sense of responsibility and ethics.
  • Appreciate Diversity: You will learn to embrace cultural differences, which will help you work well in diverse environments and promote inclusivity.

Developing competencies is essential because it equips you with practical skills for real-world challenges, enhances your employability, and improves your communication abilities. It fosters adaptability, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving, preparing you to tackle complex issues. Additionally, it encourages social responsibility and cultural awareness, helping you engage positively with your community and work effectively in diverse environments. 

Credit Transfer (30-credit Program)

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Great to hear you’re excited! Transferring credits is pretty straightforward. Just apply through the Academic Registry (ARO). You can do either a course-credit transfer or a credit-only transfer, and don’t worry—these credits won’t affect your grade averages. For all the details, check out the Credit Transfer (Undergraduate Studies - UG) section on the ARO webpage.

Yes, you can receive credit transfers in the Broadening group for studies completed prior to admission to HKUST. To be eligible, you must disclose your prior study in your application for admission. The credits granted in the Broadening group can be used to fulfill the requirement of Common Core areas that are not designated as home Common Core area(s) in your major program(s). The sequence of Common Core areas in the Broadening group is listed in the order of Arts (A), Humanities (H), Science (S), Technology (T), and Social Analysis (SA). The Student Information System will pre-assign the 6 block credits for the first two non-home Common Core areas in your major program(s).

Some types of credits may be granted automatically without an application, and you will be informed of the transfer by email in your first term of study. 

Yes, for students admitted to HKUST based on certain examination attainments or local post-secondary awards, automatic credit transfers are granted. For example, students admitted based on International Baccalaureate Diploma, General Certificate of Education Advanced Level, or Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination will receive 6 block credits in the Broadening group of the Common Core Program. No application is required for these credits.

Yes, if you complete studies elsewhere during your time at HKUST, you may apply for credit transfer. If you plan to take courses elsewhere that have not been approved before, you can apply for assessment for new course mappings before actually studying the courses. Application procedures for credit transfer during study are published on the Credit Transfer (Undergraduate Studies - UG) webpage of the Academic Registry (ARO).

Students admitted in 2024-25 onwards cannot transfer any credits into the Foundations group. This policy is in place to ensure that all students develop essential competencies through the specific courses designed for this group. The Foundations courses cater to various interests and levels, providing a tailored experience that supports your academic growth and prepares you for future studies. It’s all about creating a strong base for your learning journey!

For students admitted in 2022-23 or 2023-24, you are not allowed to transfer credits into the following courses in the Foundations group:

  • CTDL 1901 Cognitive Foundations of University Education: Critical Thinking and Data Literacy
  • HMAW 1905 Behavioral Foundations of University Education: Habits, Mindsets, and Wellness
  • LANG 1401 Intensive English Language for University Studies
  • LANG 1403 Academic English for University Studies
  • LANG 1404 Advanced Academic English for University Studies
  • Any common core courses in the Chinese Communication (C-Comm) area

We love your confidence in your English skills! However, for students admitted in 2024-25 onwards, credit transfers in the English Communication (E-Comm) area are not allowed. However, the Center for Language Education (CLE) will offer English language courses tailored for students with different proficiency levels. These courses aim to enhance students' English communication skills, which will be beneficial for their studies and future careers.

For students admitted in 2022-23 or 2023-24, if you have attained the required level of English language proficiency and presented the information to the University for admission purposes, you are eligible for 3 credits transfers in LANG 1402 English Language for University Studies. The transfer of credits is automatic, and no application is required. 

The 6 block credits received in the Broadening group can be used to fulfill Common Core areas that are not designated as home common core area(s) in the Broadening group of each major program. The pre-assignment of these credits is based on the sequence of Common Core areas in the Broadening group, such as Arts (A), Humanities (H), Science (S), Technology (T), and Social Analysis (SA). The Student Information System (SIS) will pre-assign the 6 block credits for the first two listed non-home Common Core areas in the Broadening group of each major program. You can take courses in these two areas, and the SIS will automatically update the credit transfer record.

The 6 Block credits received in the Broadening group can be used to fulfill Common Core areas that are not designated as home common core area(s) in the Broadening group of each major program. The sequence of common core areas in the Broadening group is listed in the order of Arts (A), Humanities (H), Science (S), Technology (T) and Social Analysis (SA). The SIS system will pre-assign the 6 Block credits for the first two listed non-home common core areas in the Broadening group of each major program.

For example, if you are in any program in School of Science (SSCI), SIS system will pre-assign 6 Block credits for A and H areas as the home Common Core area of any program in SSCI is S area. If students study in the Global China Studies (GCS) program in School of Humanities and Social Science (SHSS), SIS system will pre-assign 6 Block credits for A and S areas while the home common core areas of GCS program are H and SA areas.

You can use the remaining credits to take courses in the Broadening group to fulfill Common Core area requirements specified in the program-specific credit requirement. Please note that courses with pre-assigned Common Core areas can also be used to fulfill the common core requirement as long as the courses taken are aligned with the program-specific credit requirement.

If you later take course(s) listed under Common Core area(s) with pre-assigned 6 Block credit transfer, the pre-assigned Block credit transfer may be moved to fulfill other eligible Common Core areas under the Broadening group.

You can view the records of common core areas of the Block credits granted at the Student Services Center in SIS, and the records will be finalized upon students’ graduation.

You are allowed to transfer a maximum of 6 credits in the Broadening group, based on the program-specific credit requirements at HKUST. 

However, if you have already received 6 block credits in the Broadening group, you will not be able to transfer any additional credits in that group. This means that the maximum of 6 credits for credit transfer in the Broadening group includes both block transfer on entry and exchange studies.

Unfortunately, you can't transfer credits for any Common Core courses in the Undergraduate Experiential Opportunities Programs (UxOP) area within the Experiencing group. These courses are designed to provide unique, hands-on experiences that don't align with transfer credits.

Credit Transfer (36-credit Program)

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Applications for transferring credits into the Common Core Program are processed through the Academic Registry (ARO). You can transfer credits in the form of course-credit transfer, where a transferred course is equivalent to a specific course in the HKUST course catalog, or credit-only transfer, where only credits are transferred. Transfer credits granted will not be included in the calculation of grade averages. For more information, visit the Credit Transfer (Undergraduate Studies - UG) section of the ARO wepage.

Credit Transfer on Entry: Examination Results

If you get admitted to HKUST with any of the following exam qualifications, you’ll automatically get 9 Block Credits for the University Common Core. This includes 3 credits each in Humanities, Social Analysis, and Science and Technology (non-School-Sponsored Courses): 

  • International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
  • General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCEAL)
  • Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)

Just a heads-up: if you receive those 9 University Common Core credits, any other credits you bring in won’t count toward the Common Core requirements in Humanities (H), Social Analysis (SA), Science and Technology (S&T), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), or Arts. The most entry credits you can transfer this way is 30. 


Credit Transfer on Entry: Local Post-secondary Awards

If you are coming to HKUST with local Post-secondary Awards, like Local Associate Degrees or Local Higher Diplomas, you will automatically receive 21 Block Credits. This breaks down to 9 credits for the University Common Core (3 credits each for Humanities, Social Analysis, and Science and Technology) and 12 unassigned free credits. No application is needed. 

You can also apply to transfer credits for courses you completed in your post-secondary programs using the online Credit Transfer Application System. Just make sure to do this within a month after your first regular term at HKUST starts.

And remember: if you receive the 9-block transfer for the University Common Core, any additional credits won’t count towards the Common Core requirements. The maximum number of entry credits you can transfer is 60. Enjoy your journey at HKUST!

 

Credit Transfer During Study

If you complete studies elsewhere during your time at HKUST, you may apply for credit transfer. If you plan to take courses elsewhere that have not been approved before, you can apply for assessment for new course mappings before actually studying the courses. The application procedures for credit transfer during study are published on the Credit Transfer (Undergraduate Studies - UG) webpage of the Academic Registry (ARO).

You're right! Typically, credits from School-Sponsored Courses aren’t transferable. These courses are specifically designed for HKUST's curriculum, which means they have unique content and outcomes that don’t align with external programs.

Course Development (For Instructors)

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Foundations and Broadening groups:

  • Two of the Foundations courses, Cognitive Foundations of University Education: Critical Thinking and Data Literacy (CTDL) and Behavioral Foundations of University education: Habits, Mindsets, and Wellness (HMW), are centrally offered by IPO. Faculty members who are interested in teaching CTDL and/or HMW courses should indicate their interests to their Schools/IPO.
  • Center for Language Education (CLE) would be the sole offering unit of English Communication (E-Comm) courses. 
  • Both the CLE and the Division of Humanities (HUMA) may present courses for the Chinese Communication (C-Comm) area. 
  • Faculty members, schools, departments, teaching teams, and units are welcome to submit course proposals for any Common Core areas in the Broadening group.
  • Non-academic units interested in submitting Common Core course proposals need to be partnered with an academic unit in course development and delivery.

Experiencing group 

All Schools are eligible to offer courses in the Undergraduate Teaching Opportunities Program (UTOP), Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program (UPOP), and Undergraduate Global Challenges and Opportunities Program (UCOP). The Research Office (RO) is the sole offering unit for courses in the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP). 

Yes, non-academic units are welcome to submit Common Core course proposals if course development and delivery are partnered with any academic unit.

In general, Common Core courses are expected to meet the following criteria:

  • Broaden Horizons: The course should expand students’ perspectives.
  • Accessibility: The course should have no prerequisites and be open to all students.
  • Competency Enhancement: The course should develop competencies such as communication, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking.
  • Critical Engagement: The course should encourage students to explore social, cultural, or philosophical issues.

These criteria may be reviewed and revised over time to adapt to changing circumstances or needs. However, they must consistently align with the goals and objectives of the Common Core Program and be interpreted in conjunction with these aims.

For UxOP courses, they aim to provide students with opportunities to apply their academic knowledge both within and outside their major programs. They should foster the competencies acquired to tackle real-life challenges in a cross-disciplinary context. UxOP courses are required to adopt experiential learning pedagogies and must meet the University’s standards for experiential learning, obtaining approval from the Center for Education Innovation (CEI) prior to implementation.

In developing UxOP courses, instructors should consider the following criteria:

  • Competency Development: The course should enhance students’ skills in communication, personal development, problem-solving, and social responsibility.
  • Knowledge Integration: The course should nurture students’ ability to integrate knowledge across various disciplines.
  • Self-Motivated Learning: The course should encourage students to pursue knowledge independently.
  • Critical Engagement: The course should challenge students to explore social, cultural, or philosophical issues.
     

The evaluation of your course proposal is a comprehensive process aimed at ensuring that new courses meet the standards and objectives of the Common Core Program. Initially, the proposal will be assessed based on the course curriculum, where clearly stated learning outcomes must align with the intended learning outcomes (ILOs) of the Common Core area. The structure and content of the course should facilitate students in achieving these outcomes, with topics sequenced logically for optimal learning. The course must also enhance competencies such as communication, problem-solving, and social responsibility while encouraging students to integrate knowledge across disciplines and engage with broader social, cultural, or philosophical issues.

Teaching and learning activities will also be evaluated to ensure they effectively deliver course content and foster competency development. These activities should be inclusive, engaging students with varying academic backgrounds, and focused on active participation and effective interaction between instructors and students. Assessment methods must align with the learning outcomes, allowing students to demonstrate their achievements while being valid and fair. The proposal will be reviewed by the relevant Course Review Panel (CRP), which will provide feedback and a final recommendation for approval by the Committee on Undergraduate Core Education (CUCE), ensuring that all new courses uphold the integrity and educational goals of the Common Core Program.

A course proposal should include essential components to ensure clarity and alignment with educational objectives. It should start with basic course information, such as the title and credits, and specify the proposed Common Core area.

The proposal must clearly articulate course objectives and define specific learning outcomes. A detailed outline of the content and topics is essential, along with descriptions of teaching and learning activities. It should also list required materials and resources, as well as assessment methods for evaluating student performance.

Finally, including a section on competencies is crucial, highlighting the broad competencies and sub-competencies the course aims to develop, such as communication, problem-solving, and social responsibility. This ensures a comprehensive educational experience for students.

You can download the course proposal form from the HKUST Academic Registry's resource library. Specifically, the “Approval of Undergraduate Course” form (downloadable from https://registry.hkust.edu.hk/resource-library/forms).

The new course proposal approval process involves several steps. First, all proposals are reviewed by the relevant Course Review Panel (CRP), which checks if the course design and content meet the general criteria for Common Core courses and align with the intended learning outcomes. If a course is proposed for multiple Common Core areas, it will be reviewed by all relevant CRPs. After the CRP evaluates the proposal, it provides feedback and recommendations for improvements, if necessary. The final recommendation is sent to the Committee on Undergraduate Core Education (CUCE) for approval. For a course to be added to the Common Core list, it must also be approved by the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Studies (CUS). If a proposal is not recommended or approved, it is returned to the course offering unit for further consideration.

In light of the course approval process, schools are reminded to follow the schedule for submitting course proposals to the Undergraduate Core Education (UCE) Team, Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies. This ensures that proposed new courses or course changes can be approved in a timely manner to take effect in the planned term.

You can check the new course proposal approval timeline on the Course Proposal Submission Schedule.

The course change approval process involves several steps. First, any proposals to change or delete a Common Core course must be endorsed by the course offering unit and its School before submission to the Undergraduate Core Education (UCE) Team, Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies. The proposals are then reviewed by the relevant Course Review Panel (CRP), the Committee on Undergraduate Core Education (CUCE), or the Senate Committee on Undergraduate Studies (CUS) as appropriate. Required forms must be submitted based on the type of course change, and the approval is contingent upon these reviews.

The course change approval timeline varies based on the type of change proposed. You can download the necessary forms and check the timelines for the committees or panels involved in the review and approval of various types of course changes or deletions on the Course Changes.

Course deletion involves removing a course from the Common Core course list or discontinuing it entirely. Proposals to delete a Common Core course must be endorsed by the course offering unit and its School before being submitted to the Undergraduate Core Education (UCE) Team. Depending on the circumstances, the deletion may require the completion of specific forms, such as the Common Core Course Change/Deletion Form or the Undergraduate Course Change/Deletion Form. These proposals will be reviewed by the relevant committees, and it's important to follow the established guidelines and timelines for submission.