SENG Introduces Three New MSc Programs
The School of Engineering is introducing three new Master of Science (MSc) programs, namely MSc in Big Data Technology (BDT), MSc in Aeronautical Engineering (AE) and MSc in International Air Transport Operations Management (IATOM).
MSc in Big Data Technology
Jointly offered by HKUST’s Department of Computer Science & Engineering and Department of Mathematics, the MSc in Big Data Technology (BDT) is the first MSc program in big data to be launched in Hong Kong.
While there are some data science programs in Hong Kong or other places sharing similar courses about statistics learning and analytics, they do not offer any fundamental knowledge about big data access, integration, computing and visualization solutions, which are essential techniques for many big data applications. BDT is offered to address this urgent need.
In the era of technology and advancement, there are large demands of expertise in big data in different sectors worldwide, such as scientific and technical services, IT, retail trade, sustainability, and waste management and remediation services. According to a recent survey by Hays, a British company providing recruitment and human resources services across the globe, big data in the workplace ranks top 3 in the top 10 talent trends for 2015 in Hong Kong. In the foreseeable future, big data is taking the main stage for employment of our students.
The key challenges for IT or IT-related professionals are big data. They need to regularly upgrade their knowledge to address challenges such as how to collect data from different sources, are all the collected data useful, how to identify the data from different sources referring to the same thing, which could be an event or an object, and how to find useful knowledge from these huge volume and heterogeneous data.
Offered in full-time (one year) and part-time (two years) modes, the BDT program caters for applicants who have special interests in big data analytics and big data management. It helps to integrate different disciplines together and students will learn the major components of big data in the aspect of infrastructure, integration, storage, modeling and management, computing systems, analytic and mining systems, security, policy and social implications, as well as human factors and applications in various data science fields. Upon graduation, the students can look for jobs in the area of big data applications, such as finance, logistics management, business intelligence and data visualization around the world.
The program is now open for application. Application deadlines for Fall 2016 will be May 5 (for full-time program) and June 2 (for part-time program).
MSc in Aeronautical Engineering#
MSc in International Air Transport Operations Management#
AE and IATOM are jointly offered by the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering and École Nationale de l'Aviation Civile (ENAC), the largest aeronautical university in Europe and the only aviation-oriented university in France offering a comprehensive range of aeronautics-oriented degree programs. Upon graduation, students shall receive a joint institutional Master of Science in IATOM degree or AE degree from ENAC and HKUST. Since the IATOM degree is accredited and recognized by the French Ministry of Higher Education, a separate certificate recognized by the ministry will be issued by ENAC.
Hong Kong has the world’s busiest airport in terms of cargo handling, and is the hub of Cathay Pacific, Dragonair, and one of the world’s leading aircraft engineering and maintenance groups, such as Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited (HAECO) group. The development of the third runway system further creates demand for air transport professionals to maintain the thriving aviation industry.
New talented aeronautical engineering professionals are needed to join the local aerospace industry each year to carry out extensive airframe services, engine services and line services. As a multidisciplinary branch of engineering that mainly encompasses aspects of mechanical engineering and electrical engineering, aeronautical engineering challenges aviation staffs to improve their capabilities and skills in developing and managing effectively and efficiently their respective domains. The AE program is therefore designed and offered to exactly address those market needs and challenges.
The AE program aims to equip those who have an interest in aerospace engineering and want to enter the aeronautical engineering profession or to enhance the knowledge of those who are already in the field. The program complements the existing undergraduate and graduate curricula in mechanical and aerospace engineering, therefore allows students to get exposure to the various core aspects of aeronautical engineering and how those scientific and technology disciplines can be used in the aeronautical engineering profession. This program will also help students to gain an international view through completing various carefully designed teaching and practicing activities.
The program will last about 2 years for part-time students and about 1 year for full-time students. Students are required to complete a total of 30 credits of coursework. Both HKUST and ENAC will provide a number of courses covering aerodynamics, aircraft design, propulsion, structure, design and management, etc.
The IATOM program aims to equip those who want to enter the positions of versatile managers, air transport professionals or to enhance the knowledge of those who have already been working in the sector. This program combines the technical, economic and managerial skills that are specific to air transport which will improve the capabilities of students supporting engineering work for aeronautics and air transport. It will allow students to get exposure to the various core aspects of air transport and how they are integrated with the technology development in the real world. This program will also help students to gain an international view through completing various carefully designed teaching and internship activities.
The local aeronautical industry requires new talented executives and managers, who must have technical knowledge, managerial skills and a thorough understanding of the regulatory context associated with air transport. This multidisciplinary system creates major challenges that call for improvements of their capabilities and skills in developing and managing effectively and efficiently their respective domains. IATOM is developed to respond to these challenges.
In the 2-year full-time IATOM program, each student has to complete a total of 120 ECTS (i.e., equivalent to 60 HKUST credits), including 30 ECTS (i.e., equivalent to 15 HKUST credits) of internship. Students are required to complete the first term at HKUST in Hong Kong, the second and third terms at ENAC in Toulouse, France, and then a 6-month internship in the air transport industry in the last term.
An information session for AE and IATOM will be held on April 9, 2016 at HKUST campus.
#In accordance with Non-Local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance (CAP. 493), the program is undergoing the process of applying for exemption from registration as non-local courses conducted in Hong Kong leading to the award of non-local higher academic by a non-local institution.
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