Curriculum FAQs

1. When do I need to declare major?

You are not required to declare your major in the first year. You have to declare your major during the course selection period (August) before the start of your second year of your study. You can change your declared major / minor as long as the course selection system is opened in each semester, throughout your stay at the University before you graduate.

2. Can I change my major later?

Yes, but you should consider whether:
a. you are capable of studying a major that is totally new to you;
b. you have fulfilled the pre-requisites of that major and you may have to extend your study;
c. the courses you have successfully completed can be used towards the new major;
d. you are indeed going to commit to the major that you will switch to.

3. Would all the credits that I previously took for a particular major be wasted and would I need to start from scratch again if I switch to another major?

A major requires at least 72 credits of courses. If you switch major, you may have to start with the introductory courses in the major. You should consider carefully whether you can finish your degree on time. The credits that you have already earned can generally be counted as electives. In all cases, you should consider to consult a Course Selection Adviser if you plan to change your major very late in the course of your University study.

4. Are they any academic requirements for double majors and major-minor?

Some non-Science faculties may set a minimum requirement for their majors and minors offerd. For example, Faculty of Business & Economics (FBE) requires, from 2010, non-FBE students to have achieved a Year GPA of 3.0 in the first year before they are allowed to declare a major/minor offered by FBE.

5. If I have declared a 2nd major or a minor, but I cannot go on to complete the 2nd major or the minor, what should I do?

If you cannot complete the 2nd major or the minor, it would not be shown on the transcript. Nonetheless, you are always encouraged to approach the Faculty Office or a Course Selection Adviser if you have any questions.

6. Who can I ask for advice about major and course selection?

There are Course Selection Advisers (CSAs) for each major who can answer questions related to the particular Science major(s) and individual courses. If you have not made up your mind, you may seek advice from multiple CSAs of your interested majors. You can also visit our Student Advisor in the Faculty of Science Office.

7. Can I use my course to satisfy the requirement of 2 different majors (or the requirement of a major and a minor) if such a course appears in the syllabus of both?

Whenever the same course appears in the curriculum of one or more majors (or minors), it can only be used for satisfying the curriculum requirement of one major or minor. Students need to approach Course Selection Advisers for suggestions of replacement courses in order to complete the curriculum requirement of the selected options.

8. Is there any activity by the Faculty to introduce information about major and course selection?

An Induction Day will be held in August for all first year BSc students. A general talk would also be held to provide students an overview of the BSc curriculum and on course selection. Teachers and existing students will also be available in the information booths for each Science major and minor to answer your questions.

For non-freshmen, they can attend the Consulation Session in August in which representative of each major/minor will be available to meet with them during the consultation hours.