Science Education in a Knowledge-based Society
The challenges posed by modern society have made it necessary for university students to have the ability of tackling novel situations and solving complex and ill-defined problems. Society needs a scientifically literate work-force, and university students need a robust foundation on scientific knowledge and skills for them to pursue a wide range of careers. A sound science education must be rigorous as well as flexible, allowing students the choice to either focus on a specialisation in science or take courses in multiple subjects for breadth of knowledge and versatility.
The emphasis of the science education on the ability to reason quantitatively and to understand scientific aspects of complex issues is greatly desirable in many professions. Many of our Faculty’s alumni are now prominent legislators, business executives, educators, administrators and scientists.
Training of Future Scientists
Nurturing future scientists and promoting scientific literacy are a major mission of the Faculty. As barriers among various science disciplines have become obscure and major scientific advancements rely increasingly on synthesis of ideas in different disciplines, the traditional science education approach that compartmentalises science into separate disciplines is no longer adequate. In addition, scientists have to reckon with the potential social implications of their work. This requires the science students to have an appreciation of the role of science in complex societal issues as well as a good background of scientific knowledge.
