Introduction to the Bachelor's Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies (BDSIS)

The Bachelor's Degree Scheme in Interdisciplinary Studies (BDSIS) is a prestigious program designed for top-performing students. This program helps students form and consolidate their academic identity and pride. Under the guidance of an Academic Advisor (Personal Academic Mentor), students have the freedom and flexibility to design their own program of study, making it more in line with their interests and aspirations.

Unique Features of the Program

• The program is specially designed for top-performing students.
• It offers the freedom and flexibility to design one's own program of study under the guidance of an Academic Advisor (Personal Academic Mentor).
• It has an interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary focus, nurturing systems thinking, intrapersonal skills, interpersonal competences, and holistic development.
• The program helps students develop an enhanced understanding of important local, social, and global issues, particularly with reference to the Social Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations.
• Each student is assigned an Academic Advisor (Personal Academic Mentor) who is an expert in their field of study.
• The program provides many valuable opportunities, such as offshore Work-Integrated Education, offshore Service-Learning, training programs, and paid summer research internships, to enrich students' holistic development.
• The program enables students to work in different sectors, such as the Government, multi-national corporations, public policy think tanks, and local, regional, and multi-national social enterprises.

Is This Degree Right for Me?

The program aims to provide a unique educational opportunity for top-performing students, offering them flexible learning pathways and curriculum options, personalized coaching, and in-depth mentorship. It is designed to nurture and support exceptional individuals, allowing them to excel in their academic pursuits with free options across disciplines and guaranteed outside-classroom and non-local learning opportunities.

What Can I Choose Under This Program?

The Interdisciplinary Studies program is flexible and individualized. Students can choose subjects based on their interests, experiences, and goals to create a self-determined program. For example, students can consider studying biomedical engineering and psychology subjects to help physically disabled people or use computing knowledge to understand the needs of Africans through social programming.

Credit Requirements and Curriculum of the Program

• Minimum credit requirement for graduation: 120 credits (with at least 50% at Level 3 or above).
• Major (self-determined curriculum): Minimum 54 credits.
• Interdisciplinary Core: 18 credits, including:
  • Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies (3 credits).
  • Interdisciplinary Research Methods (3 credits).
  • Reflections on Contemporary Issues I/II (6 credits).
  • Interdisciplinary Capstone (6 credits).
• General University Requirements (GUR): 27 credits.
• Free Electives: Minimum 6 credits.
• Internship (Work-Integrated Education): 3-6 training credits.

Tables for Curriculum Reference

Table 1: Programme Curriculum

Interdisciplinary Core	Flexible Major	Common UG Core
CUS101 Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies (3 credits)	Self-determined curriculum (minimum 54 credits)	GUR (27 credits)
CUS202 Interdisciplinary Research Methods (3 credits)		Internship (3-6 training credits)
CUS201/301 Reflections on Contemporary Issues I/II (6 credits)		Free Electives (Min. 6 credits)
CUS401 Interdisciplinary Capstone (6 credits)

Table 2: Self-determined Curriculum of Major

• Start without a focus and work towards one.
• Start with a focus and build the study around it.
• Choose from 1-3 strands:
  • Cultures and societies.
  • Sciences and Engineering.
  • Health and Environment.
• Select subjects in consultation with the Programme Leader/Personal Academic Mentor.

Importance of Interdisciplinary Learning

Interdisciplinary studies offer students a comprehensive understanding of subjects from multiple perspectives, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills valued by employers. By encouraging creativity, innovation, and integration across disciplines, students can develop novel solutions to complex problems. Interdisciplinary skills enhance adaptability in a rapidly changing world, providing students with a competitive edge in the job market and facilitating personal growth and self-discovery through the exploration of new interests and expanded worldviews.

Planning for Graduate School

The Interdisciplinary Studies program offers a high degree of flexibility towards building a plan of study that includes those required subjects or programs of a specific discipline. Students interested in continuing on to postgraduate-level studies should work with their Academic Advisor/Personal Academic Mentor and the relevant Department/School to develop a plan of study geared toward admission into a particular postgraduate program as early as possible.

Completing a Minor Programme

Yes, students can still complete a minor program. A minor program is a collection of subjects totaling 18 credits, with at least 50% (9 credits) of the subjects at Level 3 or above. Students must submit their applications via the College and obtain approval from the Minor Programme Offering Department at the start of the second year of study.

Assistance in Study Decisions

Students will be assigned a knowledgeable and resourceful Academic Advisor (Personal Academic Mentor) who is an accomplished expert in their field of study. The Academic Advisor will guide students through decisions about degree study plans, areas of focus, graduation requirements, class scheduling, and all other questions related to their academic journey.

Differences Between BDSIS and Dual Degree Programs

Generally speaking, dual degree programs allow students to earn two distinct degrees from two different majors concurrently. In contrast, the Interdisciplinary degree program integrates two or more disciplines into a unified program of study, equipping students to focus on multiple fields and nurturing them to excel in their desired career path.

Switching to Another Major

Students can select and declare a single Department/Faculty/School for their Major application, provided they meet the minimum entrance requirements of that program after their first year of study. The first-year curriculum of BDSIS includes general subjects that align with those offered in other Departments/Faculties/Schools, ensuring that students who switch Majors will not face significant credit deficiencies after their first year.

Degree Awarded Under BDSIS

Students can earn a BA, BBA, BEng, or BSc (Hons) in Interdisciplinary Studies (with a focus on XXX), depending on their area of interest and career goals. Students must fulfill all degree program requirements, including the University's minimum standards and the specific requirement for their chosen program.

Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)

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Overview:

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) is a public research university located in Hong Kong. It is known for its focus on applied learning and its strong reputation in various fields, particularly engineering, design, and technology.

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Services Offered:

The university offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Teaching and Learning:

PolyU emphasizes a broad-based curriculum for holistic academic development, incorporating work-integrated education, service-learning, student exchange programs, and leadership programs.

Faculties and Schools:

PolyU has eight faculties and schools, offering a diverse range of academic programs.

Graduate School:

The university provides research postgraduate studies and a graduate school for further academic pursuits.

Admissions:

PolyU offers information on university rankings, student stories, and details about programs, tuition fees, and scholarships.

Research:

PolyU boasts a strong research focus, with various research centers, facilities, and initiatives, including the PolyU Academy for Interdisciplinary Research (PAIR) and Mainland Research Institutes.

Knowledge Transfer:

The university promotes innovation and technology development, technology transfer and commercialization, entrepreneurship, and showcases success stories.

Global:

PolyU fosters an international community, offers global perspectives in academic programs, and engages in international collaborations and partnerships.

Campus Life:

PolyU provides a vibrant campus life with opportunities for athletics and recreation, art and culture, and living on campus with access to counseling, wellness services, clinics, housing, and dining options.

About PolyU:

The university provides information about its motto, vision, mission, key facts, university identity, history, leadership, governance, organizations, and a campus map.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

PolyU offers a dynamic campus experience with a focus on applied learning and practical skills development. Students can participate in various extracurricular activities, engage in research opportunities, and benefit from the university's international connections. The campus provides a supportive environment with access to counseling, wellness services, and housing options.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Reputation:

PolyU is recognized for its high-quality education and research, particularly in engineering, design, and technology.

Applied Learning:

The university emphasizes practical skills development and work-integrated education, preparing students for real-world careers.

International Focus:

PolyU fosters a global community and offers opportunities for international collaborations and partnerships.

Vibrant Campus Life:

The university provides a dynamic campus experience with various extracurricular activities, clubs, and events.

Research Opportunities:

PolyU offers extensive research facilities and opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research.

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Academic Programs:

PolyU offers a wide range of academic programs across its eight faculties and schools, including:

Business:

Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Management

Construction and Environment:

Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Construction Management

Design:

Industrial Design, Communication Design, Interior Design

Engineering:

Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering

Fashion and Textiles:

Fashion Design, Textile Design, Fashion Marketing

Health:

Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy

Hospitality:

Hotel Management, Tourism Management, Culinary Arts

Humanities:

Languages, Literature, History, Philosophy

Science:

Applied Biology, Chemistry, Physics

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Other: