Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Urban Informatics & Smart Cities

Introduction

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Urban Informatics & Smart Cities is a programme designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to cope with the rapidly changing market conditions in Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, and the region.

Programme Overview

The programme is underpinned by the philosophy that graduates should be capable of meeting the demands of their future professions in smart city development. The Department has close links with professional bodies and invites industry experts to give guest lectures to students whenever appropriate.

Aims and Characteristics

Programme Aims and Learning Outcomes

The aims of the programme are to:

• promote education in urban science, geomatics, and informatics to cope with various challenges in global cities in the face of rapid urbanisation
• equip students with principles and theories of urban science as well as practical skills in urban analytics, enabling them to leverage emerging technologies and values related to urban big data to better understand and serve smart cities

Upon completion of the programme, students will:

• have mastered mathematical and geospatial thinking methods for geospatial data analytics and urban problem-solving
• have gained fundamental knowledge of urban informatics, covering concepts and theories of geospatial data science, urban science, and computer science
• be able to apply geospatial technologies for urban sensing and computer technologies for urban computing to facilitate the operations of urban systems
• be able to solve urban problems in a professional, timely, and cost-effective manner by integrating geospatial technologies, computer technologies, and urban system technologies
• be able to identify, structure, and analyse diversified urban problems arising from rapid social, economic, environmental, and technological changes
• be able to cooperate and supervise others in accordance with, and abide by, legal, ethical, and professional standards in urban society
• be responsive to the advancement of and able to exercise professional judgement in relation to geospatial technologies, urban science, computer science, future smart cities, and ever-emerging technologies, with a commitment to continuous and lifelong learning

Programme Details

• Entrance Year: September 2026
• Programme Code: 34480-SYU
• Mode of Study: Full-time
• Normal Duration: 2 years
• Programme Intake: 15 senior year places
• Fund Type: Government-Funded
• Credits Required for Graduation: A minimum of 68 credits is required

Programme Leadership

• Programme Leader: Prof. Tony Cheng-xiang ZHUGE
• Deputy Programme Leader: Prof. YIN Tiangang, BSc, MEng, PhD

Remarks

• The curriculum of this programme, including the credit requirements, is subject to review.
• The exact study duration and number of credits to be transferred will depend on the entry qualifications of individual AD/HD admittees. Holders of a surveying- or computing-related Higher Diploma or Associate Degree may be given credit transfers for relevant subjects.

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: