About the Program

The International Research Enrichment (IRE) program (JS5101) is designed for students interested in pursuing a research career in science or broadening their exposure to research during their undergraduate studies. It emphasizes curiosity and grit, which are essential attributes for a successful career in scientific research. Recognizing that early exposure to international research environments is vital to a fruitful research career, the program offers outstanding science students the opportunity to nurture their research abilities and strengthen their discipline-specific knowledge within their regular Science programs.

Curriculum Highlights

  • Free choice of major programs among Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Ocean Science and Technology, and Physics
  • Participation in advanced research projects under the supervision of world-class professors
  • Opportunities to meet with Nobel Laureates and renowned scientists
  • Individualized research guidance and mentoring from experienced faculty members
  • Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP)
  • Exchange and internship opportunities in renowned foreign universities / research institutes
    • Summer research internship opportunity in foreign universities and institutions
    • Scholarship support for overseas learning trips

Requirements for IRE Track

SCIE1500 Guided Study on Research I
SCIE1500 Guided Study on Research I (1 credit)
Course code Prerequisite(s) Description
SCIE1500 Guided Study on Research I /
  • This course offers students an entry point into interdisciplinary scientific exploration under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Covering areas such as Life Science, Chemistry, Ocean Science, Mathematics, and Physics, it encourages students to broaden their perspectives and discover potential research interests across disciplines. In addition to guided study, the course features workshops and sharing sessions that introduce research pathways and career opportunities, helping students better understand the journey of becoming a scientist.

 

Assessments:

  • Individual general written reports of exploratory nature on self discovery of future directions of research and / or various disciplines by young scientists.
SCIE2500 Guided Study on Research II
SCIE2500 Guided Study on Research II (1 credit)
Course code Prerequisite(s) Description
SCIE2500 Guided Study on Research II SCIE1500
  • This course offers students the opportunity to work closely and individually with a faculty member on a selected topic in Life Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Mathematics, or Physics. Through regular meetings and direct mentorship, students gain a deeper understanding of a specific research direction while developing essential skills in supervised independent study.

 

Assessments:

  • An individual written report and presentation on a chosen topic.

 

 

 

 

SCIE3500  IRE Research Project I & SCIE4500 IRE Research Project II
SCIE3500 IRE Research Project I & SCIE4500 IRE Research Project II (3 credits)
Course code Prerequisite(s) /Corequisite(s) Description
SCIE3500 IRE Research Project I & SCIE4500 IRE Research Project II

Prerequisite(s):
SCIE2500 (for IRE students in LIFS, MATH, PHYS and OST);

SCIE2500 AND CHEM3550 (for IRE students in CHEM)

 

Corequisite(s):
LIFS3110 (for IRE students in LIFS)

  • These two courses comprise of two terms of research experience on a non-textbook specialized topic under the supervision of a faculty member. Together, these courses provide students with an in-depth investigation of a specific research topic under the close supervision of a faculty member. Students engage in hands-on laboratory work or independent study on a non-textbook topic, developing both technical expertise and research skills. The course also emphasizes communication and collaboration through regular discussions and presentations to peers and faculty across disciplines, preparing students for advanced research and future academic pursuits.

 

Assessments:

  • To equip students with hands-on laboratory experience or independent studies and doing research reports
  • To train students’ research communication and collaboration skills through discussion on their research topics and presentation of findings to peers and faculty members in different disciplines / areas of research

 

SCIE3900 International Research Experience
SCIE3900 International Summer Research Experience (3 credits)
Course code Prerequisite(s) /Corequisite(s) Description
SCIE3900 International Research Experience

Prerequisite(s):
SCIE1500 AND (SCIE3500 / PHYS3090)

 

Corequisite(s):
LANG3027

  • This course offers IRE students a unique opportunity to reflect on and consolidate their overseas summer research internship experience. Through guided supervision, students critically examine their research work conducted at leading international institutions or national laboratories, gaining deeper insights into advanced, cutting-edge topics. By completing a written report and delivering a presentation, students develop their ability to communicate research outcomes, connect theory with practice, and articulate the broader impact of their work. The course fosters global perspectives, independent thinking, and professional growth, preparing students for future academic and research pursuits.

 

Aims:

  • To guide students to explore advanced cutting-edge research opportunities with international visions and hands-on experience.

 

Assessments:

  • An individual written report and an experiential learning report via LANG3027
  • A presentation on a chosen topic on IRE International Research Experience (IRE²) Mini Conference

 

Details of the IRE International Research Experience (IRE²) Mini Conference:

  • Students deliver 15-minute PowerPoint talks on their international research, followed by 5 minutes of Q&A
  • Faculty members, mentors, and students engage in discussions to exchange ideas 
  • All IRE students across cohorts will attend, strengthening peer networks and enhancing inter-cohort mentorship

- Additional Science 2000-level or above Electives (6 credits)

- UROP1000/1100 Undergraduate Research Opportunities Series (1 credit)

- LANG3027 Science Communication in English for Research Students (3 credits)

Please visit here for examples of students' pathways and required courses.

Key Milestone

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Year 1 Spring
SCIE1500
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Year 1 Summer
UROP
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Year 2 Spring
SCIE2500
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Year 3 Fall
SCIE3500
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Year 3 Spring
Scholarship Application for Summer Internship
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Year 3 Summer*
Overseas Summer Internship
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Year 4 Fall#
SCIE3900 SCIE4500

Overseas Summer Research Internship in Year 3 Summer Term (June – August)

01
Confirm research area / direction
02
Discuss with your current project supervisor (SCIE2500 or SCIE3500) / IRE Mentor / IRE Coordinator for advice on how to make an effective contact
03
Start internship searching in the Fall Term Year 3 (Start looking for potential institution / laboratory / project team and approach the faculty-in-charge for a chance of working on the project concerned)
04
Dedicate full-time for at least 8 weeks in research work
05
Completion of the research internship in Year 3 Summer
06
Return to HKUST Campus for Year 4 Fall Term and enroll SCIE3900 & LANG3027

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