Sept 2025 Entry
4 years (including 1 year with common curriculum)
120 plus training credits (subject to approval)
Students will receive one of the following awards upon successful completion of the programme:
BSc (Hons) in Physics with a Secondary Major in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics
BSc (Hons) in Physics with a Secondary Major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
What's New
All admitted students will follow a Common Year One curriculum. After their first year of study, students can choose to continue with their initial choice or switch to another choice within the Faculty of Science. Those who wish to switch can choose their preferred departmental programme through a ranking assessment.
BSc (Hons) in Physics with a Secondary Major in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics (Physics x AIDA)
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has far-reaching effects on our lives, as its applications range from mobile apps, smart home systems and health-monitoring devices to industrial process optimisation. AI is intimately linked to physics in various ways, and seamless collaboration between physics and AI enables more accurate observations of the environment and more realistic solution formulations. Physics principles can be used to optimise AI components, facilitate the development of critical workflows and parameters, and enhance the training of AI systems. AI also plays a pivotal role in modern physics research by rapidly screening potential solutions, thereby saving resources needed for experimental studies.
The Physics x AIDA programme is tailored to students who are interested in both physics and AI. With a strong emphasis on applications, the programme exposes students to both fundamental and applied physics topics, in addition to the principal theories of AI. The fusion of these two disciplines throughout the curriculum enables students to consolidate their learning and give them a competitive edge in their future career.
BSc (Hons) in Physics with a Secondary Major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Physics x IE)
The Physics x IE programme offers a very diverse curriculum that covers fundamental and applied physics, innovation and business. One of the highlights of this programme is the extended internship training in major technology enterprises or start-ups, which provides excellent opportunities for students to become innovative leaders in Hong Kong. The programme is ideal for students with a strong entrepreneurial spirit who wish to join the next generation of physics innovators.
Characteristics of Physics x AIDA / IE
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Multidisciplinary nature
In the Physics x AIDA programme, the combination of physics and AI provides graduates with a robust skill set suited to a wide range of career paths, such as innovation, healthcare and postgraduate studies. For Physics x IE, the combination of scientific and entrepreneurial skills promotes the development of our graduates into future technology leaders.
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Application-oriented approach
Collaborations with industrial partners and renowned universities offer excellent internship and exchange opportunities for students. Their learning experience is also supported by well-equipped laboratories, and an AI laboratory is tailored to the curriculum of the Physics x AIDA programme.
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Well-rounded development
Students also develop their “soft skills”, such as lateral thinking, communication skills, creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are critical assets for future leaders and entrepreneurs.
Career Prospects
BSc (Hons) in Physics with a Secondary Major in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics
The booming AI industry has triggered the rapid development of related businesses and sectors. With an extensive knowledge of science and AI combined with great flexibility, our graduates will be highly sought after by local and international companies.
BSc (Hons) in Physics with a Secondary Major in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Graduates of the programme will be equipped with both scientific and business knowledge as well as hands-on experiences. As major drivers of innovation and entrepreneurship in the HKSAR, our students will be highly sought after by enterprises in Hong Kong or the Greater Bay Area for their ability to produce technological innovations.
Students must fulfil the General University Requirements (GUR), obtain Major credits and complete Secondary Major subjects.
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The main areas of study in the Major are basic and applied physics that are covered by the core subjects, reinforced by engineering subjects and computational physics. The core subjects are continuously updated to meet the needs of high-tech industries. Other core subjects include languages, computing and mathematics.
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Students enrolled in the BSc (Hons) in Physics with a Secondary Major in AIDA can choose Elective Subjects, including Radiation Physics, Energy Conversion and Storage with Machine Learning, Imaging: Detector, Display and Processing, Intelligent Lighting, Laser Processing and Applications, and Medical Imaging: Science and Analytics.
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Information on the subjects offered by the Department can be obtained from https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ap/study/subject-list/bachelor-programme/
- For the curricula of Secondary Majors, please refer to this page for AIDA and this page for IE.
Unlike other PolyU programmes, where admission to a Secondary Major is on a competitive basis and subject to intake quotas, all students of this programme will be admitted to a Secondary Major. This programme is unique at PolyU, as it was designed to train students with interdisciplinary knowledge of their Major and Secondary Major from the initial stage. The curriculum of this programme is precisely designed to consolidate the strengths of the Major and the Secondary Major to help graduates excel in the contemporary workplace environment and to take on future challenges. Details on the assignment of the Secondary Major will be provided at a later date.
For more details on the Secondary Majors in AIDA and IE, please refer to this page.
120 plus training credits (subject to approval)
Prof. Y.H. Tsang
BSc, PhD
Please click here to view the entrance requirements for international applicants.
Other Information
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Applicants attaining good results in Mathematics and/or Physics are preferred.
For further programme information, please contact:
The General Office (email: apdept@polyu.edu.hk).
As a student in the Department of Applied Physics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, I was truly impressed by how the programme integrates essential 21st-century skills into a dynamic curriculum tailored to the rapidly changing world. With state-of-the-art laboratories and innovative virtual laboratories, students have access to unparalleled resources that enhance their learning experience. The Department also offers dynamic interest groups that foster collaboration and exploration. The curriculum is meticulously designed, providing the flexibility to pursue a Secondary Major in Artificial Intelligence & Data Analytics or Innovation & Entrepreneurship in addition to Physics, which significantly elevates the career prospects of aspiring physicists, equipping them with a diverse skill set that meets the demands of today’s competitive landscape.
The programme offered by the Department of Applied Physics offers a dynamic and integrated curriculum that seamlessly blends physics and artificial intelligence. The well-curated programme creates an engaging and supportive educational setting where you can collaborate with like-minded peers, gaining hands-on experience through advanced technical facilities. In addition to teaching and learning, the Department encourages global perspectives by providing study abroad opportunities, allowing students to broaden their horizons and immerse themselves in diverse cultures. This promotes a well-rounded learning experience that enhances both intellectual growth and personal development.
To evaluate the interest of applicants in the programme and their suitability for it, and to allow them to gain a better understanding of the programme.
About 15-30 minutes
Only selected applicants will be invited to the interview, if necessary.
Required
To evaluate the interest of applicants in the programme and their suitability for it, and to allow them to gain a better understanding of the programme.
About 10-15 minutes
Only suitable applicants will be invited to interviews.
Required
