Sept 2025 Entry
4 years (including 1 year with common curriculum)
120 plus training credits (subject to approval)
Students will gain 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 embark on a Common Year One curriculum. Towards the end of year one, students can decide whether to continue with their initial choice or switch to another choice within the Faculty of Science. Those who wish to change to another choice need to join a competitive process 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 will provide them with a competitive edge in their future careers.
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. A highlight 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 skillset suited to a wide range of career paths, such as innovation, health care 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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An application-oriented approach
Collaborations with industrial partners and renowned universities provide excellent internship and exchange opportunities for students. The 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 mobilised the mushrooming development of related businesses and sectors. With an extensive knowledge of science and AI combined with high 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 knowledge of both science and business concepts 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 are required to fulfil the General University Requirements (GUR), Major credits and Secondary Major subjects.
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The key areas of Major study are basic and applied physics that are covered by the core subjects, strengthened by engineering subjects and computational physics. The core subjects are continuously updated to suit the needs of high-tech industries. Other core subjects include languages, computing and mathematics.
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Students of 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 at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ap/study/subject-list/bachelor-programme/
- For the curricula of the Secondary Majors, please refer to this page for AIDA and this page for IE.
Unlike other PolyU programmes, for which admission to the Secondary Major is on a competitive basis and subject to the intake quotas, all students of this programme will be admitted to either Secondary Major. This programme is unique in PolyU, as it was designed to cultivate students with interdisciplinary knowledge of their Major and Secondary Major at the initial stage. The curriculum of this programme is precisely designed to consolidate the strengths of both 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 later.
For the details of 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 non-JUPAS 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 non-JUPAS student in the Department of Applied Physics, my study journey began with frustrations and a need for adaptation. At first, I struggled to connect with others and lacked clear goals. As my studies progressed and with the support of the teaching staff, I gradually gained confidence in myself.
I am truly honoured to have been chosen for this programme, which allows me to explore physics alongside the dynamic field of artificial intelligence. This unique combination has broadened my horizons and helped me understand what I really want to pursue.
I am grateful for the many opportunities provided during my studies. I am excited to be studying as an exchange student at the University of Birmingham in the UK next year. This experience will undoubtedly broaden my international perspective and immerse me in diverse cultures, further shaping my personal and academic growth.
The resources and opportunities provided by the Department have been crucial in this transformation, preparing me for future challenges and successes.
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
