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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions from First-Year Students
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How is CSD different from SCMC?
CSD is the abbreviation for Computing with Scientific Data.
It is meant to replace the existing Scientific Computation
and Multimedia Communications (SCMC) minor. The latter will
be phased out in two years’ time (July 2004).
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Who manages the CSD program?
The CSD program is managed by the Physics Department of
the Faculty of Science. The School of Computing participates
in the lecturing of 3 IT modules.
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Who will award me the CSD minor when
I graduate?
Faculty of Science.
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What is the focus of CSD?
The new minor focuses on the use of computing tools for
scientific applications and client-server programming used
for scientific computations as well as data management,
simulation and modeling, and data analysis and visualization.
The minor will also equip students with the essential knowledge
on information technology, and prepare them for the knowledge-based
economy.
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Is taking the CSD minor beneficial
to me?
Certainly yes. During the design phase, we have considered
(i) the background of students,
(ii) the needs of students in their future employments,
(iii) the ever-changing trends of technology and how our
graduates can catch up in
this IT world.
As such the CSD program will assume nothing from you. To
ensure that every
student can follow the lectures, our teaching will be incremental.
Upon completion of the CSD minor, you will be confident
to write computer programs, analyse massive computation
data, publish information on the Internet and carry out
high-performance computing.
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I know nothing about computer. Will
I be at a disadvantage position?
This is a common question asked every year. As it’s said
before, we assume
nothing from you. We will teach you from the scratch. So
there will not be any
disadvantage for you.
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I do not have a computer at home.
Do I have to buy one?
Another common question. The answer is no. There are abundant
computers in the
Faculty of Science. We have more than 200 computers in the
laboratories, and more than 100 computers in CBLC. In addition,
you can also use the computers in the libraries and the
computer center.
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Do I have to apply for a commercial
account so that I can access the Internet and send email
to my lecturer from my home?
No. All students are given a free computer account and you
can use it to surf the
Internet and to send emails. Why waste money to subscribe
to commercial account when you are given a free one.
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How long will it take me to complete
the CSD minor?
With proper planning, the CSD minor can be completed in
3 semesters, i.e., one and a half year. But most students
will take more than that to complete the CSD minor.
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There are CSD and IT modules in the
CSD program. Which departments will be teaching what?
All the CSD modules will be taught by Instructors from the
Faculty of Science. All IT modules will be taught by the
School of Computing. To be awarded the CSD minor, you need
to pass all six modules.
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Frequently Asked Questions from Transitional SCMC Students
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I have taken some SCMC modules. Can
I continue so that I can be awarded the SCMC minor?
Yes. The following provisions have been arranged for you:
CSD2301 can be used
to replace SCC2302.
CSD3301 can be used
to replace SCC3302.
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Has the SCMC minor requirement been
changed?
No change. There are 3 options to fulfill the SCMC minor:
1. 2 modules from each level.
2. 1 module from level-1000, 2 modules from level-2000,
3 modules from level-3000.
3. 1 module from level-1000, 3 modules from level-2000,
2 modules from level-3000.
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Can I use the SCMC modules I have
taken to fulfill the CSD minor?
No. The emphasis is different. You can only use CSD modules
to fulfill the SCMC minor requirement.
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I'm a returning 3rd year Science
student. I understand that the SCMC minor has ceased. I
would like to find out whether the previous minor requirements
(i.e. any level-1000 modules, any 2 level-2000 modules and
any 2 level-3000 modules) is still applicable for returning
students.
There are still 3 options to fulfill the SCMC. The requirements
remain unchanged. Please refer to FAQ 13.
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For the on-line registration, do
I register SCC2301, SCC3301,… , or the equivalent CSD modules?
Use the new module codes. Register the CSD modules.
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So far, I've covered 4 modules and
need two more to fulfill my minor requirement. However,
I'm confused now, because I wonder whether those modules
that I've taken up so far can be considered as part of the
fulfillment?
Please take note that we are phasing out the SCMC minor
by April 2004. Since you have taken 4 SCC modules, you can
use 2 CSD modules to complete the SCMC minor requirement.
You will be awarded a minor in SCMC.
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Can I be awarded both SCMC and CSD minors?
No.
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I have taken SCC2302 and SCC3302.
Can I also take CSD2301 and CSD3301 now?
Please refer to the following overlapping modules:
1. SCC2302 and CSD2301
overlap
2. SCC3302 and CSD3301
overlap
IT1001 and IT1002
remain unchanged. Each group of overlapping modules will
be counted only once.
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When can I register for practical
and tutorial classes?
Your lecturer will find out from you the common free time
slots during the first lecture. He/she will decide
the number
of tutorial and practical classes and their time schedule
based on the number of students.
You will have to select your choice during the 1st
two weeks using forms handed out by your lecturer.
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