- 67 -
(b)
upon analytical thinking and analysis. The programme is modelled on the chemistry course at HKU, omitting those areas which it was felt could not be taught adequately by Baptist College staff, and reduced slightly to fit the programme structure.
Some emphasis on analytical chemistry has been introduced in view of the changing job
market/career patterns of students, but the approach has been theoretical/conceptual rather than "applied".
HKBC Comment
The view that a sound foundation in fundamental facts and concepts is an adequate approach for initial qualifications in chemistry (ie prior to postgraduate study/work experience) is not an uncommonly held view in UK (and other) universities. This has been the traditional approach, and evidence is put forward that it has been a successful one for preparing students for a wide variety of successful and rewarding careers as professional chemists. However, even in this context, the nature and extent of the laboratory work is difficult to defend. The absence of laboratory work, except for the project element, in the proposed Honours Programme is related not only to resource considerations but also to a lack of internal discussion among the staff concerning the aims. and objectives of this element of the course, and indeed of the course as a whole.
Level/Standard Achieved
HKP Factual
As already indicated the HD in Chemical Technology is not yet in operation.
On the Diploma course circa 20% of the students fail to enrol, or withdraw during the initial stages of the course. These places are filled from the waiting list up to the end of October. Subsequently no more than 10% withdraw and failures are rare. If 1 or 2 units are failed these can be retaken in year 2. A similar pattern is anticipated on the HD Chemical Technology course. The nearest comparison would be the HND/HD (TEC) level, although the actual chemistry (as opposed to chemical technology) level is substantially less than that achieved