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HKBC Factual
In 1971 the Mathematics Department was created from the division of the Department of Mathematics and Physics. At that time the staffing complement was four lecturers, one assistant and one tutor. At that time the academic background of staff related to the abstract aspects of mathematics, Functional Analysis, Linear Algebra, Complex Variable, Analytic Solutions of Differential Equations and Abstract Algebra, and it can be said that this situation has broadly persisted since that time, though there is now some expertise in Probability, Statistics and Operational Research. This perspective is paralleled in the local Universities and the content of the Senior Diploma has its counterpart in the American Universities first degree in Mathematics. Diplomates in mathematics at Baptist College progressed to programmes of further study, to teaching in schools and to a limited extent, into commerce and industry. Generally speaking, companies in Hong Kong have no sections concerned with research and development since these functions are usually performed abroad. The staff in the Department consider this to be a major reason why they have so little involvement with applied research and consultancy projects, and in turn this has influenced the design and construction of programmes. In addition, the Department has a good reputation for producing Diplomates in mathematics capable of carrying out research in pure mathematics and clearly there is a desire to retain this status, which is another major factor influencing programme design. Finally, it is . clear that within Hong Kong it is difficult for mathematicians to generate funding to support applied research and consultancy projects, and thus staff expertise and interest has remained in the area of pure mathematics.
HKBC Comment
The staff expertise and their attitude towards course design is entirely consistent with the situation in the Universities in Hong Kong. The difficulty in promoting applied research and development projects is recognised and especially the difficulty in obtaining funding. Nevertheless, this type of work is considered to be possible in the Hong Kong context and some pump priming should be done, but staff may well need some advice on how to set about this.