Courses

Course Descriptions

INTC1001 Human-Centred Innovation

6 credits

This project workshop course serves as an introduction to the degree program, building up the concepts and skillsets to address ill-defined problems with innovative solutions.  The concept of employing design thinking and system thinking techniques to address real-world problems will be introduced through a semester-long design project.  The importance of engaging the stakeholders during the innovation process and the necessary skills for working with teams from diverse background will be practiced throughout the semester in a studio with mentoring from the teaching team.

Assessment: 100% continuous coursework assessment. [P/F/D]

​

INTC1002 Physical Computing

12 credits

This project workshop introduces the concept of physical computing to students through an active learning environment.  The workshop course is building around the design of an physical computing system that that interacts with human through physical input and output.  Students will work as teams to develop both hardware and software for the system.  The operations of analog-digital converter (ADC), digital-analog converter (DAC), embedded processors, as well as digital feedback control theory will be introduced.  Additional short learning modules will be provided to cover necessary mechatronic skills for system construction.  This project workshop course spans the two semesters from semester 2 of a year to the summer.  A mid project evaluation will be held at the end of semester 2 to provide timely feedback of a student’s progress.  The overall assessment will cover the student’s performance over both semesters.

​

Assessment: 100% continuous coursework assessment.

​

INTC1103 Computational Problem Solving

6 credits

This course introduces students to the theory and practice of computational problem solving.  The needs and the benefits, and the methods for solving problems using computer programs will be introduced.  Foundation in algorithm design, data structures, and run time analysis will be introduced.  These theories will be practiced through multiple individual mini-competitions.

Assessment: 100% continuous coursework assessment.

​

INTC1201 Modelling the World 1

6 credits

This is the first part of the 2-semester sequence of an integrated introductory course covering the mathematics, physics and computing technologies to model our physical world.  In the first part, physical modelling of the world using 3D printing and modelling techniques will be introduced.  This is supplemented by the mathematical foundation necessary for modelling of the 3D world involving linear algebra and calculus.  Techniques and practice of constructing physical models of the world using different materials will be introduced.

Assessment: 70% continuous coursework assessment, 30% examination.

​

INTC1202 Modelling the World 2

6 credits

This is the second part of the 2-semester sequence of an integrated introductory course on modelling our physical world.  This course will focus on understanding and modelling the kinematics, the dynamics, as well as the interactions of objects in the physical world.  Foundational mathematics in the area of calculus and differential equations will be introduced to analyse the model behaviour of such systems.  Finally computer models will be developed to simulate long term behaviour of these dynamic systems.

Assessment: 70% continuous coursework assessment, 30% examination.

​

INTC1204 Sensing the World

6 credits

This course introduces the theory and practice of sensing the world using a wide range of technologies, including visual, audio, radio frequency, gas, pressure, acceleration, gravity, magnetic field, etc.  Their theory of operation and their practical use in robotic applications will be explored through a sequence of hands-on exercises using single-board computer systems.  The practice of data collection, storage, and management will be covered.  Sensing tolerance and statistical analysis of data in real-world applications will also be covered.

Assessment: 70% continuous coursework assessment, 30% examination.

​

INTC1421 Sciences and Technologies through Time

6 credits

This course takes a bird’s eye view of the impacts of technology innovations on the culmination of the human civilization we see today.  From the use of fire and the invention of wheels, to the rise of the Internet and modern A.I., this course revisits the stories of some of the most influential innovations in history.  The goal is to develop students’ appreciation of the complex interplay between the demand for new technologies and the new possibilities and impact that such new technologies often end up brining to the world beyond the initial need.  These studies help students to better understand the opportunities and limitation of science and technologies in addressing the needs from the society.

Assessment: 100% continuous coursework assessment.

​

INTC2301 Forms and Materials

6 credits

This course provides a bird’s eye view of both traditional and new materials used in modern design, including wood, metal, polymer, glass, paper, and textile.  Students will learn about the manufacture process of these materials, their underlying physics and chemistry, as well as their applications for different design functions.  Through a series of hands-on exercises, students will practice manipulating, combining, and experimenting with these materials in the workshop.  The environmental impact of the materials will also be introduced.

Assessment: 100% continuous coursework assessment.

​

INTC2001 Innovations for the Future

6 credits

In this advanced project workshop course, students learn through addressing a real-world challenge using techniques that they have learned in earlier courses such as the design thinking process and physical computing system designs.  Students form teams to research on challenges related to sustainable development, formulate the challenges into an addressable problem, and finally develop a prototype solution to the problem.  Emphasis will be placed on team work and the problem-solving process throughout the semester.

Assessment: 100% continuous coursework assessment.

​

INTC2002 Making Sciences

12 credits

This advanced project workshop provides a holistic overview of contemporary science subjects and their applications in our daily lives.  Science topics are introduced to students through tutorials and hand-on projects during workshop time.  Strong emphasis is placed on this process of communicating complex scientific concepts through the use of written, oral, and visual aids.  This two-semester workshop course spans from the second semester to the following summer to cover both the theoretical foundation and the practice of such scientific subjects cover.  Throughout the course, each student teams will design an innovative hands-on project to explain their chosen scientific concept suitable for secondary school student audience.  The subjects covered in each year may differ but will be centred around topics that are close to our everyday lives, such as food, environment, and materials.  This project workshop course spans the two semesters from semester 2 of a year to the summer.  A mid project evaluation will be held at the end of semester 2 to provide timely feedback of a student’s progress.  The overall assessment will cover the student’s performance over both semesters.

Assessment: 100% continuous coursework assessment

​

INTC2401 Innovation and Entrepreneurship

6 credits

This course introduces the principles and practices of entrepreneurship and the role of innovation in this process.  The course explores the foundations and practices of launching an innovation-based entrepreneurial venture.  Topics related to venture developments, including opportunity identification, technology transfer, intellectual properties and commercialization, will be covered.  Case studies of startup companies across different industries with different types of innovations will be used to examine the contemporary landscape. 

Assessment: 100% continuous coursework assessment.

​

INTC3001 Innovations for Social Impact

6 credits

In this advanced project workshop, students will develop innovative solutions to address imminent challenges faced by the vulnerable population in the society.  Partnering with local NGOs, students will form teams to understand the needs of the society on the field.  A working solutions to improve the lives of the vulnerable population will be derived, and a prototype of the solution will be implemented by the team.  The emphasis of the course are on the innovation process, the use of or the lack of technology to address the problems under stringent constraints, and the understanding of the need of the society.

Assessment: 100% continuous coursework assessment

​

INTC3002 Co-op Experience in Innovation Project

18 credits

In this 2-semester course, students will practice the process of innovation by placed place at an establishment with active development efforts.  Students may typically be placed in one of the following settings: (i) a startup company; (ii) a technology company with active research and development activities; or (iii) a research lab.  In all cases, depending on the matched partner, the placement may take place either oversea or locally.  In all cases, the student is expected to take a leading or substantial role in product development or solution creation.  Student is expected to hold status update meeting with the mentor at the placement and the academic advisor every month, with a final presentation to the rest of the placement cohort.  Assessment will be based on evaluation by the mentor at the placement location supplemented by the presentations and report of the placement.

Assessment: 100% continuous coursework assessment [P/F/D]

​

INTC4001 Capstone Project

12 credits

In this final year project, students will form groups of their own to develop a solution for a need that they have collectively identified.  An idea pitching session will be held in the beginning of the year so students with similar interests and complementary skillset can team up.  Teams will meet with mentors from industry regularly for status update and to iterate their design.  Students will be assessed by the mentors and the academic supervisors on the innovation process, teamwork, and quality of the final solution.  A final project exhibition will be held toward the end of the year to showcase the results to the public.  This project workshop course spans the two semesters from semester 1 of the final year until semester 2 of the final year.  A mid project evaluation will be held at the end of semester 1 to provide timely feedback of a student’s progress.  The overall assessment will cover the student’s performance over both semesters.

Assessment: 100% continuous coursework assessment

​

​