On September 15th 2024, the first "University Life" general education lecture organized by the Department of General Education (DGE) at Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST) was successfully held at the R109 Auditorium. The event featured , Chair Professor Paul Kwong Hang Tam, Vice President of MUST, Assistant Professor ZHAO Hai Xia and Assistant Professor XIANG Fang from University International College (UIC) as speakers for over 3,000 new undergraduate students to share their insights on university studies.
First lecture of “University Life”
The lecture began with Vice President Paul Tam delivering an online welcome speech. He represented the university and all teachers, welcoming the freshmen with enthusiasm and hoping that they would work hard and strive upwards. He introduced the concept of "Whole Person Education" and explained the necessity and importance of this course, hoping that the freshmen would adapt to university life and integrate themselves through their studies in this course. And then he introduced the important historical positioning of the Macao SAR, as well as the current laws and regulations of Macao, the diverse academic environment at MUST, and the abundant campus activities and student life. He encouraged the students to engage in interdisciplinary learning and acquire both professional knowledge and useful skills to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of various fields, achieving the goal of “Whole Person Education” and enhancing future development opportunities.
Online sharing by Vice President Paul Tam
Finally, Vice President Paul Tam gave two important reminders to the students: firstly, he emphasized the use of ChatGPT, advising them to use it rationally and not excessively rely on it, which could compromise their independent thinking and scientific innovation ability. Secondly, he cautioned the students against phone and internet scams. Vice President Paul Tam finally wished the students a happy four years of undergraduate study at MUST, good health, and success.
Assistant Professors ZHAO Hai Xia and XIANG Fang from UIC shared insights on "Introduction to University Studies." Starting from three breakthroughs in university philosophy and its causes in world higher education history, they gradually progressed through the MUST motto "Dedication to practical studies, Enhancement of knowledge, Ability and Quality", conveying the mission, goals, and functions of university education. They hoped that by the end of their four-year studies, all students would possess the five qualities expected of MUST graduates: discerning, sincere and respectful, innovative, civic conscious and globally aware.
Sharing by Dr. ZHAO Hai Xia |
Sharing by Dr. XIANG Fang |
During this semester's "University Life" course, Mr. WANG Duo Lin, from the Culture and Sports Development Office of MUST, also joined to introduce campus culture and teach the University Anthem to the students. Hoping that every newcomer who joins the MUST family will become a disseminator of the university spirit by singing the University Anthem together.
University Anthem demonstration by Mr. WANG Duo Lin
This "University Life" course is a compulsory course set up for new undergraduate students by MUST, aiming to help freshmen transition into university life smoothly and quickly as well as to plan for their future career paths through a series of comprehensive, interdisciplinary lectures and practical experiences.
