On May 14th, DPSE held a lecture themed “Why to and How to Study in Graduate School”. The lecture was given by Professor Qi Wu, academician of Chinese Academy of Science.
The lecture was hosted by Professor Zhikang Xu. At the beginning, he gave a brief introduction of Professor Wu's academic experience and major achievements. Professor Wu was once the manager of R&D headquarter's Laser Light Scattering (LLS) Lab for BASF Co. in Germany. He is now a professor of Chemistry in Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), and at the same time, a visiting professor for University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). His study focuses on the characterization of special polymers, conformational conversion of polymer chains and polymer gels. In 2003, Professor Wu was honored as member of Chinese Academy of Science.
Professor Wu commenced the lecture with a brief introduction of CUHK. He pointed out that only a few students choose graduate schools due to a strong interest in scientific research by enumerating the mainstream drives nowadays for entering graduate schools as consideration for parents, following the majority and achieving advanced academy degree. Based on this, he stressed the importance of scientific research, indicating that research is a process of discovering and solving problems, and that students with further research training tend to possess different abilities and patterns of problem-solving which are more effective.
Secondly, Professor Wu gave his idea about the main task of undergraduate students. In his view, knowledge is more important than degree, and no matter when, studying, cerebration as well as working are the three most important tasks, which are complementary and in cycle.
Thirdly, he stressed the importance of critical thinking, which can only be achieved with broad and thorough professional knowledge as he mentioned. In addition, he put forward four basic requirements that should be achieved and valued most by everyone: to study with an open mind, to cooperate and help each other, to be broad-minded, to remain indifferent whether granted favors or subjected to humiliation .
Furthermore, Professor Wu gave a brief introduction of experiment skills, experiment safety and thesis writing. He proposed that students take research and study with a rigorous attitude. Finally, he expressed his sincere wishes and expectations for all the students.
The lecture was followed by a Q&A section during which Professor Wu respectively gave patient and detailed explanations to the questions raised by students present. The lecture came to an end with rapturous applause.
The lecture is of great value to students in face of the vital point in life where important choice for the future has to be made. Wishfully through this lecture, students can gain a more thorough understanding of graduate school, and thus make wise choices with greater confidence and rationality.
(By Ivy) |
