Doctor of Philosophy in Science

Program Introduction

  • Duration of Study

    The normal duration of this program is 3 years,and the maximum duration is 6 years.

  • Teaching Approach

    Face-to-face Teaching

  • Teaching Language

    Chinese/English

  • Academic Field

    Information Technology

  • Course Introduction

    This program appeals to those who wish to advance their studies and research in the information technology fields in great breadth and depth, and helps candidates become highly qualified IT professionals at executive levels pursuing a career either in teaching or research in the future.

    Students are required to participate in academic activities and keep up-to-date with the current academic research. They need to select a research topic. Give field literature briefings, and complete reports of their study areas, gaining a better understanding of the latest developments in their study area both domestically and internationally.

    The student must carry out the research program in accordance with the research proposal under the supervisor’s guidance. The PhD thesis should describe the research findings and innovative ideas. The thesis must be written by the student under the supervisor’s guidance and defended before the Thesis Defense Committee.


Study Plan

I. Program Duration

The normal study duration of Doctor of Philosophy in Science program is 3 years.

The maximum study duration is 6 years (Students admitted in or before academic year 2018/2019, please refer to the rules and regulations as stipulated in the intake academic year study plan). 

II. Study Mode

Lectures

III. Medium of Instruction

Chinese or English

IV. Academic Field

Information Technology

V. Admission Requirements

Master degree in IT or related fields

VI. Majors

Computer Technology and Application

Electronic Information Technology

Space Information Technology

VII. Course Structure

Table 1: Core Courses (4 Credits)


Course Code

Course Title

Credits

DIIZ11

Literature Survey and Thesis Planning

2

DIIZ12

Academic Activities and Seminars

2



Table 2: Elective Courses (Students are required to take one of the following courses according to the major of study, 8 Credits)


Course Code

Course Title

Credits

DIIE01

Advanced Research Topics in Computer Technology and Application

8

DIIE02

Advanced Research Topics in Electronic Information Technology

8

DIIE03

Advanced Research Topics in Space Information Technology

8



Table 3: Dissertation

Course Code

Course Title

Type

Credits

DIIZ00

Dissertation

Compulsory

--


Course Description

Compulsory Courses

Academic Activities and Seminars (2 credits)

This subject aims to expand students' horizons, let students communicate face-to-face through academic seminars and other means, to obtain more up-to-date knowledge of information technology and etc.

 

Literature Survey and Thesis Planning (2 credits)

This subject requires each student to conduct research under the supervisor, including reading related literatures, understanding the new development in the field being studied, and preparing the research proposal. In order to pass this subject and obtain the credits, each student is required to submit an annual report and conduct an oral presentation(20%) at the end of the first academic year, and submit a research proposal and conduct a research proposal oral defense(80%) before the end of the second academic year.

 

Thesis (0 credits)

This subject provides students one-to-one guidance of writing an academic thesis from the instructor, with the contents including basic steps of writing thesis, exploring research topics, literature review, research design, conclusions and future works. With the help of the instructor, students can select one topic from computer science, electronic information, information technology and other related research directions and finally complete a professional thesis, confirmed by the instructor.

 

Elective Courses

Advanced Research Topics in Computer Technology and Application (8 credits)

This subject contains three parts and the grade is composed of the marks of these three parts:

The first part: Research Methodology, Technical Writing, and Professional Ethics

This part has 2 credits and introduces the research methodology for conducting scientific research, technical writing skills, and principles of professional ethics. In order to obtain the credits of this part, all students are required to attend the class and pass the assessment given by the instructor.

 

The second part: Core Knowledge in the Specialization

This part has 3 credits and introduces the core knowledge in the specialization. The Faculty will define the content and knowledge that a student should master according to the student's specialization. All students are required to attend the class and pass the assessment given by the instructor.

 

The third part: Knowledge determined by the supervisor

This part has 3 credits, and the content will be defined by the supervisor. In order to obtain the credits of this part, each student has to follow the study arrangement determined by the supervisor and pass the assessment given by the supervisor.

 

Advanced Research Topics in Electronic Information Technology (8credits)

This subject contains three parts and the grade is composed of the marks of these three parts.

The first part: Research Methodology, Technical Writing, and Professional Ethics

This part has 2 credits and introduces the research methodology for conducting scientific research, technical writing skills, and principles of professional ethics. In order to obtain the credits of this part, all students are required to attend the class and pass the assessment given by the instructor.

 

The second part: Core Knowledge in the Specialization

This part has 3 credits and introduces the core knowledge in the specialization. The Faculty will define the content and knowledge that a student should master according to the student's specialization. All students are required to attend the class and pass the assessment given by the instructor.

 

The third part: Knowledge determined by the supervisor

This part has 3 credits, and the content will be defined by the supervisor. In order to obtain the credits of this part, each student has to follow the study arrangement determined by the supervisor and pass the assessment given by the supervisor.

 

Advanced Research Topics in Space Information Technology (8credits)

This subject contains three parts and the grade is composed of the marks of these three parts.

The first part: Research Methodology, Technical Writing, and Professional Ethics

 

This part has 2 credits and introduces the research methodology for conducting scientific research, technical writing skills, and principles of professional ethics. In order to obtain the credits of this part, all students are required to attend the class and pass the assessment given by the instructor.

 

The second part: Core Knowledge in the Specialization

 

This part has 3 credits and introduces the core knowledge in the specialization. The Faculty will define the content and knowledge that a student should master according to the student's specialization. All students are required to attend the class and pass the assessment given by the instructor.

 

The third part: Knowledge determined by the supervisor

 

This part has 3 credits, and the content will be defined by the supervisor. In order to obtain the credits of this part, each student has to follow the study arrangement determined by the supervisor and pass the assessment given by the supervisor.


Degree Requirements

1.During the first two semesters, students are required to take 2 elective courses in Table 2, for a total of 8 credits, according to their research interests and professional background. 2.During the first two years, students are required to participate in at least 30 hours of “Academic Activities” in Table 1, for a total of 2 credits. 3.During the second year, students are required to complete the “Literature Review and Thesis Proposal” in Table 1, for a total of 2 credits. 4. After confirming the core courses and elective courses, students can start writing the thesis proposal. They can continue their dissertation research and writing upon completion of thesis proposal defense. 5.Generally, to be qualified as a doctorate candidate, a student is required to publish at least 2 SCI-index journal paper, one of the papers must be the first author (Macau University of Science and Technology as the first unit). 6.The dissertation should pass the assessment and be defended successfully.

Learning Time

1. In general. The duration for dissertation composition shall be within 24 months, and the writing time shall not be less than 12 months. 2. The classes will be generally arranged in the evening from Monday to Friday, or Saturday.

Qualifications of Graduation

Upon approval from the Senate of the University, the Doctor of Philosophy in Science Degree will be conferred on a student when he or she has: 1.Completed and met the requirements prescribed in the study plan of his or her program within the specific study period, and achieved a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or above (excluding dissertation). 2.Abided by the regulations of the University. 3.Cleared all fees and charges and returned all University’s property and equipment borrowed. Note: All curriculums and study plans are based on the newest announcement of the Boletim Oficial da Região Administrativa Especial de Macau. ※ In case of any discrepancy, the Chinese version shall prevail.