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Courses for the Global E3 program in XMU (taught in English)
Course coordinators:
Assist. Prof. Yufeng Zhang (yufengzhang@xmu.edu.cn)
Assoc. Prof. Xuemin Hong (xuemin.hong@xmu.edu.cn)
2014-08-22
Spring
Core Spring Courses:
GE3 S001: Circuits and Electronics (Instructor of Theory: Assoc. Prof. Xuemin Hong,
Department of Communications Engineering; Ph.D. from Heriot-Watt University; Postdoc of
University of Waterloo, Canada, xuemin.hong@xmu.edu.cn; Instructor of Experiments: Assist.
Prof. Yufeng Zhang, Department of Physics, Ph.D. from Boston University; Postdoc of
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, yufengzhang@xmu.edu.cn)
The course introduces the fundamentals of analog and digital circuits. Topics covered include:
lump circuit abstraction; resistive elements and networks; independent and dependent sources;
switches and MOS transistors; digital abstraction; amplifiers; energy storage elements; dynamics
of first- and second-order networks; design in the time and frequency domains; and analog and
digital circuits and applications.
Format: 4 lecture/experimental hours per week, totally 72 hours
Prerequisite: Basic physics
Semester: Spring
GE3 S002: Signals and Systems (Instructor: Prof. Jianhua Zhou, Department of Electronic
Engineering; Ph.D. from Xi’an Jiaotong University, China; Visiting scholar of INHA University,
R. O. Korea, eezhoujh@xmu.edu.cn)
The course covers the fundamentals of signal and system analysis, focusing on representations of
continuous -time and discrete-time signals (singularity functions, complex exponentials and
geometrics, Fourier representations, Laplace and Z transforms, sampling) and representations of
linear, time-invariant systems (differential and difference equations, block diagrams, system
functions, poles and zeros, convolution, impulse and step responses, frequency responses).
Applications are drawn broadly from engineering and physics, including electronics,
communications, and signal processing.
Format: 4 lecture hours per week, totally 72 hours
Prerequisite: Circuit Analysis, Advanced Mathematics
Semester: Spring
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GE3 S003 / PHYC 3048.03: Elements of Semiconductor Materials Physics (ESMP)
(Instructors: Academician-Professor Chih-Tang Sah, Ph.D. 1956 Stanford, taught for 50 years
at two US universities – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and University of Florida;
Professor of Physics, Xiamen University; author of best seller undergraduate English textbook
in semiconductor and solid-state electronics, tom_sah@msn.com; and Prof. Binbin Jie , B.S., M.S.
Physics 1989 Peking University, Ph.D. EE 2000 National University of Singapore, Graduate
Research Professor, Peking University, Professor of Physics, Xiamen University)
This course introduces the students the fundamental physics of semiconductor materials, an
in-depth understanding of which is crucial to the analysis, design and manufacture of high
performance and reliable semiconductor devices and integrated circuits. The fundamentals are
taught through physics-based reasoning, which gives the students a new methodology in learning
and studying the science, physics, applied physics and engineering subjects, new or already
familiar to them, at the introductory as well as the advanced physics and mathematics levels.
Format: 12 lecture hours per week (for 4 weeks), totally 48 hours
Prerequisite: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electromagnetism, Atomic Physics, Methods of
Mathematical Physics
Semester: Spring or/and Short Summer, or/and Fall, depending on students’ preregistration
requests between the sixth and second week before the semester starts. Minimum-Maximum
registrants: 5-10. Larger number will be considered, facility permitting. Auditors are not permitted.
Faculty auditors may be accepted by special pre-arrangements with the instructors.
GE3 S004 / PHYC 3054.04: Introduction to Optoelectronics and Photonics (Instructor: Prof.
Zhijun Sun, Department of Physics; Ph.D. from University of Pittsburgh, sunzj@xmu.edu.cn)
This course is offered mainly for students majoring in optics, optoelectronics, information science
and applied physics. The topics include: fundamental propagation properties of light,
optoelectronic processes in semiconductors, effects of electric field, magnetic field and acoustic
waves on light propagation in crystals, basic principles and applications of devices such as
waveguides, optical fibers, light emitting diodes, semiconductor laser diodes, photodetectors,
photovoltaic devices, and optical birefringence and modulation devices. Advances and trends in
the field will also be introduced.
Format: 4 lecture hours per week, totally 72 hours
Prerequisite: Optics, Quantum Mechanics, Solid State Physics
Semester: Spring
GE3 S005: Electromagnetic Fields and Waves (Instructor: Prof. Zhiwei Zeng, Department of
Aeronautics; Ph.D. from Iowa State University; Visiting Senior Research Associate of University
of Michigan State University, zeng@xmu.edu.cn)
The topics include: basic theories of macro electromagnetic (EM) phenomena, basic properties,
concepts and laws of EM field and wave, and basic analysis methods for problems of EM field
and wave.
Format: 3 lecture hours per week, totally 54 hours
Semester: Spring
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GE3 S006：The Introduction to Embedded System Design (Instructor of Theory: Assoc. Prof.
Xiaochao Li, Department of Electircal Engineering; Ph.D. from Xiamen University; Postdoc of
XiDian
University;
Visiting
Scholar
of
North
Carolina
State
University,
USA;
leexcjeffrey@xmu.edu.cn Instructor of Experiments:
Engineer. Hezhi Lin,
Department of Communication Engineering; Master from Xiamen University)
The course introduces the fundamentals of embedded system design. Topics covered include: An
unified view of software and hardware in embedded system; ARM processor architecture; OS
porting; μC/OS-III , a modern real-time kernel, such as task scheduling, resource management,
kernel object, synchronization, inter-task communications, etc.
Format: 3 lecture/experimental hours per week, totally 48 hours
Prerequisite: Microcontroller, C language, Data structure.
Semester: Spring
GE3 S007: Undergraduate Research
This course is for students to conduct research projects in chosen research groups.
Format: 3 hours per week, totally 54 hours
Semester: Spring
Optional Spring Courses in Engineering:
GE3 S008: Photonics Technology (Prof. Chenchun Ye, Department of Electronic Engineering;
Ph.D. from University of Southampton, UK; Postdoc of Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden;
Research Fellow of Cranfield University, UK; ccye@xmu.edu.cn )
The science of photonics includes the emission, transmission, modulation, signal processing,
amplification and detection of light. The importance of photonics in science and engineering is
widely recognized and will continue to increase through the foreseeable future. This course
introduces the principles and applications of photonics. The course covers lasers and LEDs,
optical fibers and waveguides, optical modulation, optical detection and photovoltaic technology,
optical communications, and optical image display.
Format: 2 lecture hours per week, totally 36 hours
Prerequisite: Basic Physics
Semester: Spring
GE3 S009: MATLAB and Numerical Methods (Instructor: Prof. Tien-Mo (Tim) Shih,
Department of Physics; Ph.D. from University of California, Berkeley; Postdoc of Harvard
University; Associate Professor of University of Maryland, College Park; tmshih@xmu.edu.cn)
MATLAB has become the most widely-used math software in the world. Its utilities include:
plotting, for-loop iterations, solving a set of simultaneous linear equations, solving a set of
simultaneous nonlinear equations, solving initial-value problems, and some small computational
functions such as integration, interpolation, curve fittings, etc. Naturally, other computer
languages, such as Fortran and C++, are capable of performing similar functions. But MATLAB is
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a much more convenient tool. It can be viewed as a large calculator.
In addition to teaching students some basic MATLAB operations, the course content emphasizes
(1) cultivating logical thinking abilities (2) modeling interesting daily-life problems, (3) learning
important numerical methods, such as Conjugate Gradient Method, Finite Element Method,
Predictor-Corrector Method, solving Boundary-Value Problems and (4) writing MATLAB codes,
and trouble-shooting the codes.
Format: 3 lecture hours per week, totally 54 hours
Prerequisites: none. But being familiar with the Taylor’s Series Expansion will be helpful.
Semester: Spring
GE3 S010: PLUMS 201 (Personal Life-Understanding Math and Sciences) (Instructor: Prof.
Tien-Mo (Tim) Shih, Department of Physics; Ph.D. from University of California, Berkeley;
Postdoc of Harvard University; Associate Professor of University of Maryland, College Park;
tmshih@xmu.edu.cn)
Most likely, everybody’s mind is engrossed with at least one personal passionate issue in daily life.
These issues are exemplified by weight loss, improving golf skill, how to reduce pressure in life,
among others. They are not necessarily related to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and
mass). Unfortunately, traditional course curriculum usually provides students with knowledge
learning. It is parallel with the passionate daily-life issues mentioned above without intersections.
For example, in high school, the instructor was much troubled by his stuttering problem. As soon
as he stepped out the classroom, his primary concern was how to rectify this problem. But the
knowledge gained in physics, chemistry, English, etc. inside the classroom could not help him to
solve it.
This course emphasizes on guiding students how to write their PLUMS essays clearly. Students
are asked to spend averagely 30 minutes every day, utilizing the principles in math, science, and
engineering, exercising their independent thinking ability (ITA), logical thinking ability (LoTA),
and imagination, to gradually develop their PLUMS. The content does not have to be correct.
However, (1) the incorrectness should decrease as time elapses, (2) readers should be able to
understand ideas that the author is trying to convey, and (3) the final result should be quantified.
In other words, the content of the course includes (1) cultivating students’ ITA, LoTA, and
imagination, (2) modeling of students’ most concerned personal issues in daily life, and (3)
developing a 30-page essay, which will be uploaded on a website.
Much of the course time will be spent in discussing, thinking, and writing the essay. The in-class
lectures include: definition of the course, what the course requires the students to accomplish,
evaluation metrics of the course performance, 3 PLUMS examples, identifying students’ own
topics, and methods of developing the essays.
Format: 2 lecture hours per week, totally 36 hours
Prerequisites: none. But being familiar with basic MATLAB operations will be helpful.
Semester: Spring
GE3 S011: Cosmology (Instructor: Prof. Holger Merlitz, Department of Physics; Ph.D. from
Heidelberg University, Germany; merlitz@xmu.edu.cn)
Cosmology covers all fields of physics, over all length scales from particle physics to general
relativity. Therefore, the cosmology lecture offers a very broad view over all aspects of modern
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physics. The course will focus on fundamental aspects and avoids complicated mathematical
formulations. But the course is supplemented with plenty of recent ideas and developments, with
materials from different sources.
Format: 2 lecture hours per week, totally 28 hours
Prerequisite: General physics or philosophy or math
Semester: Spring
GE3 S012: Polymer Physics (Instructor: Prof. Holger Merlitz, Department of Physics; Ph.D.
from Heidelberg University, Germany; merlitz@xmu.edu.cn)
【Graduate course – open to undergraduates】
This course will cover “statistical properties of ideal chains”, “statistical properties of real chains”,
“thermodynamics of mixing”, “polymer solutions”, “unentangled polymer dynamics”
Format: 2 lecture hours per week, totally 32 hours
Prerequisite: statistical physics and thermodynamics
Semester: Spring
GE3 S014: Fundamentals of Gas Dynamics (Instructor: Prof. Yancheng You, Department of
Aeronautics; Ph.D. from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics; Research Scientist
of the German Aerospace Center; yancheng.you@xmu.edu.cn)
An introduction to gas dynamics, covering fundamental concepts in thermodynamics and fluid
dynamics. Topics include molecular and continuum concepts for fluids, first and second laws of
thermodynamics, conservation laws for fluids, one-dimensional compressible flows, shocks and
expansion waves, flows in nozzles, and a general understanding of the principles of
multi-dimensional flow.
Format: 2 lecture per week, totally 36 hours
Prerequisites: Advanced Mathematics, General Physics
Semester: Spring
GE3 S015/EENG 3305.02：Electromagnetics wave and its applications (Prof. Baiqiang You,
Department of Electronic Engineering; Visiting Scholar of City University of Hong Kong,
Postdoc fellowship of HHI Germany; you_zhou@msn.com)
This course explores electromagnetic phenomena in modern applications, including wireless and
optical communications, circuits, computer interconnects and peripherals, microwave
communications and radar, antennas, sensors, micro-electromechanical systems, power generation
and transmission. Fundamentals include quasistatic and dynamic solutions to Maxwell's equations;
waves, radiation, and diffraction; coupling to media and structures; guided waves; resonance;
acoustic analogs; and forces, power, and energy. Some recent developments are also introduced in
series lectures.
Format: Lecture 2 hours per week, total 34 hours
Prerequisite: Electromagnetic theory
Semester: Spring
http://boya.xmu.edu.cn/emapp/emappf.htm
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GE3 S016: Chemical Informatics (Instructor: Prof. Zhou Zhao-Hui, Ph.D. from Department
of Chemistry, Xiamen University, China , Email: zhzhou@xmu.edu.cn )
Chemical informatics (Chemoinformatics) is both vast and complex. Exploring every aspect of it
in depth would require far more time than we have this quarter. This course is to give the students
the basic tools and concepts to make more efficient use of the literature, both here at XMU library
and in their future careers. In particular, we will cover the use of electronic indexes to the
literature, an essential tool for both current awareness and in-depth literature searching. The course
of Chemical informatic introduces Chemical Literature and Consulting Method.
Format: 2 hours lecture per week, totally 32 hours
Prerequisite: None.
Semester: Spring
GE3 S017: Nuclear Radiation Detection and Protection (Instructor of Theory: Assist. Prof.
Jian Zhang, School of Energy; Ph.D. from Lanzhou University; Ph. D, Los Alamos National Lab
(Ion Beam Material Lab）, Email: zhangjian@xmu.edu.cn)
This course is 48 credit hours, including 32 credit hours of lecture and 16 credit hours of
experiment. The lecture part will mainly focus on the basic principles of nuclear radiation
measurements and methods, data processing, and typical applications cases of these detectors,
following with fundamental knowledge of radiation dosimetry and protection. The experimental
part will emphasize on enhancing students’ abilities, and inspire students to think and improve
their problem-solving skills.
Format: 3 lecture/experimental hours per week, totally 48 hours
Prerequisite: Basic nuclear physics
Semester: Spring
GE3 S018: Principles of Chemical Engineering (Instructor: Professor Yunquan Liu, College
of Energy; Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University，Email: yq_liu@xmu.edu.cn)
【Graduate course – open to undergraduates】
“Principles of Chemical Engineering” is a subject about technologies used in chemical processing
industries. It covers major unit operations employed in chemical processing industries, such as
Transport of Fluids, Filtration, Mixing, Heat Transfer, Evaporation, Distillation, Absorption,
Extraction, and Drying, etc. The content of this course discusses the basic laws involved in these
physical processes, the design methods of typical equipment, the principles of operations, and the
adjustments of processes based on the theory of transport phenomena. The purpose of the course is
to train students the skills of analyzing and solving unit operations problems from engineering
points of view. Such problems include the mass balance, energy balance, determination of process
rate, and the design and selection of typical process equipment. The course could also lay a
foundation for students to study future courses, such as Reaction Engineering, Separations
Engineering, etc. The successful mastery of this course is of great helpful for students’ Senior
Year Thesis.
Format: 4 lecture hours per week, totally 64 hours
Prerequisites: Math, Physical Chemistry
Semester: Spring
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GE3 S019: Photovoltaic System (Instructor: Prof. Fengyan Zhang, College of Energy,
MS from Arizona State University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University,
Email: fengyanzhang@xmu.edu.cn)
Photovoltaic Systems teaches student how to design, install, and evaluate residential and
commercial photovoltaic (PV) systems. The students will learn the principles of photovoltaics and
how to effectively incorporate PV systems into stand-alone or interconnected electrical systems,
including: system advantages and disadvantages; site evaluation; component operation; system
design and sizing; installation requirements.
Format: 2 lecture hour per week, total 32 hour
Prerequisites: N/A
Semester: Spring
GE3 S020: Mechanisms and Machine Theory (Instructor: Assoc. Prof. Yiju Wang,
Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering; Ph.D. from Xiamen University, China;
Email：wang_yi_ju@sina.com)
Mechanisms and Machine Theory is the study of kinematics and dynamics of mechanisms, and
the basic principles of machines. It is one of the important fundamental courses for mechanical
engineering students. It also serves practical purpose in production, as it involves the first
considerations of the designer in machine design. The course provides many opportunities to
develop the abilities listed below: an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and
engineering, an ability to analyze and interpret data, an ability to design a system, component, or
process to meet problems, an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems, an
ability to communicate effectively, an ability to use techniques, skills, and modern engineering
tools necessary for engineering practice. One goal is to develop the ability of students to formulate
and solve problems in the kinematics and dynamics of machinery. Engineering tools used to
achieve this goal include motion simulation software and general-purpose mathematical software.
These tools relieve the designer of repetitive tasks and provide a powerful means of
communicating results through graphs and animation simulations. An equally important goal is the
development of an understanding of the implications of computed results. The coverage of this
course includes mechanisms and machines, basic concepts; motion in machinery; velocity and
acceleration analysis of mechanisms; design and analysis of planar mechanism, linkage
mechanism, cam mechanism, gear mechanism, intermittent motion mechanism; transmission ratio
of gear train; mechanical velocity fluctuation and regulation; and balance of rotating part.
Format: 2 lecture hours per week, totally 36 hours.
Prerequisite: Physics, Mechanics of materials, Theoretical mechanics
Semester: Spring
GE3 S021: Signals and Systems (Instructor: Assist. Prof. Yu Xie, Department of Mechanical
and Electrical Engineering; Ph.D. from City University of Hong Kong, China; Email ：
xieyu@xmu.edu.cn)
“Signals and systems” is an important fundamental required course for electrical engineer students.
The course covers the fundamental concepts of curtain signal and system analysis, focusing on
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representations and discussions from time domain to Fourier representations, Laplace and Z
transforms, from typical continuous-time and discrete-time signals to a linear, time-invariant
systems. The students are expected to understand the basic theory, concept and methods on signal
and linear system analysis, build the math model and get the solution of a typical signal and
system.
Format: 3 lecture hours per week, totally 48 hours.
Prerequisite: Advanced Mathematics
Semester: Spring
GE3 S022: Mechanical Design Methodology and Design Process (Instructor: Assist. Prof.
Rui Mu, Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering; Ph.D. from Harbin
Engineering University, China; Email： murui@xmu.edu.cn)
Innovation becomes more and more important in boosting a company’s competitiveness. Product
design is a critical factor in product innovation, which has direct impact in product’s quality,
performance, and profitability. The goals of this course are to teach senior students about the basic
process, methodology, and technology of developing mechanical and electrical devices. It also
helps students to comprehend related topics, such as market analysis, conceptual design, and
manufacturing process. After taking this course, students should be able to utilize useful methods,
such as functional analysis, and understand the principles of design.
Format: 2 lecture hours per week, totally 32 hours.
Prerequisite: N/A
Semester: Spring
GE3 S023: Energy Materials: Theory and Experiment (Instructor: Prof. Jincheng Zheng ,
Department of Physics; Ph.D. from National University of Singapore, Post-Doc from Cambridge
University, UK; Email: jczheng@xmu.edu.cn)
In this course, the fundamental theory, the process of energy conversion, and the characterization
method related to energy materials will be introduced. The history, current research status and
outlook of energy materials will be brief reviewed. The combined methods of characterization
such as the basic theory, computer simulations, and experimental measurements, will be
emphasized in this course. The frontier of energy research will be shared and discussed with
students during the course.
Format: 2 lecture hours per week, totally 32 hours.
Prerequisite: N/A
Semester: Spring
Optional Spring Courses in Social Science
GE3 S024: Comparative Literature & Comparative Culture (Instructor: Associate Prof.
Guangwu Xia, Department of Chinese Language& Literature; Ph.D. from East-China Normal
University; Senior Editor in Reader’s Digest, Asian Headquarters; xiagw@xmu.edu.cn)
The aim and task of the course are to systematically introduce and guide students to grasp the
basic similarities and unique differences among European, American and Chinese literature and
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culture. This course is a general study of liberal arts and humanities through various literary
themes and works, and then tries to analyze detailed interpretations of their cultural practice and
theoretical significance. Elaborately reading and deeply exploring literary works by
specially-arranged topics will help students think of humane spirits. The course mainly focuses on
important cultural phenomena, writers and articles. Preview of new lessons and class participation
are highly required for this course, and they as well as class essay will all be rated as major parts
of student’ s final grade.
Format: 2 lectures per week, totally 36 hours
Prerequisite: none
Semester: Spring
GE3 S025: The Internationalization of Higher Education and Cross-cultural Study
(Instructor: Assist. Prof. Wei Wu, Institute of Education; Ph.D. from joint Ph.D. Program
between Institute of Education at Xiamen University and Graduate School of Teaching at Leiden
University; wuwei@xmu.edu.cn)
This course is for students from different majors who would like to improve their “international”
ability and vision. The goals of the course are to help students gain knowledge and understanding
of “internationalization of higher education” and understand how to explore the information and
improving their cross-culture ability in a global context and from a comparative perspective. The
main contents of this course are four-fold:
1) The basic information and evolution of “higher education internationalization”
2) Case studies into internationalization of higher education (including education system, policy,
culture and so on) in different countries in Europe, the Americas, and Asia Pacific Area.
3) Both teacher’s personal experience and foreign students’ cross-culture activities will be
introduced to help students learn how to attend the international conference, how to study
abroad and how to adapt themselves to a new environment.
Since this course is to be carried in English, all class participants should try to have appropriate
English communication skills, or have the strong willingness to improve the skills if they are not
good to start with. Readings should be finished in advance before each class. Student-led
discussions will be applied in the class activities. Class attendance and active participation in class
discussions, activities and group presentations are required and carefully evaluated.
Format: 2 lecture per week, totally 36 hours
Prerequisites: open to students of different background
Semester: Spring
GE3 S026: Principles of Economics (Instructor: Dr. Jing Zhang, Department of Economics;
Ph.D. from University College Dublin; jzhang1@xmu.edu.cn)
This course covers fundamental tools and applications of concepts in microeconomics and
macroeconomics. The section on microeconomics focuses on markets as a mechanism for
allocating scarce resources. Using tools of welfare economics, it addresses market efficiency,
outcomes from market failures and firms with market influence. The section on macroeconomics
provides a mix of classical and Keynesian ideas, addressing the forces that shape the economy in
both the short run and the long run. Throughout the course a focus will be on ‘critical thinking’ to
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analyze economic problems useful for both economics students and those who want to understand
real life economy.
Format: 3 lecture hours per week, totally 52 hours.
Prerequisite: Basic Mathematics
Semester: Spring
GE3 S027: Strategic Management of E-Business (Instructor: Prof. Shun Cai, Department of
Management Science; Ph.D. from National University of Singapore; caishun@xmu.edu.cn)
The intent of the strategic management of e-business course is to provide students with an
understanding of what determines from performance and the central role that business models play
in the face of the Internet. By integrating research in strategic management and the management of
technology, the course offers concepts and tools that students of management need to analyze and
synthesize business models, especially Internet business model, from a strategic management
point of view. The major topics of this course includes: 1 Introduction: Competitive Landscape –
It’s All about Changes; 2 Components, Linkages, Dynamics, and Evaluation of Business Models;
3 The Role of Competitive and Macro Environments; 4 Applying The Concepts, Models, and
Tools.
Format: 3 lecture hours per week, totally 54 hours
Prerequisite: Introduction to e-Business, Management Theories
Semester: Spring
GE3 S028: Operations Research (Instructor: Prof. Weifen Zhuang, Department of
Management Science; Ph.D. from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Postdoc of
McGill University, the Chinese University of Hong Kong; wfzhuang@xmu.edu.cn)
Operations Research is a science of modeling and optimization for decision-making. This is an
introductory course aimed largely at the lower division undergraduate students in Management,
Science and Engineering. The course will cover: Linear Programming, Simplex Method, Duality
and Sensitivity, Linear Goal Programming, Transportation and Assignment Problems, Integer
Programming, Inventory Theory, Decision Analysis, and Project Management with PERT/CRM.
Students will be expected to build the analytical foundations and the essential tools needed for
understanding, modeling, and optimizing the operations of a wide range of systems in
management, manufacturing, service, and finance industries.
Format: 4 lecture hours per week, totally 72 hours
Prerequisite: Advanced Mathematics, Probability and Statistics
Semester: Spring
GE3 S029: Project Management (Instructor: Assoc. Prof. Bing Li, Department of
Management Science; Ph.D. from Glasgow Caledonian University, UK，bli@xmu.edu.cn )
The course will systematically introduce management measures and techniques on how to
effectively complement a unique task. Students will know and understand the “project
management body of knowledge” issued by PMI, how corporate managers from different levels
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achieve corporate goals rapidly, and learn the scientific arrangement of resources through
organizing, planning, implementing and monitoring all sorts of projects. The course also helps
students to understand how senior managers make decisions, avoid risks, and collaborate with
stakeholders. The main contents of the course include: introduction project management concepts,
project selection and establishment, project goals and scope management, organization and human
resources management, scheduling, resources allocation and optimization, cost management,
quality and risk, procurement and contract, information and integrated management, etc. For the
students, the objectives of this cause are:
1.
To be able to understand relevant knowledge; to be able to take responsibility in organizing,
planning, implementing and monitoring project development
2.
To be able to analyze and synthesize financial statement; to be able to make financial
decisions and to formulate project planning, resources and cost planning; to develop
communication and conflict solution skills
3.
To develop communication skills; be able to collect, arrange and transmit project information,
develop paper work and oral presentation skills
Format: 3 lecture hours per week, totally 45 hours
Prerequisite: None
Semester: Spring
GE3 S030: Researches on multiculturalism: case studies in China and the world (Instructor:
Associate Prof. Lu Yunfang, Department of College English; Ph.D. from Xiamen University，
lyf@xmu.edu.cn)
This course is intended to familiarize the students with the fundamental principles, theories and
research methodology in the field of multicultural studies, and further prepare them to engage in
social and cultural studies with broad academic insight, critical thinking and cross-cultural
awareness. This course will be oriented on the academic researches of multiculturalism both in the
West and China. By comparing multicultural studies on the other parts of the world, it is attempted
to guide the students to a better understanding of pluralism in Chinese society and culture, from
diversified research viewpoints. This course will be conducted in English, using the English
research resources, textbooks and research reports. Besides the academic reading, the students are
supposed to actively involve themselves in academic discussions and field researches in English.
To join this course, the students are supposed to show sufficient proficiency in English language
(CET 4 and above) and interest in social and cultural studies.
Format: 2 lectures per week, totally 36 hours
Prerequisite: none
Semester: Spring
GE3 S031: Humanistic studies on life science (Instructor: Assist. Prof. Shijian Yang,
Department of Philosophy; joint Ph.D. from Tsinghua University and University of
Pennsylvania，yangsj@xmu.edu.cn)
The twenty-first century has been called “a century of biology”. Now life science and technology
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have filtrated into every aspect of contemporary life and brought great impacts on contemporary
thoughts and culture. This course will guide students to investigate philosophically, culturally and
historically into several hot issues in life sciences, to expand the students’ visions, and strengthen
their abilities in dialectical analysis and critical thinking. It includes these topics: evolution and the
theory of natural selection, gene and genome, complex systems, Gaia hypothesis, ethical issues
concerning life and Nature, medical issues.
Format: 2 lecture hours per week, totally 30 hours
Prerequisite: None
Semester: Spring
GE3 S032: Chinese Materia Medica (Instructor: Assoc. Prof. Shengyan Xi, Department of
Traditional Chinese Medicine; Ph.D. from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine;
xishengyan@xmu.edu.cn)
The course introduces the basic theory of Chinese Medicinals and the source, drug-nature, effects,
and clinical application of the commonly-used traditional Chinese herbal medicine. The contents
include: herbs that release the exterior syndrome, herbs that clear the heat, downward-draining
herbs, herbs that dispel wind-dampness, aromatic herbs that transform dampness, herbs that drain
dampness, herbs that warm the interior and expel cold, herbs that regulate the Qi, herbs that stop
bleeding, herbs that invigorate the blood and eliminate stasis, herbs that transform phlegm and
relieve cough and asthma, substances that extinguish wind and stop tremors, herbs that calm the
spirit, aromatic substances that open the orifices, supplementing herbs, herbs that relieve food
stagnation, herbs that stabilize and bind, and herbs that expel parasites.
Format: 7 lecture hours per week, totally 112 hours
Prerequisite: Basic theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Semester: Spring
GE3 S033: Chinese study courses are available at Overseas Education College of Xiamen
University:
http://english.xmuoec.com/website.aspx?language=en&website_id=100
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Summer
GE3 SU01: MATLAB and Numerical Methods (Instructor: Prof. Tien-Mo (Tim) Shih,
Department of Physics; Ph.D. from University of California, Berkeley; Postdoc of Harvard
University; Associate Professor of University of Maryland, College Park; tmshih@xmu.edu.cn)
MATLAB has become the most widely-used math software in the world. Its utilities include:
plotting, for-loop iterations, solving a set of simultaneous linear equations, solving a set of
simultaneous nonlinear equations, solving initial-value problems, and some small computational
functions such as integration, interpolation, curve fittings, etc. Naturally, other computer
languages, such as Fortran and C++, are capable of performing similar functions. But MATLAB is
a much more convenient tool. It can be viewed as a large calculator.
In addition to teaching students some basic MATLAB operations, the course content emphasizes
(1) cultivating logical thinking abilities (2) modeling interesting daily-life problems, (3) learning
important numerical methods, such as Conjugate Gradient Method, Finite Element Method,
Predictor-Corrector Method, solving Boundary-Value Problems and (4) writing MATLAB codes,
and trouble-shooting the codes.
Format: 4 lecture hours per week, totally 16 hours
Prerequisites: none. But being familiar with the Taylor’s Series Expansion will be helpful.
Semester: Summer
GE3 SU02: Ultrasonic Nondestructive Testing (Instructor: Dr. Weibin Li, Department of
Aeronautics; Ph. D. from Pusan National University (KOREA)-Northwestern University (U.S.A),
Post-doc of Pusan National University，KOREA)
The objective of this course is to make students understand the increasing use of ultrasonic waves
for nondestructive inspection and evaluation of structures and materials; Principles of ultrasonic
nondestructive testing and characterization are the main issues which will be discussed in this
course. The industrial applications of ultrasonic bulk waves, surface waves, guided waves, et al.
for nondestructive inspection and evaluation in various industrial fields will be clearly illustrated.
How to use ultrasonic waves to test and evaluate the damage state in various shapes of structures
like, plate-like, tube-like structures, as well as composite structures are also provided. In addition,
Students can also know how to analyze the acoustic signals and thus get familiar with the principle
of nondestructive testing and evaluation of defects and damages in this course.
Format: 4 lecture hours per week, totally 16 hours
Prerequisite: Material mechanics; Advanced Mathematics;
Semester: Summer
GE3 SU03: CFD for Engineering Design （Instructor: Yue Huang，Department of Aeronautics；
Ph. D. from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, China）
This is an undergraduate course that explores the fundamentals of engineering modeling with
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). CFD is a valuable resource in engineering and CFD tools
can be used to engineering design in a very short turn-around time. The topics will cover aspects
of governing equations of fluid dynamics, basic aspects of discretization, solution strategy,
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operation steps of CFD, turbulence models and unsteady problems.
The course goals are to develop an enriched understanding of the physics of complex fluid flows,
to introduce the major approximations implied in CFD analysis and the methods for controlling
the resulting errors and to develop a familiarity with the steps required to generate a flow
simulation and complete a CFD project.
Format：4 lecture hours per week, totally 16 hours
Prerequisite：Fluid mechanics; Numerical analysis; Engineering Mathematics; Heat Transfer
Theory
Semester: summer
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Fall
Core Fall Courses
GE3 F001: Signal Detection Theory (Instructor: Assoc. Prof. Yunfeng Wu, Department of
Communications Engineering; Ph.D. from Beijing University of Post and Telecommunications,
China; Post-Doctoral Fellow of Ryerson University, Canada; cloudswu@gmail.com)
This course mainly offers to students majoring in communication and signal processing. The
topics include: fundamental detection and estimation theory (such as stochastic processes, linear
time-Invariant systems, white Gaussian noise), statistical signal detection theory such as Bayesian
criterion, waveform detection theory such as match filter, signal estimation theory (such as
Bayesian estimation, maximum likelihood estimation), waveform estimation theory (such as
Wiener filter, Kalman filter).
Format: Lecture 2 hours per week, totally 36 hours
Prerequisite: Signal and Systems, Probability Theory, Statistics, Numerical Analysis
Semester: Fall
GE3 F002: ARM Assembly Language Fundamental and Technique (Assoc. Prof. Ying Ju,
Department of Computer Science; Ph.D. from Xi’an Jiaotong University, China;
yju@xmu.edu.cn)
This course targets the students majored in computer science and/or electronics. The topics
include: An Overview of Computing Systems; The ARM7TDMI Programmer’s Model; First
Programs; Assembler Rules and Directives; Loads, Stores, and Addressing; Constants and Literal
Pools; Logic and Arithmetic; Loops and Branches; Tables; Subroutine and Stacks
Format: Lecture 4 hours per week, totally 72 hours
Semester: Fall
GE3 F003: Computer Network and Communications (Prof. Yunqi Lei, Department of
Computer Science; Ph.D. from National University of Defense Technology, China; Lecturer of
Singapore Polytechnic; Visiting Scholar of The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The Hong
Kong Baptist University; yqlei@xmu.edu.cn )
As an important course for the students majoring in information science, its subjects are about the
fundamental principles and the state of arts technologies of computer network and
communications. Our teaching aims at setting a solid foundation for students, in their future work,
to engage in academic research of networks, to design and implement various computer networks,
and to develop web applications. The hybrid five-layer model centered by the TCP/IP protocol suit
is adopted, where the physical layer, the data link layer, the network layer, the transportation layer
and the application layer are included. The mechanisms, algorithms and technologies of each layer
are to be studied in detail. The topics of digital data communication, wireless networks,
multi-media network and network security will also be discussed in teaching. Besides, about 10
experiments accompanied with this course will help students to master the mainstream
technologies and tools of network operating systems, network security, network management and
network applications.
Format: 4 hours lecture per week, totally 72 hours
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Prerequisite: Basic Programming, Operating Systems.
Semester: Fall
GE3 F004 / PHYC 3067.03 Elements of Semiconductor Devices Physics (ESDP)
(Instructors: Academician-Professor Chih-Tang Sah, Ph.D. 1956 Stanford, taught for 50 years
at two US universities – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and University of Florida;
Professor of Physics, Xiamen University; author of best seller undergraduate English textbook
in semiconductor and solid-state electronics; tom_sah@msn.com, and Prof. Binbin Jie , B.S., M.S.
Physics 1989 Peking University, Ph.D. EE 2000 National University of Singapore, Graduate
Research Professor, Peking University, Professor of Physics, Xiamen University)
This course covers the physics of electrical conduction phenomena occurring inside the structures
of multi-terminal semiconductor devices. The course also derives the electrical characteristics at
the terminals of the devices.
Devices include (1) two-terminal devices:
Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (MOS) capacitors, p/n, metal/semiconductor, solid/solid, and
selected material/material junctions; and (2) the various three and multiple terminal transistors: the
MOS-gate Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFET), p/n junction-gate FET (pnJGFET), the
metal/semiconductor junction-gate FET (MESFET), and other selected multiple-junction
transistors of current application interests. Device history is described, which is crucial to the
understanding of the operations of the devices. The one-transistor and few-transistor circuits,
which are the fundamental Basic Build Blocks (BBB’s) of the integrated circuits, are introduced
and their mathematical analyses are described, which provides the bridge between semiconductor
device physics and the computer-aided design (CAD) of many-transistor integrated circuits (IC’s).
Format: 12 lecture hours per week (for 4 weeks), totally 48 hours
Prerequisite: GE3 S003/PHYC 3048.03 Elements of Semiconductor Materials Physics (ESMP)
Semester: Fall Semester or/and Summer Short Semester
GE3 F005/PHYC 3035.04: Electrodynamics (Instructor: Prof. Chenxu Wu, Department of
Physics; PhD from Tokyo Institute of Technology; Assistant Professor of Tokyo Institute of
Technology and Tohoku University; cxwu@xmu.edu.cn)
Electrodynamics is an advanced course which goes beyond the basic level course
Electromagnetism and provides a solid basis for further studies, research and work in classical
and quantum electrodynamics, plasma physics, radiation physics, space physics, astrophysics,
solid state physics etc. This course covers vector analysis, Maxwell equations, electrostatics,
magnetostatics, EM waves, radiation, and special relativity, etc.
Format: 4 lecture hours per week, totally 72 hours.
Prerequisite: Electromagnetism, Methods of Mathematical Physics
Semester: Fall
GE3 F006: Science and Engineering of Electronic Materials (Instructor: Assoc. Prof.
Hui-Qiong Wang, Department of Physics; Ph.D. from Yale University; Postdoc of Yale
University and Cornell University; hqwang@xmu.edu.cn)
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This course introduces the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of functional electronic
materials and their growth and characterization techniques. Also presented is how the properties
can be monitored through particular engineering.
Format: 2 lecture hours per week, totally 36 hours.
Prerequisite: Solid State Physics
Semester: Fall
GE3 F007/MECH 3110（3210,3445）.02: Mechatronics System Design (Instructor: Assist.
Prof. Qingyuan Zhu, Department of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering; joint Ph.D. from
China Agricultural University and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Visiting Scholar
of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; zhuqy@xmu.edu.cn)
Through this course, the students will learn the concepts, fundamentals, methods and applications
of mechatronic system, and current development of this field. The main contents include:
principles, modeling, interfacing and signal conditioning of motion sensors and actuators;
hardware-in-the-loop simulation and rapid prototyping of real-time closed-loop computer control
of electromechanical systems; modeling, analysis and identification of discrete-time or
samples-data dynamic systems; commonly used digital controller design methods.
Format: 3 lecture hours per week, total 48 hours
Prerequisite: Automatic Control Principles
Semester: Fall
GE3 F008: Introduction to Microelectromechanical Systems (Instructor: Prof. Hang Guo,
Pen-Tung Sah Research Institute of Micro/Nano Science and Technology; Ph.D. from
University of Wisconsin–Madison; Postdoc of University of Wisconsin–Madison;
hangguo@xmu.edu.cn)
This course is designed to systematically educate the undergraduate or graduate students from
electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering and other disciplinaries
with the specifics of MicroElectroMechnical Systems (MEMS). The course discusses designs,
materials and microfabrication issues related to the MEMS field by employing concepts from both
the electrical and mechanical engineering domains and fabrication technologies developed from
the microelectronics/IC. Examples of micro/nano sensors, actuators, and other micro/nano devices
and/or systems are illustrated to students for their understanding and thinking of the concepts of
the MEMS, and course
Format: 2 lecture hours per week, total 36 hours
Prerequisite: None
Semester: Fall
GE3 F009: Electronic Packaging Technology (Instructor: Prof. Miao Lu, Pen-Tung Sah
Research Institute of Micro/Nano Science and Technology; Ph.D. from Xidian University,
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Postdoc of University of Science and Technology in Hong Kong and University of Minnesota;
lm@xmu.edu.cn )
This course covers the main advance packaging technologies including: multi-chip packaging
(MCP), wafer-level packaging (WLP), and system-on-package (SoP) etc. Reliability issues related
to electronic packaging are discussed in the course, including the fundamental reliability theory,
the physical, chemical and mechanical characterization of electronic package by SEM, AFM,
spectrometer, X-ray, etc. The design tools and procedure of electronic packaging are introduced
through analyzing some real electronic products, thermal, mechanical, electronic and high
frequency design are discussed.
Format: 2 lecture hours per week, total 36 hours
Prerequisite: Electronics circuit, Semiconductor Devices Physics
Semester: Fall
GE3 F010: Digital Image Processing (Instructor: Assist. Prof. Chenglu Wen, Department of
Cognitive Science; Joint Ph.D. degree from China Agricultural University and Michigan State
University; clwen@xmu.edu.cn)
Digital image processing is an advanced course which opens to high level undergraduate students
and graduate students in engineering fields and provides a solid basis for further studies, research
and work in image processing, video processing and multimedia processing etc. This course
covers digital image processing foundation, image enhancement, color image processing, image
segmentation, morphological processing and object representation, etc.
Format: 2 lecture hours per week, total 32 hours.
Prerequisite: Digital Signal Processing
Semester: Fall
GE3 F011:Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics (Instructor: Assoc. Prof. Yingru Zhao,
Institute for Energy Efficiency Engineering, School of Energy Research; Ph.D. from Xiamen
University, China; Research Associate of Imperial College London, UK; yrzhao@xmu.edu.cn)
Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics is a fundamental course which introduces the theory of
laws in thermal phenomena and thermal motion of matter. The course builds up a bridge between
the microscopic theoretical research and the macroscopic applications. Thermodynamics takes a
macroscopic point of view, whereas statistical physics establishes the principles of equilibrium at
the microscopic level. This course will integrate both perspectives to discuss the general features
and properties of equilibrium. Major contents of this course include basic laws of thermodynamics,
thermodynamic properties of homogeneous substances, phase change of unary system,
heterogeneous equilibrium and chemical equilibrium of multi-component system, introduction to
thermodynamics of irreversible processes, the most probable distribution of quasi-independent
particles, Boltzmann statistics, Bose statistics and Fermi statistics, ensemble theory, fluctuation
theory, and non-equilibrium statistical theory.
Format: 4 lecture hours per week, totally 66 hours
Prerequisite: thermodynamics and statistical physics
Semester: Fall
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GE3 F012: The Science of Microelectronic Fabrication (Instructor: Assoc. Prof. Jing Li,
Pen-Tung Sah Institute of Micro-Nano Science and Technology; Ph.D. from Xiamen
University; visiting scholar of Arizona State University, USA; lijing@xmu.edu.cn)
This course targets on introducing the fundamentals, technologies and applications of each
specific process during the fabrication of semiconductor devices to the senior undergraduate
students majored in microelectronics. Firstly, basic knowledge will be briefly introduced on the
properties and growth technologies of semiconductor materials, especially silicon and III-V
compound semiconductors, which are commonly applied in semiconductor devices. Then, the
main points will be focusing on fundamentals, technologies and applications of every single
process during a microelectronic device processing, with the theoretical and experimental
specifications on theories of microelectronic fabrications, crystal growth and epitaxy, thermal
oxidation, ion implantation, lithography, vacuum science, plasma technology and thin film
deposition (sputtering and chemical vapor deposition). Besides the physical process and chemical
mechanism in each individual process, related equipments and experimental procedures will also
be lectured in details.
Format: 3 lecture hours per week, total 54 hours
Prerequisite: Semiconductor Devices Physics
Semester: Fall
GE3 F013: Undergraduate Research
This course is for students to conduct research projects in chosen research groups.
Format: 3 hours per week, totally 54 hours
Semester: Fall
Optional Fall Courses in Engineering
GE3 F015/PHYC 3041.02: Introduction to Biophysics (Instructor: Prof. Jianwei Shuai,
Department of Physics; Ph.D. from Xiamen University; Postdoc/Visiting Scholar in Japan,
Germany and USA; jianweishuai@xmu.edu.cn)
Through this course, the students will learn how to build up physical models for biological
systems, how to write programs with the physical models, and then to discuss the complex
dynamics of biological systems. The topics include: three dimensional structure of protein and
DNA, neuron and neural network, immune system, cooperation behavior of biological species.
Format: 2 lecture hours per week, total 36 hours
Prerequisite: C-program Language, Multi-variable Calculus
Semester: Fall
GE3 F016: Surface Engineering of Materials; (Instructor: Prof. Xuan Cheng, Department of
Materials Science and Engineering, Xiamen University, CHINA ,Ph.D. from University of
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Minnesota, USA; xcheng@xmu.edu.cn)
This lecture course will cover the fundamentals of surface physical chemistry and surface strength,
as well as the principles, features and applications of several important surface engineering
technologies. The commonly used surface analysis methods and technologies will be briefly
introduced. The main contents of this course include the basic principles and characteristics of
surface engineering technologies with the application processes and future developments in the
fields of surface engineering being highlighted. The objectives of this course are to develop
expertise in advanced coating technologies with an emphasis on electroplating, electroless plating,
thermal spray, physical vapor deposition and chemical vapor deposition. At the completion of this
course study students will be able to gain in depth knowledge of various surface coating
technologies and their applications in materials science and engineering.
Format: 2 hours lecture per week, totally 36 hours
Prerequisite: Physical chemistry; Introduction to materials science
Semester: Fall
GE3 F017: Engineering Electromagnetics (Instructor: Prof. Qinghuo Liu, Department of
Electronic Science; Ph.D. from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Professor of Duke
Univ.; qhl@xmu.edu.cn.)
【Graduate course – open to undergraduates】
This course will teach students the basic knowledge on Maxwell’s equations, boundary conditions,
radiation, and scattering and develop the skills for applying electromagnetics theory to practical
applications in microwaves, antennas, and radar. It will discuss the fundamental electromagnetics
theory with an emphasis on its engineering applications.
Format: 4 lecture hours per week, total 72 hours
Prerequisite: Electrodynamics
Semester: Fall
GE3 F018: Fundamentals of Semiconductor Materials Physics (FSMP) (This is a
graduate-level course)
(Instructors: Academician-Professor Chih-Tang Sah, Ph.D. 1956 Stanford, taught for 50 years
at two US universities – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and University of Florida;
Professor of Physics, Xiamen University; author of best seller undergraduate English textbook
in semiconductor and solid-state electronics ; tom_sah@msn.com , and Prof. Binbin Jie , B.S.,
M.S. Physics 1989 Peking University, PhD EE 2000 National University of Singapore, Graduate
Research Professor, Peking University, Professor of Physics, Xiamen University)
This course employs a new approach to teach the students the fundamentals of the many-body
theory of matter and force, based on quantum mechanics and quantum statistical
mechanics. Systems of single and many particle species and their interaction are
described. Semiconductor material examples are illustrated.
Format: 6 lecture hours per week (for 4 weeks), total 24 hours. Extensive reading assignments.
Prerequisite: GE3 S003/PHYC 3048.03 (Elements of Semiconductor Materials Physics) and
GE3 F004/PHYC 3067.03 (Elements of Semiconductor Devices Physics)
Semester: Fall. The first offer will be given in the 2013-Spring Semester or Semester Break,
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tentatively January 14-28, 2013, at 12 lecture hours per week.
Minimum-Maximum registrants: 3-6. Larger number will not be considered. Auditors are not
permitted. Faculty auditors may be accepted by special pre-arrangements, facility permitting.
GE3 F019: Heat Transfer (Instructor: Professor Tien-Mo (Tim) Shih, Department of Physics;
Ph.D. from University of California, Berkeley; Postdoc of Harvard University; Associate
Professor of University of Maryland, College Park; tmshih@xmu.edu.cn)
【Graduate course – open to undergraduates】
Heat Transfer is a fundamental course. On earth, be it in an air-conditioning room, inside an outer
spacecraft cabin, or within a human body, as long as there exist temperature gradients, heat
transfer will take place. If we wish to understand these phenomena, and subsequently to improve
the quality of our lives, learning only thermodynamics and fluid mechanics is not sufficient.
Heat Transfer integrates the knowledge of energy conversion, thermodynamics, thermal radiation,
and fluid mechanics. Within a small control volume, we derive the energy conservation equation,
resulting in a set of algebraic equations, which then can be solved using MATLAB. The
post-process result includes temperature histories and distributions, which lead to heat transfer.
In addition to gaining Heat Transfer knowledge, the course emphasizes (1) logical thinking, (2)
modeling, and (3) discussing physical phenomena and trends.
Format: 2 lecture hours per week, totally 36 hours
Prerequisites: none. But being familiar with First Law of Thermodynamics and basic MATLAB
operation will be helpful.
Semester: Fall
GE3 F020: PLUMS 301 (Personal Life-Understanding Math and Sciences) (Instructor: Prof.
Tien-Mo (Tim) Shih, Department of Physics; Ph.D. from University of California, Berkeley;
Postdoc of Harvard University; Associate Professor of University of Maryland, College Park;
tmshih@xmu.edu.cn)
【Graduate course – open to undergraduates】
Most likely, everybody’s mind is engrossed with at least one personal passionate issue in daily life.
These issues are exemplified by weight loss, improving golf skill, how to reduce pressure in life,
among others. They are not necessarily related to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and
mass). Unfortunately, traditional course curriculum usually provides students with knowledge
learning. It is parallel with the passionate daily-life issues mentioned above without intersections.
For example, in high school, the instructor was much troubled by his stuttering problem. As soon
as he stepped out the classroom, his primary concern was how to rectify this problem. But the
knowledge gained in physics, chemistry, English, etc. inside the classroom could not help him to
solve it.
This course emphasizes on guiding students how to write their PLUMS essays clearly. Students
are asked to spend averagely 30 minutes every day, utilizing the principles in math, science, and
engineering, exercising their independent thinking ability (ITA), logical thinking ability (LoTA),
and imagination, to gradually develop their PLUMS. The content does not have to be correct.
However, (1) the incorrectness should decrease as time elapses, (2) readers should be able to
understand ideas that the author is trying to convey, and (3) the final result should be quantified.
In other words, the content of the course includes (1) cultivating students’ ITA, LoTA, and
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imagination, (2) modeling of students’ most concerned personal issues in daily life, and (3)
developing a 30-page essay, which will be uploaded on a website.
Much of the course time will be spent in discussing, thinking, and writing the essay. The in-class
lectures include: definition of the course, what the course requires the students to accomplish,
evaluation metrics of the course performance, 3 PLUMS examples, identifying students’ own
topics, and methods of developing the essays.
Format: 2 lecture hours per week, totally 36 hours
Prerequisites: none. But being familiar with basic MATLAB operations will be helpful.
Semester: Fall
GE3 F021：Environmental monitoring (Instructor: Prof. Yong Zhang, Department of
environment and ecology; Ph.D. From Xiamen University, China; Professor, Environmental
Science Research Center, Xiamen University, China. Visiting Scientist, Korea Maritime Institute
(KORDI), and Lecturer, AMETEC, Korea; yzhang@xmu.edu.cn)
Environmental monitoring is a foundation course for undergraduates major in Environmental
Science and other branches related. It covers the basic principles, contents and characteristics of
various monitoring methods and the basic concepts of related evaluation methods. Advances and
trends in the field are also introduced.The main topic includes: introduction, water and wastewater
monitoring, air quality monitoring, soil quality monitoring, solid waste monitoring, noise
monitoring, environmental radiation monitoring, modern environmental monitoring technologies.
Through that, students are requested to master certain basic knowledge of the environmental
monitoring and basic operating skills, so that they can lay the foundation to perform routine
monitoring projects and engage in environmental science and related work.
Format: 3 lecture hours per week, totally 48 hours
Prerequisite: Introduction to Environmental Science, Mathematical Statistics, Inorganic
Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Instrumental Analysis
Semester: Fall
GE3 F022 ： Environmental Psychology (Instructor: Associate-Prof. Mingfei Wang,
Department of Architecture; march@xmu.edu.cn )
The course introduces the basic theory of environmental psychology and its history, presents the
interactive relationship of human behavior with the social-physical environment (environmental
cognition, social space, habitual behavior in outdoor spaces…), with emphasis to the elementary
survey methods in collecting information in everyday life, and in turn this information can be used
as design data, finally on the basis of environmental psychology how design process may be
improved.
Format: 2 lecture hours per week, totally 16 hours
Prerequisite: non
Semester: Fall
GE3 F023 ： Acupuncture and moxibustion of TCM ((Instructor: Assoc. Professor
Xianjun-Meng Department of Medical college, mengxianjun@xmu.edu.cn)
【Graduate course – open to undergraduates】
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Acupuncture Science, as an important branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its contents
include four parts: meridians，points, techniques, and clinical treatment. The teching purpose of
the course is to help students learn the professional acupuncture theory skills and knowledge for
prevention and treatment of diseases with acupuncture, as well as be equipped with ability to
acupuncture international exchange and translation in English in the future.
The teaching extent of the course is mainly based on the nationwide textbook, supplementary on
the English-Chinese textbook of Acupuncture-moxibustion Science. Theory teaching and practice
training will be well combined, as well as teaching in Chinese and English. Besides class teaching,
multiple studying methods will be carried on, such as group discussion and practice, in order to
improve the effect of teaching.
Format: 2 lecture hours per week, totally 36 hours
Prerequisites: undergraduates who are interested in Acupuncture
Semester: Fall
GE3 F024：Environmental Biotechnology (Instructor: Assis. Prof. Shen Liang, Ph.D. from
Environmental Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore,
shenliang@xmu.edu.cn )
Nowadays, environmental contamination has emerged as a serious crisis along with the rapid
development of modern civilization. Environmental Biotechnology is the multidisciplinary
integration of sciences and engineering in order to utilize the huge biochemical potential of
microorganisms and other organism thereof for the restoration and preservation of the
environment and for the sustainable use of resources. Therefore, this course aims to develop a
sound technical foundation for non-environmental undergraduate students and international
graduate students, to explore the appropriateness of using biotechnology, including bioremediation
and biochemical remediation, for environmental cleanup, stretching from the common science and
engineering principles to environmental cases.
Format: 2 hours lecture per week, totally 32 hours
Prerequisite: Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering and Basic capacity
in Scientific English
Semester: Fall
GE3 F025 ： Enzyme Engineering (Instructor: Assis. Prof. Wang Shizhen, Ph.D. from
Department of Biochemical Engineering, Zhejiang University, China, szwang@xmu.edu.cn )
Enzyme Engineering is the core course of students majoring in Biochemical engineering, which is
the interdisciplinary course of Enzymology and Chemical Engineering. This course is suitable for
students majored in chemical and biochemical engineering, and chemical biology. This course
introduces basic principles of enzyme catalysis and the application current techniques in green
manufacturing. This course targets to provide a sound basis for the principles of enzyme
catalysis and the design of application of enzymatic reactions, but also to give an updated vision
of the potentials and limitations of biocatalysis. It will qualify students of interest for the academia
and professionals involved in R&D&I.
Format: 2 hours lecture per week, totally 32 hours
Prerequisite: Biochemistry, Microbology.
Semester: Fall
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GE3 F026: Numerical Analysis (Instructor: Assoc. Prof. Quan Gu，School of Architecture
and Civil Engineering ； Ph.D. from Department of Structural Engineering, University of
California at San Diego, USA, Email: quangu@xmu.edu.cn)
This course gives an introduction to modern approximation techniques: to explain how, why and
when they can be expected to work; and to provide a firm basis for future study of numerical
analysis and scientific computing. Student will learn to identify the types of problems that require
numerical techniques for their solution and see examples of the error propagation that can occur
when numerical methods are applied. They accurately approximate the solutions of problems that
cannot be solved exactly and learn techniques for estimating error bounds for the approximations.
Format: 2 lecture hours per week, totally 36 hours
Prerequisite: Calculus, linear algebra, one computer language
Semester: Fall
GE3 F027: Engineering Flow Mechanics (Instructor: Assoc. Prof. Jun Yao, College of
Energy; Ph.D. from Zhejiang University; Postdoc of University of Leeds (UK) and
Singapore-MIT Alliance (Singapore); Email: yaojun@xmu.edu.cn)
This course introduces basic concepts and characteristics of fluid and its working role in
engineering area. Also presented is how the properties can be applied in particular engineering.
Format: 3 lecture hours per week, totally 48 hours.
Prerequisite: General Physics
Semester: Fall
GE3 F028: Probability Theory (Instructor: Assist. Prof. Wang Xuexin, Wang Yanan Institute
for Studies in Economics; Ph.D. from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Spain; Email:
xuexinwang@outlook.com)
This is the part of mathematics that studies random phenomena. We model simple random
experiments mathematically and learn techniques for studying these models. From a broader
intellectual perspective, probability theory is one of the core subjects of mathematics with its own
distinct style of logical reasoning, which is important for the future study of statistics, econometrics
and other courses.
Format: 3 lecture hours per week, totally 42 hours.
Prerequisite: Advanced Mathematics
Semester: Fall
Optional Fall Courses in Social Science
GE3 F029: Theories of International Relations (Instructor: Assoc. Prof. Biwu Zhang,
Institute of International Relations; Ph.D. from the Ohio State University;
biwuzhang@xmu.edu.cn)
This course has been designed for international students studying at Xiamen University focusing
on theories of international relations. This syllabus includes both introductory and advanced
materials so as to cater to students with different interests and backgrounds. The primary purpose
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of this course is to introduce to students major concepts and issues in international relations and to
study some of the most important theories in this field. The first section covers realism, liberalism,
constructivism, and IPE theories. The second section discusses several decision-making theories,
and the third section explores the “rise” of China, power transition theory, theories of war,
integration theory, and a possible world state. This course seeks to provide a sense of key literature
in the discipline, to equip students with a repertoire of concepts and theories to understand and
analyze international politics in a relatively sophisticated manner; and to develop students’ written,
oral, and research skills.
Format: three periods per week, totally 54 hours
Prerequisite: None
Semester: Fall
GE3 F030：Principle of Marketing (Instructor: Assis. Prof. Xina Yuan, Department of
Marketing; Ph.D. from Korea University; zinayuan@xmu.edu.cn)
This course serves as an introduction to the academic field of marketing management. For those
students who will not specialize in marketing, the course will provide introductory background.
For those students planning to specialize in marketing, the course will help guide them to further
in-depth study and the development of the UG dissertation proposal and a possible later post
graduate thesis proposal. This course includes lectures, case studies, class discussion, group
presentation, final group projects. Except textbook handouts, various materials such as marketing
cases, commercials and hot issues in marketing will be offered too. Students are asked to do case
(news or hot issues) presentation according to the lecture of previous section in team.
Format: 3 hours per week, totally 48hours
Prerequisite: Principle of Management
Semester: Fall
GE3 F031：Introduction to Semantics (Instructor: Assistant Prof. Zanhui Huang,
Department of Chinese Language& Literature; Ph.D. from Peking University; Post-Doctoral
Fellow of Hongkong Polytechnic University, Hongkong; zane00@sohu.com)
This course aims at initiating students into knowledge of formal semantics and developing their
ability for semantic analysis. The main contents include 1. truth condition of sentences, 2. theory
of meaning composition, 3. set theory and function, 4. semantic types and type-driven translation,
5. variables, variable binding and scope, 6. quantification, 7. semantic analyses on relative clauses,
pronouns and quantified NPs. After majoring in this course, students will have general knowledge
of formal semantics and get the ability for semantic analysis.
Format: 2 lectures per week, totally 36 hours
Prerequisite: none
Semester: Fall
GE3 F032：International Environmental Law (Instructor: Prof. Zhu Xiaoqin, School of Law;
Ph.D. from Xiamen University, China; Fulbright Visiting scholar of Harvard Law School, USA;
xqinz98@gmail.com)
XIAMEN UNIVERSITY
This course covers the basic theories of international environmental law, including, the sources
and subjects of international environmental law, implementation mechanism, settlement of
international environmental disputes, and international liability. It also covers international law on
some hot topics, such as, trans-boundary air pollution, climate change, marine environmental
pollution, trans-boundary water pollution and biodiversity. Some typical cases will be used to
better analyze relevant legal issues.
Format: 2 lecture hours per week, totally 36 hours
Prerequisite: Basic knowledge of international public law.
Semester: Fall
GE3 F033：Chinese study courses are available at Overseas Education College of Xiamen
University:
http://english.xmuoec.com/website.aspx?language=en&website_id=100