Computer Science and Engineering - Energy Technology Concentration

Overview

A candidate for a PhD degree is expected to demonstrate mastery of knowledge in the chosen discipline and to synthesize and create new knowledge, making an original and substantial contribution to the discipline.

Research Foci

Research of Department of Computer Science and Engineering is organized into three major themes: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Systems. Each theme has its own set of research goals and challenges. While our research areas are categorized into one of these themes, many reflect a diverse range of sub-topics and practical applications, which can often straddle these boundaries. 

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)Artificial intelligence research focuses on studying and developing methods to understand and perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. AI encompasses a very wide range of techniques and approaches, which include machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, knowledge representation, computer vision, robotics, and expert systems. 
  • Artificial IntelligenceMachine learning, data mining and pattern recognition, knowledge representation and reasoning, robotics and sensor-based activity recognition, multi-agent and game theory, and speech and language processing. 
  • Vision and GraphicsComputer vision, computer graphics, medical image analysis, biometric systems, and video processing.

• Data Science (DS)Data Science research focuses on using statistical and computational methods to extract insights and knowledge from data. It encompasses several areas of research within our department, including databases, human-computer interaction, visualization, and theoretical computer science.

   

  • Data, Knowledge and Information ManagementLarge-scale data management, modeling and distribution encompassing web query processing, information retrieval and web search, data mining, enterprise systems, high-performance data management systems on modern computers, and database support for science applications. 
  • Human-Computer InteractionExtended reality, multimodal interaction, crowdsourcing, multimodal communication, affective computing, visual analytics of big data, intelligent interface for robots and intelligent agents, e-learning, healthcare, e-commerce, and computational design. 
  • Theoretical Computer ScienceDesign and analysis of algorithms, data structures, computational geometry, information theory, coding theory, cryptography, and database theory. 
• Systems (SY)Computer systems research tackles challenges in the design and implementation software and hardware methods to perform specific tasks or functions. It often involves the development of hardware and software technologies that can be used to solve complex problems. This theme encompasses cybersecurity, networking, cloud computing, mobile systems, software engineering and programming languages. 

  • CybersecurityCryptography, information security, the interplay between cryptography and coding theory, blockchain security, smart contracts, distributed systems security, applied cryptography, formal verification logics for security hyperproperties, artificial intelligence security, software security, systems security, network security, web security, reverse engineering. 

  • Networking and Computer SystemsPervasive computing and sensor networks, peer-to-peer computing, grid computing, high-performance switches and routers, video delivery and multicasting, multimedia networking, MAC protocols for ad-hoc networks, web cache management, DDOS detection and defense, and resource management and allocation in optical networks. 

  • Software Engineering and Programming LanguagesProgram Analysis and Testing, Empirical Software Engineering and Mining Software Repository, Formal Semantics and Verification, Concurrency and Parallel Programming, Compilers and Program Optimization, Foundations of Software and Type Systems, and Blockchain, Smart Contracts and Decentralized Applications.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the PhD in Computer Science and Engineering - Energy Technology Concentration from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology , graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the field of computer science, and wide knowledge across the three major areas including systems, applications and theory;
• Make a contribution to their specific field of study through original research that extends the frontier of knowledge by developing a substantial body of work;
• Communicate effectively and professionally both in writing and oral presentations using appropriate technical languages, publish research outcomes in peer-reviewed venues, and interpret their research outcome both to a specialist and a general audience clearly;
• Set their own research agenda for the future, and to undertake a future career as an independent researcher in academia and industry;
• Follow the principles of ethics in their field and in academia; and
• Demonstrate a mastery of skills and knowledge at a level required for college and university undergraduate teaching in computer science and assessment of student learning.