Bachelor of Arts (BA) - The University of Hong Kong

292PHYS0602.Science or fiction? (3 credits)The course is designed as an exploration of the various ways in which science, particularly physics, hasbeen used in the creation of the literary genre known as science fiction. One of its main purposes is toprovide students with experience in expressing their ideas and opinions in written and spoken form andin developing their analytical and creative powers.The course is a study of the genre of science fiction and uses as source material a selection ofscience-fiction films. Analysis of the scientific premises of the source material will involve discussionof such topics as the nature of time and the possibility of time travel, astrophysics and the strangeproperties of black holes, dark matter, neutron stars and such like, the possibility of extraterrestrial life,the second law of thermodynamics and entropy, Einstein's theory of relativity and the possibility oftravelling faster than the speed of light. One component of the course is a writing assignment based oncreating an outline/synopsis of a science-fiction story or film.Prerequisite: Nil.Assessment: One 2-hour written examination (50%) and course assessment (50%).This course will be offered in the first semester.PHYS0603.Art and physics (3 credits)*The course is aimed at artistically inclined students who would like to know more about the NewPhysics, scientifically inclined students who would like to have a framework to appreciate Art, andanyone who is fascinated by both.The basic premise of the course is that science and art are both legitimate investigations into the natureof reality; they are different, but complementary facets of a single description of the world. As such, thecourse traces parallel developments in science and art throughout history from the early Greeks to themodern day, revealing the common creative interplay between the two and the extraordinary way inwhich art often tends to anticipate the scientific revisions of reality. From early Greek sculptors toAndy Warhol, from Aristotle to Einstein, the course covers the major revolutions in science and art,glimpsing the achievements of the leading proponents in each. Special attention will be given to theconcepts of space and time and to the use of perspective and colour.Prerequisite: Nil.Assessment: One 2-hour written examination (50%) and course assessment (50%).This course will be offered in the second semester.* This course will be offered as broadening course in this academic year.PHYS0604.God, the big bang and Stephen Hawking II (3 credits)This course is a follow-up course to PHYS0601 which deals with teleological aspects of the interactionof science and religion.Primative teleological beliefs. Greek science and beliefs. Efficient and final causes. Aquinas. Theteleological aspects of the interaction of science and religion. Anthropic balances. Complexity andorder in the Universe.Prerequisite: Nil.Assessment: 100% continuous assessment including essays, homework and test.This course will be offered in the second semester.