1. Aims and Structure
The Undergraduate Research Programme-Eureka offers extended learning opportunities for undergraduate students to undertake inquiry-based research projects during the early years of their normative study period.
Spanning ONE academic year, the Eureka programme consists of: (a) Introduction to Research Methods online module; and (b) Eureka research project.
The Introduction to Research Methods online module has to be completed by December 23, 2024 (23:59) in self-paced mode by students, which carries 1 credit under the Out-of-Classroom Learning Award Scheme. For year 2 to 4 students, you can self-register the course by clicking on “take this course” button at https://learning.hku.hk/catalog/course/friresearch/. After you login to the HKU portal, there will be “Enrol Now” button.
The Eureka research project will be taken in S2 under the supervision of an academic mentor. This course will be taken as a free elective and will carry 6 academic credits.
The URP-Eureka research project is NOT a substitute for the capstone experience students normally undertake during their final year of study.
2. Eligibility for students
Eureka students must have completed at least two semesters at HKU but not yet be in their final year of study with a cumulative GPA of 2.70 or above.
3. Schedule
| First Semester |
| Period | Events |
| Within S1 | Eureka students to enrol in and complete the Introduction to Research Methods online module by December 23, 2024. |
| July – October 2024 | Faculty to nominate teachers interested in being mentors. Nominated mentors to receive an invitation from Eureka team to submit a research project brief on the online platform. Mentors to set up their disciplinary Eureka research courses for students to enrol in S2. Mentors to apply for ethical and other necessary clearances for their research projects, if required. |
| October to December 2024 | Mentors and students to attend separate induction talks organised by Eureka team. Faculty to organize follow-up matchmaking sessions. Students to register for interested project(s) on the online platform, explore opportunities and meet up with potential mentors. Eureka team to contact mentors and students to confirm the match by the end of December. |
| Second Semester |
| Period | Events |
| Add/Drop Period | Students who have successfully matched with a mentor and intended to proceed to enrol in the corresponding disciplinary Eureka research course on the Student Information System (SIS). |
| January to April 2025 | Students to work on their projects with mentors. |
| April to May 2025 | Students to submit one-page research poster and reflective research essay to mentors for review. |
| May 2025 | Faculty to consolidate grading and feedback from mentors. Mentors to schedule review sessions with students, and nominate students with exceptional performance to participate in HKU Teaching and Learning Festival in coming academic year. |
4. Introductory Research Methods Course
Before enrolling in the undergraduate research course, students are required to complete a self-paced online course on Introductory Research Methods. The course will cover both quantitative and qualitative research skills, as well as topics concerning logical and critical thinking. The course will enhance students’ understanding of research methods and equip them with the necessary skills and toolkits to succeed in their undergraduate research course and other research opportunities. Peer tutors may be recruited to assist students in need. ONE Out-of-classroom credit will be granted upon completion of the course.
Exemption will be granted for students who demonstrate proof of equivalent training.
Eureka Research Course (ERC)
To seek a research opportunity, please refer to the following steps:
a. Attend an Induction Talk
In October, a Eureka induction talk will be held to introduce the basics of Eureka. By attending the talk, you will gain an overview of the programme, tips on how to identify appropriate research opportunities and ways to approach your potential Eureka mentors.
b. Find Research Projects or Mentors that Interested You
From mid-October to December, you can begin to select projects posted by Eureka mentors. You should meet up with potential Eureka mentors and agree to work on ONE research project ONLY.
You may select a research project outside of your home disciplines, provided that you demonstrate strong research interest and potential to the mentor of a research project. It is, however, at the sole discretion of Eureka mentors of the said research project to accept or decline a student’s application.
The team will contact you and your mentor by the end of the matching period to confirm the match.
Before the end of the Add/Drop Period of the Second Semester, if you intend to proceed, you will enrol in the corresponding disciplinary Eureka research course set up by your mentor on the Student Information System (SIS).
c. Understand the Mode of Collaboration
The course operates on a one-on-one basis i.e., one student is matched with one mentor. Each student will only be allowed to match with ONE mentor. Each mentor can accept normally no more than FIVE students, OR no more than TEN students with Faculty endorsement every academic year.
Research activities, such as monthly progress meetings, fieldtrips, working at mentor’s laboratory etc., as well as the mode of interaction i.e., face-to-face, remote or hybrid, will be carried out under mutual agreement between mentors and students.
You are expected to allocate no less than 120 hours and no more than 180 hours of learning hours for this course. You are advised to work out specific arrangements with your mentor before undertaking the Eureka research course.
d. Course Learning Outcomes
On completing this course, you will be able to:
- Identify, describe and explain an important academic question based on experience, expertise, and literature
- Develop competence in and make good use of critical undergraduate research skills
- Collaborate, communicate and present their notions effectively with other researchers, as well as a variety of audiences they may encounter
- Understand the relevant field’s fundamental standards for conducting responsible research
- Nurture an inquiry-based mindset to tackle ill-defined problems for lifelong learning and produce scholarly work for the benefit of the wider community
e. Roles And Responsibilities of Mentors
Mentors are expected to:
- Support students in their creative and academic endeavours
- Clearly identify the parts of project undergraduate students can be engaged
- Clearly specify expectations and deadlines with your students
- Conduct regular meetings with students to discuss progress
- Ensure students have had appropriate training in research compliance, including but not limited to laboratory safety, ethical procedures
- Demonstrate leadership to inspire students to develop their academic and professional pursuits
Mentors must arrange a minimum of 8-12 contact hours per month with each student.
If mentors have recruited more than ONE student to their project, team meetings may be arranged to track student progress and provide guidance. Individual feedback must be provided to each student by the end of ERC.
f. Understand the Assessment Criteria
You will develop your research projects under your mentor’s coaching in the Second Semester.
Between late April to early May, you will submit a one-page research poster and other assignments assigned by your mentor via Moodle and the “Reporting and Reimbursement Form” to the team. Your mentor will provide their feedback and schedule review sessions with you from May to June.
Suggested course assessment is 100% coursework consisting of course participation (30%), a one-page research poster (50%) and a 500-word research reflective essay (20%). Aside from the compulsory assessment of a one-page research poster, mentors may modify the assessment items and their weightings. Please check with your mentors on their specific requirements. Course participation will be based on students’ learning attitude towards their research projects, the quality of their preparation work for consultation, and the observance of the social and academic protocols required as researchers. Assessment of the written work is based on the breadth and depth of their research topic, analysis, and discussion.
You will be graded on a Pass/Fail basis. Upon satisfactory completion, the course will be recorded as a 6-credit elective course on student transcripts.
5. Template Forms and Guidelines
Guidelines, registration, and reporting forms for both teachers and students are available on eureka.hku.hk.
Why should I become a Eureka Student?
Credits And Transcript Records
You will receive six academic credits as a recognition of your learning journey. This elective course will not be included in the calculation of GPA. Your successful completion of Eureka courses, i.e., the Introductory research methods course and the Eureka research course will be recorded on your transcript.
Mentorship
Eureka offers a unique opportunity for you to build rapport with established scholars in your field of interests. Through this mentorship, you will receive one-on-one coaching on your research. There may also be opportunities for you to obtain academic recommendations and venture networking opportunities within and beyond the HKU scholars’ network, further developing your potential career as a researcher.
Seed Fund for Eureka
A seed fund will be set up to support students’ research endeavours in Eureka. Students who have successfully passed the Eureka research course and fulfilled the funding criteria will be eligible to claim up to HKD 3,000 of project consumables for each student project. Exceptional claim requests beyond HKD 3,000 coverage will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All seed fund requests will need to be supported in writing by the research mentor together with adequate evidence (e.g., receipts).
Expansive Pathway for Future Research Opportunities
Students with exceptional performance in the Eureka research course will have an advantage in applying to other prestigious undergraduate research programmes at HKU, such as the Undergraduate Research Fellowship Programme (URFP) and Laidlaw Scholars Programme.
Develop Future-Readiness Skills
The job market is increasingly in need of talents that can manifest rigorous analytical and critical thinking skills. Through participating in Eureka, you can further these skills to enhance your adaptivity and competitiveness upon graduation.
International Awards and Publishing Opportunities
You are encouraged to participate in international paper contests such as the Global Undergraduate Awards. You may also have a chance to be featured in scholarly journals if excellent research works are produced.
Annual Teaching and Learning Festival
The existing annual Teaching and Learning Festival will feature a new array of events and awards to recognize the work and contributions made by our undergraduate researchers and mentors. Proposed events include a Eureka poster exhibition, an awards presentation ceremony, and a series of symposiums featuring students from Eureka to recognize student achievements. You will have a chance to be featured at the festival.
6. Further Queries
Queries should be directed to eurekaproject@hku.hk.