Bulletin Number Four 1986

Zhongshan University. The exhibition highlighted in chronological sequence Dr. Sun's academic training and intellectual development, his contribution to the founding of the Chinese Republic and his life-long dedication to the revolutionary cause. The exhibits included about 300 photographs and fifty artefacts of historical interest. Of special value were items on loan from Sun Yat-sen Home Museum. There were also a video presentation of Dr. Sun's activities and a tape- recording of his speech. Reception fo r Scholarship Donors A reception in honour of donors of scholarships and prizes was held on 25th September at the Penthouse of Hang Seng Bank Building. The reception, hosted by Dr. Ma Lin and Pro fessor G.H. Choa, Chairman of Senate Committee on Scholarships, was attended by over 150 guests, including donors, staff and scholarship recipients. College Visiting Scholars * The United College 1986-87 Distinguished Visiting Scholar, Professor K.C. Chang, John E. Hudson Professor of Archaeology at Harvard Univer sity, visited the College from 15th September for two weeks. * Two New Asia College Ming Yu Visiting Scholars visited the College in September: Professor N.Z. Zia, Professor of Philosophy at the former Lingnan University in China, visited the College from 3rd to 9th September; and Professor Lin Shuzhong, Nanjing College of Fine Arts, from 4th to 17th September. Another two scholars visited New Asia College as its S.Y. Chung Visiting Scholars in October and November: Professor Wu Hsiao-ling, Research Fellow of the Institute of Arts of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, from 1st to 7th October; and Pro fessor K.R. Tsai of the Department of Chemistry, Xiamen University, from 26th October to 8th November. Colleges Celebrate Founders ’ Day The Colleges celebrated their anniversaries in Septem­ ber and October 1986: New Asia College its thirty- seventh anniversary as well as the 2537th birthday of Confucius (Teachers' Day) on 26th and 27th September; United College its thirtieth anniversary from 15th to 26th October; and Chung Chi College its thirty-fifth Founders' Day on 31st October. Celebration programmes of the Colleges included scholarship/prize awarding ceremonies, dinners, anni­ versary ball, and recreational and academic activities. Department of Mathematics The Department of Mathematics of the three consti tuent Colleges, in existence before the establishment of the University, were integrated in 1975 and cen tralized in the newly completed Science Centre. In 1982, its Statistics Section became a full-fledged Department within the Science Faculty. The Depart ment of Mathematics has an area of about 520 square metres. Three mini computers have been installed for teaching purposes. The Department has fifteen lecturers, one in structor and ten part-time tutors, with Dr. Wai-Leung Chan as Chairman of the Department. Members of the Department are all devoted to the teaching and research of mathematics. Programmes o f Studies The Department of Mathematics offers the following programmes of studies: 1. A four year major undergraduate programme 2. A four year minor undergraduate programme 3. Service courses for first- and second-year under graduates throughout the University 4. A two year MPhil programme 5. A PhD programme, started in 1985 The major andminor undergraduate programmes have an average annual enrolment of forty-five and fifty respectively. Courses in both pure and applied mathematics are offered to meet the various needs of students. For students who intend to carry out research in mathematics, the programme provides a solid foundation in algebra, geometry and analysis as well as advanced courses in these areas. Others may take courses in applied mathematics, which have more practical value for their future career. 18 RECENT DEVELOPMENTS