1. CIVIL ENGINEERING
Hainan University established the Industrial and Civil Architecture program in 1985, followed by the inception of the Department of Civil Engineering in 1988. The inaugural cohort of undergraduates graduated in 1989. In 2007, the School of Civil Engineering and Architecture came into existence. Subsequently, in 2008 and 2010, it was granted the status of a Master's program in the secondary discipline of Civil Engineering and the primary discipline of Civil Engineering, respectively. In 2012, it attained recognition as a "Specialty Program in Hainan Province" and, in 2019, it was designated as a "First-Class Undergraduate Program in Hainan Province." In 2020, it was accorded the esteemed status of a National-Level First-Class Undergraduate Program Construction Point by the Ministry of Education. This field of study encompasses three core directions: Architectural Engineering, Road and Bridge Engineering, and Engineering Construction and Management. Guided by a broad-spectrum, robust foundational approach, the curricula for the various branches share a common bedrock of fundamental subjects. The mandatory courses for each specialization exhibit their unique emphases, with elective courses showcasing a certain degree of interdisciplinarity. Aligning with the significant requirements of national civil engineering and infrastructure development, the university has consistently nurtured over 3,300 professionals in fields such as architectural engineering, road and bridge engineering, and engineering management. This diverse talent pool has been instrumental in roles encompassing engineering design, construction, and management. Hainan University enjoys a distinguished reputation not only in the South China region but also in Southeast Asian countries.
This major endeavors to nurture highly proficient civil engineering experts characterized by their innovative acumen and practical prowess. It serves as a vital source of human resources and intellectual fortification for the developmental agendas of Hainan Province, Southeast Asia, and "the Belt and Road Initiative" strategy. Notably, it boasts the Hainan Provincial Civil Engineering Comprehensive Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center, the Provincial-level Tropical Island Assembled Building Engineering Research Center, and the exclusive Civil Engineering Structural Laboratory in Hainan Province, replete with a 3m×3m MTS earthquake simulation shaking table. In a significant collaboration, it has played a pivotal role in the establishment of the State Key Laboratory of Marine Resources Utilization in the South China Sea at Hainan University, offering substantial support in the pursuit of the program's educational objectives.
At present, there are 55 professional teachers in the Department of Civil Engineering (the doctoral rate is 80.0%), including 15 professors and 21 associate professors. The major always aims at improving the quality of personnel training, training about 180 students every year, of which about 100 students participated in various disciplines competitions, and more than 40 students won awards at the school level and above; About 60 students participated in teachers' scientific research projects; About 50 students apply for patents or publish papers alone or in cooperation. The employment rate of students in this major is stable at over 90%. At present, more than one-third of the technical backbones and senior managers of construction enterprises in Hainan Province are graduates majoring in civil engineering of our school, who have made important contributions to the economic and social development of our province.
2.ARCHITECTURE
(I) Educational Objectives
The architecture program aims to cultivate advanced specialized professionals for the future of the architecture industry, considering the global trends in architecture and the development needs of urban-rural construction in China. The core principles include "comprehensiveness, internationalization, and research-oriented." Graduates are expected to possess a broad international perspective, a keen awareness of local conditions, critical thinking skills, practical abilities, innovation capabilities, social responsibility, and teamwork spirit.
(II) Program Duration and Degree Awarded
The program is a five-year full-time study degree. It is flexible to complete the program with a minimum of four years and a maximum of seven years. Students are granted a Bachelor of Engineering degree upon completing the courses specified in the curriculum and meeting the required standards.
(III) Knowledge, Skills, and Qualities Learned of Graduates
Knowledge Requirements:
1.Instrumental Knowledge: basic proficiency in a foreign language; proficiency in basic computer and information technology applications; proficiency in basic literature review; familiarity with fundamental methodologies related to the discipline; familiarity with general scientific research methods and academic writing.
2.Humanities and Social Sciences Knowledge: understanding necessary knowledge in philosophy, economics, law, and social history of development; understanding social development regularity and trends; understanding knowledge in literature, arts, ethics, history, sociology, public relations, psychology, and other fields.
3.Natural Sciences Knowledge: Proficiency in the basic principles of advanced mathematics; understanding fundamental knowledge in physics, mechanics, materials science, surveying, information engineering, and related disciplines; understanding major trends and applications of modern scientific and technological developments.
4. Professional Knowledge:
(1) Mastery of the basic principles and knowledge of architectural design; proficiency in basic skills and methods of architectural design; familiarity with basic methods of urban design, landscape design, and interior design; proficiency in design expression approaches related to the discipline; proficiency in basic knowledge of building construction.
(2) Proficiency in basic skills of architectural artistic expression; familiarity with Chinese and foreign architectural history and theories; familiarity with basic knowledge of architectural materials, architectural physics (acoustics, optics, and thermal engineering), building equipment (water, electricity, and heating), and architectural digital technology; familiarity with basic knowledge of architectural economics; familiarity with regulations, guidelines, and policies related to architectural design and urban-rural planning.
(3) Understanding basic knowledge in civil engineering, environmental engineering, economics, and management; understanding the basic principles and knowledge of urban-rural planning, landscape architecture; understanding basic knowledge in architectural management and construction; understanding basic knowledge in sustainable development.
Competency Requirements:
1.Abilities to Acquire Knowledge: capability to obtain information, expand knowledge domains, engage in self-directed learning, and continuously enhance knowledge.
2.Abilities to Apply Knowledge: ability to conduct investigations; ability to identify, analyse and address problems, and then finish design proposals.
3.Innovation Skills: capabilities of an open mind, critical awareness, sharp thinking, and corresponding innovative design.
4.Communication and Coordination Skills: proficiency in expressing designs through graphics, text, and verbal communication; ability to organise, coordinate, collaborate, and communicate effectively in engineering projects.
Qualities Requirements:
1.Basic Knowledge: a wide range of fundamental knowledge in natural and social sciences.
2.Professional Knowledge: solid theoretical foundations and a rational knowledge structure; a comprehensive understanding of architectural design, theory, history, and technology; understanding of the current status and development trends in architecture.
3.Cognition and Research Skills: mastery of on-site survey methods for observing, understanding, and documenting real spatial environments; proficiency in case studies, literature review, and utilizing modern information technology for research.
4.Analytical and Research Skills: proficiency in basic methods of architectural analysis and the ability to analyse and research architectural issues.
5.Design and Expression Skills: proficiency in using professional knowledge and technical approaches for architectural design; mastery of drawing, physical models, and digital tools for expressing architectural designs; adaptability to various fields, including urban-rural planning and landscape architecture.
6.Fundamental Qualities: possession of strong humanistic and artistic qualities, good physical and mental health, a strong sense of social responsibility, excellent professional ethics, active interpersonal communication skills, and a strong sense of teamwork.
7.Professional Qualities: understanding production, design, research, and development processes related to the industry; understanding relevant laws, regulations, and technical standards; ability in organisation and management, strong language expression skills, broad international perspective, and abilities in cross-cultural communication, competition, and cooperation.
(IV) Disciplinary Advantages and Educational Characteristics
1. Disciplinary Advantages
The Department of Architecture at the School of Civil Engineering and Architecture of Hainan University was founded in 2006. Currently, there are approximately two hundred students and eleven teachers. The teaching group includes a professor, six associate professors (senior engineers), and four assistant professors. Among the group, there are four individuals with doctoral degrees and seven with master's degrees. Among the group, six teachers hold class 1 Registered Architect (PRC) licenses. The teachers graduated from prestigious domestic architectural universities such as Tongji University, South China University of Technology, Harbin school of Technology, and Tianjin University. They have extensive teaching experience, practical design capabilities, industry experience from major design institutes and real estate companies, and overseas study experiences from renowned universities. The department emphasizes the social responsibility of architectural professionals. Graduates consistently receive excellent employment opportunities, pay and conditions, earning a good societal reputation. The international competitions organized by the department every two years and the annual student graduation exhibition have received significant attention from social media, contributing to its social influence.
2. Educational Characteristics
The Department of Architecture has unique educational focuses. In addition to mastering the fundamental theories, knowledge, and basic design methods of architecture, the department emphasizes the cultivation of basic architectural design skills. While students acquire theoretical foundations, there is a strong emphasis on developing practical engineering and technical implementation abilities. Students are encouraged to have a spirit of innovation, a realistic attitude, and an open mindset. After graduation, students are prepared to work in urban design, architectural design, landscape design, garden design, and interior design. They can take on real estate project development, planning, and management roles. They are also equipped to engage in management roles in the urban construction industry. The program is designed to meet the demands of the highly specialized and diverse job market, providing technical and multifaceted talent.
(V) Curriculum Structure
1.General Education Courses: Ideological and Political Education, Physical Education, Foreign Languages, National Defence Education, Computer Science, Advanced Mathematics, and Elective Courses in General Education.
Discipline Foundation Courses: Architecture Introduction and Design Basics I-II, Architectural Art Expression Foundation I-II, and Architectural Drawing I-II.
Core Courses: 1) Core Design Courses: Architectural Design I-VI; 2) Core Courses in Architectural History and Theory: History of Chinese Architecture, History of Foreign Architecture; 3) Core Technical Courses: Building Structure, Building Construction, and Architectural Physics; 4) Specialised Elective Courses.
2.Innovation and Entrepreneurship Courses:
Practical Research in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
3.Practical Courses:
Cognition Practice, Architectural Art Expression Foundation Practice, Practice of Architectural Surveying, Production Practice, Architect Professional Practice, Course Design, and Graduation Design (Thesis), typically spanning around fifty weeks.
(VI) Career Prospects
Graduates are suitable for roles in architectural design institutes, construction companies, higher education institutions, research units, real estate development, and related sectors. They can engage in project planning, architectural design, urban design, interior design, research, development, and management. Graduates can also pursue postgraduate studies in architecture and related disciplines. Graduates from the Department of Architecture have successfully entered top domestic and international institutions for further studies through postgraduate recommendation and postgraduate entrance exams. The department regularly recommends postgraduate students to prestigious '985' and '211' universities such as Tongji University, Southeast University, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and Hunan University. The employment rate and employer satisfaction rate have consistently ranked among the best at Hainan University for several years.
(VII) Discipline Prospects
The "Overall Plan for the Construction of Hainan Free Trade Port" clearly states establishing an International Design Island in Hainan. As a leading industry in the design sector, the architectural design field faces unprecedented opportunities. The construction and development of the International Design Island require many architectural design talents. Hainan University, the only local '211' university in Hainan province offering a degree in architecture, undertakes the critical historical mission of providing architectural professionals for the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port. Young ambitions who aspire to a career in architecture and design are welcome to choose Hainan University and realise the Chinese Dream with us!
Looking at the development of the architecture discipline itself, it is currently in a period of informational transformation. There is a clear trend of interdisciplinary studies, leading to new disciplines such as smart buildings. This expansion broadens the research scope and depth of the architecture discipline. The boundaries of the discipline are continuously expanding, making a major in architecture a choice that provides vast opportunities in future career planning!
Architecture demands a high level of comprehensive abilities from students. Students with active minds, good artistic literacy, and spatial imagination are welcome to apply for this major.
