Windy Shao

windysjf@hotmail.com

SUAT is piloting an innovative educational model that aims to nurture holistic development among its undergraduate students.

SUAT has established a collaborative talent development framework involving faculties, research institutes, and residential colleges. The faculties focus on academic instruction, while research institutes facilitate internships and practical experience through advanced research platforms and industry connections.

Residential colleges, including Dawning College and Yuan Geng College, prioritize comprehensive student development that encourages students to cultivate cultural etiquette, broaden their perspectives, and adopt a scientific worldview.

The ongoing academic year saw the admission of 120 undergraduate students from cities across Guangdong Province, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Foshan. During their first year, the students are busy with foundational studies in computer science and biology under the guidance of academic mentors.

Under a “4+1” learning model, the students attend classes on the first four days of each week and engage in scientific experimentation at research institutes on Fridays. Freshmen rotate through six lab fields, while sophomores can select specific research specialties. Juniors can choose study tracks in academics, engineering, or entrepreneurship. During their final year, students can conduct hands-on scientific research, participate in internships, and even create their own startup companies.

Friday schedules are dedicated to laboratory work, allowing students to immerse themselves in research endeavors — spending approximately 20% of their undergraduate years in key laboratories. SUAT benefits from well-equipped labs, an asset that distinguishes it from many newly established universities, as the university was initiated and established by the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Among the students benefiting from this unique educational ecosystem is Qiu Linfeng, a graduate of Guangdong Experimental High School. Qiu is currently studying at Dawning College on SUAT’s main campus in Guangming District.

“I feel that SUAT has a wealth of research facilities that have opened my eyes to new possibilities. I can conduct experiments with professors and engage in research to explore unknown areas,” he said.

“My favorite aspect here is the residential college system, which enhances our comprehensive qualities. We share accommodations with students from different majors, which allows us to collide and exchange knowledge from various fields and specialties,” Qiu said.