Spring 2025

South Korean cinema and popular culture have recently gained critical attention in the global media marketplace. Particularly, Hallyu (the Korean Wave), a term coined in Asia describing the widespread popularity of South Korean cultural products and its regional and trans-regional influences, has been prominently addressed by the scholars, the critics, and the fans altogether in many parts of Asia. This introductory lecture will provide a brief guide to contemporary South Korean culture, society, and politics through examining some of the most representative forms of popular culture.

This class will offer an engaging exploration of the essence of happiness and the factors that contribute to our well-being. We will address common myths and misconceptions about happiness, examining how expectations and cognitive biases shape our perceptions. Importantly, we will discuss whether happiness can be increased through study and effort, with a focus on the underlying science of happiness and the brain mechanisms that influence our emotions. By the end of the session, students will gain valuable insights into the psychology of happiness and practical strategies for cultivating a more fulfilling and joyful life.

Thousands of parasites infect humans and animals. These organisms range from single-celled protozoa, such as Plasmodium (the causative agent of malaria), to multi-cellular helminths, including tapeworms that can exceed several meters in length. These parasites obtain nutrients, proliferate, and often cause detrimental effects to their hosts. Nearly 20% of the global population is estimated to be infected with soil-transmitted helminths, commonly called “worms”. Additionally, close to 50% of the world’s population is at risk of infections caused by mosquito-borne parasites, including malaria. These diseases are disproportionately higher in tropical regions and communities with limited access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. The ingestion of undercooked meats and fish also accounts for many parasitic diseases, such as neurocysticercosis and anisakiasis. Other parasites, such as pinworms and Toxoplasma, are less discriminatory and common even in the most developed countries. Zoonotic parasites can be transmitted to humans directly or indirectly via domestic animals, underscoring the importance of maintaining animal (including pet) health.

Come learn about these parasites to equip yourself with simple measures to protect yourself (and your pets) against these “monsters within”.

In this presentation, Prof Surya Paudel will discuss how veterinarians play a crucial role in ensuring poultry safety from farm to fork. Veterinarians oversee the health and welfare of poultry flocks, conducting regular health checks and implementing biosecurity measures to prevent disease outbreaks. By monitoring and controlling diseases such as avian influenza and salmonella, veterinarians help maintain healthy flocks. They also ensure that poultry farms comply with regulations on the use of antibiotics and other medications, minimizing the risk of drug residues in meat. Additionally, veterinarians provide guidance on proper nutrition and living conditions for poultry, ultimately contributing to the production of safe, high-quality poultry products for consumers.

“The Mystery of DNA” seminar is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of DNA from a chemistry perspective. This seminar will delve into the basic chemistry knowledge of DNA and explore the chemical principles of this important biological macromolecule. Students will learn about the chemical composition, structure, and the significance of DNA’s unique properties in the storage and transfer of genetic information. Furthermore, the seminar will also discuss the technological advancements in DNA-related scientific research. By showcasing the latest advancements in DNA research, students will understand the impact of DNA technology on scientific discovery and its potential applications in various fields.

While the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines marked a watershed moment in medicine, mRNA technology holds immense promise beyond the pandemic. This talk delves into the exciting potential of mRNA therapies for treating a range of diseases, including cancer and HIV. We’ll begin with a brief RNA introduction, explore the mRNA vaccine development process, and conclude with a look at the future of this groundbreaking technology.

This class provides a basic knowledge of an emerging area – Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in buildings. Students will realize the importance of maintaining proper IAQ. Characteristics associated with indoor air contaminants (IAC) are demonstrated, such as particular matter (PM2.5, PM10), radon, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), asbestos, bio-aerosols and more. Other important areas related to IAQ, such as sick building syndrome and thermal comfort, are also covered in this talk.

This talk will discuss operation of the jury system in the criminal justice system in Hong Kong, the eligibility criteria for jurors in criminal trials in Hong Kong and the perceived general advantages and disadvantages of jury systems.

Data-driven approaches allow us to create targeted interventions, policies, and programs that effectively address the unique health needs of communities. By analyzing health data, we can identify patterns in chronic diseases, optimize resource allocation, and develop preventive measures for high-risk populations. Additionally, combining data analytics with community engagement promotes collaboration among healthcare providers, public health agencies, and local organizations, ensuring that our strategies are both relevant and impactful. In this talk, we will explore several case studies that highlight successful applications of these approaches in improving population health.