We conducted QE1 (Qualifying Examination 1) for pilot program participants who were enrolled in the second year of master’s course in October 2014. All 11 pilot program participants were asked to provide a comprehensive analysis and an original research proposal on either the collaboration between different fields or mathematic integration in materials science. Papers as long as 20 pages, as well as oral presentations, were then reviewed by the program’s teaching staffs.

Although this was the first QE1 for this program, students still showed extensive knowledge in the latest research in their chosen fields and put forward some very intriguing and challenging research proposals. They have fully exercised the analytical and planning skills learned through this program. This promising result has led to a great anticipation of high results in the QE2 to be held in the second year of doctoral course.