Special Class for the Gifted Young

The Special Class for the Gifted Young of University of Science and Technology of China was established in March 1978. It is the first of its kind in China and is a major innovation in China's higher education. The idea was suggested by such renowned scientists as Tsung-Dao Lee, C. N. Yang, and S. C. C. Ting, and supported by the then Vice-premier of the State Council Mr. Fang Yi. The objective of the class is to explore the most efficient ways to nurture promising youth. By October 2002, it has enrolled a total of 999 exceptionally gifted youth, 767 of whom have already graduated.

With the success of the class, a new class was established and adjoined to the original class in 1985, namely "The Experimental Class of Teaching Reform", more popularly known as the Double Zero Class, which is conducted under the same guiding spirit as the Sepcial Class for the Gifted Young. This class has now become an integral part of the program. In the past 18 years 432 students have graduated from that class. The present number of registered students is 290.

The Special Class for the Gifted Young upholds the guiding principle of "selecting talents despite their age and cater to their individual potentials." The curriculum aims to strengthen the foundation courses and an all-round education in the first two years, and in the later years allow students to enjoy wide latitude in developing their potentials and interest. Students are encouraged to attend seminar courses, sign up for the various "student research projects," and participate in their professors' research projects. This kind of real research environment not only provides valuable opportunities for them to apply what they have learned in the classroom and give their initiative and creativity full play, but also enhances the spirit of team work and cultivates personal integrity.

The past two decades has proven the success of the program. Her students have won numerous prizes in such international and national contests as American Mathematical Contest in Modeling, Chinese Mathematical Contest in Modeling, and national contests in physics, chemistry etc. 80 percent of her graduates have been enrolled in postgraduate programs at home or abroad, one third of whom have already obtained doctoral degrees. Her graduates now spread all over the world. Among them are the Managing Director of Microsoft Research China, founders of Netbig.com, the discoverer of the smallest possible carbon nanotube, winner of the U.S. Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers and so on.

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