Basic disciplines a focus for Education Ministry

The Ministry of Education has taken various measures to strengthen the development of basic disciplines at the country's higher education institutions to cultivate high-level talent, the ministry said.

The "strengthening basic disciplines plan" at 36 top universities launched last year focuses on students with special talents in basic disciplines including math, physics, chemistry, biology, history, philosophy and ancient characters.

The plan aims to encourage universities to enroll students to alleviate talent shortages in areas including high-end chip and software design, intelligent technology, new materials and advanced manufacturing and the social sciences, the ministry said.

A total of 930 new undergraduate students have been enrolled at Peking University this year under the program.

Students admitted through the basic disciplines plan have been put in small, independent classes, with the best teaching resources and learning environments. They are also given preferential treatment in pursuing postgraduate studies, government-sponsored overseas study and scholarships.

An official from the ministry said it has launched another program for the cultivation of high-level talent urgently needed for developing the country's key areas of technologies, especially in math and physics.

The official said the ministry has increased funds allocated to students and teachers in basic disciplines. It has helped to build international academic exchange centers for basic disciplines so students can have access to cutting-edge research, the official added.

"After years of effort, a great number of home-grown leading talents have sprung up and the chief designers for China's manned space exploration, lunar exploration project and Beidou Navigation Satellite System all received undergraduate studies domestically," the official said, adding it is proof China's education system has the ability to nurture masters.