Twenty -year exploration and practice of the basic science class of Tsinghua University

Author: Ruan Dongshang Rencheng et al.

1 The establishment and development of the basic science class

At the end of 1997, Tsinghua University decided to launch a "basic science class" (hereinafter referred to as basic science classes). It used it as a teaching "test field" of the school to explore a new model of the cultivation of first -class innovative materials. Admissions began in 1998.

In addition to improving the quality of the student and mathematics at that time, an important background for the start of the basic class was that our university established the "Tsinghua University Higher Research Center" in June 1997. The goal of the center is to strengthen the basic scientific research of Tsinghua University; advocate pioneering and science's pioneering spirit; cultivate scientific research talents with innovative ability; carry out high -level international cooperation and academic exchanges, and contribute to the construction of a world -class Tsinghua University. In this context, school leaders believe that it is necessary to set up special teaching plans to enable these students to be studied in basic disciplines such as mathematics and physics, and become a reserve force for the basic science in my country, and make them among them. The best person has become an excellent talent on the international science and technology stage. At the same time, it is necessary to cultivate new types of research talents with a solid digital foundation for the relevant colleges and departments of the school. In this way, the training goals of the basic science class are formed: to cultivate outstanding talents with innovative awareness and international competitiveness for basic science such as mathematics and physics; New talent.

In January 2005, in view of the effectiveness of running schools in first -class innovative talents, the school agreed to promote the basic science class into a large -scale model, and enrolled undergraduates with "mathematical basic science". 4 classes, 3 classes of mathematics, and 1 class of electronics. In the past two years, students learned common basic courses to strengthen mathematical basic and scientific literacy education. In the fourth semester, students determine the professional direction based on the principle of "two -way selection". Diversion professional directions include: base science (mathematics), base science (physics), base science (application), and information colleges based on electronics.

Considering the differences between the teaching and training of the Department of Mathematics and the Department of Physics in the basic science class of mathematics and physics, in order to establish a curriculum system and scientific research practice training system that conforms to the rules of the first -class innovative talent training of basic disciplines, it creates an environment and atmosphere that is conducive to students' development. Cultivate undergraduate students with good development potential. In 2010, the school agreed to the "Mathematical Basic Science" major from 2011 to the enrollment and training model of the original science class, which was responsible for the Department of Physics. The new basic science class inherits the training model of the original science class. In the past two years, students learned a common basic course. In the fourth semester, students chose physics or mathematical basic sciences based on their own aspirations. This model has continued to this day.

In 2017, Tsinghua University began to enroll in large categories to implement a new model of "large category enrollment and general college". The large category is carried out for a year of large categories, and the students are confirmed to be arranged in the second semester. Mathematical categories involve five departments including the Department of Mathematics, the Department of Physics, the Department of Works, the Department of Materials, and the Aviation Academy. The cultivation scheme of the large category is actually the extension and promotion of the training plan of the foundation class in the new period, especially the first year's physics and mathematics courses. The physics majors and basic science classes of the Department of Physics belong to this category.

In order to fulfill the national "strong base plan" talent training mission, in April 2020, Tsinghua University established five new academies, of which Weiyang Academy was trained in accordance with the "rational+work" dual bachelor's degree model. The science "professional" is a bachelor's degree in science. There are more than 50 credits of mathematics and physics courses, which are twice the setting of a large number of major categories, highlighting the core position of mathematical foundation. The 12 bachelor's degree in engineering, which is connected with it, focuses on key areas such as new materials, new energy, supply chain, supply chain, measurement and control, software, microelectronics, intelligent manufacturing, national security and other key areas to serve the major national strategic needs. This model is also an important measure for Tsinghua University to strengthen the concept of mathematics and physical foundation in order to implement the training of engineering talents.

2 The school -running concept of the basic class

At the beginning of the school, the Kenke class clarified the training goals, proposed the training policy of "wide -caliber, thick foundation, strong practice", and adhered to the following school concepts:

2.1 Fully understand the need and feasibility of cultivating first -class innovative talents

Teaching according to theptitude is a kind of educational concept that has been widely recognized in the society, and cultivating first -class innovative talents is often criticized. In fact, this is the application of the same educational concept in different areas. At the beginning of the establishment of the base of the base, it was emphasized to teach according to their aptitude, and the cultivation of first -class innovative talents was placed in an important position. Tsinghua University has an excellent source of students. We should cherish and give full play to this intellectual resources very much. Through appropriate "channels", it is not only necessary to cultivate first -class innovative talents in science, but also feasible. To this end, it is necessary to create a teaching model and training plan suitable for the training of outstanding talents, and to conduct a series of innovative reforms in curriculum settings, teaching methods and examination models.

2.2 Based on the foundation of physics and mathematics at the same time, so that students can choose the direction of development that suits them

Practice has proved that in the field of physics and other disciplines, it is necessary to achieve a high level of mathematical mathematics. Mr. Yang Zhenning has repeatedly talked about the fields of mathematics and physical crosses will produce new discipline growth points. Mr. Lin Jiaqiao also proposed that mathematics must not only be combined with physics, but also to combine with Science, which will have a broader development prospect. After strengthening the basic education of mathematics and physics, the students are possible for students to further develop in the direction of physics or in the direction of mathematics, and they have certain advantages and characteristics. For those students who think of other disciplines, a good mathematical basis will also It benefits them a lot. In 1999, Mr. Yang Zhenning and the Grade 1998 discussion

2.3 Strengthen the scientific research training of undergraduates and improve students' exploration and innovation spirit and ability

In the first two years of the training plan of the Kenke Class, the foundation of mathematics and physics is relatively systematic. From the third consecutive semester starting from the third year, students will go to the scientific research team that they are interested in inside and outside the school. The graduate students there participated in scientific research practice together. According to the mentor's recommendation courses and research reference books and literature, that is, further learning through scientific research practice. We call this way Seminar and listed as a compulsory course. This is a new training model that is different from classroom teaching, which is conducive to the cultivation of students' innovative spirit and innovation ability, and it is conducive to mastering the "penetration" learning method that has been used for life, and allows students to discover their love and good at research fields.

2.4 Create a loose educating environment, be more and more important to learn and improve comprehensive quality

Pay attention to strengthening the influence of humanistic spirit, so that students' morality, intellectual, physical and other aspects have achieved comprehensive development. Create a loose education environment, give students the free development of students, care and help all students to find the direction suitable for their development, and make the basic and applied first -class talents each of them and continue to emerge.

3 The characteristics and settings of the cultivation mode

3.1 Curriculum levels are clear, highlighting mathematics and physical main courses

In the cultivation plan of the basic science class, there are no less than 170 points for graduation. Among them, 140 credits are studied and 30 credits are practiced. "Curriculum Learning" includes 18 mathematics and physics stem courses. The credits of mathematics lessons exceed 1/2 of the total course requirements of the curriculum, and mathematics and physics are in the same important position.

Mathematical and physical courses include compulsory courses, restrictions, and alternatives. The compulsory courses are courses that must be taken regardless of the direction of the discipline in the future. Election classes (with "*") are selected by the instructor's guidance of the instructor according to the needs of the subject direction in the future. The alternative class has expanded the scope of compulsory courses and limited selection, and increases the flexibility of selection.

Typical mathematics, physical backbone courses

Mathematics substitution: ① Random mathematical method can replace probability theory (1). ② Mathematical experiments can replace numerical analysis. ③ Measurement and points can replace topology.

Physics replacement classes: ① Solid physics (1) Anyone can be replaced with nuclear physics and particle physics, atomic molecular physics, and celestial physics. ② Modern physics experiment A can be replaced by any set of modern physics experiments BCD.

During the mathematical and physical science class, the arrangement of mathematics and physical basic courses had changed significantly.

1) In 2005, the Department of Mathematics replaced the textbooks of higher calculus (1) (2) with Zoric's "Mathematics Analysis", which is a compulsory course for all students. Taking "Mathematics Analysis" (3) as the high calculus of the textbook (3) as the limited election. At the request of the Department of Physics, in 2007, the textbook used by the original foundation class, namely the "calculus" written by Mr. Xiao Shutie, enables the high -level micro -accumulation to teach, and students can choose one. Since 2009, after the enrollment of freshmen, you can choose to be managed by the Department of Mathematics or the Department of Physics. The two departments have formulated their respective training programs for mathematical basic sciences. Curriculum setting of mathematical basic science (mathematics) is partial mathematics; mathematical basic science majors (physics) curriculum settings are partial physics. The training plan for mathematical basic science (physics) is to restore the requirements and arrangements of the original science class (1) (2), that is, the "calculus" of Xiao Shu iron as the textbook; Algebra and geometry (1) (2) compress the high algebra of one semester, because it streamlines the content. Higher calculus (1) (2) and higher algebra have continued to the present.

2) In addition to ordinary physics (1) (2) (3), three series are added: basic physics (1) (2) (English), basic physics principles and experiments (1) (2) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) ), Ferman Physics (1) (2) (3). Basic physics principles and experiments are the combination of ordinary physics and ordinary physical experiments in a framework. The theoretical teaching and experimental teaching are organically integrated. The teachers who do experimental research are lectured, and the experiments of supporting support are arranged. Ferman Physics uses the famous three -volume "Ferman Physics Lecture" as a textbook. This is to solve some outstanding students who feel that the general physics "eats not full", especially students who have participated in the National Physics Olympics. Both courses are taught in small classes, and the number of people is controlled at about 30 people. After ten years of practice, these new classes have also achieved good teaching results. In 2018, on the occasion of Ferman's birthday, we did a discussion and experience sharing of Ferman Physics Course (see: Ruan Dong's "Ferman Physics Course Teaching Ten Years Exploration", university physics, 37 (5) (2018 2018 ) 7-10. Wang Qing's "Ten-Year Teaching Practice of Ferman Physics II", "Ten Years of Teaching Practice", Physics and Engineering, 28 (4) (2018) 20-38. Zhan Zhan "Ferman Physics Ten Years of Teaching Summary", physics and engineering, 28 (6) (2018) 15-17.). This "divided level" setting mainly considers the differences in mathematics and physical foundations in large categories, as well as different requirements for mathematical foundation for the discipline direction selected by students in the second year.

In 2017, the school opened the "major category of enrollment and the integration of the college" model. The arrangement of mathematics and physical basic courses of mathematics and mathematics continued the concept of the foundation class. They are called basic physics and basic physics experiments to meet the needs of large categories.

In addition to carefully setting up mathematical physics maintenance courses, it is also important to invite outstanding teachers inside and outside the school to teach these courses. Famous teachers not only teach knowledge, but also give students more inspiration for students and learning, stimulate students' enthusiasm for learning.

Professor Huang Ke Sun talked about "statistical mechanics"

Professor Lu Dexin talks about "university physics"

Professor Huang Weicheng talks about "analytical mechanics"

Professor Yu Yunqiang talks about "electric power"

3.2 The special research course for compulsory compulsory, with distinctive characteristics and implementation of measures

In his training concept, the basic science class emphasizes the scientific research training of students. To this end, the "SEMINAR" lessons (compulsory, three semester, a total of 9 credits) were specially opened in the fifth, sixth, and seventh semester. The purpose of Seminar is to cultivate students 'sidelines and studies under the guidance of teachers; cultivate students' exploration and innovation spirit; close the connection between teachers and students, and it is conducive to students to divert in different directions and teach in accordance with their aptitude.

The first two practices were to hire a Seminar mentor in the leadership group inside and outside the school. The mentor proposes projects, lists the must -read literature, and announces to the students. Students will be based on their interests, hobbies, registration topics and corresponding mentors. Soon after promoting, the way students took the initiative to contact their favorite mentors. Among the three semesters of Seminar, students can freely adjust the direction of the subject and change the instructor according to their own situation. In the third summer primary session of the progress of Seminar, each student requested that each student reported his research work progress and reported his understanding of the discipline cutting edge of the research field.

Photo Show of Basic Science Class (Excerpts)

Teachers generally welcomes the students of the base science class to their research team to do Seminar. They believe that the students of the base class have a good mathematical foundation, active thinking, and fast entry. Academician Zhang Ye and Zhu Zhongtao of the Department of Computer Department of Tsinghua University said: After the training of the third phase of the special discussion class, most of the basic scientific classes participating in the special discussion class have achieved the expected training goals. The necessary mathematical theory can study the latest research results in related directions quite smoothly, and at the same time, it has excellent computer programming capabilities. In the undergraduate senior, he participated in the research tasks of the research group, so that the overall goal of cultivating high -quality and creative talents Implementation has been effectively guaranteed. Practice has shown that students who work in the key laboratory of the national key laboratory of intelligent technology and systems, when the undergraduate graduation design is about to end, can often write papers with a certain depth and some innovation results, and start to high levels at home and abroad at home and abroad Professional journal submission. Academician Li Yinzheng of the Celestial Physics Center of Tsinghua University said: From the practice of the past few years, we realized that this form of Seminar is a good training method for students. Based on the basic theory of the previous two years, students The gunland is put into scientific research. Here, they find that the palace of science is so vast, and there are many aspects that need to learn and explore themselves. Some classmates also spent a long time hovering in books and magazines because of adapting to studying from books and starting scientific research. The principle of swimming ", to study a problem in a real place, and gradually realized the sweetness of scientific research. Only then did it really learn useful knowledge. This form of Seminar has a great role in learning the reality of scientific research early and cultivating students in practice. At present, the students of the basic class of the subject started to enter the scientific research topic as Seminar in the third grade, and some students with excellent grades are earlier to enter the Seminar model. Entering the scientific frontier to explore the mystery of nature in advance. According to an unknown questionnaire survey, students have a good report on Seminar. They generally believe that they can contact scientific research as soon as possible through Seminar, expose scientists, understand the process of learning scientific research, and learn how to learn in scientific research. Through Seminar, students can also find the direction they are interested in to determine the future development direction. Students are also very satisfied with the flexibility mechanism to adjust the direction according to their own situation.

No famous questionnaire survey results

Disciplinary distribution selected at the scientific research training of level 1998-2015 (first 15)

In the past 15 years of Seminar, students have recorded more than 3300 people in SEMINAR, and more than 40 disciplines that students choose freely.

Judging from the overall data of fifteen years, the proportion of basic disciplines (physics, astronomy, mathematics, biology, and chemistry) is selected by nearly 58%, and the proportion of cross -crossing discipline is about 42%. The three disciplines with the highest proportion are: 41%of physics, 15.4%economics, and 8.6%of the computer. From the perspective of annual data statistics, the proportion of the choice of physical directions is always the highest, but the proportion of the physical direction of level 02, 03 and 13 is less than 30%. The direction of other disciplines with a high proportion has a relatively obvious signs of the times: early was mathematics, the middle period was economic and financial, and now it is a computer.

Students have obtained substantial training in scientific research, published relevant academic papers, applied for domestic and foreign patents, and read the papers at international and domestic conferences. Students participated in the competitions of related disciplines based on their interests and also achieved gratifying results.

1998-2015 undergraduate scientific research training selection physics, economics, mathematics distribution

Some papers published in Nature, sub -magazines, PRL, etc. in the Department of Physics in recent years

[1] Shunyu yao (Yao Shunyu), Fei Song, and zhong Wang, phys.rev.lett. 121 (2018) 136802.

[2] Shunyu yao (Yao Shunyu) and zhong Wang, phys.rev.lett. 121 (2018) 086803.

[3] XIN Chen, Ruihua Fan, Yiming Chen (Chen Yiming), Hui Zhai, Pengfei ZHANG (Zhang Pengfei), phys.rev.lett. 119 (2017) 207603.

[4] C. Zu, W.B. WANG, L. He, W.G. ZHANG (Zhang Wengang), C.Y. DAI (Dai Chengyu), F. Wang, L.M. DUAN, Nature 514 (2014) 72.

[5] Giulio Chiribella, Yuxiang Yang (Yang Yuxiang), Andrew Chi-Chih Yao, Nature Commun.4, 2915 Doi: 10.1038/NCOMMS3915, 05 December 2013. zhang Jian (Zhang Jian), Chaming Jian (Jian Super Ming ), Fei Ye and Hui zhai, phys. Rev. Lett. 105, 155302 (2010).

[7] Chunji Wang (Wang Chunji), Chao Gao, Chaoming Jian (Jian Chaoming) and Hui Zhai, Phys. Rev. Lett. 105, 160403 (2010).

Some domestic and foreign patents applied for undergraduate students in recent years

[1] X.F HE (He Xingfeng), Y. WU: A Method to Produce Anode of Lithium Ion Battery (USING SPRAYER to Spray Cobalt Nitrate on SACNT FIM), US patent application number: 2012a-56414/cn5642774277427

[2] X.F HE (He Xingfeng), Y. WU: A Method to Produce Anode of Lithium Ion Battery (USING MAGNETRON Sputtering to Produce Co3O4/ SACNT Composition Electrode)

[3] Zhang Lina, Gao Xinyu*, Yang Qiyao, Jiang Kaili, Liu Changhong, Fan Shoushan: Film electrode and fuel cell (Fuel Cell Modules) Application Number: China CN201510281370.1, Taiwan TW104121220, US14/970045

[4] Ma Yini*, Zhang Wenzeng: The spherical self -adaptive robot handle device of the tendon rope drive particles, the application number: 2016103388662, application date: 2016.05.19, announcement number: CN105881564a, announcement date: 2016.08.24

[5] Ma Yini*, Zhang Wenzeng: Rope -driven magnetic flow fluid particles enhanced the general holding device, application number: 201610338847X, application date: 2016.05.19, announcement number: CN105798940A, announcement date: 2016.07.27

[6] Qi Jingchen, Ma Yini*, Zhang Wenzeng: Air -to -be -adaptable robot finger device, application number: 2016103463714, application date: 2016.05.23, announcement number: CN105798936a, announcement date: 2016.07.27

[7] Qi Jingchen, Ma Yini*, Zhu Tianyi, Zhang Wenzeng: Pistons drive magnetic flow flexible robot handle, application number: 2016103392564, application date: 2016.05.19, announcement number: cn105856185a, announcement date: 2016.08.17

3.3 Guide students to divert at different disciplines according to their own aspirations

In order to benefit the development of the students of the basic science class, the school's academic affairs office and the graduate school have formulated relevant policies for the diversion and exemption of students in the basic science class.

Seminar is an effective channel for diversion of students. Students can choose their own mentors and topics at the beginning, and they can be replaced in the middle. Through several choices, if students think that the question and mentor are suitable for themselves, they can further do graduation thesis under the guidance of the instructor. This also laid the foundation for further studies and research areas and research directions that I am interested in.

4 summons

Twenty years of the Kenke Class has opened up a new journey of exploring the cultivation of first -class innovative talents. From the initial pilot, after continuous efforts to explore and practice, it has been basically determined by the current school -running concept, training model, and training plan. The basic class has innovated in terms of independent enrollment (two courses, competition enrollment), mathematical physics general education, scientific research practice training, personalized training, and greater development space, and has accumulated rich experience. At the same time Actively drive the reform of the basic curriculum system, the reform of teaching methods, and the cultivation of first -class innovative talents in physics. These education and teaching philosophy have also received more and more attention in the reform and development of higher education today.

Judging from the feedback from the students of the basic class, the training model of the basic science class has been highly recognized, especially students can "freely choose" the future development direction according to their own aspirations. Students understand the discipline through scientific research and to determine the professional direction through free choices. At the same time, it has also laid a good foundation for the further development of students. The training model of the basic class and the students in the basic class have been highly evaluated by the teacher, Seminar instructor, and graduate instructor inside and outside the school. Professor Zhao Kaihua of the Department of Physics of Peking University said: The students in the basic class are quite prominent, and their deep interest and understanding of physics are quite good. Tsinghua's measures to take the foundation class are very important. From the beginning, some good students from the school have been recruited. Some people are interested in basic science and talented. The scale of enrollment should be expanded. In the future, some students will return to engineering. With a good science foundation, they will be able to take the engineering courses well. Professor of the Department of Physics of Peking University said: The basic science class is the best way to cultivate talents. I give the second -year classmate of the basic class, and most of the students work hard. How to make talents? There are talents among the students of the basic class and must be cultivated well. I have taken a way. If students can ask and solve some cutting -edge issues, I think it is better, so I can not take the exam. The proportion of students can do this is higher than other schools. Professor Chen Bin of the Department of Penalticism of Peking University said: Some new teaching ideas and measures have been adopted to the basic class, which is not imposed to the "system" of a discipline, but the cultivation of the humanistic spirit (that is, speculation) and the spirit of critical spirit, and and and of. Strengthen students from different aspects and different levels to guide students to think about problems and solve problems (old problems and cutting -edge problems). About 20%of the students responded to the Kenke class, which is higher than the proportion of students in other schools I taught. Professor Zheng Guangsheng of the Department of Physics of the University of Hong Kong said: The students of the basic class are very active at the international conference, the English is very good, and the academic activities in the school are also active.

In the past two decades, the basic science class has achieved remarkable results in talent training.

1) There are many outstanding students who have graduated from the early graduates of the base class to stand out, and a group of eye -catching new stars have emerged. Some have become younger generations of the international academic circles. Major influence. For example, such as Qi Xiaoliang and Chen Hong won the 2016 and 2020 Science Breakthrough Award -the New Horizons in Physics Prisms, the number of people ranked first in the Department of Physics (College) of domestic universities. He Kaiming is an international top scientist in the field of artificial intelligence. In the United States, the Sloan Research Fellowships, who is well -known and specially awarded the most outstanding young talent in science. By 2019, 15 of the winners who have graduated from Chinese universities have already come from the Department of Physics of Tsinghua University, of which physics is physics. Learn 6, other disciplines include computer 3, 3 neurosciences, 2 molecular biology, and 1 math.

2) Pursuing academic, after graduation, the proportion of students who are determined to take academic career increased significantly. The proportion of the number of people decided among graduates is basically stable at about 90%, of which graduate students and departure study abroad have disappeared in different periods. From the perspective of data statistics, the proportion of studying in the physics department in China is higher than the proportion of studying abroad. In addition to the 05 and 08 levels of mathematical and mathematics, these two sessions have exceeded 50%. Judging from the data of the base science class and the base (application) alone, the proportion of studying and research abroad in levels 03, 04, 05, and level 08 is close to or exceeds 50%, which is higher than the proportion of domestic study and study. From the perspective of the overall data of the Department of Physics, except for the 05 and 08 levels, the proportion of studying and study abroad at all levels is lower than the proportion of domestic research.

The training model of the basic class plays a good demonstration role. First of all, many colleges and departments have been drawn up in the school. For example, a number of similar talent training special zones such as the chemical basic science class and Qian Xuesen mechanical class have been established. Experience has deepened the reform of undergraduate education in a larger scope. In addition, the training model of the Kenke Class has also been drawn from many siblings such as China Agricultural University, Beijing Institute of Technology, Sichuan University of Electronic Science and Technology, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Dalian Institute of Technology, and Northwestern Polytechnical University. Class similar to training models has promoted the reform of the training model of higher education. In 2011, the unique scientific research and training (innovation training) of the basic scientific class was first included in the 2010 version of the 2010 version of the "Advanced Professional Specifications of Physics for Physics in Higher Education" and "Application of Advanced Universities in Physics in Physics Professional Professional Professional Teaching Guidance of Higher Education" In the undergraduate professional knowledge system of physics undergraduate guidance professional specifications.

The basic science class is an important practical achievement of Tsinghua University's exploration of first -class innovative talents. The 20 -year exploration and practice of the basic science class has achieved remarkable results in teaching and training according to their aptitude, talent training of basic disciplines and interdisciplinary talents, and provides valuable experience for first -class innovative talent training and teaching reform.

"Mathematical foundation, scientific research training, and free development" is the basic concept of first -class innovative talents in the foundation class.The Department of Physics will summarize the experience of successful running schools in the basic subject and combine the core education concept of the school's "value shaping, ability training, knowledge to teach the trinity" to build a quality assurance system including first -class disciplines, high -level teachers, and high -quality students.Strengthen the diversity of the training direction and the diversity of evaluation standards, comprehensively improve the quality of talent training, and cultivate more outstanding talents for the country.In the next twenty years, the basic class will create a new chapter cultivated by first -class innovative talents.About the author: Ruan Dong, professor of physics at Tsinghua University, [email protected].

Quotation format: Ruan Dong, Shang Rencheng, Xiong Jiajiong, Wu Nianle. The 20-year exploration and practice of the basic science class [J]. Physics and engineering, 2020, 30 (1): 10-18.

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