OBE, CILOs and Criterion-Referencing

14 May 2025

ALL

With the introduction of Outcome-Based Education (OBE), universities in Hong Kong have transitioned from norm-referencing (often referred to as “grading on a curve”, where students are graded with reference to their peers) to criterion-referencing, where student performance is evaluated against the achievement of Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs) and which encourages a collaborative, rather than a competitive, learning environment.

Under OBE, courses and programs are designed with a student-centered approach that emphasizes what students achieve rather than what instructors cover. While the course outline provides a general overview of the topics and contents covered by a course, CILOs describe the expected performance levels upon successful completion of a course. These outcomes are specified in each course entry in the Course Catalog and in the syllabus of each course. By understanding CILOs, students can better grasp the expectations and objectives of their courses, allowing them to focus their efforts on achieving these goals.

Here are some tips for utilizing CILOs to enhance your learning strategy:

Review CILOs at the start of the course: Familiarize yourself with the expectations and set specific goals for your learning.
Utilize the “Mapping of CILOs to Assessment Tasks” and “Grading Rubrics”: Refer to the relevant sections in the course syllabus to understand the expected performance levels and skills for specific assessments, and concentrate on mastering them.
Check your progress against the CILOs during exam preparation: Ensure you can demonstrate the required knowledge and skills during exams, and identify areas where you need improvement.

By actively engaging with the CILOs, you can enhance your learning outcomes and achieve greater success in your academic journey.

Pages In this Guide

Contents Page

Who Does What

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) is supported by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.

Academic Programs & Registration

HKUST believes in total education. Our credit-based undergraduate programs combine the advantages of the sharp program focus of traditional Chinese and British universities and the broad approach characteristic of American universities.

Our educational philosophy and your personal development require that you be exposed to fields outside your major area of study. The undergraduate curriculum is designed to ensure that you get this exposure.

Under the 4-year curriculum, programs usually consist of eight regular terms of full-time study. All programs lead to honors degrees.

Most programs are administered by academic departments/divisions. Joint programs involve two or more departments and are administered by a unit set up for that purpose.

Courses & Enrollment

You are responsible for your own studies. It is important for you to plan ahead to ensure that you can complete the study within the permitted duration of study.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity and honesty are key values at HKUST.

Classes & Attendance

The University does not have a policy on minimum class attendance. Instructors may take attendance into consideration when assigning grades, provided this is made clear to the students during the discussion of grading.

The academic year begins on 1 September and ends on the following 31 August. A year consists of four terms – Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer.

The Fall and Spring terms are the regular terms. Each has 13 weeks of classes, followed by a short study break and an examination period. Almost all formal instruction takes place in the regular terms.

Normally, the Fall term begins in early September and ends in late December, while the Spring term begins in early February and ends in late May. The Summer term usually runs from late June to mid-August.

The Summer and Winter terms may include regular courses, short credit-bearing skills courses, intensive language courses, workshops, lecture series, mini-conferences and other activities.

Most undergraduates are not required to take courses during the Winter and Summer terms.

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OBE, CILOs and Criterion-Referencing

Assessment & Progress

Grades are assigned for all courses. Your instructors will discuss the course content, structure, activities and grading scheme with the class at the start of each course.

Typically, the course grade is based on student performance throughout the term and on the final examination. Instructors may consider factors such as class attendance, tardiness and classroom behavior in assigning grades, provided this is made clear to the students during the discussion of grading.

Final examinations are held after the end of classes. There is normally a short study break before the start of the examination period.

Graduation & Degrees

You are responsible for ensuring that you fulfill the course and credit requirements for your program in the time allowed. If you wish to graduate, you are required to indicate your intention of graduation via the Student Center in SIS. Failure to apply on time may result in a delay in graduation.

The Academic Registry will track your graduation status based on the application for graduation. Your school/department may also monitor your progress and warn you if a problem appears.

Your program will be completed when you have met all the program requirements. After reviews by your major department and school board, or AIS, your graduation will be approved by the Committee on Undergraduate Studies under authority delegated by the University Senate.

You will be awarded at Congregation, which is the formal graduation ceremony. Attendance is not compulsory.

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