Chong Li (李冲)

Chong Li (李冲)

PhD in Chemistry

Teaching

Teaching Experience

I believe that education is not just about transferring knowledge but also about inspiring curiosity and critical thinking. Below you can find information about courses I have taught or assisted with.

2025

CHEM2155 Fundamental Organic Chemistry Laboratory

Undergraduate course/Teaching assistant, The Hongkong University of Science and Technology, Department of Chemistry, 2025

This is the laboratory course designed for non-CHEM students who enrolled in CHEM 2110 or CHEM 2111. Students will perform a series of organic experiments related to the theories learnt in the related lecture courses. Students will be trained to practice a wide range of fundamental organic laboratory techniques, operate chemical instruments, relate the physical and chemical principles and theory in practice, and develop their data interpretation and analytical skills. For non-CHEM students in programs that designate this course as required course/specified elective only.

Chem3120 Organic Chemistry II

Undergraduate course/Teaching assistant, Hongkong University of Science and Technology, Department of Chemistry, 2025

Continuation of CHEM 2110. Dienes, resonance and aromaticity; electrophilic aromatic substitution and nucleophilic aromatic substitution; benzylic and allylic reactivity; the chemistry of carbonyl compounds and carboxylic acid derivatives; the chemistry of amines; pericyclic reactions.

2024

CHEM3550 Synthetic Chemistry Laboratory II

Undergraduate Course/Teaching assistant, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Department of Chemistry, 2024

This course was designed and introduced to suit chemistry major students who are enrolling in CHEM 3120 Organic Chemistry II and CHEM 3220 Inorganic Chemistry II, in which it provides students some hands-on experience in organic synthesis and metal complexes formation. Different spectroscopic methods will also be used for characterization of products. The topics of experiments covered in the laboratory course will be related to those taught in the lecture courses.

SCIE1120 Chemistry and Life

Undergraduate course/Teaching assistant, Hongkong University of Science and Technology, Department of Chemistry, 2024

The course aims to introduce students without an extensive science background into the chemistry of life and in life as well as some elementary units and mechanisms of life shaped by core chemical molecules and other compounds. Co-taught by lecturers from chemistry and life science, respectively, approximately one half of the course deals with an introduction into the chemical universe that makes life possible; simple sugars and complex carbohydrates, amino acids, peptides and proteins, DNA, RNA and lipids. Interactions and laws governing these substances and ways we can observe what they are doing are covered. The other half of the course is about how these compounds are involved in some of the basic mechanisms of life; from the functions and evolution of membranes to cells all the way up to humans and other organisms; areas covered include genetics and genomics, diseases, food and health, and biotechnology.

CHEM4250 Materials Preparation Laboratory

Undergraduate Course/Teaching assistant, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Department of Chemistry, 2024

This is a laboratory course for students to gain hands-on experiences in the preparation of modern materials. Students will have the opportunity to practice the synthesis of materials such as organic polymers, nanoparticles and solid materials. For CHEM students under the four-year degree only. Students with minor in CHEM may seek instructor’s approval for enrollment in the course.

CHEM1008 Introductory Chemistry

Undergraduate Course/Teaching assistant, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Department of Chemistry, 2024

This course targets science or engineering students with very little to no chemistry background. It provides a general introduction to basic principles of chemistry. Key topics include state of matters, atoms and elements, molecules and compounds, atomic structures and periodicity, molecular structures, quantities in chemical reactions, bonding theories, acids and bases, and solution chemistry.

2021

BME5005 Nano-Biomedicine

Graduate course/Teaching assistant, Southern University of Science and Technology, Department of Biomedical and Engineering, 2021

Understand the basic principles of the application of nanoscience and nanotechnology in biomedicine, and learn about the research progress of new nanobiomaterials in biomedical diagnosis, treatment, intervention, and tissue regeneration and repair.

Teaching Philosophy

My approach to teaching combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience. I strive to create an inclusive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and engaging in discussions.

I encourage students to not only master the material but also to understand its broader implications and applications in real-world scenarios. My goal is to equip students with both the knowledge and critical thinking skills they need to succeed in their academic and professional careers.

Core principles of my teaching philosophy include:

  • Active learning through problem-solving and discussion
  • Connecting theoretical concepts to real-world applications
  • Creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment
  • Promoting critical thinking and intellectual curiosity
  • Adapting teaching methods to diverse learning styles