2022 Online Winter School: Undergraduates of ZJU Participated in the Online Winter School of SPbPU

From January 17 to January 28, 2022, the International Polytechnic Winter School 2022 of Peter the Great University of Technology in St. Petersburg, which is organized by the Department of Physics of Zhejiang University, has been successfully held. A total of 21 students from Zhejiang University participated in 6 different courses of this winter program. Due to the novel coronavirus epidemic, this winter course has been changed from offline exchange to online classes, covering professional lectures, reports, project presentations and so on. The courses were very brilliant and students learned a lot.

Machine Learning, Space Technologies & Big Data

The course “Machine Learning Theory and Application” introduces the core work of machine learning: data preprocessing, algorithm learning, prediction and optimization. This course combines two forms together: the lecture and the workshop, which not only introduces the algorithm principles of machine learning and the practical methods of Python, but also provides abundant useful practical materials for learning. This course is mainly about the supervised and unsupervised machine learning, which introduces the Support Vector Machine algorithm, the K-proximity algorithm, the Decision Tree algorithm of supervised learning, and the K-means clustering algorithm, the Hierarchical algorithm, and the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) algorithm, etc. as well as the method of dividing test sets. Although due to the limited time, the course only helps students take the first step to explore the potential of computer science, it makes easier for students to form a deeper understanding of machine learning in the near future.

The course Space Technologies: Fundamentals focuses on various applications of satellites and Space technology, which include the principle of Global Positioning System technology, the structure and application of Nano satellite, the recent explorations of the moon, the standard of communication channels in space, the characteristics and adjustment of orbit, etc. In terms of technology, the teacher introduces many techniques related to space applications, like the microelectronics, nanotechnology, radio technology, remote sensing and optical technology, plasma technology, etc. These techniques can be applied to engines, energy, control systems, processors, communicators of space vehicles and so on. What’s especially important is that with the learned knowledge, students are able to study and design nanoscale satellites. Besides, the course also covers cosmology and astrophysics, including the evolution of the universe and stars. 

The course Big Data: Theory and Application consists of two teaching forms: lectures and workshops. Starting from Python programming language, the teacher introduced the sorting methods of a variety of database systems for huge amounts of data, and demonstrated the specific operation in the practice class. The latter course also introduced the calculation of general big data--Hadoop, Hive, Spark, etc. which is very extensible and cross-domaining. Homework was assigned regularly in the order of instructions, and the final project is also challenging. Through this course students have learned a lot of data processing.

Different Languages, Same Hearts

The course “Intensive Russian Language & Culture” includes Russian language learning, Russian folk culture, Russian art, contemporary Russia and online tours. During the ten-day intensive study, students from different countries communicated with each other in the language class, improved their Russian proficiency, and appreciated Russian art, culture, local customs and social life in the cultural classes. What's more, students enjoyed online the beauty of St. Petersburg's historic sites and campus of the university, and appreciated the charm of different cultures. Students using different languages and from different cultural backgrounds encouraged and learned from each other in the course, which shortens the distance between hearts while appreciating the splendid Russian culture.

Limited Resources, Endless Development

The main goal of the course “Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development” is to improve students' basic knowledge and skills, and to enhance students' competitiveness in the field of Energy Efficiency. The course covers various methods of controlling the energy consumption of targets, methods of conducting energy surveys, and the design and construction of modern facilities to improve energy efficiency. At the same time, the course also emphasizes group work. Some students completed the presentation with the theme of Developing a Nuclear Power Plant Project Prototype for the Production of By-products, through which they gained valuable friendship and learned a lot of knowledge in the process of collecting and sorting out materials.

Nowadays, the concept of environmental protection and efficiency prevails, and sustainable development projects have become an important research object in the field of management and even the whole liberal arts. The course Project Management for Sustainable Development introduces four aspects: project definition, teamwork, process accounting and learning to use relevant software. Through this course, students deepened their understanding of the subject, and improved their capacity for foreign language communication and cooperation skills. Eight days of study and group work provided students with a unique, interesting and rewarding learning experience.

Online exchange has brought a wide range of knowledge, valuable friendship and inclusiveness. The persistence of students and the enthusiasm of Russian teachers make this online course perfect. Hopefully, this wonderful experience will inspire students to continuously forge ahead.