University education is conducted strictly according to teaching programme and syllabus. The main means of university education are classroom discussion, laboratory work, exercises and guidance lectures. In addition, on the spot instruction, instruction tours, instruction experiment and social studies are often organized to supplement the classroom instruction. These activities are intended to consolidate the results of classroom instruction and improve the ability of students to do field work and their capacity to apply the acquired knowledge. The library at university level and resource centre at department level are open to students and providing them with a favourable environment for learning and research. Universities are equipped with advanced teaching facilities and use modernized teaching methods so as to guarantee the realization of education targets.

Scientific research in China's universities constitutes an important force in the advancement of science and technology and economic development. So far, 2,460 research institutes and thousands of faculties have been established in universities and can virtually meet all researches need of the various degrees. As of 1984, the government had established 99 national key laboratories in various universities. In recent years, universities have been carrying out 70 thousand projects annually, among which more than 50% are national and local projects. Universities take up about 60% of the projects financed by the National Fund for Natural Sciences according to its appropriation. This has resulted in the obtainment and appraisal of 7 thousand achievements in scientific research.