Postgraduate Courses
ENVR
Environment
- ENVR 5210Environmental Microbiology[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)ENVR 521, AMCE 521DescriptionThe course provides an introduction to the fundamental features of environmental microorganisms and an understanding of their roles in the functioning of our ecosystems and their importance to mankind.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Recognize the vast genetic and functional diversity of microorganisms that exist in the biosphere.
- 2.Explain the importance of the microorganisms in the functioning of our ecosystem.
- 3.Describe the importance of microorganisms to mankind.
- 4.Communicate the knowledge in environmental microbiology.
- ENVR 5250Environmental Economics and Management[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)ENVR 525DescriptionThe course is designed to introduce students to key contemporary concepts in environmental economics and equip them with the approaches in economics that are generally applied to analyze environmental problems and policies.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Describe basic concepts and frameworks in Microeconomics.
- 2.Apply a structured process to solve environmental problems.
- 3.Distinguish different ethical basis of environmental actions.
- 4.Formulate environmental problems to be solved by economic concepts and approaches.
- 5.Measure the benefits and costs of environmental protection actions by applying cost and benefit analysis (CBA).
- 6.Explain the economic arguments of promotion of clean technology.
- ENVR 5260Environmental Policy and Management[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)ENVR 526DescriptionThis course focuses both on how to make and how to study environmental policy and management. It will review major theories related to the formulation of environmental policies, including government regulation and economic incentives, and discuss the types of policy measures implemented in various public and business sectors. The discussion of environmental problems and policies will focus on examples that are relevant for Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, but will also include the experience of other countries and the debate surrounding global environmental issues.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify key global socio-economic, socio-technological and ecological trends that influence environmental policy.
- 2.Explain intricacies of environmental policies.
- 3.Evaluate issues in environmental policies by taking into account the complex interdependencies between humans, society and economy.
- 4.Explain the role of science in environmental politics, policy, planning and management.
- 5.Develop well-supported arguments or points of view by using proficient data mining and literature review skills.
- 6.Develop basic public speaking and presentation skills.
- ENVR 5290Climate Change: Science, Policy and Management[3-0-0:3]DescriptionThis course prepares graduate students for the development of interdisciplinary research on environmental science, policy and management through a detailed investigation of climate change issues. Based on a review of the scientific research and models that have been developed through international cooperation, students will discuss relevant approaches of atmospheric and oceanographic science and the likely consequences in terms of climate change. In addition, the various technologies of mitigation and adaptation will be surveyed, leading to a discussion of appropriate policies for managing climate change at the global or national level.
- ENVR 5310Atmospheric Dynamics[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)ENVR 6040GDescriptionThe study of atmospheric motions is essential for a better understanding of the relevant meteorological phenomena. This course introduces the conservation laws for primitive equations and classical concepts in fluid dynamics, which will allow students to gain physical insight into the fundamental nature of atmospheric motions. This course is suitable for students who require the foundation of fluid dynamics for advanced study in meteorology, oceanography, atmospheric and climate sciences.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Apply the basic concepts of fluid dynamics and key variables describing the structure and motion of atmosphere.
- 2.Formulate the primitive equations and perform their simplifications.
- 3.Define circulation and vorticity, and their relationship.
- 4.Describe dynamical structure of the flow in the planetary boundary layer.
- 5.Describe the quasi-geostrophic theory to depict and explain the mid-latitude synoptic-scale motions.
- 6.Interpret the observed characteristics of large-scale atmospheric motions with fundamental principles.
- ENVR 5330Environmental Geographical Information System[3-0-0:3]Exclusion(s)EVSM 5240DescriptionThis course will cover a broad spectrum of concepts and practices in Geographical Information System (GIS). It starts with the fundamental concepts and elements in geographic science and technology. Spatial data modeling and integration methods will then be discussed followed by various geospatial analysis approaches for both vector and raster data. Cartographic principles, spatial relationships, projection and coordinate systems will be discussed in-depth. During the course, students will be introduced to contemporary GIS software and apply GIS technology support local and regional environmental planning and management.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Manage spatial data, including images from satellites and field data.
- 2.Interpret spatial model data such as wind and temperature in Hong Kong.
- 3.Analyze situations to incorporate environmental considerations into socioeconomic development.
- 4.Formulate solutions to environmental problems by integrating and applying geospatial technologies.
- 5.Apply GIS theory to effective resource management, environmental policy formation and decision making.
- ENVR 5410Atmospheric Chemistry[3-0-0:3]Co-list withCHEM 5410Exclusion(s)CHEM 5410BackgroundBasic knowledge of physical chemistryDescriptionA fundamental introduction to the physical and chemical processes determining the composition of the atmosphere and its implications for climate, ecosystems, and human welfare. Atmospheric transport and transformation. Stratospheric ozone. Oxidizing power of the atmosphere. Regional air pollution: aerosols, smog, and acid rain. Nitrogen, oxygen, carbon, sulfur geochemical cycles. Climate and the greenhouse effect.
- ENVR 6010Postgraduate Seminar[0-2-0:0]Previous Course Code(s)ENVR 601, AMCE 601DescriptionAdvanced seminar series presented by postgraduate students, faculty and guest speakers on selected topics in atmospheric environmental science or marine environmental science. This course is offered once a year. Graded P or F.
- ENVR 6040Special Topics in Environment[1-6 credit(s)]DescriptionOfferings are announced each term, if deemed necessary, to cover emerging topics of environmental concerns not covered in the present curriculum. Typical topics are carbon audit and management, integrated environmental management systems, air-sea interactions, Life cycle analysis: a system perspective, etc.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify the latest development in the technologies or management strategies on the topic concerned.
- 2.Integrate with the status quo knowledge/practices on the topic/subject.
- 3.Project the near-future trend of development concerned.
- 4.Anticipate the research/business/in-field opportunities on the topic/subject.
- ENVR 6050Introduction to Oceanography[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)ENVR 605, AMCE 605Backgroundsecond year Science or EngineeringDescriptionAn introduction to the fundamentals of physical, chemical, geological, geochemical, and biological oceanography. It unveils the mystery of the oceans including the formation of the continents, oceanic circulation, and formation of precious minerals in the deep oceans; discovers ocean resources from phytoplankton to fish. The course will lay the foundation for sustainable use of the oceans and discuss human threats such as global warming, overfishing, and coastal pollution.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Describe ocean sciences from interdisciplinary perspectives including physics, chemistry, biology, and geology.
- 2.Analyze environmental and earth system problems based on fundamental scientific principles and by applying interdisciplinary skill and knowledge.
- 3.Communicate problem solutions using correct oceanographic terminology in English.
- ENVR 6060Sustainability Economics[3-0-0:3]Exclusion(s)SOSC 5620DescriptionThis course is designed to give students an interdisciplinary understanding on the concepts of sustainability, and its contemporary trend of development. The course will cover component concepts on sustainability, its implications from resource (renewable and non-renewable) exploitation; the strength of sustainability with respect to human made or natural capitals; the assessment for sustainability; and the inter-relationships between sustainability and business, governmental policy and human communities.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Analyze the developmental trend from a sustainability perspective.
- 2.Evaluate the effectiveness of different stakeholders in integrating sustainability into development.
- 3.Generate practical solutions in sustainability for different sectors and communities.
- 4.Implement sustainability assessment tools in case studies or projects.
- ENVR 6100Independent Study[1-3 credit(s)]Previous Course Code(s)ENVR 610, AMCE 610DescriptionStudy on selected topics in environmental science under the supervision of a faculty member. The course may be repeated once for credits if the topic is different. Graded P or F.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Conduct an independent study or a mini-project on a specific environmental topic
- 2.Apply an interdisciplinary approach in the studied topic
- 3.Communicate key findings through a written report.
- ENVR 6770Professional Development in Environmental Science, Policy and Management[0-1-0:1]DescriptionThis one-credit course aims at providing research postgraduate students basic training in teaching skills, research management, career development, and related professional skills. This course consists of a number of division-specific workshops. Graded PP, P or F.
- ENVR 6990MPhil Thesis ResearchPrevious Course Code(s)ENVR 699, AMCE 699DescriptionMaster's thesis research supervised by a faculty member. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.
- ENVR 7990Doctoral Thesis ResearchPrevious Course Code(s)ENVR 799, AMCE 799DescriptionOriginal and independent doctoral thesis research. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.