Postgraduate Courses
OCES
Ocean Science
- OCES 5001Introduction to Oceanography[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)ENVS 6012DCo-list withENVR 6050Exclusion(s)ENVR 6050DescriptionAn 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.Analyze environmental and earth system problems based on fundamental scientific principles and by applying interdisciplinary skill and knowledge.
- 2.Describe ocean sciences from interdisciplinary perspectives including physics, chemistry , biology, and geology.
- 3.Communicate problem solutions using correct oceanographic terminology in English.
- OCES 5100Biological Oceanography[3-0-0:3]DescriptionThis is an advanced biological oceanography course aimed at first-year post-graduate students. The objectives of this course are to introduce the field of biological oceanography and explore how interactions between biology, chemistry and physics regulate the structure, function and productivity of marine ecosystems.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Describe major processes in biological oceanography.
- 2.Identify the biotic and abiotic factors controlling primary productivity.
- 3.Understand the principles and methodologies of marine genomics.
- 4.Demonstrate knowledge and ability to read and critically evaluate research articles in biological oceanography.
- 5.Communicate scientific ideas effectively in written and oral formats.
- OCES 5200Physical Oceanography[3-0-0:3]Prerequisite(s)OCES 5001DescriptionAn advanced physical oceanography course aimed at first-year post-graduate students. It covers fundamental concepts including quasi-geostrophic approximation, barotropic and baroclinic instabilities, eddy-mean flow interactions, ocean gyres and western intensification, and meridional overturning circulations. The course will lay a solid theoretical foundation for scientific researches in physical oceanography.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Describe various oceanic processes and the associated physical mechanisms.
- 2.Identify dynamic regimes and scalings in physical oceanography.
- 3.Analyze the interactions between oceanic processes using mathematical and numerical tools.
- 4.Evaluate and implement theories of physical oceanography via numerical tools.
- OCES 5300Chemical Oceanography[3-0-0:3]Prerequisite(s)OCES 5001DescriptionThis course provides a detailed foundation in chemical oceanography, which is an essential interdisciplinary component of understanding ocean processes across a multitude of different spatial and temporal scales. It will examine the ocean as a chemical system in which the inputs, outputs, and internal cycling of the elements determine their concentrations and distributions. It will also cover chemical processes that are essential in biological systems, control the geology of the planet, and provide key tracers for understanding past, present and future ocean conditions.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Demonstrate an understanding of the physical, chemical and biological processes affecting the distribution of chemical parameters in the ocean.
- 2.Demonstrate an understanding of the importance, major forms, distribution, measurement and cycling of inorganic nutrients, dissolved organic matter and trace elements in the oceans.
- 3.Explain how chemical tracers are used to determine the geological, physical and biological characteristics of present and past oceans.
- 4.Identify how chemical processes interact with other fundamental areas of oceanography (physical, biological) and inform marine environmental science.
- 5.Understand and think critically about recent research in biogeochemical oceanography and able to integrate the latest information into ongoing research.
- 6.Demonstrate familiarity with biogeochemical oceanographic approaches for data collection and interpretation.
- 7.Use written and oral communication to clearly explain biogeochemical processes in the ocean and related contemporary research questions.
- OCES 5320Ecotoxicology[3-1-0:4]Previous Course Code(s)LIFS 5320, BISC 532Exclusion(s)ENVS 5113BackgroundLIFS 3160DescriptionTo study the impact and toxic effects of pollutants on diversity, growth and metabolism of living organisms and the ecosystem as a whole.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Define the scope of ecotoxicology study and recognize the major classes of pollutants.
- 2.Describe the major concepts in ecotoxicology study, such as the entry and fate, bioaccumulation and bioavailability.
- 3.Describe the ecological and biological responses of pollutants at different levels.
- 4.Demonstrate methods in conducting ecotoxicology research, such as the kinetic modelling, biomonitoring, toxicity testing, biomarkers and toxicity mechanisms study.
- OCES 6770Professional Development in Marine Science[0-1-0:1]Exclusion(s)ENVS 6770DescriptionThis course aims at providing research postgraduate students basic training in scientific ethics in marine research studies, research management, professional career development, and related professional skills. Guest speakers from various professional areas will be invited to share their career paths in professional career developments. Students will have chances to connect to talents in various professional areas. Graded PP, P or F.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify marine science research study topics at HKUST.
- 2.Apply marine science research resources and facilities at HKUST.
- 3.Recognize the importance of scientific ethics in marine science research.
- 4.Explain specific research skills in marine science.
- 5.Demonstrate basic job hunting skills.
- 6.Explain academic/industrial career opportunities in marine science.
