Postgraduate Courses
EVSM
Environmental Science and Management
- EVSM 5220Advanced Environmental Chemistry[3-0-0:3]DescriptionThe course provides an in-depth coverage of topics on inorganic and organic environmental contaminants, their structures, functions, sources and emissions, distribution, transformation and fate in the environment.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Define the fundamentals of chemistry of the four major environmental compartments, i.e. atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.
- 2.Explain the essential chemistry facts behind a number of well-recognized environmental issues.
- 3.Identify chemical topics relevant to the environment.
- 4.Conduct literature searching and information synthesis related to environmental chemistry.
- 5.Effectively communicate chemistry issues behind environmental problems both orally and in writing to technical and non-technical audience.
- EVSM 5230Environmental Health and Management[3-0-0:3]DescriptionThe course will give an overview on environmental health and management, including topics on outdoor and indoor environments, workplace environment, water and sewage, food, solid waste, hazardous wastes, vectors and control, radiation, environmental health standards, natural and manmade disasters, risk assessment and management, etc. Each topic will include nature of the issue, known and potential health effects, control and regulatory approaches. More in-depth discussions will be given to occupational health hazards, with emphases on current control methods and technology.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Recognize the human health impact of various hazardous physical, chemical and biological agents encountered in the environment.
- 2.Assess the degree of hazard of various physical, chemical and biological hazardous agents encountered in the environment.
- 3.Employ various hazards control measures to manage and control the environmental health hazards to within acceptable levels.
- 4.Identify relevant regulatory requirements and challenges in managing various environmental health hazards.
- 5.Apply knowledge in their daily life to better manage environmental health for themselves and the community.
- EVSM 5240GIS for Environmental Professionals[3-0-0:3]Exclusion(s)ENVR 5330DescriptionIntroducing GIS concepts, working with spatial data, managing GIS data, integrating GIS data with Google Earth/Map, remote sensing and model data, applying GIS technology to support environmental planning and management.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Distinguish different data models in GIS to perform environmental analysis.
- 2.Generate dedicated spatial functions in GIS to assess and reveal the environmental impacts in graphical manner (such as finding the place to install wind turbines, producing the marine emission spatial map and studying the correlation between the frontal areas and pm2.5 along the tramway).
- 3.Apply GIS and other programming tools to integrate the spatial data to various scientific models to support environmental management and decision-making.
- EVSM 5270Environmental Law[3-0-0:3]DescriptionThe course will provide students with the basic legal concepts which include the hierarchy of courts in Hong Kong, the difference between civil and criminal proceedings and their possible redresses or remedies available from the courts. Some important provisions of the basic environmental legislation in Hong Kong, environmental prosecution policy of Hong Kong and how to instigate a judicial review against a ministerial decision relating to the environment will also be covered in the course.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Describe the basic legal concepts which include the hierarchy of courts in Hong Kong.
- 2.Interpret legislations and construct legal argument.
- 3.Explain the difference between civil and criminal proceedings and their possible redresses or remedies available from the courts.
- 4.Identify the important provisions of basic environmental legislation in Hong Kong, as well as environmental prosecution policy of Hong Kong.
- 5.Identify the techniques and procedures to instigate a judicial review against a ministerial decision relating to the environment.
- 6.Formulate opinions to the environment-related legal problems, correctly applying the applicable laws.
- EVSM 5280Air Pollution: From Science to Management[3-0-0:3]DescriptionAir pollutants from human activities have profound impacts on health, visibility, and climate. This course explores air pollution by connecting the science of aerosols and gases with pollution management practices. Students will examine pollutant sources, composition, and behavior, along with their effects on health, ecosystems, and climate. The course also covers methods for measuring and modeling pollutants, as well as regulatory frameworks and control strategies for managing air quality at local, national, and global levels.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Identify and describe the main sources, types, and chemical composition of key air pollutants, and their effects on human health, ecosystems, and climate.
- 2.Apply measurement and modeling techniques to assess air pollution levels, and apply concepts and knowledge to analyze urban and regional air pollution issues.
- 3.Evaluate regulatory frameworks and air quality standards at local, national, and international levels.
- 4.Compare and contrast the most common methods for effectively preventing or controlling air pollution.
- 5.Understand the key issues in connecting science to policy formulation.
- 6.Evaluate options and strategies for management of air quality.
- EVSM 5300Corporate Environmental Strategy[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)ENVR 6040DDescriptionThe global environment will continue to degrade until there are significant changes in business practices and consumer behavior. This course will explore how environmental forces are creating threats and opportunities for business. It looks at "best practices" of numerous companies in different industries in order to understand how firms can reduce environmental harm and also be profitable. It explores how current business practices evolved to be environmentally harmful and why they are so “sticky” and resistant to change. The course uses readings, lectures and case studies for its delivery.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Explain the conceptual relationships between a firm’s business strategy and the natural environment.
- 2.Assess the efficacy of the incorporation of environmental perspectives into business design.
- 3.Analyze business situations to identify alternative environmental strategies and recommend environmentally responsible solutions.
- 4.Apply an understanding of environmental issues to business decision-making processes.
- 5.Synthesize an environmentally sustainable business model for a business.
- 6.Demonstrate professional behavior and teamwork.
- EVSM 6070Environmental Impact Assessment[3-1-0:4]Exclusion(s)ENVS 5116DescriptionIntroduction to environmental impact assessment (EIA) and the EIA process in Hong Kong. The components of an EIA report including air, noise, water, waste management, environmental risk, ecological impact, and socio-economic impact assessments will be analyzed. Environmental law, environmental management and the importance of public participation will also be discussed. Case studies from Hong Kong will be used and comparison with EIA in Mainland China will be made.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Critically examine a broad range of environmental impacts in the EIA processes.
- 2.Identify the complex interactions among the various key components in the assessment processes.
- 3.Develop analytical and presentation skills to locate and evaluate the interactive dynamics between environment and scientific principles.
- EVSM 6950MSc Project[3 credits]DescriptionAn independent project on selected topics in environmental science under the supervision of a faculty member. Participation of external organizations in these projects will be particularly encouraged. The responsibility of control, administration and assessment of the projects rests with the University. The course may be repeated once for credits. This course is for MSc students only. Approval from instructor is required.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Carry out an independent study on a defined topic of an environmental issue or practice.
- 2.Conduct literature and/or laboratory research on the defined topic.
- 3.Apply the interdisciplinary approach in reviewing the latest developments, technologies or management strategies of the chosen topic.
- 4.Present the study precisely and concisely in written and/or oral means.
