Postgraduate Courses
EOAS
Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences
- EOAS 5000Introduction to Oceanography[3-0-0:3]DescriptionAn 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.
- EOAS 5001Introduction to Earth Surface Processes[3-0-0:3]DescriptionThis course introduces the Earth surface system in the watershed. It provides fundamental knowledge, theory, and methodology for the Earth surface processes that link with atmosphere and coastal ocean. The course content provides not only basic training on the Earth surface processes but also cross-interdisciplinary training on the interactions between physical and biogeochemical processes among land, sea, and air. We aim to train the students to possess interdisciplinary and comprehensive skills to tackle the challenges in the changing Earth system.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Analyze problems in earth surface processes based on fundamental scientific principles and by applying interdisciplinary skill and knowledge.
- 2.Describe earth surface sciences from interdisciplinary perspectives including physics, chemistry, biology and geology.
- 3.Communicate problem solutions using correct earth surface science terminology in English.
- EOAS 5002Atmosphere-Ocean Dynamics[3-0-0:3]Prerequisite(s)EOAS 5000DescriptionThis course presents fundamental geophysical fluid dynamics in the ocean and atmosphere system by introducing governing concepts and principles in ocean and atmospheric circulation as well as the exchanges of buoyancy, energy and momentum fluxes in the interface between air and sea.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Analyze problems in coupled atmosphere and ocean system based on fundamental scientific principles and by applying interdisciplinary skill and knowledge.
- 2.Describe atmosphere and ocean dynamics from perspectives including physics, mathematics and geophysical fluid dynamics.
- 3.Communicate problem solutions using correct terminology of atmosphere and ocean dynamics in English.
- EOAS 5003Coupled Physical-Biogeochemical Dynamics in the Ocean[3-0-0:3]Prerequisite(s)EOAS 5000 or equivalentDescriptionThe biogeochemical cycle in the ocean is not only governed by the chemical and biological processes, but also regulated critically by the physical processes in the ocean. The topics of this course cover ocean circulation and biogeochemical dynamics, marine phytoplankton and zooplankton, biogeochemical response to circulation dynamics in the ocean.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Analyze problems in coupled physical and biogeochemical processes in the ocean based on fundamental scientific principles and by applying interdisciplinary skill and knowledge.
- 2.Describe biophysical processes in the ocean from interdisciplinary perspectives including physics, chemistry and biology.
- 3.Communicate problem solutions using correct interdisciplinary oceanography terminology in English.
- EOAS 5004Earth System Modeling[4-0-0:4]Prerequisite(s)EOAS 5000 or EOAS 5001 or EOAS 5005DescriptionThe course covers major processes and interactions of Earth system components and introduces the related numerical modeling concepts and techniques. It provides hands-on modeling projects to explore ideas of designing, constructing, and applying models to test hypotheses and enhance understanding of the Earth system processes and their response and feedback to the climate.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Analyze problems in earth system simulation based on fundamental scientific principles and by applying interdisciplinary skill and knowledge.
- 2.Describe earth from cutting-edge numerical technique and interdisciplinary perspectives including physics, chemistry, biology and geology.
- 3.Communicate problem solutions using correct numerical and scientific terminology of earth system simulation in English.
- EOAS 5005Introduction to Atmospheric Science[3-0-0:3]DescriptionThis course introduces the fundamental principles and processes that govern the Earth’s atmosphere, covering a broad range of topics including atmospheric thermodynamics, radiative transfer, cloud formation, atmospheric circulation, weather systems, and climate variability. These core concepts provide the foundation for understanding the role of the atmosphere in the global energy and water cycles. The course also synthesizes these topics within the context of pressing societal challenges such as extreme weather events, air pollution, and climate change.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Gain basic knowledge of the essential physical and chemical processes in the atmosphere.
- 2.Use the knowledge gained to explain key phenomena in the atmosphere and in the Earth system in general.
- 3.Build a fundamental understanding of atmosphere's role in the global energy balance, water and carbon cycles.
- 4.Identify trends and challenges in atmospheric research and form scientific questions.
- 5.Develop analytical skills in solving problems in atmospheric science and related interdisciplinary fields.
- EOAS 5006Global Carbon Cycle and Climate Change[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)EOAS 6000BDescriptionThis course provides fundamental knowledge of how carbon flows through the land-ocean-atmosphere continuum and how carbon interacts with the cycling of water and other essential biogeochemical elements to regulate the Earth’s climate. It provides insight into human activities altering the carbon cycle, the global climate, and ecosystem dynamics. It also explores nature-based solutions or eco-engineering strategies for achieving carbon neutrality and mitigating adverse climate and ecosystem changes.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Develop interdisciplinary concepts and knowledge in the global carbon cycle and its crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate.
- 2.Acquire foundational knowledge and theories of carbon and other essential biogeochemical cycles, and understand how they will both affect and respond to global changes and human activities.
- 3.Appreciate the latest research trend and state-of-the-art techniques in achieving carbon neutralization and mitigating adverse climate and ecosystem changes.
- 4.Build fundamental knowledge and analytical skills useful in natural sciences in general.
- EOAS 5007Watershed Biogeochemistry[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)EOAS 6000EBackgroundStudents are expected to have a basic understanding of the physical environment we are living in, and the environmental problems facing our society.DescriptionThis course addresses foundational theories, knowledge, and current challenges within the broad and interdisciplinary field of watershed biogeochemistry, focusing on the biogeochemical, hydrological, and ecological connections across the land-air-water continuum in watersheds. General themes will be explored through lectures on basic theories and discussions of recent literature. More specific questions and methodological approaches will be introduced using hands-on practices and excursions to field sites. This course will enhance students' understanding of water, carbon, and nutrient cycling along the terrestrial-aquatic interface.
- EOAS 5008Academic Presentation Skills[0-1-0:1]Previous Course Code(s)EOAS 6000FDescriptionThis course is designed to provide postgraduate students with the opportunity to practice speaking and presenting their research in front of scientific audiences. Students will select research topics and organize presentations within the interdisciplinary studies of ocean-atmosphere-land interactions for faculty and other students.
- EOAS 5009Environmental Exposure and Risk Assessment[3-0-0:3]Previous Course Code(s)EOAS 6000ICo-list withSEEN 5220Exclusion(s)SEEN 5220DescriptionThis course explores the sources, impacts, and control measures for different types of environmental pollutants, covering topics such as air pollutants, drinking water pollutants, and soil pollution (including organic pollutants and heavy metals), etc. Students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to design and implement effective pollution control measures for diverse environmental challenges.
- EOAS 6000Special Topics in Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences[1-4 credit(s)]DescriptionSelected topics of current interest in emerging areas and not covered by existing courses. May be repeated for credit if different topics are covered. May be graded by letter or P/F for different offerings.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Develop interdisciplinary concepts and knowledge in the chosen topics in Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences
- 2.Acquire foundational knowledge and theories of the chosen topics
- 3.Appreciate the latest research trend and state-of-the-art techniques in the chosen topics
- 4.Build fundamental knowledge and analytical skills useful in natural sciences in general
- EOAS 6900Independent Study[1-3 credit(s)]DescriptionStudy on selected topics in the Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences under the supervision of a faculty member.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills in the selected topics related to the Earth, Ocean, and
Atmospheric Sciences (EOAS). - 2.Apply an interdisciplinary approach in examining the selected topics.
- 3.Critically evaluate different aspects of the selected topics.
- 4.Communicate findings effectively in written reports.
- EOAS 6990MPhil Thesis ResearchDescriptionMaster's thesis research supervised by co-advisors from different disciplines. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Design, develop and conduct cross-disciplinary research in Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric System.
- 2.Communicate research findings effectively in written and oral presentations.
- EOAS 7990Doctoral Thesis ResearchDescriptionOriginal and independent doctoral thesis research supervised by co-advisors from different disciplines. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Design, develop and conduct cross-disciplinary research in Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric System.
- 2.Communicate research findings effectively in written and oral presentations.
