Undergraduate Courses 2019-20

Undergraduate courses marked with [BLD] or [ONL] may be offered in the mode of blended learning or pure online delivery respectively, subject to different offerings. Students should check the delivery mode of the class section before registration.

• OCES 1001

  The Earth as a Blue Planet

  3 Credit(s)
  Mode of Delivery

  [BLD] Blended learning

  Description

  The ocean is the largest life supporting habitat on Earth, and yet, it is less explored than the surface of the moon. This survey course introduces students to the fundamental, cross-disciplinary knowledge of our ocean from its formation, to the physics in circulation and climate modulation, to the chemistry and biology of the living systems within.
• OCES 1030

  Environmental Science

  3 Credit(s)
  Alternate code(s)

  LIFS 1030

  Description

  This course introduces students to the general concepts of environment, natural resources, and sustainable development. The topics include pressing global, regional and local environmental changes; life-supporting systems of our planet; biodiversity and its conservation; atmosphere, water resources, and their pollutions; solid and hazardous waste management; environmental health and sustainable development. Throughout the course, students will gain a sufficient background and a better understanding of the root-causes of the upfront environmental issues. They will also become more aware of their role, as citizens, in environmental protection and sustainable development.
• OCES 2002

  Marine Chemistry

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  CHEM 1030

  Description

  This course is an introduction to chemical oceanography. It describes the chemistry of the ocean based on distribution and dynamics of elements, isotopes, atoms and molecules. This ranges from fundamental physical, thermodynamic and kinetic chemistry to two-way interactions of ocean chemistry with biological, geological and physical processes. It encompasses both inorganic and organic chemistry, and includes studies of ocean-atmosphere dynamics and marine sediments.
• OCES 2003

  Descriptive Physical Oceanography

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  (PHYS 1111 OR PHYS 1112 OR PHYS 1312) AND (MATH 1012 OR MATH 1013 OR MATH 1020 OR MATH 1023)

  Description

  This course is an introduction to physical oceanography that includes topics such as physical description of the sea, physical properties of seawater, methods and measurements, wind-driven ocean circulation, abyssal ocean circulation, boundary processes, and wave motions. Large-scale distributions and processes that are central to the ocean’s role in Earth’s climate and biosphere will also be addressed and discussed.
• OCES 2011

  A Practicum on Wetland Conservation

  3 Credit(s)
  Alternate code(s)

  LIFS 2011

  Description

  This one-year course engages students in practical training and enriches their knowledge and skills in interpretive services under ecotourism, identification of wetland species, and nature photography. The students will also have a chance to contribute to the society through environmental education. At the end of the course, students should gain hands-on experience in environmental conservation and improve their skills in communication, problem solving, team work, and time management. For LIFS and ENVS students only. Approval of the course coordinator is needed for students to enroll in this course. Graded PP, P or F.
• OCES 3002

  Remote Sensing, GIS and GPS

  3 Credit(s)
  Previous Course Code(s)

  ENVS 4012A

  Description

  Geospatial data technology is an information system designed for environmental management and is comprised of Geographic Information System (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS) and Remote Sensing. With the rapid development of internet and geospatial technology, tremendous amount of environmental data has become easily available at our fingertips. By learning the concepts of geospatial data technology and its applications, students will learn the use of geospatial data technology as an essential tool for us to better understand, manage and conserve the ocean and its resource.
• OCES 3003

  Field Methods in Marine Studies

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  Through this course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills for sample collection and in situ measurement in various marine habitats. The topics will include (i) the design of scientifically robust sampling plans, (ii) safety precautions for field activities, (iii) proper collection and preservation of field samples, (iv) proper measurement and recording of in situ environmental parameters, and (v) post field trip sample storage and data management.
• OCES 3004

  Ocean Sensors and Instrumentation

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  ENVS 2004 AND ENVS 3001

  Description

  This course aims to provide students with an understanding of the theoretical and practical principles of making measurements in the ocean as well as an opportunity to build and design simple deployment.
• OCES 3130

  Marine Biology

  3 Credit(s)
  Alternate code(s)

  LIFS 3130

  Description

  Survey of the major marine living organisms; their habitat and community structures; trophic interactions and the marine ecosystem.
• OCES 3160

  Ecology

  3 Credit(s)
  Alternate code(s)

  LIFS 3160

  Description

  Basic principles and patterns of ecology; population growth; community interaction; ecosystem; ecosphere.
• OCES 3201

  Biological Oceanography

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  ENVS 2004 AND (OCES 3160 OR LIFS 3160)

  Description

  This course examines major patterns and processes in coastal, benthic, and upper ocean pelagic ecosystems. We will explore mechanisms that control abundances and distribution of organisms, from plankton to fishes, including a brief survey of ecosystem models. This course will also cover human-impacts on the ocean and highlight interdisciplinary management tools.
• OCES 3202

  Chemical Oceanography

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  ENVS 2004 AND OCES 2002

  Description

  This course focuses on the major biogeochemical processes in the coastal, benthic, and upper ocean pelagic ecosystems that control the abundances, distribution and transformation of chemical substances. The impacts of human activities and climate change on these processes will be discussed. The use of isotope tracers as a tool to investigate the age and sources of water masses will be illustrated.
• OCES 3203

  Physical Oceanography

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  OCES 2003 AND {MATH 2350 OR [(MATH 2111 OR MATH 2121 OR MATH 2131) AND (MATH 2351 OR MATH 2352)]}

  Description

  This course adopts mathematical tools and laws of physics to unlock various oceanic motions with different temporal and spatial scales. Students will learn thermodynamic properties of seawater, equations of motion of stratified and rotating fluid, boundary current and Ekman transport, planetary waves, and eddy-mean flow interactions.
• OCES 3301

  Data Analysis in Ocean Science

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  (MATH 2411 OR LIFS 3150) AND (COMP 1021 OR COMP 1029P)

  Description

  The goal of the course is to learn basic numerical analysis tools needed to compute and practice simple techniques for analyzing oceanographic data. These analysis include basic statistics, curve fitting, and simple graphics. Students will learn these techniques through examples from ocean data sets. Students will learn to conduct these analyses with Python or R and are not assumed to have experience in programming.
• OCES 3302

  Marine Pollution Tracking

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  The marine environment is susceptible to a range wide of land-based pollution such as sewage, industrial effluent and terrestrial runoff. Very often the pollution source is either concealed or diffuse without an apparent point of discharge. The tracking of pollution source is essential to accurate assessment of the ecosystem and health consequences as well as effective mitigation and remedial actions. Pollution source tracking is a cross-disciplinary challenge, involving knowledge and skills in microbiology, molecular biology, chemistry, hydrodynamics, etc. This course serves to provide an in-depth understanding of the principle of pollution source tracking, the cutting-edge technology in the field and also case studies from Hong Kong and other parts of the world.
• OCES 3330

  Marine Biology Laboratory

  3 Credit(s)
  Alternate code(s)

  LIFS 3330

  Corequisite(s)

  LIFS 3130 OR OCES 3130

  Description

  Both laboratory and field investigations will provide the opportunity to apply and adapt the experimental methods developed here to specific groups of marine organisms, diversified marine habitats, and practical issues in marine/environmental science. Tutorial sessions and field trips will be used to enhance student's understanding of the practical work and the theories covered in the lectures.
• OCES 4202

  Marine Biotechnology

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  ENVS 3005

  Description

  The goal of this course is provide the students a comprehensive understanding of marine biotechnology. The students will be able to learn the basic concepts of marine biodiversity, biotechnology, and the production of different compounds. At the end of this course, the students will be able to evaluate the importance of marine resources and propose a sustainable way to utilize them.
• OCES 4302

  Ocean Modelling

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  OCES 3203 AND COMP 1021 AND MATH 2350

  Description

  This course introduces numerical methods in physical oceanography to study various processes in the ocean general circulation. Students will learn to implement numerical tools to discretize and solve the governing equations in physical oceanography, and to configure and run general ocean circulation models on high-performance computers. Students should possess certain level of programming skills prior to taking this course.
• OCES 4320

  Marine Toxicology

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  OCES 2002

  Description

  Marine toxicology aims to provide fundamental concepts in the toxicology of marine pollution, with focuses on the general properties and principles of persistent and or toxic substances commonly encountered in the marine environment and in the biota, and their effects on humans and their actions and movement in the marine environment. How chemicals are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the biological organisms in the marine environment will be examined. The biological response to the toxicants and its mechanisms will be covered. Knowledge and techniques in the monitoring, measurement and management of toxicants and pollutants in the marine environment will be discussed.
• OCES 4910

  Independent Study

  1-3 Credit(s)
  Description

  Independent studies or projects under the directed guidance of a faculty member. Enrollment in the course requires prior approval of the course instructor, and credits assigned depend on the workload. Students may repeat the course up to two times if different topics are taken. Graded P or F.
• OCES 4940

  Special Topics in Ocean Science and Technology

  1-4 Credit(s)
  Description

  This course will focus on emerging topics in ocean science and technology. The topics will be explored through lectures, field work and/or workshops. For OST students in their third and fourth year of study.
• OCES 4964

  Ocean Science and Technology Capstone Project Research

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  Under the supervision of a faculty member, students will undertake a project about ocean science and technology. The project can be delivered through the format of literature review or research. Students are required to submit a written report. Subject to the nature of the project, students may be required to give oral presentation as well. For OST students in their third and fourth year of study only. Instructor’s approval is needed for enrollment in the course.
• OCES 4974

  Ocean Science and Technology Research Project I

  3 Credit(s)
  Description

  This is the first course of the two-term project. Students will undertake a research project about ocean science and technology under faculty supervision. Through the reading of scientific literature, field/laboratory studies, meetings with supervisors, and presentations in laboratory meetings, students will learn the latest knowledge in their chosen field of research and the skills in hypothesis synthesis and testing, experimental design, data collection and analysis, and scientific communication. Students will be evaluated for their performance through continuous assessment by the supervisor and an oral presentation held at the end of the course. For OST students in their fourth year of study only. Instructor’s approval is required for enrollment in the course.
• OCES 4984

  Ocean Science and Technology Research Project II

  3 Credit(s)
  Prerequisite(s)

  OCES 4974

  Description

  This course is a continuation of OCES 4974 in which students will undertake a research project about ocean science and technology under faculty supervision. Through the reading of scientific literature, field/laboratory studies, meetings with supervisors, and presentations in laboratory meetings, students will learn the latest knowledge in their chosen field of research and the skills in hypothesis synthesis and testing, experimental design, data collection and analysis, and scientific communication. Students will be evaluated for their performance through continuous assessment by the supervisor and a written report to be submitted at the end of the course. For OST students in their fourth year of study only. Instructor’s approval is required for enrollment in the course.