This 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.

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain the critical physical processes responsible for global warming and its impact.
• Summarize essential components of global climate models and analyze climate data set.
• Identify key stakeholders in climate discussions and policymaking and explain their roles.
• Evaluate the difficulties and opportunities of some technology options for climate adaptation and mitigation.
• Assess the strategy and progress in climate risk management by some countries through literature review and data analysis.

The 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. Previous Course Code(s): ENVR 6040G

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Apply the basic concepts of fluid dynamics and key variables describing the structure and motion of atmosphere.
• Formulate the primitive equations and perform their simplifications.
• Define circulation and vorticity, and their relationship.
• Describe dynamical structure of the flow in the planetary boundary layer.
• Describe the quasi-geostrophic theory to depict and explain the mid-latitude synoptic-scale motions.
• Interpret the observed characteristics of large-scale atmospheric motions with fundamental principles.

This course is designed for students at the start of their postgraduate studies. The course will provide students with knowledge in understanding and using statistical methods in environmental science and applications. Probability distributions, parametric tests of significance against non-parametric tests, Monte Carlo methods, Principal Component Analysis, etc. will be taught in the course facilitated by extensive use of real world problems as example. Fundamental knowledge of the statistic concepts and experience in using at least one data analysis tool such as excel, python or Matlab

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain the concepts of basic statistical methods.
• Use probability distributions, parametric tests, non-parametric tests and Monte Carlo methods to analyze environmental database and solve environmental problems creatively.
• Use Principal Component Analysis, and correlation methods to analyze environmental datasets and discover the linkage between the data results and with environmental problems.
• Solve the real world environmental problems using statistical tools independently and creatively.

This course covers the dynamics of the atmosphere and ocean and the coupled dynamics, which govern our weather and climate. The course will introduce the essential features of the atmosphere and ocean circulation, as well as theories about instabilities in geophysical fluids. Knowledge and skills for running weather and climate models and analyzing data are also practiced in the course. Fundamental knowledge of (geophysical) fluid dynamics is recommended.

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Describe basic structures of the atmospheric and oceanic circulation.
• Explain known mechanisms governing the variability of the climate.
• Conduct further research related to climate variability.
• Present their research/practice results to experts and general audience.

Satellite remote sensing technique measures geophysical parameters from the electromagnetic energy emitted or reflected from the earth, and can be used to estimate earth surface characteristics, atmospheric compositions and profiles, and meteorological processes. This course provides a brief overview of the fundamental essentials to understand the remote sensing process, satellite data products, and their applications in atmosphere, land, and ocean. Previous Course Code(s): ENVR 6040L

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Identify and describe the algorithm and process used by satellite remote sensing to measure the physical properties of distant objects.
• Compare and contrast the most common sensors and techniques for satellite remote sensing.
• Explain basic electromagnetic concepts and applications to optical sensors.
• Define and exemplify the principles of applications in atmosphere, land, and ocean.
• Access satellite remote sensing products from online data archives.
• Apply data products for spatial and temporal variation analysis on parameters, compositions, and profiles of atmosphere, land, and ocean.

In this course, the students will gain a deeper understanding of the weather and climate systems that affect Hong Kong and the Asia/Pacific sector, the basic physical principles governing the atmospheric motion, and the formation mechanism of severe air pollution; and be able to use online tools to assess the cause of severe air pollution episodes in Hong Kong and mainland China.

Offerings are announced each term, if deemed necessary, to cover emerging topics in environmental science not covered in the present curriculum.

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Identify the latest technologies and scientific developments on topic concerned.
• Integrate with the status quo knowledge/practices on the topic/subject.
• Project the near future trend of development concerned.
• Anticipate the research/business/in-field opportunities on the topic/subject.

An 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. Background: second year Science or Engineering. Previous Course Code(s): ENVR 605, AMCE 605; Exclusion(s): OCES 5001

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Describe ocean sciences from interdisciplinary perspectives including physics, chemistry, biology, and geology.
• Analyze environmental and earth system problems based on fundamental scientific principles and by applying interdisciplinary skill and knowledge.
• Communicate problem solutions using correct oceanographic terminology in English.

This course introduces the impacts and toxic effects of environmental pollutants on growth, morphology and species richness of marine organisms with emphasis at the population, community and ecosystem level. Concepts and methods to assess the impacts of toxicants in marine organisms and environment will also be discussed. Exclusion(s): OCES 5320

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Evaluate the scope of ecotoxicology study and recognize the major classes of pollutants.
• Interpret the major concepts in ecotoxicology study, such as the entry and fate, bioaccumulation and bioavailability.
• Analyze the ecological and biological responses of pollutants at different levels.
• Apply methods in conducting ecotoxicology research, such as the kinetic modelling, biomonitoring, toxicity testing, biomarkers and toxicity mechanisms study.
• Conduct risk assessment in real environmental settings.

This course aims to study microorganisms in the natural environment and their potential impacts on human beings. Pesticides, chemicals, radiation, air and water pollution are the manmade hazards that are believed to contribute to human illness. Microorganisms or environmental agents cause airborne and waterborne infectious diseases as well as microbial biodegradation of pollutants will also be discussed.

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Define the role of the physical environments in the dispersal of pathogens and in the transmission of diseases.
• Estimate the effects of climate change on disease epidemiology.
• Analyze the roles of socio-economic factors in the emergence of new diseases and the emergency of antibiotic resistant microbes.

Study 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. Previous Course Code(s): EVSM 695, ENVR 695, AMCE 695

This course aims to study microorganisms in the natural environment and their potential impacts on human beings. Pesticides, chemicals, radiation, air and water pollution are the manmade hazards that are believed to contribute to human illness. Microorganisms or environmental agents cause airborne and waterborne infectious diseases as well as microbial biodegradation of pollutants will also be discussed.

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Conduct an independent study or a mini-project on a specific environmental topic.
• Apply an interdisciplinary approach in the studied topic.
• Communicate key findings through a written report.

An 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. Previous Course Code(s): EVSM 695, ENVR 695, AMCE 695

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Carry out an independent study on a defined topic of an environmental issue or practice.
• Conduct literature and/or laboratory research on the defined topic.
• Apply the interdisciplinary approach in reviewing the latest developments, technologies or management strategies of the chosen topic.
• Present the study precisely and concisely in written and/or oral means.

Atmospheric boundary layer, lapse rate, stability classification, atmospheric turbulence, dispersion modeling, boundary layer wind-tunnel. Previous Course Code(s): JEVE 526; Background: MECH 2210

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Explain the physical principles governing the atmosphere and its circulation.
• Identify the science and engineering of air quality issues and the principles of air quality management.
• Quantify the impact of air pollution from different emission sources using simple models.
• Integrate the knowledge and utilize available web resources to explain the formation, maintenance and dissipation of air pollution episodes in Hong Kong and Southern China.

[Co-List with CBME 5320] Water quality standards, chemical, physical and biological contaminants in water. General laboratory measurements and instrumental analysis based on optical, electrical and chromatography methods. Toxicity and BOD tests. Pathogenic micro-organisms and microbial examination of water. Environment sampling and quality control and assurance. Previous Course Code(s): JEVE 532; Exclusion(s): CBME 5320, CENG 5320

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Identify and quantify the water pollutants of the conventional wastewaters such as municipal wastewater, industrial wastewater, clinical wastewater, etc.
• Use the fundamental knowledge to design practical wastewater treatment processes for specific wastewater sources.
• Quantify and evaluate the wastewater treatment processes' efficiencies via specific characterization techniques like Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy for organic group detection, Inductively Coupled Plasma for metal ion quantification, UV-vis Spectroscopy for organic compounds analysis.
• Conduct and design a quantitative and qualitative methodology for analyzing the water quality via a project-based case study.
• Strengthen communication skills via written reports and oral presentations.

[Co-List with CIEM 5420 ] Principles of secondary, biological treatment processes, including sewage sand filters, trickling filters, activated sludge plants, lagoons, ponds, rotating biological contactors, aerobic and anaerobic digesters, and biological nutrient removal. Management of waste treatment systems and works. Exclusion(s): CIEM 5420, CIVL 5420; Background: CIVL 3420

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Define the fundamental and advanced knowledge of current solid wastes and wastewater treatment and disposal systems and their problems in Hong Kong and beyond.
• Identify key problems of water and wastewater treatment processes, and propose fundamental engineering and management solution.
• Professionally judge and assess the advantages and disadvantages of various sewage treatment technologies such as MEL, AGS, BABY, Anammox, etc.
• Select the treatment processes/technologies for meeting a more stringent discharge requirement for water pollution control with focus of tertiary treatment.
• Design basic treatment units and systems for municipal wastewater treatment.

[Co-List with CIEM 5460] Principles, design and management practices of physico/chemical treatment processes for removing contaminants from drinking water and municipal wastewaters; includes coagulation and flocculation, sedimentation, air flotation, centrifugation, filtration, membrane, air stripping, carbon adsorption, disinfection, chemical oxidation processes, operation management and residual management. Previous Course Code(s): JEVE 546; Exclusion(s): CIEM 5460, CIVL 5410

On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Describe the fundamental and advanced knowledge of physical-chemical processes in the environmental engineering field.
• Identify problems and propose feasible engineering or management solutions during the operation of water and wastewater treatment processes.
• Design the physical-chemical unit processes and integrate them to systems for water and wastewater treatment.
• Analyze major factors impacting physical-chemical treatment systems and provide management strategies.