This module provides a basic introduction to the development of environmental science subject and the major environmental issues human beings are facing currently. More importantly, it will enable the students to understand the coordination between environmental protection and sustainable economic development. Students will also learn the origin and current application and sustainable development ideas in the field of environmental science.
A To understand the basic characteristics of the earth environment and the relationship between human beings and the various earth’s spheres;
B To obtain the general idea of the major environmental problems at present;
C To understand the origin and characteristics of sustainable development strategy as well as its indicator systems and some real practices in China and aboard;
D To realize the main means of environmental protection and the importance of clean production.
The Module is taught through traditional two hour weekly lectures and by active participation in every other week workshops and one short fieldtrip. Lecture sessions are supported by class notes and reading materials. Students will have small group discussions to generate their own ideas on how to apply the sustainable development strategy into daily life and do a presentation related to it. Field trip will provide students opportunities to observe how sustainable development has been integrated into various aspects of human activities. *If the University decides to cancel or postpone the field trip due to unforeseen environmental and/or political circumstances, the department will either plan an appropriate substitute activity to meet the intended learning outcomes of the trip or make necessary arrangements to organise the trip at a later time, as appropriate.