Program Overview

Bachelor of Social Sciences (Honours) in Environment and Resources Management

The Bachelor of Social Sciences (Hons) in Environment and Resources Management is a full-time programme for graduates of Associate Degree or Higher Diploma. The programme focuses on human interactions with the environment by emphasising the management of natural resources.

Programme Overview

The programme explores the key issues that shape the outlook for world environment and the sustainable ways by which natural resources can be utilised. It aims to enable students to gain and apply technical knowledge within a multi-disciplinary systems paradigm to address complex natural and anthropogenic problems that impact the environmental condition. Special emphasis will be placed on habitat and resources management, renewable energy, carbon audit and management, green business, climate change, as well as practical skills in ecology and environmental assessment.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

1. Provide students with a foundational knowledge in both the natural and social sciences in order to apply interdisciplinary approaches in studying and analysing environmental issues;
2. Deepen students' appreciation of natural environment and understanding of healthy ecological systems and a sustainable environment;
3. Develop students' familiarity with and ability to utilise environmental research methodologies, ecological field skills and statistical tools to identify and critically analyse environmental and conservation issues in the local, regional and global contexts;
4. Heighten students' sensitivity to conflicts and challenges in current issues concerning environmental conservation, urban development and resource management; and
5. Sharpen students' understanding of the contents and impacts of specific environmental policies and legislations and planning requirements pertaining to environmental management.

Programme Structure

The structure of the curriculum is as follows:

• Major Courses: 57 units
• Honours Project: 6 units
• University Language Courses: 9 units
• General Education Courses: 22 units
• Free Electives: 34 units Total units: 128 units

Requirements

The four-year degree programme requires students to complete a total of 128 units. Students with Associate Degree or Higher Diploma qualifications will normally be admitted directly into the third year of study to complete the programme in two years.

Programme Details

The programme consists of:

• Major Required Courses (30 units)
  • ERMT2005 Global Environmental Issues
  • ERMT2015 Physical Geography
  • ERMT3005 Anthropogenic Climate Change and Society
  • ERMT3015 Natural Resources Management
  • ERMT3025 Research Methods and Statistics
  • ERMT3055 Laboratory Environmental Analysis
  • ERMT3065 Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology
  • ERMT4005 Environmental Impact Assessment and Management
  • ERMT4015 Advanced Topics in Environmental Planning and Management
  • ERMT4025 Environmental, Social and Governance
• Major Elective Courses (27 units)
  • APPY3037 Social Psychology
  • CSCI3135 Exploring the City
  • ERMT2105 Tourism and Sustainability
  • ERMT3105 Environmental Biotechnology
  • ERMT3115 Environmental Pollution and Toxicology
  • ERMT3125 Internship for Environment and Resources Management
  • ERMT3145 Urban Development and Environment
  • ERMT3155 Environment and Resources Management Field Camp
  • ERMT3165 Environmental Health and Policy
  • ERMT4105 Biodiversity and Conservation
  • ERMT4115 Energy Audit and Carbon Management
  • ERMT4125 Environmental Law, Policy and Ethics
  • ERMT4145 Integrated Waste Management
  • ERMT4155 Restoration Ecology and Habitat Management
  • ERMT4165 The Pearl River Delta: An Environmental Survey
• Honours Project (6 units)
  • ERMT4008 Honours Project I
  • ERMT4009 Honours Project II
• University Language Courses (9 units)
• General Education Courses (22 units)
• Free Electives (34 units)