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

Programme Director: Dr CHOW, Karen

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

Specifically, 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.

The structure of the curriculum is as follows:

Requirements

The four-year degree programme requires students to complete a total of 128 units, including 57 units of Major Courses, 6 units of Honours Project, 13 units of University Core Courses, 18 units of General Education Courses and 34 units of Free Electives.

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. The number of courses/units the students are required to complete will depend on the number of courses/units for which exemption and/or unit transfer will be granted. All unit transfer or course exemption shall be considered on a case-by-case basis upon admission. Students are required to complete all programme prerequisites, University Core and General Education Courses to meet the graduation requirement. Make-up courses may be required on admission.

Specifically, students are required to complete 30 units of Major Required Courses, 27 units of Major Elective Courses, 6 units of Honours Project and 3 units of General Education Capstone Course.

The programme structure is set out as follows: