This Course Guide has been taken from the most recent presentation of the course. It would be useful for reference purposes but please note that there may be updates for the following presentation.
ENVR S403
Applications of Biology and Chemistry in Environmental Studies
Welcome to the course ENVR S403 Applications of Biology and Chemistry in Environmental Studies.
This is a two-semester, ten-credit optional course for students pursuing the BSc/BSc(Hons) in Applied Science (Biology and Chemistry). Environmental studies is an integrative discipline that provides a dynamic understanding of a rapidly changing world. It examines the interrelationships between people and the environment. This course equips you with up-to-date knowledge from fundamental concepts to practical techniques of chemistry and biology that are relevant to environmental studies. It is specifically designed to prepare you for dealing with the growing challenges to the environment.
ENVR S403 will be delivered in print mode, with support from the University's Online Learning Environment (OLE). Aside from the study units, journal articles, newspaper and reviews are the principal course materials. In each unit, readings are suggested to supplement and enhance your understanding. Tutorials and surgeries further support different learning activities and tutor-student communication. The assignments will provide a platform for revision and prepare you for the final examination.
This Course Guide gives you an overview of ENVR S403 Applications of Biology and Chemistry in Environmental Studies and helps you to work through the materials. In this guide, you will find out about the information resources and support provided by HKMU to facilitate your learning, as well as the assessment procedures used to evaluate your performance. Suggestions on the total amount of time you should spend on each unit are also given to facilitate good time management. Please read through and refer to this Course Guide when needed.
Course aims
ENVR S403 Applications of Biology and Chemistry in Environmental Studies aims to:
Course learning outcomes
Upon completion of ENVR S403, you should be able to:
There are ten units in this course. These ten units provide you with a working knowledge of the scientific background required to address many environmental problems from biological and chemical perspectives. Starting with a board overview of current and emerging environmental issues, the first three units provide a framework helping you to master basic facts, concepts and terminology of chemistry and biology to undertake environmental studies. Units 4-5 lead you to insights into the finite availability of natural resources from the governing equations of conservation of mass and conservation of energy. Units 6-8 explore various aspects of urban environmental pollution and mitigation measures. To sum up, the last two units offer a basic appreciation of the meaning and scope of sustainable development particularly covering nature conversation, biodiversity and urban management.
Each of the study units presents at least one advanced subject, with elaboration of key concepts to help you fully digest the course content. Journal and newspaper articles are the main supplementary study materials. In addition, activities and self-tests are interspersed in each unit. Activities help you to explore and apply the concepts you are learning, while self-tests are useful for checking how well you have grasped the materials. Feedback to the activities and self-test questions is also provided. Throughout the course, we will assess your understanding of the course materials by means of assignments and a final examination.
Course materials
Study units
A brief description of each study unit is given below.
Unit 1 Current environmental problems
In Unit 1, we will give a brief overview of environmental studies by looking at the sources, causes and impacts of natural resource extraction and environmental pollution. You will find that massive urbanization, widespread industrialization, rapid economic development and soaring population growth have placed great demands on our environment and caused significant ecological damage. We will also discuss some recent environmental disasters to demonstrate the importance of environmental protection and sound management practice for long-term sustainable development.
Unit 2 Environmental chemistry and analysis
In Unit 2, we will take a deeper look at environmental chemistry. Environmental chemistry is the study of the sources, reactions, transport, effects and fates of chemical species in the air, water, the ground, and living environments and the effects of human activities thereon. The interchange of chemical species among various environmental spheres complicates environmental chemistry. Throughout an environmental system, there are variations in the temperature, mixing, intensity of solar radiation, input of materials, and various other factors that strongly influence chemical conditions and behaviour.
Unit 3 Environmental microbiology and toxicology
Considering the interrelationships among humans, other living organisms and the environment, environmental microbiology is a sub-category of environmental studies. More specifically, the major issues of environmental microbiology include the impacts that human activities have on other living organisms and vice versa, the effects of humans and other living organisms on the environment and vice versa, as well as the conservation of biological diversity. Ultimately, we seek the establishment of sustainable coexistence between humans and other living organisms. In Unit 3, we will choose some topics with the goal of covering the environmental microbiology you will need to understand the nature of pollution problems and their likely effects.
Unit 4 Material flow analysis
In Unit 4, we will cover some topics that illustrate the limited availability of material resources. Mass cannot be created nor destroyed. This is commonly called the 'law of conservation of mass.' This law reveals that the mass of a completely isolated closed system will remain constant over time. The unit will begin with the concept of the tragedy of the commons. Subsequently, selected metal resources and wood resources will be discussed. The unit will conclude with a discussion of material resource management. Dematerialization, substitution of materials, recycling and the extraction of useful materials from waste are important for effective material resource management.
Unit 5 Energy resources and consumption
There are various generic terms to describe energy. Energy is relative. Energy is convertible. Energy is war. Energy means economic development. In Unit 5, we will examine these in detail. We will show you how to distinguish between population and species, habitat and niche, community and ecosystem, explain how abiotic and biotic factors influence ecosystems, examine the global energy crisis and the underlying science, outline the development of the modern energy industry ecosystem, and describe the fundamentals of carbon sequestration.
Unit 6 Ambient and indoor air quality control and monitoring
In Unit 6, we will select some topics to help you understand ambient and indoor air quality and their likely effects. Air is necessary for most organisms to survive on the earth, and is one of the most vital natural resources for humans. We know that the emission of toxic chemicals and particles into the atmosphere creates air pollution and causes deterioration in the air quality of surrounding areas. We want to maintain air quality not only to prevent undesirable health effects but also the adverse financial implications of diseases, illnesses and property loss and damage.
Unit 7 Water quantity and quality issues
An adequate supply of clean water is essential to the survival of life. Very often, water resources refer to the current and future availability of water for both municipal and industrial uses. Water is an important natural resource and there is no substitute for it. In Unit 7, we will go through some selected topics covering major water quantity and quality issues. This is essential for understanding water resources in the scheme of sustainable development.
Unit 8 Solid and hazardous waste management
Waste is commonly referred to as 'solid waste,' though some waste, especially chemical and hazardous waste, is liquid. Hong Kong is a developed economy characterized by consumption which generates lots of waste. Solid waste has become a headache. Apart from the thermal destruction process of waste, biology and chemistry are applied to understand the biological and chemical effects of waste on the environment, and in the development of various biological and chemical treatment methodologies. In Unit 8, we will show you how to categorize solid wastes into non-hazardous and hazardous wastes, explain the properties of each type of waste, and outline the basic methodologies in municipal solid waste and hazardous waste treatment and management.
Unit 9 Nature conservation and biodiversity
In Unit 9, we will cover some topics that illustrate the importance of nature conservation and its contribution to economic growth and sustainable development. The traditional expression 'Mother Nature' suggests the life-giving and nurturing features of the earth and its biosphere. The natural environment and biodiversity, which is a key element in nature conservation, are increasingly threatened by human disturbance and urban development. Preserving biodiversity has both direct and indirect benefits for human beings. This unit will begin with biological resource analysis followed by a discussion of the reasons for a loss of biodiversity. Lastly, the management of endangered and extinct species will be discussed.
Unit 10 Global environmental outlook and strategic urban planning
As the course title suggests, this course is designed to stimulate us to think about the application of biology and chemistry in environmental studies. In the previous units, you learn about various biological and chemical processes, for example, in creating 'food' by plants, the formation of dioxin, composting, treating hazardous waste with plants, and so on. Unit 10 providesan overview of the application of biology and chemistry in relation to our ecosystem and how governments are responding to that.
Set textbook
As the goal of this course is to introduce you to current issues in environmental studies from the perspective of biology and chemistry, the course content will be largely based on journal articles and no set textbook is required.
Readings
You may be instructed in the study units to read articles or other supplementary materials. These will be available online or provided as hard copies at the backs of the study units. For online readings, instead of typing in the URL, you can click the link in the online study unit provided in the OLE. Study units give further guidance on these readings, and set out the learning approach for self-instruction.
References
You may refer to the following reference materials to expand your knowledge of the topics covered in the course:
Bitton, G (2005) Wastewater Microbiology, 3rd edn, John Wiley and Sons.
Davis, M L and Cornwell, D A (1998) Introduction to Environmental Engineering, 2nd edn, McGraw-Hill.
LaGrega, M D, Buckingham, P L, Evans, J C and Environmental Resources Management (2001) Hazardous Waste Management. 2nd edn, McGraw-Hill.
Masters, G M (1997) Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science, 2nd edn, Prentice Hall.
Peavy, H S, Rowe, D R and Tchobanoglous, G (1985) Environmental Engineering, Metcalf and Eddy.
Tchobanoglous, G, Burton, F L, Stensel, H D and Metcalf & Eddy (2003) Wastewater Engineering: Treatment and Reuse, 4th edn, McGraw-Hill.
Vallero, D A (2004) Environmental Contaminants: Assessment and Control, Elsevier.
Weiner, R F and Matthews, R (2003) Environmental Engineering, 4th edn, Butterworth-Heinemann.
Online and multimedia materials
Online Learning Environment (OLE)
ENVR S403 is supported by the HKMU's Online Learning Environment (OLE), which is a fully integrated e-learning platform for all teaching and learning activities of the course. Journal articles and the other course materials will be easily accessible through the OLE. A discussion board will also set up for communication among students, tutors and the Course Coordinator.
Other online resources
This course encourages students to search for relevant and useful materials from academic research groups and government websites. The websites below allow students to gain more insight into contemporary environmental studies. You are recommended to read updates from the following websites:
Course overview
The following table gives a general overview of the course structure.
Table 1 Course structure
| Units | Title | Study time (weeks) | Assignment |
| 1 | Current environmental problems | 3 | |
| 2 | Environmental chemistry and analysis | 3 | Assignment 1 |
| 3 | Environmental microbiology and toxicology | 3 | |
| 4 | Environmental resources and consumption | 3 | Assignment 2 |
| 5 | Energy resources and consumption | 3 | |
| 6 | Ambient and indoor air quality control and monitoring | 3 | Assignment 3 |
| 7 | Water quantity and quality issues | 3 | |
| 8 | Solid and hazardous waste management | 3 | Assignment 4 |
| 9 | Nature conversation and biodiversity | 3 | |
| 10 | Global environmental outlook and strategic urban planning | 3 | Assignment 5 |
| Revision | 2 | ||
| Total | 32 | 5 | |
Assignment File
Assignment details for this course are contained in your Assignment File. The nature of these assignments is described in the 'Assignments' section below. You are required to complete your assignments and send them to your tutor in accordance with the timetable provided in the Presentation Schedule explained below.
Presentation Schedule
The Presentation Schedule for this course is available on the University's online learning platform — Online Learning Environment (OLE). In this schedule, you will see the times (due dates) by which your tutor should receive your assignments. Please note that you must submit all your assignments in time for them to reach your tutor by the dates shown.
Non-print media
You will need to have a scientific calculator for the course. According to HKMU policy, all students are required to use an approved scientific calculator in the final examination.
Equipment requirements
Hardware
You will need access to a computer system suitable for connecting to the Internet. Here are the recommended minimum computing requirements:
Software
You will need access to a computer with Microsoft Windows XP/Vista/7 and a Web browser.
Assessment
The formal assessment includes five assignments and one final examination. Assignments account for 50% of the overall course score and the final examination accounts for the other 50%. The informal assessment includes self-assessed activities and self-tests in each unit.
Assignments
There will be five assignments for this course (the best four assignment marks are used in determining final grade). They are distributed evenly throughout the course. Each assignment will cover two units and count for 12.5% of the final assessment, so that assignments contribute 50% of the total course grade.
Final examination and grading
The final examination will be a three-hour closed book examination and will account for 50% of the total course grade. It covers all units. Emphasis will be put on the assessment of your ability to apply the tools and techniques learned in the course and your understanding of the relevant concepts and principles.
Course marking scheme
The assessment items are outlined in the following table.
| Assessment | Course area covered | Weighting | |
| Assignment 1 | Units 1−2 | 12.5% | 50% |
| Assignment 2 | Units 2−3 | 12.5% | |
| Assignment 3 | Units 4−6 | 12.5% | |
| Assignment 4 | Units 7−8 | 12.5% | |
| Assignment 5 | Units 9−10 | 12.5% | |
| Examination | Units 1−10 | 50% | |
| Total | 100% | ||
There are two different ways for providing you with support in the course, including direct personal contact and support through electronic means.
Telephone tutoring
Each tutor will allocate 18 hours per week for answering telephone calls from students.
Tutorials
There are eight tutorial sessions in the course, totalling 16 hours. The tutorials comprise interactive learning and activities involving supplementary materials. Tutors will provide guidance on planning and completing the assignments.
Surgeries
As a supplement to telephone tutoring, the course also includes surgery sessions that will be held every two weeks for a total of five surgeries spread throughout the course.
An on-duty tutor will chair each surgery. Each surgery aims to prove a face-to-face consultation on problem areas in your own studies. The last two surgeries may be used for revision.
You may bring along your questions on the study units, assignments and specimen examination papers when you consult the on-duty tutor.
Electronic means
Electronic mail and the discussion board in the OLE will allow you to post any questions and problems to your assigned tutors and fellow students. These interactive channels provide an effective and flexible way for students and tutors to communicate with each other. You can also easily access the E-Library and reference materials via the OLE.
ENVR S403 Applications of Biology and Chemistry in Environmental Studies attempts to cover aspects of environmental studies that are of interest and relevance to learners. You will gain up-to-date knowledge from fundamental concepts to practical techniques of chemistry and biology that are relevant to environmental studies.
To understand the content of this course, you will need to analyse the course materials and apply the concepts you are learning. We hope you will find this course both interesting and enjoyable, and be able to use the knowledge and skills you gain from this course throughout your career.
Good luck, and enjoy the course!
Dr Douglas Wong
Dr Douglas Wong has over ten year's practical experience in environmental studies, energy management and chemical engineering. Over the past decade, he has worked in advancing environmental sustainability and energy management in the commercial and industrial sectors. Key projects include energy efficiency improvement, product life-cycle analysis, carbon emission assessment, and water and wastewater management.
Dr Wong joined SGS Hong Kong Ltd as a chemical management consultant immediately upon completion of his doctorate degree. SGS Hong Kong Ltd is a global professional services provider offering inspection, verification, testing and certification to various clients. He has extensive experience in chemical process and environmental engineering, specializing in environmental permitting solutions. Dr Wong currently serves as a regional operation manager in China, providing quality services in environmental and energy consultancy. He is an active member in developing regional environmental sustainability services in SGS China and Hong Kong. Together with other members of the sustainability team, Dr Wong is committed to providing superior technical support to industries. In addition to his technical expertise, Dr Wong is frequently invited to speak on energy and environmental technologies at public seminars.
Dr Wong holds a PhD degree in environmental engineering from the National University of Singapore; and an MPhil degree in civil engineering and a BEng degree in chemical engineering from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. He is a registered chemical engineer of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers; and a certified energy manger and a certified carbon auditor of the Association of Energy Engineers, US.
Dr Wong has authored more than ten peer-reviewed publications, technical reports and scientific papers. He was invited as a part-time lecturer in environmental studies at Hong Kong Metropolitan University. He has written and delivered lectures at the graduate level on environmental protection in modern society, ecological conservation and environmental assessment, cleaner production and green technology, and environmental engineering and design.
Dr William Lau
Dr William Lau is a Chartered Engineer, Chartered Environmentalist, Chartered Scientist and Certified Energy Manager. He is an experienced engineering, management and environmental profession with over 25 years of industrial experience in environmental management, environmental and quality auditing, EIA implementation, environmental monitoring and auditing, indigenous liaison, project management, chemical waste and wastewater treatment, textiles, food, construction, mould making, CAD-CAM, diesel engines and gen-sets, air-compressor systems, machine tools, refrigeration, air-conditioning and environmental control systems, pharmaceuticals, and OHS management.
He has studied the impacts and implications of ISO 14000 on the business community of Hong Kong, developed a strata model in corporate environmentalism, and carried out research on issues of corporate environmentalism, environmental science, environmental accounting and reporting, economic issues, social issues and sustainability. He is an approved ISO 14001 LAC tutor, teaching environmental courses including ISO 14001 lead auditor courses, WEEE/RoHS implementations, green product management courses, life cycle assessment, environmental design, environmental reporting, sustainability report assurance, and ISO 14064 on greenhouse gas assertion.
He is an experienced third-party auditor on quality, environmental, OHS, GMP, and a witness auditor for IECQ QC 080000 HSPM (hazardous substance process management). He participated in the development of the GPMS, RoHS and WEEE compliance audits, and new products and services (including SRA, ISO 14064, MARCH, EuP, BS 8900 / BS 8901, MSE, ToC, and recently LOOP, i.e. the low carbon office operation program), and providing related training, assessment, verification and certification.
He is currently Technical Director, Operation Platform of Energy and Carbon, SGS (Hong Kong) Ltd, providing climate change and energy-related services, including CDM (clean development mechanism), ISO 14064 carbon audits, MandV (measurement and verification) and MSE (management system for energy), and CEM (Certified Energy Manager) training.
