Environmental Impact Assessment

Course Coordinator: Dr. Charles Tang, MPhil (CUHK), PhD (UT Austin)

Course Developers: Alan Kwok Yau-tak, Consultant; and Allen Wan Chi-kong, OUHK

Although designed as a higher-level course in the BSc/BSc (Hons) in Environmental Studies programme, this course is also suitable for others who have an interest in the process and system of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). As such, it will benefit students working in a wide range of environmentally aware industries and professions.

Advisory prerequisite(s)
You are advised to have already studied ENVR S234 or ENVR S237, and BIOL S326 or BIOL S328.

Aims
This course aims to:

• Introduce, examine, analyse and explain the fundamentals of contemporary EIA.

Contents
The course covers the following topics:

• Overview and philosophy of EIA: the essence of the what, where, how and why of EIA, together with aspects of the history and philosophy of EIA as a process
• EIA as an interdisciplinary process: a look at some of the more popular models of the EIA system as used in the practice of EIA report preparation and presentation
• EIA methods: e.g. baseline studies and surveys; approaches to scoping and defining terms of reference; the use of checklists, models to identify, characterize, explain and predict possible impacts of a proposed project on 'the environment'
• EIA content and components in different countries
• EIA in Hong Kong (with an emphasis on current practice and government policy) and EIA lessons from developed and developing countries
• EIA: trends and prospects

Learning support
There will be regular tutorials and surgeries with your tutors throughout the course.

Assessment
There are assignments and a final examination. Students are required to submit assignments via the Online Learning Environment (OLE).

Equipment
Students need access to a personal computer or other electronic devices with an internet connection. A course video “EIA the HK Way” is provided.

Set book(s)
There are no set books for this course.

Students with disabilities or special educational needs
The audio and visual components of this course may cause difficulties, for students with impaired hearing or vision. You should seek advice from the Course Coordinator before enrolling on the course.