Course Description

Mainland China has created an economic miracle during the past 40 years. However, the environmental pollution in mainland China is getting more severe and long-term sustainable development is facing a great challenge. This course will offer an in-depth look at key issues in environment pollution, including water shortage and pollution, air pollution, ecosystem deterioration, drinking water safety, land and soil contamination, global pollutants, environmental diplomacy, legislation systems of environmental protection, and treatment technologies. Students will develop a strong integrated scientific, social and technical understanding of the environment pollutions of and challenges to a developing mainland China after learning topics offered in this course. The main topics include 1) environmental challenges to developing China; 2) public attitudes to environment; 3) water pollution; 4) air pollution; 5) land/soil pollution and food contamination; 6) global pollutants; 7) legislation and policy; 8) technologies and strategies for pollution control and reduction; 9) sustainable development.

Course Learning Outcomes

On completing the course, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an awareness of the serious pollution situation in mainland China and highlight the multi-faceted nature of the challenge for sustainable development.
2. Understand the causes of pollution and obstacles to environmental protection, including an examination of the social, political and institutional dimensions.
3. Use relevant information about environmental impacts of various pollutants to discuss environmental pollution in a given case.
4. Apply scientific (both engineering and social science) knowledge and understanding to propose control strategies for different kinds of pollution.

Offer Semester and Day of Teaching

Second semester (Wed)