Introduction to Local Ecology

Course Code:	CSCM02-202311
Mode of Study:	Part Time
Application Deadline:	14th November 2023 (Tuesday)
Commencement Date:	14th November 2023 (Tuesday)
Tuition fee:	HKD7,980 (expense for site visits is excluded)
Contact Hours & Study Period:	1-2 sessions per week, a total of 36 contact hours in two months’ time
Teaching Medium:	English, supplemented with Cantonese

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Course Description

This course introduces the basic concepts in ecology, the ecology of Hong Kong and the interrelationships between ecology and other disciplines.

Teacher

Dr. Ken So

Venue

The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

Enquiry

Monday-Friday 9:00am-6:00pm
Tel: 3917-4767
Email: ccsg@hku.hk

Content and Timetable

Date	Contents
November 14, 2023 (Tue) 7:00 – 10:00 pm	Lecture: What is Ecology and why it matters? Basic concepts and introduction of evolution, ecology and biodiversity Briefing of assignment
November 21, 2023 (Tue) 7:00 – 10:00 pm	Lecture: What shapes Hong Kong ecology and biodiversity Facilitate the understanding of local environment and history, biogeography and seasonality
December 2, 2023 (Sat) 9:00 am – 3:30 pm	Field Trip: Case study of conservation in rural areas – Sha Lo Tung Introduction to the importance, history, conservation measures, challenges and future of Sha Lo Tung, a once privately-owned area of high ecological value
December 5, 2023 (Tue) 7:00 – 10:00 pm	Lecture: Natural and man-modified Ecosystems in Hong Kong Introduction of various ecosystems and the associated biodiversity in Hong Kong
December 12, 2023 (Tue) 7:00 – 10:00 pm	Lecture: Learning from Nature – Studying Ecology and Biodiversity in Hong Kong Introduction of different methods, including observations, field survey and monitoring. How to interpret the findings and apply in daily life
December 16, 2023 (Sat) 9:30 am – 3:00 pm	Field Trip: Case study of wise use of wetlands – field visit to Mai Po & Deep Bay Field visit to wetlands in Northwest NT which are important to the migratory water birds, used for freshwater fish production and under development pressure
December 19, 2023 (Tue) 7:00 – 10:00 pm	Lecture: Our role in Local Ecology – threats, conservation, management and sustainability Introduction to the global and local threats to biodiversity, conservation policy and actions, and sustainability
December 30, 2023 (Sat) 2:30 – 9:00 pm	Field Trip: Vegetation succession, species ecology and ecological research – Field trip to Lung Fu Shan and Pokfulam Field visit to Country Park to study vegetation succession, and learn species ecology and adaptation across various habitats Experience and learn key points of ecological research through conducting forest research
January 2, 2024 (Tue) 7:00 – 10:00 pm	Group Presentation and Wrap Up 15 to 20-minute group presentation on environmental/conservation issues
January 6, 2024 (Sat) 2:00 – 5:00 pm	Contingency
January 16, 2024 (Tue) 7:00 – 8:00 pm	Written Examination

Application Method

*APPLICATION STARTS ON SEPTEMBER 11 (MONDAY)*

Download and fill in Course Application Form (proof of academic qualification is required) and return to Academy for Sustainable Communities by application deadline

Entry Requirements

(a) have gained in the HKDSE Examination Level 2 in five subjects including Chinese Language and English Language; or
(b) have passed five subjects in HKCEE, including Chinese Language and English Language; or
(c) hold equivalent academic qualifications, taking into consideration individual merit

Assessment and Recognition

Students, who attained attendance rate of not less than 70% and have the course assessment passed, will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement by the Policy for Sustainability Lab. This course is one of the four modules of the “Certificate in Sustainable Communities” programme (QF Level: 3; QR Registration No.: 18/000784/L3; QR Registration Validity Period: From 11 Sep 2018 – on-going). Students who have obtained a Certificate of Achievement in all four modules are eligible for the “Certificate in Sustainable Communities” awarded by the HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education.

Additional Information

Please note:
This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund. The mother course (Certificate in Sustainable Communities) of this module is recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF Level 3).

In the event of the courses being cancelled due to insufficient enrolment, you will be notified at least 7 days before the 1st day of class and will be eligible to apply for a refund or postpone your studies to the next intake.

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