This course provides an overview of the principles, processes and practices for assessing environmental impacts. As sustainability is becoming a key concept in the design of future societies, environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a key support tool for sustainable development and aids decision makers with an indication of the environmental impact of policies and projects to guide decisions by examining the environmental consequences of development project in advance. 

The course equips students with knowledge and basic skills to understand, critically read and conduct EIA and to balance and integrate inter-disciplinary nature of the subject (socio-economic, environmental and ecological systems). Latest EIA legislation, guidance and good practice will be discussed in the context of both Hong Kong and overseas.

Continuous Assessment: 60%

Examination: 40%

Examination Duration: 2 hours

To pass a course, a student must do ALL of the following:
1) obtain at least 30% of the total marks allocated towards continuous assessment (combination of assignments, pop quizzes, term paper, lab reports and/ or quiz, if applicable);
2) obtain at least 30% of the total marks allocated towards final examination (if applicable); and
3) meet the criteria listed in the section on Assessment Rubrics