Bachelor of Environmental Science
Bachelor Programme
Institute of Science and Environment
| Duration | Language | Campus |
| 4 Years Full-Time (Day) | English/Chinese/Portuguese | NAPE Campus |
This programme prepares you for a successful career in environment-related areas. As a professional, you will have the opportunity to contribute solutions to the environmental challenges facing the world.
The Bachelor of Environmental Science responds to the growing worldwide demand for well-trained professionals in environmental science brought about by environmental degradation and increasing pressures on natural resources. This demand is especially evident in China and the Greater Bay Area which surrounds Macao. Students receive a broad formation in environmental science while also engaging with other scientific disciplines.
The programme includes foundation modules on different fields of science (biology, earth sciences, chemistry, physics, and mathematics), environment-related modules (pollution, energy, waste management, environmental politics, and environmental impact assessment), and modules that promote cross-talk with other disciplines such as ethics, management, architecture, and urban planning. There is a high proportion of hands-on learning hours so students can develop adequate technical training in tools, methods, and techniques useful for Environmental Science. Students completing this programme will also have the opportunity to continue their studies in this area at USJ with a Master of Environmental Sciences and Management.
The programme coordinator is Thomas Lei.
Student Experience
- Students obtain a solid formation in environmental science concepts and methods
- Students are oriented towards practical problem-solving, with extensive field and laboratory work
- Students are trained by experienced international researchers and industry leaders
Career Opportunities
- Research
- Civil service
- Environmental agencies and Non-governmental organisations
- Management
- Consulting services
- Education
Typical Applicants
- Have secondary school science background
- Have an interest in environmental issues
Study plan & description of modules
For the programme’s government approval [in Chinese and Portuguese] click here.
Please click on any specific module below to see its description.
Modules
Year 1
Arrangements are made in accordance with the University's regulations.
This course is suitable for students who have no basic knowledge of Chinese.The course uses systematic pronunciation, vocabulary and conversational situational training, step by step, to help students initially master Mandarin listening, speaking, reading, writing, mandarin translation and pinyin skills, to initially establish a foundation for the study of Mandarin. At the same time, with the systematic pronunciation method training, students are guided to understand Putonghua and its characteristics, and initially cultivate the ability to judge the pronunciation and correct use of Putonghua.
This course is suitable for students who have some basic knowledge of Chinese. The course is intended to rise the level of proficiency of students with a basic level of mandarin. Students are expected to understand basic phrases about common topics, communicate simple and routine tasks and be more familiar with the pinyin phonetic system In order to better understand the pronounciation of Chinese words.
This module is the entry level of the university English language curriculum and is designed so the learners can interact in a simple way, ask and answer simple questions about themselves, where they live, people they know, and things they have, initiate and respond to simple statements in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics, rather than relying purely on a very finite rehearsed, lexically-organised repertoire of situation-specific phrases. It includes learner- centered activities and projects are aimed at exploring meaningful and relevant English language use at an appropriate level of learning.
This module is a continuation of Foundational University English I and is intended to reinforce the English language skills of learners in so that they can meet the requirements to progress to B1 under the Common European Framework. It contains a range of topics to enable the learners to further develop their ability to interact in a simple way, and respond to simple statements in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics. This module is designed to learner- centered activities and projects are aimed at exploring meaningful and relevant English language use at an appropriate level of learning.
This course is suitable for students who have no basic knowledge of Portuguese.The module will provide students with a basic level of cultural and linguistic proficiency in all communicative skills, including comprehension, expression and production, oral and written codes, and lexical and grammatical functioning of the language, in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages level A1.1. The content of Portuguese I, with stress on oral drills, will focus on the personal information and description of one’s own and others.
This course is suitable for students that have very basic knowledge of Portuguese in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages level A1.1. The module will provide students with a basic level of cultural and linguistic proficiency in all communicative skills, including comprehension, expression and production, oral and written codes, and lexical and grammatical functioning of the language, in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages level A1.2. The content of Portuguese II will focus on providing information about personal and immediate concrete surroundings.
Environmental science topics at an introductory level will be higlighted, focusing on how science can be used to study the environment and develop solutions for environmental issues. Students will address the main environmental challenges that humanity is facing such as biodiversity loss and deforestation, global warming and climate change, resources and energy demand, waste management, pollution, food safety, and assess to clean water. The main drivers of these impacts (population growth, consumption patterns, technological development) will be addressed from a historical perspective while forecasting the expected future trends.
This module provides basic theoretical and practical foundations in chemistry. It includes nomenclature, the mole concept and stoichiometry, atomic structure, the periodic table, chemical bonding and bonding theories, solutions, gas laws and thermochemistry, acid/base calculations, titrations, basic chemical equilibrium, atomic and molecular spectroscopic, chromatographic, and electroanalytical methods of analysis. Much of these concepts will be taught by hands-on laboratory demonstrations focusing on modern methods of chemical analysis.
Life is remarkably diverse although common themes can be found between even phylogenetically distant organisms. This module takes a comparative perspective on the form (structure) and function (physiology) of living organisms to identify both general rules governing life on earth and specializations associated with the different lifestyles of species. Living organisms have common needs like maintaining their internal environment stable, reproducing, or collecting and responding to external information. Multicellular organisms further need to coordinate the action of individual cells at the level of the organism. Across evolutionary times, different species have developed different solutions for these same basic challenges, resulting in a remarkable diversity of morphological structures and physiological mechanisms. The module will address this idea by studying variations in form and function across a wide variety or organisms, from unicellular, to fungi, plants, and animals. An evolutionary approach will be taken to understand convergent and divergent traits across species and acknowledge both the potential for evolutionary diversification and its constraints. Topics will include investigating and comparing, in different organisms, their life-cycle, sensorial specializations, types of tissues and systems or cellular communication. For this purpose, a combination of lectures and laboratory practice will be used.
Overall, the module aims to provide a deep understanding about the basic principles governing life on earth and on the evolutionary basis for diversity on form and function across organisms.
Overall, the module aims to provide a deep understanding about the basic principles governing life on earth and on the evolutionary basis for diversity on form and function across organisms.
1. Introduction to Earth Sciences. The origin and evolution of Earth and the Universe. Internal structure of the Earth.
2. Earth internal and external processes. Concepts of plate tectonics, seafloor spreading and continental drift. Superficial processes and geomorphology. The geological cycle.
3. Stratigraphy: principles of stratigraphy and the concept of time in geological studies; geochronological methods and their application in different areas of science. Geomorphology and topographic and geological maps.
4. Mineralogy and petrology: composition and classification of minerals (classes and physical and chemical properties) and common rock-forming minerals. Concepts of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary petrology and the rock cycle. Geochemistry of the solid Earth: relation between minerals and rocks compositions and the dynamic Earth. The societal importance of rocks and minerals and their potential environmental impact.
5. Understand the geology of Macau and Hong Kong and its integration within the geology of SE Asia.
Practical classes:
Analysis of topographic and geological maps; study of the physical properties of minerals in hand specimens and their classification; field trips: observation of outcrops of Macau to understand its origin, lithology, evolution and topography.
2. Earth internal and external processes. Concepts of plate tectonics, seafloor spreading and continental drift. Superficial processes and geomorphology. The geological cycle.
3. Stratigraphy: principles of stratigraphy and the concept of time in geological studies; geochronological methods and their application in different areas of science. Geomorphology and topographic and geological maps.
4. Mineralogy and petrology: composition and classification of minerals (classes and physical and chemical properties) and common rock-forming minerals. Concepts of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary petrology and the rock cycle. Geochemistry of the solid Earth: relation between minerals and rocks compositions and the dynamic Earth. The societal importance of rocks and minerals and their potential environmental impact.
5. Understand the geology of Macau and Hong Kong and its integration within the geology of SE Asia.
Practical classes:
Analysis of topographic and geological maps; study of the physical properties of minerals in hand specimens and their classification; field trips: observation of outcrops of Macau to understand its origin, lithology, evolution and topography.
This module introduces students to three interrelated concepts: ecology, biodiversity, and evolution. To discuss and learn on the significance of evolution, students will be introduced to the major groups of organisms from an evolutionary perspective and evaluate how these groups are related to one another and how they evolved. The role of biodiversity in the maintenance of healthy ecosystems and their potential for adaptation to recent changes in the environment will also be discussed. As for studies regarding ecology, there will be a particular emphasis on current issues, especially in the context of the Pearl River Delta region. These studies aim to explore the ecology of terrestrial, marine and freshwater environments and the efforts being made to conserve them. Students will visit a variety of habitats, and observe directly the main environmental factors that prevail in each of them so as to gain a first-hand understanding of the ecology of Macao and neighbouring areas.
This module reviews and introduces topics and theories in mathematics that are relevant to everyday science and engineering. In this module selected issues in Arithmetic and Number Theory, Algebra and Systems of equations, Trigonometry and Coordinate Systems, Functions and Series, Calculus and Partial Differential Equations are considered. In all cases, “real world” applications of mathematics are emphasized.
This module introduces and explores the main concepts of academic and digital literacy. Students will gain an overview of research intent and design, methodology and technique, format and presentation, and data analysis and management. Furthermore, this module will guide the students in writing and reading tasks required in an academic context and help them to plan and write essays in academic language and format. To succeed as a student and in the professional world the module's content will help the students develop skills to create and perform academic and professional presentations. Furthermore, educational and digital literacy operate rapidly into the emergence of new forms of communication and interaction; therefore, they are crucial to be understood and used effectively and efficient way. This module will prepare students with the appropriate ability to find, evaluate, and compose clear information through writing and other media on various digital platforms.
Most “Thinking and Reasoning” courses offered in colleges and universities are taught and designed by professors from departments of philosophy and sometimes psychology. Not surprisingly, the questions asked and the critical thinking skills these questions are expected to stimulate and develop tend to be framed, in varying degrees of explicitness, by the instructor’s own disciplinary training and interests. Hence, it is often that “Thinking and Reasoning” courses speak of “higher-order thinking”, “philosophic and logic systems”, “analytical forms of reasoning”, and so on. This module takes a practical approach to thinking and reasoning as a liberal arts standard core module for beginning university students. In designing this course, particular attention is given to critical and analytical skills that are more immediately applied or “useful,” i.e., learning competencies that can be readily transferable across disciplines.
Nevertheless, the module focuses on issues of application, decision and judgment, tangible outcomes and results, and transferable strategies through a rigorous examination of the processes of thinking and learning at the undergraduate level. In other words, the module aims to enhance students’ capabilities to see things from different perspectives, emphasizing the role of imagination and creative thinking in articulating ideas. It will develop competencies in critical thinking and working collaboratively with others.
Nevertheless, the module focuses on issues of application, decision and judgment, tangible outcomes and results, and transferable strategies through a rigorous examination of the processes of thinking and learning at the undergraduate level. In other words, the module aims to enhance students’ capabilities to see things from different perspectives, emphasizing the role of imagination and creative thinking in articulating ideas. It will develop competencies in critical thinking and working collaboratively with others.
Year 2
Arrangements are made in accordance with the University's regulations.
This course is suitable for foreigners who basic knowledge of Chinese mandarin (A1 level). The course aims at students with a basic knowledge to keep developing their level of mandarin Chinese. Students are expected to produce short texts of topics that are familiar to them, communicate with simple sentences in different social contexts, enrich their mandarin Chinese vocabulary knowledge and understand some elements of Chinese culture related to food and manners in a social context.
This course is suitable for students who have some basic knowledge of Chinese (A2.1 level). Students are expected to keep developing their mandarin Chinese level, focusing on producing simple texts about topics like self-introduction or daily routine, be familiar with Chinese characters even if they are not able to remember the sound, expand their vocabulary to topics related to daily life, family and work related tasks and demonstrate knowledge about the main traits of Chinese geography, Chinese traditional festivals and the great variety of Chinese dialects.
This module is intended to reinforce the English language skills of learners in so that they can meet the requirements to progress to B2 under the Common European Framework. It contains a range of topics to enable the learners to express themselves in a range of contexts and enables them to follows the main point of discussion around them and speak in a clearly articulated standard version. It develops their ability to express themselves comprehensibly and to cope with situations in everyday life. This module is designed to learner- centered activities and projects are aimed at exploring meaningful and relevant English language use at an appropriate level of learning.
This module builds on Professional English I and is intended to reinforce the English language skills of learners so that they can meet the requirements to progress to B2 under the Common European Framework. Learners participate in discussions and activities on relevant topics. They will learn how to explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options and how to develop an argument giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view. They will further develop their spoken and writing skills in a variety of situations through learner - centered activities and projects at an appropriate level of learning.
This course is suitable for students that have basic knowledge of Portuguese in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages level A1. The module will provide students with a level of cultural and linguistic proficiency in all communicative skills, including comprehension, expression and production, oral and written codes, and lexical and grammatical functioning of the language, in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages level A2.1. The content of Portuguese III will focus on understanding vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance and the main point in short, clear, simple, messages and announcements.
This course is suitable for students that have basic knowledge of Portuguese in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages level A2.1. The module will provide students with a level of cultural and linguistic proficiency in all communicative skills, including comprehension, expression and production, oral and written codes, and lexical and grammatical functioning of the language, in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages level A2.2. The content of Portuguese IV will focus on understanding vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance and the main point in short, clear, simple, messages and announcements. Write and interpret personal simple letters and emails and/or publications in social media that refer to familiar topics.
General Physics provides an introduction to the basic principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the physical phenomena that govern everyday life. Topics such as kinematics, dynamics, gravitation, motion, momentum, energy, electricity and magnetism, wave motion, and optics will be covered.
This module has a laboratory-based experimentation component where students will explore natural phenomena by developing hypotheses, observing, measuring and collecting data, and interpreting and reporting the results. Students will work in groups on laboratory experiments to stimulate the thoughtful discussion and interpretation of their results and observations. The acquisition of science communication skills will also be promoted by written and oral reporting of results.
This module has a laboratory-based experimentation component where students will explore natural phenomena by developing hypotheses, observing, measuring and collecting data, and interpreting and reporting the results. Students will work in groups on laboratory experiments to stimulate the thoughtful discussion and interpretation of their results and observations. The acquisition of science communication skills will also be promoted by written and oral reporting of results.
The module addresses the large-scale processes that take place in the ocean and in the shoreline. The interaction between ocean and coastal processes is highlighted as well as their impact for human populations.
1. Ocean processes. Main physical and chemical processes occurring in the world's oceans; oceans characteristics and geomorphology; ocean circulation (fluxes of energy, currents, thermohaline circulation) and its connection to climate regulation; biogeochemical cycles in the oceans; the role of oceans as carbon sinks; global change, sea-level rise and ocean acidification; marine ecosystems as a function of oceanic and climate variables; human usage of the oceans (e.g., overfishing, pollution, ecosystem degradation, deep-sea mining).
2. Coastal processes. Coastal landscapes, the processes responsible for their formation, diversity, and change over time; global distribution of various types of coastal morphologies and its relationship with Earth and ocean dynamics; coastal hydrodynamic and morphodynamic processes (genesis and evolution); coastal landform classification (estuaries, deltas, beaches, barriers, dunes, etc); complex marine and coastal processes (wind, tides, currents, waves and climate); human occupation of the shoreline, its impacts and risks (sea-level rise, natural hazards).
Lectures will be complemented with field trips and laboratory analyses to investigate the local coastal sedimentary environments and hydrodynamics.
1. Ocean processes. Main physical and chemical processes occurring in the world's oceans; oceans characteristics and geomorphology; ocean circulation (fluxes of energy, currents, thermohaline circulation) and its connection to climate regulation; biogeochemical cycles in the oceans; the role of oceans as carbon sinks; global change, sea-level rise and ocean acidification; marine ecosystems as a function of oceanic and climate variables; human usage of the oceans (e.g., overfishing, pollution, ecosystem degradation, deep-sea mining).
2. Coastal processes. Coastal landscapes, the processes responsible for their formation, diversity, and change over time; global distribution of various types of coastal morphologies and its relationship with Earth and ocean dynamics; coastal hydrodynamic and morphodynamic processes (genesis and evolution); coastal landform classification (estuaries, deltas, beaches, barriers, dunes, etc); complex marine and coastal processes (wind, tides, currents, waves and climate); human occupation of the shoreline, its impacts and risks (sea-level rise, natural hazards).
Lectures will be complemented with field trips and laboratory analyses to investigate the local coastal sedimentary environments and hydrodynamics.
This module aims to introduce students to the principles of Plant and Animal Physiology, as well as, to some of the laboratory techniques used in the acquisition of physiological data.
Students will be first introduced to basic topics such as the structures and functions of the plant cell, photosynthesis, transport mechanisms, metabolism and growth. Emphasis will also be given on current concepts and understandings related to how plants react to changes as well as stress in the physical environment like light, temperature, water availability, nutrients, pollution and defense against herbivory.
Concerning Animal Physiology, the course will focus on organ-system physiology of both terrestrial and aquatic organisms within an ecophysiological perspective. Particular emphasis will be given to nervous, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, and endocrine physiological mechanisms, and their interaction with the ecological features of the environment.
Students will be first introduced to basic topics such as the structures and functions of the plant cell, photosynthesis, transport mechanisms, metabolism and growth. Emphasis will also be given on current concepts and understandings related to how plants react to changes as well as stress in the physical environment like light, temperature, water availability, nutrients, pollution and defense against herbivory.
Concerning Animal Physiology, the course will focus on organ-system physiology of both terrestrial and aquatic organisms within an ecophysiological perspective. Particular emphasis will be given to nervous, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, digestive, and endocrine physiological mechanisms, and their interaction with the ecological features of the environment.
This module introduces and covers aspects of microbial occurrence, diversity, abundance, and function in various natural and artificial environments. The content will cover methodological challenges, novel advances in environmental microbiology, and environmental problem-solving. By better understanding our environment and using microorganisms to solve environmental issues, the module explores how microbes can be harnessed to provide solutions to practical problems on a local and global scale. Laboratory techniques for the collection, isolation and growth of microorganims will be practised. The module will consist of lectures, group discussions, field trips, and practical lab sessions.
This module explores the concepts related to sustainable development, from a historical overview of sustainability to a thorough introduction to the SDGs (sustainable development goals) – what they are, how they can be applied, and measured with tools and indicators, and how they are relevant to managing systems that support Macao and the region. Key concepts, strategies and initiatives - sustainable actions and carbon footprint management plans - to achieve carbon neutrality will also be introduced. Examples of initiatives undertaken and commitments made by companies/enterprises and governments will be presented and discussed. Top-down and market driven initiatives towards carbon neutrality will also be discussed.
This module delivers the core principles and programming skills in data science and machine learning. Topics include: data wrangling, data exploration and visualization, data-driven inference by regression and classification. This course will also touch upon cutting-edge applications related to Big Data and Deep Learning. Essential programming techniques of Python will be introduced (data types, sequences, boolean logic, control flows and functions) and the use of data science libraries (NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn, Matplotlib, etc.). Through step-by-step practice, students will learn practical skills to write their own code in the Python language for simple problem solving and data analysis relevant to biological and environmental sciences.
This module presents the key philosophical concepts as developed in the Aristotelian tradition, including (1) natural being, (2) human being and (3) the source and end of being. Students will first acquire an overview of philosophical anthropology, ethics and ontology. Students will then be exposed to Confucian thought and specifically Thomistic perspectives on virtue and natural law. The study of ethics goes beyond abstract considerations of right and wrong conduct or just and unjust behaviour to encompass inquiry into what constitutes “the good life” or a life worth living. A special focus will be given to the relevance of the Western Canonical tradition on value judgments and moral questions.
This module provides an understanding on the Chinese National Culture, it’s History and Philosophy. Furthermore, the module provides an overview of the key features and evolution of the China's political and legal system. There will be several topics covered in this course, including Chinese political ideology and organizations (the Chinese Communist Party and state institutions), legal and judicial systems and institutions, legislative systems and processes (the People's Congresses and the Political Consultative Conferences), and bureaucratic processes. In addition, the course introduces the concept of the One Country Two System and its operation.
Year 3
Arrangements are made in accordance with the University's regulations.
This course is suitable for students who have an upper basic level knowledge of Chinese (A2 level). The module intends to give students the means to understand short texts in traditional media, develop their capacity to extract keywords from a text and reproduce it in their own words, make them able to make comparisons between people and things in topics related to personal life and also help them keep expanding their Chinese mandarin vocabulary.
This course is suitable for foreigners who have some basic elementary knowledge of Chinese (B1.1 level). This course aims to give students the means to give full personal details about themselves and others, express daily habits, perform normal daily tasks with ease, understand and write short texts and be able to identify and summarize information in short texts in media publications.
This is a one-semester Academic English course for advanced English language level users. This course enhances academic language skills through learner’s participation in advanced general and academic faculty discipline-related activities. The use of relevant discipline-related materials can facilitate learners’ development of appropriate grammar and genre text styles, and extend their vocabulary, language skills and understanding of nuance for a variety of academic and general contexts. The course provides learners with the advanced academic English skills that are necessary for studying in English at university level.
This is a one-semester Academic English course for advanced English language level users and is a continuation of Academic English and Critical Skills I. This course enhances academic language skills through learner’s participation in advanced general and academic faculty discipline-related activities. The main focus is on lexical and pragmatic features, rather than grammatical features of English and utilizes relevant discipline-related materials to facilitate learners’ development of genre styles, and extending language skills for a variety of academic contexts. The course provides learners with the advanced academic English skills that are necessary for studying in English at university level.
This course is suitable for students that have elementary knowledge of Portuguese in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages level A2. The module will provide students with a level of cultural and linguistic proficiency in all communicative skills, including comprehension, expression and production, oral and written codes, and lexical and grammatical functioning of the language, in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages level B1.1. The content of Portuguese V will focus on interpreting texts that consist mainly of high frequency every day language, description of events, feelings and wishes and the description of experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
This course is suitable for students that have elementary knowledge of Portuguese in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages level B1.1. The module will provide students with a level of cultural and linguistic proficiency in all communicative skills, including comprehension, expression and production, oral and written codes, and lexical and grammatical functioning of the language, in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages level B1.2. The content of Portuguese VI will focus on developing the understanding of the main point of many radio or TV programmes, texts from newspaper, advertisements on current affairs or topics of personal and professional interest when the delivery is relatively slow and clear and on understanding texts that consist mainly of high frequency every day or job-related language.
This course introduces the basic principles and concepts in the field of Geography with a focus on geomorphology and physical geography. It will provide an overview of major landforms and the processes that shape them through time and space. The application of Geographic Information Science to environmental situations will also be evaluated. It sets out the key components and insists on links between technology, data, methods and organization. It provides an introduction to spatial development, the terminology for this field, and the classes of applications of Geographic Information Systems. It presents the features of existing GIS software and describes the modes of creating, editing, importing, displaying, and analysing spatial data that GIS software provides. It covers open source technologies for handling geographical data.
This module will review and evaluate scientific theories and biological knowledge, from genetics to ecosystems, that are essential to conservation biology and its applications. It will review concepts in biodiversity, applied ecology, environmental management, community, population and landscape ecology. Emphasis will be given to the various mechanisms that cause changes, specially the loss, restoration and maintenance of biological diversity, as well as the consequence of these changes, specially in today’s world. The implications of conservation for ethics, law, policy and economics will also be dealt with. Management principles and tools for conservation will be discussed and students are expected to apply this by taking part in practical field activities to identify and evaluate current conservation issues in the region.
This module provides an introduction to basic probability and statistics and motivates students to build skills in data collection and analysis. Topics covered include statistics and data analysis, probability, random variables, and probability distributions, mathematical expectation, discrete probability distributions, continuous probability distributions, functions of random variables, fundamental sampling distributions, and data descriptions, sample estimation problems, tests of hypotheses, simple linear regression and correlation, experiments and fractions, as well as statistical quality control.
At the end of the module, students will be stimulated to apply statistical testing to specific problems related with environmental sciences using R software.
At the end of the module, students will be stimulated to apply statistical testing to specific problems related with environmental sciences using R software.
Understand the concepts of hazards, disasters, and risks. Type of disasters. Understand the methods scientists use to predict and assess the risk of natural hazards.
1. Earth-related natural hazards (internal and external Earth-dynamic processes). This section is focused on Earth-related disasters (e.g., landslides, earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, floods) to understand their origins and consequences, to evaluate their impacts on Earth, on environment and on humans. Discussions will cover how and why natural hazards occur and their frequency, how human societies should prepare for these hazards and which actions should be taken to mitigate their risk, and what kind of hazard events (secondary hazards) may occur after an initial disaster.
2. Biological-related natural hazards: This part will focus on biological-related hazards and risks (e.g., diseases, epidemics caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi) that can pose a threat to the environment and human health.
Historical and contemporary case studies will be utilized to investigate the interaction between society and natural hazards.
1. Earth-related natural hazards (internal and external Earth-dynamic processes). This section is focused on Earth-related disasters (e.g., landslides, earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, floods) to understand their origins and consequences, to evaluate their impacts on Earth, on environment and on humans. Discussions will cover how and why natural hazards occur and their frequency, how human societies should prepare for these hazards and which actions should be taken to mitigate their risk, and what kind of hazard events (secondary hazards) may occur after an initial disaster.
2. Biological-related natural hazards: This part will focus on biological-related hazards and risks (e.g., diseases, epidemics caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi) that can pose a threat to the environment and human health.
Historical and contemporary case studies will be utilized to investigate the interaction between society and natural hazards.
This module focuses on soil and water pollution, including marine pollution. The sources of pollution, their potential impacts in ecosystems and in humans, and possible remediation and mitigation strategies will be covered. Both traditional (heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, pesticides) and emerging (antibiotics, drugs, steroids, microplastics) pollutants will be covered. The interaction between soil and water pollution (e.g., eutrophication of natural bodies of water by agricultural nutrients run-off) and the possible impacts of land-based activities in water pollution (e.g., the impact of solid waste mismanagement in ocean plastic pollution) will be highlighted. Technologies for water/wastewater treatment and for soil management and requalification will be covered. Valorisation solutions for water, by-products and residues produced during different human activities will also be addressed. Case-studies on best practices worldwide will be presented as examples of sustainable usage of water and soil resources. The module aims to provide students with knowledge about practices aiming at a sustainable usage of water and soil resources.
This module will focus on the understanding of the effects of pollutants on biological systems, including human health. It will start with an overview on the major classes of pollutants that can impact health, their sources, transport and resilience in the environment, and the routes for human and animal exposure.
Basic concepts of toxicology will be covered, including dose-response relationships, chemodynamics and chemokinetics. The potential impact on human health will be addressed by explaning different effects, including organ toxicity, carcinogenesis, endocrine disruption, and neurodevelopmental effects, along wih specific case studies.
The module will also review the existing procedures for monitoring environmental pollutants. Finally, a strong emphasis will be given to risk assessment and the analytical procedures available for measuring environmental pollutants. Simple laboratory standardized experiments in ecotoxicology will be run in order to provide hands-on training to students.
Basic concepts of toxicology will be covered, including dose-response relationships, chemodynamics and chemokinetics. The potential impact on human health will be addressed by explaning different effects, including organ toxicity, carcinogenesis, endocrine disruption, and neurodevelopmental effects, along wih specific case studies.
The module will also review the existing procedures for monitoring environmental pollutants. Finally, a strong emphasis will be given to risk assessment and the analytical procedures available for measuring environmental pollutants. Simple laboratory standardized experiments in ecotoxicology will be run in order to provide hands-on training to students.
"Art Appreciation" is a Liberal Arts module that aims to develop students' ability to discuss, analyse, understand and criticise works of Art. Through multi and interdisciplinary approaches, this 2-credit module equips students with a broad overview and knowledge of the theoretical, historical, and cultural aspects and relevance of the Arts in general and the Sacred Aesthetical tradition. The ten sessions will focus on the analysis and appreciation of works of Art based on aesthetic value, historical context, tradition, and social relevance. The assumption, function, and nature of the Sacred Arts (such as painting, sculpture, music, literature, etc.) related to creativity, imagination and innovation will be at the core of this module. Students will learn to deepen their sensitivity to self, community, and society and discover their identity through Art with respect to their background, culture, and nationality. By providing measurable standards for understanding artistic intent and expression through the essential elements of Aesthetics and Beauty, Art and Transcendence, students may increase their Appreciation of the arts' role in today society.
This module provides students with an overview of major debates, trends, and factors that influence China's foreign policy. It will help students understand the pillars, principles and actors that shape the Chinese foreign policy. In this regard, the following topics will be explored in the course: the module will examine the actors, principles, constraints, and tools involved in the process of making foreign policy. On the other hand, the module will describe China's relations with the rest of the world through case studies. In order to achieve this, the course combines theoretical lectures, guest speakers, group exercises, and practical workshops. Additionally, this module will prepare students to conduct research on Chinese foreign policy.
Year 4
This module will provide students with the opportunity to integrate the knowledge and skills acquired from other courses – from fundamental scientific knowledge to quantitative literacy and communicaton skills – into a final research project. The project will include defining a research question, selecting the appropriate methods, collecting and analysing data, and writing a final report. Students will have the chance to work on their individual research under guidance from a supervisor assigned at the beginning of the project. Students may also develop this project at companies and external laboratories. Students may choose to merge the project in this module with Final Project II to research more extensively one particular topic or to work on different topics in each of the modules.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a key instrument for sustainable development as it allows to integrate all the potential impacts of a project and to suggest measures for their mitigation and management. The module provides an overview of the EIA process, including of the tools most commonly applied for environmental assessment and management. The EIA framework at a regional (Macau, Hong Kong and Mainland China) and international level will be discussed. The different steps of an EIA study, including Screening, Scoping, Impact analysis, Mitigation and Impact Management, Reporting, Reviewing, Decision-Making, Implementation, and Monitoring will be reviewed. The concepts of Strategic Environmental Assessment and Cumulative Effects Assessment as tools for sustainability will be discussed.
Social Impact Assessment (SIA) includes the processes of analysing, monitoring and managing the intended and unintended social consequences, both positive and negative, of planned interventions (policies, programs, plans, projects) and any social change processes invoked by those interventions. Its primary purpose is to bring about a more sustainable and equitable biophysical and human environment.
In addition, the module aims to give practical training to students on SIA and EIA via hands-on analysis of case-studies. SIA and EIA analysis will be simulated for a specific project in order to apply the SIA and EIA concepts learned in this module in real-life projects and understand how SIA and EIA can be incorporated in projects at the design, construction and operation phases.
By being aware of the concept and steps of SIA and EIA, developers can better integrate, from the start, measures in the planning and design of their projects that will minimize environmental and social impacts. The module will thus provide a comprehensive understanding of the process of SIA and EIA in various contexts.
Social Impact Assessment (SIA) includes the processes of analysing, monitoring and managing the intended and unintended social consequences, both positive and negative, of planned interventions (policies, programs, plans, projects) and any social change processes invoked by those interventions. Its primary purpose is to bring about a more sustainable and equitable biophysical and human environment.
In addition, the module aims to give practical training to students on SIA and EIA via hands-on analysis of case-studies. SIA and EIA analysis will be simulated for a specific project in order to apply the SIA and EIA concepts learned in this module in real-life projects and understand how SIA and EIA can be incorporated in projects at the design, construction and operation phases.
By being aware of the concept and steps of SIA and EIA, developers can better integrate, from the start, measures in the planning and design of their projects that will minimize environmental and social impacts. The module will thus provide a comprehensive understanding of the process of SIA and EIA in various contexts.
This module will provide students with fundamental knowledge and understanding of concepts in waste management, circular economy, and life-cycle assessment (LCA) which are important for sustainable development. It is designed to help students understand sustainable solutions to various environmental challenges and practical problems with focus on solid waste management. They will also learn how to manage and grow a sustainable (e.g. business) by incorporating circular economy and LCA principles into strategies. Students will engage in constructive debate over key concepts and models in Circular Economy and LCA, and identify entrepreneurial opportunities in solutions to environmental challenges like waste management. An enphasis will be given to local issues pertaining to solid waste management and the link to the need of implementing circular economy at a regional level. In addition, LCA is a process of evaluating the effects that a product has on the environment over the entire period of its life thereby increasing resource-use efficiency and decreasing liabilities. It can be used to study the environmental impact of either a product or the function the product is designed to perform.
This module will provide the students the opportunity to integrate the knowledge and skills acquired from other courses – from fundamental scientific knowledge to quantitative literacy and communicaton skills – into a final research project. The project will include defining a research question, selecting the appropriate methods, collecting and analysing data, and writing a final report. Students will have the chance to work on their individual research under guidance from a supervisor assigned at the beginning of the project. Students may also develop this project at companies and external laboratories. Students may choose in this module to continue the research from Final Project I to research more extensively one particular topic or to work on a separate topic.
Pollution II will cover categories of pollutants not addressed in Pollution I, namely air, noise, light and other types of pollution. This module starts by a general introduction section covering information on national standards and regulations governing air and noise levels and definitions of air, noise and light pollution. It then looks at each of these types of pollution: the air pollution section includes aspects on sources, types and effects of air pollutants, ambient air and emission measurement and monitoring techniques, including sampling procedures, minimization and control of emissions, indoor air pollution and control, and air pollution forecasting. The noise pollution section covers sources, characteristics and effects of industrial, transportation and urban noise; measurement, assessment and evaluation of noise; control of noise and protection of recipients. Light pollution will cover its sources, characteristics, possible impacts in humans and animals. For all themes, local and regional data will be analysed to characterize the current scenario in Macao and neighbouring regions. Hand-on field data collection and analysis for all three types of pollution will be carried out.
Seminars will be organized to discuss specific topics in Environmental Sciences. These seminars will be delivered by Professors from USJ, Professors from other institutions of higher education, non-academic professionals developing work in areas of interest to our students and also by individual students from the programme. The goal is to broaden the topics discussed during the programme and increase the students interaction with professionals from the field, thus enriching their learning experience, and also to give students practice in speaking in front of an audience while exploring topics of their own interest.
Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. By exploring how interconnected elements, such as economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection are crucial for the well-being of individuals and societies, this module empowers students to become positive change agents of change, today and in their future professional practices. The module will help students understand sustainability from cultural and canonical philosophy perspective and put into practice the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, they will become familiar with the Laudato Si” Sustainable Goals on “care for our common home”. In addition, this module will allow to practice social outreach and to engage with the University of Saint Joseph’s sustainability agenda for Macao.
The course aims to develop a basic understanding of China’s historical relations with the world. Specifically, it explains the socio-historical environment and cultural identity of Macau, covering key aspects of its development over four centuries. The module will enhance understanding of the key socioeconomic aspects in the relationship between China and the Portuguese speaking world. The course addresses Macau’s past and present, including the basic concepts, theories, principles and spirit of the Constitution and the Basic Law. It covers residents’ fundamental rights and duties, political structure, economy, and culture. Furthermore, key events that have shaped its geographical space, its demography and its plural communities will also be covered. The students will study and explore aspects of the history, economic and administrative development, and the social, cultural and artistic patrimony of Macau through lectures, film, fieldwork, and reading of local writers and specialists who had written about Macau and its people.
* - Internship
** - Elective
Last Updated: May 9, 2025 at 2:07 pm
