Bachelor of Arts (BA) - The University of Hong Kong

185GEOG2051.Port and airport development # (6 credits)(This course is also offered to second and third year non-BA students for inter-Faculty broadeningpurposes.)Port and airport are regarded in transport geography as two nodal development forms in multi-modaltransport systems. This course provides a basic understanding of port and airport operations, and howthese two forms of nodal transport infrastructure interact with other transport components and withurban and regional development. Examples drawn from different parts of the world will be discussed indetail and students are required to examine the local cases through field trips.Assessment: 40% coursework, 60% examination.This course will be offered in the second semester.GEOG2052.Vegetation in urban landscape management # (6 credits)(This course is also offered to second and third year non-BA students for inter-Faculty broadeningpurposes.)This course aims to introduce students to trees as the most dominant element of the natural-greencompartment of an urban ecosystem. As prominent landscape features and ecological contributors tobiodiversities in human settlements, trees are surveyed with respect to composition and structure,environmental conditions for their existence, multiple benefits and functions that they can bring to cityinhabitants, and general pattern of greenspaces in cities. Various stress factors dampening tree vigour inthe trying urban environment in the above- and below-ground realms, and the resulting arboriculturalproblems, are considered. The practical management of trees in the urban landscape is elaborated withreference to species composition and selection to match different site conditions, tree plantingtechniques and subsequent care, tree preservation and transplanting, and the assessment and valuationof urban trees. By adopting a non-technical approach, students with a science or an arts backgroundwith an interest in the natural aspects of cities and practical landscape management are targeted.Assessment: 40% coursework, 60% examination.This course will be offered in the first semester.GEOG2053.Philosophical issues in geography (6 credits)A seminar about the concepts and theories of geographic research. Course contents include thechanging interpretation of major theoretical issues in the discipline of geography. The evolution ofgeographic thought will be reviewed and major trends in current geographic research will be discussed.The purpose is to expose students to various schools of thought in the geographic discipline and assiststudents to develop critical and analytical capability. This course will involve extensive readings andactive participation in the form of both oral and written presentation.Assessment: 40% coursework, 60% examination.This course will be offered in the second semester.# = Course to be offered in biennial odd year, i.e. in 2003-04, 2005-06 and so on.