Individual and group capstone projects in environmental management Masters programme at the University of Hong Kong.

Abstract

The individual dissertation is a 15-credit compulsory capstone course offered by the Master of Science in Environmental Management programme. The principal aims of the course are to allow students to demonstrate the application of knowledge and develop methods to investigate a specific area within the field of environmental management. Each student is required to carry out an individual and independent research project under the supervision of one or more teachers. Students most often propose their own topics and approach possible supervisors within the university. They also have the opportunity to seek secondary supervision from environmental professionals in industry where appropriate. Students are required to write a 3-page proposal on their proposed topic, take initiatives to develop the research outline in collaboration with their own supervisor(s) and then collect data, conduct data analysis, give a half-way presentation for reporting latest progress (10% assessment), and produce a professional dissertation of 15,000-25,000 words towards the end of the course (90% assessment). This course runs through the whole of the academic year.