Graduate Courses
Each course listed on the programme should normally run at least once every two years.
The list of courses and/or their scheduling may be updated from time-to-time.
The Department will release information on the final scheduling of courses just before the start of each academic year.
Stream 1
Geospatial Analysis and Research Skills
GE6770 Graduate Research Seminar is a compulsory module.
Workload: 1-0-2-4-3
Pre-requisite(s): Nil
Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course is designed for students with some experience in geographic information systems (GIS) who want to learn how to extend GIS to perform custom analyses, to automate common GIS tasks, or just to learn how spatial data is structured and managed “under the hood”. Topics will include the fundamentals of programming (in Python), geo-processing function libraries, spatial data structures and access, and geometry and spatial algorithms. No prior programming experience is required.
Workload: 1-1-1-4-3
Preclusion(s): Students with prior GIS training should consult with the lecturer in charge to decide if the module is suitable.
This course aims to introduce students the fundamental concepts and components of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Fundamental concepts covered include spatial data models, data quality, cartographic principles, and spatial analysis. Hands-on training provided includes spatial data development, attribute management, geovisualization, and spatial analysis operations. Some selected cases of GIS applications in social sciences, humanities, environmental studies, and management will be introduced.The role of GIS as an integrated platform for decision making will be highlighted. The course is for students who have no prior GIS background but wish to apply geospatial techniques in their respective fields of interest.
C.A.: 100%
Units: 4
Workload: 1-1-3-3-2
Pre-requisite(s)/ Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course provides students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in GIS applications across a range of different subject areas, including geography, geology, environmental science, ecology, civil engineering, urban planning, real estate, health sciences, social sciences and humanities. Through this course, students are expected to explore different modelling approaches, discuss applications of the models, and work on lab exercises and research projects.
C.A.: 100%
Units: 4
Workload: 1-1-3-3-2
Pre-requisite(s)/ Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course provides state-of-the-art training in Internet GIS technologies and spatial theories for mapping and comprehending activities in virtual space, real space, and the intersections of the two spaces. It sees Internet as an integral part of social life and provides students a venue to explore the implications of the digital transformations brought forth by the Internet. Major topics that will be covered include 1) web-based GIS mapping, 2) Internet of Things, 3) social sensing and social web, and 4) social dynamics of the Internet.
C.A.: 100%
Units: 4
Workload: 1-1-3-3-2
Pre-requisite(s)/ Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course provides students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in applying geospatial big data analytics to complex spatiotemporal problems that challenges sustainability of our society and environment, including but not limiting to disease outbreaks, traffic patterns, urban dynamics, and environmental changes. Major topics that will be covered include 1) nature of spatial big data, 2) volunteered geographic information, 3) spatial analytical approaches for discovering patterns, 4) data-driven geography, and 5) big data ethics.
C.A.: 100%
Units: 4
Workload: 1.5-0-1.5-4-0-3
Pre-requisite(s)/ Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
Data visualization is crucial for understanding geographical phenomena, and statistical thinking is essential for effective visualization. This course offers students a comprehensive understanding of geospatial data visualization and analysis techniques. Students will develop a strong foundation in statistical methods and spatial thinking abilities while learning to create compelling visualizations using Python. Key topics include statistical patterns, point patterns, areal patterns, and geovisualization. Through hands-on experience with Python libraries, students will enhance their spatial data science skills. By the end of the course, students will be well-equipped to analyze, visualize, and communicate geospatial data insights effectively
C.A.: 100%
Units: 4
Workload: 1.5-0-1.5-4-0-3
Pre-requisite(s)/ Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
Focusing on geospatial problems, this course introduces students to machine learning (ML) techniques for analyzing and interpreting spatial data. Students will learn to apply ML methods to spatial issues, emphasizing a solid foundation in ML for spatial analysis. The course covers essential concepts, methodologies, relevant tools (Python libraries), and best practices for implementing ML studies. Building upon this foundation, students will explore real-world ML applications, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the ML pipeline. This approach equips students with the skills and knowledge to tackle various spatial problems and adapt to emerging challenges in the geospatial field.
CA: 100%
Workload: Minimum 10 hours per week.
Pre-requisite(s)/ Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
The level 5000 Independent Study Course is designed to enable a graduate student or small group of graduate students to explore an approved topic relating to their planned area of research. Students should normally expect to meet with their mentor three times over the duration of the course. A proposal must be drawn up between the student(s) and advisor and approved by the Graduate Coordinator/Deputy Graduate Coordinator before the end of week 3 of the semester. This study proposal must state clearly the obligations of the student, the agreed-upon mode of assessment, the relevance of the chosen topic to his/her studies, and provide a clear guarantee that the assignment is in addition to work envisaged as part of their thesis. A culminating piece or pieces of written work (report and/or essay) is/are required. Where students have worked as a group, members of the group may submit individual pieces of written work or, alternatively, may work collectively on a joint piece of written work, depending on the approved agreement.
C.A.: 100%
NOTE
To comprise written work with a length that, under normal circumstances, falls within the range 4000-6000 words (excluding references and any appendices but including tables and figure and table captions) for individual reports or essays, or 6000-8000 words (excluding references and any appendices but including tables and figure and table captions) for a group-based, single (collective) piece of written work.
All CA will be double-marked. Where there is a large and unresolved discrepancy between the marks awarded by the two markers (>10%), work may be evaluated by a third marker.
Pre-requisite(s): GE5223 - Introduction to Applied GIS, or with lecturer's consent
This course familiarizes students with advanced spatial data science techniques and literature in the emerging field of digital geography. Topics examined include spatiotemporal data mining, geospatial simulation, spatial statistics and machine learning techniques, and spatial data quality. Upon completion of the course, students will be expected to be able to apply these spatial data science techniques to their field(s) of interest, and critically assess the analysis outcomes and implications to human everyday life and the physical environment. Students are required to undertake an independent project, and their work will be presented in a seminar format.
C.A.: 100%
Workload: Minimum 10 hours per week.
Pre-requisite(s)/Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
To comprise written work with a length that, under normal circumstances, falls within the range 4000-6000 words in total (excluding references and any appendices but including tables and figure and table captions).All CA will be double-marked. Where there is a large and unresolved discrepancy between the marks awarded by the two markers (>10%), work may be evaluated by a third marker.
Workload: 3-0-0-0-7
Pre-requisite(s)/Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
This is a required course for all research Masters and PhD students admitted from AY2004/2005. The course provides a forum for students and faculty to share their research and to engage one another critically in discussion of their current research projects. The course will include presentations by faculty on research ethics and dissertation writing. Each student is required to present a formal research paper. Active participation in all research presentations is expected. The course may be spread over two semesters and will be graded "Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory" on the basis of student presentation and participation.
C.A.: No C.A.; graded on S/U
Stream 2
Environmental Change and Sustainability
Workload: 0-2.5-2.5-5-0
Pre-requisite(s)/Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s):: Nil
A seminar presentation focusing on the relevance of the course to their thesis or on thesis topic is expected.
C.A.: 100%
Workload: 1-2-0-5-2
Preclusion: GE6215 Pre-requisite(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course is intended to provide an introduction to integrative aspects of earth environmental sciences, varying from climatology, geomorphology, hydrology to ecology, at the research level. Environmental systems are studied at several scales and research design is examined within the context of experimental methods in physical geography. The course includes lectures, reading assignments and seminars. Students are expected to participate actively throughout. This course is for all graduate students during the first semester in which they are registered in the department of geography. A formal research proposal for beginning graduate students (MA and PhD level) is expected at the end.
C.A.: 100%
Workload: 1-3-0-0-6
Pre-requisite(s)/ Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course will provide a forum for discussing key concepts relating to interactions between humans and their environment, from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. Important classic and recent publications relating a range of subject matter that includes the following will be discussed:
- foundational concepts, theories and issues relating to the human-environment interface;
- conceptual framing of human-environment interactions and methodological approaches to their study;
- the ways through which human-environment interactions have been and are viewed, produced and commodified;
- anthropogenic environmental changes, and their separation from natural variability environmental hazards;
- Policy and management implications and responses.
C.A.: 100%
Workload: 3-0-0-4-3
Pre-requisite(s)/Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
This 6000-level graduate course is focused upon giving students particular skills in linking geographical science (both physical and human) to management and policy changes. Areas of focus include developing salient projects, partnering with decision makers, synthesizing existing findings, building local capacity, engaging in political and management processes, involving non-scientists in data collection, developing key scientific messages, and communicating science to the general public.
C.A.: 100%
Stream 3
Society, Space and Development
Workload: 0-3-0-3-4
Pre-requisite(s)/Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course explores globalisation and its impacts on urban identities, places and politics. Global processes connect cities and shape urbanisation and urban life. Yet, not all urban dwellers are affected the same way by these processes. Furthermore, cities and people respond to, and may even be actively involved in, the shaping of these global flows and processes. In this module, attention is paid to the webs of relations at different scales, from the global to the local, and even those at the micro-scale, such as intimate relations, to consider their implications for the remaking of cities and urban social life.
C.A.: 100%
Workload: 0-0-0-3-3-4
Pre-requisite(s)/Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course situates geography within the wider fields of knowledge constituted by the social and natural sciences. Students will engage in theoretical conversations that invite them to think critically about place, space and environment. These conversations will be modeled for them each week by faculty from different research and disciplinary sub-fields in Geography. These conversations will make use of key ideas and concepts in Geography thus enabling students to advance their own understanding and engagement with the concepts in relation to key issues and challenges, including, climate change, spatial planning, health, and environmental sustainability. Four key concepts anchor the theoretical conversations the class will engage in: truth, difference, visualisation and scale.
C.A.: 100%
Workload: 3-0-0-4-3
Pre-requisite(s)/Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course challenges students to analyse the practical problems encountered in using the various methods available in human geography research. It builds upon the undergraduate course in research methods and includes an evaluation of the construction and design of research questions in various field contexts, weighing between the major methods of data collection (e.g. quantitative and qualitative), and the practical problems of data and information analysis. Common research methods such as surveys, case studies, interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation will be carried out so that students can benefit from first hand experience in the field. Students will also be exposed to archival and map materials. Students will also be taught what sponsors look for in research proposals. As the course is entirely project-based, students are expected to have full-scale participation in the course.
C.A.: 100%
Workload: 0-0-0-3-3-4
Pre-requisite(s)/Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course enables students to appreciate, analyze and contextualize the philosophical foundations of geographic inquiry and evaluate how these have influenced the historical development of geographical thought and research practices. Students will also engage with the work of selected and key scholars. Spanning human and physical geography and geospatial data sciences, the course fosters appreciation of the challenges and opportunities involved in integrating diverse theoretical and methodological perspectives across the discipline. Students will apply philosophical and historical insights to situate specific geographic research themes, enhancing their ability to engage critically with geography’s evolving conceptual and methodological frameworks.
C.A.: 100%
Workload: 1.5-1.5-0-2-5
Pre-requisite(s)/Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course examines the complex debates on economic globalization and assesses the contributions of human geography to these debates. In particular, we will discuss and evaluate the spatial processes and ramifications of global economic change that is associated with globalization tendencies. We will also analyze the role of states, labour, capital, technology, and politically contested discourses of globalization in shaping global economic change. This course will be a graduate seminar comprising student presentations and discussions. Attendance and full preparation are the basic requirements. Ph.D. candidates will be expected to cope with additional written materials, as well as added responsibility in the seminar context.
C.A.: 100%
Workload: 3-0-0-3-4
Pre-requisite(s)/ Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course is intended for students pursuing post-graduate tourism research. It uses a geographical lens to explore the tourism phenomenon, examining how spaces are shaped from various human and physical perspectives, as well as discussing the consumption of such landscapes within particular social relations. In the critical investigation of planned and spontaneous landscapes, not only will the production of consumptive spaces of tourism be evaluated but the capacity for reflexivity in consumption will also be emphasized. In this way, the concept of sustainable tourism can be evaluated. The course is structured around seminars, including a departmental seminar by the students.
C.A.: 100%
Units: 4
Workload: 1-2-0-2-5
Pre-requisite(s)/ Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
Transnationalism studies draw attention to social processes and relations that simultaneously transgress borders while remaining in some ways anchored on territorially defined spaces. This course examines the theoretical foundations, historical perspectives, methodological premises and innovative developments of transnationalism studies through empirically grounded analyses of transnational phenomenon. Topics offered may include but are not limited to transnational migration, institutional governance, socio-political mobilisations, corporations, urbanism or popular culture and media. Comparative examples from Asia and beyond will be drawn upon to inform discussions.
C.A.: 100%
Workload: 3-0-0-4-3
Pre-requisite(s)/Preclusion(s)/Cross-listing(s): Nil
This course is an advanced level course in concepts, approaches and methods in political geography. The teaching and learning objectives involve a sophisticated understanding and appreciation of the trajectory, approaches and contents of political geography; A grounding in research methods and concepts in political geography and an appreciation of the relationship of political geography to allied fields both in geography and the wider social sciences and humanities. The major topics to be covered are the modes of thinking in political geography; Contested concepts: power, territory, boundaries, scale and place; Critical geopolitics; States, territory and identity; Geographies of political and social movements and Geographies of environmental politics.
C.A.: 100%