English

This course introduces matrix algebra and its applications. Key topics include: systems of linear equations; linear transformations; matrix representation of linear transformations; linear operators, eigenvalues and eigenvectors; similarity invariants and canonical forms, and inner product spaces, elementary matrices, determinants and its properties, Cramer’s Rule and inverse formula, areas and volumes, vector spaces and subspaces, subspaces associated with matrices, linear independent sets and bases, coordinate systems and dimension, orthogonality and orthonormal sets, orthogonal projections and Gram-Schmidt process, least square solutions and applications. Text: David C. Lay, LINEAR ALGEBRA AND ITS APPLICATIONS. Assessment: homework (10%), midterm exam (30%), final exam (60%).

This course entails completing an interdisciplinary group project on a topic of relevance to the scientific or wider community. 

This course provides a study of the main environmental risks and challenges posed by human activity. It also examines current debates on the sustainability of economic growth and the problems of global governance posed by environmental challenges. Other topics covered include: industrial exploitation and the global ecological crisis; stocks, market and environment; environmental degradation and global governance; urban planning and sustainability; development and corporate environmental responsibility; ethics, regulations and environmental justice.

This course provides an introduction to the basic principles of public international law as it applies in our modern world. It focuses on how the governance of our global system is being shaped through international law and policy. The course analyzes the interface of international law and governance through the prism of such issues as internal unrest, dispute resolution, climate change, globalization, development, terrorism, use of force, pirates, cyberlaw, torture, human rights, genocide, the United Nations, the World Bank, and non-governmental organizations. 

This course examines the Middle East from Napoleon's invasion of Egypt to the end of WWI. Emphasis will be on the emergence of nationalisms in the context of European imperialism; political, social, and economic transformation; religion and ideology; and changing patterns of alliances.

This course examines the psychological factors in drug and behavioral addictions (such as gambling, sex, shopping, video game playing, eating), and associated interventions for recovery. 

This course provides a basic understanding of cells and various techniques that are used to study cells. It examines the many aspects of cell biology including cell structure, cell chemistry, cell metabolism cell genetics, cell membranes, cellular communication, protein synthesis, and cell division.
 

This course examines the experience of health and wellbeing over the lifespan. Developmental theory and perspectives on coping and resilience are used to illuminate individual and ecological factors that promote or inhibit the physical, psychological and social wellbeing of individuals over the lifecourse.

This course examines the links between environmental protection and economic development. It focuses on how the world manages its natural and environmental resources to meet the human needs of the present while at the same time preserving these resources for future generations. The course introduces students to different views on how human society achieves the goal of economic growth without depleting earth’s capital and jeopardizing the planet’s life support system. Other topics include the concept of sustainable development and its evolution; the challenges, equity issues, technology development, and free trade; sustainable development indicators and ecological footprints analysis; governance and international cooperation; and the sustainability of city and country. The course uses Hong Kong and China for case studies.