POSTGRADUATE
PROGRAMS
PROGRAMS
Postgraduate Programs 2025/26
Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy Programs in Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences
Award Title
Master of Philosophy in Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences
Doctor of Philosophy in Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences
Program Short Name
MPhil(EOAS)
PhD(EOAS)
Mode of Study
Both full- and part-time
Normative Program Duration
MPhil
Full-time: 2 years
Part-time: 4 years
PhD
Full-time: 3 years (with a relevant research master’s degree), 4 years (without a relevant research master’s degree)
Part-time: 6 years
Offering Unit
Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences Thrust Area
Function Hub
Program Advisor
PG Programs Coordinator:
Prof Shuncheng LEE,
Professor of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences,
Professor of Sustainable Energy and Environment
Enquiry
Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences (EOAS) provides fundamental knowledge that builds up our scientific realization and understanding of the earth system and its changing trends. EOAS focuses on interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary studies of interactions among ocean, atmosphere and land surface process in the earth system for the sustainable environment and climate change. It covers multidisciplinary study of physical, biogeochemical, earth surface science and hydrology in the watershed and river-basin for the coupled systems of land-sea, air-sea, air-land and land-sea-atmosphere interactions.
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Programs in Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences aim to provide rigorous training and research in EOAS that prepare students to face challenges of the changing earth system and sustainable environment under changing climate in both regional and global scales.
A candidate for an MPhil degree is expected to demonstrate knowledge in the discipline and to synthesize and create new knowledge, making a contribution to the field.
A candidate for a PhD degree is expected to demonstrate mastery of knowledge in the chosen discipline and to synthesize and create new knowledge, making an original and substantial contribution to the discipline.
On successful completion of the MPhil program, graduates will be able to:
- Identify the core ideas and concepts of the interdisciplinary Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric System (EOAS);
- Engage critical thinking skills to carry out investigative research in EOAS;
- Apply a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods to analyze and solve problems of the earth system using combined knowledge of EOAS;
- Translate effectively fundamental research insights into earth and environmental science practice in relevant academic and engineering fields; and
- Communicate effectively solutions to problems using the correct terminology in the respective disciplines and their integrations in EOAS.
On successful completion of the PhD program, graduates will be able to:
- Identify and define the complex ideas and concepts of the interdisciplinary Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric System (EOAS);
- Recognize the power of abstraction and generalization and carry out original research in EOAS with sound independent judgment;
- Apply rigorous, analytical, highly numerical approach to analyze and solve problems of the earth system using combined knowledge of EOAS;
- Transform effectively fundamental research insights into earth and environmental science practice in relevant academic and engineering fields; and
- Exercise independent and critical communication skills to problems using the correct terminology and principle in the respective disciplines and their integrations in EOAS.
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Minimum Credit Requirement
MPhil: 15 credits
PhD: 21 credits -
Credit Transfer
Students who have taken equivalent courses at HKUST(GZ) or other recognized universities may be granted credit transfer on a case-by-case basis, up to a maximum of 3 credits for MPhil students, and 6 credits for PhD students.
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Cross-disciplinary Core Courses
2 credits
UCMP 6010
Cross-disciplinary Research Methods I
2 Credit(s)
Description
This course focuses on using various approaches to perform quantitative analysis through real-world examples. Students will learn how to use different tools in an interdisciplinary project and how to acquire new skills on their own. The course offers different modules that are multidisciplinary/multifunctional and generally applicable to a wide class of problems.
UCMP 6020
Cross-disciplinary Research Methods II
2 Credit(s)
Description
This course focuses on using various approaches to perform quantitative analysis through real-world examples. Students will learn how to use different tools in an interdisciplinary project and how to acquire new skills on their own. The course offers different modules that are multidisciplinary/multifunctional and generally applicable to a wide class of problems.
UCMP 6030
Cross-disciplinary Design Thinking I
2 Credit(s)
Description
This course focuses on user-collaborative design methods for generating inclusive product solutions that integrate stakeholder and product functionality perspectives. Students will create specified product/process/policy/protocol/plan (5P) concept models through the use of recursive user feedback engagement methods, experimental prototyping, and divergent and convergent ideation strategies. Featured topics include design thinking; stakeholder research; concept development, screening, and selection; and interaction design.
UCMP 6040
Cross-disciplinary Design Thinking II
2 Credit(s)
Description
This course focuses on user-collaborative design methods for generating inclusive product solutions that integrate stakeholder and product functionality perspectives. Students will create specified product/process/policy/protocol/plan (5P) concept models through the use of recursive user feedback engagement methods, experimental prototyping, and divergent and convergent ideation strategies. Featured topics include design thinking; stakeholder research; concept development, screening, and selection; and interaction design.
UCMP 6050
Project-driven Collaborative Design Thinking
2 Credit(s)
All MPhil students are required to complete UCMP 6050. All PhD students are required to complete either UCMP 6010 or UCMP 6030. Students may complete the remaining courses as part of the credit requirements, as requested by the Program Planning cum Thesis Supervision Committee.
PhD students who are HKUST(GZ) MPhil graduates and have completed UCMP 6010, UCMP 6030 or UCMP 6050 before may be exempted from this requirement, subject to prior approval of the Program Planning cum Thesis Supervision Committee.
- Hub Core Courses
4 Credits
Students are required to complete at least one Hub core course (2 credits) from the Function Hub and at least one Hub core course (2 credits) from other Hubs.
Function Hub Core Course
FUNH 5000
Introduction to Function Hub for Sustainable Future
2 Credit(s)
Description
This course covers background knowledge in the thrust areas of the Function Hub, including Advanced Materials, Sustainable Energy and Environment, Microelectronics, and Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences.
Other Hub Core Courses
INFH 5000
Information Science and Technology: Essentials and Trends
2 Credit(s)
Description
This inquiry-based course aims to introduce students to the concepts and skills needed to drive digital transformation in the information age. Students will learn to conduct research, explore real-world applications, and discuss grand challenges in the four thrust areas of the Information hub, namely Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Analytics, Internet of Things, and Computational Media and Arts. The course incorporates various teaching and learning formats including lectures, seminars, online courses, group discussions, and a term project.
SOCH 5000
Technological Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship
2 Credit(s)
Description
This course discusses both opportunities and risks that technological breakthrough has brought to the human society. What would be the policy responses required to maximize its positive benefit and minimize its social costs? In particular, how could we utilize the technological advancement, entrepreneurial thinking to address the challenges our societies are facing, such as job loss/unemployment, income inequality and societal polarization, environmental degradation, health disparity, population aging, and among others. The course uses either case studies or cross-country and time-series data analyses to facilitate the discussion of various social issues and look for innovative solutions of in the real world.
SYSH 5000
Model-Based Systems Engineering
2 Credit(s)
Description
Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is a contemporary systems engineering methodology that uses conceptual models for communication between system architects, designers, developers, and stakeholders. Object-Process Methodology (OPM) is an MBSE language and methodology for constructing domain-independent conceptual models of all kinds of systems. The course provides students with basic knowledge and tools for MBSE, focusing on conceptual modeling of systems, giving learners a competitive advantage over their peers.
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Courses on Domain Knowledge
MPhil: minimum 9 credits of coursework
PhD: minimum 15 credits of coursework
Under this requirement, each student is required to take one of the required courses, and other electives to form an individualized curriculum relevant to the cross-disciplinary thesis research. To ensure that students will take appropriate courses to equip them with needed domain knowledge, each student has a Program Planning cum Thesis Supervision Committee to approve the courses to be taken soonest after program commencement and no later than the end of the first year. Depending on the approved curriculum, individual students may be required to complete additional credits beyond the minimal credit requirements.
Required Course List
Students are required to take one of the required courses listed below.
EOAS 5000
Introduction to Oceanography
3 Credit(s)
Description
An introduction to the fundamentals of physical, chemical, geological, geochemical, and biological oceanography. It unveils the mystery of the oceans including the formation of the continents, oceanic circulation, and formation of precious minerals in the deep oceans; discovers ocean resources from phytoplankton to fish. The course will lay the foundation for sustainable use of the oceans and discuss human threats such as global warming, overfishing, and coastal pollution.
EOAS 5001
Introduction to Earth Surface Processes
3 Credit(s)
Description
This course introduces the Earth surface hydrodynamics, biogeochemical cycles, sediment and climate processes focusing on the river basin and watershed that link with atmosphere, river water, soil, vegetation, landscape, impact of humans, submarine groundwater discharge and ocean for the modification of Earth system.
EOAS 5005
Introduction to Atmospheric Science
3 Credit(s)
Description
This course introduces the fundamental principles that govern the physical and chemical processes in the atmosphere, including the thermodynamics of dry and moist air, radiative transfer, important trace gases and aerosols, and essential aspects of atmospheric circulation, etc. These fundamental principles form the basis of understanding the role of atmosphere in the global energy, water and carbon cycles, and the interaction between the atmosphere and other components of the Earth system. This course also provides a synthesis of these topics in the context of critical issues that are affecting human society such as extreme weather events, air pollution, and climate change.
Sample Elective Course List
To meet individual needs, students will be taking courses in different areas, which may include but not limited to courses and areas listed below.
EOAS 5002
Atmosphere-Ocean Dynamics
3 Credit(s)
Description
This course presents fundamental geophysical fluid dynamics in the ocean and atmosphere system by introducing governing concepts and principles in ocean and atmospheric circulation as well as the exchanges of buoyancy, energy and momentum fluxes in the interface between air and sea.
EOAS 5003
Coupled Physical-Biogeochemical Dynamics in the Ocean
3 Credit(s)
Description
The biogeochemical cycle in the ocean is not only governed by the chemical and biological processes, but also regulated critically by the physical processes in the ocean. The topics of this course cover ocean circulation and biogeochemical dynamics, marine phytoplankton and zooplankton, biogeochemical response to circulation dynamics in the ocean.
EOAS 5004
Earth System Modeling
4 Credit(s)
Description
The course covers major processes and interactions of Earth system components and introduces the related numerical modeling concepts and techniques. It provides hands-on modeling projects to explore ideas of designing, constructing, and applying models to test hypotheses and enhance understanding of the Earth system processes and their response and feedback to the climate.
EOAS 5006
Global Carbon Cycle and Climate Change
3 Credit(s)
Description
This course provides fundamental knowledge of how carbon flows through the land-ocean-atmosphere continuum and how carbon interacts with the cycling of water and other essential biogeochemical elements to regulate the Earth’s climate. It provides insight into human activities altering the carbon cycle, the global climate, and ecosystem dynamics. It also explores nature-based solutions or eco-engineering strategies for achieving carbon neutrality and mitigating adverse climate and ecosystem changes.
EOAS 5007
Watershed Biogeochemistry
3 Credit(s)
Description
This course focuses on the biogeochemical, hydrological, and ecological connections across the land-air-water continuum in watersheds. Specific topics include 1) an overview of watershed biogeochemical cycles, 2) land-air exchanges of carbon, water, and energy, 3) nutrient cycles in land and waters, 4) biogeochemical cycling in groundwater, and 5) watershed biogeochemistry in climate change.
EOAS 5008
Academic Presentation Skills
1 Credit(s)
Description
This course is designed to provide postgraduate students with the opportunity to practice speaking and presenting their research in front of scientific audiences. Students will select research topics and organize presentations within the interdisciplinary studies of ocean-atmosphere-land interactions for faculty and other students.
- Additional Foundation Courses
Individual students may be required to take foundation courses to strengthen their academic background and research capacity in related areas, which will be specified by the Program Planning cum Thesis Supervision Committee. The credits earned cannot be counted toward the credit requirements.
- Graduate Teaching Assistant Training
PDEV 6800
Introduction to Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
0 Credit(s)
Description
The course is designed to strengthen students’ competence in teaching. It comprises 2 parts: Part 1 aims to equip all full-time research postgraduate (RPg) students with basic teaching skills before assuming teaching assistant duties for the department. Good teaching skills can be acquired through learning and practice. This 10-hour mandatory training course provides all graduate teaching assistants (GTA) with the necessary theoretical knowledge with practical opportunities to apply and build up their knowledge, skills and confidence in taking up their teaching duties. At the end of the course, GTAs should be able to (1) facilitate teaching in tutorials and laboratory settings; (2) provide meaningful feedback to their students; and (3) design an active learning environment to engage their students. In Part 2, students are required to perform instructional delivery assigned by their respective departments to complete this course. MPhil students are required to give at least one 30-minute session of instructional delivery in front of a group of students for one term. PhD students are required to give at least one such session each in two different terms. Graded PP, P or F.
All full-time RPg students are required to complete PDEV 6800. The course is composed of a 10-hour training offered by the Institute of Educational Innovation and Practice (IEIP), and session(s) of instructional delivery to be assigned by the respective Thrusts/Base. Upon satisfactory completion of the training conducted by IEIP, MPhil students are required to give at least one 30-minute session of instructional delivery in front of a group of students for one term. PhD students are required to give at least one such session each in two different terms. The instructional delivery will be formally assessed.
- Professional Development Course Requirement
PDEV 6770
Professional Development for Research Postgraduate Students
1 Credit(s)
Description
This course aims at equipping research postgraduate students with transferrable skills conducive to their professional development. Students are required to attend 3 hours of mandatory training on Professional Conduct, and complete 12 hours of workshops, at their own choice, under the themes of Communication Skills, Research Competency, Entrepreneurship, Self‐Management, and Career Development. Graded PP, P or F.
Students are required to complete PDEV 6770. The 1 credit earned from PDEV 6770 cannot be counted toward the credit requirements.
PhD students who are HKUST MPhil graduates and have completed PDEV 6770 or other professional development courses offered by the University before may be exempted from taking PDEV 6770, subject to prior approval of the Program Planning cum Thesis Supervision Committee.
FUNH 6770
Professional Development for Function Hub
1 Credit(s)
Description
This course aims at providing research postgraduate students basic training in scientific ethics in research studies in advanced materials, sustainable energy and environment, earth, ocean and atmospheric sciences and microelectronics, research management, professional career development, and related professional skills. Guest speakers from various professional areas will be invited to share their career paths in professional career developments. Students will have chances to connect to talents in various professional areas. Graded PP, P or F.
Students are required to complete FUNH 6770. The 1 credit earned from FUNH 6770 cannot be counted toward the credit requirements.
PhD students who are HKUST MPhil graduates and have completed FUNH 6770 or other professional development courses offered by the University before may be exempted from taking FUNH 6770, subject to prior approval of the Program Planning cum Thesis Supervision Committee.
- English Language Requirement
LANG 5000
Foundation in Listening & Speaking for Postgraduate Students
1 Credit(s)
Description
For students whose level of spoken English is lower than ELPA Level 4 (Speaking) when they enter the University. The course addresses the immediate linguistic needs of research postgraduate students for oral communication on campus using English. To complete the course, students are required to attain at least ELPA Level 4 (Speaking). Graded P or F.
Full-time RPg students are required to take an English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) Speaking Test administered by the Division of Language Education before the start of their first term of study. Students whose ELPA Speaking Test score is below Level 4, or who failed to take the test in their first term of study, are required to take LANG 5000 until they pass the course by attaining at least Level 4 in the ELPA Speaking Test before graduation. The 1 credit earned from LANG 5000 cannot be counted toward the credit requirements.
PLED 5001
Communicating Research in English
1 Credit(s)
Students are required to take PLED 5001. The credit earned cannot be counted toward the credit requirements. Students can be exempted from taking this course with the approval of the Program Planning cum Thesis Supervision Committee.
- Postgraduate Seminar
FUNH 6800
Function Hub Seminar
0 Credit(s)
Description
Seminar topics presented by students, faculty and guest speakers. Students are expected to attend regularly and demonstrate proficiency in presentation in accordance with the program requirements. Graded P or F.
MPhil:
Full-time students must take and pass FUNH 6800 in at least two terms.
PhD:
Full-time students must take and pass FUNH 6800 in at least four terms.
- PhD Qualifying Examination
PhD students are required to pass a qualifying examination to obtain PhD candidacy following established policy.
- Thesis Research
EOAS 6990
MPhil Thesis Research
0 Credit(s)
Description
Master's thesis research supervised by co-advisors from different disciplines. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.
EOAS 7990
Doctoral Thesis Research
0 Credit(s)
Description
Original and independent doctoral thesis research supervised by co-advisors from different disciplines. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.
MPhil:
- Registration in EOAS 6990; and
- Presentation and oral defense of the MPhil thesis.
PhD:
- Registration in EOAS 7990; and
- Presentation and oral defense of the PhD thesis.
Last Update: 1 July 2024
To qualify for admission, applicants must meet all of the following requirements. Admission is selective and meeting these minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.
1. General Admission Requirements of the University
Please refer to Admission Requirements.
2. English Language Admission Requirements
Please refer to Admission Requirements.
Admission to HKUST(GZ)
Apply online before the application deadlines.
Application Fee
RMB150
* All international students are required to obtain a student visa (X visa) for studying in China’s mainland. For details on student visa (X visa) requirements, please click here.
