The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Subject Description Form
Subject Code ISE1D01
Subject Title Learning for a Sustainable Future
Credit Value 3
Level 1
Pre-requisite / Nil
Co-requisite/
Exclusion
Objectives This subject explores the emerging concept of sustainable development
which is an increasingly important issue for governments, businesses,
educational institutions and non-government organizations around the
world. Sustainable development is a learning process. Studies have
shown that, in many cases, there is a lack of understanding of
sustainability concepts and their implementation in university teaching
and learning practices. Traditional subjects have focused on solutions to
complex problems and have equipped students with the skills to resolve
such problems within a relatively narrow area. The overall objective of
this subject is to promote commitment and skills so that students can
develop an enhanced understanding of what it means to work for a
sustainable future, a sense of responsibility for future generations and a
spirit of optimism and hope for a sustainable future.
The degradation of natural resources threatens the livelihood of people.
Human health and well-being is increasingly determined by
environmental conditions. This subject highlights the interdependence of
these issues and how people’s daily lives are related to social, economic,
environmental and technological processes. It also demonstrates that
social and environmental problems can be solved through changes to the
way resources are used are that people have an obligation to overcome
the environmental problems humanity faces.
The objectives of the subject are to enable students to:
1. Understand the concepts of sustainability and sustainable
development; the interdependence of natural and socio-economic
systems at local, national and global levels
2. Develop an understanding of the social, economic, environmental and
technological issues facing the world today and establish an
understanding of the interrelationships among these issues
3. Have a critical reflection and decision making caused by personal
lifestyles
4. Engage in active participation in building sustainable development
28.11.2022
Intended Learning The study of sustainability is intellectually stimulating and seeks to
Outcomes empower students to draw upon their capacity to engage in and future
thinking enhanced by concepts, tools, and techniques. Students are
increasingly concerned with sustainability issues but feel unprepared as
to what the future might bring. This subject is designed for
undergraduate students by introducing selected issues that need to be
addressed in building a sustainable future.
Upon completion of the subject, students will be able to:
(a) Develop an understanding of the emerging concepts of sustainable
development
(b) Develop an understanding of the interrelationships among selected
sustainable development issues
(c) Analyze the value base behind a range of different interpretations of
sustainable development
(d) Develop key competencies in sustainability, such as problem solving,
linking knowledge to action, and the ability to collaborate
successfully with experts and stakeholders that have a vested interest
in sustainable development
(e) Appreciate the differences in approach to sustainable development
between Hong Kong and a selected City in China
Subject Synopsis/ China is demonstrating its intentions to promote Sustainable
Indicative Syllabus Development Goals. A key driver in this aspiration is to strive to realize
an ecological civilization by 2030. Ecological civilization can be defined
as “a dynamic equilibrium state where humans and nature interact and
function harmoniously”. To speed up high-quality development in a
sustainable way, most local governments have made efforts in ecological
construction and improving the public's awareness of environmental
protection. To improve the public's living environment and enhance
residents' sense of happiness, China’s many cities aim to build a
demonstration zone for ecological civilization.
Due to China’s long history, it is an excellent location for students to
understand the concept of sustainability. China takes environmental
protection as a top priority, transforming its industrial structure and
promoting green development. Therefore, how to ensure the preservation
of natural resources and the environment, protect citizens health and
increase social harmony and welfare, while maintaining its economic
vitality and competitiveness, is one of the important tasks for China in
the 21st century. Therefore, in China, students are able to explore and
familiarize themselves with the following issues related to sustainability:
Energy Conservation, Carbon Reduction and Climate Change
Promoting Climate Change Adaptation Technology Integration
Research
Promoting greenification of industries
Promoting green LOHAS and low-carbon transportation
Promoting green consumption in the general public
28.11.2022
National Land and Resources
Water resource development, utilization, management and
conservation
Sustainable management of maritime resources
National land planning, management, and conservation
Conservation of wetland ecology
Biodiversity
Establishing and integrating biodiversity information database
Planning of Land, Wetland, and Maritime Biodiversity Monitoring
Systems
Implementing boat reduction and fishing moratorium, regulating
fishing yield, and implementing fishery management
Prevention and cataloguing of invasive species
Promoting excellent agricultural products
Energy and Production
Promoting green factories and integration of energy and resources
Encouraging energy conservation and carbon reduction, developing
renewable energy
Invigorative measures for agriculture
Encouraging transformation in the fishing industry and curbing illegal
fishing
Transportation and Livelihood
Improving public road transportation efficiency; Strengthening
disaster prevention system for roads and bridges
Promoting ecotourism, environmental education and a friendly
tourism environment
Improving weather forecasting and earthquake detection capabilities
Promoting environmental management systems and energy
conservation/carbon reduction equipment for the aviation industry
Urban and Rural Development
Urban and rural sustainable development
Green building for eco-cities
Enhancing living environment
Health and Welfare
Protection and service for women, children and youth
Molding a friendly city for the elderly, and enhancing their social
participation
Handling epidemics and promoting the development of vaccine
production
Risk assessment and management of environmental pollution quality
Education and Promotion
Improving knowledge and understanding of sustainable development
and environmental awareness
Advancing sustainable development through collaboration with the
government, schools and the general public
Strengthening social education centers and promoting sustainability
and environmental protection
28.11.2022
Promoting research and international cooperation on education of
sustainable development
Providing students with quality learning activities outside the classroom
Teaching/Learning
is vital for helping them obtain first-hand experience from different
Methodology
perspectives. Experience outside the classroom enhances learning by
providing students with opportunities to practice enquiry skills, value
analysis and clarification, and problem solving. This unique learning
opportunity helps students increase their understanding of sustainability
problems. Supported by China local universities, local governments, and
industry partners, this subject will help students turn concepts and
methods into practical competence. Through a carefully designed
teaching/learning methodology, students will obtain real-world
experience on how to link knowledge to action for sustainability.
Basically, three learning stages are included in this subject: (i)
preparation in class (Pre-field Stage); (ii) fieldwork (Field Stage) and (iii)
Follow-up in class (Post-field Stage)
Pre-Field Stage
There will be lectures to provide essential knowledge and information on
various topics in sustainability issues. Students are required to identify a
real-world problem, evaluate whether and why it is a sustainability
problem, perform a stakeholder analysis, and formulate a problem-
solving approach (what, why, who, and how). During this stage, students
will be able to: (i) develop knowledge and skills, (ii) practice data
collection techniques, (iii) know groups and personal responsibilities,
(iv) be aware of arrangements and necessary materials, and (v)
understand safety requirements.
Fieldwork
(a) Field Teaching and Research
This involves taking students to several field locations and delivering
mini-lectures or seminars on-site from which students are expected to
take notes. This approach involves students in careful observation and
description of a scene or activity and in suggesting possible explanations
based on previously acquired information. This approach provides a
structured way for students to find their own examples as an integral part
of the learning experience. Pre-reading materials are made available to
ensure students are well prepared before the fieldtrip.
(b) Sites Visit (Winners of National Sustainable Development Awards)
Fieldtrips that involve local experts increase the exposure of students to
the real world and to its stakeholders and thereby add interactive
components. Students are required to ask relevant questions in order to
explore sustainability dimensions of an issue on-site, in particular, how
things are done, by whom, and why. During the fieldwork, students are
able to: (i) make direct observations: identifying, describing,
constructing, and measuring, (ii) collect and record data, (iii) make initial
analysis and interpretations, and (iv) be aware of their own and other
people's perceptions.
(c) Seminars
Interaction with guest speakers is an important feature of this subject.
28.11.2022
Experts involved in sustainable development and specific fields from
governments, media, business, and related associations are invited to
engage in dialogue with the students. The consideration of local and
opinion leaders and experts to highlight on challenges of the areas forms
an integral part of the subject.
Post-Fieldwork
After completing fieldtrips, students need to (i) organize the information
they have collected, (ii) check findings with others, (iii) test hypotheses,
(iv) make generalizations, (v) discuss puzzling issues with others, (vi)
research unanswered questions, and (vii) prepare project reports and
presentations.
(a) Group Project
Students from Hong Kong and China are required to form groups
together on chosen case studies, which run over the total subject
duration. Each group will conduct a project addressing a sustainable
issue by researching, developing, and preparing a solution portfolio.
Group projects are intended to be an enjoyable learning experience in
which students become familiar with the economic, political, social and
cultural, environmental and technical issues associated with the
sustainability topic that they are exploring. Working through a group
project can help students in:
Identifying possible causes and effects of a problem
Brainstorming potential solutions to the underlying problem
Developing criteria for evaluating solutions
Evaluating all solutions to determine the preferred one
Developing an action plan for the best solution
(b) Essay
Each student will submit one research essay assignment based on their
learning activities of the subject. This assignment will deal with
important technological, economic and environmental aspects associated
with sustainability. Also, it will foster students’ understanding of the
relationship between theory and real world experience. Students will
review and critique literature with respect to critical issues about
sustainable development.
Through group projects and essay assignments, students’ ability to apply
and synthesize acquired knowledge can be evaluated on the basis of their
performance in group discussions, oral presentations, and the quality of
their project reports on these case studies.
Assessment
Methods in Specific assessment % Intended subject learning outcomes to
Alignment with methods/tasks weighting be assessed
Intended Learning
a b c d e
Outcomes
1. Tests 20%
2. Research essay 30%
28.11.2022
3. Individual
10%
reflective journal
4. Group project
30%
report
5. Project Oral
10%
presentation
Total 100%
This subject involves students working in groups to study cases where
they apply knowledge learnt and suggest preferred solutions to reduce
pressure on the environment and increase sustainable development in
specific areas/regions. Through such exercises, students' ability to apply
and synthesize acquired knowledge can be evaluated on the basis of their
performance in group discussions, oral presentations, and the quality of
their written reports on these case studies. Tests are used to assess
students' knowledge, critical thinking, and values and attitudes regarding
sustainability issues.
Student Study Class contact:
Effort Expected
Lectures 12 Hrs.
Tutorials/Seminars/Case studies 13 Hrs.
Site visits/mini-lectures 14 Hrs.
Other student study effort:
Research/preparation for site visits and
56 Hrs.
information gathering
Preparation for the essay, project presentation and
22 Hrs.
report writing
Total student study effort 117 Hrs.
28.11.2022
1. 2014 Global Sustainable Development Report, UN-DESA
Reading List and
2. Inclusive Green Growth: The Pathway to Sustainable Development,
References
The World Bank, 2012
3. Bert J. M., Sustainability Science, 2012, Cambridge University Press
4. The Council for Sustainable Development in Hong Kong,
http://www.susdev.gov.hk/html/en/council/
5. Engineering for Sustainable Development: Guiding Principles, Royal
Academy of Engineering, 2005
6. Education for Sustainable Development - An Expert Review of
Processes and Learning, UNESCO, 2011
7. UN-DESA, http://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/index.html
8. Engineering-Issues, Challenges and Opportunities for Development,
USECO, 2010
9. Towards a Green Economy: Pathways to Sustainable Development
and Poverty Eradication, UNEP, 2011
10. WBCSD, http://www.wbcsd.org/home.aspx
28.11.2022
