Source: School of Environmental Science and Engineering
Written by: School of Environmental Science and Engineering
Translated by: Ren Xiang
Edited by: Wang Dongmei

17 days in total, across three cities in two continents, the 2014 International Environmental Course drew its curtain recently. The course was co-organized by School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Plymouth University, and College of Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong. This project started in 2008 with the aim to expand students’ understanding of the relationship between environmental issues and economic development and evoke their passion to protect environment through transregional academic studies.

The course this year was divided into two parts. The first part was held in Cornwall, the United Kingdom, which was led by Dr. Huang Huang and Chen Shishi  from School of Environmental Science and Engineering of SYSU. During the course, teachers and students of the two countries visited Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum, Geevor Tin Mine, SITA Cornwall, Wastewater Treatment Plant, and Trevean Farm. These visits expanded students’ vision and the explanations by experts enriched their knowledge. Students enhanced communication and coordination through field sampling, doing experiments and giving presentations.

The second part of the course was held in Guangzhou and Hong Kong, which was led by Dr. Peng Yisheng from School of Environmental Science and Engineering of SYSU. In Guangzhou, teachers and students of the two countries went to Qi’ao Island, Zhuhai to study mangrove and take samples. They also went to Chebei River and Xiaojiwo Reservoir to do research on air quality and water pollution. At the seminar, Dr. Sean Comber and Dr. Charlotte Braungardt from Plymouth University gave an overall explanation and summary of the work. Students had heated discussions and shared their ideas. In Hong Kong, students made presentations after sampling and doing experiments. The group members worked together to present their projects, and the teachers had in-depth exchanges with the students.

Through this course, students learned about recent studies and development in environmental science, as well as applications of environmental science in environmental protection and management in different regions. Students with different linguistic, educational and cultural backgrounds have built friendship through studying, visiting and researching together.