Introduction

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Program seeks to train students in original research in Atmospheric Environmental Science and to cultivate independent and innovative thinking that is essential for a successful research career in environmental science. 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.

Currently, the research concentrations include:

• Aerosol physics and chemistry
• Air quality modeling and data analysis
• Atmospheric chemistry
• Environmental sensing and measurement technology
• Global and regional climate modeling
• Health effects of air pollutants

Offered by the Division of Environment and Suitability, the programs are supported with the following research foci and state-of-the-art facilities. It aims to provide students with a deeper understanding of environmental science and related policies so as to help increase their abilities in tackling the environment and generating meaningful solutions.

Research Foci

The Division’s main areas of focus are:

• Atmospheric science and air pollution
• Climate change policy and adaptations
• Sustainability and environmental economics
• Healthy living environment

We also work at the points where these areas intersect, such as the scientific understanding of management strategies and policy formulations.

Facilities

HKUST has excellent central facilities and equipment to support the Program’s teaching and learning. These include: Environmental Central Facility, the Air Quality Research Supersite Facility, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) Laboratory, realtime air quality and meteorological forecasting systems, satellite receiving systems and Geographical Information System.