Enquiry for Science Major/Minor/Programme Requirements
BIOL3991 Directed studies in ecology & biodiversity (6 credits) Academic Year 2025
Offering Department Biological Sciences Quota ---
Course Co-ordinator Prof S Y W Sin, Biological Sciences < sinyw@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (All academic staff in E&B Major / E&B Major (Intensive) Major,School of Biological Sciences)
Course Objectives Students will undertake a dissertation on a topic related to the field of ecology and biodiversity.  The dissertation will not involve any practical research in terms of laboratory or fieldwork, but will take the form of a desk-top study.  Conducting a dissertation is an independent learning experience and will enable students to develop skills including the use of library and Web-based resources; the logical development of scientific arguments; written presentation skills; and personal time management.
Course Contents & Topics An appropriate dissertation topic will be selected from a predeterminted list and following discussion with a member of Ecology & Biodiversity staff, who will act as the student's supervisor.  Formal teaching will be limited and aimed at introducing students to the techniques necessary for successful completion of their dissertation.
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 identify a relevant scientific question or knowledge gap
CLO 2 establish a desk-top literature approach to test the question posed / address the knowledge gap
CLO 3 undertake the appropriate research to test the question / address the knowledge gap using sound scientific principles; including statistical analyses where appropriate
CLO 4 communicate with supervisors to draw appropriate scientific conclusions from their research
CLO 5 present their research as a scientific paper
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in at least 24 credits of advanced level disciplinary core / elective courses in the Ecology & Biodiversity Major / Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) Major.
This capstone course is for Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) Major students only.
The earliest that a student is allowed to take this capstone course is their year 3 study.
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2025 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2025 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) < PLO 5,4,3,2,1,6 >
2024 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) < PLO 5,4,3,2,1,6 >
2023 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) < PLO 1,6,5,4,3,2 >
2022 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) < PLO 1,6,5,4,3,2 >
2021 Major in Ecology & Biodiversity (Intensive) < PLO 2,1,6,5,4,3 >
Offer in 2025 - 2026 Y        1st sem    2nd sem    Examination No Exam     
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Evidence of complete or near-complete understanding and a thorough grasp of the subject matter as demonstrated by attainment of all learning outcomes. Excellent critique and knowledge of relevant literature and identification of research hypothesis. Well designed scientific approach to test research hypothesis. Show excellent organizational and/or analytical skills. Demonstrate comprehensive, critical, assessment of findings and professional presentation of research work.
B Evidence of near-complete understanding and a good grasp of the subject matter as demonstrated by attainment of the majority of learning outcomes. Good critique and knowledge of relevant literature and identification of research hypothesis. Appropriately designed scientific approach to test research hypothesis. Show good organizational and/or analytical skills. Demonstrate effective, critical, assessment of findings and good presentation of research work.
C Evidence of adequate understanding and grasp of the subject matter as demonstrated by general but incomplete attainment of most of the learning outcomes. Acceptable critique and knowledge of relevant literature and identification of research hypothesis. Adequately designed scientific approach to test research hypothesis. Show fair organizational and/or analytical skills. Demonstrate adequate but not necessarily critical, assessment of findings and presentation of research work.
D Evidence of limited understanding and grasp of the subject matter as demonstrated by incomplete attainment of many of the learning outcomes. Limited critique and knowledge of relevant literature and identification of research hypothesis. Poorly designed scientific approach to test research hypothesis. Show fair organizational and/or analytical skills. Demonstrate confused and poorly organized assessment of findings and limited presentation of research work.
Fail Evidence of poor or inadequate understanding and grasp of the subject matter such that most of the learning outcomes are not attained. Poor critique and knowledge of relevant literature and identification of research hypothesis. Badly designed scientific approach to test research hypothesis. Show little evidence of appropriate organizational and/or analytical skills. Demonstrate incorrect interpretation and assessment of findings and poor presentation of research work.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Project-based course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Reading / Self study at least 120 hours on the dissertation or project 120.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Dissertation Written report (<10000 words) 50.0 1,2,3,4,5
Oral presentation 30.0 1,2,3,4
Research report Continuous assessment by supervisors through discussions and evaluation of findings 20.0 1,2,3,4,5
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 NIL
Course Website http://moodle.hku.hk
Additional Course Information Regular meetings between the supervisor and student. Guidance from the supervisor on the scientific methods, and on how to think and write scientifically. Students should spend at least 120 hours on the dissertation or project. Recommended reading may be assigned.
Students should complete the registration form by clicking (http://www.biosch.hku.hk/course/capstone/capstone.html) before or after they add this course during the course selection period.


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