The Earth System Science programme is a bachelor programme in Hong Kong that comprehensively covers most of the fields in Earth Science. During my study, I had the chance to take part in local and overseas geological field trips, conducting hands-on geological measurements, surveying fieldworks, laboratory works, computer simulations. There are also internship opportunities at various organizations such as the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO), the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD), as well as environmental consultants such as Arup, Fugro etc.
I was selected as a student intern working at the HKO for 20 months, responsible for its setting up, operation of and scientific research using the urban micro-climate temperature monitoring network in Kowloon. What is more, I had the opportunity to participate in an exchange programme to the Arctic, in the Svalbard Islands, Norway, for 5 months in 2016.
You will definitely gain unexpected opportunities and achievements in the Earth Systems Science programme. Please don't hesitate to join us!

The Academic training offered by the Earth System Science Programme covers not only knowledge in atmospheric science, but also multidisciplinary skills ranging from computer programming, statistics to mathematical skills. The comprehensive training has provided me with holistic understanding of climate change issue and equipped me with techniques for quantitative analysis which I can employ to analyse interesting topics like atmospheric science and meteorology. Apart from study, I also participled in various internship programmes such as the Hong Kong Observatory Summer Placement Programme. The precious work opportunities allowed me to apply skills that I have learnt in various courses and offered me hands-on experience to get ready for the transition from university to workplace.

Studying in Earth System Science is always joyful and exciting. Knowledge taught in lectures is closely related to our daily life. Apart from lectures, we can go outside the classroom and prove whether the things we have learnt are correct. Through exploring different parts of the Earth system such as the atmosphere and lithosphere, I get the whole picture of Mother Earth in different dimensions – to recreate the past, understand the present and predict the future. It seems like watching a non-stop drama that I never get bored. I have learnt a lot with great fun here. When we look at the sky, I can tell you how tall the cloud is. When we hold a rock, I can tell you the message hidden in it. That’s just cool, isn’t it? I am very grateful for being here.

我剛入學時，對地球系統科學何謂毫無認識，更諻論將它當成我的主修科目。但由於我尚未知道要選什麼主修好，抱著試試看的心態，我就選修了地球系統科學的導論課程。
在高中的時候，我選修了物理﹑化學和生物作為我的文憑試選修科，當中除了因為三科我都十分喜歡之外，還因為我認為科學本來就是環環相扣－要對一個課題有充分的認識，就要有全面的科學知識基礎。因此，要我在放棄其他在當中擇其一鑽研，是我極不願意做的事。
幸好，地球系統科學不但內容有趣﹑貼緊生活，而且課程設計全面與彈性兼備，使我能自由選擇自己想讀的科目。
我感激自己是在大類收生之下入學，更感激遇上地球系統科學。選擇主修的時限有兩年之多，同學不妨多作嘗試再決定。

中學時，我就覺得地球好像一個循環不息的系統，背後有某種機制在推動著地球運作，平衡著萬物，使地球億萬年來生氣盎然。水在這裡蒸發了，會在別處降下，河流、地下水道又會把水引回這裡。這個系統不但生生不息，更仿佛環環相扣──河口地形使濕地形成，濕地孕育出紅樹林，紅樹林又會反過保護濕地－－它為生物提供食糧和棲息地，又會它抓住水土，讓淤泥堆積，更會過濾水中雜質，使河水更適合生物生存。
但是，這個系統像是受到了破壞。我們頻頻聽見「五十年一遇」、「百年一遇」的自然災害又發生了，坊間更有不少的傳聞，說自然災害與人類破壞大自然壞有關，像是興趣水霸加重了地殼壓力，間接促成汶川大地震，又有傳聞說，旱災、雨災、風災增加也是由全球暖化導致的。究竟這些事情有關連嗎?又如何互相影響? 我不想只道聽途說，我想從更科學的角度解構地球上的各個系統，於是我便懷著疑問入讀地球系統科學。

My interest towards Earth System Science was first aroused by studying Geography in secondary school. I love studying plate tectonics, but I don’t have much interest in studying the society. That’s why I have chosen Earth System Science but not Geography and Resources Management as my major.
Apart from having lectures, we also have field trips such as visiting Hong Kong Observatory and studying rock structures on-site in Hong Kong Geopark and Wutai Shan in China.
In these two years of study, I have gained a better picture of the principles behind global climatic issues and tectonic hazards. It is enjoyable to study what I am passionate about. I have no regrets taking this major.