Thematic Programs

Thematic Programs

The objectives and key areas of development of the three thematic programs are as follows:

1. To cultivate professionals in aerosol science–based environmental education and management, equipping students with a solid foundation in aerosol science, as well as training in environmental education and teaching methodologies for environmental education materials. The programs also aim to enhance students’ understanding of environmental decision-making and management, along with current international environmental issues and corresponding policy responses.

2. In response to air pollution caused by industrial emissions of waste gases and particulate matter, which pose serious threats to ecosystems and public health, there is an urgent need to cultivate a new generation of industry professionals who possess both environmental protection knowledge and technical expertise. Accordingly, an interdisciplinary and cross-college customized microprogram is established, focusing on industrial pollution prevention and emission reduction.

Microprogram in Industrial Pollution Prevention and Emission Reduction

This microprogram is designed to create an interdisciplinary learning environment centered on solving industrial pollution problems and developing innovative technologies and strategies for air pollution control and emission reduction. The curriculum aims to strengthen students’ fundamental competencies and environmental literacy, while also enhancing interactions with relevant industries. Through understanding current industrial development and practices, students are encouraged to develop problem-solving skills and innovative thinking, enabling them to become the next generation of industry-ready professionals capable of helping enterprises overcome technological bottlenecks.

Microprogram in Aerosols, Atmosphere, and Ocean

The course Marine Atmospheric Chemistry provides in-depth introductions to various chemical reactions related to the ocean and atmosphere, as well as the factors that influence these reactions. In addition, Professor Wei-Hsiang Chen offers the course Environmental Fate and Risk Assessment, which enables students to gain a comprehensive understanding of aerosols generated by natural and anthropogenic activities, including their transport and fate in the environment and their potential risks to human health.

This microprogram introduces predictive models for aerosol environmental fate and incorporates topics of environmental impact assessment and health risk assessment—issues of broad concern across academia, government, and industry. By integrating aerosol science with current environmental issues and extending coursework into collaboration with other disciplines, the program enhances students’ professional knowledge and experience across diverse scientific and engineering fields through interdisciplinary learning.

Microprogram in Aerosol Science–Based Environmental Education

This microprogram integrates the concepts, knowledge, attitudes, and competencies of environmental education into teaching practices or embeds them within other academic subjects. Courses adopt a “learning by teaching” approach, in which students design, implement, and present interdisciplinary environmental education lesson plans, including on-site demonstrations. This process strengthens students’ communication and presentation skills.

The program also invites lecturers from relevant professional fields to share practical expertise, enabling students who aspire to work in environmental education to acquire comprehensive pedagogical knowledge and practical teaching experience. At the same time, the program emphasizes building connections with local communities to enhance environmental awareness and encourage active participation in environmental action.

Required courses for this microprogram include:

• Introduction to Aerosol Science (3 credits), offered by Professor Chia-Chen Wang, Department of Chemistry

• Environmental Decision-Making and Management or International Environmental Issues and Strategies (3 credits), offered by Professor Wei-Hsiang Chen

• Environmental Education (2 credits), offered by Professor Pai-Chi Hsieh

• Teaching Materials and Methods for Environmental Education (2 credits)