Course Information
Course title
Exploring Taiwan: natural environment and resources 
Semester
110-2 
Designated for
PROGRAM IN TAIWAN STUDIES  
Instructor
HSIAO WEI YUAN 
Curriculum Number
Forest5035 
Curriculum Identity Number
625EU1900 
Class
02 
Credits
2.0 
Full/Half
Yr.
Half 
Required/
Elective
Elective 
Time
Wednesday 8,9(15:30~17:20) 
Remarks
The upper limit of the number of students: 15. 
 
Course introduction video
 
Table of Core Capabilities and Curriculum Planning
Table of Core Capabilities and Curriculum Planning
Course Syllabus
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Course Description

***Given the current pandemic situation, the first three weeks of this course will be taught online.

U-Meeting link to the first online class: https://u.cyberlink.com/meeting/940095069
Meeting ID: 940-095-069
Time: 15:30~17:20
Please participate in the online course during class time for those who want to register for this course. TAs will make further announcements.***

Taiwan, an island country rich in biodiversity, located between Eurasian Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate, the geological structure is relatively young. The frequent orogeny in Taiwan form many towering mountains, so even though Taiwan is in the tropical and subtropical zone, the temperate climate can still be found at high altitudes. In addition, the creatures adapted to different climates can survive in Taiwan.

Taiwan is also known for its high percentage of endemic species. It is because, during the Ice Age, Taiwan was connected to Eurasia. After the Ice Age, Taiwan was isolated by the ocean, and many lives gradually evolved into endemic species on the island. Nowadays, the proportion of endemic species in Taiwan is about 71% in mammals, 17% in birds, 22% in reptiles, 31% in amphibians, 19% in freshwater fish, 25% in plants, and 60% in insects.

Although the land area of Taiwan is only 0.027% of the total of the world, the number of species is as high as 3.8%, which is 150 times the global average. Furthermore, the marine species around Taiwan are about 10% of the world, 361 times the average. Taiwan is not a country with a large territory, while its rich biological resources are fantastic. Based on that, we invite guest speakers in different fields to talk about Taiwan’s geography, wildlife, ecosystem and culture. They will help students to learn more about the beautiful nature of Taiwan. Besides the lectures, students could also build a comprehensive knowledge through the three various field trips (two assigned trips and one self-planned trip). 

Course Objective
It will give international students a wide range of background knowledge, increasing their understanding of Taiwan and enabling them to take advanced courses lectured in Chinese or partake in research in the future. 
Course Requirement
1. Students should attend each class on time. After 15:35, you’ll be noted as late arrival.
2. Students should participate actively in class discussion.
3. Students should review the PPT files given with the lectures after class.
4. Students should check NTU COOL and NTU-mail often. 
Student Workload (expected study time outside of class per week)
 
Office Hours
 
Designated reading
 
References
 
Grading
   
Progress
Week
Date
Topic
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