This course is the first of a required series of courses in the MSc Urban Transport. The course is intended to provide a broad-based introduction to the theoretical, methodological and practical motivations for studying transport systems.

The course will be delivered in 2 hourly blocks over 7 weeks in Semester 1.

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Assessment:

The course will be assessed by an essay (maximum 2,500 words) related to transportation policies around the world.

This course is being created to be the first of a required series of courses in the MSc in Urban Transport. The course is intended to provide a broad-based knowledge on the field of transport studies and the multiple theoretical, methodological and practical considerations on which transport studies draw from, transport modes (roads, public transport, active transport) and the challenges faced by various modes, as well as its linkages to the economy, society, environment, energy and other aspects of urban systems.

Specific course aims are to:

■ provide an in-depth knowledge on transport theories and advanced methods;

■ explain the links between transport and other urban sectors;

■ give an introduction to transport planning and major planning problems from a modal as well as intermodal perspective;

■ provide a broad-based knowledge on cutting-edge transport systems engineering; and

■ explain major transport management and governance issues and policy and legal framework.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ critically discuss, based on sound knowledge and understanding, the principles, theories and methods involved in urban transport studies;

■ recognise and explain major surface transport trends and policies in the passenger and freight sectors;

■ explain and critically evaluate the links between transport and key environmental, energy, economic development, social justice, land-use and urban development trends and policies;

■ recognise and critically discuss major transport planning, engineering, policy, management and governance issues as well as the methods used to analyse these issues; 

■ debate and illustrate the effects of spatial planning and urban policies on travel demand; and

■ critically evaluate urban transport theories with appropriate methods.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.

Minimum requirement for award of credit for students on MSc in City Planning is D3 or above.

University standard regulations apply to students on other qualifications.