Students
GEOP830 – Sustainable Urban Regions
2016 – S2 Evening
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Jessica McLean
Lecturer
Ashraful Alam
Lecturer
Nicole McNamara
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MEnvEd or PGDipEnvEd or PGCertEnvEd or MEngMgt or MEnvMgt or PGCertEnvMgt or MEnvStud or PGDipEnvStud or MEnvPlan or MEnvSc or MSusDev or PGDipSusDev or PGCertSusDev or MWldMgt or PGDipWldMgt or PGCertWldMgt or MEnv or PGDipEnv or PGCertEnv or MClimCh or MSc in Remote Sensing and GIS or PGDipSc in Remote Sensing and GIS or PGCertSc in Remote Sensing and GIS or GradDipEnv or GradCertSusDev or GradDipSusDev or GradCertSIA or GradDipSIA or GradCertEnvPlan or MConsBiol or GradDipConsBiol or MDevStudGlobalHlth
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit examines the social, economic and environmental challenges associated with developing sustainable cities and urban regions internationally. Opportunities and barriers to implementing more sustainable urban management and planning practices are explored. Students undertake their own case study; critically assessing response strategies and developing their own sustainability plans.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Understand the differences and similarities of processes and governance that shape change in diverse urban regions;
- Develop a foundation in sustainable planning with a focus on strategic issues;
- Be able to critically evaluate the effectiveness of strategies for managing and developing urban regions;
- Compile and analysis a range of qualitative and quantitative data in support of sustainable urban planning
- Give succinct and informative oral presentations
- Demonstrate understanding of contemporary transport policies and futures
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Patterns of Urbanisation | 20% | 26 August 2016 |
| Essay on smart transport | 30% | 4 October 2016 |
| Smart Transport Presentation | 10% | 10 October 2016 |
| Assessment of City Plans | 30% | 3 November 2016 |
| Workshop Preparation | 10% | Weekly |
Patterns of Urbanisation
Due: 26 August 2016
Weighting: 20%
- Report on urbanisation patterns in two continents based on UN data. 1000 words plus maps, graphs, and tables.
Understanding urbanisation patterns and prospects are key to planning sustainable cities. For this first assessment task you are required to prepare a short report on urbanisation trends between 1980 and 2050 for two continents. More guidance, including marking criteria, will be given in Week 1 and made available on iLearn.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop a foundation in sustainable planning with a focus on strategic issues;
- Be able to critically evaluate the effectiveness of strategies for managing and developing urban regions;
- Compile and analysis a range of qualitative and quantitative data in support of sustainable urban planning
Essay on smart transport
Due: 4 October 2016
Weighting: 30%
Technology and the sharing economy have converged to produce a number of new forms of transport, including, but not confined to, car sharing, Uber, RideShare, bike sharing, autonomous cars, electric vehicles and the like . Write an essay that critically assesses the sustainability potential and planning implications of one of these.
You are not expected to conduct primary research for this essay. Rather, you are to use academic and grey literature to build your argument. The reference list below is a starting point, though additional references will also be expected.
Reference List - available via iLearn
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand the differences and similarities of processes and governance that shape change in diverse urban regions;
- Develop a foundation in sustainable planning with a focus on strategic issues;
- Be able to critically evaluate the effectiveness of strategies for managing and developing urban regions;
- Compile and analysis a range of qualitative and quantitative data in support of sustainable urban planning
- Demonstrate understanding of contemporary transport policies and futures
Smart Transport Presentation
Due: 10 October 2016
Weighting: 10%
In this assessment you will present the findings of your Smart Transport essay in class.
The presentation should adhere to the 'Three Minute Thesis' (3MT) guidelines: 3 minutes and only one powerpoint slide. Examples of 3MT can be found at: https://www.vitae.ac.uk/events/three-minute-thesis-competition
Presentations will be peer evaluated and assessed by unit Lecturers, using the 3MT judging criteria.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Be able to critically evaluate the effectiveness of strategies for managing and developing urban regions;
- Compile and analysis a range of qualitative and quantitative data in support of sustainable urban planning
- Give succinct and informative oral presentations
- Demonstrate understanding of contemporary transport policies and futures
Assessment of City Plans
Due: 3 November 2016
Weighting: 30%
The goal here is to critically assess the content and approach of city-wide sustainability plans.
You will produce a written report of 1500 words, including references.
Throughout the first half of the semester you will be introduced to a number of different cities as case study examples. Use these discussions, and your wider reading, to help you choose a city. You should then collate and analyse sustainability plans for that city. The individual report you produce should include:
- the institutional context
- the scale of planning
- key mechanisms used
- what elements (e.g. transport, land use, climate change, housing, etc.) are defined as critical to sustainability.
Tips for Assessment Task 4:
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Include an executive summary, introduction, a body (main argument) and a conclusion (answer the question).
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Consider the use of tables and diagrams to summarise your information.
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Comply with the word count and condense your work to present a concise argument.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Understand the differences and similarities of processes and governance that shape change in diverse urban regions;
- Develop a foundation in sustainable planning with a focus on strategic issues;
- Be able to critically evaluate the effectiveness of strategies for managing and developing urban regions;
Workshop Preparation
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 10%
Each workshop will require preparation before class, involving either reading or engagement with other material (except for the first workshop). You are required to provide evidence of preparation in the form of an iLearn blog post specific to the set material for each week as indicated in the unit schedule.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Develop a foundation in sustainable planning with a focus on strategic issues;
- Be able to critically evaluate the effectiveness of strategies for managing and developing urban regions;
- Compile and analysis a range of qualitative and quantitative data in support of sustainable urban planning
- Demonstrate understanding of contemporary transport policies and futures
Delivery and Resources
Classes
Classes are held on Mondays commencing at 6:00pm and concluding at 9:00pm (sometimes class may finish earlier than this). GEOP830 is only available in internal mode, hence attending classes is necessary to maximise the learning outcomes. Workshops will consist of both lectures and a variety of learning activities spread over the three hour block.
Workload Expectation
It is generally expected that students will commit at least 3 hours per week per credit point in their studies. Thus, in addition to attending weekly classes for 3 hours, students are expected to complete appropriate reading, research and other activities equivalent to at least 9 hours per week. Thus the total workload for this unit should be considered as a minimum of 12 hours per week throughout the semester.
Technology
GEOP830 makes extensive use of iLearn for both resources and assessment. Resources for weekly workshops, readings, blog questions are on iLearn, as well as readings for assignments. Turnitin will be used for submitted assignments. Access to the internet and regular access to the unit’s website is essential for GEOP830.
Unit Schedule
| Date | Lecture | Workshop | Assessment/Homework |
| 1 August | Introduction: Defining Sustainable Cities in the 21st Century | Overview of Assessment and Learning Activities and using data | Allocation of cities for assessment 1 |
| 8 August | Urban theory and sustainability | Cities, Urban Theory, and Urban Planning | Submit blog post on reading before class |
| 15 August | Water planning and sustainability in urban Cambodia | Patterns of Urbanisation and Resource Management | Submit blog post before class |
| 22 August | Water planning and sustainability in urban Australia | Patterns of urbanisation and resource management | Assessment 1 due 26 August |
| 29 August | Transport planning | Exploring Shared Mobility | Blog post on shared mobility |
| 5 September | Active Travel | Analysing modes of travel in urban places | Blog post on active travel |
| 12 September | Future mobility | 3MT Guidelines | No blog post |
| 19-30 | SEPTEMBER | NO | CLASSES |
| 3 October | PUBLIC HOLIDAY | NO |
CLASSES 4 October - Essay on smart transport due |
| 10 October | 3MT presentations |
Smart Transport presentation no blog post |
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| 17 October | Sustainable Housing and Health | Workshop co-chaired by Jennifer Kent/Nicole McNamara | Blog post on tutorial readings |
| 24 October | Hybrid urbanism | More-than-human cities | Blog post on hybrid urbanism |
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31 October |
Urban metabolism |
Measuring and changing cities |
3rd Nov - Assessment of city plans due |
| 7 November | Smart cities/unit review | Workshop reviewing the unit | Blog post on smart cities |
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
New Assessment Policy in effect from Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy_2016.html. For more information visit http://students.mq.edu.au/events/2016/07/19/new_assessment_policy_in_place_from_session_2/
Assessment Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy prior to Session 2 2016 http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand the differences and similarities of processes and governance that shape change in diverse urban regions;
- Develop a foundation in sustainable planning with a focus on strategic issues;
- Be able to critically evaluate the effectiveness of strategies for managing and developing urban regions;
- Compile and analysis a range of qualitative and quantitative data in support of sustainable urban planning
Assessment tasks
- Patterns of Urbanisation
- Essay on smart transport
- Smart Transport Presentation
- Assessment of City Plans
- Workshop Preparation
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand the differences and similarities of processes and governance that shape change in diverse urban regions;
- Develop a foundation in sustainable planning with a focus on strategic issues;
- Be able to critically evaluate the effectiveness of strategies for managing and developing urban regions;
- Compile and analysis a range of qualitative and quantitative data in support of sustainable urban planning
- Give succinct and informative oral presentations
- Demonstrate understanding of contemporary transport policies and futures
Assessment tasks
- Patterns of Urbanisation
- Essay on smart transport
- Smart Transport Presentation
- Assessment of City Plans
- Workshop Preparation
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand the differences and similarities of processes and governance that shape change in diverse urban regions;
- Develop a foundation in sustainable planning with a focus on strategic issues;
- Be able to critically evaluate the effectiveness of strategies for managing and developing urban regions;
- Compile and analysis a range of qualitative and quantitative data in support of sustainable urban planning
- Demonstrate understanding of contemporary transport policies and futures
Assessment tasks
- Patterns of Urbanisation
- Essay on smart transport
- Smart Transport Presentation
- Assessment of City Plans
- Workshop Preparation
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand the differences and similarities of processes and governance that shape change in diverse urban regions;
- Develop a foundation in sustainable planning with a focus on strategic issues;
- Be able to critically evaluate the effectiveness of strategies for managing and developing urban regions;
- Compile and analysis a range of qualitative and quantitative data in support of sustainable urban planning
- Demonstrate understanding of contemporary transport policies and futures
Assessment tasks
- Patterns of Urbanisation
- Essay on smart transport
- Smart Transport Presentation
- Assessment of City Plans
- Workshop Preparation
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Be able to critically evaluate the effectiveness of strategies for managing and developing urban regions;
- Compile and analysis a range of qualitative and quantitative data in support of sustainable urban planning
- Give succinct and informative oral presentations
Assessment tasks
- Patterns of Urbanisation
- Essay on smart transport
- Smart Transport Presentation
- Assessment of City Plans
- Workshop Preparation
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Understand the differences and similarities of processes and governance that shape change in diverse urban regions;
- Be able to critically evaluate the effectiveness of strategies for managing and developing urban regions;
- Demonstrate understanding of contemporary transport policies and futures
Assessment tasks
- Patterns of Urbanisation
- Essay on smart transport
- Smart Transport Presentation
- Assessment of City Plans
- Workshop Preparation
Changes from Previous Offering
This unit is being taught by a new team of Lecturers from the Department of Geography and Planning in 2016 and has been extensively revised. The pivotal differences relate to the emphasis on global as well as Australian examples.
The weighting for the 3 Minute Thesis assessment task has been increased to 10% to reflect the complexity of this activity.