Students
GEOP1040 – Planning Systems
2025 – Session 1, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Convenor/Lecturer
Professor Donna Houston
Contact via Email
Room B263, 25 Wally's Walk (Arts Precinct Building)
Please email to make an appointment
Lecturer/Tutor
Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk
Contact via Email
25B Wally's Walk
Please email
Lecturer in weeks 5 & 6
Sonia Jacenko
Contact via Email
25B Wally's Walk
Please contact via email
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to BPlan
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit provides students with an understanding of what is meant by planning, what theories underpin the practice of planning, and the historical basis for planning. Building on this foundation the unit will focus on what systems govern planning by drawing on planning system examples from overseas, Australia and NSW. The unit explores the key legal frameworks of these systems and introduces students to the organisations and stakeholders involved in planning. The unit critically evaluates the purpose of planning and its role in the creation of cities and development in Australia. |
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:
- ULO1: Identify and describe planning systems and legal frameworks.
- ULO2: Draw on a range of academic and policy sources to examine key planning theories.
- ULO3: Identify the role of key stakeholders, government and non-government actors in shaping planning systems.
- ULO4: Apply key planning concepts to describe and explain contemporary planning issues.
- ULO5: Deliver planning information effectively through text, oral and visual communication forms.
General Assessment Information
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of '0' (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue. This late penalty will apply to non-time sensitive assessment (incl. essays, reports, posters, portfolios, journals, recordings etc). Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs etc) will only be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special Consideration application. Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report | 40% | No | 11/04/2025 |
| Short essay | 30% | No | 09/05/2025 |
| Planning in the media | 30% | No | Presentations weeks 8-11; report 30/05/2025 |
Report
Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 11/04/2025
Weighting: 40%
1,500 word report analysing and comparing the NSW planning system and another planning system.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and describe planning systems and legal frameworks.
- Identify the role of key stakeholders, government and non-government actors in shaping planning systems.
- Apply key planning concepts to describe and explain contemporary planning issues.
- Deliver planning information effectively through text, oral and visual communication forms.
Short essay
Assessment Type 1: Essay
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 09/05/2025
Weighting: 30%
1,000 word essay that evaluates a theoretical framework that has influenced urban planning
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Draw on a range of academic and policy sources to examine key planning theories.
- Deliver planning information effectively through text, oral and visual communication forms.
Planning in the media
Assessment Type 1: Practice-based task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Presentations weeks 8-11; report 30/05/2025
Weighting: 30%
Discussion and reflection on planning topics.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and describe planning systems and legal frameworks.
- Identify the role of key stakeholders, government and non-government actors in shaping planning systems.
- Apply key planning concepts to describe and explain contemporary planning issues.
- Deliver planning information effectively through text, oral and visual communication forms.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
This unit is devered in weekly three-hour classes on campus. This is your first core planning unit in the Bachelor of Planning and it is essential that you attend in order to learn the skills that you will need to develop throughout the course of your studies. These skills will best prepare you for employment as a planner. The unit content is not designed to be delivered online.
Teaching will be by way of lecture/presentations; guest speaker presentions, group discussions, skills development with hands-on activities, and some self-directed learning. Required and recommended readings can be accessed via Leganto.
GEOP1040 iLearn site will be the source of additional information, including any updates on delivery. Please check, open, and read any emails or announcements teaching staff as they may contain important updates and/or advice.
Unit Schedule
GEOP1040 Unit Schedule
The weekly topics are delivered in three modules. Each weekly topic includes a workshop where you will learn foundational planning and study skills.
Module 1: Overview of Planning
Week 1 Introduction and historic basis of planning
Week 2 Purpose and role of planning in Australian cities
Module 2: Planning Systems
Week 3 Planning systems and governance
Week 4 Exploring planning systems
Week 5 Planning/theory frameworks: organisations and stakeholders
Week 6 Planning tools 1: zoning
Week 7 Planning tools 2
Module 3: Planning Issues
Week 8 Public spaces/places
Week 9 Climate change
Week 10 Housing
Week 11 Ethics
Week 12 Resolving conflict
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) 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 connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
The Writing Centre
The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
- Student Advocacy provides independent advice on MQ policies, procedures, and processes
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.
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.
Unit information based on version 2025.04 of the Handbook