CVEN30110 Introduction to Transportation and Traffic Engineering

Academic Year 2021/2022

In this module, students are introduced to transport engineering for the first time in their university careers.
The following topics will be covered:

(1) Introduction to Transport Policy
In this part of the course, students are introduced to transport policy. They are asked to look at how transport policy has evolved and the biggest transport problems faced today. Topics covered will include:
Car dependency
Environmental impacts of transport and policy implementation in Ireland.
Project Appraisal: Predict and Provide paradigm vs Decide and Provide

Students need to be able to engage and critique transport policies, to discuss why we have the problems that we have today and to be able to discuss the possible solutions.

(2) Traffic Flow Theory
The students will be introduced to the concepts of traffic flow theory, looking at the relationships between speed, density and flow.

(3) Introduction to Transport Modelling
The students will be introduced to transport modelling and to the basics fundamentals of modelling. The students will be introduced to the 4 stage model.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

Learning Outcomes:
(1) Students will understand what are possible causes of car dependency in the developed world and will be able to discuss and look at how policy might be used to reduce car dependency.

(2) Students will have an overview of historical and exisitng transport policy in Ireland and will be able to describe how policy could/should evolve in the future to encourage more sustainable travel. Students will understand how to appraise policies.

(3) Students will be understand the relationships between flow, density and speed, and will be able to derive these relationships.

(4) Students will engage in case studies which means that they will need to learn how to work in teams, to manage group work and to engage in independent study.

(5) Students will understand the basic concepts of transport modelling and will be able to describe the 4-stage model and its components.

(5) Students will develop their critical thinking skills in these case studies as they will be required to present arguments, debates, critiques on various aspects of transport policy. They will be expected to rise above simple descriptive narratives in their case studies to being able to critically engage with material and to be able to suggest innovative and new solutions to transport problems.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24

Tutorial

12

Autonomous Student Learning

80

Total

116

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The students will engage in group work in this module as they will work on 2 case studies. There is also a significant element of active learning, both formative and summative as students must engage in group discussions and debates within class and are required to present their case study work. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Class Test: Class test Week 10 n/a Graded Yes

40

Presentation: Transport Policy Debate Week 6 n/a Graded No

30

Group Project: Group project (poster and presentation) Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded Yes

30


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students are provided with feedback on the group work: the case studies are conducted as a group and so the feedback is emailed to each group.

Banister, D. (2002) Transport Planning
Tolley, R., S., Turton, B., J. (2013) Transport Systems, Policy and Planning: A Geographical Approach
Stopher, P., Stanley, J. (2014) Introduction to Transport Policy: a public policy review
Hollander, Y (2016) Transport Modelling for a Complete Beginner
Rogers, M., Enright, B. (2016) Highway Engineering
Garber, N., J., Hoel, L., A. (2014) Traffic and Highway Engineering

Name Role
Professor Aoife Ahern Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Páraic Carroll Lecturer / Co-Lecturer