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CVEN30110

Academic Year 2024/2025

Introduction to Transportation and Traffic Engineering (CVEN30110)

Subject:
Civil Engineering
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Civil Engineering
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Beatriz Martinez-Pastor
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

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

Introduction to Transport Policy
This section introduces students to the fundamentals of transport policy, including its evolution and the major transport challenges faced today. Topics include:

Impacts of transport, including environmental and social effects
Car dependency
Transport policy implementation in Ireland
Project appraisal
Students will learn to critically engage with transport policies, discuss the root causes of current transport issues, and explore potential solutions.

Traffic Flow Theory
Students will explore the basic concepts of traffic flow theory, focusing on the relationships between speed, density, and flow.

Introduction to Transport Modelling
This section provides an introduction to transport modelling, including fundamental modelling concepts and an overview of the four-stage model.

About this Module

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 a case study. 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 Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): Continuous Assessment: The continuous assessment of this module will include a class test and the participation of the students during the lectures. Week 6, Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
30
 No
Group Work Assignment: Final Assignment: Group Project Week 12 Alternative linear conversion grade scale 40% No
70
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
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 will be provided during the lectures 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
Dr SAPTARSHI SEN Lecturer / Co-Lecturer

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Thurs 11:00 - 11:50
Autumn Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - Autumn: All Weeks Wed 13:00 - 14:50
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