Urban Development and Transportation

Unit code: NEC4172 | Study level: Undergraduate
Credit points
12
(Generally, 1 credit = 10 hours of classes and independent study.)
Location
Footscray Park
Prerequisites
NEC2204 - Highway Engineering
(Or equivalent to be determined by unit coordinator)
Overview
Enquire

Overview

In this unit, you will explore the principles and practices of sustainable urban land development and integrated transportation systems. You will examine how biophysical and socio-economic data inform land capability analysis, urban planning processes, and infrastructure design — including considerations such as residential subdivision, street layout, open space planning, and urban forest integration. Key urban development issues such as population density, infill versus peripheral expansion, and servicing requirements will be addressed in the context of long-term liveability and sustainability.



The unit also focuses on transportation planning and traffic engineering, including transport demand analysis, freight movement, road safety, and traffic flow theory. You will use models such as trip generation, mode split, and trip assignment, and apply software tools like SIDRA for intersection analysis. Through these learning experiences, you will develop the technical knowledge and professional judgement to contribute to sustainable, safe, and economically effective urban and transport solutions.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Analyse and evaluate data relevant to greenfield and infill urban development, including biophysical and socio-economic information;
  2. Design urban development plans that incorporate land use, infrastructure, open space, and transport systems, and present detailed street layouts with appropriate servicing and traffic management;
  3. Implement transport planning techniques such as traffic survey analysis, demand forecasting, modal split modelling, and signalised intersection design using relevant tools;
  4. Assess urban and transport solutions against technical, environmental, economic, and social performance criteria; and
  5. Collaborate in small teams and present technical documentation that reflects responsibility, professionalism, and structured communication.

Assessment

For Melbourne campuses

Assessment type: Portfolio
|
Grade: 25%
Design-based exercise (Individual) (1500 words)
Assessment type: Project
|
Grade: 25%
Design Project (Group) (2000 words)
Assessment type: Test
|
Grade: 50%
Two problem-based scenario tests (Individual) (60 mins each)

Portfolio: Problem-solving tasks with progressive skill development supported by regular feedback and validation discussions.

Project: This secure assessment ensures accountability through structured reflection, documented collaboration, and detailed explanation of techniques, with in-class progressive milestone checks linked to individual students also being used to enhance security. These milestones are recorded and incorporated into the overall marking process. Explicit evaluation of individual contributions further support the secure assessment and assurance of learning outcomes.

Test: These invigilated in class secure assessments present unpredictable problem-solving scenarios that test deep understanding, requires explanation of reasoning and process, and involves applying knowledge to new contexts.

Required reading

The Lecturer will provide Teaching and Learning material as required.

As part of a course

This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil Engineering)
NHEC | Bachelor honours degree | Duration: 4 years

Refer to the course page for information on how to apply for the course. VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this unit information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that unit information is current with the Student Contact Centre.

Search for units, majors & minors