Newcastle University

Pre Requisite Comment

CEG8422 recommended

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

This module will provide an understanding of the policy background and principles behind the concept of intelligent mobility. Participants will gain an understanding of the latest changes in research, legislation and technology that can be deployed. It complements the core ITS module by explaining the political and policy landscape that influence the uptake of different ITS technologies. It will achieve this through lectures (including guest lectures by experts in the field), practical sessions, and visits.
The aim of the module is to provide an understanding of the main transport challenges and their interdependencies. Lectures will explore how ITS can be used to address challenges such as
•       supporting the economy with reliable and efficient transport
•       reducing congestion
•       improving safety
•       minimising environmental impact and energy consumption
•       sustaining and extending accessibility.
Students will be exposed to the latest research into ITS technologies and their implementation including their use to promote the uptake of electric vehicles, accessibility and elderly drivers and multi-modal transport. The lectures will also discuss how all those technologies can be brought together in future smart cities.

Outline Of Syllabus

Policy - Main challenges and interdependencies: Overview of how transport policy is made and scrutinised, who the key stakeholders are at international, national, regional and local level and what the big policy issues are in transport. Lectures will discuss whether policies can lead to unintended consequences or rebound effects. Students will be introduced to a systems approach and given pointers towards strategic policy setting.
Standards and interoperability: Students will be introduced to standards, how they are set and the national and international bodies that are involved in setting those standards. Case studies on electric vehicle charging infrastructure will explain how important interoperability is and how it can be achieved.
Cost benefits - Doing more for less: Lectures will provide an overview of how much is spent on transport and how the transport sector can provide more capacity in times of economic downturn. This topical aspect of ITS will focus on the challenges of developing a coherent business case for ITS systems as a whole (rather than individual ITS components) in the current economic climate.
Case study - Electric Vehicles: Lectures will be based on research undertaken at Newcastle University through SwitchEV trials and the smartCEM project. The North East of England is one of the most advanced regions in Europe for installing EV charging infrastructure and monitoring real-world driving behaviour of 44 electric cars.
Accessibility: Accessibility will be taught based on the research work at Newcastle University on the Social Inclusion in the Digital Economy Research Hub. Lectures will introduce the concepts of social inclusion, safety and accessibility.
Multi-Modal Transport & Demand Management: Lectures will discuss the issues surrounding congestion and the policy instruments in place to increase capacity on our transport networks and how journeys can be moved onto more sustainable modes of transport.
Smart Cities: A case study will explain how energy, ICT and transport are linked and how those networks can be run most efficiently.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to:
• Understand how policies are made and how they can be influenced
• Be familiar with national and European policies on intelligent mobility
• Understand how ITS schemes can be delivered and implemented in order to meet policy objectives
• Describe a wide range of current and advanced ITS technologies and systems

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of the module students should be able to:
• Guide and advise transport authorities and organisations about the effectiveness of existing ITS technologies and systems
• Assess existing ITS technologies and systems, comparing their effectiveness and how they meet needs
• Contribute to the design of new ITS technologies and systems and to their real-world implementation

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures are the primary means of delivering the curriculum.

Students are given a programme of reading to supplement the lectures, and are also encouraged to read round the subject as widely as possible. Due to rapid changes in national and European thinking in ITS, journal and academic publications should be augmented by the latest information from government and EU websites, as well as trade and industry publications.

A small proportion of the module will be delivered by guest lecturers who will bring extended learning from industry to benefit the group. Site visits will be used to underpin the lectures and to demonstrate the real world application of intelligent transport systems.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Coursework will involve two components: individual presentations (helping to develop oral communication skills) and written assessment. The aim of the coursework is to critically address the knowledge and understanding of ITS technologies and systems, and their implementation, through individual work designed to address a significant challenge in the field of study. Students will present individually for up to 15 minutes material that has been individually researched. This exercise will be input to an individually written report that will demonstrate the student’s knowledge, understanding and wider reading.
The unseen examination is to test knowledge, understanding and interpretation of the Intended Learning Outcomes through written communication.

General Notes

N/A