Aims

To instruct students in the various procedures that transport projects must undergo before implementation can commence.
To develop the skills of students in presenting technical information in appropriate ways to varied audiences.
To give students experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment, where specialists must communicate and work together effectively.
To give students a sense of enthusiasm for the study of Transport through conveying its importance to society, and relevance in the modern world.

Outline Of Syllabus

Introduction
What is a Public Inquiry?
Introduction to Appraisal in Transport
Environmental Impact Assessment
Case Study 1 - Guide to the Evidence
Site Visit
Practical Exercises
Mock Public Inquiry 1
Case Study 2 - Guide to the Evidence
Practical Exercises
Mock Public Inquiry 2
Preparation of Planning Inspectors Report
(n.b. number of case studies is dependent on student numbers)is dependent on student numbers)

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Specialist knowledge, understanding and skills are primarily imparted via lectures, supported by practical group work, two local public inquiry case-studies and a site visit. Students are encouraged and expected to learn through independent reading and reflection which is supported by an extensive list of relevant literature. Observations and discussions during the site visit and a mock public inquiry helps reinforce the lecture and reading material.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The specialist skills, knowledge and understanding imparted during the module are assessed by means of two items of coursework. The first exercise is an individual assignment involving the preparation of a Planning Inspector's report based on the mock public inquiry held earlier in the module. The second item is an assessment of the group's performance (e.g. preparation, cohesion, team-working, quality of oral and visual presentation) for the mock public inquiry.