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This course will focus on the use of quantitative modelling and analysis to solve transportation engineering problems. It will cover principles of optimisation and linear programming; sensitivity analysis; simulation modelling and analysis; statistical modelling; validity and hypothesis testing; survey design; experimental design; and statistical inference techniques. Case studies will be examined to illustrate and analyse the scope and limitations of transport models and traffic behaviour.
This course covers two important interlinked themes of quantitative techniques as they are applied in transport studies. The first is the collection and analysis of quantitative data, which leads to specification of sampling strategies and use of the data collected to support conclusions. The second is building and using models based of elements of the transport system and the way in which it is used by the travelling public. The links between these themes are developed in this course to show how the way in which data are to be used can inform its collection, how data can be analysed to build and improve models, and how modelling of transport systems can lead to effective design and improvement. The themes of data and modelling are carried together through the course.
At the end of the course, students should be able to: describe survey data quantitatively estimate the accuracy of survey results and use this to specify survey size use data to develop and test transport models interpret transport models to understand traffic and travel behaviour solve models analytically and by simulation use models to design and improve parts of transport systems Demonstrate their research and presentation skills through their research work.
Subject to approval of the Programme Director
This course will be taught in 2017 in two blocks:14-15 Aug & 18-19 Sept
Mehdi Ekbatani
Professor Benjamin Heydecker (University College, London)
Students will choose a research topic to investigate from a range of suggested topics (based on the course notes provided) or on another related topic that the student proposes, which should be discussed with the course coordinator and approved beforehand. Students will carry out literature review on this subject and make a class presentation for 10-15 minutes on this topic during the teaching block and submit a research report. The research project report will be in the format of a conference or journal paper.The final exam will be a closed-book exam designed to test students’ understanding and application of the material covered in the course notes and teaching blocks. Students from outside Christchurch will be able to arrange to sit the final exam in their home town with a suitable local supervisor.While a minimum 50% overall grade of the total course mark is the usual benchmark for passing, to guarantee a pass in the course you must also achieve at least 40% separately in each of coursework and examination marks.
All participants will be given detailed lecture notes for each topic at the beginning of the course. While there is no required textbook, suggested books in the Engineering Library will be indicated where appropriate, and students will also be expected make use of the Library's research tools (note: distance services are available for non-Christchurch students).Links to useful websites and electronic documents will also be provided on the University’s online teaching system, Learn, and students will be expected to use Learn for ongoing communications and discussions.
Domestic fee $1,038.00
International Postgraduate fees
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see Civil and Natural Resources Engineering .