Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit is designed to develop students' knowledge in road transportation engineering and studies (e.g. road transportation and the societies, geometric design of roads, fundamentals of traffic flow and queuing theory, road capacity and level of service analysis, traffic control and analysis at signalised intersections, travel demand and traffic forecasting, and economic evaluation of road projects). Students who pass the unit have opportunities to work in transport planning, traffic engineering and road design. The objective of the unit is to develop an understanding of the composition and behaviour of traffic, its demands on the road system and project evaluation, and a working knowledge of the functional design of highways. On completion of the unit, students are able to apply knowledge of highway engineering, traffic analysis, design of signalised intersections and road project evaluation. The topics include (1) introduction to road transport; (2) fundamentals of traffic flow and queuing theory; (3) traffic control and analysis at signalised intersections; (4) road capacity and level of service analysis; (5) travel demand and traffic forecasting (6) geometric design of roads.

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationMode
Not available in 2025OnlineOnline timetabled
Not available in 2025UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) write a sound technical report in the context of transport studies; (2) demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills; (3) utilise information literacy skills; (4) critically discuss the role that road transport plays in modern societies with respect to its contribution to improvement of accessibility and mobility, economic growth, greenhouse emissions and road-related fatalities and injuries; (5) carry out preliminary design of road geometry; (6) conduct performance evaluation of road segments with respect to level of service; (7) design signalised intersections and evaluate the corresponding level of service; and (8) describe the principles/theories for carrying out traffic forecasts.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) group assignment; (2) mid-semester test; and (3) final examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Chao Sun
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
62550 Master of Professional Engineering (Civil Engineering specialisation)
Incompatibility
CIVL4430 Transportation and Pavement Engineering
Contact hours
lectures: 24 hours
practical classes: 24 hours
Text

Mannering & Washburn Principles of Highway Engineering and Traffic Analysis, 5th edition SI Version: Wiley 2013

  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.