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
Over 55% of the world's population currently lives in cities. This is expected to rise to 70% by 2050, making urbanisation one of the most significant trends of the 21st century. The global trend in urbanisation has brought with it increased wealth as cities generate 80% of the word's economy. Yet, when poorly planned and managed, urbanization generates inequalities and has already left a billion people living in slums with inadequate and often precarious living conditions. Urbanisation and the political, cultural and economic structures that sustain urban life are key drivers of global environmental change. If steered and deployed correctly, however, urbanisation can help the world overcome some of its major global challenges including poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, climate change, fragility and conflict.
The unit introduces the key strategic overview of urban planning theory, philosophy and practice, including: urban cultures, urban infrastructures and transportation, social change and social justice, urban and regional economies, governance and urban ecology. Students will have the opportunity to link theory and practice through real-world projects.
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
Availability Location Mode Not available in 2025 UWA (Perth) Face to face - Details for undergraduate courses
- Level 1 elective
- Outcomes
Students are able to (1) apply core geographical concepts regarding human and physical processes; (2) develop a primary geographical data set through analysis of transport data; (3) analyse and effectively communicate spatial
demographic and environmental data; (4) demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills through working in groups on problem-based learning and research scenarios; and (5) evaluate the nature, implications and sustainability of human and environment interactions.
- Assessment
Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) quizzes; (2) lab portfolio; and (3) fieldwork group asssessment. 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 Linda Robson
- Contact hours
- lectures:1 hour per week from week 1 to 12
tutorials: 2 hours per week from week 2 to 12
field work: up to 8 hours in week 3
- 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.
Face to face
Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.
Online flexible
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online timetabled
100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.
Online Restricted
Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.
NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.
External
No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.
Off-campus
Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.
Multi-mode
Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.