Micro-credential - Transport Modelling and Planning

Why should I take this Micro-credential?

Transportation is responsible for almost 20% of our annual CO2 emissions in Ireland. Therefore, it is more important than ever to understand how and why people travel and to collect data on these movements with the goal of reducing travel time and emissions. Transport professionals, planners and policymakers that all have to interact with macro transport models and interpret their outputs. The models used in this module follow the structures mandated by the National Transport Authority. The module provides a comprehensive overview of the structure of these models and as such would be valuable to those requiring knowledge on how these models are used in transport appraisals.

– Both the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2021 and the recent Programme for Government stipulate that transport emissions must fall by 51%.
– This module examines pathways to lowering emissions through promoting shifts to sustainable modes of transport and reducing emissions from existing modes of transport. This module is part of the only Level 9 course dedicated to transport engineering and modelling.
– The module covers the basis of the four-stage transport model used by National Transport Authority in the evaluation of transport projects
– Provide students with detailed knowledge of the concepts and processes of transportation modelling

What will I learn?

Advanced fundamental knowledge on macro transport modelling and evaluation of transportation schemes. Public transport network design and the interactions between land use planning and transport are also covered in this module. Case studies are used in the module to explain the stages in transport analysis and design.

· Evaluate transport networks using the four stage model
· Discuss how transport networks are designed
· Apply discrete choice models to transportation problems
· Explain how activity-based transport models link into the traditional four stage model
· Identify the links between land use and transport planning
· Design and plan public transport routes
· Model the interactions between transport and emissions

What will I do?

•    Attend a series of lectures from national experts in the field
•    Identify innovative methods to model mobility and estimate interventions to reduce travel time
•    Model the emissions from transport and examine how using alternative fuel types can assist in decreasing carbon footprints
•    Examine the transport planning process and how local and area plans need to adapt to changing mobility needs

How will this be delivered?

33 hours lectures (3 hours per week).
There will be blended delivery with all lectures recorded live while also giving the option for face-to-face lectures.

How will this be assessed?

•    Individual assignment – examining public transport planning. Students will present a written report (20%)
•    Individual assignment – modelling transport emissions. Students will present a written report and detailed analysis (30%)
•    3 hour examination (50%)