2018/19 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

TRAN5302M Modelling Transport: Computational Methods and Philosophy

15 creditsClass Size: 30

Module manager: David Watling

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2018/19

Pre-requisites

TRAN5301M

Modelling Transport: Concepts and Mathematical Foundations

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

Mathematical modelling plays a central role in the analysis, understanding, control and planning of transport systems. This module teaches mathematically-skilled students to be creative in their selection, development and application of models and associated computational methods for solving such problems, and in appreciating the philosophical context in which the results of such exercises are communicated and understood by others. It particularly focuses on connecting real-world problems to computationally-attractive mathematical representations of such problems, developing computational methods and programs for solving such problems, and in providing connecting transport modelling to wider impacts of transport.

Objectives

Complementary to the foundation module TRAN5301, the purpose of the current module is to further hone the abilities of a mathematically-skilled person to be a transport modeller in practice or research. It specifically focuses on teaching students how to select appropriate and computationally-effective mathematical representations, in developing their own computer-based solution methods, and in understanding the philosophical context within which the results of their computational models are communicated and understood.

Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, it is intended that students will have the ability to independently address challenging real-world problems inside the transportation field, many of which they may be unfamiliar with, by identifying appropriate mathematical representations for efficient computation, by identifying suitable computational methods, by developing their own computer code to implement a solution, and by effectively communicating the philosophical context of their results to others (e.g.in terms of the assumptions, limitations and role/value of their work). Many of the skills learned will also be applicable beyond the transportation field.

Syllabus

Travel and transport as a network: Applications. Stochastic modelling: Concepts, example applications. What makes scientific predictions ‘scientific’? Introduction to philosophy of transport modelling. The role(s) of modellers in multidisciplinary teams & geographic transferability. Role-play workshop: Trial of modellers accused of making false predictions. Bi-level programming: Applications. Impact modelling.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	1	2.00	2.00
Lectures	10	2.00	20.00
Tutorials	5	1.00	5.00
Private study hours			123.00
Total Contact hours			27.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

The whole module is based on the premise of developing students to be independent and able to address new challenges, and so private study will be especially important and emphasised. This will particularly include:
Reading papers and other documents in advance of lectures.
Developing their own computer code to implement methods, and checking using their own mathematical calculations.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Informal formative feedback will be given after seminars, presentations and classes.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	2,000 word project report plus computer code	40.00
Report	Mathematical Modeeling Exercise Report plus computer code	60.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 30/04/2018

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