Rapid expansion in urbanisation is one of the most important geographical phenomena of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, and their continued unchecked growth is having a detrimental effect on the physical environment. As the centres of economic, political, and social activity urban areas are responsible for most of the resource use and the associated waste generation and pollution, including greenhouse gas emissions. As such urban areas are both drivers of climate change and vulnerable to the impacts of a changing climate. This module: (i) considers both the impacts of urbanisation on the physical environment and the controls that the physical environment exerts on urban land use, by discussing the operation of physical processes within cities and how these can both shape and be shaped by the human environment; (ii) explores the types of innovative initiatives and strategies that can be used to mitigate against the negative environmental impacts of urban development and create more climate resilient towns and cities; and (iii) discusses the need for towns and cities to be part of the solution to the environmental challenges associated with climate change. This will introduce concepts such as the eco-city, the ecopolis, zero-carbon cities, zero-waste cities and consider the role of ecosystems services, sustainable drainage systems, green infrastructure, green transportation, and clean energy in creating sustainable and resilient urban areas.

A 2000-word report together with a set of supporting visuals (maps, plans, images) in which students are required to set out and justify their vision (proposal) for a low carbon and climate resilient new urban development (Learning Outcomes 1 – 5).

Formative Assessment: Structured class activities that will provide students with the opportunity to discuss ideas introduced in the module learning resources. This will be supported using worksheets and enable students to self-evaluate their understanding of the module materials as the module progresses.

Students will also be provided with the opportunity to discuss their ideas for the report assignment with the module tutor.

This module will be delivered through a combination of independent and online learning, class sessions, guided field activities, and planning, researching and writing the assessment.

Materials and resources that introduce the main themes and key concepts covered in the module, as well as supporting the development of the key skills required to complete the assessment, will be made available via the VLE. These may be in the form of pre-recorded lectures, a set of directed readings, links to videos or appropriate micro-certification packages, or a mixture.

The scheduled class sessions will provide students with the opportunity to: (i) debate and further explore the ideas introduced in the learning materials; (ii) discuss how they will use them to address the module assessment; and (iii) receive guidance on completing the assessment. Guided field activities will enable students to relate some of the concepts and ideas to an existing urban environment. Virtual and desk-based activities will be made available for students unable to complete the field activities.

Students should spend the independent learning hours working through the learning resources and self-instructional materials provided in the VLE, completing preparatory and follow-up activities for the class sessions, and completing the module assessment.

Module Learning Outcome
1. Demonstrate an advanced and critical understanding of both the impacts of urbanisation on the physical environment and the controls that the physical environment exerts on urban land use.

University Learning Outcome
Knowledge and Understanding

Module Learning Outcome
2. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of how knowledge of physical environmental processes can be used to inform urban planning and environmental management decisions.

University Learning Outcome
Knowledge and Understanding

Module Learning Outcome
3. Critically evaluate and apply knowledge of physical environmental processes to recommend strategies to respond to, or prevent, urban environmental problems associated with climate change.

University Learning Outcome
Analysis Application

Module Learning Outcome
4. Analyse and critically evaluate findings from the literature and field observations to create a proposal for a low impact and climate resilient urban development.

University Learning Outcome
Application Enquiry Problem Solving

Module Learning Outcome
5. Critically discuss and evaluate the concepts and ideas presented in the literature relating to urban environmental challenges and the management strategies that can be used to respond to them and present your findings clearly.

University Learning Outcome
Enquiry Communication

VLE with virtual classroom facilities for accessing on-line learning and resources.
High quality teaching space for face to face class sessions, where appropriate, with usual audio-visual facilities.
Library resources, both online and physical, to support module learning activities and research for assignments.
Field resources as appropriate for the field-based activity.
Google Earth VR and access to the Virtual Reality IT Suite.

Douglas, I. & James, P. (2014) Urban Ecology: An Introduction. Routledge.

Dover, J. (2015) Green Infrastructure: Incorporating Plants and Enhancing Biodiversity in Buildings and Urban Areas. Routledge.

Kabisch, N. et al. (2017) Nature-Based Solutions to Climate Change Adaptation in Urban Areas. Springer.

Kelbaugh, D. (2019) The Urban Fix: Resilient Cities in the War Against Climate Change, Heat Islands and Overpopulation. Routledge.

Lehman, S. (2015) Low Carbon Cities: Transforming Urban Systems. Routledge.

None

Urban areas are both drivers of climate change and vulnerable to the impacts of a changing climate. In this module you will explore the complex inter-relationships between urbanisation and the physical environment, consider the types of innovative initiatives and strategies that can be used to mitigate against the negative environmental impacts of urban development and create more climate resilient towns and cities, and discuss the need for towns and cities to be part of the solution to the environmental challenges associated with climate change. Students will then use this information to set out your vision for a climate resilient new urban development.