This module introduces the issues surrounding sustainable development within cities and explores how the smart city concept can contribute to the urban sustainable development agenda. The module begins by considering the key characteristics of contemporary urbanisation and the issues and challenges that these present for sustainability and urban environmental management. The meaning and nature of sustainability for cities will be discussed, followed by a consideration of the definitions of a smart city and a discussion of the key elements of a smart city including its contribution to both urban governance and the more effective and efficient management of natural resources. With reference to case studies the final part of the module will explore and evaluate the role that smart city processes and applications can play in enhancing the social, economic and environmental aspects of sustainable development within urban areas.

A portfolio of weekly tasks which builds towards production of the report assignment (1500 word equivalent) 40% (learning outcomes: 1, 2, 4)

A 2500 word report demonstrating how smart city processes can be used to address a specific urban sustainability issue in a city the student is familiar with 60% (Learning outcomes 1 – 6)

The module will run over 12 weeks. This will normally include 4 weeks for you to complete the assessments to be graded. Over this period you will work through weekly self-instructional material (a mixture of text and video based materials and web resources) provided via the VLE. These materials will provide a structured programme of specific activities and tasks which you will be asked to complete. This will involve reading and critically engaging with key texts, papers and other information sources. This work will mainly be undertaken on an individual basis, but at regular points throughout the module you will be expected to interact and share material, ideas and thoughts with the tutors and other students. It is expected that students allocate a minimum of 15 hours to engage and interact with their tutors and peers on the module.

Batty, M. (2013) The New Science of Cities. MIT Press. (ebook edition)

Campbell, T. (2012) Beyond Smart Cities: How Cities Network, Learn and Innovate. Routledge (e-book edition)

Glaeser, E. (2012) Triumph of the City. Pan (ebook edition)

Shark, A. et al. (2014) Smart Cities for a Bright Sustainable Future - A Global Perspective.
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. (ebook editition)

Townsend, A. (2013) Smart Cities: Big Data, Civic Hackers, and the Quest for a New Utopia. W. W. Norton & Company (e-book edition)

Access to the VLE used for delivering the module, access to e-library resources provided by Staffordshire University and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.