Introduction to Urban Planning (PLAN10002)

Undergraduate level 1Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery
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The subject introduces students to the theoretical perspectives and  skills relevant to the study and practice of urban design and planning. It builds a broad understanding of the ways urban designers and planners might successfully intervene in urban places, and gives students the practical means to be able to develop plans, policies and designs to improve urban places, and to achieve multiple objectives.
Key skills for writing, drawing, urban analysis, design, and working at the scales relevant to urban design and planning, will be developed in a mixed suite of lectures, workshops, field trips, tutorials and studios. Students will analyse key readings and work on group projects for the semester that allow them to develop key skills including the production of a design for an urban place. Students will develop abilities in presenting, using a variety of media and in a range of settings.

This subject will provide a lens on the University’s Joining Melbourne Modules. These will be completed in parallel to the subject - unless already successfully completed. It will also support the Discovery goals for commencing students by introducing emerging concepts and research in the discipline area; ways to connect with the larger University community including peers, teachers and student groups; and awareness of academic expectations, and of wellbeing support offered at the University of Melbourne.

Note: the subject includes a day-long field trip outside of Melbourne to a regional town and an outer suburb that will take place in the semester break week. Although the field trip is not assessed and is not compulsory, it is complementary to the final piece of group coursework – a strategic spatial plan for a choice of one of three localities for which you will in your groups sign up.


Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • 1. Have the mix of basic theoretical, substantive and methodological knowledge associated with urban planning;
  • 2. Gather information from a range of sources relating to an urban place and meaningfully collate, interpret and analyse it;
  • 3. Spatially represent and analyse an urban place, and conveying this analysis to others in meaningful ways;
  • 4. Develop strategies and designs for the ongoing spatial management of an urban place;
  • 5. Reflect upon the implications of their plans and design in terms of social, economic, ecological and cultural concerns;
  • 6. Deliver information about their plans and designs using appropriate representation, written, oral and other relevant means.
  • 7. Demonstrate an understanding of the Joining Melbourne Modules, and the learning outcomes of these, in relation to Introduction to Urban Planning subject matter and learning activities.

Generic skills

Upon successful completion of this subject the student should have developed the following skills:

  • General verbal, written and graphic communication skills;
  • Critical thinking and analysis;
  • Data collection and interpretation.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

ABPL20049 Introduction to Urban Design & Planning

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

Three individual written assignments on a single key reading due in weeks 4, 8 and 12 (37.5%) and marks for participation in associated discussion seminars (5-8 minutes) (12.5%)

  • 500 words (each)
From Week 4 to Week 1250%

A group assignment involving collection of data, writing and sketches equivalent to 1000 words per student

  • 1000 words (each)
Week 625%

A group assignment involving an urban plan and accompanying text, equivalent to 1000 words per student

  • 1000 words (equivalent)
Week 1225%

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorNicholas Phelps
    Mode of deliveryDual-Delivery (Parkville)
    Contact hours1x2 hour lecture plus 1x2 hour tutorial per week
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period25 July 2022 to 23 October 2022
    Last self-enrol date 5 August 2022
    Census date31 August 2022
    Last date to withdraw without fail23 September 2022
    Assessment period ends18 November 2022

    Semester 2 contact information

    Subject Coordinator

    Nicholas Phelps

    nicholas.phelps@unimelb.edu.au

     

     

Time commitment details

170 hours

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 20 March 2025