module specification

The Transportation Engineering Systems & Simulation module introduces you to the principles of design, analysis, and optimisation of transportation engineering systems, with a strong focus on modern simulation techniques.

The module covers a broad range of topics including geometric design of roads and highways, road safety engineering and accident analysis, traffic flow theory and modelling, and traffic signal design and control systems.

You will learn to apply advanced engineering tools and methods to solve real-world transportation challenges, using industry-standard practices and software. The module also incorporates current issues such as sustainable transportation and the integration of intelligent transportation systems. Through practical exercises, and project work, you will develop the analytical and technical skills needed to design efficient, safe, and sustainable transport networks. The content is aligned with the professional bodies standards, ensuring that you are equipped with the essential competencies required for a successful career in transportation engineering within the civil engineering profession.

Topics covered in this module include:

• Geometric design of roads and highways (LO1, LO4)
• Road safety engineering and accident analysis (LO1, LO4)
• Traffic flow theory and modelling (LO4, LO2, LO5)
• Traffic signal design and control systems (LO4, LO2)
• Railway infrastructure and material design (LO1)
• Public transportation and vehicle dispatching (LO3, LO4)
• Transportation network analysis and optimisation (LO4, LO2, LO5)
• Sustainable and intelligent transportation systems (LO3, LO4)
• AI and machine learning in transportation design (LO2, LO5)

Teaching and learning will consist of weekly classes comprising a combination of lectures, seminars, site visits, discursive sessions, and workshops totalling 36 hours of contact time. Students will be given the opportunity to engage in seminar activities in which the use of global case studies stimulates discussion and helps to develop a deep understanding of transportation engineering systems in context and within the framework of the existing Civil Engineering and Project Management bodies of knowledge and codes of practice.

Workshops will facilitate group study of authentic case studies, presenting typical project planning challenges that will require students to propose and test solutions presented to them and evaluate the outcomes. They will develop themes discussed in lectures, tutorials, group work, and independent study to build upon and develop key aspects of the subject and encourage innovative approaches in formulating responses and determining solutions to tasks. Computer workshops will be used to introduce the students to the simulation software and provide them with instruction to allow them to develop the necessary programming skills and have opportunity to progress their module assessments in supervised scheduled sessions.

A blended and technology-enhanced learning approach will be employed in the delivery of this module. Formal lectures will introduce and develop themes that relate to the core subject. The delivery of the module will be broken down into key elements that have discrete tasks. Tasks will be performed through group and independent study to develop critical thinking skills of analysis, evaluation, and synthesis. Throughout the module, student output will be reviewed and formative feedback given to ensure clarity and comprehension.

Study will be supported via online lectures, tutorials, and seminars that will be captured and made available to allow asynchronous access.

Learning and teaching in classes will be supported by the University’s VLE and a blended learning approach, sharing class materials, recommended reading, and case studies. Group tutorials will also be offered to support students in the preparation of their assessments, with opportunities for students to receive forward feedback.

On the completion of this module, students, operating independently, and applying their knowledge and skills, should be able to:

1. apply key principles of highways, transportation infrastructure, and railway design, evaluating both traditional and innovative approaches to real-world transportation challenges.
2. apply advanced computational and simulation techniques to optimise complex transportation systems using industry-standard software tools.
3. design sustainable transportation solutions, incorporating advanced concepts such as green transport, autonomous vehicles, and innovative and intelligent transportation systems.
4. analyse, evaluate, and optimise complex transportation systems to solve issues related to traffic flow, safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
5. communicate effectively on complex transportation engineering matters and evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used.

Core texts and sources can be accessed via the following link:

CO7016 - Transportation Engineering Systems & Simulation | London Metropolitan University