| Unit name | Sustainability, Risk and Resilience in the Urban Age |
|---|---|
| Unit code | GEOGM0037 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Duminy |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | School of Geographical Sciences |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
For the first time in human history more people around the world live in towns and cities than in rural areas. By 2050 roughly 70% of the world population will live in urban areas, and by the end of this century our species is very likely to be fully urbanised. This global urban transformation has profound implications in terms of achieving sustainable modes of living, minimising risk from environmental hazards and promoting resilience. Indeed, cities and city-regions are increasingly recognised as pivotal arenas for intervention to solve both local and global challenges.
In this unit we will explore the origins of the global urban transition; critically interrogate the concepts of sustainability, risk and resilience; dissect urban ecosystems; and review a wide range of planning approaches, policies, technologies and special initiatives designed to achieve sustainability and resilience in the urban age.
Upon successful completion of this unit, students will:
1) Demonstrate understanding of the diverse and shifting demographic and economic processes underpinning world urbanisation;
2) Have a critical understanding of and be able to apply key concepts underpinning the discourses of sustainability & resilience;
3) Be able to describe and assess the significance urban ecosystem dynamics;
4) Have knowledge of diverse policies, technologies and initiatives for urban sustainability & resilience.
The unit will be taught through a blended combination of online and, if possible, in-person teaching, including
5000-word Essay (100%) which will assess all the ILOs.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. GEOGM0037).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an
assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
