Postgraduate Courses
UGOD
Urban Governance and Design
- UGOD 5010Science of Cities[3-0-0:3]DescriptionThe course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the city and the system of cities, the challenges faced by cities, especially the rapidly-developing large cities, and the key tools for interventions in response to critical pressures linked to economic development, urbanization, globalization, migration, social inclusion, climate change, resource efficiency, technology etc.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Demonstrate an understanding of the intellectual history of urban planning and designs.
- 2.Analyze selected cities as the cases of planning and designs.
- 3.Develop a new notion of cities as systems of networks and flows instead of places in space.
- 4.Apply new tools to understand different aspects of city structure.
- 5.Compare design and decision-making models that predict interactions and flow in future cities.
- 6.Write Report on Case Study.
- UGOD 5020Quantitative Social Science[3-0-0:3]Prerequisite(s)SOSC 5090Corequisite(s)PPOL 5140Exclusion(s)SOSC 5340BackgroundFundamental knowledge in probability and statistics, and software packagesDescriptionThis course builds on the knowledge of the linear regression models to introduce students advanced statistical methods to analyze survey, administrative and other types of data of interest to quantitative social scientists. The introduction of statistical methods is integrated into research contexts and designs from a holistic framework and bridge quantitative social science and computational social science (data science). Topics include measurement, prediction, causal inference, natural experiment and program evaluation (difference-in-differences, panel data, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity), applied to both survey and big data.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Apply statistical methods when the assumptions of classical linear regression are violated.
- 2.Understand the concept of causality and research designs to establish causal relationship.
- 3.Utilize some standard methods in causal inferences with observational data.
- 4.Apply basic tools to analyze different types of data, including big data.
- 5.Perform essential techniques to analyze big social data.
- 6.Write a research report on findings.
- UGOD 5030GIS and Spatial Analysis[3-0-1:3]DescriptionThis course introduces students to the basic concepts and methods in Geographic Information System (GIS), and their applications in urban design and governance, environmental and infrastructure sustainability, and smart city management. This course integrates social science and informatics perspectives, and is suitable for students with various backgrounds. In addition to learning traditional GIS data, spatial analytical techniques, and GIS software, this course also develops skills of manipulating spatially detailed urban sensing Big Data (about urban activities, environmental qualities, and mobility patterns).Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Demonstrate an understanding of common GIS concepts and spatial data models
- 2.Manipulate tabular and spatial data to produce intelligible graphics.
- 3.Apply major extensions and data analysis functions in ArcGIS for problem solving.
- 4.Perform basic (satellite) image processing tasks.
- 5.Perform basic hot spot and other spatial statistical analysis.
- 6.Write report on findings.
- UGOD 6101UGOD Program Seminar I[0 credit]DescriptionAdvanced seminar series presented by postgraduate students, faculty, and guest speakers on selected topics in urban governance and design. This course is offered once a year. Graded P or F.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Apply essential skills in communicating research results.
- 2.Use appropriate software or technologies to deliver an effective presentation.
- 3.Communicate effectively in professional settings.
- 4.Interact with guest lecturers.
- UGOD 6102UGOD Program Seminar II[1 credit]DescriptionSelected topics in hands-on data analyses, such as statistical software (R, STATA, or SAS), data management, and visualization, will be introduced to students in urban governance and design for their research. The course is offered once a year. Graded P or F.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Apply basic skills in statistical software.
- 2.Demonstrate hands-on skills in data management.
- 3.Apply fundamental knowledge of integrating data from different sources.
- 4.Utilize appropriate tools to visualize the data.
- 5.Apply the skills to a project on data analysis with application to UGOD topics in the real world.
- UGOD 6990MPhil Thesis ResearchDescriptionMaster's thesis research supervised by co-advisors from different disciplines. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Design, develop and conduct cross-disciplinary research in Urban Governance & Design.
- 2.Communicate research findings effectively in written and oral presentations.
- UGOD 7990Doctoral Thesis ResearchDescriptionOriginal and independent doctoral thesis research supervised by co-advisors from different disciplines. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.Design, develop and conduct cross-disciplinary research in Urban Governance & Design.
- 2.Communicate research findings effectively in written and oral presentations.
