This course focuses on the people using transport systems and the choices that they make. We will examine theoretical models which aim to explain individuals' choices, including long-term decisions such as car ownership, short-term decisions such as route choice, and mechanisms for behaviour change

Classes of two hours in length, weekly for 9 weeks

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There will be one summative assessment. This will be an essay of 2,500 words involving an explanation, application and evaluation of behavioural theories and models in transport.

The course aims to provide students with an overview of a set of key behavioural theories and models in transport and an awareness of the wider range of models which can be found in the literature. It will provide an opportunity to critically discuss the proposed theories and models and explore how they might apply to real transport policies. This will provide insights into how such theories and models could be useful in designing and evaluating transport policies.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Explain key behavioural theories and models in transport using relevant academic literature;

■ Apply behavioural models from this course to existing transport policies in order to identify reasons for the success or failure of the policies;

■ Evaluate the implications of behavioural theories and models for the design of future transport policies and practices.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.

Minimum requirement for award of credit for students on MSc City Planning is D3 or above.

University standard regulations apply to students on other qualifications.