The first term provides foundation modules in core data science techniques, the theories underlying the study of cities, and ways to communicate analyses so as to affect policy- making. The second term focuses on data analysis for cities, providing insight into both spatial and network analysis as well as providing more depth on data mining techniques.
In term two you will also take a specialised module exploring one aspect of city life, such as air pollution or mental health, in real depth and detail. This provides a testbed for the analysis techniques learnt, enabling students to develop confidence and experience with handling urban data. In the summer term you will also engage in a substantive individual project – connected to our research interests – tackling one of a range of urban informatics topics.
Teaching
We use lectures and computer lab sessions to deliver most of the modules on the course. You will also be expected to undertake a significant amount of independent study.
You are expected to spend approximately 10 hours of work per credit for each module you attend in your degree, e.g. 150 hours work for a 15 credit module. These hours cover every aspect of the module: lectures, tutorials, independent study, coursework and preparation for examinations.
Typically, one credit equates to 10 hours of work.
Assessment
The assessment for this degree is primarily through written reports, software-based data analyses, and written examinations. You may also be assessed by oral presentation, class tests, projects and data visualisation or infographics. The nature of assessment varies by module.