De elektronische studiegids voor het academiejaar 2026 - 2027 is onder voorbehoud.





Sustainable Transportation Policy (4198)

Coordinating lecturer:Prof. dr. Geert WETS 
Co-lecturer:dr. Hélène DIRIX 


Credits: 4,0
Study load hours: 108
Period: quarter 1 (4sp)

Language of instruction: English
Exam contract: not possible

2nd Chance Exam1: Yes
Final grade2: Numerical
Tolerance3: See included in these programmes

Sequentiality
No sequentiality


Prerequisites

There are no specific prerequisites for this course.



Content

In this course, we will examine how to implement a sustainable transportation system, emphasizing the need for long-term thinking in the constantly evolving field of transportation. We will study strategies and tactics that governments use to transition the existing transportation systems towards sustainability and the challenges encountered in this process.

Several case studies from cities around the world will be presented to illustrate different approaches and identify common elements in their strategies. In addition, it will be highlighted how the implementation of the adopted strategies can be improved such that the potential of transformative change can be maximized. Students will be encouraged to think critically about the use of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, in developing sustainable solutions, emphasizing the importance of careful evaluation of these technologies.

This course will provide a well-supported theoretical foundation, equipping students with the knowledge necessary to effectively engage with and apply sustainable strategies in real-world scenarios. Furthermore, it aims to empower students to independently and critically assess and develop sustainable approaches. This ensures they acquire the skills essential for strategic thinking and effective problem-solving, which are crucial for creating transformative changes in transportation.



Compulsory course material
 

- Lectures & lecture slides (available on Blackboard)

- Self-learning videos & accompanying slides (available on Blackboard)

 

Recommended course material
 

- Low N.P. ed (2013) Transforming Urban Transport, The Ethics, Politics and Practices of Sustainable Transport, (London and New York: Earthscan/Routledge).

- Curtis, C. and Low, N.P. (2012) Institutional Barriers to Sustainable Transport (Farnham, UK: Ashgate).

- Davis D., Altsuler A. ed (2019), Transforming Urban Transport, Oxford University Press



Organisational and teaching methods
Organisational methods  
Lecture  
Response lecture  
Small group session  
Teaching methods  
Group work  
Paper  
Presentation  
Report  


Evaluation

Quarter 1 (4,00sp)

Evaluation method
Written exam100 %
Transfer of partial marks within the academic yearYes, with condition
Conditions transfer of partial marks within the academic yearThe written closed-book exam consists of multiple-choice questions. A higher cut-off mark will be applied to these questions. For more information, please consult the study manual. Partial results with a passing score (≥ 10/20) from the first exam opportunity will be carried over to the second examination period. This applies to the group assignment, the self-reflection report and the written exam. In cases of insufficient active contribution to group work (evidenced by peer assessment), the individual student’s score may be adjusted.
Closed-book
Paper
Peer review
Reflection assignment
Multiple-choice questions, higher cut-off score
Evaluation conditions (participation and/or pass)
Conditions

The student must participate in designated organisational and teaching methods, namely the four work sessions.

For the written closed-book exam with multiple choice questions, students must achieve a passing score based on the higher cut-off mark threshold. For more information, please consult the study manual.

Students are required to complete a peer evaluation via the ‘Buddycheck’ tool on Blackboard when requested.

Consequences

Unauthorised absence from compulsory activities (e.g. work sessions) may result in an adjusted final mark, as 1 point will be deducted from the final mark for each work session missed without valid justification. Absences with valid justification must be reported in time (i.e., before the start of the work session) and supported with documentation. Where possible, a replacement task will be provided.

If students do not achieve the passing score based on the higher cut-off mark threshold for the written closed-book with multiple choice questions, they must retake this exam during the second examination period.

A sufficient contribution from every student is expected in the group work. The peer evaluation takes place through the Buddycheck programme on Blackboard. The factor calculated by the programme is multiplied by the grade for the group work for each student. The method of calculation and the course of the peer evaluation are explained further in the study manual/ n Blackboard. If there is a possible significantly smaller contribution, the follow-up process regarding free-riding can be initiated (see also Article 17.4 of Legal Position Regulations for Students (EEL Regulations). In the case of active participation in group work, the student’s individual grade may vary based on presentation skills and the quality of their answers to questions.
Failure to complete the peer evaluation, or to submit it on time via the ‘Buddycheck’ platform will result in a deduction of 1 point from the final mark out of 20 for the group assignment.

Additional information

Group assignment (paper) (50%) 

Individual critical reflection report (10%) 

Closed-book exam (40%) - multiple choice questions with correction for guessing


Second examination period

Evaluation second examination opportunity different from first examination opprt
No
Explanation (English)Partial results with a passing score (≥ 10/20) from the first exam
opportunity will be carried over to the second examination period.

The student must retake the written closed-book multiple-choice exam if
they do not achieve the passing score based on the higher cut-off mark
threshold for this component. For more information, please consult the
study manual.

If a student has a second exam opportunity, it is their responsibility
to contact the lecturer in time to clarify which components must be
retaken.


Learning outcomes
  EC = learning outcomes      DC = partial outcomes      BC = evaluation criteria  
Master of Transportation Sciences
  •  EC 
  • EC1: The holder of the degree applies knowledge in an independent and self-directed manner. He/she is able to critically plan, guard, manage and evaluate his/her own learning processes and to take care of his/her own (quality) control.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC4: The student evaluates his/her way of working taking into account the quality of the work and draws lessons for the future. 

     
  •  DC 
  • DC5: The student works in an autonomous and self-managing way, engaging in self-reflection and striving for continuous improvement.

  •  EC 
  • EC2: The holder of the degree has in-depth knowledge and understanding of the concepts, methods, and (research) techniques of transportation sciences. He/she is able to apply the concepts, methods and (research) techniques in the field of transportation sciences adequately and autonomously.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC1: The student can autonomously consult, assess and synthesise international scientific professional literature from the field of transportation sciences in terms of the knowledge required.

  •  EC 
  • EC3: The holder of the degree is able to autonomously carry out research in transportation sciences and offers realistic and sustainable solutions to complex transportation problems by using relevant theories and/or models from the field of study of transportation sciences or related domains.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC1: The student can identify relevant transportation problems in the field of transportation sciences.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC2: The student offers a realistic sustainable solution to a given problem based on acquired knowledge and insights from his/her academic training.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC4: The student has the ability to deal with uncertainties related to complex transportation problems and develops appropriate sustainable solution strategies in a creative way.

  •  EC 
  • EC4: The holder of the degree considers the society as a whole as an important stakeholder and reflects on the social relevance and consequences of recommendations/solutions and projects/assignments in a critical manner. In doing so, the holder of the degree strives, among other things, to have a sustainable impact on the region.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC1: The student is able to identify key stakeholders other than society and demonstrate their relevance.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC2: The student is able to empathise with and take into account the views of different stakeholders when assessing and developing different solution options.

  •  EC 
  • EC5: The holder of the degree is made aware of and has insight into the regional and international policy framework, similarities and differences with respect to transport policies. The holder of the degree is encouraged to get in touch with various (inter)national stakeholders active in the field of transportation.

  •  EC 
  • EC6: The holder of the degree is able to communicate and convince others on his/her field of study, both in writing and orally,  addressing  scientists of his/her own or similar fields of study and wide social groups.

     
  •  DC 
  • DC1: The student is able to communicate on the process, results as well as his/her views in writing in a logically structured and clearly understandable way and to exchange views on these with others.

 

Included in these programmesTolerance3
1st year Master of Transportation Sciences (incl ICP) Y
Exchange Programme Transportation Sciences Y



1   Education, Examination and Legal Position Regulations art.12.2, section 2.
2   Education, Examination and Legal Position Regulations art.15.1, section 3.
3   Education, Examination and Legal Position Regulations art.16.9, section 2.