Curriculum Overview
The curriculum of the Urban Planning program at Institute of Land and Disaster Management is meticulously designed to provide students with a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The program spans eight semesters, integrating core engineering principles with advanced planning methodologies.
Semester-wise Course Structure
Each semester builds upon previous knowledge, ensuring a progressive learning experience that aligns with the industry's evolving demands. The curriculum includes core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and hands-on laboratory sessions.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | UP-101 | Introduction to Urban Planning | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | UP-102 | Mathematics for Urban Planning I | 4-0-0-4 | - |
| 1 | UP-103 | Geography for Planning | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | UP-104 | Basic Surveying Techniques | 2-0-2-3 | - |
| 1 | UP-105 | Sociology of Cities | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | UP-201 | Urban Economics | 3-0-0-3 | UP-102 |
| 2 | UP-202 | Environmental Planning | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | UP-203 | Land Use Policy | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | UP-204 | Transportation Systems | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 2 | UP-205 | Urban Design Studio I | 2-0-4-4 | - |
| 3 | UP-301 | Housing and Settlement Planning | 3-0-0-3 | UP-201 |
| 3 | UP-302 | Infrastructure Development | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 3 | UP-303 | Public Space Design | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 3 | UP-304 | Urban Informatics | 3-0-0-3 | UP-202 |
| 3 | UP-305 | Urban Design Studio II | 2-0-4-4 | UP-205 |
| 4 | UP-401 | Climate Resilience Planning | 3-0-0-3 | UP-302 |
| 4 | UP-402 | Smart City Technologies | 3-0-0-3 | UP-304 |
| 4 | UP-403 | Urban Governance and Public Policy | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 4 | UP-404 | Urban Data Analytics | 3-0-0-3 | UP-202 |
| 4 | UP-405 | Urban Design Studio III | 2-0-4-4 | UP-305 |
| 5 | UP-501 | Heritage Conservation | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 5 | UP-502 | Disaster Risk Management | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 5 | UP-503 | Sustainable Urban Development | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 5 | UP-504 | Urban Informatics Lab | 0-0-2-2 | UP-304 |
| 5 | UP-505 | Community Engagement Project | 2-0-4-4 | - |
| 6 | UP-601 | Advanced Urban Design | 3-0-0-3 | UP-405 |
| 6 | UP-602 | Research Methodology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 6 | UP-603 | Urban Planning Ethics | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 6 | UP-604 | Urban Informatics Lab II | 0-0-2-2 | UP-504 |
| 6 | UP-605 | Final Year Project | 0-0-8-8 | - |
Advanced Departmental Elective Courses
The department offers a range of advanced elective courses that allow students to specialize in areas of interest and explore emerging trends in urban planning:
- Urban Informatics and Data Analytics: This course focuses on the application of big data and analytics in urban planning, covering topics such as predictive modeling, spatial analysis, and real-time monitoring systems.
- Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning: Students explore innovative approaches to designing efficient and environmentally friendly transportation networks using tools like GIS, simulation models, and multi-modal planning strategies.
- Climate Resilience in Cities: This course examines the impact of climate change on urban areas and develops strategies for building resilient infrastructure and adaptive governance mechanisms.
- Urban Housing Policy and Development: It covers the legal, economic, and social dimensions of housing provision, including public-private partnerships, affordable housing schemes, and slum upgrading initiatives.
- Public Space and Community Design: This elective explores how the design and management of public spaces can foster social cohesion, promote inclusivity, and enhance urban livability.
- Digital Twins for Urban Planning: Students learn to create digital replicas of cities using 3D modeling, IoT sensors, and simulation software to test urban planning scenarios before implementation.
- Smart Grids and Energy Systems in Cities: This course delves into the integration of renewable energy sources and smart grid technologies within urban environments, focusing on sustainability and efficiency.
- Urban Informatics Lab: A hands-on laboratory experience where students apply GIS, Python scripting, and spatial databases to solve real-world urban planning challenges.
- Urban Governance and Participatory Planning: This course explores participatory methods for involving citizens in decision-making processes and evaluates the effectiveness of democratic planning approaches.
- Post-Disaster Urban Reconstruction: Students study case studies of cities affected by disasters and learn how to develop comprehensive recovery plans that prioritize resilience and community rebuilding.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department's philosophy on project-based learning emphasizes experiential education, where students actively engage in solving real-world problems throughout their academic journey. The curriculum includes mandatory mini-projects in the second and third years, followed by a final-year thesis or capstone project.
Mini-projects typically involve working in interdisciplinary teams on tasks such as analyzing land use patterns, designing public transit routes, or conducting community needs assessments. Students select their projects based on their interests and career aspirations, with faculty mentors guiding them through each stage of the process.
The final-year thesis/capstone project is a culmination of all learned skills, where students conduct independent research or implement a large-scale planning initiative. They are encouraged to collaborate with industry partners, government agencies, or NGOs to ensure their work has practical relevance and impact.