BSc (Hons) Town and Country Planning (P/T)-E415P
1.
OBJECTIVES
The importance of the urban planner is increasing throughout the 21st century, as we begin to face issues
of increased population growth, climate change and unsustainable development. An urban planner helps a
community decide how to best use its land and resources with an eye toward future growth and
revitalisation. Planning today retains its commitment to ideal urban environments, but has to work within
challenging political contexts. The task of reconciling competing development and environmental goals in
the interests of ‘sustainability’ usually falls to the planning function in government. Planners are an
important part of a town's growth and development.
A town planner's main responsibility is to ease or avoid social, economic and environmental problems
within their town of employment. The planner is a professional who works in the field of urban
planning/land use planning for the purpose of optimising the effectiveness of a community's land use and
infrastructure. They formulate plans for the development and management of urban and suburban areas,
typically analysing land use compatibility as well as economic, environmental and social trends. In
developing their plan for a community (whether commercial, residential, agricultural, natural or
recreational), urban planners must also consider a wide array of issues such as sustainability, air pollution,
traffic congestion, crime, land values, legislation and zoning codes.
The aims of this programme are:


2.
to provide students with the theoretical and practical knowledge, understanding and skills
required for sustainable land use planning:
to provide a supporting environment in which students are able to fulfill their educational
potential as well as enhance their employment prospects within and beyond the planning
profession.
GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
As per General Entry Requirements for Admission to the University for Undergraduate Degrees.
3.
MINIMUM CREDIT REQUIREMENTS FOR DEGREE AWARD
Law and Management
15
Humanities
6
Departmental (core)
79
TOTAL
100
(i) For award of the degree, all modules prescribed by the programmes structure must be completed.
(ii) Minimum Credit Requirements for Diploma Award -60 credits
1
A student may opt for a Diploma in Town and Country Planning provided s/he satisfies the following
minimum requirements. The request for exit at the Diploma level should be made in writing to the Dean
of Faculty. A Diploma project is compulsory and would normally be of 12 weeks duration, commensurate
with work input of at least 90 contact hours.
4.
PROGRAMME DURATION -
4 years Minimum and 6 years Maximum
5.
CREDITS PER SEMESTER -
Minimum 3, Maximum 24 subject to Regulation 4.
6.
ASSESSMENT
Each module will be assessed over 100 marks (i.e. expressed as %) with details as follows (unless
otherwise specified):
Assessment will be based on written examination and continuous assessment. The written examination
will be of 2-hour duration for semester modules.
The continuous assessment will count for 20-30% of the overall percentage mark of the module(s).
Continuous assessment may be based on field work and/or assignments and should include at least two
class tests/assignments per module.
An overall total of 40% for combined continuous assessment and written examination components would
be required to pass the module, without minimum thresholds within the individual continuous
assessment and written examination.
Written examinations for the semester modules will be carried out at the end of the respective semester.
2
7.
COURSE STRUCTURE
Year 1
Semester 1
11 Credits
Core Modules
CIVE
1106(1)
Semester 2
12 Credits
Core Modules
CIVE
1216(1)
Technical Skills
L+P
2+2
Credits
3
SOCI
1105(1)
Introduction to Sociology
3+0
3
CIVE
1126(1)
CIVE
1107(1)
Planning Tools in Mauritius
3+0
3
CIVE
1127(1)
CIVE
1118(1)
Professional
Communications
1+2
2
CIVE
1219(1)
Organisation
and
Practice of Urban
Planning
in
Mauritius
Climate Change &
the
Physical
Environment
History &
Philosophy of
Urban Planning
Introduction
to
Urban Design
L+P
3+0
Credits
3
3+0
3
3+0
3
3+0
3
L+P
2+2
Credits
3
3+0
3
3+0
3
3+0
3
L+P
3+1
Credits
3.5
Year 2
Semester 1
12 Credits
Core Modules
MGT
1111(1)
CIVE
1223(1)
ECON
1215(1)
CIVE
1222(1)
Organisation and
Management
Principles of Geographical
Information Systems
Introduction to Economics
Architecture in Relation to
Urban Planning
Semester 2
12 Credits
Core Modules
CIVE
3213(3)
L+P
DE
Credits
3
2+2
3
CIVE
2229(3)
3+0
3
CIVE
3108(3)
3+0
3
LAWS
1128(1)
GIS for planners
Heritage and
Conservation
Statistical Analysis
in Planning
Urban
Planning
Law (PART I)
Year3
Semester 1
12.5 Credits
Core Modules
3117(5)
MGT
LAWS
2231(3)
CIVE
2230(3)
CIVE
2125(3)
Leisure and Tourism
Planning
Urban
Planning
Law
(PART II)
Transport in Relation to
Planning
The Environmental Impact
Assessment Process
Semester 2
13 Credits
Core Modules
CIVE 4011(3)
L+P
3+0
Credits
3
3+0
3
CIVE
3012(3)
Civil Engineering in
Relation to Planning
3+1
3.5
3+1
3.5
CIVE
3224(5)
3+0
3
3+0
3
CIVE
3013(3)
Coastal Zone
Management
Research Methods
3+0
3
Site Planning and
Analysis
Year 4
Semester 1
9 Credits
Core Modules
CIVE
2208(5)
CIVE
2217(5)
CIVE
4009(5)
CIVE
3000Y(5)
Policy Making &
Implementation
Planning for Sustainable
Development
Liveable Neighbourhoods
Semester 2
9.5 Credits+9
Core Modules
CIVE 4007(5)
L+P
3+0
Credits
3
3+0
3
CIVE
3+0
3
CIVE 4012(5)
3109(5)
Degree Project
Environmental
Management Systems
Development
Process
Waste Management
L+P
3+0
Credits
3
3+0
3
3+1
3.5
9
Total number of credits – 100
3
8.
LIST OF MODULES
Code
Module Name
CIVE
SOCI
CIVE
CIVE
CIVE
1106(1)
1105(1)
1107(1)
1118(1)
1216(1)
CIVE
CIVE
CIVE
MGT
CIVE
ECON
CIVE
CIVE
CIVE
CIVE
LAWS
MGT
LAWS
CIVE
CIVE
CIVE
CIVE
CIVE
CIVE
CIVE
CIVE
CIVE
CIVE
CIVE
CIVE
CIVE
CIVE
1126(1)
1127(1)
1219(1)
1111(1)
1223(1)
1215(1)
1222(1)
3213(3)
2229(3)
3108(3)
1128(1)
3117(5)
2231(3)
2230(3)
2125(3)
4011(3)
3012(3)
3224(5)
3013(3)
2208(5)
2217(5)
4009(5)
4007(5)
3109(5)
4012(5)
3000Y(5)
2010D(3)
Technical Skills
Introduction to Sociology
Planning Tools in Mauritius
Professional Communications
Organisation & Practice of Urban Planning in
Mauritius
Climate Change & the Physical Environment
History and Philosophy of Urban Planning
Introduction to Urban Design
Organisation & Management (DE)
Principles of Geographical Information Systems
Introduction to Economics
Architecture in Relation to Urban Planning
GIS for Planners
Heritage & Conservation
Statistical Analysis in Planning
Urban Planning Law (PART I)
Leisure and Tourism Planning
Urban Planning Law (PART II)
Transport in Relation to Planning
The Environmental Impact Assessment Process
Site Planning and Analysis
Civil Engineering in Relation to Planning
Coastal Zone Management
Research Methods
Policy Making &Implementation
Planning for Sustainable Development
Liveable Neighbourhoods
Environmental Management Systems
Development Process
Waste Management
Degree Project
Diploma Project
Hrs/week
L+P
2+2
3+0
3+0
1+2
3+0
Credits
3+0
3+0
3+0
3+0
2+2
3+0
3+0
2+2
3+0
3+0
3+0
3+0
3+0
3+1
3+0
3+1
3+1
3+0
3+0
3+0
3+0
3+0
3+0
3+0
3+1
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3.5
3
3.5
3.5
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3.5
9
6
3
3
3
2
3
4
9.
OUTLINE SYLLABUS
CIVE 1106(1) - TECHNICAL SKILLS
Types of structures and structural elements. Site preparation and layout.
Computer aided drafting in Building and Civil engineering; Introduction to Autocad; Manipulating of CAD
drawing; Basic drawing and editing command; Precision drawing and making changes in drawing
Principles of Surveying. Control and Detailed Survey. Adjustments. Aerial Photography, levelling, contour mapping
SOCI 1105(1) - INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
Understanding of patterns of human behavior and changes in our society. Forms of social structure - groups,
organisations, communities, social categories (such as class, sex, age, or race), and various social institutions-such as
kinship, economic, political, or religious- which affect human attitudes, actions, and opportunities; Culture,
socialisation practices, social interaction, gender, family and marriage, population, Social Stratification and
Schooling.
CIVE 1107(1) - PLANNING TOOLS IN MAURITIUS
An overview of the existing planning tools in Mauritius and their importance. The existing planning framework:
including the different authorities, guidelines and legislation which govern the planning framework. The role of the
national strategy plan – the National Development Strategy, the Outline Schemes and the Planning Policy
Guidelines. The procedures for their implementation and enforcement. Critical assessment of the existing framework
with case studies.
CIVE 1118(1) - PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
Perception and listening skills. The writing process - letters and memorandums, résumés (critical thinking &
synthesis of technical articles), technical & laboratory Reports, presentation of tables, charts, histograms in reports.
Oral Presentations, modes of speech delivery, presentation aids, speeches, non-verbal communication. Referencing,
plagiarism & ethics in written and oral communication. Use of IT - Introduction to Computer hardware, Microsoft
Office packages (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). Data manipulation in a spreadsheet. Introduction to networking and
data communication - file sharing, internet. Use of computers for data acquisition and control
CIVE 1216(1) - ORGANISATION AND PRACTICE OF URBAN PLANNING IN MAURITIUS
The main actors, responsibilities and roles at the different levels, strategic planning at national level, national
policies. Strategic planning; local planning – the land use and planning department and its organization, functions,
Building and land use permits, enforcement
CIVE 1126(1) - CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
Physical features in Mauritius – climate zones; microclimates: hydrological cycle; geology; topography and
landforms; hydrology; water resources, waste water, urban water drainage systems; ecosystems; weathering,
erosion. Climate change and its effects on land use planning; Global warming – causes and effects; different
methods to reduce global warming
CIVE 1127(1) - HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF URBAN PLANNING
Review of historical planning concepts, models, and reasons for urban settlements and their subsequent growth.
Identification of historical core elements in modern planning and the philosophy linked, Concepts in modern town
planning from 19th & 20th centuries. The students are expected to understand the history and the philosophy of the
process of planning and managing urban and rural areas and to comprehend the contested nature of planning and
management interventions in the built and natural environment
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CIVE 1219(1) - INTRODUCTION TO URBAN DESIGN
Theory, techniques and appreciation of design within the context of town planning, urban design and landscape
design. The development of technical and communication skills, aesthetic appreciation of design and an
understanding of design process. Analysis of land use planning and design ideas. Current urban design and theory.
MGT 1111(1) - ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT (DE)
Management Concepts and Functions. Development of Management Theories. The Internal and External
Environments of the Organisation. Social Responsibility and Ethics in Management. Managerial Decision Making.
The planning process. The nature of Organisation Structure. Organisational Control. Contemporary issues in
Management. Management in Future
CIVE 1223(1) - PRINCIPLES OF GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Definition & Components of a GIS; Spatial & Non-Spatial information: Vector & Raster formats: Creation of
attribute tables; Joining attribute tables: Creation of thematic maps; Point, line & Polygon formats: Creation of
Geodatabase: Simple spatial analysis- Overlay techniques; Buffers; Clip; Mosaic; Geostatistics; Preparation of maps
for Reports: GIS Reporting.
ECON 1215(1) - INTRODUCTION TO ECONOMICS
Price Mechanism. Revenue and Elasticity. Consumer Choice. Theory of Production. Analysis of Costs. Market
Structures. Factor Market Analysis. Market Failures and Externalities. National Income Determination.
Consumption, Savings and Investment. Monetary Policy and Theories of Inflation. Unemployment. Fiscal Policy.
IS-LM Model. International Trade, Balance of Payments and Exchange Rate Regimes
CIVE 1222(1) - ARCHITECTURE IN RELATION TO URBAN PLANNING
Principles and theories of architecture, and the influences of the history of ideas on both present and past
environments and societies, at the scale of the landscape and settlement, the city and its urban design, and the
individual building and its composition, making and materiality. Introduction to the consideration of issues of
sustainability, human well-being, participatory design and vernacular architectures.
CIVE 3213(3) – GIS FOR PLANNERS
The use of GIS to analyse spatial data in order to improve land use planning and the management of resources and
services. Spatial analysis and urban modelling techniques. The concept of an advanced and integrated GIS that acts
as a decision support tool for land use planning.
Decision making using GIS database – geostatistical analysis and mathematical modelling; spatial analysis and
urban modelling techniques; application of GIS complex analysis in planning; multicriteria analysis and decision
support
CIVE 2229(3) - HERITAGE AND CONSERVATION
Knowledge and critical understanding of the principles related to heritage sites conservation and management. Basic
concepts and approaches to conservation, and built heritage in larger contexts. Particular attention given to historic
urban landscapes, their socio-cultural characteristics and dynamic development.
CIVE 3108(3) - STATISTICAL ANALYSIS IN PLANNING
Statistics for planning: role of statistics in planning, data sources, the population and sampling, the need for samples;
questionnaires, variables, summary statistical measures; frequency distributions, probability and sampling, binomial
distribution, normal distribution, tests of significance, basic concepts of hypothesis testing. To analyse data and to
present the material effectively in graphic form
6
LAWS 1128(1) - URBAN PLANNING LAW PART I
Land law: Propriété, Possession, servitude. General principles of administrative law. Grounds of judicial review:
illegality, irrationality and procedural impropriety. law related to land use planning: Town and Country Planning
Act, Business Facilitation Act; Compulsory Acquisition, Compensation and Determination of claims, Penalty for
contravention.
MGT 3117(5) - LEISURE AND TOURISM PLANNING
Analysis & application of national & regional planning policy to destination areas. Planning concepts, planning
process: policies, objectives, goals, budgets, implementation. Principles of planning leisure & tourism programmes
& the factors affecting their implementation & their functioning. Destination Management
LAWS 2231(3) - URBAN PLANNING LAW PART II
International laws and regulations in relation to urban planning, grounds and procedures for appeal in urban
planning, The role of the Appeal Tribunal in the planning framework.
Case studies from different countries-British Town and Country Planning Act, the evolution of the legislation during
the past decades
CIVE 2230(3) - TRANSPORT IN RELATION TO PLANNING
The theoretical aspects of transport planning; contemporary transport policy; Transportation systems; the impacts of
transport systems on the environment; Environmental dimensions of transport planning and management transport
modeling; planning for walking, cycling and public transport, and transport and land use integration. Sustainable
transport planning. Design of transport infrastructure. Traffic management and control.
CIVE 2125(3) - THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Environmental legislation, History and Background of the EIA process, The EIA process in Mauritius, the
procedures leading to the obtention of the licence, enforcement and monitoring. The Environmental Problems in
Mauritius, Air Pollution Control, Solid Waste Management, Noise Pollution Control, Global Environment Concern
CIVE 4011(3) - SITE PLANNING AND ANALYSIS
Investigation of the major components of physical planning and site design as they relate to achieving planning
objectives. Review of regional landscape analysis, physical and man-made factor analysis, and watershed and
program analysis. Special focus given to analyzing site suitability and sensitivity for development, site selection and
feasibility studies and conceptual design that responds to site conditions.
CIVE 3012(3) - CIVIL ENGINEERING IN RELATION TO PLANNING
Overview of engineering, civil engineering, development and Infrastructure as they relate to the activities of
planners. Relationship between infrastructure provision and country income level and investment. Description and
application of civil engineering infrastructure (e.g. water resources, water quality and supply, transportation and land
use, soils/geotechnical aspects of development and stormwater management) to planning.
CIVE 3224(5) - COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
Definition of coastal zone, Integrated approach to coastal zone management, coastal processes and impacts,
management of coastal resources, impacts of development on coastal zones, development control in coastal areas,
strategies for sustainable management of coastal areas. Information collection, decision making, management and
monitoring of implementation of these strategies
7
CIVE 3013(3) - RESEARCH METHODS
Introduction to Research, Perspectives and Varieties of Social Research, Defining the Research Problem, The
Research Design and Process, The Literature Review, Sampling Techniques, Preparation of a questionnaire,
Surveys, Pilot studies, Data Collection, Processing and Analysis of Data, Analysis and Interpretation, quantitative
Analysis, Report Writing
CIVE 2208(5) - POLICY MAKING AND IMPLEMENTATION
Analysis of the theories, practices and techniques applicable in the preparation of development; plans and policies;
the main issues involved in preparation of such plans; the implementation of these plans and policies; decisionmaking process; concepts of development management, practice of regulation and enforcement; Monitoring,
evaluation and assessment to ensure compliance to existing plans.
CIVE 2217(5) - PLANNING FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Concepts of sustainable development; Sustainable planning with respect to economic development; integrated
approach to planning taking into consideration physical features, neighborhoods, transportation, energy,
infrastructure and services; Concept of mixed use development to achieve sustainable development. Comparison
between short term social and economic benefits and longer social and environmental needs.
CIVE 4009(5) - LIVEABLE NEIGHBOURHOODS
Different ways to achieve Liveable Neighbourhood which is concerned with structure planning and subdivision for
greenfield sites and for the redevelopment of large brownfield and urban infill sites, as per UN Habitat definitions.
Impacts that directly affect people in a community, such as economic development, affordability, public health,
social equity and pollution exposure.
CIVE 4007(5) - ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Understand EMS concepts, components and applications. . The different ISO standards ISO 14000, Costs and
benefits of EMS, Environmental compliance and monitoring, Risk assessment. The value of developing an EMS for
various types of organizations, environmental review
CIVE 3109(5) - DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
Overview of the Property Development process and the role of planning. Sequence of operations and actions
required to bring out the potential of land, from identification of client need to end-user occupation. Property
development process; strategies and the role of land use planning; sequence of operations and actions required to
increase the potential of land; forming the development concept; feasibility study; deal making – planning and
financing; Project construction; operation or sale after completion of project.
CIVE 4012(5) - WASTE MANAGEMENT
Integrated Solid Waste Management, Solid Waste Management Planning, Why Local Authorities Need a Solid
Waste Management Plan, How to Develop a Solid Waste Management Plan
Hazardous Wastes Management, Recycling, Composting, Incineration, Landfilling. Waste water management,
wastewater reuse and recycling.
CIVE 3000Y(5) - DEGREE PROJECT
This is a 9 credit module that is designed to allow a student to learn and apply the independent research skills
that are expected from an honours degree graduate when investigating a relevant issue of their own choice. The
student will be required to undertake a piece of critical and reflective academic research that will result in the
production of a dissertation in Town and Country Planning and other related areas of about 8,000 to 12,000
words. Supporting guidance and personal support will be provided by the module project supervisor. Assessment
will be through the finished written dissertation.
8
Students will be expected to conduct either field study or survey type questionnaire based research involving
data collection analysis and interpretation.
CIVE 2010D(3) - DIPLOMA PROJECT
This is a 6 credit module that is designed to allow a student to learn and apply the independent research skills that
are expected from a Diploma holder when investigating an issue, related to Town and Country Planning. The
student will be required to undertake a study of a topic that will result in a dissertation. Supporting guidance and
personal support will be provided by the module project supervisor. Assessment will be through the finished
written dissertation.
Students will be expected to conduct either field study or survey type questionnaire based research involving data
collection analysis and interpretation.
9