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Methodology of Urban Planning

Code: 44466 ECTS Credits: 9
2024/2025
Degree Type Year
4317520 Territorial Studies and Planning OB 0

Contact

Name:
Jordi Nadal Tersa
Email:
jordi.nadal@uab.cat

Teachers

Joaquin Recaño Valverde
Antonio Miguel Solana Solana

Teaching groups languages

You can view this information at the end of this document.


Prerequisites

It is recommended to have previously studied subjects related to research methodology (quantitative and qualitative).


Objectives and Contextualisation

This module of the master's degree deals with advanced content in terms of methodological instruments used in statistics and qualitative research methods. Apart from the formal aspects of obligatory knowledge and application in all research work, the subject is oriented towards effective and practical work with methodological instruments of both quantitative and qualitative types, and emphasizes the social and territorial approach. Is works with multivariate statistical analysis methods, database management, method application quantitative and qualitative, diagnosis and territorial proposal.

In addition to the contents mentioned, this module has a section in which the methodology is worked with which the Final Master's Thesis must be prepared


Learning Outcomes

  1. CA07 (Competence) Use quantitative methodologies for territorial and urban analysis and diagnosis.
  2. CA08 (Competence) Understand how to use statistical information sources for territorial and urban planning.
  3. CA09 (Competence) Rank the most innovative and effective methodological techniques for each area of territorial specialisation.
  4. CA10 (Competence) Recognise methodologies based on equity and social and gender justice.
  5. KA08 (Knowledge) Apply quantitative methodologies using geostatistics software.
  6. KA09 (Knowledge) Recognise how software can help with the qualitative treatment of social imbalances.
  7. KA10 (Knowledge) Organise research based on ethical aspects.
  8. KA37 (Knowledge) Use digital cartographic information to apply spatial data.
  9. SA05 (Skill) Justify the need to manage space in an integrated manner, taking into account its multiple dimensions (social, political, economic, environmental and physical) on an urban and territorial scale.
  10. SA06 (Skill) Compare the main techniques and processes for obtaining information as part of a qualitative analysis.
  11. SA07 (Skill) Identify the best qualitative and quantitative methodology for each subject of study.
  12. SA31 (Skill) Develop quantitative indicators for diagnosing inequality and segregation processes.

Content

Preparation of the Master's Final Project (professor Jordi Nadal)

In these first sessions of the module, guidelines will be given to prepare the Master's Final Project

4 sessions of 2 hours:

  • Structure of a TFM
  • Bibliography
  • Databases
  • Structure
  • Layout

Qualitative methodology (professor Miguel Solana)

The objective of these sessions will be to know the use and limitations of the main qualitative analysis techniques focused on territorial studies and the elaboration of planning and planning proposals. The sessions will combine theoretical aspects with practical sessions with qualitative analysis software programs. The sessions will work on the following aspects:

  • a) The combination of methods and the use of qualitative methodology within mixed methodologies
  • b) The use of participatory methodologies that involve the active participation of social groups/groups under study in the definition of research and fieldwork
  • c) The main ethical aspects involved in the use of qualitative methodology, especially aspects related to anonymity and confidentiality, and covert research strategies
  • d) An indication of qualitative techniques and their application to studies of territorial and urban planning and planning. Special emphasis will be placed on walking interviews and visual methods (photostimulation, photovoice and photodocumentation)
  • e) Finally, the process of qualitative information analysis will be worked on: coding and analysis of information with qualitative software programs (CAQDAS), specifically the Atlas.ti program. These practices will be carried out entirely in the computer rooms of the Faculty of Arts.

8 sessions of 2 hours (teacher Miguel Solana):

  • Main contributions and uses of qualitative methodology
  • Mixed methodologies
  • Participatory methodologies
  • Ethical aspects of research with qualitative methods
  • Qualitative techniques (walking interviews and visual methods) and application to territorial studies

4 sessions of 2 hours:

  • Intense analysis of information: coding
  • Computer tools for qualitative information analysis (CAQDAS)

Quantitative methodology (professors Joaquín Recaño)

Numerical and spatial tools for the analysis of residential segregation and socioeconomic inequalities in urban areas.

The objective of this module is to introduce students to different techniques and methodologies of numerical and spatial analysis that will be very useful when addressing the analysis of urban spaces.

Computer tools for qualitative information analysis (CAQDAS).

8 sessions of 2 hours (professor Joaquín Recaño):

  • Obtaining local data at infra-municipal scale and building dynamic tables in Excel
  • Introduction to descriptive statistics: indicators of central tendency and dispersion
  • Analysis of contingency tables and Pearson's Khi-2 test Inequality indicators: Lorenz curve and Gini index
  • Calculation and interpretation of indicators of segregation and spatial concentration
  • Exploratory analysis of spatial data (AEDE) with the GeoDA program, use and interpretation of Global and Local Moran indicators
  • Application of numerical and spatial tools to a case study

4 sessions of 2 hours

  • Development of the case study with guided practices on descriptive statistics, calculus 3 Development of the case study with guided practices on descriptive statistics, calculation of segregation and inequality indicators and application of the GeoDa program.

 


Activities and Methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning Outcomes
Type: Directed      
Oral presentations by teachers, seminar sessions, classroom practices and master classes with ICT support and group discussion 14.5 0.58 CA08, KA10, SA31
Realización de prácticas de cálculo e interpretación de indicadores territoriales y demográficos 14 0.56 CA07, KA08, KA37, SA31
Type: Supervised      
Discussion of book readings and articles and group / individual tutorials 118 4.72 CA10, KA10, SA05, SA06
Type: Autonomous      
Reading of books, articles and other teaching materials, study of the bibliography, elaboration of works and presentations on readings and practices 63.5 2.54 CA09, SA05, SA07

The work methodology will combine: face-to-face classes (methodological presentation by the teacher); seminar sessions (discussions and debates based on previous presentations); practices with computer software (calculation practices in the computer room); group and individualized tutorials; commentary on bibliography readings; and autonomous work of the student.

Distribution of tasks:

  • E-A face-to-face (40%)
  • Targeted E-A (20%)
  • Self-employed E-A (40%)

The subject is divided into three blocks: qualitative methods, quantitative methods and methodology to prepare the Master's Final Project

 

Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.


Assessment

Continous Assessment Activities

Title Weighting Hours ECTS Learning Outcomes
Development of final master's thesis 16% 5 0.2 CA07, CA08, KA08, KA10, SA05, SA31
Qualitative methods 42% 5 0.2 CA09, CA10, KA09, KA10, SA05, SA06, SA07
Quantitative methods 42% 5 0.2 CA08, CA09, KA08, KA37, SA05, SA07, SA31

This module is divided into three parts:

  • TFM elaboration techniques
  • Qualitative methods
  • Quantitative methods

Each of the three parts must be passed. The first based on participatory work and the second two with practices and an evaluation test

 

Continuous assessment 

TFM elaboration techniques 16% of the weight of the final grade

  • An exercise that the teacher will propose on the methodology of preparing a scientific article (100%) and/or a work script on the methodology of a report.

Qualitative methods: 42% of the weight of the final grade

  • An analysis exercise with Atlas.ti (30%).
  • Exam based on class content and a set of readings on qualitative methodology (50%).
  • Conceptual and theoretical reflection exercise on two readings related to qualitative methodology (20%)

Quantitative methods 42% of the weight of the final grade

  • An analysis exercise on spatial segregation and territorial inequity with standardized indicators (35%)
  • An exercise on spatial autocorrelation with inframunicipal data (35%)
  • A multiple-choice exam based on class contents and a set of readings on quantitative methodology (30%)

 

Examination-based assessment

TFM elaboration techniques 16% of the weight of the final grade

  • An exercise proposed by the teacher on the methodology of elaboration of a scientific article (100%)

Qualitative methods: 42% of the weight of the final grade

  • An analysis exercise with Atlas.ti (30%).
  • Examination based on the contents of this partof the subject and a set of readings on qualitative methodology (50%).
  • Conceptual and theoretical reflection exercise on two readings related to qualitative methodology (20%)

Quantitative methods 42% of the weight of the final grade

  • A group analysis exercise on spatial segregation and territorial inequity with standardized indicators (35%)
  • A group exercise on spatial autocorrelation with inframunicipal data (35%)
  • A multiple-choice exam based on the contents of this part of the subject and a set of readings on quantitative methodology (30%)

All the evidences of the single assessment will be delivered on the day of the exam of the subject

 

Not assessable

The student who does not deliver a minimum of 30% of the subject's evaluable activities will have the final grade of Not Evaluable

 

Resit

The student who has a final grade of the subject lower than 5 and higher than 3.5, as long as he/she has delivered a minimum of 2/3 of the assessable activities, may recover the activities not passed and deliver them on the date set for their delivery.

Face-to-face activities are excluded (oral, individual or group presentations, field trips and any other that only makes sense to have done at the time)


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Instituto Nacional de Estadística

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Software

Available in the computer rooms of the faculty:

  • Atlas.ti
  • Geode

Language list

Name Group Language Semester Turn
(TEm) Theory (master) 1 Catalan second semester afternoon