Course Description

With only 3% of all land on earth, cities shelter 55% of the worldwide population and generate a staggering 80% GDP of the global economy. In recent years, the wide availability of urban big data has provided an unprecedented perspective in understanding urban dynamics and addressing various critical urban issues. 

This course will guide students to explore various big data sources covering different urban aspects and the extensive information carried by big data. We will introduce and discuss how to use big data to understand various urban dynamics, including but not limited to the everyday issues of housing, mobility, consumer markets, social interactions, and environmental sustainability. Each week, students are required to undertake up to one hour of pre-class online materials, attend a hands-on tutorial, and join a one-hour lecture session. The tutorials enable students to learn big data by playing with some in different urban problem contexts, offering a hands-on experience to gain a broader perspective and a deeper understanding of big data for cities. 

Course Learning Outcomes

On completing the course, students will be able to:

1. Develop awareness and understanding of big data and its role in understanding global cities and solving urban challenges.
2. Develop and effectively communicate an action proposal involving the use of big data given a local urban issue.
3. Demonstrate understanding of urban systems in relation to sustainable development goals.

Offer Semester and Day of Teaching

First semester (Wed)