LAND ECONOMY

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Ms M Aspinall

Pre-requisites

None

Overview

Issues involving land and development and their impact on people, their quality of life and the quality of their environment are a constant theme in contemporary life. Examples of such issues include residential development in the greenbelt, out-of-town retail development, urban sprawl, and the degradation of natural environments. This course introduces and discusses the nature of interests and conflicts in land use and development. It focuses on the following issues:

• problem-identification, conflict, decision-making & dispute resolution in land & development;


• the concept and use of legal controls & the legal system (including sources of law, formation & breach of contract);


• the activity of planning, the concept of planning controls & planning system (ie development controls & development plan system).

Structure

15 one-hour lectures, 6 three-hour workshops, 4 one-hour tutorials, and a one day field trip.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (60%) and in-course assessment (40%).

Credit Points

20

Course Coordinator

Dr G Tress

Pre-requisites

None.

Overview

The course seeks to introduce the complexity of theories and approaches which form the basis of sustainable development principles, including:

• exploration and definition of the nature of sustainable development;


• determination of human impact upon the environment;


• determination of sustainable development goals and resource use allocation;


• exploration and definition of the sociological, political and economic context within which sustainable development activities take place.

Structure

The course will be offered as a web-based and self-directed learning course using the Universitys WebCT technology. The course includes introductory and concluding lectures and 10 theme modules that are presented online to the students. Web-modules are complemented by 2-hour seminars every second week that are used to discuss the theme modules and address student questions.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written exam (67%), continuous assessment/coursework (33%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (67%) PLUS original in-course assessment carried forward (33%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Mr R Skene

Pre-requisites

Available only to students in Programme Year 2 or above.

Overview

This course provides an overview of Land Law in Scotland, providing a practical application of the law to other land economy courses and to practice. It covers the capacity to hold land; the evolutions of land tenure in Scotland and current law and practice relating to land tenure. It deals with subordinate rights in land; restrictions on the use of land; land registration and convincing.

Structure

3 one-hour lectures per week and 1 one-hour tutorial per fortnight.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (80%) and 1 assignment (20%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (80%) and 1 assignment (20%).

Credit Points

15

Course Coordinator

Dr S Kelman

Pre-requisites

N/A

Overview

This course introduces and explores the discipline and the practice of spatial planning, with emphasis on the planning system's role within the wider context of sustainable development and public health. The course is intended to be equally applicable to those considering a career in the planning profession, and those whose careers will involve some exposure to the planning system. Topics covered include the evolution of the planning system and planning thought, local and regional governance, forward planning, development control, building regulation, decision making, public participation and a selection of specialised planning topics. While the focus is on planning in the UK, examples from other countries are included for comparison.

Structure

1 two-hour lecture per week, supported by WebCT.

Assessment

1st Attempt: 1 two-hour written examination (67%), continuous assessment/coursework (33%).

Resit: 1 two-hour written examination (67%) PLUS original in-course assessment carried forward (33%).