Outline

Overview

This unit conveys the fundamentals of city logistics, which accommodates the pickup, storage, transport and delivery of freight in urban areas. All aspects from planning, management and operation to security, efficiency and mitigation of environmental impact are covered. The relationships between land use, transport and city logistics are described. Traffic engineering concepts like 'link' and 'place' are outlined and their implications for city logistics are explored. The forms of urban freight consolidation centre are addressed along with the role of alternative transport modes, for example public transport (co-modality), cargo bikes, electric vehicles, droids and drones. This unit explores Ecommerce and fulfilment models, including omni-channel retail and analyses the implications for city logistics of new technologies, apps and the sharing economy. This unit also reviews strategies to improve the sustainability of city logistics and examines reverse logistics, the circular economy and urban farming along with the contribution of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) to urban freight mobility. Cyber and physical threats to city logistics are studied along with mitigation strategies. The lectures conclude with a look into the future for city logistics. Seminars by city logistics professionals complement the lectures. Students have an opportunity to develop city logistics solutions for themselves through a group design project.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Transport and Logistics Studies
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	ITLS6301
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Michael Bell, michael.bell@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam	Final exam Essay type questions	40%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Presentation The presentations and slides are separately assessed.	25%	Multiple weeks Due date: 18 May 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 22 May 2026	5 minutes	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	Essay Individual written essay	35%	Week 13 Due date: 18 Jan 2026 at 23:59 Closing date: 28 May 2026	3000 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:

Assessment summary

Individual presentation: As part of a group project on an aspect of maritime logistics, each student will be expected to make a five-minute individual presentation relating to an aspect of the group project. All students are expected to be present for the presentations.
Individual assignment: Each student will submit an essay on a topic of their own choosing but in agreement with the unit coordinator. To get agreement, a title and brief description (in a few sentences) of the essay should be emailed to the unit coordinator, who will advise on the appropriateness or otherwise of the chosen topic. This may be done at any time, but students are advised to do this as early as possible so as not to hold up work on the essay.
Final exam: There will be a final exam to test understanding of the subject matter taught in the unit. Following 10 minutes reading time, each candidate is expected to attempt all five questions in two hours.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Distinction	75 - 84	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Credit	65 - 74	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Pass	50 - 64	Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined by grade descriptors or exemplars outlined by your faculty or school.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	1. Introduction	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 01	2. Smart city regions	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 02	3. Traffic engineering	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 02	4. Omni-channel retail	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 03	5. Intermodal freight	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 03	6. Choice of type and size of vehicle	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 05	7. Transaction, carriage and POD	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 05	8. Consolidation centres, hubs and lockers	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 06	9. Construction logistics	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 06	10. Apps and the sharing economy	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 07	11. Sustainable city logistics	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 07	12. Cold chains and the VRP	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 08	13. Passenger transport	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 08	14. Co-modality	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 09	15. ITS and city logistics	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 09	16. Circular economy	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 10	17. City freight planning	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 10	18. Micro-logistics	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 11	19. Future city logistics	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 11	20. Sydney logistics	Lecture (1.5 hr)
Week 12	Student presentations	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Student presentations	Lecture (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Lectures will be delivered in class as scheduled. Lecture material will be made available on Canvas before the relevant class and a lecture recording will be posted to Canvas after the relevant class. Students will be expected to participate in Q&A and discussion during or following each lecture, as appropriate.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

See the Canvas site for general recommended reading. Lectures are self-contained but there will be accompanying reading to support and supplement each lecture.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Analyse the key issues and emerging trends in cities and explain how logistics can address these issues
LO2. Apply appropriate analytical techniques and tools to effectively address problems in city logistics
LO3. Explain the key constraints and opportunities for city logistics caused by technological and policy constraints
LO4. Work collaboratively and effectively within teams to develop solutions to real problems
LO5. Persuasively communicate recommendations in both presentations and professional reports based on individual and team research

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This is the 5th time this unit has been offered. Content and assessment is updated in the light of developments and student feedback.

Additional information

All course information will be provided via Canvas.

Business School Policies

Additional costs

No additional cost.

Site visit guidelines

No site visits.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

ITLS6016: Logistics and Future Cities

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Site visit guidelines

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links