Unit outline_

PLAN9064: Land Use and Infrastructure Planning

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal evening] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

This unit is concerned with land use and infrastructure and where that intersection occurs and how it influences the shifting urban form through planning processes. The unit emphasises conceptual knowledge, with examples and case studies to demonstrate the application of land use concepts and infrastructure planning in best practice. Students are encouraged to think independently, creatively and critically in developing an understanding of, and practical knowledge about all different types of infrastructure operating at different scales: national / state / metropolitan / district / local / site.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Urban and Regional Planning and Policy
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
PLAN9045
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

ARCH9100

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Nancy Marshall, nancy.marshall@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written work Planning Trend Report
Detailed Report + References. Part 1 of the Report. More details in Canvas.
30% Week 04
Due date: 28 Aug 2025 at 17:00

Closing date: 06 Nov 2025
Full Report + References AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Written work Planning Trend Meets a Plan Report
Detailed Report + References. Part 2 of the Report. More details in Canvas.
30% Week 08
Due date: 25 Sep 2025 at 17:00

Closing date: 06 Nov 2025
Detailed Report building on Part 1. AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Creative work group assignment Infrastructure Mini Conference Display Boards
Designed display boards for digital pin up.
40% Week 12
Due date: 28 Oct 2025 at 12:00

Closing date: 06 Nov 2025
8 case studies per grp in display boards AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
group assignment = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assessment details are provided above. More information will be provided on canvas and in class. 

Students should be present and engaged in their learning during classes. Late arrival/early departure will be deemed as an absence. Students who do not meet the minimum 90% threshold, who have reasonable evidence to support their absence, may be offered the opportunity to sit an alternative assessment to pass this unit at the discretion of the unit coordinator.

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

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

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.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

See University Policy.

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.

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

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to Land Use and Infrastructure Planning and BIG Drivers of Change Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 02 Planning Trends Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 03 Place and Place-based Planning Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 04 Land Use History and Maps Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 Land Use Trends Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 06 Land Use in Regional NSW Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO2 LO5
Week 07 Indigenous Considerations for Infrastructure Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 08 Transport Infrastructure Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Week 09 Blue + Green Infrastructure Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Urban Plazas Infrastructure Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Week 11 Human Scale Infrastructure Lecture and tutorial (3 hr) LO1 LO4 LO5
Week 12 Mini Conference on Infrastructure Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 13 Mini Conference on Infrastructure Seminar (3 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Class participation is critical to the success of unit engagement.  ADP School policies will be applied for attendance matters. See the University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning Resolutions: https://www.sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?

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

Suggested readings, plans, maps, policies and visual sources will be posted in Canvas.  

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.

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

  • LO1. Understand and demonstrate how current and past planning trends influence land use and infrastructure planning
  • LO2. Read, interpret and analyse regional and local plans including their land use maps and built form designs
  • LO3. Demonstrate basic mapping and graphic skills in order to understand the role of effective design in planning practice
  • LO4. Classify and critique different scales of urban and regional infrastructure and their impacts on the local context
  • LO5. Develop and apply research, inquiry and information literacy skills (written and visual communication skills)

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
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

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

This unit has minor changes made from previous years. Guest lectures have been altered and order of content has been rearranged for better flow of information. All dates have been changed for 2025.

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visits for this unit.

Work, health and safety

All health and safety guidelines will be followed.  ADP School policies and other guiding documents will be adhered to to ensure the safety of all students and staff. 

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

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