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Blekinge Institute of Technology
Department of Spatial Planning
Revision: 1
Reg.no: BTH-4.1.14-0720-2026
Course syllabus
Urban Infrastructures in Transition
Urban Infrastructures in Transition
7.5 credits (7,5 högskolepoäng)
Course code: FM2639
Main field of study: Spatial Planning
Disciplinary domain: Technology
Education level: Second-cycle
Specialization: A1F - Second cycle, has second-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Language of instruction: English
Applies from: 2026-08-12
Approved: 2026-08-12
1. Decision
This course is established by Dean 2025-07-07. The course syllabus is approved by Head of Department of Spatial Planning 2026-08-12 and applies from 2026-08-12.
2. Prior knowledge
2.1 Entry requirements
Admission to the course requires 22.5 completed credits at second cycle within the main field of study spatial planning. English 6.
3. Objective and content
3.1 Objective
The course aims to develop an in-depth understanding of the role of infrastructure in society and its impact on both built and unbuilt environments. Urban infrastructures are explored as dynamic and transformative socio-technical systems shaped by sustainability imperatives, governance reforms, and socio-demographic patterns.
3.2 Content
The course introduces key issues and planning approaches for current and future infrastructural systems, focusing on resource use, environmental impact, economic activity, mobility, behavior, and regulation. Particular emphasis is placed on the infrastructure´s relationship and sustainable societal and urban development. Students gain in-depth, systems-level knowledge of infrastructure issues and their connection to sustainability within urban planning frameworks. Central topics include the dimensions of sustainability, the role of infrastructure in sustainable development, goal conflicts, driving forces, responsibility and risk, political decision-making, and legal considerations.
4. Learning outcomes
The following learning outcomes are examined in the course:
4.1. Knowledge and understanding
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an overall understanding of, and ability to apply, key concepts, theories, and methods for analysing and planning infrastructure in relation to sustainable societal and urban development.
- Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of the different dimensions of sustainability as they relate to infrastructure-related issues.
4.2. Competence and skills
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Critically analyze information and processes that underpin physical infrastructure planning.
- Critically assess and communicate different approaches to sustainable societal and urban development.
4.3. Judgement and approach
On completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the opportunities and limitations of physical planning in promoting sustainable societal and urban development in relation to infrastructure issues.
5. Learning activities
The course contains lectures, seminars, workshops and a project report.
6. Assessment and grading
Modes of examinations of the course
| Code | Module | Credit | Grade |
| 2705 | Workshop | 2.5 credits | GU |
| 2715 | Report | 5 credits | AF |
The course will be graded A Excellent, B Very good, C Good, D Satisfactory, E Sufficient, FX Failed result, a little more work required, F Fail.
The examiner may carry out oral follow-up of written examinations.
The information before the start of the course states the assessment criteria and make explicit in which modes of examination that the learning outcomes are assessed.
An examiner can, after consulting the Disability Advisor at BTH, decide on a customized examination form for a student with a long-term disability to be provided with an examination equivalent to one given to a student who is not disabled.
7. Course evaluation
The course evaluation should be carried out in line with BTH:s course evaluation template and process.
8. Restrictions regarding degree
The course can form part of a degree but not together with another course the content of which completely or partly corresponds with the contents of this course.
9. Course literature and other materials of instruction
Chachra, D. (2025). How Infrastructure Works: Transforming our shared systems for a changing world. London: Transworld Publishers.
Additional course material will be provided.