Data from mobile phones, social media, smart sensors, digital transactions, transportation networks, and several other sources, can give us novel insight into how we behave. The availability of new forms of data documenting human behaviour allows us to study our behaviour and its dynamics in an unprecedented way. The analysis of such data sets requires knowledge of techniques for spatio-temporal data analysis. This module will provide you with a theoretical and practical understanding of those methods most used in the study of human dynamics, as well as how behavioural theories developed in the social sciences can help better interpret models and data.
The aims of this module are to provide you with the technical knowledge and skills needed to study human dynamics, particularly in an urban context. In this module, you will cover a series of data science and statistical methods which are regularly used in urban analytics. By the end of the module, you will have a strong understanding of methods, models and data used in the study of human dynamics. You will also be able to discuss real-world examples of how data science has been used to improve our understanding of human behaviour in cities.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
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Extract information from human digital traces in urban environment
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Demonstrate knowledge of human dynamics in cities
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Discuss the use of data science to gain insight into human dynamics
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
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Use appropriate visualisation techniques to explore and communicate complex data sets
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Use computational methods to analyse complex data sets
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Understand the role of data in the context of the study of human dynamics
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:
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Work with spatial data, geographic information systems and the Python programming language
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Communicate data analysis ideas, techniques and results using the appropriate language for the intended audience
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Understand and communicate results from the literature using appropriate language
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
Whilst the module’s precise content may vary from year to year, an example of an overall structure is as follows:
This module will include topics in the areas listed below. Topics will be covered and discussed both in the lectures or the workshops, as most appropriate for each.
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The digital traces of human behaviour
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Introduction to spatial statistics and spatial networks
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APIs, social media and data from the web
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Mobility
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Crime dynamics
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The science of design of cities
