COURSE INFO
VECTOR[3-0-0:3]
DESCRIPTIONThis course introduces fundamental knowledge and practice of basic statistics in quantitative social science research, with a focus on how quantitative methods are used to assemble, describe, and draw inferences from bodies of numerical data. The course serves as an additional foundation for more advanced methodology courses (such as UGOD 5020). The course covers two modules. The first is about descriptive statistics and fundamentals of statistical inference. Topics include frequency distribution, probability theory, random variable and probability distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, t-test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and contingency table analysis. The second is about linear regression techniques, which are widely used in social science research. The course materials are explored through the analyses of real data sets using STATA.

UGOD 5009 - Inferential Statistics and OLS Regression (3 units)

SectionDate & TimeRoomInstructorQuotaEnrolAvailWaitRemarks
L01 (6252) We 03:00PM - 05:50PMRm 201, E3ZHANG, Zhuoni151140 
COURSE INFO
VECTOR[3-0-0:3]
DESCRIPTIONThe course aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the city and the system of cities, the challenges faced by cities, especially the rapidly-developing large cities, and the key tools for interventions in response to critical pressures linked to economic development, urbanization, globalization, migration, social inclusion, climate change, resource efficiency, technology etc.

UGOD 5010 - Science of Cities (3 units)

SectionDate & TimeRoomInstructorQuotaEnrolAvailWaitRemarks
L01 (6254) Mo 09:00AM - 11:50AMRm 202, W4CAO, Rui
KAN, Ge Lin
LIU, Xiaofeng
YUEN, Cheuk Yi Kelvin		302460 
COURSE INFO
VECTOR[3-0-0:3]
DESCRIPTIONThis course builds on the knowledge of the linear regression models to introduce students advanced statistical methods to analyze survey, administrative and other types of data of interest to quantitative social scientists. The introduction of statistical methods is integrated into research contexts and designs from a holistic framework and bridge quantitative social science and computational social science (data science). Topics include measurement, prediction, causal inference, natural experiment and program evaluation (difference-in-differences, panel data, instrumental variables, regression discontinuity), applied to both survey and big data.

UGOD 5020 - Quantitative Social Science (3 units)

SectionDate & TimeRoomInstructorQuotaEnrolAvailWaitRemarks
L01 (6255) Tu 12:00PM - 02:50PMRm 205, C7 LibraryYUEN, Cheuk Yi Kelvin3014160 
COURSE INFO
VECTOR[3-0-0:3]
DESCRIPTIONThe course introduces students to different methods of collecting data in the social sciences for urban analysis, focusing on sampling surveys designs and analysis in urban settings. Since alternative data sources (e.g., passive measurement, social media and administrative data) become increasingly available in recent years, the course will also cover other modes of data acquisitions such as using new technology on wearables, sensors, and apps in urban research settings, and exploration of cutting edge methods for collecting and analyzing web data, and how they can be used in combination with traditional survey data.

UGOD 5040 - Urban Data Acquisition and Analysis (3 units)

SectionDate & TimeRoomInstructorQuotaEnrolAvailWaitRemarks
L01 (6257) WeFr 03:00PM - 04:20PMRm 201, E4ZHOU, Muzhi151050 
COURSE INFO
VECTOR[3-0-0:3]
PRE-REQUISITEUGOD 5030
CO-REQUISITEUGOD 5040
DESCRIPTIONOver recent years, the way data are used to understand urban system has changed dramatically. Cities are constantly adapting to incorporate new technology, and urban social life increasingly occurs in digital environments and continues to be mediated by digital systems, producing urban data not only in volume but also in form (i.e. text, image, audio, and video). This course delves into the challenges and opportunities of using new and emerging forms of data to study cities.

UGOD 5060 - Urban Data Analytics (3 units)

SectionDate & TimeRoomInstructorQuotaEnrolAvailWaitRemarks
L01 (6259) We 09:00AM - 11:50AMRm 202, W1JIANG, Na151050 
COURSE INFO
VECTOR[3-0-0:3]
DESCRIPTIONThis course cuts across all major fields within urban planning and design and introduces the major theories, models, and methodological approaches that urban planners and policy makers use for urban planning and design. This course also critically examines the current practice of urban planning and governance in China at various geographical scales.

UGOD 5070 - Urban Planning and Design (3 units)

SectionDate & TimeRoomInstructorQuotaEnrolAvailWaitRemarks
L01 (6261) We 06:00PM - 08:50PMRm 202, W2LI, Chaosu151320 
COURSE INFO
VECTOR[2-1-0:3]
DESCRIPTIONAs urban areas continue to grow and become more complex, the amount of data generated by cities has increased exponentially. This presents significant challenges in terms of managing and interpreting urban data to address various urban issues or challenges. In response to this, our course is designed to equip students with the skills needed to visualize urban data, enabling them to gain a better understanding of city structure and dynamics. Moreover, this course will provide students with the knowledge and tools needed to conduct sustainable planning and design towards a sustainable society.

UGOD 5104 - Visualization for Urban Informatics (3 units)

SectionDate & TimeRoomInstructorQuotaEnrolAvailWaitRemarks
L01 (6263) We 09:00AM - 10:50AMRm 202, E1WU, Cai151050 
T01 (6264) We 11:00AM - 11:50AMRm 202, E1WU, Cai151050 
COURSE INFO
VECTOR[3-0-0:3]
DESCRIPTIONThis course focuses on applying machine and deep learning methods for remote sensing and covers a variety of practical applications of remote sensing image processing in complex urban environments. Through a mixture of theoretical and hands-on sessions, students will gain a deeper understanding of advanced image analysis methods and will be able to apply new concepts and approaches to enhance their problem-solving abilities in the interdisciplinary field using multi-source geo-information.

UGOD 5112 - Machine Learning in Remote Sensing (3 units)

SectionDate & TimeRoomInstructorQuotaEnrolAvailWaitRemarks
L01 (6267) We 06:00PM - 08:50PMRm 201, W4ZHAO, Wufan151050 
COURSE INFO
VECTOR[3-0-0:3]
DESCRIPTIONGeoAI is an interdisciplinary field of Geography/GIScience and Artificial Intelligence (AI), aiming to harness AI techniques to address diverse environmental and societal challenges related to geospatial domain. The course will introduce fundamental concepts, methods, and tools of GeoAI, and show how emerging urban spatio-temporal data and GeoAI technologies can be applied to address urban challenges, improve urban governance and management, and enhance the overall livability and sustainability of cities.

UGOD 5300 - Introduction to GeoAI (3 units)

SectionDate & TimeRoomInstructorQuotaEnrolAvailWaitRemarks
L01 (6268) Mo 06:00PM - 08:50PMRm 201, W1CAO, Rui201640 
COURSE INFO
VECTOR[3-0-0:3]
PRE-REQUISITEUGOD 5020
DESCRIPTIONThis course focuses on statistical analysis of data that are categorical or non-continuous in nature. The contents cover a family of statistical models that deal with binary data, discrete data, count data, and categorical data with special features such as truncation and overdispersion. The course gives emphasis to modeling techniques and hands-on applications to empirical research.

UGOD 5700 - Categorical Data Analysis (3 units)

SectionDate & TimeRoomInstructorQuotaEnrolAvailWaitRemarks
L01 (6270) TuTh 12:00PM - 01:20PMRm 101, W2XIONG, Wanru151140 
COURSE INFO
VECTOR[1 credit]
DESCRIPTIONIndependent study in a designated subject under direct guidance of a faculty member to provide students the advanced knowledge and research skill sets on urban governance and design related topics. Required readings, tutorial discussions, and submission of report(s) will be used for assessment. The course may be repeated for credit if different topics are studied.

UGOD 6000B - Independent Study (1 unit)

SectionDate & TimeRoomInstructorQuotaEnrolAvailWaitRemarks
R01 (6693) TBATBATBA204160 
COURSE INFO
VECTOR[3-0-0:3]
DESCRIPTIONThis course examines human travel behavior and mobility patterns across spatial and temporal dimensions, with emphasis on interactions with built environment. Students will study how streetscapes, environmental exposures, urban form, and socio-economic conditions shape mobility choices, health, and well-being. The course integrates theoretical frameworks and cutting-edge analytical methods—including AI agents for behavioral geography, machine learning, and spatial causal inference—along with empirical data such as GPS tracking, mobile data, street imagery and environmental exposure data. Key topics include spatio-temporal behavior, built environment perception for mobility, micro-mobility behavior, and the cognitive processing of travel trajectories and decisions. Case studies address commuting patterns, accessibility disparities, shared mobility, and disaster resilience. The course also features visits to partner enterprises, promoting integration of academia, research, and industry practice.

UGOD 6100A - Behavioral Geography: Space-Time Dynamics of Human Mobility (3 units)

SectionDate & TimeRoomInstructorQuotaEnrolAvailWaitRemarks
L01 (6274) Tu 09:00AM - 11:50AMRm 202, E1LI, Qiumeng151230 
COURSE INFO
VECTOR[3-0-0:3]
DESCRIPTIONThis course will provide an overview of qualitative and mixed research, with an emphasis on its application in urban studies. The course will begin with a discussion of the main types of research methodologies and the history of mixed research. We will delve into the techniques for collecting, analyzing, integrating, and reporting data from multiple sources will be introduced. The course will also discuss different forms of causality, causal inference, and theory testing in qualitative and comparative case study approaches. Participants will be encouraged to engage with the latest trends in mixed methods including qualitative comparative analysis, process tracing, and analytical narratives. The main goal of this course is to equip participants with relevant knowledge, skills and awareness of using the proper methods in solving the research questions in social science studies.

UGOD 6100C - Qualitative and mixed research (3 units)

SectionDate & TimeRoomInstructorQuotaEnrolAvailWaitRemarks
L01 (6276) We 09:00AM - 11:50AMRm 201, E3LIU, Xiaofeng151320 
COURSE INFO
VECTOR[3-0-0:3]
DESCRIPTIONThis course examines the economic forces driving urban development, combining theoretical frameworks with real-world policy challenges. Key topics include agglomeration and systems of cities, urban growth and its spatial forms (sprawl v.s. densification), land use patterns (zoning and growth control), transportation (road network, transit, and congestion), housing (affordability, informality, and renewal), and the role of local governments. The course will also highlights recent disruptive forces such as remote work, autonomous vehicles, platform economy, and climate shocks in different urban contexts. Through hands-on learning experiences, students will become proficient in econometric methods and will learn to leverage emerging data sources in urban studies, such as AI-empowered textual repositories, satellite and street imagery, sensors, GPS and CDRs, and social media.

UGOD 6100D - Urban Economics and Policy Analysis (3 units)

SectionDate & TimeRoomInstructorQuotaEnrolAvailWaitRemarks
L01 (6277) Mo 01:30PM - 04:20PMRm 201, E3WANG, Binzhe201820 
COURSE INFO
VECTOR[3-0-0:3]
DESCRIPTIONThis course explores how big data transforms our understanding of cities. Learn how and why satellite images, points of interest (POIs), mobile phone data, location-based social media data, and other emerging datasets can be applied in urban analytics to advance planning, sustainability, and policy-making. Through real-world case studies and interactive discussions, you’ll analyze the opportunities and limitations of big data in modeling urban systems—from land use and population dynamics to socio-economic development.

UGOD 6100E - Big Data for Urban Modeling (3 units)

SectionDate & TimeRoomInstructorQuotaEnrolAvailWaitRemarks
L01 (6278) Tu 01:30PM - 04:20PMRm 202, W2YUE, Yang201190 
COURSE INFO
VECTOR[0 credit]
DESCRIPTIONAdvanced seminar series presented by postgraduate students, faculty, and guest speakers on selected topics in urban governance and design. This course is offered once a year. Graded P or F.

UGOD 6101 - UGOD Program Seminar I (0 units)

SectionDate & TimeRoomInstructorQuotaEnrolAvailWaitRemarks
T01 (6272) Th 10:30AM - 11:20AMRm 149, E1YUE, Yang403640 
COURSE INFO
DESCRIPTIONMaster's thesis research supervised by co-advisors from different disciplines. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.

UGOD 6990 - MPhil Thesis Research (0 units)

SectionDate & TimeRoomInstructorQuotaEnrolAvailWaitRemarks
R01 (6060) TBANo room requiredTBA999189810 
COURSE INFO
DESCRIPTIONOriginal and independent doctoral thesis research supervised by co-advisors from different disciplines. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.

UGOD 7990 - Doctoral Thesis Research (0 units)

SectionDate & TimeRoomInstructorQuotaEnrolAvailWaitRemarks
R01 (6061) TBANo room requiredTBA999199800