The Socio-Technical Context of Planning

2025/2026

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Students completing the module acquire the following:  

Learning objectives

Knowledge

  • Knowledge of the context dependency of urban, energy and environmental problems
  • Knowledge of links between technological development and theories for analysis of planning and decision-making processes
  • Knowledge of how to apply insights from socio-technical theory in agency, better policy designs, and sustainability transition

Skills

  • Can use the presented concepts and methods in a socio-technical approach in relation to analysis of real life cases of environment, energy and urban planning and policy creation/development
  • Can use and develop socio-technical theoretical approaches, concepts and methods for the analysis of specific problems at an advanced level
  • Can propose interventions based on socio-technical knowledge, and communicate knowledge derived from socio-technical theoretical approaches to both specialists and non-specialists

Competences

  • Can critically and independently use and develop socio-technical approaches, concepts and methods of analysis in problem-based project work
  • Can understand and act upon complex problems in planning and technology, based upon socio-technical analysis and informed delimitation
  • Can reflect upon own practise with a starting point in socio-technical knowledge, and thereby continuously develop capacity for being a professional change agent

Type of instruction

Lectures, workshops, seminars, assignments, etc.

Exam

Exams

Name of examThe Socio-Technical Context of Planning
Type of exam
Written or oral exam
ECTS5
Permitted aidsSee semester description
Assessment7-point grading scale
Type of gradingInternal examination
Criteria of assessmentThe criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures

Facts about the module

Danish titlePlanlægningens socio-tekniske kontekst
Module codePGLBEMK17201
Module typeCourse
Duration1 semester
SemesterSpring
ECTS5
Language of instructionEnglish
Empty-place SchemeYes
Location of the lectureCampus Aalborg
Responsible for the module

Organisation

Education ownerMaster of Science (MSc) in Engineering (Urban, Energy and Environmental Planning)
Study BoardStudy Board of Planning and Surveying
DepartmentDepartment of Sustainability and Planning
FacultyThe Technical Faculty of IT and Design