TRA730 Transport Economics (Autumn 2023)

About the course

In Transport Economics, we study the use of resources in the transport sector and how transport costs affect travel behaviour and transport choices, Furthermore, we study how transport costs and the design of the transport system affects the rest of society. The module aims at giving advanced knowledge of models that can be used in the analysis of demand and supply of different transport modes for passenger- as well as for freight transport. In addition, the module will give an understanding of transport costs and their role in different markets. The module will also provide knowledge on the principles of optimal prizing in transport, including pricing of transport services under different conditions and the pricing of externalities. Furthermore, the module will give an introduction to Economic impact Assessment and its role in analysing changes in the transport sector.

A home exam (counts 50% of the final grade) as a case study will support the learning outcome.  

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Master of Science in Logistics
• Exchange programme - Master's level
• Master of Science in Sustainable Transport and Urban Mobility

Required prerequisite knowledge

As for admission to MSc in Sustainable Transport and Urban Mobility.

Recommended requirements

As for admission to MSc in Sustainable Transport and Urban Mobility. An introductory
course in microeconomics is advantageous.

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

After the course, the student should have obtained the following:

Knowledge

• advanced knowledge of the analytical tools used in economic analysis of transport systems

• knowledge about the strengths and weaknesses of different analytical methods and models.

• advanced knowledge of how the government can affect the transport sector through different policy instruments

• understanding of how transport policy and the transport system affect the rest of the society.

Skills

• be able to analyse specific empirical problems based on theory from transport economics

• be able to assess the effects of policy instruments applied on specific cases for the transport sector and the society at large

• be able to pursue further studies within the field of transport economics 

General competence

• be able to discuss and acknowledge professional issues related to transport economics

• be able to work in multi-disciplinary groups wirking with public sector planning that involves transport systems

• be able to work with strategic transport analyses for public sector agencies and larger transport companies

• be able to communicate with professional fellows and other stakeholders.  

Forms of teaching and learning

Two to four hours of lectures and/or exercises per week

Examination

Form of assessment: School assessment

• Proportion: 50 %

• Duration: 4 hours

• Grouping: Individual

• Grading scale: Letter (A - F)

• Support material: Calculator that may contain data. All printed and written material.

Form of assessment: Home assessment

• Proportion: 50%

• Duration: 1 semester

• Grouping: group

• Grading scale: Letter (A - F)

Support material: All printed and written supporting material

Syllabus

Pensumoversikt

• TRA730 - Transport Economics