This module (which can be taken alongside its associated module BPLN0097 Pillars of Planning A in Term 1, although this is not a prerequisite) aims to...

This module (which can be taken alongside its associated module BPLN0097 Pillars of Planning A in Term 1, although this is not a prerequisite) aims to introduce the key actors and processes that explain the spatial dynamics of cities, and to stimulate ‘critical thinking about space and place as the basis for action or intervention’ (RTPI Policy Statement on Initial Planning Education). One cannot plan, develop or change cities without first understanding how they work, and the social, political, economic and environmental context in which planning and other forms of interventions operates. This is achieved through an introduction to relevant concepts, analytical frameworks and theories from two fields of social sciences:

urban & regional economics/economic geography
	urban environmental science and ecology
The module will encourage students to identify the policy issues and challenges generated by the interplay of processes under scrutiny, and to critically reflect on the nature and impacts of relevant policy interventions.

The module is taught in 2 blocks of 5 weeks. 

Term 2:

1. Economics: this part is concerned with understanding the economic processes that transform cities and regions, the different theoretical approaches developed to explain these, and their policy implications.

2. Environment: this part focuses on the relationship between the natural environment and city-making processes. It briefly sketches key moments where environmental thinking has co-evolved with urbanism, and discusses associated urban ecologies and development processes that seek environmental balance.

This module explore the use of nanotechnology for the delivery of therapeutic molecules and for diagnostics. It will cover nanocarriers such as liposomes,...

This module explore the use of nanotechnology for the delivery of therapeutic molecules and for diagnostics. It will cover nanocarriers such as liposomes, micelles, dendrimers and inorganic and organic nanoparticles. The overall emphasis will be on the need for novel nanoscale delivery vectors (both natural and synthetic), a better understanding of targets, and the routes that delivery systems have to traverse to reach their targets. Another topic of interest will be focused nanotheranostics, which involves the integration of a therapeutic and diagnostic function into a single nanocarrier system.

 List of lectures:

  Introduction to nanomedicine and nanocrystals
 
  Targeting ligands
 
  Antibody drug conjugates
 
  Liposomes and micelles
 
  Dendrimers and nanotheranostics
 
  Nanosensors
 
  Polymerosomes and somanutics