Plan 111: Human Settlements Development (3.0 credits theory) covers the origin and evolution of ancient human settlements and cities, focusing on their relation to resources, trade routes, and transportation. It explores city planning in the ancient, medieval, and pre-industrial revolution periods, as well as the development of modern urban planning concepts, including Garden City, Vertical City, Linear City, Neighborhood concept, and Radburn concepts. It discusses urban growth theories like concentric zone theory, sector theory, and multiple nuclei theory. The course also addresses urbanization, with special emphasis on Bangladesh, examining the physical, social, political, and economic factors influencing urban growth and development. It highlights rural-urban migration models and the policy implications of urbanization, along with the growth of towns and cities in Bangladesh.

Plan 113: Fundamentals of Planning (2 credits theory) introduces basic planning concepts, such as its definition, dimensions, and the distinction between spatial and sectoral planning. It examines the planning process, including its continuous and cyclical nature, and the roles of planners, decision-makers, and stakeholders. Key planning approaches covered include rational, advocacy, adaptive, and systems approaches. The course also looks at planning in Bangladesh, covering sectoral and perspective planning at the national level, integrated area development at the regional level, and spatial planning at the local level.

Plan 211: Urban Planning Principles (3 credits theory) defines urban planning and explores its objectives and scope. It covers urban functions, activities, and land use components, along with modern planning principles for different urban areas, such as town centers, residential, industrial, and recreational areas. Topics include planning for metropolitan regions, satellite towns, new towns, and special areas like airports and seaports.

Plan 215: Urban Planning Techniques (3 credits theory) examines the functions, forms, and contents of various urban development plans, including strategy plans, structure plans, and master plans. It focuses on data needs for planning and techniques used in different stages of urban planning, such as urban renewal, land development, and upgrading. The course also covers planning standards for different urban functions, the analysis of urban issues like population, housing, and recreation, and the tools for implementation and development control.

Plan 343: Traffic and Transportation Study (3.0 credits, theory) covers the elements of transportation systems and the interaction between land use and transport. It introduces fundamentals of land-use transport planning, transport demand and supply analysis, and urban transportation studies, including study area definition, network analysis, and various surveys such as volume, O-D, parking, public transport, goods traffic, and employment surveys. Topics include roadway capacity, road hierarchy, environmental areas, pedestrian traffic, cross-sectional roadway elements, parking, planning standards, and traffic management.

Plan 345: Transportation Policy and Planning (3.0 credits, theory) focuses on transportation systems in Bangladesh, addressing key issues in urban and national transport policies and implementation. It explores policy options, the role and cost structure of different modes, transportation planning processes at various levels, transportation economics, and environmental impacts. Topics include local area transport planning, system modeling, strategy development, infrastructure planning, urban public transport planning, non-motorized transport (NMT) planning, and demand management.

Plan 446: Transportation Planning Studio (3.0 credits, sessional) involves case studies and workshops on transportation studies and planning. Activities include local area transport planning and designing vehicular and pedestrian circulation plans for residential areas, shopping complexes, and precincts. Practical and fieldwork complements theoretical knowledge from courses Plan 343 and Plan 345.

Chem 207: Basic Environmental Chemistry (3.0 Credits, theory) covers fundamental topics in environmental science, including radioactivity, atomic structure, chemical bonds, and the concentration of solutions. It explores organic compounds, organic families, and polymers. The course also examines the lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere, alongside industrial hazards, air and water pollutants, their sources, and toxicity. Key topics include the properties of water, wastewater characteristics, measurement of DO, BOD, and COD, and the transformation processes of pollutants.

WRE 309: Introduction to Water Resources Planning (3.0 Credits, theory) introduces the hydrologic cycle, precipitation, stream flow, and rainfall-runoff relationship. It covers hydrograph analysis, storm water drainage, groundwater, alluvial rivers, irrigation planning, navigation and dredging, river training and bank protection, flood mitigation, and integrated water resources management with a focus on economic, social, environmental, and institutional aspects.

CE 439: Basic Environmental Engineering (3.0 credits, theory) addresses water supply systems, including water requirements (population projection, fire demands, etc.), sources, treatment, and distribution. It covers sanitation systems, focusing on both urban and rural sanitation, and low-cost technologies. The course also explores environmental pollution, including air, water, soil, and noise pollution.

Plan 451: Environmental Planning and Management (3.0 credits, theory) focuses on natural systems and concepts relevant to environmental planning. Topics include the environmental impacts of human actions, planning procedures, impact assessment, and mitigation measures. Case studies in environmental management are also discussed.

Plan 471: Natural Hazards and Disaster Management (3.0 credits, theory) explores hazards, disasters, and vulnerability analysis. Topics include risk assessment, disaster-related behavior, awareness, perception, and disaster management cycles. The course highlights disaster management planning, development planning integration, social considerations, public participation, and institutional frameworks, with practical exercises on hazard and risk assessment and land use planning for vulnerability reduction.

CE 209: Construction Materials (2 credits theory) focuses on the types, preparation, properties, and uses of construction materials such as stone, brick, cement, sand, concrete, timber, and metals. It also covers the specifications, quality control, and the role these materials play in construction projects. 

CE 327: Elements of Solid Mechanics (3 credits theory) introduces fundamental concepts of force, moments, and stress. It explores mechanical properties of materials and their behavior under tensile, compressive, and shear forces. Topics include the calculation of bending moments, shear force diagrams, and the concept of stress and strain in structures.

CE 329: Elements of Civil Engineering Structures (3 credits theory) Building on CE 327, builds on CE 327 and examines structural forms and systems for buildings, bridges, and communication structures. It addresses loads on structures, types of foundations, bearing capacity, and settlement. Additionally, the course introduces reinforced and prestressed concrete design, as well as relevant design codes.

Plan 321: Housing and Real Estate Development (3 credit theory) covers the social, physical, economic, and cultural aspects of housing, including housing typology and the housing challenges in Bangladesh. It explores various ownership types such as single, multiple, and joint tenancy, as well as investment trusts, condominiums, and cooperatives. The course examines housing accessibility for different income groups, the housing development process, and financing options like housing packages and credit facilities. It also looks at public and private sector roles in housing management, housing policies, and low-income housing programs. Additionally, real estate economics, the trade cycle, planning considerations, and evaluation methods for real estate projects are discussed, including regulatory measures for developers.

Plan 331: Rural Development Planning I (3 credit theory) focuses on the distinction between urban and rural areas, analyzing rural settlement patterns, and exploring the social and cultural characteristics of rural communities. It covers the meaning, nature, and scope of rural development, with a focus on integrated rural development. The course examines resources for rural development, such as land, water, and human resources, as well as policies and rural industrialization. It also discusses rural development programs in Bangladesh and the roles of governmental and non-governmental organizations, addressing local-level rural planning issues.

Plan 332: Rural Planning Studio (3 credit sessional) involves group projects applying planning techniques to analyze problems related to rural development planning.

Plan 333: Regional Development Planning (3 credit theory) introduces the definition and types of regions, regionalization, and the delineation of planning regions. It covers various levels of planning and the need for regional planning. The course includes regional analysis techniques such as input-output analysis, industrial structure analysis, and theories of regional growth like central place theory and agropolitan growth. Policy issues such as economic development vs. regional growth, and efficiency vs. equity are also discussed.

Plan 434: Regional Planning Studio (3 credit sessional) is a hands-on course where individual or group projects apply planning techniques to address issues in regional development planning.

Plan 401: Project Evaluation and Management (3.0 credits theory) covers various aspects of project cycles, focusing on evaluation concepts such as efficiency versus equity, economic versus financial evaluation, and evaluation methods. It addresses the welfare basis of social evaluation, including consumer and producer surplus, Pareto optimality, shadow pricing, externalities, and equity issues. The course introduces social cost-benefit analysis, the time value of money, discounting techniques, and investment criteria, alongside basic financial accounting concepts. It also explores methods for dealing with risk and uncertainty, other evaluation techniques, and appraisal requirements by national and international financing agencies, as well as project management and various management techniques.

Plan 402: Project Planning Studio (2.0 credits sessional) focuses on case studies in project evaluation and practices related to project formulation and approval in Bangladesh. Development Project Proposal (DPP), Terms of Reference (ToR), and a Technical Proposal for a planning project are prepared as a group project.

Plan 403: Legal Basis of Planning (3.0 credits theory) covers the legal aspects of planning, emphasizing its importance and the enabling legislation process. It explores planning laws in various countries, the development plan process (both structure and local), and the necessity of legislation. Topics include development control (planning permission, development orders), special control forms, new town development laws, compensation, and betterment issues. Urban renewal practices are discussed, along with the planning laws in Bangladesh, including the Pourashava Ordinance, Town Improvement Act, East Bengal Building Construction Act, and RAJUK's Building Regulations. It also covers land acquisition, compensation rules, and the control of development in Bangladesh.

Plan 413: Urban Management and Governance (3 credits theory) examines the key factors influencing urban management and introduces management principles, tools, and methods. It looks at the organizations involved in urban management, such as those responsible for service functions, regulatory roles, urban planning, and financial administration. Community participation and governance in urban management are highlighted, with a focus on the definition and scope of governance in Bangladesh. The course also addresses the challenges of governance in large cities, including the roles and problems faced by various stakeholders.

Plan 415: Planning of Utility and Municipal Services (3 credits theory) focuses on urban and rural services, comparing physical and social infrastructure needs. It examines the provision, management, and maintenance of essential urban utilities like water supply, sewerage, drainage, electricity, gas, and telecommunications. Key issues include under-funding, cost recovery, inadequate maintenance, and poor coordination. The course also discusses municipal services such as transport, street lighting, solid waste management, and public health, as well as revenue sources and the challenges faced by city corporations and municipalities in delivering services and collecting taxes.

Hum 171: Micro-Economics (3.0 credits theory) course covers the fundamentals of micro-economics, including the definition of economics and its core concepts. Topics include utility, demand and supply analysis, and the elasticity of demand and supply. The concept of consumer's surplus is also explored, along with indifference curve analysis, consumer equilibrium, and marginal analysis. It delves into the theory of production, discussing the law of returns, rational production regions, profit maximization, and the differences between small- and large-scale production. Cost analysis covers short-run and long-run costs, fixed and variable costs. The course also introduces the concept of market structures and distribution theories, focusing on marginal productivity and income equity.

Hum 177: Macro-Economics (3.0 credits theory) course introduces macro-economics, covering essential topics such as savings, investment, employment, and national income. It examines both classical and modern employment theories and inflation, including its control measures. Students will study the determinants of income and employment, focusing on consumption and investment functions, types of investments, and the marginal efficiency of capital. The course also covers unemployment, the relationship between unemployment and inflation, and concepts like the multiplier and accelerator. Money and interest theory is explored, addressing the demand and supply of money, along with alternative theories of money demand.

Hum 221: Public Finance (3.0 credits theory) focuses on the scope of government finance, covering public expenditures, their principles, and effects. Taxation principles, types, and effects are studied, along with the concepts of public debt and the public budget. The course examines balanced and unbalanced budgets, deficit financing, and fiscal policies. It also looks at public finance in Bangladesh, including the structure of taxation, the national budget, and fiscal policies.

Hum 225: Accounting (2.0 credits theory) course provides an introduction to accounting, covering the accounting equation, business data processing, and the double-entry mechanism. It explores transaction recording through journals and ledgers, leading to the preparation and analysis of financial statements. The course also addresses long-term investment decisions and capital budgeting, as well as decision-making under uncertainty. Key concepts include cost classification, cost-volume-profit analysis, break-even analysis, and sensitivity analysis. Taxation topics include the definition of tax, types of taxes, principles, tax administration in Bangladesh, tax holidays, capital allowances, corporation taxes, and tax credits.

Plan 108: Communication and Presentation Techniques Studio (3.0 credits) focuses on various communication methods such as oral presentations, reports, posters, broadcasting, film, multimedia, and websites. It emphasizes visual presentation techniques, including the use of figures, diagrams, charts, maps, cartograms, and photographic compositions. Students are tasked with preparing multiple presentations on different planning problems.

Plan 196: Introduction to Computer Applications (1.5 credits) introduces students to PC operating systems (Windows and Office suites) and covers tasks like creating formatted text documents, performing basic spreadsheet operations, and managing databases, including editing, updating, querying, and generating reports.

Plan 296: Computer Applications in Planning (3.0 credits) builds on Plan 196, applying statistical techniques and urban/regional analysis methods using R programming and Excel. The course covers planning techniques such as Population Projection, Economic Base Analysis, and Input-Output Analysis, alongside statistical techniques like data import, hypothesis testing, data visualization, Frequency Distribution, Cross Tabulation, Correlation, and Regression Analysis, providing a foundation for inferential statistical interpretation in research.

Plan 396: Programming Techniques (2 credits) covers algorithm development for data analysis and solving planning problems. Initially, students learn programming basics using C/C++ and perform tasks like reading data, using different data types, and implementing iterative and conditional processing. Later, Python programming is introduced to showcase a planning problem-solving project with initial discussions, laying the foundation for data science and machine learning models in research.

Plan 261: GIS and Remote Sensing (3.0 credits theory) introduces GIS and its applications in planning, covering essential elements, raster and vector data structures, data acquisition, management, manipulation, and analysis. It also includes remote sensing and image analysis, focusing on processing digital data and integrating remote sensing with GIS for planning applications.

Plan 362: GIS and Remote Sensing Studio (3.0 credits sessional) provides practical training of ArcGIS, a Geographic Information System (GIS) software. It involves individual and group projects that analyze planning problems using GIS and remote sensing techniques.

Math 101: Mathematics – I (2.0 credit theory) focuses on Algebra, Geometry, and Matrix Algebra. The Algebra section includes system descriptions, graphs, coordinate geometry, linear equations, inequalities, and graphical solutions. It introduces functions, covering definitions, implicit and inverse functions, and types such as standard, power, logarithmic, exponential, trigonometric, polynomial, rational, hyperbolic, and logistic functions. The Matrix Algebra section discusses matrix definitions, operations, transpose, inverse, rank, and elementary transformations, with applications in solving linear equations.

Math 103: Mathematics – II (2.0 credit theory) covers Differential and Integral Calculus along with Differential Equations. Differential Calculus topics include limits, continuity, differentiability, successive differentiation, and maxima and minima of single-variable functions. Integral Calculus addresses integration techniques, standard and definite integrals, and finding areas under plane curves. The course also explores first-order differential equations and general linear equations of higher orders.

Plan 291: Statistics for Planners – I (3.0 credit theory) focuses on data summarization, frequency distributions, and statistical descriptions. It covers central tendency measures (mean, median, mode), dispersion measures (range, variance, standard deviation), moments, skewness, kurtosis, and basic probability distributions (Binomial, Poisson, Normal). Other topics include sampling, estimation, statistical inference, and aggregation methods like index numbers.

Plan 293: Statistics for Planners – II (3.0 credit theory) builds on statistical decision-making, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, and Chi-Square tests. It includes measurement scales, nonparametric tests, simple and curvilinear regression, and forecasting methods like time series and causal approaches. Population forecasting techniques include arithmetic, geometric, logistic, and cohort survival methods.

Plan 393: Operations Research and Systems Analysis (3.0 credit theory) introduces operations research and systems analysis in decision-making. Topics include optimization techniques, mathematical programming, linear programming, graph theory, network analysis, simulation techniques, queuing theory, and systems approaches in planning.

Plan 161: Surveying and Cartography (3 credits theory) covers various surveying techniques such as reconnaissance, traverse, levelling, and contouring. It introduces land and cartographic surveying along with photogrammetry, remote sensing, and global positioning systems (GPS). The course also focuses on map types commonly used in Bangladesh, measurement scales, and mapping techniques like physical models, photomaps, sketch maps, and cartograms. Topics also include map analysis and interpretation, relative and absolute position methods (e.g., local grids, geographical grids, Lambert’s methods, and UTM), land partitioning systems, and map projection techniques like planar, cylindrical, and conical projections.

Plan 162: Surveying and Cartography Workshop (3.0 credits sessional) involves three weeks of field and studio work related to the theoretical learnings from Plan 161, providing hands-on experience in surveying and cartography.

Plan 204: Social and Physical Surveys (3 credits sessional) covers the elements of social surveys, including units, subjects, and spatial coverage, along with methods such as household surveys and questionnaire design. A studio project that includes data collection, coding, and analysis is done. The physical survey component includes secondary surveys on topography, land levels, natural drainage, and slope, as well as primary surveys on land use, transportation networks, utilities, structures, and population density.

Plan 412: Participatory Planning Workshop (3.0 credits sessional) covers local-level planning, its importance, and various approaches. It explores guidelines for local planning and emphasizes people's participation, its meaning, types, and application of various Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools. The course includes group projects applying participatory planning to develop local plans.

Arch 106: Basic Design (3.0 credits) explores the forms found in nature and their evolution, emphasizing two-dimensional composition. It covers fundamental elements such as points, straight lines, curves, and geometric shapes. The course helps students understand and apply compositional elements like balance, proportion, scale, harmony, and movement in design.

Arch 116: Graphics for Planners (3.0 credits) focuses on lettering, mechanical and freehand drawing techniques, and the use of scales and instruments. It includes sectional and isometric views of solid geometric shapes, as well as plans, elevations, and sections. We are taught about one- and two-point perspectives, as well as techniques for shading and shadowing in projection drawings.

Arch 145: Elements of Architecture (2.0 credits) introduces the architectural design and its compositional elements, including balance, scale, and proportion. It covers various historical architectural periods, such as Ancient, Classical, Roman, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo, and explores their cultural and regional influences. The course also discusses the impact of different art movements and trends in architecture, with a particular focus on Bangladesh's architectural landscape.

Plan 217: Site and Area Planning (3.0 credits) course introduces site and area planning, focusing on site selection and analysis based on natural, cultural, and aesthetic factors. It covers land use, circulation, drainage, grading, earthwork, and the alignment of curves. Topics include site layouts for various developments such as residential, institutional, industrial, and shopping areas, as well as subdivision and planting plans.

Plan 218: Site and Area Planning Studio (3.0 credits) is the practical course complementing Plan 217, involving studio and fieldwork related to site, area, and land subdivision planning. Design software like AutoCAD is demonstrated as part of the studio work.

Arch 233: Landscape Planning and Design (2.0 credits) provides an introduction to landscape planning and design, including its history and scope. It explores basic design methods, ecological systems, and climatic factors, and applies landscape conservation principles. The course also covers landscape planning at the urban scale for residential, recreational, and commercial spaces, along with plantation design and site development principles.

Arch 226: Landscape Planning Studio (3.0 credits) discusses the application of design and planning principles to landscape development projects. It involves site analysis and the study of landscape elements. Landscape conservation strategies at a regional level to guide development processes are also discussed. Technical skills like Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, and ArcGIS are utilized as part of the studio work. 

Plan 312: Urban Planning Studio (3.0 credits) is intended to undertake case studies in urban planning through studio and fieldwork activities, building on the concepts introduced in Plan 211.  Software skills such as ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Office Suites, and R programming are utilized throughout the course.

Hum 125: English (2.0 credits theory) focuses on mastering English through various approaches to learning, addressing grammatical problems like sentence construction, conditionals, and vocabulary usage. It includes phonetics for correct English pronunciation and reading skills such as skimming, scanning, and purposive reading with selected stories. Writing skills emphasize effective principles, organization, composition, and strategies like generating ideas and constructing arguments. Communication approaches cover business communication, organizational behavior, and interpersonal relationships, along with specific applications like tenders, resumes, job letters, journal articles, and technical presentations.

Hum 272: Developing English Skills (1.5 credits sessional) enhances grammar proficiency, including tenses, articles, prepositions, and sentence structure. Vocabulary building focuses on diction and levels of appropriateness. Reading skills are developed through skimming, scanning, and interpreting texts, while writing skills emphasize sentence variety, clarity, paragraph development, essays, reports, and formal/informal letters. Listening and note-taking skills involve processing recorded texts and lectures. Speaking skills are developed through oral expressions for personal identification, giving advice, making requests, narrating events, and describing people and places.

Hum 179: Sociology (3.0 credits theory) explores the scope and basic concepts of sociology, including social evolution, culture, and civilization. It examines Bangladesh's social structure, population, resources, and comparative analysis of oriental and occidental societies. Topics include the industrial revolution, urbanization, urban ecology, rural sociology, and development studies. The course also covers the process of socialization and its relationship with family structure.