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TMGT 815 - Computer Applications in Transportation
10805 01 3 M 0530-0820pm
Location: NSC 352
Instructors:
Course Description:
Prerequisite:
Textbook:
Syllabus
Dr. Fengxiang (George) Qiao
Trailer 14
Phone: 713-313-1915, 713-313-6503
Email: qiao_fg@tsu.edu;
Office Hours: 10:00-12:00 (weekdays) or by appointment
Basic usage of the Microsoft computer environments:
WORD, EXCEL, POWER POINT, DRAWING,
OUTLOOK, ACCESS and etc. Introduction to the
computer programming in modeling the transportation
systems, using various programming languages.
Applications of computers to the planning, design, and
operation of transportation systems. Introduction to various
computer software in planning areas (e.g. EMME2, QRS,
TRANSPLAN, TransCAD, MINUTP, TP+); in simulation
and operation areas (e.g. SYNCRO, TRANSYT, AIMSUM
2, CONFLO, CORSIM, VISSIM, INTEGRATION,
HUTSIM;) and in emission estimation area (e.g. CMEM,
MOBILE, MOVES.) Emphasis is placed on finding
solutions to transportation problems using popular
computer software such as INTEGRATION, VISSIM,
TRANSCAD, CMEM, MOBILE, MOVES.
No.
No textbooks are required for the course. Various textbooks
regarding to the Microsoft computer environments can be
available in the libraries and bookstores. Software manuals
will be provided in the computer lab for use by the
students. These manuals are the property of the University

Course Objectives:
Course Requirements:
and are to remain in the lab. Software manuals may only be
taken from the lab with the prior consent of the instructors.
The objectives of the course are to present the basic usage
of the Microsoft computer environment, and to present an
overview of the different computer programs available for
use in transportation engineering. Different applications to
transportation will be discussed in lectures and applied
through computer lab exercises. In particular, the objective
is to not only show input and output of the programs, but to
discuss the measures of effectiveness, variable influence,
sensitivity, limitations, and resulting solutions.
Students are expected to interpret the results of computer
outputs and to clearly present the outcome in technical
reports.
Homework / Projects / Quizzes:
This class is designed for the student to complete projects
using the supplied computer software. Each student is
expected to complete the projects and homework
assignments individually. If group projects are assigned,
each person in the group should be familiar with input,
execution, and output of the software. Quizzes will be
given randomly throughout the semester to ensure
individual work and understanding of classroom material.
Homework should be completed using word processor or
presentation software. No handwritten assignments will be
accepted for this class unless prior approval from the
instructor. Microsoft Office is available on the computers
in the Transportation Lab.
Attendance:
It is the responsibility of the student to obtain any
assignments, class notes, or materials from classmates if
they miss a class. The student is responsible for obtaining
all information covered in class.

Course Evaluation
Class Schedule:
Attendance in class is expected. There will be no make-ups
for missed quizzes from not attending or being late to class.
Projects will be due at the start of class, unless otherwise
notified.
Web Material:
Various homework and project assignments will be posted
on the course web page, in lieu of handing out papers in
class. Assignments are made days in advance of the due
date and no extensions will be given due to server
inaccessibility.
After the first class, every student should create a login
name and password to access the secure web page.
The homework and quizzes combined are worth 25% of the
final grade. The project is the remaining 65% of the class
grade. Attendance takes 10%. Project should be presented
in the class.
90.0 - 100.0 A
80.0 - 89.9 B
70.0 - 79.9 C
60.0 - 69.9 D
59.9 or lower F
Week Date Content
1 Aug. 22 Course descriptions and questionnaires on the background
of the computer application
Using WORD to describe transportation activities
2 Aug. 29 Using EXCEL to process and represent transportation data
3 Sept. 12 Using DRAWING and POWER POINT to present
findings in Transportation systems
4 Sept. 19 In class presentation using POWER POINT
5 Sept. 26 MS DOS

6 Oct. 3 Software used in Transportation Engineering
7 Oct. 10 Introduction to VISSIM
8 Oct. 17 Introduction to CORSIM
9 Oct. 24 Quizzes on the use of Microsoft OFFICE
10 Nov. 1 Introduction to INTEGRATION. Setting node file, link
file, signal file, traffic demand file and control file for
INTEGRATION
11 Nov. 7 Introduction to CMEM, MOBILE, and MOVES
12 Nov. 14 Running INTEGRATION using user defined input files
13 Nov. 21 Transportation evaluation by running INTEGRATION
14 No. 28 Tutorial on running INTEGRATION
15 Dec. 5 Presentation of course project