Jack L. Walker, Jr. Collegiate Professor of Public Policy
People, Technology and the Future of Mobility
What You'll Learn
- Learn about cutting-edge electric and autonomous vehicle technology.
- Examine the opportunities and challenges posed by new mobility through the perspectives of public policy, health, law, urban planning, and economics.
- Understand how you can play a role in transforming the future of mobility.
6 Modules
18 Hours
3 hrs per module (approx.)
Rating
About People, Technology and the Future of Mobility
Welcome to the People, Technology, and the Future of Mobility course! This course provides a lay-person’s introduction to some of the major technological innovations currently underway in the mobility space and asks learners to apply a variety of social science concepts to understand the likely social impacts of these technologies. The course is appropriate for learners from all backgrounds and does not require prior training in engineering or social science.
The content presented in this course draws on a number of interviews and lectures and was created through a partnership with Siemens. The course also includes an interactive 360 video experience that allows learners to explore the key components of an autonomous vehicle, go on a ride-along in an autonomous car, and learn about new sensing technology we could see in smart cities of today and tomorrow.
This course challenges learners to envision mobility of the future that is safer, cleaner, and more equitable. We will examine recent technological advances, as well as the socio-economic and policy implications, of two major evolving mobility-related technology spaces: electrification and automation.
Skills You'll Gain
- Autonomous Vehicles
- Electric Vehicles
- Public Policies
- Social Policy
What You'll Earn
- Certificate of Completion:
- Certificates of completion acknowledge knowledge acquired upon completion of a non-credit course or program.
Welcome Message
Welcome to People, Technology and the Future of Mobility, a course designed to explore the evolving landscape of transportation. You will examine electrification, vehicle automation, and the social, environmental, and equity impacts of these technologies. By the end of the course, you will understand both the technical foundations and the broader implications of mobility innovations. This abbreviated syllabus description was created with the help of AI tools and reviewed by staff. The full syllabus is available to those who enroll in the course.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Course Introduction and Background
- Video: What is the Future of Mobility?
- Reading: Your Learning Journey in this Course
- Reading: Course Syllabus
- Discussion Prompt: Meet Your Fellow Global Classmates
- Reading: Course-Pre Survey
- Video: Mobility Defined
- Video: What is Electrification?
- Video: What is Automation?
- Graded Assignment: Mobility Terms Knowledge Check
- Video: Mobility Past, Present and Future: Rail to Roads to?
- Ungraded Plugin: Key Moments in Transportation History
- Reading: Optional: Key Moments in Transportation History: Document version
- Discussion Prompt: Did Science Fiction Get it Right?
- Graded: Week 1 Quiz
Module 2: Electrification—The Basic Technologies (Part 1)
- Video: Introduction to Electric Vehicles
- Reading: Components of Electric Vehicles
- Graded Assignment: What are EVs Made of? Knowledge Check
- Video: How Does a Li-ion Battery Work?
- Video: How Batteries are Managed
- Video: Let's Make a Battery at the UM's Battery Lab
- Discussion Prompt: Share Your Insights on the UM Battery Lab
- Video: How Safe are Batteries
- Reading: What is the Future of Battery Technology?
- Graded: Week 2 Quiz
Module 3: Electrification—The Basic Technologies (Part 2)
- Video: Charging and Charging Infrastructure
- Reading: Non-Carbon Electricity
- Video: Electric Vehicles & the Power System
- Discussion Prompt: Learn about How Energy is Produced in Your Community
- Video: Industry Perspectives on Applications of Electrification (Part 1)
- Video: Industry Perspectives on Applications of Electrification (Part 2)
- Video: Government Perspectives on Applications of Electrification | Interview with Missy Stults
- Video: Public-Private Partnerships
- Reading: What's Happening in World with EV Charging?
- Video: Stakeholder Mapping Process
- Reading: Stakeholder Analysis: Ann Arbor Example
- Reading: Optional: How to Conduct a Stakeholder Analysis
- Discussion Prompt: Who are the Stakeholders in your Community?
- Reading: Required: How to Conduct a Stakeholder Analysis
- Reading: Point of Debate: Should Government Subsidize EV Stations?
- Graded: Week 3 Quiz
- Graded: Major Stakeholders' Analysis of Electrification Technology
Module 4: Electrification—The Impacts
- Video: What does Equity have to do with Mobility?
- Video: What is Sustainability in the Context of Mobility?
- Video: Industry Perspectives on Environmental Sustainability
- Graded Assignment: Electrification, Sustainability, and Equity Knowledge Check
- Video: Impacts of Electrification—Environmental Perspective
- Video: Impacts of Electrification—Health Perspective
- Video: Impacts of Electrification—Energy Justice Perspective
- Video: Electrification & the Jobs of the Future
- Discussion Prompt: Advocate for Sustainable Mobility Access
- Graded: Week 4 Quiz
Module 5: Vehicle Automation—The Basic Technologies
- Video: Introduction to Autonomous Vehicles
- Reading: Autonomous Vehicles Fact Sheet
- Video: Vehicle-Based Sensing Technology
- App Item: Interactive Experience: #1: Components of Autonomous Vehicles
- Reading: Alternative Activity: Components of Autonomous Vehicles
- Reading: Post-Experience Survey Opportunity #1
- Discussion Prompt: The Future of Mobility McKinsey Report
- Video: Optional: Autonomous Shuttle Ride & Talk
- Video: Basics of Artificial Intelligence
- Video: Driving Data & Artificial Intelligence Chat
- App Item: Interactive Experience #2: Ride Inside an Autonomous Vehicle
- Reading: Alternative Experience: Ride Inside an Autonomous Vehicle
- Reading: Post-Experience Survey Opportunity #2
- Graded Assignment: Autonomous Vehicles Components Knowledge Check
- App Item: Interactive Experience #3: Sensing Technology in Smart Cities
- Reading: Sensing Technology in Smart Cities (Non-XR Alternative)
- Reading: Post-Experience Survey Opportunity #3
- Video: Industry Perspectives on Automation Technologies
- Video: Industry Perspectives on Vehicle Automation
- Video: Local Government Perspectives on Vehicle Automation
- Video: State Government Perspectives on Vehicle Automation
- Graded: Week 5 Quiz
Module 6: Automation—The Impacts
- Video: Impacts of Automation—Safety Considerations
- Video: Impacts of Automation—Urban Planning Perspective
- Video: Risks & Privacy/Data Issues
- Discussion Prompt: Perspectives on Autonomous Vehicles
- Video: Impacts of Automation—Law Perspective
- Video: Impacts of Automation on Jobs
- Discussion Prompt: Which Jobs Will Be Created and Eliminated?
- Video: The Future of Mobility: What's Next?
- Reading: Exit Survey
- Graded: Week 6 Quiz
Grading Policy
To earn a passing grade, all assignments require a minimum score of 80%. Quizzes are the primary method of assessment, with five quizzes worth 16% of your final grade each, and one quiz worth 20%.
Course content developed by U-M faculty and managed by the university. Faculty titles and affiliations are updated periodically.
Beginner Level
No prior experience required
