Basics of RE&IS

Abstract

The course Basics of RE&IS equips Master’s students with core skills in scientific writing. Central is the full writing cycle, supported by peer- and self-review. Students learn to critically evaluate literature, argue pros and cons, create simple visualizations, and present their work. Generative AI is examined for its potential and risks at each step.

Objective

The overall objective is to equip you with skills and knowledge to effectively conduct academic writing, specifically focused on writing a review article. By the end of the course, students will be able to: - formulate a precise research question based on a topic of interest. - conduct effective literature searches, critically read and evaluate results, and manage sources with the practices of professional researchers. - apply the full scientific writing process—organizing ideas into coherent texts, paragraphs, and sentences with clear, concise, and specific language; using appropriate citation styles and reference systems; and selecting and - creating effective data visualizations. - review peer work constructively and provide appropriate, actionable feedback. - deliver concise and convincing oral presentations using appropriate visual aids. - reflect critically on the role of generative AI in academic writing, recognizing both its benefits and limitations.

Content

Involved chairs are: Infrastructure Management (IM), Transportation Systems (TS), Traffic Engineering (SVT), Transport Planning (VPL), Spatial Development and Urban Policy (SPUR), Planning of Landscape and Urban Systems (PLUS) and Spatial Transformation Laboratories (STL). Christian Sailer, education developer at the D-BAUG, has a special focus on interdisciplinary competencies in teaching at the D-BAUG. He therefore takes the lead of this course in collaboration with RE&IS chairs, who periodically alternate among themselves.

Resources