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Basics of RE&IS
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:30:01
Abstract
The course Basics of RE&IS provides essential skills and knowledge for the Master's degree program in Spatial Development & Infrastructure Systems. Students will know the basics of scientific writing with complementary use of human and artificial intelligence. Students will learn how to search for scientific literature, create graphs, and give a presentation while writing a literature review.
Objective
The overall objective is to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively conduct academic writing, specifically focused on writing a review article, and to introduce them to the use of Generative AI in enhancing their research and writing process. By the end of the course, students should be able to independently; - search for and evaluate high-quality sources on their chosen topic and use citation management software. - organize their writing and construct a scientific text, paragraph, and sentence structure using coherent and complete arguments and clear, concise, and specific language. - understand citation styles and subject conventions, apply references to the chosen reference system, and properly cite all types of sources. - determine appropriate types of graphs to represent data and create and evaluate effective graphical representations of data. - present results systematically and persuasively using a consistent, informative slide deck with engaging and accurate visualizations; speak clearly and confidently using effective words, voice, and body language; know how to practice and deliver the presentation. - review and provide appropriate feedback on peer work, use AI tools to assist in various stages of the writing process, and critically reflect on originality declarations, plagiarism, etc.
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
Lecture Notes
All documents relevant for the course (slides, literature, further links, etc.) are provided centrally via the Moodle platform.
Literature
American Psychological Association (APA) (2010) Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th edition, APA, Washington, D.C. Axhausen, K.W. (2016) Style Guide for Student Dissertations, IVT, ETH Zürich, Zürich (available as download under learning materials) Backhaus, N. and R. Tuor (2008): Leitfaden für wissenschaftliches Arbeiten, 7. überarbeitete und ergänzte Auflage. Schriftenreihe Humangeographie 18, Geographisches Institut der Universität Zürich, Zürich. ZürichChapman, M. and C. Wykes (1996) Plain Figures, HM Stationary Office, London. ETH (2017) Citation etiquette: How to handle the intellectual property of others, ETH, ETH Zürich, Zürich (last retrieved 29.11.2017) Modern Language Association of America (MLA) (2016) MLA Handbook, 8th edition, MLA, New York. Monmonier, M. (1991) How to lie with maps, University of Chicago Press, Chicago. Tufte, E. R. (2001) The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, Graphics Press USA Wilkinson, L. (1999) The Grammar of Graphics, Springer, Berlin.
Learning Materials (Links)
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- ungraded semester performance
Registration & Places
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Basics of RE&IS |
|
2 h weekly |