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103-0377-20L MSC D-BAUG

Basics of RE&IS (Moodle Course)

Remark: elective self-study moodle course open to everyone (no performance assessment and therefore no credit points for that).
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:57

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.

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.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
no performance assessment

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
exercise Basics of RE&IS (Moodle Course)
Moodle course.
No time listed 8 h semesterly

Offered In