Robotics and Intelligent Systems

In the first year of study at RIS, students are provided with a comprehensive education that builds upon and expands their prior knowledge and qualifications. During this year, students will take introductory modules totaling 45 credit points (CP) from the CHOICE area.

RIS students have the option (according to the default study plan) to switch their major after their first semester to Electrical Engineering (ECE) or (Phys), or at the start of their second year to Computer Science (CS).

During their first year of study, RIS students take the following discipline-specific CHOICE Modules:

• CHOICE Module: Introduction to Robotics and Intelligent Systems (7.5 CP)
• CHOICE Module: Programming in C and C++ (7.5 CP)
• CHOICE Module: Algorithms and Data Structures (7.5 CP)
• CHOICE Module: Introduction to Computer Science (7.5 CP)
• CHOICE Module: Classical Physics (7.5 CP)
• CHOICE Module: General Electrical Engineering (7.5 CP)

The Introduction to Robotics and Intelligent Systems module lays the foundation for intelligent systems. Furthermore, with the Programming in C and C++ and Algorithms and Data Structures Module, students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for future studies and careers in robotics, computer science, and electrical engineering.

In the second year of study, students will delve deeper into their chosen major by taking 45 credit points (CP) worth of in-depth, discipline-specific CORE modules. These modules are designed to enhance students' critical understanding of the core theories, principles, and methods of their major, bringing them up to speed with current knowledge and best practices.

To specialize in Robotics and Intelligent Systems as a major, students must complete 45 CP from the following mandatory and mandatory elective CORE modules:

• CORE Module: Robotics (m, 5 CP)
• CORE Module: Machine Learning (m, 5 CP)
• CORE Module: RIS Lab (me, 5CP)
• CORE Module: Automation (me, 5 CP)
• CORE Module: Embedded Systems (me, 5 CP)
• CORE Module: Control Systems (me, 5 CP)
• CORE Module: Computer Vision (me, 5CP)
• CORE Module: Artificial Intelligence (m, 5CP)
• CORE Module: RIS Project (m, 5CP)

For the remaining 15 CP, students have the option to select modules based on their interests and/or pursue a minor in Computer Science. Alternatively, they may choose to complete all of the mandatory elective CORE modules listed above.

During their third year, students focus on preparing for their post-graduation career by exploring their options and gaining professional experience through a mandatory summer internship.

The fifth semester offers a unique opportunity for students to study abroad and broaden their cultural and academic horizons. In the final semester, students hone their research skills by working on an extended Bachelor's thesis project.

In addition, RIS students take 15 credits worth of major-specific and related specialization modules to deepen their knowledge in areas of their choice. These modules allow students to consolidate their knowledge and stay up-to-date with the latest research in their field.

RIS students can choose from a variety of specialization modules, including:

Specialization Modules offered inside Robotics and Intelligent Systems

• Specialization: Human Computer Interaction (5 CP)
• Specialization: Marine Robotics (5 CP)
• Specialization: Optimization (5 CP)

Modules from Computer Sciences

• Specialization: Distributed Algorithms (5 CP)
• Specialization: Computer Graphics (5 CP)
• Specialization: Web Application Development (5 CP)
• CORE Module: Software Engineering (7.5 CP)
• CORE Module: Databases and Web Services (7.5 CP)

Modules from Electrical and Computer Engineering

• Specialization: Digital Design (5 CP)
• CORE Module: PCB design and measurement automation (5 CP)
• CORE Module: Information Theory (5 CP)

Modules from Mathematics

• Specialization: Stochastic Processes (5 CP)
• Specialization: Stochastic Methods Lab (7.5 CP)

Modules from Industrial Engineering and Management

• CORE Module: Operations Research (5 CP)

Modules from Data Engineering (MSc)

• ELECTIVE: Parallel and Distributed Computing (5 CP)

At Constructor University, students are provided with a unique opportunity to boost their employability through a mandatory two-month internship worth 15 credits. This opportunity usually takes place during the summer between the second and third year of study, providing students with the chance to gain practical experience in a professional setting. Through this internship, students can apply the knowledge and understanding they have gained from their major to real-world contexts, evaluate the significance of their major in the employment sector and society, reflect on their personal role in employment and society, and make informed career decisions. For students interested in starting their own company, an alternative to the full-time internship is offered in the form of a start-up option, which allows them to focus on developing their business plan.

The Jacobs Track, an important feature of Constructor University’s educational concept, runs parallel to the disciplinary modules across all study years and is an integral part of the study program. It reflects a university-wide commitment to in-depth training in scientific methods, fosters an interdisciplinary approach, raises awareness of global challenges and societal responsibility, enhances employability, and equips students with extra skills desirable in the general field of study. Additionally, it integrates (German) language and culture modules.

Methods and Skills modules
Methods and skills such as mathematics, statistics, programming, data handling, presentation skills, academic writing, and scientific and experimental skills are offered to all students as part of the Methods and Skills area modules. Students are required to take 20 CP in the Methods/Skills area.

RIS students take the following Methods modules:

• Methods: Calculus and Linear Algebra I (5 CP)
• Methods: Calculus and Linear Algebra II (5 CP)
• Methods: Probability and Random Processes (5 CP)

For the remaining 5 CP RIS students can choose between the Methods modules*:

• Methods: Numerical Methods (5 CP)

and the Mathematics CORE module:

• CORE Module: Discrete Mathematics (5 CP)

*Students from entry Fall 2020 or earlier who do a Math minor must choose Numerical methods.

Big Questions modules
The modules of the Big Questions area intend to broaden the students’ horizon with applied problem-solving between and beyond the disciplines. The offerings comprise problem-solving oriented modules that tackle global challenges from the perspectives of different disciplinary backgrounds and that allow, in particular, a reflection of the acquired disciplinary knowledge in economic, societal, technological, and/or ecological contexts.
Math students take 2-4 (10 CP) modules from a big portfolio of Big Questions modules.

Community Impact Project
In their 5th semester, students must take a 5 CP Community Impact Project (CIP) module. Students engage in on-campus or off-campus activities that challenge their social responsibility, i.e., they typically work on major-related projects that make a difference in the community life on campus, in its neighborhood, in Bremen, or on a cross-regional level.

Language modules

Constructor University supports its students in acquiring and improving these skills by offering a variety of language modules at all proficiency levels. Emphasis is put on fostering the German language skills of international students as they are an essential prerequisite for non-native-speaking students to learn about, explore, and eventually integrate into their host country and its professional environment.
All students take four language courses in the first and second years.

The curriculum of the study program is outlined in the schematic study plan:
 

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