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 CONSTRUCTOR Track is another important feature of Constructor University’s educational model. The Constructor Track runs orthogonal to the disciplinary CHOICE, CORE, and CAREER modules across all study years and is an integral part of all undergraduate study programs. It provides an intellectual tool kit for lifelong learning and encourages the use of diverse methodologies to approach cross-disciplinary problems. The CONSTRUCTOR track contains Methods, New Skills and German Language and Humanities modules.

Methods
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 area in their curriculum. The modules that are specifically assigned to each study programs equip students with transferable academic skills. They convey and practice specific methods that are indispensable for each students’ chosen study program. Students are required to take 20 CP in the Methods area. The size of all Methods modules is 5 CP.

To pursue Robotics and Intelligent Systems as a major, the following Methods modules (20 CP) need to be taken as mandatory modules:

• Methods Module: Calculus and Elements of Linear Algebra I (m, 5 CP)
• Methods Module: Calculus and Elements of Linear Algebra II (m, 5 CP)
• Methods Module: Probability and Random Processes (m, 5 CP)

Students who have a strong mathematical background can also choose Matrix Algebra & Advanced Calculus I and II (me, 5 CP each) instead of Calculus and Elements of Linear Algebra I and II.

Furthermore, students can choose between the Methods module

• Methods Module: Numerical Methods (me, 5 CP)

and the Mathematics CORE module:

• CORE Module: Discrete Mathematics (me, 5 CP)

New Skills Modules
This part of the curriculum constitutes an intellectual and conceptual tool kit that cultivates the capacity for a particular set of intellectual dispositions including curiosity, imagination, critical thought, and transferability. It nurtures a range of individual and societal capacities, such as self-reflection, argumentation and communication. Finally, it introduces students to the normative aspects of inquiry and research, including the norms governing sourcing, sharing, withholding materials and research results as well as others governing the responsibilities of expertise as well as the professional point of view. Students in this study program are required to take the following modules in their second and third year:

• New Skills Module: Logic (m, 2.5 CP)
• New Skills Module: Causation and Correlation (m, 2.5 CP)
• New Skills Module: Argumentation, Data Visualization and Communication (m, 5 CP)

Furthermore, they must choose either

• New Skills Module: Linear Model/Matrices (me, 5 CP) or
• New Skills Module: Complex Problem Solving (me, 5 CP)

as well one of the following modules:

• New Skills Module: Agency, Leadership and Accountability (me, 5 CP) or
• New Skills Module: Community Impact Project (me, 5 CP).

German Language and Humanities Modules
German language abilities foster students’ intercultural awareness and enhance their employability in their host country. They are also beneficial for securing mandatory internships (between the 2nd and 3rd year) in German companies and academic institutions. Constructor University supports its students in acquiring basic as well as advanced German skills in the first year of the Constructor Track. Non-native speakers of German are encouraged to take 2 German modules (2.5 CP each), but are not obliged to do so. Native speakers and other students not taking advantage of this offering take alternative modules in Humanities in each of the first two semesters.

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

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