The aim of the course is for the students to acquire the necessary basic knowledge about scientific work in the field of mechanical engineering and the practical writing of a scientific paper. The paper is prepared in the form of a literature work and represents the state of research on a current engineering topic. The required theoretical basis will be the following topics in the e-learning course „Basics of scientific work for students in the field of mechanical engineering":

1.           Introduction to scientific work

2.           Formulation of a research question and time-and self-management

3.           Literature Research

4.           Scientific Writing

5.           Scientific Presentation

In addition to the e-learning course, students will learn how to write a scientific paper on current topics from the chairs of the KIT Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. The groups are supervised by the chairs and the theoretical basics are deepened in further exercises.

Learning Objects:

On completion of the course the students are able:

·        to structure and formulate a research question,

·        to plan projects in a task- and resource-oriented way,

·        to apply creativity techniques within a team,

·        to investigate and to evaluate scientific resources and to derive information,

·        to summarize work results in a well-structured written report,

·        to present scientific problems/results in an oral presentation,

• to work in a team in a task-oriented and constructive manner.

 Examinations:

1.      Exam within the e-learning course

2.      Structuring and preparation of a research question as a basis for the scientific
       thesis

3.      Preparation of a scientific thesis of at least 30 pages according to a given guideline
      as a group work

4.      Preparation and execution of a scientific presentation of a maximum of 30 minutes
       in the group

The course will be passed, if:

·        the exam registration in KIT-Campus is done until 28.07.2024.

·        the online exam of the e-Learning course is passed and submitted until
      19.05.2024. 

·        the formulated research question is submitted until 26.05.2024. 

·        the complete scientific thesis is submitted until 14.07.2024.

·        the scientific presentation is submitted until 14.07.2024 and is presented until
      28.07.2024 at the supervising institute.

·        you have regularly and actively participated in the group meetings (from 06.05.-
      28.07.2024).

If you have not submitted the examinations on time or in sufficient quality, the course will be assessed as failed and must be repeated in one of the following semesters.

The introductory event will take place on 19.04.2024.

Contact: atm@ifab.kit.edu

The course addresses students in the Bachelor program Mechanical Engineering in the fourth semester. Students in the Bachelor program Mechanical Engineering in other semesters as well as students in the Master program Mechanical Engineering or other programs, may participate in case of vacancies. The introductory lecture will take place once on 16.04.2024. The course consists of an e-learning course, which ends with an online test, and an accompanying self-study in small groups. The group meetings take place every 14 days during the lecture period. Registration for the groups takes place via ilias.