Information on individual educational components (ECTS-Course descriptions) per semester

Participating students are required to have an academic interest and the ability to work independently and ask questions.

A further prerequisite for attending this course is the willingness to carry out the project started over two semesters (summer and winter semester) with 6 ECTS credits each. If the student is unsuccessful, the Contextual Studies will be continued in the following semester outside the course.

The aim is to continue the research project as part of a Master's thesis. The aim is to publish the research results in the form of a publication, a research report, a conference paper, a video or similar.

Due to the required prerequisites, students are not entitled to admission to the course.

Scheduling takes place with those responsible for the research project. 

Course costs: For any intended visits to scientific conferences, the travelling expenses or participation fees incurred will be borne by the students. 

Which of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals is particularly promoted depends on the choice of task. 

There are still a number of unsolved technical issues in the area of ​​electronic systems. A simplified distinction can be made between digital and analog circuit structures. Individual aspects of these two technology blocks are analyzed together with the Smart Engineering Technology R&D team. Specifically, interested parties can choose from a variety of issues relating to digital technology, particularly in the area of ​​RISC-V systems and energy efficiency, and, for example, sensory analog technology in the area of ​​environmental measurement technology. The use of the latest measuring devices, software products and simulation techniques is learned or deepened. Qualitative and quantitative research methods, project management and product design skills relating to electronic systems round off the program.

General learning outcomes of research projects:

• Students produce a scientific paper by developing, independently working on and answering a research question.
• Students know the cornerstones and milestones of a research project (research question and objectives, theses, falsification, experiments, quality criteria, etc.).
• Depending on the research centre or group, students learn about different research methods - from qualitative/quantitative methods, understanding and operating programmes and production facilities to the use of specific IT tools, etc.
• Students can integrate relevant aspects of research ethics and data protection into research projects.
• Students can present research content in the context of team meetings, events or publications.
• Students know their expertise and passion for research and are aware of their next steps in deepening their research expertise, including PhD options.
• Students know elements of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Specific learning outcomes of research projects:

Students familiarise themselves with aspects of current research projects in the Smart Engineering Technologies Research Group.

The detailed, scientific learning outcomes are agreed and documented individually with the students before the start of the course as part of the formulation of their research questions.

SET has only existed as an independent research group for a few years and is at the same time closely integrated into teaching. The group consists of a few university lecturers and some academic staff, in most cases from the university's own degree programmes. There is therefore direct and intensive contact with the research group, which also organises regular internal and external training sessions.

The assessment is carried out by the responsible supervisor and takes the form of several oral feedback meetings. The progress of the academic work with regard to the defined objectives is reviewed in regular meetings and support is offered if necessary. The final assessment is a presentation of the work carried out.

This course forms the second, concluding part of the course "Research Project: Smart Engineering Technologies".

"Analog Integrated Circuit Design" by Tony Chan Carusone, David Johns, and Kenneth W. Martin: This book provides a solid foundation in analog circuit design and can be useful for understanding the basic circuit techniques for designing analog biosensor circuits.

"Microelectronic Circuits" by Adel S. Sedra and Kenneth C. Smith: A standard text that covers the most important analog circuits. It also provides practical examples that are useful for designing biosensors.

"Design of Analog CMOS Integrated Circuits" by Behzad Razavi: This book is especially valuable if you are using CMOS technologies for biosensors. It contains detailed information on the design of analog circuits.

"Handbook of Biosensors and Bioelectronics" by R. S. Marks and P. A. Payne: This multi-volume collection is an in-depth resource on the various types of biosensors, their applications, and the electronic circuits that contribute to their functionality.

"Digital Integrated Circuits: A Design Perspective" by Jan M. Rabaey, Anantha Chandrakasan, and Borivoje Nikolic: This book is a standard reference in the field of digital design and covers in detail low-power design techniques that are critical for energy-efficient circuits.

"Low Power Design Methodologies" by Jan M. Rabaey and Massoud Pedram: An important book that focuses on design methods to reduce power consumption in digital systems. reduce.

"Principles of CMOS VLSI Design: A Systems Perspective" by Neil H. E. Weste and David Harris: A classic textbook covering all aspects of VLSI design, with a special focus on low-power design and energy-efficient circuits.

• Self-organised learning and independent work according to the standards of the respective research unit
• Collaboration and presence in the team and participation in working groups
• Coaching and guidance
• Experiments, field research, laboratory work, etc.
• Moderation and presentation techniques
• Project completion in the form of publications, research reports, posters, videos, etc.