This module introduces students to transportation science, which involves analysing empirical data and applying statistical methods in real-world situations. Students learn to analyse data by deploying the suite of analytical tools and software to identify patterns, gaps, and opportunities to make scientifically founded business decisions.

Lecturers: Dr. George Q. Sun / Hours: 45 / Semester: 1

The module focuses on sustainable transport solutions by deepening students’ understanding of the intimate relationship between transport and its environment. Through interactive discussions, hands-on exercises and group activities, students will learn more about the various strategies for achieving a sustainable transport system. In addition, students will also acquire the necessary knowledge of the principles and concepts to assess and evaluate transport and logistics systems while gaining deeper insights into the advantages and drawbacks of different assessment methods, including application areas and constraints of assessment procedures

Lecturers: Dr.-Ing Andreas Rau / Hours: 45 / Semester: 1

This module equips students with the latest mathematical modelling approaches and computer-based support solutions to address common logistical decision problems companies face today. Students will gain the necessary proficiency in problem-solving models and algorithms to represent different problem types and address real-world situations. They will be able to discern problem types, understand the limits of optimisation and appreciate the importance of having a decision support system in logistics.

Lecturers: Prof. Dr. Constantinos Antoniou / Hours: 45 / Semester: 1

This module emphasises the foundational requirements and procedures for rail infrastructure planning on the premise of running behaviour and the performance of rail vehicles. Through discussions and in-person lessons, students will examine closer into the specific wheel-rail interface, the effective forces guiding the wheel sets (equivalent conicity), the determination and evaluation of track quality, the requirements for designing track alignment and layout, the tools to determine cant and cant deficiency, the procedures to design transition elements, the tilting train technology, the operational demands and respective track arrangements. Through this lesson, students will be able to confidently plan and design rails for passenger comfort and safety.

Lecturers: Dr.-Ing Bernhard Lechner / Hours: 45 / Semester: 1

This module deepens students’ skills and knowledge in using macro- and micro-simulation to assess traffic engineering and transport planning measures. The theoretical background of the methods implemented in the tools will be reinforced through extensive practical exercises using state-of-the-art software, followed by systematic analysis and discussions on how real-world simulation projects are structured. Students will learn to demonstrate their capability to set up a realistic simulation by gathering real-life data within the Singapore road network.

Lecturers: Prof. Dr. Constantinos Antoniou / Mr. Martin Margreiter / Hours: 45 / Semester: 1

This module equips students with the foundational knowledge in public transport planning and organising of public transport networks, beginning with an in-depth discussion about the advantages and disadvantages as well as the functional characteristics of transit modes and their capacity. The geometry and types of transit lines and transit networks will be closely examined during this module. In addition, students will also be acquainted with public transport schedules, learn how to plan an integrated public transport system with a seamless trip / travel experience of the passengers, how to accelerate bus operation, and improve the efficiency of the public transport operation.

Lecturer: : Dr.-Ing Andreas Rau / Hours: 45 / Semester: 2

This module aims to enhance students’ communication and writing skills to enable them to communicate with confidence that is understandable and engaging for a wide variety of target audiences. Students will be equipped with various technical writing techniques for thesis, technical and scientific papers, motivation letters and technical presentations and acquaint themselves with various business communication styles. Lastly, the module will also cover the fundamentals of the German language to provide them with an insight into German culture.

Lecturers: Ms Jovina Ang / Hours: 45 / Semester: 1

This module advances students’ knowledge of rolling stock, focusing on the various rail concepts, such as high-speed trains and their interior designs, freight trains and freight wagons, and Mass Rapid Transit. The course pays particular attention to the wheel-rail interaction, running behaviour in curves and straight tracks, propulsion concepts, running gear and vehicle construction, body shells, bogie design, safety issues and environmental aspects such as energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emission in rail transportation. Existing and emerging applications of various engineering concepts through case studies will also be discussed in closer detail.

Lecturers: Prof. Dr.-Ing Markus Hecht / Hours: 45 / Semester: 1

This module advances students’ knowledge of trackworks, emphasising their understanding of forces acting between vehicle and track, the load distribution within the track superstructure into the substructure (Earthworks or civil structure), environmental impacts on the track performances, as well as the requirements for the design and construction of rail infrastructure. This module will pay particular attention to track design, the construction, maintenance and renewal of tracks for a variety of rail infrastructures (conventional and high-speed). In addition, students will also engage in intensive discussions on the conceptual design and structural performance of both traditional and ballastless track systems in learning about the logics and rationales behind the concepts.

Lecturers: Dr.-Ing Bernhard Lechner (TUM) / Hours: 45 / Semester: 2

This module enables students to form a solid foundation in train control and signalling systems, in which the benefits and challenges of techniques used will also be closely analysed in lessons. The module will also deep dive into turnout, signals, track-based equipment, facilities, electronic interlocking and train control systems. Students will gain greater insights as the risk analysis and assessment of electronic systems and management of train schedules and transport risk are discussed in closer detail in this module.

Lecturers: Dr. Michael Leining / Dr. Andreas Kaldenbach / Hours: 45 / Semester: 2

One of the ground-breaking innovations in the railway infrastructure space, ballastless tracks are increasingly adopted globally due to their superior ride comfort, safety and low levels of care and maintenance. In this module, students learn in depth the requirements and procedures for ballastless track system design for high-speed and conventional mainline rail infrastructure. This specialised course also deep dives into the special features of Metro and light rail systems, traintrack interactions, alignment and track layout for urban rail systems, the sources, propagation and effects on surrounding buildings and measures to counteract noises and vibration. Through this lesson, students will learn to design a variety of state-of-the-art tracks, such as special floating slab tracks, green tracks, tram tracks and embedded track systems, and assess their environmental impacts.

Lecturers: Dr.-Ing Bernhard Lechner / Hours: 45 / Semester: 2

This module introduces students to some of the most important computational tools and methods of planning infrastructure. Using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, students will be able to apply these tools, requirements and rules set for railway planning proficiently on a student’s project. Students will also learn about Finite Element Method (FEM) for the modelling and analysis of track structures, subsystems and components used for the design and evaluation of performance. Different approaches to creating Geometry models of these elements will be explored, particularly for rail/sleepers using ANSYS. Students will also learn about the basics of importing geometry files for FE analysis using ANSYS Workbench, applying simple analysis meshing methods, and understanding the compatibility of data transfer across different platforms in depth. The module will also use Multi-Body Simulation to simulate and analyse dynamic effects activated by vehicles running along tracksequipped with different track geometry and quality.

Lecturer: Mr. Mahesh Hariharan / Hours: 45 / Semester: 2

In this module, students gain a comprehensive overview of tunnel works and geotechniques, covering the key aspects of the investigations conducted prior to the start of the project. Students will learn about the fundamentals of soil investigation, the basics of foundation, and earth construction in traffic ways. The course will also dive into the tunnelling methods and the techniques covering the various calculating methods and the prediction of settlements by tunnelling in loose soils.

Lecturer: apl. Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Jochen Fillibeck / Dipl-Ing. Gerhard Bräu / Hours: 45 / Semester: 2

This module enables students to form a solid foundation in power systems, covering the key concepts and structures of power systems, such as generation, transportation and distribution, electricity consumption, and common power plant types, including new renewable technologies. Students will also enhance their understanding of the dynamics of electricity demand, especially due to new electronic services, and appreciate the new possibilities offered by smart demand technologies to make power systems more flexible by learning more about energy economy, electricity markets and smart grids.

Lecturers: Prof. Dr.-Ing Thomas Hamacher / Hours: 45 / Semester: 2

The module covers comprehensive insight into highway planning design of safe, highly efficient and sustainable. It covers knowledge of road transport networks, the driver vehicle- infrastructure interactions which served as guiding principles for road geometric design and pavement design, structural and functional performance, Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) transport infrastructure, transport infrastructure for electromobility, and Pavement Management Systems. The students will study and apply road planning strategies and tools by designing the road alignment for a new project through a case study.

Lecturers: Dr.-Ing Ali Bawono / Hours: 45 / Semester: 1

This module offers the foundational knowledge of transport, mobility and urban planning in which students advance their understanding of the reasons for traffic, spatial and temporal traffic distribution, the relationship between planning and design of the infrastructure and the assignment of functions in cities and conurbation, dependencies between supply and demand. Students will also learn to apply travel demand modelling using the 4-step algorithm to estimate travel demand.

Lecturers: Prof. Dr. Rolf Moeckel / Dr. Evan Gwee / Hours: 45 / Semester: 1

This module offers the foundational knowledge of transport, mobility, and urban planning, in which students advance their understanding of the reasons for traffic, spatial and temporal traffic distribution, the relationship between infrastructure planning and design, the assignment of functions in cities and conurbations, and dependencies between supply and demand. Students will also learn to apply travel demand modelling using the 4-step algorithm to estimate travel demand.

Lecturer: Dr.-Ing Andreas Rau / Hours: 45 / Semester: 1

This module enhances students’ understanding of the general approach to traffic control and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) in the urban and motorway context. It offers a critical understanding of the principles of different systems and their technical approaches while placing emphasis on the analysis of ITS applications in urban, extra-urban and integrated systems. The module will also deep dive into the objective, measures, methods, and algorithms of implementing ITS, building on students’ knowledge gained in the modules “Basics of Traffic Flow and Traffic Control and “Transportation Modelling and Simulation Tools”.

Lecturers: Mr Martin Margreiter / Hours: 45 / Semester: 2

This module provides students with foundational knowledge and analytical skills on urban road design in megacities by beginning with a detailed evaluation and discussion of the characteristics of various modes of transport and their advantages and disadvantages. Students will be able to appreciate the design rationale behind every single road design as they learn to analyse the challenges and needs of transport infrastructure in urban areas of big cities and agglomerations and consider correlations such as land use, capacity of passenger transport and environmental issues. Through this module, students will be able to proficiently apply the knowledge they have learned in planning, designing, andorganising urban streets as spaces for living and develop solutions to organise transport efficiently for all modes and mobility needs.

Lecturer: Dipl.-Ing. Torben Heinemann / Hours: 45 / Semester: 2

This module gives an in-depth insight into the necessary components of airports and harbours and the planning processes for developing these sites. Students will enjoy the intellectual stimulation as the module reviews the various methods for operating airports and harbours through the lens of multiple aspects of the pre-planning process, such as environmental impacts leading to the ultimate choice of the location. Students will also learn about the essential components of airports, including the fundamental design concepts and operation and maintenance procedures necessary to manage key infrastructures successfully.

Lecturers: Prof. h.c. Dr. Dieter Schmitt / Mr. Timothy Chao / Hours: 45 / Semester: 2

This module provides students with a solid foundation of some of the key methods and procedures in the field of material flow and logistics planning. Students will learn to apply the range of tools and assessment methods to develop different planning alternatives by beginning the module with the actual collection of data for detailed analysis. Students will also gain proficiency in applying qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods to select the best planning alternative. The course will also place an emphasis on intensifying students’ theoretical foundation through working on a practical case study conducted in small groups.

Lecturer: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Johannes Fottner / Hours: 45 / Semester: 2

The course will begin with the core principles of business logistics, where students gain insights into the functional process of logistics and the pivotal role logistics play in a competitive landscape. Providing an incisive portrait of the various aspects of logistics processes, students learn how logistics processes can be optimised, which in turn gives them an opportunity to develop their critical thinking on the potential of information technology and digitisation in logistics.

Lecturer: Prof. Dr.-Ing Christian Kille / Hours: 45 / Semester: 2

This module provides students with an insightful overview of the fundamental concepts, theories, and applications of supply chains, covering its main challenges and planning methods. It aims to stimulate critical thinking and equips students with the strategic ability to find the insights behind theories that will help them to match the right supply chain for different types of products, align their supply chain planning in inventory management, procurement and sourcing as well as risk management to create value in supply chains.

Lecturer: Prof. Dr.-Ing Alexander Hübner / Hours: 45 / Semester: 1

The primary purpose of the module is to introduce students to the different areas of business administration with the final objective to give them a basic understanding of how to face decision problems in a company. Most importantly, we will analyse long-term investment decisions, how to set-up strategic planning in a company, how to gather timely information about the current situation of a company, and how to set-up the long-term financial structure.

Lecturers: Prof. Dr. Christoph Kaserer/ Prof. Dr. Isabel Welpe / Hours: 45 / Semester: 1

This module presents the dynamics of technological development through innovation and the related management issues, the difference between creating a new product (invention) and improving an existing product/idea (innovation), Start-ups and financing of innovation, Innovation-driven economic cycles and Innovation impact on growth and jobs. This course is useful for students who plan to take up careers in manufacturing and service companies or in R&D organisations that make significant use of research and technology to build their portfolio.

Lecturers: Prof. Dr. Edward Krubasik / Hours: 45 / Semester: 1

This module introduces the principles of Project Management which addresses the key aspects of the project management processes and frameworks for successful projects. The skills and understanding of principles of project management is a key for the project manager to lead, plan, and implement projects to help their organisations succeed by achieving the common objectives within designated scope, cost, and timeline. The module introduces tools, techniques, and frameworks used to engage effective stakeholders’ communication, monitor the project life cycle, and consistently develop the project with its deliverable. In this course, the student will learn how to initiate, manage, monitor, and then close the project. Students will also gain an understanding of predictive and adaptive approaches commonly used in various projects and various industries.

Lecturers: Dr.-Ing Ali Bawono / Hours: 45 / Semester: 1

Graduates will be able to pursue a career as rail consultants who are subject-matter experts offering technical expertise and guidance to the team and clients to improve processes and deliver outcomes in relation to rail operations, rail design, rail engineering or rale safety. Rail consultants will be able to evaluate existing rail infrastructure and identify areas of improvement for recommendations. Rail consultants are to-go experts in specialised fields in the rail, such as signalling systems, track maintenance and more.

Rail Project Managers are responsible for orchestrating highly sophisticated rail project commissioning activities to ensure that the safety, progress, and quality of the project meet industry and safety standards. Their technical knowledge and skill set in rail engineering will enable them to weave environmental, economic, and industry considerations into project specifications and ensure they are met with a high degree of success.

Graduates will excel in the career of rail operations as they navigate the highly interconnected nature of the rail network. Apart from ensuring all rail operations and rail schedules are run to the tee, their deep knowledge of the various components of the rail network will also enable them to troubleshoot and address on-site issues while optimising its performance.

Graduates in the Safety and Maintenance Rail line will find similarities in the course of work with the lessons learned in this programme. They are responsible for managing programmes related to the maintenance and safety of rails; safety and maintenance rail engineers provide solutions and recommendations on track failure and recovery. They would be able to lead the team in carrying out any improvement and maintenance work for both the passenger and engineering trains to enhance their reliability. They will be able to perform complex fault analysis and testing of engineering and passenger trains, upholding the safety standards of the rail.

Rail Designer Managers take multiple perspectives as they spearhead rails and infrastructure design projects to serve the multifaceted needs of different stakeholders. They play a critical role in manifesting commuter needs in the design features of rail and its accompanying infrastructure, delivering them according to standards and requirements. This role is highly fulfilling and commands a high level of leadership and foresight to manage a team of engineers and project management professionals effectively to ensure key milestones are on track for completion.

Transport planners play a critical role in developing transportation strategies to enhance mobility for people and the transport of goods. Putting stakeholders at the heart of the planning process while taking into consideration the range of interconnected issues such as safety, environment, economy, efficiency and even future population growth and trends, transport planners have not one but two ears on the ground to orchestrate projects from the initial conception of ideas, through to design, completion and review. They often need to interpret several sacks of traffic data and apply mathematical and computer simulation models to forecast the effects of policy initiatives and strategies to ensure an efficient and effective transport system.

Transport analysts are pivotal in identifying rooms for improvements and opportunities by assessing and evaluating transportation processes and systems. Transportation analysts distil this complex information by conducting logistical studies and data analysis evaluations to recommend strategies and tactics to enhance efficiency and streamline processes. Using historical data and trends, transportation analysts help to guide future transportation planning by providing recommendations and developing innovative and cost-effective solutions to implement efficient transport systems to meet future transport needs and demands.

The transportation operations manager oversees the massive transportation operations, be it cargo, freight, or passenger trains. They direct activities such as dispatching, routing, and tracking of transportation of vehicles, aircraft, or railroad cars while planning for all operation staff to deliver the required tasks. They review transportation operational policies, standards and procedures and ensure they are aligned with both the organisation and stakeholders’ needs. In addition, they also manage all transportation or hauling needs within the organisation.

One of the key roles that graduates of MSc in Rail and Urban Transport can play is the role of an infrastructure planner. Infrastructure Planners look into existing infrastructure to develop design solutions to serve the new needs of commuters and vehicles, but they also design new and future infrastructure to support new transport policies and initiatives. As more governments are looking to accelerate the introduction and adoption of electric vehicles worldwide, transportation planners are critical in building the right infrastructure to develop a robust and sustainable EV ecosystem.

Traffic designers and planners are responsible for planning highways and roads, taking into account the myriad traffic patterns in communities of varying scales. They are highly needed for their professional expertise and capability in analysing traffic data to make scientifically founded decisions, such as widening a highway or building a new facility alongside busy intersections. Their knowledge and skill set can offer invaluable scientific insights to optimise resource efficiency in every undertaking.