Seminars in M&T: Onderzoeksvelden en Trends

The course consists of 2 components: (1) seminars and (2) trend analysis in which groups of 2-3 students work together.

(1) Seminars
A series of one or two seminars per week (in total ~10) present the main research fields of the domain of Mobility en Transport, such as rail traffic, electric and automated transport, traffic safety, public transport, freight and logistics, active modes, traffic control, smart and sustainable mobility, traffic simulation and data analytics. The aim of each seminar is to provide an overview of the current status of that field (i.e., scope, applications, stakeholders/partners), how it is being researched (i.e., projects, lab facilities, data, methods) and its future challenges (i.e., goals, developments). A seminar is approximately 3 hours consisting of presentations, demonstrations, discussions, etc. and is each time provided by one of the research labs from the Transport en Planning department at TU Delft.

(2) Trend analysis
As a group, a trend is chosen (in consultation with the course coordinator) and analysed. The trend should be external to the MenT domain, but related to at least one of the main research fields. Examples of such 'trends' could relate to densification of urban areas, online retail, remote working/learning, energy transition, air quality, climate change, natural disasters and emergencies, global economy, public health, aging populations, inclusiveness, digitalization of information and services, internet-of-things, AI, and more. You are highly encouraged to think of a trend from within your own BSc field that may interact with the MenT domain.

The analysis includes:

• examining the context, driving factors, goals and consequences of the trend, particularly those related to M&T.

• identifying and describing the roles of research fields of M&T therein and how they (can) contribute.

The trend analysis should be based on the understanding of the M&T domain and research fields as gained in the seminars, as well as on a search and review of the (scientific) literature.

Students submit as a group before the end of week 10 a product that presents their trend analysis. The form of the product should be chosen appropriately. Examples are a poster, explainer video, slide show or report.

Grading (group grade) is based on the quality of analysis of the trend (30%) and roles of research fields (30%), the literature study (20%) and the product (20%). A grading rubric will be provided.

Pass/fail criterion additional to grading: Seminar attendance is mandatory. A maximum of 2 seminars can be missed, under the condition that any missed seminar must be compensated by self-study to fulfil the seminar learning goals and a report thereof.

For more information on grading, see article 14 in the Rules and Guidelines (RGBE):
https://www.tudelft.nl/en/student/ceg-student-portal/education/education-information/educational-rules-and-regulations