Advanced Construction and Building Technology - Automation, Robotics, Services • Technische Universität München (University) • München

 

Advanced Construction and Building Technology - Automation, Robotics, Services • Technische Universität München (University) • München

 

 

 

 

OVERVIEW

Degree	Master
In cooperation with	International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction (IAARC)
Course language(s)	English
	English
Admission semester	Winter semester only
Beginning	Winter semester - October
Programme duration	Four semesters (two years)
Application deadline	31 May for the following winter semester
Course content	Frontier engineering sciences increasingly breed innovations. These innovations are driven and amplified by globalisation, closed loop resource utilisation, transformation of technological potentials, environmental and demographic challenges. Therefore, the topics of this course aim to expand professional core competencies in construction while responding to changing technological, social and ecological circumstances: 1. New technologies, processes and strategies for designing and producing buildings: Faster return on investment through implementation of rapid project delivery and zero defect construction via robot-oriented design and automated construction systems. Students who take the Master's Course in Advanced Construction and Building Technology acquire complementary knowledge in design, production, assembly, logistics, and management, with an emphasis on information, communication, automation, robotics, mechatronics, and service technologies. 2. Integration of intelligent systems in daily life and environments: Microsystems and microelectronics increasingly form a part of our everyday life. Miniaturisation allows for incorporation of microelectronics into domestic systems and appliances. Simultaneously, we want to deal with a standardised and compatible network of synergetic subsystems rather than detached island solutions. On top of conventional construction planning, engineering, and management, these new technologies require an even more complex project management capacity for interfacing the various frontier science disciplines. In order to incorporate mechatronic technologies into intelligent living environments, students acquire basic knowledge of these advanced ICT. 3. Life cycle management, value engineering and design innovation: The Master's course follows a holistic approach: the deployment of new technologies is considered in each phase of the life cycle, from marketing and project development up to re-use and disassembly. Due to the elementary approach of open systems and subsystems, the life cycle of a building can be extended by upgrading or repairing one element without destroying the whole system; this approach is common in aerospace industries. In the construction industry, secondary resource utilisation helps to increase the total resource efficiency of building performance. Students apply management of technology, processes and projects, with their technological interdependencies and socio-economic boundary constraints. By studying intercultural cases in design, production, and management, students acquire cross-cultural experiences which are invaluable for a future professional international career. Future socio-ecological engineers will be prepared to tackle as yet unknown challenges by designing solutions for a future technology, economy, ecology and society. They apply frontier science competence and consistently define cross-disciplinary domains. The Master's Course in Advanced Construction and Building Technology can be considered as an incubator for strategic design and development of continuous improvement and innovation for lifelong learning.

 

COURSE DETAILS

Educational organisation	Development of a widespread theoretical basic knowledge (theory), the transfer of methods and tools for problem-solving and project realisation (methodology), and the opportunity to acquire problem- and interest-specific knowledge (specialisation) constitute the foundations of the Master's course. First semester (30 ECTS): During the first semester, basic knowledge is increasingly developed. The knowledge acquired is broad, ranging from construction systematic basics via logistics and manufacturing/construction processes to life cycle-relevant technologies and assistive systems in buildings. Basics in innovation development and socio-technological aspects are also imparted. A small pre-project introduces students to project work and helps them come to understand their strengths and weaknesses at an early stage. Second and third semesters (30 ECTS each): During the second and third semesters priority is given to project work. Tasks are set in such a way that students are able to use the basic knowledge they have acquired, developing this further into a personal approach. The problem-oriented approach will motivate students to acquire specific knowledge through the elective subjects. Interdisciplinary basics are also imparted in an integrated manner via "learning by doing". The elective subjects are the second focus in the second and third semesters. Through these, students can align their projects and integrate their personal preferences. In addition, further obligatory subjects are deepened in the thematic fields of industrialisation strategies, life cycle-relevant technologies and assistive systems in buildings as well as innovation development. Fourth semester (Master's thesis/30 ECTS): In the Master's thesis the basic and specific knowledge gained by the students is merged with acquired skills and methods. Depending on the interests and skills of the students, the task can either involve aspects of theory, methodology/project, and specialisation, or it can focus on one topic. The elaboration of the thesis can take place as a pure project or as a purely scientific-theoretical discourse, these being the two "extremes" in the spread of possible configurations. Usually a balance is the goal in order to fulfil the principle of an equally widespread and varied education.
Study abroad unit(s)	A limited number of scholarships for one semester in Japan (University of Tokyo) and/or one semester in Korea are available to students.
Internships	No compulsory internship
Forms of assessment	Project work, presentations, homework, written exams, Master's thesis
ECTS credits	120
Course-related English language courses	Yes
Course objectives	This Master's course is in tune with current professional requirements. It responds to a major shift in the professional mainstream away from the traditional core competences of design and construction. Civil engineers, economists, lawyers, and others are increasingly taking on what was formerly the architect's workload. New technologies are creating a paradigm change towards establishing new job profiles, thus creating new employment opportunities. Future graduates of this course will be trained in cross-disciplinary thinking and functioning and will therefore acquire the flexibility to adjust to changing professional environments. Any large corporation driven by technology and innovation can survive as a global player, designing, engineering, producing, and servicing its core business 24/7 around the globe. Here our global course network and our ten years of international experience in Europe, Asia, and America permeate into the coursework, optimally equipping our graduates for a promising global and intercultural career.

 

COSTS/FUNDING

Tuition fees	500 EUR per semester
Enrolment fees	45 EUR per Semester
Costs of living	Approx. 800 EUR per month to cover personal expenses
Job opportunities	Part-time jobs and student jobs in companies and offices, internship
Funding opportunities within the university	Scholarships for exchange semesters within the programme are available (Japan, Korea, Russia) portal.mytum.de/studium/stip/st20/

 

 

REQUIREMENTS

Language requirements	If English is not your native language or was not the official language of tuition of your previous course of study, a TOEFL, an IELTS or an examination of the Cambridge Main Suite of English is required (for required score please contact us).
Academic requirements	1. Applications are invited from candidates with an above-average Bachelor's degree (at least six semesters) or equivalent certificate from a recognised university in the areas of engineering sciences, natural sciences, economics, engineering-/technology-related humanities, geronto-technology-related medicine, architecture, and design. 2. If English is not your native language or was not the official language of tuition of your previous course of study, a TOEFL, an IELTS or an examination of the Cambridge Main Suite of English is required (for required score please contact us). 3. For admission to the course, successful completion of the entrance exam (in the form of an interview) for the Master's degree in Advanced Construction and Building Technology is usually required. If you are not sure whether you fulfil the admission requirements, please contact us. It will be a pleasure for us to advise you!
Where to apply	Technische Universität München Chair for Building Realization and Robotics Prof. Prof. h. c./SRSTU Dr.-Ing./Univ.Tokio Thomas Bock Arcisstraße 21 80333 München Germany

 

SERVICES

Arrival support	Arrival: TUM's International Office offers a special programme tailored for the arrival of new international students, TUMinternational (TUMi). The TUMi programme provides help and advice for new students as well as a cultural programme with events scheduled both prior to and during the academic periods. Pre Study Course: TUM's Summer and Winter University offers a Pre-Study Course designed to prepare international students for student life in Munich. Through this programme students get to know the university prior to the start of semester, improve their knowledge of German and learn about the teaching styles and methods used at TUM. Learning German: While the language of instruction for many of TUM's postgraduate programmes is English and one can easily live in Munich with English as the only language of communication, learning German and thus being able to participate in daily German life at a deeper level enriches the experience of studying and living in Munich. As such, TUM's language centre offers language classes at all levels for students, both prior to and during semester. TUM Welcome Office: www.international.tum.de/en/welcome-to-tum/ TUMi activities: www.international.tum.de/en/welcome-at-tum/internationale-studierend/tuminternational/ TUM Summer and Winter University Pre Study Course: www.international.tum.de/en/internationale-studienangebote/home-summer-university/summer-programs/ TUM Language Centre www.sprachenzentrum.tum.de/en/startseite/
Services and support for international students	The Master's course relies on course coaching, in which advisers from two categories are allocated to each student: mentors and international consultants. They assist students during their studies as well as in the writing of the Master's thesis. International consultants offer advice to students concerning technical issues in the project phases and during the Master's thesis. These consultants are an addition to the mentors. The international consultants guarantee contact with the professional world on the one hand, as well as being important reference persons for international students. Furthermore, the International Office (IO) of TUM offers pre-study courses, Summer Universities and courses for intercultural training to support the integration of international students.
Accommodation	The majority of Munich's university students live in private apartments. Only approx. 13 % live in Halls of Residence. Unlike in other countries, German dormitories are not owned or operated by the university, but by external institutions. The "Studentenwerk" (Student Services) operates several large Halls of Residence in Munich. Students submit housing applications directly to the Halls, which typically have a waiting period. At the beginning of each semester, the Studentenwerk organises a lottery to allocate dormitory rooms. Average rental prices for typical accommodation: Room in a flat-share: 400-650 EUR Room in a Hall of Residence: 270-360 EUR

MORE

Course website	www.br2.ar.tum.de
About the university	TUM has been combining scientific expertise with entrepreneurial thinking for more than 140 years. TUM is one of the prestigious institutions selected as part of the "Excellence Initiative" launched by the German Federal Government. Achievement of top results in all its core fields of education and research: engineering and economics, natural and life sciences, medicine and sports resulted in TUM being ranked the number one university in Germany in 2011 (CHE University Ranking) and among the top 50 universities worldwide according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. A centrepiece of TUM's institutional strategy to promote top-level research is TUM's Institute for Advanced Study. This unique concept has been developed to allow selected guest scientists and TUM's best faculty members to conduct ground-breaking research while offering young scientists the chance to develop their talents in the inspiring company of outstanding senior scientists. TUM understands the value that can lie in unexpected and unintended outcomes and fellows are encouraged to explore promising new leads as they occur. Our graduates are active around the globe and TUM professors make important contributions to world research. With more than 460 professors and over 8,000 additional staff, we offer academic and research opportunities to over 30,000 students. More than 15 % of our staff and over 18 % of our students come from abroad, creating a university culture which is cosmopolitan and hospitable. In Europe and worldwide, TUM maintains over 400 university partnerships and collaborates with many international research institutions. At TUM, you have a unique chance to experience the energised spirit of an entrepreneurial university in the very heart of Europe.
About the city	One of TUM's advantages lies in its location. With a population of 1.4 million, Munich is often said to have a small town feel but all the advantages of a bustling metropolis. The city is clean and safe and combining this with a highly efficient public transportation system makes living in Munich a pleasure. So it is no surprise that Munich consistently ranks among the World's top 10 most liveable cities. Whether you are into mountain sports, rock concerts, opera or art exhibitions, watching a match of Munich's favourite sons - FC Bayern Munich - or simply relaxing in the serenity of one of its nearby lakes, in Munich everything is right at your doorstep. Even if Munich's own countless benefits leave you wanting more, its central European location with quick and easy rail, air and road connections mean that other cities and regions such as Prague, Salzburg and Venice are only short trips away. Last but by no means least, Munich is renowned for its world-leading automotive and high-tech companies. The headquarters and R&D departments of many high-tech companies including BMW, Siemens MTU and EADS are located here. As such, TUM students are well positioned to gain internships, research projects and permanent positions with these world leading companies, or with one of the 2,500 microelectronics companies, which also call Munich home.