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Technical University of Munich

Teaching

The Professorship for Design and Operation of Public Rail Transport Systems is offering lectures and interactive labs which, on the one hand, provide an extensive overview on the fundamentals of railway operations and logistics, and, on the other hand, introduce advanced methodological concepts in timetabling, capacity planning, and traffic management.

The teaching offer of the chair is continuously growing. We will offer additional courses as the Professorship grows.

Currently we offer the following courses:

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Railway Operations

Lecturer (assistant)
Norman Weik [L]
Norman Weik [L]
Martin Tosstorff
Number 0000000748
Type lecture with integrated exercises
Duration 4 SWS
Term Sommersemester 2026
Language of instruction English
Position within curricula See TUMonline
Dates See TUMonline

Admission information

See TUMonline

Objectives

After successful completion of the module
• Students are aware of procedures and logistical processes in railway operations and freight and passenger transportation
• They are familiar with infrastructure and system components in rail transportation
• Know technological advances currently discussed in the railway context and can assess the potential and challenges of process automation in the railway industry

Description

This courseprovides an introduction into Railway Operations. Starting with fundamental concepts of railway signalling, driving dynamics, and train control, the principles of train operations are discussed, focussing on four main aspects:
1. Regulatory procedures in train operations
2. Production systems, essential components, and logistical processes in both passenger and freight transport systems.
3. Technological innovations in train operations and control including, e.g, highly automated driving, moving block-operations, or virtual coupling.
4. Digital transformation in railway operations and traffic management.

Prerequisites

Fundamentals of train kinematics and train signalling comparable to, e.g., modules BV 340007 Kinematik und Fahrdynamik and BV340015 Bahnmodul are helpful.

Teaching and learning methods

The module consists of a lecture with integrated exercises. In the lecture students learn about the organization and regulation of rail traffic and are introduced to concepts, technologies, and management procedures in railway operations.
In the exercises, students learn how to assess systems based perform small calculations putting the concepts discussed in the lectures to practice.
A mid-term task, where students apply the concepts discussed in the lecture in developing a train operation concept for a railway station is handed out as a homework for self-assessment.
Technical visits and guest lectures complement the lectures to provide students with hands-on impressions on current important topics in railway operations. Technical visits may be offered in German only and be subject to capacity restrictions.

Examination

Assessment of the learning outcome is based on a written exam of 60min duration at the end of the lecture.

Recommended literature

• Pachl, Railway Operations and Control, 4th edition, VTD Rail Publishing, Mountlake Terrace (USA) 2018
• Janicki, Railway system knowledge – How the German rail system works, BFV, 2018
• Glover, Principles of Railway Operations, Ian Allen Publishing, 2013

Links

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Bachelor and Master thesis projects

TopicType of ThesisPartner
New topics to be published shortly  
   
   

We are continuously offering Bachelor and Master thesis projects related to our research topics. Please contact us via e-mail with a short description of your interests and academic background. We are also open to suggestions for possible topics matching our profile.

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