TU Clausthal awards teaching prize: Prof. Ehlers inspires with innovation!

TU Clausthal awards teaching prize: Prof. Ehlers inspires with innovation!

On July 10, 2025, the renowned teaching award from Clausthal University of Technology was awarded to Prof. Rüdiger Ehlers for his outstanding course “Embedded Systems Engineering I”. This award, which has been awarded since 2013 and this year included 37 proposals from 22 nominated professors, underlines the high value that the university places on innovative and future-oriented teaching. The teaching price is associated with a one-off grant of 5,000 euros for teaching and operating materials, such as tu-clausthal.de reported.

The jury, which consisted of three teachers and three students, particularly praised the practical components of Prof. Ehlers' course, which deals with the embedded systems used in everyday devices and machines. Jürgen Lars Sackbrook, head of the Center for University Didactics, emphasized the quality of the event and praised the committed work of Prof. Ehlers. He expressed his gratitude for the recognition and emphasized that the tutors had also made a significant contribution to this success.

Innovative teaching methods and interdisciplinary approach

Prof. Ehlers' course is aimed at students in computer science, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering and is characterized by its constructive alignment approach, which was developed due to the pandemic-related changes in recent years. The practical exercises in which modern microcontrollers are used are particularly emphasized. These cover a wide range of applications, from small devices to control devices for autonomous driving. In addition, a video-based introductory course in the C programming language is offered, which gives students access to high-quality, prepared teaching materials, such as tu-clausthal.de is described in detail.

Another feature of the course is the individualized exam feedback, which is intended to help students specifically improve their performance. In addition, the event is closely linked to the leitmotif of the Circular Economy at Clausthal University of Technology, which creates an additional practical connection to the current discussion about sustainability and resource conservation.

Courses of study and career prospects

The commitment of Prof. Ehlers and his department is not just limited to teaching. The master's program in “Systems Engineering” at Clausthal University of Technology, which is designed to be interdisciplinary, also offers experienced students the opportunity to deepen and expand their knowledge. The content of the course includes engineering, natural sciences and computer science and prepares students to develop complex technical systems over their entire life cycle. The focus is on important tasks such as the development of new products, organization of production processes and quality assurance ces.tu-clausthal.de is presented.

The course is accredited by ASIIN and is closely based on the curriculum of the Society for Systems Engineering e.V. (GfSE). This ensures that graduates are prepared to master the challenges in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and computer science. The practical training is supplemented by block events and part-time remote teaching offers.

The awarding of teaching prizes such as those of Clausthal University of Technology is not only a sign of appreciation for excellent teaching, but also supports the continuous quality development at universities. This is underlined by various recommendations, such as those of the Austrian University Conference, which emphasizes the importance of teaching awards to improve teaching quality, such as phlu.ch notes.

Overall, Prof. Ehlers' award shows how important innovative and practical learning is at universities and what role teaching awards play in promoting such approaches.