OVERVIEW

The course describes the main aspects related to the rail transport with a particular attention to the practical applications and operational issues of the sector. The major trends of development and technological innovation are analyzed as well as the main research topics according to the vision of the main rail stakeholders at European level.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to provide the basic knowledge about the characteristics of rail transport systems both from the technical and functional point of view. A focus on the relevant sustainability is also provided.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course, the student will be able to:

• demonstrate his/her knowledge on technical aspects and operational issues of rail transport;
• describe the main technological innovation and future development scenarios of the sector;
• interact with companies that operate in the sector.

PREREQUISITES

None

TEACHING METHODS

The course lessons are held in a classroom. During the lessons, the professor shows and explains slides covering the various topics of the course and, in some cases, makes use of the (traditional or virtual) blackboard to explain in detail some specific contents. The slides are made available to students on Aulaweb. Seminars from rail industry representatives and experts are planned during the course.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Basic concepts and historical overview
• Railway infrastructure, rolling stock, operation
• Signalling systems
• High-speed rail systems
• Metro rail systems
• Present and future of European research on rail transport

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

C. Pyrgidis, Railway Transportation Systems, 2nd edition. Routledge, 2022

S. Blainey, J. Preston, Sustainable railway engineering and operations. Emerald Publishing, 2022

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/en/corsi/10377/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam.

Students with learning disorders ("Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento", DSA) will be allowed to use specific modalities and supports that will be determined on a case-by-case basis in agreement with the delegate of the Engineering courses in the Committee for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral examination is intended to evaluate the student knowledge about the topics addressed during the course, and her/his capabilities of discussing them.