Upcoming lectures: Knowledge Graphs and Game Engineering

By: Prof. Dr. Kai Eckert | Mon, 02 Feb 2026

In the upcoming summer term, we will teach two elective courses: Knowledge Graphs (new!, Master/Bachelor) and Game Engineering (Bachelor, now with 3D!).

KGR is a Master’s course, but will be open for ambitious Bachelor students!

Knowledge Graphs

Knowledge Graphs will be held by Kai Eckert and Tobias Malmsheimer, our new academic staff member. In this lecture, we will explore the foundations and practical aspects of graph-based knowledge management, including data and ontology modeling as well as information extraction from unstructured and semi-structured text sources. Students will learn how to design, build, and maintain knowledge graphs that integrate heterogeneous data and support semantic interoperability across systems. The course will also introduce common standards and technologies for representing and querying knowledge graphs, enabling participants to work with modern, scalable graph-based infrastructures.

Building on these foundations, the lecture will demonstrate how knowledge graphs can be used to create versatile and reusable databases that drive a wide range of data-centric applications, such as search, recommendation, analytics, and intelligent decision support. Practical examples and hands-on exercises will illustrate how extracted knowledge can be curated, linked, and enriched to improve data quality and usability. By the end of the course, students will be able to model domain knowledge, select suitable tools and methods, and apply knowledge graph technologies to real-world scenarios in research and industry.

Game Engineering

Game Engineering is held by Kai Eckert. In this lecture, students will learn the fundamentals of game development with a strong focus on designing and implementing 2D games using the Godot Engine. The course covers essential concepts such as game loops, input handling, physics and collision systems, scene and asset management, as well as scripting and gameplay mechanics. Through hands-on projects, students will gain practical experience in building complete and playable games while developing a solid understanding of modern game engine workflows.

For the first time, the lecture also offers the possibility to create 3D games for students with prior experience in programming and game development. Advanced participants can explore 3D scenes, cameras, lighting, and physics in Godot, and learn how to structure more complex game systems and interactions. The course encourages creative experimentation and teamwork, and demonstrates how technical foundations, game design principles, and rapid prototyping come together to create engaging interactive experiences. By the end of the lecture, students will be able to independently develop and present their own game projects using the Godot Engine.