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Scientific Typesetting with LaTeX

LaTeX (pronounced ‘Latech’) is a typesetting system based on Donald E. Knuth’s TeX and is particularly widely used for academic documents. Unlike traditional word processing programmes such as Microsoft Word or LibreOffice, content and formatting are consistently kept separate. Instead of formatting a document directly, one creates a source text which, in addition to the actual content, also contains instructions regarding the logical structure of the document and is subsequently translated into an output file – nowadays usually a PDF.

This separation also allows even extensive documents to be administered efficiently. Tables of contents, bibliographies and lists of figures can be generated automatically, cross-references remain consistent, and global changes to the layout can be made with minimal effort. LaTeX is particularly valued for its powerful capabilities in the fields of mathematics and formula typesetting, as well as the high typographical quality of the documents it produces.

The course ‘Academic Writing with LaTeX’ teaches the fundamental techniques for creating academic documents. The topics covered range from simple text documents to the essential components of seminar papers, bachelor’s theses, master’s theses and doctoral theses. The tools used in the course are freely available and compatible with all common operating systems.

Course format

The course is offered as a compact course.

Further information can be found in the relevant course catalog.

Language

The course is taught in German. Some of the course materials and further reading may be in English.

Course content

The course covers the fundamental concepts of academic typesetting with LaTeX.

  • Simple text documents with LaTeX
    • System and language customisation
    • Structural elements
    • Text formatting
    • Page layout
    • Counters and lengths
    • Customisation of automatic document elements
  • Elements of academic work
    • Cross-references
    • Lists
    • Positioning of elements
    • Figures
    • Tables
    • Tables of contents, lists of figures, lists of tables, bibliographies and indexes
    • Mathematics and formula typesetting

Requirements

No prior knowledge of LaTeX is required to take part. Similarly, no programming skills are required.

You may use your own laptop. Alternatively, computers are available in the CIP-Pools. All tools used in the course are available free of charge and are compatible with Windows, macOS and Linux.

Assessment

Assessment is based on active engagement with the exercises. The exact arrangements will be announced at the start of the course.

To receive a graded credit as part of the IT training programme accompanying your studies or other designated modules, you must also successfully complete a written exam. The written exam covers the basic techniques for creating academic documents using LaTeX.

Further organisational details will be announced during the course.

Course materials

The course materials and exercise sheets are made available via GRIPS.

The following are particularly suitable for further study and as reference works:

  • the official KOMA-Script documentation,
  • the documentation for the LaTeX packages used,
  • the Overleaf documentation and the tutorials available there,
  • the extensive resources of the Comprehensive TeX Archive Network (CTAN).
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