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Computer science?
Computer science today
Whether notebook, smartphone, washing machine, Wikipedia or Facebook: Information technology systems have become an indispensable part of our everyday lives, our working lives and our leisure time. In addition to the hardware, it's all about the software, i.e. the programs, apps, user interfaces, etc. that bring the hardware to life. Computer science is the science that deals with the development and application of these systems on the basis of the analysis of problems from the most diverse fields of application.
Aim of the degree program
The Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree primarily teaches the knowledge, methods and skills required for a first career entry. In combination with a subsequent Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree, in addition to professional practice in a wide variety of fields, the main focus is on scientific research.
Computer science is not a pure technical science. Rarely is it only about the technical solution of a task with the help of suitable hardware and/or software, i.e. not just about an efficient program or system design. Often just as important, is what to be calculated, processed, displayed, which benefit or damage may arise. And computer science is about using an interacting with the resulting information technology system. In this respect, analysis, impact assessment and design are of equal importance.
Computer scientists develop and investigate for example multimedia systems, process controls, georeferenced applications, assistance systems, browser games, databases, operating systems, user interfaces, web and smartphone applications, embedded and mobile systems, robots and much more. They pay attention to information and functional security, usability, expandability or simply motivation and fun in the game.
The degree program deals with the theoretical, practical and technical basics of computer science, its application to solve concrete problems as well as the economic and social interrelations of these development and application processes. At the same time, these are the questions the research projects in the degree program, which also cover a very broad spectrum from technical and theoretical basics to concepts and realizations of information technology systems to questions of social consequences and framework conditions.
Career prospects
Fields of activity for computer scientists can be diverse: They find jobs in industry and business as well as in the public sector.
They mainly work in the field of software development, but also in the manufacture of computer hardware and in research and teaching. In order to take this diversity into account, the degree program aims to enable students to adapt independently to the rapidly changing demands of professional practice.
The degree program is conducted on a scientific basis. It lives from the tension between general, basic knowledge and special, instrumental skills; it emphasizes the basics over the skills, but one is not possible without the other. In education on a scientific, research-oriented level, professional knowledge, methods and skills are imparted which are professionally qualifying in the field of computer science. In addition, the programme offers the opportunity to deepen or specialise - also in a postgraduate Master's programme. Thus it is also suitable as a basis for further scientific qualification (doctorate). The combination of the Bachelor's programme in Computer Science with a Master's programme in another, usually related subject (or vice versa) offers the possibility of acquiring multiple qualifications.
More information can be found here.
Mathematics?
Mathematics today
Mathematics is not only about arithmetic, but rather about discovering, investigating and making use of abstract structures. As one of the oldest scientific disciplines, mathematical theory is a widely developed and ramified science and represents an extensive cultural heritage. (Industrial) Mathematics is an indispensable basis today for almost all areas of natural sciences, technology, economy and administration. The conversion of mathematical theory into practical and partly computer-fair procedures for the solution of applied problems is an important task of current mathematical research. Although the computer often plays a major role in this activity, the necessary mathematical creativity still originates from the heads of (industrial) mathematicians.
Aim of the degree programs
The goal of (industrial) mathematics is the acquisition of thorough specialist knowledge, which allows one to independently apply and further develop acquired skills and insights. This requires a broad and well-founded basic education in pure and applied mathematics. In addition, students must acquire the ability to familiarize themselves with mathematical problems from other disciplines and to develop solutions for them. It is also important to be able to explain the insights gained to other mathematicians and non-mathematicians.
In the education degree programs, the basic scientific and didactic knowledge for future employment is imparted. A solid basic education should enable future teachers to follow the further development of their subject. Special emphasis is placed on the school-specific preparation and implementation of mathematical topics for teaching in didactic education.
Career prospects
The career prospects for (industrial) mathematicians are very good. They have a broad and constantly expanding field of activity. Outside universities and research institutions, mathematicians can also be found in all areas of industry and business. Mathematicians are always in demand, especially in software development, banking and insurance. Industrial mathematicians mainly work in research and development areas of industry. The ability to trace problems back to their core in principle makes (industrial) mathematicians particularly suitable for innovative fields such as cell and genetic research, security in finance, image analysis, etc. Positions are often also suitable for mathematicians if the respective job profile does not explicitly state this.
For the teaching profession, the professional orientation is different and depends on the respective federal state. The choice of the minor subject also plays an important role here; for example, the combination of mathematics and physics is very much in demand.
Examples can be found on the pages Professoinal fields of mathematics.
Would you like to study (industrial) mathematics?
If you are considering studying (industrial) mathematics, a natural talent is certainly helpful. University mathematics is very different from school mathematics, which can sometimes make it difficult to start studying. It is important that you feel an inclination towards mathematics. It should also be clear to you that a/n (industrial) mathematics degree program will require your full commitment, but will also bring great pleasure.
Online tests, online math degree programs and more
There are many assessment tests and self-learning materials on school mathematics available on the Internet; we provide a selection of these on the page "Online tests, online math degree programs and more". These are useful for self-assessment as well as for refreshing school material.