Mathematics
Summary
| Degree | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) |
|---|---|
| Subject group | Natural Sciences and Computer Sciences |
| Standard program duration | 6 semesters |
| Admission requirements |
none
|
| Start of studies |
Winter semester
Summer semester |
| Language | German |
| Further information | Website of Department of Mathematics |
Overview
Mathematicians are able to translate specific problems into mathematical questions, solve them, and draw conclusions for the application. The Bachelor’s degree program in Mathematics leads to an initial professional qualification. Furthermore, it prepares the graduate to pursue the Master’s degree program in Mathematics.
The initial phase of the program imparts basic mathematical content and methods in the areas of analysis and linear algebra. Later on, elements from numeric, algebra, and stochastics are added. From the second academic year on, introductory software courses are offered as block courses (1-2 weeks) during lecture-free periods. From the fourth semester on, students acquire more specific knowledge in various areas by attending specialization modules. The sixth semester is devoted, among other things, to completion of the Bachelor's thesis.
In addition to mathematics, a minor subject related to mathematics is studied. Here students familiarize themselves with the basics of another subject and encounter examples of how its problems can be dealt with mathematically. The minor can be chosen from the following subjects, under the terms of the minor subject agreements with the departments responsible:
- Structural Mechanics and Statics
- Chemistry
- Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Statistics
- Technical Mechanics
- Economics.
Other subjects can be studied as a minor on request.
Skills and knowledge
Enjoyment of mathematical questions and an ability to adopt a structural and abstract way of thinking are good attributes to bring to this program. The essence of the discipline is recognizing basic mathematical relationships in different areas, abstracting them, and analyzing them.
In order to be able to better assess your own knowledge of mathematics before starting your studies, you can take an online placement tests.
Those who take such a test early on and thus make an early assessment of their own level of knowledge can, up until the actual start of their studies, work through any problems and gaps revealed by the test, repeat topics, or continue training in the mathematical tools.
It is recommended that students take the preparatory course in Mathematics, which repeats material previously covered in school while providing the first experiences with working and living at the university (lectures in the auditorium, accompanying exercises in small groups). The Department of Mathematics usually offers such a three-week preparatory course starting at the end of August or early September.
The Bachelor’s degree program is not subject to admission restrictions.
Field of activity
The professional field of mathematicians is largely industry-independent and is constantly expanding. Core areas can be found in service-sector businesses such as IT, credit, insurance, and finance, in management consulting, in public service, and at universities and research institutions. Companies from areas such as medicine, chemistry, logistics, and manufacturing are also increasingly employing mathematicians.
The professional practice of mathematicians requires the ability to structure tasks that arise in the most diverse areas, translate them into mathematical problems (modeling, mathematization), provide mathematical or numerical solutions, and ultimately translate and interpret the results in the language of the user.
Thanks to the broad range of application areas, the job prospects are very good.