Applied Computer Science
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
|
| Language | German |
| Further information | Website of Department of Computer Science |
Overview
The Bachelor’s degree program in Applied Computer Science offers the opportunity to apply methodological knowledge of computer science in an engineering field. The reduced range of elective modules, compared to the Bachelor’s degree program in Computer Science, allows for a stronger focus on application areas.
The program is divided into courses in the areas of software, hardware, systems, and formal fundamentals, as well as electives. Students learn, among other things, to develop software, understand computer architectures, stay up-to-date on operating systems, computer networks, databases, and distributed systems, and employ theoretical fundamentals of mathematics for the efficient solution of practical problems.
Students can choose from a large catalogue of compulsory elective and elective modules according to their interests. In addition, they can decide on an application subject. Options include electrical engineering, logistics, mechanical engineering, robotics, and service-oriented computer science, among others. Individual application fields are also possible. The application subject prepares the way for a successful start in professional life, as graduates will be able to employ the competences acquired through study in an interdisciplinary setting. Complementary knowledge is gained through modules in business and economics.
Skills and knowledge
There are two sides to computer science: its methods and the application of these methods. You should bring the two sides together in proportion. Tasks encountered in technology and business, in the natural sciences, or in the social sciences need to be analyzed, abstracted, and finally realized in the form of a feasible solution. For this you need good comprehension and an interest in a constant succession of new practical problems, a capacity for abstraction, and an interest for and understanding of formal methods (similar to mathematics), as well as the ability to plan and oversee large systems and processes.
A general university entrance qualification (Abitur) is required. Attending a computer science course during school is NOT a requirement.
Notwithstanding these formal aspects, special focuses in school such as in-depth study of mathematics or scientific subjects are undoubtedly good prerequisites for success in studying Computer Science. In particular, though, an essential precondition for success in this program is enthusiasm for computer science, and for formally analyzing problems and finding practical solutions.
Field of activity
The career prospects after studying Computer Science (Computer Science and Applied Computer Science alike) are among the best of all subjects – even right after completing the Bachelor’s degree program. The reason for this is the extraordinary penetration of IT systems into nearly all areas of life and business. As a result, the demand for computer scientists is extremely high. Also noteworthy is the fact that these jobs are relatively independent of the ups and downs of business cycles.
Against the background of highly dynamic technological change, a comprehensive, methodologically oriented education in Computer Science – which does not disregard applications yet is independent of any particular short-lived, fashionable trends – gains an essential importance.
Graduates in Dortmund will find it easy to start their professional lives, not least because of the variety of attractive employers in the neighboring technology park and more generally because of the international visibility of the IT scene in the region.
Additional information
You can use the knowledge imparted in lectures not only in exercise groups, but also in the internships that are integrated into the curriculum. In the software internship, you will take on challenging projects in a work group to gain valuable experience in programming and build competences such as teamwork and project management. The specialist project, too, deals with demanding tasks that are worked on within the group.
This Bachelor’s degree program is followed consecutively by the Master’s degree program in Applied Computer Science. It is also possible to switch to the Master’s degree program in Computer Science.