Diploma Computer Science (modularized)

Expectations of our students

The diploma programme in Computer Science is aimed at mathematically and scientifically gifted and particularly motivated high school graduates with the goal of preparing students for a successful career as junior scientists both in the university sector and in research-oriented industrial laboratories through a demanding, intensified education. The diploma programme places high demands on the students. These requirements are of course also checked with the help of study progress controls. This control is intended to ensure that students also study successfully.

Structure and composition

Like the Bachelor's and Master's programmes, the diploma programme in Computer Science consists of modules. It comprises 10 semesters with a total of 300 credit points including a one-semester compulsory professional internship or internship abroad.

But what are modules?
Modules are time-limited, self-contained and examinable units that are related in terms of method and content and carry credit points.

And what are credit points?
Credit points document the average workload of students as well as their individual study progress. One credit point corresponds to a workload of 30 hours. As a rule, 60 credit points are awarded per academic year, i.e. 30 per semester.

Structurally, the study programme is divided into two areas - the basic study programme, which concludes with the intermediate diploma and includes the compulsory subjects of basic education, and the main study programme, which offers individual options with increasing research orientation and concludes with the diploma certificate. The basic study programme accounts for 124 of the total 300 credit points and the main study programme for 176 credit points. The programme comprises a total of 23 compulsory and 6 compulsory elective modules.

Structure of the basic studies

In the main study programme, students are introduced to the research areas of the faculty and decide on three subject areas of computer science by choosing their basic modules. By specialising in one of these fields, students can set a focus in their scientific development. The available subject areas are Applied Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software and Web Engineering, System Architecture, Computer Engineering, Theoretical Computer Science and Graphic Data Processing. By choosing a pair of profile modules, the focus is placed on basic research or applied research.

Structure of the main study programme

Contents

On the one hand, the diploma programme in computer science offers a broad-based education in the scientific fundamentals of computer science; on the other hand, it is more research-oriented as the programme progresses.

The basic study of computer science includes analysis, conception and realisation of information-processing systems in addition to mathematics. With basic terms such as algorithm, information, complexity and efficiency, the static structure and dynamic behaviour of such systems are examined. Likewise, in addition to theoretical foundations, the application-related aspects, i.e. applied and technical computer science, are also taught. The well-founded education in the core areas of computer science is supplemented by special content-related, didactic and methodological measures that prepare students for professional life. These include teamwork, general basics and languages.

In the main study programme, which is characterised by elective areas, students acquire fundamental knowledge in three subject areas of computer science to be chosen. The selected topics are considered in detail and related to current research results. The students should thus obtain both application-related and scientific expertise in the focus area of their choice. The following focal areas are available for selection:

• Theoretical computer science: Fundamentals as well as possibilities for formal modelling and analysis in computer science as well as for the algorithmic treatment of the resulting models.
• Computer Engineering: Fundamentals and structure, design and efficient use of technical realisations of computer systems ranging from embedded systems to parallel and high-performance computers.
• Artificial Intelligence: Theories and Methods for the Design, Construction and Programming of Intelligent Systems
• Applied computer science: methods for the design and control of application systems in all their life phases
• System architecture: basics of operating systems, databases, data security and anonymisation technologies, structure and properties of computer networks, systems engineering
• Software and web engineering: drafting, design, testing and maintenance of complex distributed multimedia software systems as well as graphic data processing
• Minor subject: basic knowledge in another field of knowledge relevant to computer science
• General qualification: interdisciplinary key competences (e.g. rhetoric, presentation, communication skills, scientific work, foreign language skills)

Goals

The aim of the degree programme is to enable students, through a demanding, intensive education, to take up successful employment as junior scientists both in the university sector and in research-oriented industrial laboratories. To this end, they know the theoretical and practical expertise necessary for later professional practice in the field of software engineering, media acquisition and processing, information management as well as intelligent and distributed complex systems, including their technical foundations. They have an overview of the interrelationships between the individual disciplines of computer science and possess the ability to work according to scientific methods at an early stage.

Graduates are enabled by comprehensive methodological competence and professional field-related qualifications to deal with diverse and complex tasks in the field of theoretical, technical, practical and applied computer science in professional practice.

Degree

If the diploma examination is passed, the diploma degree is awarded with the indication of the professional title: "Diplom-Informatiker" (abbreviated: Dipl.-Inf.).

Differences to Bachelor and Master

• One-stage study structure, i.e. no interruption, no re-application for continuing education after the 6th semester
• Compulsory minor subject outside the core area of computer science
• Compulsory work placement abroad/professional internship
• Focus on research-oriented training and academic work through modules such as "Research Line", "Analysis of a Research Topic" and the "Major Slip".
• Degree as "Diplom-Informatiker"

Admission requirements and application

The prerequisite for admission to the degree programme is a general university entrance qualification, alternatively an adequate subject-specific university entrance qualification, a passed master craftsman's examination in a corresponding subject area or an entrance qualification recognised as equivalent by the university.

The programme begins in the winter semester. Applications must be made by 15.09. of each year via the online application of the Admissions Office

Further information

• Study and examination regulations, as well as study schedule with details on the distribution of teaching forms and classroom teaching
• Information flyer on the degree programme
• Student advisory service
• Student Council