General Information

Informatics is a science that systematically describes, analyses and imparts structure to all kinds of information processing (i.e. procedures to transform and transport information). Computer science is a relatively young specialist field that covers a broad spectrum of subjects. These range from technical aspects such as how computers are structured, to developing system and application software, elaborating application solutions, and to social aspects of how computers and the media are impacting society.

Successful studies in computer science require abilities in formal mathematics, as well as in abstract and application-oriented practical working methods. Applicants should have a basic interest in computer hard and software. No special knowledge of programming is required, although some basic understanding of this subject is very helpful. Nevertheless, we recommend that applicants with little knowledge of programming attend preparatory courses. Good working knowledge of English is an absolute necessity for anyone considering computer science studies, since most technical literature (textbooks, magazines, technical documents, …) is often only available in English. Computer scientists increasingly work in large groups. Applicants should therefore be willing and able to work in teams.

To be considered for admission German applicants must submit a University entrance qualifying certificate (Abitur). The BTU Cottbus has no admissions restrictions, applicants should apply directly to the BTU Cottbus. Students are admitted to this programme in the winter semester only.

Upon successful completion of this programme students earn the academic title of Bachelor of Science.

Structure of the Bachelors Programme

The Bachelor programme Computer Science is to be completed within six semesters; it is structured in two years of foundation courses and one year of advanced courses.

Foundation courses serve to teach requisite basic knowledge and techniques in the specific subject, as well as acquainting students with teaching aids. The foundation course period is comprised mostly of compulsory modules to ensure that all students acquire comparable basic knowledge.

Advanced courses, on the other hand, prepare students for the Bachelor’s Thesis and give them the qualifications they will need for professional activities, or to continue their studies in a Masters programme. The advanced courses are characterised by a high degree of flexibility; students broaden their basic knowledge and concentrate on a specialised field of computer science that is tailored to their interests and abilities, in addition to preparing themselves for future employment. Course content is sufficiently broad to include all these areas. Academic advisors are available to help students select the most suitable modules and to assist them with their Bachelor’s Thesis. We train students in self-directed learning methods, for instance literature searches, authoring scientific texts, and implementing software projects in the context of internships and seminars.

Topical Areas of the Bachelor Programme:

• Fundamentals of computer science: programming abilities with respect to smaller programmes and larger software systems, operating systems concepts with integrated prototype development, replacement systems, simple algorithms, and data structures
• Fundamentals of mathematics: concepts and proofing in analysis, algebra, analytical geometry, logic and combination theory
• Theoretical computer science: decidability of essential questions, resolvability and complexity of problems, building compilers, programming language concepts, efficient algorithms
• Practical computer science: working techniques, database designs and their internal operation modes, computer graphics, communication protocols and standards for Web applications and networks, modelling larger software, verification and data analysis
• Applied computer science: communication between software components, processor architecture, circuit design, internal concepts for operating systems, distributed and parallel systems, wireless and mobile communications systems
• Internships (programming, digital and software internship) and introductory seminars put the acquired knowledge and soft skills to practical use, and trains students in teamwork and communication skills, as well as in presentation techniques

Applied subject: students are trained in the applied subject and learn the basic requirements and procedures of the computer science application. The aim is to learn how computer science can solve scientific problems in other fields. Students also learn how to cooperate with representatives of other disciplines and to deepen their understanding of the subjects at hand. Possible applied subjects include mathematics, physics, chemistry, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, law, and civil engineering.

Areas of related interests

Graduates in possession of a Bachelor degree have good prospects on the job market. Numerous studies show the demand that exists for well-trained university graduates to meet the challenges of the rapidly expanding IT field. University graduates are perceived as trustworthy experts that are able to master the most diverse and complex challenges, in addition to flexibly reacting to the constantly evolving requirements of the forthcoming information society.

Potential employers for our graduates include IT departments of small and medium sized companies, retailers, telecommunications companies, Internet service-providers, and consulting firms.

Those interested in working in the R&D area of computer science should consider continuing their studies in a Master programme. The Bachelor diploma qualifies its holder for the consecutive Computer Science Master programme (M.Sc.) in at the BTU Cottbus. This Master programme is specifically tailored to enhancing and complementing the Bachelor programme. It goes without saying that students can also continue their computer science studies at other national and international universities. With relative ease, graduates can also enrol in other computer science oriented Master programmes, i.e. information and media technology.

Special Features

The Bachelor in Computer Science was modelled after the very successful Diplom programme, which the BTU has been offering since 1992. As a young university the BTU Cottbus offers a number of advantages that should not be underestimated:

• We are a down-to-earth university, where teachers and students can easily meet and interact. Overcrowded, impersonal study conditions are unknown at the BTU!
• Working in small groups promotes good communications and team skills.
• As a young, growing university the BTU Cottbus possesses impressive, state-of-the-art technical facilities (e.g. broad W-LAN coverage) and exceptionally well-equipped libraries (e.g. direct access to electronic magazines or conference reports).
• It is natural that our students be actively involved in the research activities of the various Chairs, which assists them in finding employment as student research assistants and contributes substantially to defraying costs associated with university studies. Students not only get to work on cutting-edge research projects, but they get paid as well!
• The BTU promotes hands-on training methods: In addition to internships, many of the educational events we organise have integrated, practical frameworks.
• With the many international relationships maintained by the BTU, students have excellent opportunities to gain experience abroad, an important advantage in our globalised world.