Applicants wishing to enrol in the Diplom programme must do so by the winter semester2008/2009.

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 constructed, to developing system and application software, elaborating application solutions, and even 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 hardware 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.

This academic programme will not be offered after the winter semester of 2008/09. After that, applications will only be accepted for the Bachelor and Master Degree Programmes, whose curricula are based on traditional Diplom programmes.

Upon successful completion of this programme graduates will receive the German academic degree Diplominformatiker (Master of Science in Computer Science).

Structure of the Diplom Programme

The Diplom programme Computer Science has a prescribed study duration of ten semesters and is arranged in a two-year basic course phase, in addition to a three-year advanced course phase. Foundation courses serve to teach requisite basic knowledge and techniques in the specific subject, as well as acquainting students with teaching aids. The advanced courses serve to deepen knowledge according to students’ abilities and interests, in addition to preparing them for their final dissertation.

Basic Course Period (Semesters 1 to 4)

Topics offered in the context of the basic course phase are:

- Fundamentals of computer science: programming abilities with respect to smaller programmes and larger software systems, operating systems concepts with integrated prototype development, simple algorithms, and data structures

- Fundamentals of mathematics: concepts and arguments 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 major software applications, 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 acquired knowledge and soft skills to practical use, and train students in teamwork, communication skills, and presentation techniques

- Applied subject: training in an applied subject serves to teach students about the basic tasks subjects and procedures involved in computer science. The aim is for students to understand how computer science can be used to solve scientific problems in other areas. Students also learn how to cooperate with representatives of other disciplines and how to deepen their knowledge in other subject areas. Possible application subjects include Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Law, and Civil Engineering.

- Our transdisciplinary study approach also ensures that students acquire humanistic and general social competencies that are expected of university graduates.

This phase is made up of mostly of compulsory modules, which ensures that all students are uniformly taught during this phase.

Advanced Study Period (Semesters 5 - 10)

Advanced courses broaden students’ basic knowledge and introduce them to specialised computer science subject areas that correspond to their own abilities and interests, in addition to preparing themselves for future employment. In the context of internships and seminars they learn how to work independently, e.g. by practising literature searches, authoring scientific texts and implementing software projects. The Student Research Project is an important course feature, in which students are actively involved in the Chair’s ongoing research projects.

To ensure a broad range of training options, students choose basic and advanced modules from one of the three main groups shown below; they then specialise in one of these areas, which also serves as the subject of their dissertation. Advisors are available to help students choose the most suitable modules. The advanced study period is characterised by a high degree of flexibility in terms selecting scheduled lectures. The applied subject and transdisciplinary studies are continued during the advanced study period.

As part of their university studies, students take part in an extramural working internship of 20-26 weeks. Students have the opportunity to apply and test their acquired knowledge in a typical computer science environment. These internships often open career perspectives and confront students with possible topics for their dissertation, which are then authored in cooperation with BTU academic departments.

By duly completing the dissertation, students are able to show that, on the basis of scientific methods, they can independently tackle a problem in their chosen field and bring it to a successful conclusion within six-months. Diplom dissertations are an integral part of the Chair’s research activities.

Computer Science studies at the BTU comprise three basic areas:

Basics of Computer Science:

- Basic algebra theory and logical concepts, replacement systems, automation, programmes, concurrent processes, networks, complexity;

- Basic algorithmic principles concerning data structures, design and analysis of algorithms, verification, cryptography, signal processing, arithmetic;

- Programming language basic principles of semantics, compiler technology, specifications, algebraic, functional and logical programming.

Practical Computer Science:

- Databases and information systems with modelling, database languages, security concepts, federated databases, knowledge banks, implementation;

- Graphic systems with graphic algorithms, geometric transformation, algorithmic geometry, graphics hardware and simulation;

- Design methods and tools including design methodology for large systems, specifications, simulation and verification, automatic synthesis, hardware and software co-design, systematic system design, error tolerance and software reliability.

Applied and technical Computer Science:

- Distributed systems with performance assessment, modelling, concurrency, client-server systems, distribution platforms, transaction systems;

- Multimedia services with video conferences, interactive television, computer cooperative work;

- Hardware with semiconductors, integration technology, circuit design, computer architecture, error distribution, reliability, testability;

Computer-based systems with embedded hardware/software systems, digital signal processing, real-time systems; computer networking and communications systems with architecture and standards, protocol engineering, and high performance communication.

Areas of related interests

Students in possession of a Diplom degree have excellent career prospects. Numerous studies have shown the demand that exists for well-trained university graduates to meet the personnel needs of the rapidly expanding IT field. University graduates are perceived as trustworthy experts who are able to master the most diverse and complex challenges, in addition to reacting flexibly to the constantly evolving requirements of the forthcoming information society.

Potential employers include regional and national hardware and software companies, in addition to jobs in administration and civil service.

Possible employment fields include:

- Hardware and Software R&D

- Microprocessors and Chip Design

- Development and Testing of Guidance Systems in Aeronautics and Space, and Automobile Industries

- Communications Systems and Network Security

- Organisation and Implementation of IT projects

- Quality Assurance of Information Technology, Software Analysis

- General Consulting and Systems Consulting

Further career opportunities in science are possible in university research, or at other research institutions (e.g. Fraunhofer Society, IHP – Institute of Innovative Microelectronics). The Diplom degree qualifies graduates for a doctoral programme in the same scientific field, an option which many graduates take advantage of.

Special features

The BTU has been offering the successful Diplom academic programme 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: by participating in projects and professional internships, students often make contacts that turn into real jobs.
• With the many international relationships maintained by the BTU, students have excellent opportunities to gain experience abroad, an important advantage in our globalised world

Further Information:

 http://www.informatik.tu-cottbus.de/studium