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 hardware and software. No special knowledge of programming is required, although some basic understanding of the 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.

Applicants should have a Bachelor degree in computer science or similar academic subject and must also pass an examination to determine suitability. This examination can be waived for applicants with good academic performance. Students are admitted to this programme in the winter semester.

Students receive the academic degree Master of Science upon successful completion of this programme.

Structure of the Master programme

The Computer Science Master programme has a prescribed study duration of four semesters.

The Master programme serves to broaden acquired undergraduate knowledge and to focus on specialist areas of computer science, that correspond to the student’s own abilities and interests, in addition to preparing students for future employment. The Master programme is characterised by a high degree of flexibility, a relatively free choice of modules, as well as personal student counselling by a university teacher – a mentor who accompanies students throughout the programme and ensures that they acquire the requisite expert knowledge needed to successfully author a Master’s Thesis, as well as that required for future professional activities.

The programme is divided in the complexes: Basics of Computer Science, Practical Computer Science, and Applied, and Technical Computer Science. Together with the mentor, students choose modules from each complex and then specialise in one computer science complex, which will then also serves as the topic for their Master’s Thesis. Seminars, internships or study projects encourage students to work independently. One distinguishing feature of this programme is the consistent integration of students into the Chair’s research activities. Students also choose a ‘minor subject’, i.e. in addition to an advanced mathematics module, they select subjects from within an application area, analogue to the Bachelor programme.

Students take part in an extramural working internship for at least eight weeks as part of their university studies. They have the opportunity to apply and to test their acquired knowledge in a typical computer science environment. These internships often open career perspectives and provide students with possible topics for their Master’s Thesis, which they then author in cooperation with the BTU.

Students choose a topic for their Master’s Thesis with the help of the mentor at the end of their studies. By duly completing the thesis, 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 the allotted period. The Master’s Theses are an integral part the Chair’s research activities.

The three computer science complexes offered by the BTU are:

Basics of Computer Science:

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

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

- Basic principles of programming language with respect to 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 and video conferencing, interactive television, computer cooperative work;

- Hardware involving 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, high performance communication.

Areas of related interests

Students in possession of a Master degree have excellent career prospects. Numerous studies confirm the demand for well-trained university graduates that are needed to meet the challenges of the rapidly expanding IT field. University graduates are perceived as trustworthy experts, 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 positions in administration and civil service.

Professional employment areas include:

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

Special features

The BTU has been offering this Master programme since 2002. Together with the dedicated Computer Science Bachelor programme, this consecutive Bachelor/Master programme has successfully replaced the traditional German Diplom Computer Science programme.

• 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).
• The mentoring programme ensures that students receive individual counselling services.
• 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