Studiengang Mathematik / Bachelor

 

General Information

Mathematics is a very precise language. Its universal character and precision has stimulated, and continues to stimulate the mathematisation of scientific, technological and medical advances, and in economics and social sciences as well. Innovations today are much more dependent on mathematical advances and methods than was the case just a few decades ago. Control of complex production cycles, analysis of financial markets, and insurance processing models all depend on mathematical simulations and high-performance computers. This is why the role of the mathematician continues to expand, both as a mediator of thought processes and working methods, an analyst of complicated processes and primary relationships, a designer of models and algorithms and their implementation in computer systems.

The aim of mathematics studies is to qualify students to draft and to analyse mathematical models of complex issues, as well as to independently solve scientific problems with the aid of mathematical theories and methods. We strive to ensure a broad mathematical education that stimulates analytical thinking and mathematical imagination, empowering our students to independently incorporate this knowledge into various areas of activity, and to master ever-evolving workplace challenges.

Students in the Bachelor programme Mathematics learn basic mathematical knowledge and skills in chiefly mathematics-oriented applied subjects, e.g. numerics, optimisation, stoistics and discrete mathematics. In so doing, students acquire their first professional qualifications, in addition to the prerequisites they will need to enter a Master-degree programme, e.g. the consecutive Master programme Applied Mathematics at the BTU.

 

 

Areas of related interests

Mathematicians are sought in a number of mostly interdisciplinary professions. Graduates of the Bachelor Programme Mathematics profit from a wide spectrum of job opportunities in business, industry and science. Mathematicians find employment in insurance companies, banks, manufacturers in the transport sector, medical technology, environmental technology and in software firms. Science facilities that hire mathematicians include universities and universities of applied sciences, e.g. Max-Planck, Fraunhofer Society, Federal Statistical Office of Germany, State Statistical Offices and Meteorological Services. On the strength of their abstract-logic abilities that help them to analyse and solve problem, mathematicians often very successfully exercise interesting and diverse tasks. Talents of this kind are also of great use in other fields, particularly those driving the innovation process.


Admissions requirements

Prospective students must have a University entrance qualifying certificate (Abitur). Applicants should possess above average mathematical abilities, enjoy the abstract logic and analytical thought processes associated with mathematics, as well as a particular interest in the challenges posed by scientific and technical academic disciplines. Good knowledge of English is essential for success in mathematics studies. A preparatory internship is not required.

The programme is to be completed in 6 semesters. Courses start in the winter semester of each year.

Degree: Bachelor of Science

 

 

Course Structure

The Bachelor programme Mathematics is arranged in modules and requires a total of 180 credit points, which must be earned in compulsory modules and elective course modules belonging to the following module complexes:

- Fundamentals of Mathematics (analysis, linear algebra)

- Pure Mathematics (further modules in analysis, algebra)

- Applied Mathematics
(numerical mathematics, probability theory/statistics, optimisation,

- Discreet Mathematics)

- Advanced Mathematics
(choice of courses in one mathematical subject)

- Applied subject
(physics, computer science or engineering science)

- Transdisciplinarity

- Work Experience (at least 6 weeks)

- Bachelor’s Thesis.


Mathematical modules are arranged so as to familiarise the student with basic mathematical principles, methods and theories during their first four semesters, as well as prompting them to highly abstract-logical thinking processes. Advanced courses in the 5th and 6th semesters serve to build on acquired knowledge and to focus on specialist areas, as well as to introduce students to new techniques and corresponding practical applications.


Applied Subjects

Modules can be selected from another natural science programme ( e.g. physics, computer science) or from an engineering programme (e.g. civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, environmental sciences).

These modules help students to understand the fundamental challenges and procedures involved in practical mathematics applications, they learn to speak and think mathematics, in addition to the related working and research methods.

 

 

Special Features

The Bachelor programme Mathematics shares a number of common learning events with the business mathematics, physics and computer science programmes, and with other programmes particularly in the context of the chosen applied subject. Academic contacts of these kinds help students to successfully complete their degree programmes within the prescribed period.

The Mathematics programme is organised according to the so-called “Cottbus Model”, which consists of augmenting pure scientific curriculum with additional humanities and social science subjects (transdisciplinarity). The aim is to give our graduates an understanding of technology and society which goes beyond the usual technical competencies. They learn scientific working methods, how to work interdependently and flexibly, and as a team.

The BTU’s Mathematics programme offers exceptional university learning conditions such as excellent advisory services by the teaching staff, a dedicated Faculty Library and modern computer and software facilities. In particular, a dedicated computer room is available to our students.