Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science Computer Science
Students of Computer Science focus on the planning, modelling, design and implementation of complex software and hardware systems and processes.
Computer Science is fundamental to all areas of society, the economy and research. High performance software and hardware enable us to conduct complex processes and work with large datasets. Students of Computer Science should be able to think logically and work with a high degree of accuracy. They should show an interest in, and gain enjoyment from working with computers. Students should also demonstrate good communication and organisation skills, and should enjoy using concepts from the field of computer science to benefit and shape society. In addition, students should possess solid basic understanding of mathematical concepts. This is because mathematics serves as an important foundation in many areas of computer science.
Special Features and Characteristics
The Computer Science degree course at Heidelberg University is characterised by its current areas of specialism – data analysis/machine learning and scientific computing – as well as its focus on the relevance and practical application of computer science and research in the natural sciences and humanities. Close cooperation with other academic departments means that students become familiar with practical applications of computer science, and are able to participate in research early on in their course of study. Students might participate in research as part of their thesis, by working as a research assistant, or by attending seminars and lectures in subjects in which concepts from computer science find practical application. There is a diverse range of subjects on offer, in which computer science may be applied. These include Astronomy, Bioscience, Chemistry, Computational Linguistics, Geography, Earth Sciences, Mathematics, Medical Informatics, Medical Technology, Philosophy, Physics and Economics.
Research
Computer Science at Heidelberg University focusses in particular on research and students’ understanding of multiple configurations of complex computing and technological systems and processes. As a basis for complex applications, core modules focus on the development of innovative concepts which underpin the efficient configuration of data and computation-intensive processes and systems.
Examples of this include:
- computability and complexity theory
- concepts and mechanisms for the efficient use of high performance data processing systems
- algorithms to enable optimisation
- data mining
- knowledge-based software development
Students cooperate intensively with working groups from fields of application, including Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics, Scientific Computing, Medicine and Biology, Geography and Computational Linguistics. Technology and methodologies from computer science are implemented in systems for specific applications within the fields of natural and life sciences.
Occupational Areas
Graduates of Computer Science might pursue a career in any sector in which computer science is of relevance. For example
- in the communications industry
- in business consultancy
- in the media industry
- for internet service providers
- in the insurance and banking sectors
- in public administration
- in fields of engineering
Many computer scientists work in software development, in project management, teaching, research and training, and in many other professional fields in which knowledge of technology and computing are required. Thanks to the high concentration of rapidly developing commercial enterprises in the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region, as well as cooperation between the faculty and industry partners, graduates have exceptionally good chances of gaining employment in the region and also have the opportunity to meet new contacts during their course of study.
Insights
Computer Science enables me to pursue my passion for computers, programming and networks and provide me the technical background knowledge.
Christian Heusel, 19, Computer Science, 1st semester Bachelor
