Applied Computer Science – dual degree (B.Sc.)

This module develops skills in self-reflection, understanding personality structures and interpersonal behaviour, as well as effective time management, prioritisation and self-management. You will learn to apply creativity, learning and motivation techniques and to make targeted use of your personal strengths and resources. Knowledge of academic work, particularly in terms of writing, presenting and researching technical content in a clear and accurate manner, is also covered.

This module provides a basic understanding of how to work with Unix-like operating systems and the command line. You will learn how to use key shell commands, manage directories and files, use pipes, variables and regular expressions, utilise search tools, and solve simple tasks using shell scripts. In addition, the module covers remote access, processes and fundamental concepts of system-level work.

This module provides a basic understanding of the structure and operation of modern computer systems. You will learn about key components such as the CPU, RAM, bus systems and mass storage, how to determine hardware requirements, and how to analyse faults in PC systems. You will also study number systems, binary coding, logic circuits, circuit minimisation and basic digital arithmetic units.

This module covers the fundamentals of structured and procedural software development. You will learn to apply the syntax and semantics of a programming language and to work with data types, control structures, functions, recursion, pointers, vectors and dynamic memory management. In addition, the module covers data structures such as structures and linked lists, as well as the interface to UNIX and modular programming.

This module covers the mathematical fundamentals that are particularly relevant to computer science. You will learn to work with sets, relations and functions, as well as with recursion, graphs and trees, and to apply algorithms based on these concepts. You will also explore search algorithms, shortest paths, spanning trees and fundamental combinatorial methods.

Practical phase 1 takes place between the first and second semesters at the partner company. You will get to know the company and its IT systems. In doing so, you will begin to make connections between the course content and real-world business practice.

This module provides a fundamental understanding of the structure, operation and design of modern operating systems. You will learn how processes and threads are managed, how resources are allocated, and how processes are synchronised with one another. Other key topics include inter-process communication, scheduling, memory management, file systems, low-level programming and fundamental security aspects of operating systems.

This module covers the fundamentals of relational database systems and the structured management of data. You will learn about data models such as the relational and entity-relationship models, how to query databases using SQL, and how to design data structures effectively using normal forms. It also covers how database systems can be utilised from within programmes and integrated into applications.

This module covers the fundamentals of modern computer networks, using the Internet as an example. You will learn about network architecture, layer models, IP and ICMP communication, and how switches, routers and transport protocols such as TCP and UDP work. You will also explore subnets, network diagnostics, administration and fundamental security issues relating to TCP/IP networks.

This module covers the concepts of object-oriented software development. You will learn how to model classes, objects, attributes and methods, and how to apply concepts such as encapsulation, inheritance, aggregation and polymorphism. In addition, you will explore object-oriented analysis and design, development environments and error handling, and learn to develop more complex programmes in a structured manner.

This module teaches fundamental statistical methods for the preparation, analysis and interpretation of data. You will learn to produce statistical measures and graphs, to evaluate data critically, and to investigate relationships using linear regression. In addition, you will study probability distributions, statistical tests and estimation methods, and learn how to draw conclusions about larger populations from samples.

In Practical Phase 2, you will strengthen the link between your studies and the workplace. You will explore how to apply what you learnt in the first and second semesters to your day-to-day work. Based on this, you will adapt your personal practical training plan.

From the third semester onwards, you can specialise in a particular area to deepen your knowledge. For example, after the second semester, you can choose Networks & Security, Visual Computing or Software Engineering & Development and take the relevant compulsory-elective modules. This allows you to tailor your computer science studies specifically to your interests and career goals; it is also possible to combine different specialisations.

This module covers methods and techniques for ensuring software quality. You will learn how to systematically specify test cases and how to apply and evaluate various testing methods, such as black-box and white-box testing. You will also explore test management, reviews, automated unit and acceptance tests, pair programming and test-driven development.

This module covers the fundamentals of developing modern websites and web interfaces. You will learn how to use HTML5 and CSS, design responsive websites and utilise JavaScript for interactive elements. In addition, you will explore the validation of HTML and XML documents, as well as fundamental usability principles and the separation of content and presentation.

This module teaches systematic methods for the planning, modelling and development of software. You will learn about various process models and agile development methods, and will be able to select appropriate methods for different projects. Other key areas include UML, system and architecture modelling, configuration management, refactoring, design patterns and the ethical aspects of software development.

The compulsory elective modules allow you to tailor your degree programme to your individual needs and either broaden your subject knowledge or specialise in a particular area. You can find out which specific modules are on offer in the module handbook.

In Practical Phase 3, you will explore the initial topics within your specialisation. You will examine how to apply this knowledge within the organisation. You will reflect on your experiences and compare the course content with your day-to-day work.

You can specialise in a particular area to deepen your knowledge. From the third semester onwards, for example, you can choose between Networks & Security, Visual Computing or Software Engineering & Development and take the relevant compulsory-elective modules. This allows you to tailor your computer science degree specifically to your interests and career goals; it is also possible to combine different specialisations.

You can specialise in a particular area to deepen your knowledge. From the third semester onwards, for example, you can choose between Networks & Security, Visual Computing or Software Engineering & Development and take the relevant compulsory-elective modules. This allows you to tailor your computer science degree specifically to your interests and career goals; it is also possible to combine different specialisations.

This module covers the development of complete web applications, from the user interface to the backend. You will learn how to design client/server applications, utilise modern front-end and back-end frameworks, and configure and operate the various components of a full-stack architecture. In doing so, you will work with databases, web servers, APIs, security aspects and modern frameworks, amongst other things, and implement your own web application in practice.

This module teaches methods for the systematic identification, documentation and management of requirements for software systems. You will learn how to capture, model and validate functional and non-functional requirements, as well as how to formulate requirements in a clear and unambiguous manner. In addition, you will develop communication skills for collaborating with stakeholders and become familiar with common standards and tools used in requirements management.

As part of the dual study programme, you will work largely independently on a specific, smaller-scale project for the partner company. In doing so, you will apply the knowledge you have gained so far to a real-world business task.

The practical phase will be more closely tailored to your company and your area of specialisation. You will analyse your experience to date and develop a project vision for the team project to be undertaken after the 5th semester, including an initial set of requirements.

You can specialise in a particular area to deepen your knowledge. From the third semester onwards, for example, you can choose between Networks & Security, Visual Computing or Software Engineering & Development and take the relevant compulsory-elective modules. This allows you to tailor your computer science degree specifically to your interests and career goals; it is also possible to combine different specialisations.

You can specialise in a particular area to deepen your knowledge. From the third semester onwards, for example, you can choose between Networks & Security, Visual Computing or Software Engineering & Development and take the relevant compulsory-elective modules. This allows you to tailor your computer science degree specifically to your interests and career goals; it is also possible to combine different specialisations.

This module covers the methodological foundations of academic work in computer science. You will learn how to formulate academic research questions, research and evaluate relevant specialist literature, and plan, write and revise academic texts in a structured manner. You will also explore academic argumentation, citation styles, reference management, time management and how to avoid plagiarism.

This module teaches methods for developing user-friendly and user-centred software. You will learn to design user interfaces using user experience design, to create prototypes and to evaluate their usability. In doing so, you will explore human perception and information processing, usability engineering, ergonomic and aesthetic design, as well as user-centred development processes and relevant standards.

In Practical Project Work 2, you will undertake a further, smaller project at the partner company. Alternatively, depending on your study plan, you may choose a compulsory elective module.

This module combines the fundamentals of IT project management with the practical development of a larger application as part of a team. You will learn how to plan, structure and monitor projects, as well as how to apply methods such as agile development and Scrum. At the same time, you will practise communication, teamwork and conflict resolution, and put the IT skills you have acquired so far into practice in an independent project.

The final work placement prepares you for the transition to your Bachelor’s thesis. Together with the company and the university, you will agree on a suitable topic for your Bachelor’s thesis that is relevant to the company. You will also reflect once again on the practical significance of your specialisation.

In your Bachelor’s thesis, you will independently apply the specialist and methodological knowledge you have acquired during your degree to a specific practical or academic problem. You will learn to tackle a clearly defined computer science problem independently, to apply suitable methods and to document the results in an academic manner. The thesis is then presented and defended at a colloquium.