Angewandte Informatik / Applied Computer Science (B.Sc.)

Hardly any STEM subfield is as deeply and so obviously rooted in our daily lives as the application of informatics methods and technologies, from the web browser in which you are reading this text (and the associated mobile phone app) to generally accessible demonstrations of artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT. But every scientific, industrial or business sector also uses specialised solutions for data processing and analysis and for automating and optimising processes. Dedicated branches such as bioinformatics, neuroinformatics or medical informatics or business and geoinformatics specialise in developing appropriate methods and algorithms based on the latest technologies, implementing them and making them usable. This is the field of applied computer science.

 

What will I learn?

While classical computer science degree programmes are often more theoretical, the Bachelor's programme in Applied Computer Science at JLU is particularly aimed at prospective students who, in addition to the mathematical foundations of computer science, want to learn and implement programming, software development and specialised algorithms in a concrete, application-oriented environment using modern methods. To this end, the six-semester Bachelor's programme teaches software engineering and advanced methods of object-oriented programming as well as the concepts of scientific modelling, artificial intelligence and modern data analysis. Advanced aspects of supposedly standard topics such as database systems, operating systems, technical computer science and IT security complete the view of applied computer science as a whole. 

 

Can I choose my own areas of focus?

An integral part of the degree programme is the choice of a specialisation from the second year onwards, within the framework of which the application orientation is profiled according to individual and subject-specific inclinations and career aspirations using specific subject areas such as bioinformatics, neuroinformatics, smart cities or physical measurement methods, but also algorithms, software engineering or artificial intelligence, right up to the Bachelor's thesis.

 

What skills and interests should I have?

You should have interest in computer science and the digital world in general as well as the ability to think analytically and logically. English and programming skills and a certain affinity for technology are an advantage. Students need a laptop for their studies, as there are events in which work is done on the laptop.

There is a corresponding pre-course offer for all first-year students of this degree programme. Participation is highly recommended.

180 credit points (CP) are acquired in the degree programme, of which

• 132 in the compulsory/elective area,
• 36 in the chosen specialisation,
• 12 with the Bachelor's thesis.

In the first year of study, you will acquire, among other things, sound basic knowledge in computer science (e.g. different programming languages) and acquire mathematical knowledge and skills that are required in computer science and the core subjects.

In the third and fourth semesters, you will be taught the methods of software engineering and advanced methods of object-oriented programming as well as the currently cutting-edge topics of artificial intelligence. In addition, you will begin your training in your chosen specialisation area. In the fourth semester, you deal with topics such as data analysis, data structures and the analysis of algorithms.

Advanced standard topics in applied computer science, such as database systems and operating systems, follow in the third year of study. In addition, the view of computer science as a whole is completed by a module on technical computer science. In the sixth semester, knowledge is provided in the area of IT security, which will become increasingly important in the future. Parallel to this, further training takes place in the specialisation.

Finally, you apply the skills you have acquired to a problem in applied computer science or the chosen focus area within the framework of a Bachelor's thesis. 

Students can choose between the following specialisations:

• Algorithms
• Bioinformatics
• Artificial Intelligence
• Neuroinformatics
• Physical measurement methods
• Smart Cities
• Software Engineering

 

Modules

1. Semester	2. Semester
Fundamentals of Computer Science I	Fundamentals of Computer Science II
Basics of programming with Python	Discrete Structures
Basics of Statistics	Mathematical and Scientific Modelling
Linear Algebra

 

3. Semester	4. Semester
Object-oriented programming	Algorithms and data structures
Artificial Intelligence I	Simulation and Modelling in Computer Science
Software Engineering	Basics of data analysis with R
Specialisation field	Specialisation field

 

5. Semester	6. Semester
Database systems	IT security
Operating systems	Specialisation field
Computer Engineering	Bachelor thesis
Specialisation field

 

There is also a part-time variant for a 12-semester course of study. You will find this in the Mitteilungen der Universität Gießen (MUG). 

After the bachelor's degree, further study and specialisation are possible.

• Applied Computer Science (M.Sc.)
• Data Science (M.Sc.)

Depending on the choice of specialisation:

• Bioinformatics and systems biology (M.Sc.)
• Mind, Brain and Behavior (M.Sc.)
• Economic geography, mobility and spatial development policy (M.Sc.)
• Applied Physics (M.Sc.)

Following a successfully completed Master's degree, a doctorate is possible. Doctoral Regulations for the Departments of Natural Sciences

Graduates who have mastered the methods and concepts of applied computer science are in demand in almost all areas of science, industry, business and administration. Tasks range from software development to the administration and further development of existing platforms to relevant consulting.

Examination and study regulations

Special Regulations (with module descriptions and module plans)
General Regulations for Bachelor's and Master's programmes

Please note that only the German version of the regulation is official and legally binding. The English version is for informative purposes only.

 

Courses offered in the course catalogue

Electronical course catalogue (in German)

 

Study programme flyer

B.Sc. Angewandte Informatik (PDF in German)

Links

Faculty 07 – Mathematics and Computer Science, Physics, Geography
Faculty 07's Deanery
Examinations office of Natural Sciences
Student representatives

Bachelor's Degree Programmes of Faculty 07

Advanced Materials
Angewandte Informatik / Applied Computer Science
Angewandte Mathematik / Applied Mathematics
Angewandte Physik / Applied Physics
Data Science
Geographie / Geography
Mathematik / Mathematics
Physik / Physics
Physik und Technologie für Raumfahrtanwendungen / Physics and Technology for Space Travel Applications

Are you still not entirely sure whether the course of study is the right one for you? We support you with a wide range of information, events and advisory services around your study orientation and choice. For example, experience real university atmosphere at our Hoch­schul­informations­tagen (HIT) and the Open Campus Day!

Study orientation

To help you get off to a good start with your studies, we warmly invite you to attend our orientation events. Here you will learn
everything you need to know about starting your studies:

• creating a course schedule,
• examination regulations and registration deadlines,
• campus areas and leisure activities,
• and much more.

At the same time, you will have the opportunity to get to know your future fellow students.

Start of studies