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Data Science (B.Sc.)

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Data Science provides students with knowledge of programming, mathematics, artificial intelligence and data analysis – in a practical and application-oriented manner.

Foto: Monsit Jangariyawong/123rf.com

Overview

How can large amounts of data be turned into useful insights? On the Bachelor’s degree programme in Data Science, you will learn to do just that: you will combine programming and mathematical thinking with artificial intelligence methods to analyse data systematically. Right from the start, you’ll be working on specific problems and developing practical digital solutions.

 

Applying for admission

 

Start of studies

Winter semester

Mode of admission

No admission restriction

Duration of studies

6 semester

Workload

180 credit points (CP)

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

Language of instruction

German

Composition of the Study Programme

What can I expect from this programme?

Data science, the analysis of large amounts of data, e.g. using methods of artificial intelligence and machine learning to extract useful information, has become an integral part of today's society. "Big Data", whether from social media, market and risk analyses in business and industry, experiments in physics and chemistry, language analyses, imaging methods in medicine, bioinformatics or climate modelling, determines day-to-day business in broad areas of the natural sciences, life sciences and humanities as well as in business, the industry and logistics. Well-trained and highly qualified junior staff in the professional field of "Data Scientist" are therefore needed in many areas.

 

What will I learn?

In the six-semester Bachelor's programme, students will acquire the necessary knowledge in the fields of programming (Python, C++, R), mathematics (algebra, statistics), modelling, but also methods of artificial intelligence and machine learning, database systems and ethical and legal principles in dealing with data. In addition to this basic knowledge, students will be given an insight into the various fields of application of data science throughout the university through a lecture series and a wide range of other options. Accordingly, the topic of the bachelor thesis can be chosen freely from the JLU institutes dealing with data science.

After this first professionally qualifying degree as a Data Scientist (B.Sc.), a consecutive four-semester Master's programme can follow. In addition to deepening methods and techniques taught in the Bachelor's programme in the first year, the focus here is on a stronger reference to fundamental research in the field of Data Science.

 

What skills and interests should I have?

You should have an Interest in mathematics and computer science and have the ability to think analytically and logically. Knowledge of English should be present at the beginning of the programme. Programming skills and a certain affinity for technology are an advantage.

Students will need a laptop for their studies, as there are courses in which students work on a laptop.

How is the programme structured?

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

  • 129 with the mandatory area,
  • 27 with the elective subjects,
  • 12 with the study project and
  • 12 with the Bachelor thesis.
In the first year you will acquire the basics of mathematics, computer science and programming. These are further developed in the following semesters and supplemented by additional modules specifically related to data science.
In the third semester, there is also a lecture series in which working groups from different areas of the university introduce themselves, which are active in the field of Data Science and offer elective modules, study projects and Bachelor theses for students of the programme.

Finally, in the 6th semester, you will apply the knowledge you have acquired to a scientific problem within the framework of a study project followed by a Bachelor thesis.

In the elective section, you have a wide choice of courses from various subject areas (e.g. law, economics, archaeology, mathematics, physics, psychology, geography, medicine, chemistry). 

 

Course of studies

1st semester 2nd semester

Mathematical methods I

Mathematical methods II
Linear Algebra Discrete Structures
Fundamentals of Computer Science I Fundamentals of Computer Science II
Fundamentals of programming with Python Scientific modelling

Fundamentals of statistics

 

 

3rd semester 4th semester

Lecture series Data Science

Fundamentals of data analysis with R
Basics of stochastics Object-oriented programming for data science
Database systems 
or
Elective area II		 Atificial Intelligence II
Artificial Intelligence I Elective area I

 

5th semester 6th semester

Statistics and simulation with R

Elective area IV
Scientific programming and data analysis Project
Elective area II
oder
Data base Systems		 Bachelor's thesis
Elective area III  
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Career Options

Which options for further study does JLU offer?

  • Master's programme Data Science planned for winter semester 2023/2024
  • A doctorate is possible after a successful Master's programme.

What career paths can I pursue after graduation?

Data Science is omnipresent.

Exciting applications can be found for example in:

  • Medicine: gene data analysis, tumour detection, pandemic simulation, ...
  • Natural science: particle physics, climate modelling, new materials, ...
  • Sociology: social media, social dynamics & processes, ...
  • Financial sector: algorithmic trading, credit analysis, fraud detection, ...
  • Linguistics: speech recognition, text generation, mood analysis, ...
  • Online trade: buyer profiles, individual product recommendations, market analysis, ...
  • Industry: process optimisation, product development, ...
  • Logistics: : goods cycles, traffic planning, ...
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Application and Enrolment

Requirements

A valid university entrance qualification (German: HZB) is required for admission to the program.

  • From Germany: General university entrance qualification (= Abitur or equivalent), vocational university entrance qualification, master craftsman’s certificate, university entrance qualification for professionally qualified individuals.
  • From abroad: You can find out whether the university entrance qualification from your home country qualifies you for direct admission to a degree program in Germany on the information portal for the recognition of foreign educational qualifications (anabin).

Proof of an internship (pre-internship) is not required for admission.

Applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification should also note the required proof of German language proficiency.

Application deadline

Winter semester 2026/27

Opening of application period

1 June 2026

Application deadline

  • for applicants with a German university entrance qualification: 1 September 2026
  • for applicants with a foreign university entrance qualification: 15 August 2026

International applicants can find further information on the International Office website.

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👉 Apply now More about the application process

Further Information

Where can I find official documents about the programme?

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. Data Science (PDF in German)

Where can I find more information about the faculty?

Is this course right for me?

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

How do I have a successful start at JLU?

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
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Contact

Subject Advisor

Prof. Dr. Christian Heiliger

Department for Theoretical Physics
Heinrich-Buff-Ring 16, room 422
35392 Giessen

Phone: +49 641 99 33360
Email:

Central Study Advisor

Beate Pitzler

Central Student Advisory Service
Erwin-Stein-Gebäude, 1st floor
Goethestrasse 58
35390 Giessen

Advisory services and contact information

International Office

Assistance for incoming, outgoing and Erasmus+ students

International Office
Goethestrasse 58
35390 Giessen

Contact persons and office hours