Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics
Overview
The Bachelor’s program in Mathematics offers a traditional mathematics curriculum. It equips students with general problem-solving skills and is characterized by flexible specialization options.
Profile
A mathematics degree is ideal for people who enjoy getting to the bottom of things, recognizing patterns, solving problems creatively, and thinking through a problem with perseverance. This sets it apart significantly from high school mathematics. In addition to teaching subject-specific content, the program focuses on developing analytical thinking skills.
In Giessen, mathematics students benefit from particularly strong faculty support and establish personal contact with their instructors early on. They can choose from a wide range of courses and thus specialize in the fields of analysis, algebra, geometry, topology, stochastics, and numerical methods. In general, Giessen stands out as the city with the highest student density in Germany.
Outlook
According to a popular saying, all the unemployed mathematicians in Germany could fit on a single bus. The fields of work for the many mathematicians in industry and business are not widely known, largely because they are so diverse. Mathematicians are often sought after not primarily for their subject-specific knowledge, but for the analytical skills they develop during their studies. Because of these skills, mathematicians typically work, for example, in insurance, consulting, IT, and in industry in roles such as controlling or data analysis.
Structure
In the first year, the mathematics program at Giessen consists of the courses “Analysis” and “Linear Algebra,” which form the foundation for further study. Building on this foundation, students take one course each in “Analysis,” “Algebra,” “Probability and Statistics,” and “Numerical Methods,” which provide an orientation within the field of mathematics. After that, the program is relatively flexible and typically involves specialization in one area, complemented by in-depth study in other areas. The basic structure of the mathematics program is similar at most German universities.
Preparation
We recommend that all incoming freshmen take the preparatory course "Mathematical Thinking". This course provides an opportunity to familiarize yourself with both the subject matter and the course formats as they will be in your degree program. Students who wish to review high school mathematics can also take the general preparatory course in mathematics; however, this course does not replace “Mathematical Thinking.
Formal Information
The program is governed by the academic regulations ("Studienordnung"). There you will also find a sample study plan and descriptions of the modules offered. The Office of Academic Affairs for the Natural Sciences ("Prüfungsamt Naturwissenschaften") is responsible for examination procedures. It also provides program-specific information.
Academic Advising
The academic advisors for this program gram are Oleg Davydov and Klaus Metsch. Please schedule an appointment by email.