| The most important facts at a glance: | |
|---|---|
| Degree: | |
| Standard period of studies: | 4 semesters |
| Start: | Winter and summer semester |
| Admission restrictions: | Open admission |
| Application: | You find information on the application procedure for international students here. |
| Applicants with foreign certificates: | Language of instruction: German Required language certificate: DSH-2 |
| Deadlines: | Winter semester: April 1 - September 1 Summer semester: October 1 - March 1 |
| Required Bachelor's degree: | |
| Homepage: | |
| Faculty: | Faculty 08: Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science |
| Accreditation: | The accreditation of study programmes for Bachelor and Master Degrees constitutes as a precondition for the granting of state approval. |
Subject Matter
Computer science is a discipline dealing with the theory, techniques and applications of automated and machine storage systems and the processing and transfer of data and information, specifically with the aid of computers. Computer science has transformed our world and society over the past few years and decades as no other discipline has. Subsectors of computer science include practical and applied computer science, theoretical computer science and technical computer science. These sectors of Computer science are represented by the following six work groups at JGU:
Algorithmic Geometry and Computer Graphics
Everyone can see the latest developments in computer graphics in the form of computer-animated films and computer games. The Algorithmic Geometry and Computer Graphics work group investigates the theoretical basis for efficient geometric algorithms and data structures and uses them in practical applications to create visualizations and to simulate movement processes. These applications are also relevant to computer-aided design, automated movement planning and packaging optimization.
Efficient Computer and Memory Systems
The research focus of this work group are memory systems and scalable computer systems. High performance computing (HPC) will progress into the realm of exascale computing over the next few years and create exciting challenges by so doing. HPC is in a time of transition from a purely computer-centric sector to an area where the management of data will play an ever greater role.
Information Systems
The primary subjects of this work group are data mining and machine learning. It develops methods to analyze large and complex quantities of data and adapts these methods for use in the life sciences and other areas (computational sustainability, energy, transport, social networks). The courses take the form of lectures, seminars and internships in the core areas of data mining and machine learning, but lectures are also offered on other aspects of applied computer science, such as database systems and software technology.
Software Technology and Bioinformatics
The research undertaken by this work group focuses on the development and application of bioinformatic methodologies and program packages, usually in close cooperation with academic and industrial partners. The potential applications for the developments include computer-supported diagnoses and prognoses as well as rational active ingredient design.
Theoretical Computer Science
The Theoretical Computer Science work group primarily investigates algorithm engineering in association with combinatorial optimization problems. Algorithm engineering involves the development and implementation
of algorithms for solving problems in inter-disciplinary projects. The research projects require the theoretical development of algorithms as well as their practical implementation. The issues examined are primarily concerned with combinatorial optimization.
Parallel and Distributed Architectures
The focus of this work group is the design, implementation and evaluation of scalable tools for genome sequence analysis (bioinformatics) and computational science applications, whereby modern high performance computing technologies (HPC) are used e.g.: many-core architectures (e.g. CUDA-enabled CPUs), multicore architectures, heterogeneous clusters, FPGAs). The development of the methods and tools is usually undertaken in cooperation with interdisciplinary partners at Johannes Gutenberg University, including the Faculty of Biology, the University Medical Center and the Institute of Molecular Biology.
Master entrance requirements
(1) Applicants for the master’s program Computer Science with Minor in Physics, Mathematics or Biology need the following:
- A bachelor’s or similar degree from a German or foreign higher education institution, with at least 90 credits coming from subjects related to computer science, mathematics or physics. These credits can also come from courses or programs other than the bachelor's program. In these cases, the examination committee will decide whether the credits can count towards the 90-credit minimum. Applicants with at least 60 credits in these subjects can be enrolled on the following conditions: They will be given the chance to obtain the 30 missing credits in their first year. The examination committee will decide which courses the student has to take. If the student does not manage to obtain these 30 credits in their first year, they will not be able to continue the program. . According to §3 (paragraph 1) of the examination regulation, a student holding a bachelor’s degree with 90 credits coming from mathematics or physics can only choose specializations 2, 3 or 4.
- Of those 90 credits, at least 15 credits should come from subjects related to analysis and linear algebra.
- Another 10 credits should come from subjects related to programming and software development.
- For specialization in
a) Biology At least 10 credits in subjects related to genetics and cell biology.b) Experimental Physics At least 10 credits in subjects related to mechanics, oscillations and waves, and thermodynamics (subject areas of experimental physics), along with practical laboratory experience.
c) Mathematics At least 8 credits in subjects related to advanced linear algebra.d) Theoretical Physics At least 10 credits in subjects related to classical mechanics, electrodynamics, and special relativity (subject areas of experimental physics), along with knowledge of physics equations.
If the applicant is short 12 points or less from the requirements stated in paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 of section (1), they can be accepted on the condition that they earn the missing credits during their first year. The examination committee will decide which courses the student has to take. If the student does not manage to obtain these missing credits in their first year, they will not be able to continue the program. .
(2) Applicants have to have a very good active and passive knowledge of English that enables them to read the specialist literature and participate in courses taught in English (no proof required). Unless stated differently in the examination regulations, students will not be required to hand in coursework written in English, nor do they have to write exams or papers in English.
(3) Applicants must still be eligible to take exams for this program.
(4) If the applicant will obtain their bachelor’s degree after the application deadline, they can apply by providing JGU with a certificate (by the current higher education institution) stating they have earned at least 135 credits. Applicants with foreign certificates and diplomas have to apply for a temporary Certificate of Recognition at JGU. It has to be clear where the total amount of credits comes from. In this case, applicants have to be able to prove that they have earned at least 60 credits in the subjects listed under (1), paragraph 1. The requirements listed under (1), paragraph 2, 3 and 4, have to be fulfilled before the application deadline. If there are only a limited number of places available for the master’s program, admission will be done according to the Hochschulauswahlsatzung (http://www.uni-mainz.de/studlehr/ordnungen/Hochschulauswahlsatzung_aktuelle_Fassung.pdf). The final grade on the bachelor’s degree will not be taken into consideration. Applicants that are accepted into the master’s program on the basis of the requirements stated under (4) have to obtain their degree before the date stated on the official letter of admission. If they are not able to do so, they will not be able to continue the program.
(5) Applicants who have earned their degree or higher education entrance qualification at an institution where classes were not taught in German must have passed the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang ausländischer Studienbewerber (German Language Proficiency Examination for Admission to Higher Education for Foreign Applicants), also called the DSH, with a minimum score of DSH-2.
(6) Applicants who fulfill the above mentioned requirements still have to pass through the admissions process.
Information
The International Office offers counselling for international students about the application process and general information.
The Academic Advisory Office offers specific information on the subject (List available in German only).
The Student representatives give information from a student perspective (List available in German only).