Recommendation for the design of the Bachelor's program

In principle, the course of study for the first three semesters of the Bachelor's program is prescribed by the curriculum. After that, students have the possibility to choose elective modules for further basic mathematical education as well as for "preparation for scientific work" and "mathematical career preparation".

The first year

The bachelor's program in mathematics is also required by law to have an study entrance- and orientation-phase (StEOP), the successful completion of which is a prerequisite for further study. 

The StEOP consists of the module "Einführung in das mathematische Arbeiten" (EMA, 16 ECTS), which consists of a lecture and an exercise class. The exercise class, in turn, is divided into two parts with separate content: exercises from the lecture and computational exercises. A positive completion of both parts is necessary to pass the exercise class. In order to avoid delays in studying, the entire StEOP module should be completed in the first semester. In addition, however, the VU Mathematisches Programmieren (MPR), the two basic lectures Analysis 1 and Linear Algebra 1 from the module "Einführung in die höhere Mathematik" (EHM) and the corresponding proseminar should be attended in the first semester. (It is no problem to take one of the two lecture exams during the second semester). In order to further studies, a positive completion of the VU Mathematisches Programmieren is especially important, since it is a prerequisite for the attendance of later courses.

The entire StEOP module as well as the VU Mathematisches Programmieren are also offered regularly in summer semesters.

As an introduction to studying, it is highly recommended to attend the information session for first-year students, which is usually held during the first unit of the lecture "Einführung in das mathematische Arbeiten" on the first day of the semester. Information on this can be found in the information for freshmen on the homepage of the Faculty of Mathematics. 

Already in the first semester, it is crucial to study regularly. Otherwise, the content of the courses will quickly become incomprehensible, and you will be lost in the course material. The tutorial and the proseminar in the EMA and EHM modules are of central importance for regular learning. Active participation and independent work on the exercises are the best way to "stay on the ball". Completing the exercises on time is also very useful from an organizational point of view, because making up for them in a later semester is rather time-consuming.

It is also important not to be discouraged by difficulties. Almost all beginners find it difficult to get used to the way of thinking and speaking in mathematics. But once you have overcome this hurdle, everything becomes much easier and less tedious.

In the second semester, the modules Analysis 2 and Lineare Algebra 2 (both VO+PS) continue the introductory courses. Together with the Diskrete Mathematik und Theoretische Informatik module (VO+PS), these three subjects form the focus of the second semester. Again, regular attendance of the proseminars and active participation helps to stay on the ball. In summary:

The second year

The third semester consists of the compulsory modules Algebra, Numerische Mathematik, and Integration und Stochastik (each 10 ECTS consisting of lecture and proseminar). From the fourth semester on, you have a lot of freedom to structure your studies yourself through the offered elective/compulsory subjects. We recommend students who have already developed an idea in which subject they want to write their bachelor thesis, to complete those necessary courses early.

The third year

In the third year, you will complete further elective/compulsory modules and finish your Bachelor's thesis during the Bachelor's seminar. All faculty members with a doctorate can be considered as supervisors for this work. It is advantageous to decide on a direction early on and to secure a commitment to supervision in the desired area.

Elective modules

In the 4^th, 5^th and 6^th semesters, elective modules amounting to 80 ECTS must be completed. A distinction is made between the foundational-elective module group and the specialized-elective module group.

Foundational-elective module group

The foundational-elective module group consists of 7 modules of which, according to the standard study path, 3 should be completed in the 4^th and 2 in the 5^th semester. Each of these modules consists of a lecture and a proseminar for a total of 10 ECTS, which together are fundamental for further specializations in various fields.