Specialization "Algebra, Number Theory, and Discrete Mathematics"

Master's program

In the Master's program, "Algebra, Number Theory, and Discrete Mathematics" is one of 7 main areas of specialization. If this is the chosen main area of specialization, there is a compulsory module group of foundational courses. (The further modules of the Master's program can be divided between courses from the chosen area of specialization and courses from other areas of specialization.) The basic courses in the area of specialization "Algebra, Number Theory, and Discrete Mathematics" consists of the following compulsory modules:

• group theory
• algebraic number theory
• combinatorics
• seminars in these topics

Further lecture courses are offered in the compulsory module of elective courses. A more detailed description of these modules can be found in the curriculum for the Master's program in mathematics.

It is advisable to think about a possible topics and appropriate supervisors of your Master's thesis at an early stage of the Master's program. When looking for a topic and supervisors, you should also take into account whether you intend to continue onto the doctoral program. In this case, more consideration should given so that the topic has a strong connection to contemporary research.

Doctoral program

As usual at the Faculty of Mathematics, there is no real difference between advanced courses for the Master's program and courses for the doctoral program in the area of specialization "Algebra, Number Theory, and Discrete Mathematics", but their recognition for the doctoral program will be specified individually in the "dissertation agreement" (Dissertationsvereinbarung).

The research interests of the individual faculty members play a much larger role in the choice of a topic and supervisor for a doctoral dissertation than for a Master's thesis: dissertation topics are usually adjacent to the research area and interests of the supervisor. You can find a description of the current research areas within the area "Algebra, Number Theory, and Discrete Mathematics" at the Faculty as well as the people involved on the website of the research group.