Mathematics and Scientific Computing

Course outline
Course structure
Main research interests
Formal requirements
Academic advisors
Contact
Degree: | Master of Science |
Application required: | access-restricted |
Course commences: | winter semester / summer semester |
Standard course duration: | 4 semesters |
Format options: | Mathematics: full-time / part-time Scientific Computing: full-time only |
Language requirements: | Mathematics: None Scientific Computing: English (on application) |
Language of instruction: | Mathematics: German, partly English Scientific Computing: English, partly German |
Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science
Course outline
These two consecutive, research-oriented M.Sc. courses are designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge of the subjects involved and of the methodologies employed in mathematics. The Scientific Computing programme is more application-oriented and focuses, as its name suggests, on computation for scientific purposes. Both courses take 4 semesters. Graduates are awarded a Master of Science degree.
In the M.A. programmes “Mathematics” and “Scientific Computing”, the extension of the fundamental mathematical knowledge obtained in a B.Sc. degree course progresses far enough to bring students into meaningful contact with the ongoing research taking place in the various sectors of mathematics represented in Heidelberg. Graduates will be able to apply mathematical methods and models and develop them further without assistance. Work on the M.Sc. thesis substantially enhances the students’ ability to engage independently with an academic topic, analyse and solve mathematical problems, and organise their own work schedule. The main difference between the two courses is that the M.Sc. in mathematics focuses more exclusively on research within the subject itself, while the Scientific Computing programme is more applicational, involving an obligatory internship in the industrial sector.
Course structure
As with the B.Sc. degree programme, the M.Sc. course is made up of modules for which the students acquire credit points (CP). One credit point is the equivalent of about 30 hours of work.
To complete the M.Sc. course successfully, students need to acquire a total of 120 credit points, divided up as follows:
Master Mathematik
CP | module description |
48 (6 lectures) | advanced mathematics (various focal areas) |
18 (2 lectures) | field of application (ideally the same as in the B.Sc. course) |
18 | seminars |
6 | cross-disciplinary skills |
30 | M.Sc. thesis |
Master Scientific Computing
CP | module description |
16 (2 lectures) | advanced mathematics |
16 (2 lectures) | advanced computer science |
16 (2 lectures) | specialization |
18 (field specific) | field of application, coordinated with specialization |
18 | seminars |
6 | cross-disciplinary skills |
30 | M.Sc. thesis |
For a more precise description of the course structure, consult the study guides for the M.Sc. programmes in Mathematics and Scientific Computing (see below).
Main research interests
Main research interests:
- algebra and numbers theory
- geometry and topology
- analysis and applied analysis
- numerical mathematics and optimisationg
- probability theory and statistics
- theoretical informatics and mathematical logic
Mathematics in Heidelberg is notable for the strong connection both between theory and practice and between different sectors. In Pure Mathematics, a cross-boundary research focus on arithmetic and geometry has materialised over the years. Applied Mathematics is remarkable for its interdisciplinary emphasis, with many of the research groups located at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Scientific Computing (IWR). In the framework of the Initiative for Excellence, the MAThematics Center Heidelberg (MATCH) was established to coordinate activities in the Department, encourage cross-boundary research and support young mathematicians.
The Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science is without doubt one of the leading mathematics faculties in Germany. The recognition of its research achievements by colleagues at other universities, the external funding it receives, and the large number of professorships at other universities that go to young mathematicians from Heidelberg testify to the accuracy of this assessment. Further confirmation comes from evaluations and rankings published in the past few years. Mathematics in Heidelberg is also notable for the importance it attaches to connectivity. The Department has various cooperation partners to its name and can point to joint research projects with institutions all over the world. Students profit greatly from these connections, which enable them to participate in international exchange of a quality that transcends the customary programmes designed to promote academic exchange.
Formal requirements
Admission
Mathematics: Access to the course is restricted. The current Admission Regulations are available here.
Scientific Computing: Access to the course is restricted. The current Admission Regulations are available here.
Prospective students from Germany
Prospective students from Germany can enrol without prior application at the Central University Administration building by the beginning of the lecture period. To matriculate, they are required to show a written statement of admission issued by the representative of the Master’s programme they wish to attend, confirming that the requirements set out in the Admission Regulations have been met. Please apply to the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science for further information on how to proceed.
International prospective students
Prospective students from other countries must apply in writing, so that their previous academic record can be verified. The deadline for international applicants is 15 June for the winter semester and 15 November for the summer semester. Applications must be addressed directly to the International Relations Office. Please use the M.A. application form here and enclose the necessary documents.
Further information
Current information on procedure
Study and examination regulations
Examination regulations M.Sc. in Mathematics
Examination regulations M.Sc. in Mathematics (for students embarking on the programme in the winter semester 2009/10 or earlier)
Examination regulations M.Sc. in Scientific Computing (22 April 2013)
Examination regulations M.Sc. in Scientific Computing (16 March 2009)
Examination regulations M.Sc. in Scientific Computing (for students embarking on the programme in the winter semester 2009/10 or earlier)
Module Handbook
Please click here to find the latest Module Handbook.
Examinations board
Issues arising in connection with examinations, credit transfer and academic credential recognition are dealt with by the relevant examinations board/office. For more information, consult the academic advisor(s) indicated below.
Fees
Tuition fees at Heidelberg University are payable at the beginning of each semester.
Academic advisors
Master Mathematik
PD Dr. Karl Oelschläger
Im Neuenheimer Feld 205, Office 04.404
office hours: Mo, 11.00-12.00 Uhr
phone: +49 (0)6221-54-14104
e-mail: oelschlaeger@math.uni-heidelberg.de
Master Scientific Computing
Dr. M. Winckler
Im Neuenheimer Feld 205, Office 05.232
office hours: Di 14-15 Uhr
phone: +49 (0)6221-54-14430
e-mail: mastersc@iwr.uni-heidelberg.de
Contact
Faculty of Mathematics, Dean’s Office
Im Neuenheimer Feld 205
D-69120 Heidelberg
phone: +49 (0)6221-54-14014
fax: +49 (0)6221-54-14015
e-mail: dekanat@mathi.uni-heidelberg.de
Internet: www.mathinf.uni-heidelberg.de
Location
Interdisciplinary Centre for Scientific Computing
Im Neuenheimer Feld 205
D-69120 Heidelberg
Secretaries' office
Office 04.306
phone: +49 (0)6221-54-14401
fax: +49 (0)6221-54-14427
e-mail: wissrech@iwr.uni-heidelberg.de
Internet: www.iwr.uni-heidelberg.de
Location
Student representation MathPhys
Im Neuenheimer Feld 205
D-69120 Heidelberg
Office 01.301
phone: +49 (0)6221-54-14999
e-mail: mathphys@uni-hd.de
Internet: mathphys.uni-hd.de