Student controls a robotic arm

Applied Computer Science

How can computing and communication systems be further developed? Where can augmented reality be used in the working world? And how are complex problems solved with algorithmic building blocks? If you find these questions interesting, then you have come to the right place!
Student controls a robotic arm
Image: Sebastian Reuter
Key facts
Degree
Bachelor of Science
Admission restriction
without admission restriction (without NC)
Duration
7 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
210
Teaching language
German
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 272,65
Start of studies
Winter semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Institutions
Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science
Institute of Computer Science
Application & Deadlines

Programme content

You can switch on the light, turn on the heating or control the car by voice command: Digital assistants are everywhere in our everyday lives. Almost all areas of the economy and society depend on information technology and it is precisely these digital solutions that are more in demand than ever. The range of computer science systems and products is incredibly diverse: from innovative apps, original computer games and artificial intelligence to novel service robots. In order to set such technological trends and drive the digital future, there is a need for well-trained experts with the ability to think through complex issues in a logical and structured manner.

The Bachelor's programme ‘Applied Computer Science’ is exciting, extremely versatile and steeped in mathematics. So if you were rather at odds with this subject in your school days, you will find it difficult to cope with the maths workload. Having knowledge of programming before beginning your studies is an advantage, but again, not absolutely necessary. Many students without computer science lessons at school have already successfully completed their degree with us. After all, the modules of the first year of study provide orientation on the one hand, and on the other hand, they serve to compensate for previous knowledge, to train programming skills and to acquire basic knowledge and skills in the subjects of computer science and mathematics.

Practical elements are part of the curriculum from the beginning in the form of a chosen application-oriented subject. From the third semester onwards, you can also set your own individual focal points for your specialization. During an internship, you will acquire further qualifications relevant to your profession—ideally in an institution whose field of activity is related to the chosen application subject. Thanks to the technical expertise imparted, you will be well prepared to develop the systems and trends of tomorrow after graduation. 

By the way: While this study programme's strong emphasis on practical training makes it special, the six-semester Bachelor's programme "Computer Science”, on the other hand, places a much greater emphasis on the teaching of technical and methodological competences in information technology.

Structure

Students in class

Students in class

Image: Sebastian Reuter

The bachelor's degree is the first professional qualification. The standard period of study is seven semesters, during which various forms of courses (e.g. lectures, practical courses or internships) are offered for the individual modules.

If you take a single-subject bachelor’s programme in ‘Applied Computer Science’, your field of study will comprise 210 credit points (CP for short; 1 CP = 30 hours for attendance, preparation and follow-up work, private study, assessed coursework and examinations).

The study programme includes modules on computer science as well as on imparting mathematical and scientific-technical basics, an application subject and modules conveying overarching content.

Every student can freely choose an application-oriented subject from the approved subjects. The application-oriented subject is studied continuously over the first three years of study. The seventh semester, which concludes the study programme, is designed as a practical semester. 

How might your degree programme shape up?

1st semester 2nd semester 3rd semester 4th semester 5th semester 6th semester 7th semester
Foundations of Computational Problem Solving
(9 CP)		 Object-oriented Programming
(6 CP)		 Advanced Labs for Computer Science
(3 CP)		 Experimental Hardware Projects
(3 CP)		 Computability and Complexity
(6 CP)		  

Internship
(18 CP)
Linear Algebra
(6 CP)		 Algorithms and Data Structures
(9 CP)

Principles of Computer Hardware
(6 CP)

 Numerical Analysis
(6 CP)		 System Software
(3 CP)		   Bachelor Thesis
(12 CP)
Discrete Structures I
(6 CP)		 Basic Calculus
(6 CP)		 Introduction to Probability Theory
(6 CP)		 Discrete Structures II
(6 CP)		 Interdisciplinary Contents
(6 CP)		  
    Required elective area Computer Science1
(6 CP)		 Required elective area Computer Science1
(6 CP)		 Required elective area Computer Science1
(6 CP)		 Required elective area Computer Science1 (15 CP)  
Application-oriented subject2
(60 CP in total)		  

Abbreviations: CP = credit points

1 In the area of required elective modules, you can take modules from the fields of algorithms, information and software systems, intelligent information processing systems, and parallel and embedded systems.

2 Application-oriented subjects include Medical Data Science, Geography, Linguistics with a focus on Computational Linguistics / Speech Technology, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, and Economics.

More detailed information can be found in the module catalogue for the study programme [in German]External link.

Why study in Jena?

Applied Computer Science offers the best of two disciplines and is just right for people like me who know where they want to go professionally. On top of that, Jena's city centre even makes the regular walks between the faculties enjoyable.

Julian Kroner, Graduate

  • Close cooperations: The Institute of Computer Science maintains close personnel and content-related cooperations with companies in the high-tech sector in Jena, Thuringia and Germany as well as with companies operating worldwide. Additionally, it closely cooperates with non-university, industry-affiliated research institutions in and around Jena.
  • Full of tradition: A short trip back in history! The logician and developer of the first formal languages Gottlob Frege taught at the University of Jena—supported by the physicist Ernst Abbe. By the way: The first computer of the former GDR, the OPREMA (from the German ‘Optik-Rechenmaschine’), a computer for optical calculations was built in Jena in 1955 by VEB Carl Zeiss Jena. Based on the above history, our University later got its own institute for computer science in the reunified Germany.
  • Excellent research: The main research areas of theoretical computer science in Jena are algorithms and data structures as well as logic and complexity theory. The research de in logic and complexity theory is more focused on the foundations of computer science. The area of theoretical computer science in Jena is involved in various national and international research projects.
  • Possibilities without borders: Experience internationality! The University attracts students and scientists from all over the world with its appealing conditions and shapes Jena's character as a future-oriented and cosmopolitan city — ideal conditions for international prospective studentsmp4, 55 mb.
  • Adventure abroad: The University of Jena has a worldwide network of partner universitiesExternal link. Among them are, for example, the universities of Sao Bento (Brazil), Stellenbosch (South Africa) or Sibiu-Hermannstadt (Romania).

A look behind the scenes

  • Fakultätsgebäude
    Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
    Welcome!

    The Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science is located in the heart of the city—directly on campus at Ernst-Abbe-Platz 2.

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What can you do after your studies?

Areas of employment for graduates

  • industry
  • software and database development
  • programming
  • administration
  • service and support
  • web development and web programming
  • marketing and sales
  • hardware development

Postgraduate master’s programmes at our University

  1. Bioinformatics Master of Science
    • Faculty of Biological Sciences
    • Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science
  2. Business Administration for Engineers and Natural Scientists Master of Science
    • Faculty of Economics and Business Administration
  3. Business Information Systems Master of Science
    • Faculty of Economics and Business Administration
  4. Computational and Data Science Master of Science
    • Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science
  5. Computer Science Master of Science
    • Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science
All degree programmes

Downloads and links for the degree programme

What are we looking for in prospective students?

  • basic knowledge of computer science preferred
  • good mathematical knowledge and skills
  • interest in the use of computers and in implementing ideas with computer science tools
  • high willingness to learn how to deal with formal descriptions

Admission requirements

  • University entrance qualification

    A university entrance qualification, such as a general secondary school leaving certificate, is required for admission onto the study programme.

    More information on university entrance qualifications can be found here.

  • Language requirements

    Admission and language requirements for applicants of foreign nationality and without German Abitur: www.uni-jena.de/en/study-orientation-international 

Contacts

Academic Advisor - Dr Sven Sickert

Room 1211
Ernst-Abbe-Platz 2
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Examinations Office of the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science

Room 3329
Ernst-Abbe-Platz 2
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Student Representatives Computer Science

Room 3227
Ernst-Abbe-Platz 2
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Central Student Advisory Service

University Main Building / SSZ
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Office hours:
Please note: The Central Student Advisory Service will not be available from 21.12.2024. We will be back for you on Monday, 06.01.2025.

We offer consultations in person, by telephone, and via Zoom. You can make an appointment by calling us on +49 3641 9-411111 (Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 to 11:00) or outside these office hours on +49 3641 9-411200. You can also use our remote help desk.

Consultation hours:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (9:00 to 12:20), Tuesdays (14:00 to 18:00), and Wednesdays and Thursdays (14:00 to 16:00).

Video chat: To the video chat – Zoom Videochat ZeitenMondays to Fridays (12:30 to 13:00) Password ZSB2020 Data protection informationpdf, 101 kb

Student Service Centre

University Main Building, Room E065
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Opening hours:
Mondays (10:00 – 12:00)
Tuesdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Wednesdays (10:00 – 12:00)
Thursdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Fridays (10:00 – 12:00)

You can also use our remote help desk at
www.uni-jena.de/service-ssz
or send us your enquiries by post.

Telephone hours:
Mondays to Fridays
(9:00 – 11:00)

Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Studierenden-Service-Zentrum
07737 Jena

International Office - International students

University Main Building
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link