Mathematics
What does the weak law of large numbers say? How to best detect hidden patterns? And how can problems actually be solved with mathematical software? If you find these questions interesting, you have come to the right place!
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Programme content
Many aspects of today’s everyday life can only be understood with a certain knowledge of mathematics. As a student of Mathematics as a minor, you will not so much study facts, but rather a way of thinking and solving problems. Nowadays, these analytical skills are welcome in numerous industries and business sectors—for example, in banks and insurance companies, industry, commerce and, of course, research and development facilities.
When you study Mathematics as a minor, you will receive basic training in mathematics. In addition, we offer a wide variety of application-oriented scientific fields that encourage connections and links to the chosen major subject and facilitate a deeper immersion into your chosen area of specialization. The study programme teaches exact mathematical thinking, the ability to consider something in the abstract, the understanding of problems, and the use of precise means of expression. This way, you will acquire the necessary skills for multidisciplinary work in various academic fields of work. For students with a major subject in the humanities or social sciences, the courses offered for the minor subject include the following focal points:
- basic training in theoretical and practical mathematics
- modelling
- use of computers and handling computer technology
- use of the computer as an aid in solving mathematical questions
Structure
minor subject
Graphic: Sophie BartholomeThe bachelor's degree is the first professional qualification. The standard period of study is six semesters, during which various forms of courses (e.g. seminars, lectures or exercises) are offered for the individual modules.
A multi-subject bachelor’s programme consists of a major subject with 120 credit points (CP for short; 1 CP = 30 hours for attendance, preparation and follow-up work, private study, assessed coursework and examinations) and a minor subject with 60 CP.
At the beginning of the study programme, you will be taught the basic knowledge. Building on this, you can set your own focal points from the fourth semester onwards. You can combine the minor subject ‘Mathematics’ with all major subjects offered at the University of Jena.
How might your degree programme shape up?
This table is an example of how the minor subject ‘Mathematics could be structured:
| Semester | Modules |
| 1 |
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| 2 |
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| 3 |
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| 4 |
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| 5 |
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| 6 |
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Abbreviations: CP = credit points
* In the area of required elective modules, you have to take modules worth 21 credit points. These include, for example, Scientific Computing, Structural Programming, or Discrete Modelling.
More detailed information can be found in the module catalogue for the study programme [in German]External link.
Why study in Jena?
- Optimum support: Lectures are delivered in front of small groups of students. This gives you the opportunity to come into direct contact with lecturers and also creates space for individual discussions and a family-like atmosphere.
- Excellent research: Priority areas include ‘complex systems’ as a University project, topics from analysis, stochastics, algebra and geometry, as well as gravitational-wave astronomy.
- Award-winning introductory phase of studies: In the first semesters, we support our students in many ways with the help of a concept consisting of classroom exercises in all courses, individual support in the ‘MatheCafé’External link and the annual exam preparation weekend.
- 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: If you dream of spending a semester abroad, you can easily make it come true. Our University has a worldwide network of partner universitiesExternal link.
A look behind the scenes
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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.
What can you do after your studies?
Areas of employment for graduates
Mathematics as a minor broadens your qualification profile for many professional fields of activity—for example by providing you with confidence in dealing with numbers, an understanding of formal systems, sound knowledge of statistics, as well as the modelling and structuring of problems. These skills are a clear benefit for graduates from major subject such as German Studies de, Educational Science de and Sociology de.
Downloads and links for the degree programme
What are we looking for in prospective students?
- taking delight in exact thinking
- willingness to work with formal systems
- familiarity with computers
Admission requirements
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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.
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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 — apl. Prof. Dr Christian Richter
Room 3537
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
Tutor — Helen Würflein
Student Representatives Mathematics
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:
The Central Student Advisory Service will be closed from 22 December 2025 to 2 January 2026. We will be happy to assist you again from 5 January 2026!
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:
Information Desk (UHG; Room E0.65)
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