Student working on the laptop

Computer Science

How can anti-virus software be further developed? What is a binary tree? And how can systems be implemented in terms of hardware and software? If you find these questions interesting, you have come to the right place!
Student working on the laptop
Image: Gerd Altmann / Pixabay.com
Key facts
Degree
Bachelor of Science
no NC
Duration
6 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
180
Teaching language
German
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 265,60
Start of studies
Winter semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Institutions
Application & Deadlines

Content of the study programme

The future is digital! Technology has developed rapidly in the last few decades alone. The processing of complex information in particular plays an enormous role in today's knowledge society. Would you like to help shape digital transformation? Overseeing complex IT systems and developing new software sounds like an exciting task for you? If so, the Bachelor's programme in ‘Computer Science’ is perfect for you.

Through various hardware and software, computer science manages to transmit data in a matter of seconds and to effortlessly connect people all over the world. Also, you can now easily order a wide variety of goods through countless online shops, for example. During your studies, you will not only learn the basics of information processing and different programming languages; the focus is also on logical thinking and understanding basic information technology and mathematical problems. This is why mathematics should not have been one of your problem subjects at school because it is used in every computer science discipline.

Prior knowledge of programming is beneficial, but not absolutely necessary. Many students without computer science lessons at school have already successfully completed their degree with us. The reason: The modules of the first year of study serve on the one hand to orientate you and on the other hand to compensate for previous knowledge, to train programming skills and to acquire basic knowledge and skills in the subjects of computer science and mathematics. You will then delve deeper into these subjects in order to set your own focus towards the end of the Bachelor's programme according to your interests—for example, in the areas of theoretical computer science/algorithmics, information and software systems, intelligent information-processing systems and parallel computing. Thanks to the technical expertise imparted, you will be well prepared to develop the systems and trends of tomorrow after graduation. 

By the way: In the seven-semester and more practice-oriented bachelor’s programme “Applied Computer Science”, the application-oriented subjects are addressed in more depth.

Video: Birgitta König-Ries

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 six semesters, during which various forms of courses (e.g. lectures, exercises or internships) are offered for the individual modules.

If you take a single-subject bachelor’s programme in ‘Computer Science’, your field of study will comprise 180 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 comprises modules of the subject computer science, mathematical and scientific-technical basics and interdisciplinary contents.

How might your study programme shape up?

1st semester 2nd semester 3rd semester 4th semester 5th semester 6th semester
Foundations of Computational Problem Solving
(9 CP)		 Object-oriented Programming
(5 CP)		 Automata and Computability
(9 CP)		 Declarative Programming
(4 CP)		 Required elective area*
(21 CP)		 Bachelor thesis
(12 CP)
Linear Algebra
(6 CP)		 Algorithms and Data Structures
(9 CP)		 System Software
(3 CP)		 Experimental Hardware Projects
(3 CP)		 Required elective area*
(15 CP)
Discrete Structures I
(6 CP)		 Computer Architecture
(6 CP)		 Advanced Labs for Computer Science
(3 CP)		 Numerical Analysis
(6 CP)		    
Principles of Computer Hardware
(6 CP)		 Basic Calculus
(6 CP)		 Introduction to Probability Theory
(6 CP)		 Required elective area*
(6 CP)		    
Minor subject and/or interdisciplinary contents1
(3 CP)		 Discrete Structures II
(6 CP)		 Minor subject and/or interdisciplinary contents1
(30 CP)

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 Minor 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?

Thanks to its wide range of lectures and seminars, the University of Jena has prepared me well for professional life. I also got insights into the different areas of computer science. In addition, Jena has numerous medium-sized companies for internships, student traineeships or final theses, which allows you to have direct contact with industry.

Johannes Sengbusch, graduate

Commemorative plaque to the OPREMA computer for optical calculations built by Zeiss Commemorative plaque to the OPREMA computer for optical calculations built by Zeiss Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
  • Close cooperations: The Institute of Computer ScienceExternal link 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.

Behind the scenes

Image: Sebastian Reuter
Server Computer
An insight into the working world
Step out of the lecture hall and into working life: Every year, we offer excursions to large companies such as IBM and SAP, but also to smaller companies in the computer industry and insurance companies. This gives you an early insight into different company structures.

What can you do after your studies?

Areas of employment for graduates

  • software and device development at IT manufacturers
  • development of standard and application software at software companies and IT users
  • consulting in service companies
  • research and teaching at universities and industrial institutions (usually with a Master’s degree)
  • administration, service and support
  • web development and web programming
  • marketing and sales

Postgraduate master’s programmes at our University

Master of Science
Business Administration for Engineers and Natural Scientists
Master of Science
Bioinformatics
Master of Science
Computational and Data Science
Master of Science
Computer Science
Master of Science
Business Information Systems

Downloads and links for the study programme​

What are the personal requirements?

  • basic knowledge in computer science
  • a good understanding of mathematical thinking
  • logical thinking
  • interest in solving complex problems with a logically structured approach

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

Subject-specific academic advisor – Dr Jana Grajetzki
Room 3332
Ernst-Abbe-Platz 1-2
07743 Jena
Google Maps site plan
+49 3641 9-46314
jana.grajetzki@uni-jena.de
Examinations Office of the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science
Room 3329
Ernst-Abbe-Platz 2
07743 Jena
Google Maps site plan
+49 3641 9-46011 +49 3641 9-46002
studienamt_fmi@listserv.uni-jena.de
More information de
Tutor — Jonathan Schäfer
jonathan.luiz.schaefer@uni-jena.de
Student Representative Committee Computer Science
Room 3227
Ernst-Abbe-Platz 2
07743 Jena
Google Maps site plan
+49 3641 9-46411
fsrinfo@uni-jena.de
More information de
Central Student Advisory Service
University Main Building / SSZ
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Google Maps site plan
+49 3641 9-411200 +49 3641 9-411111
To Service-Desk
To the advisory services
Office hours:
We offer consultations and the handling of your concerns in person, via video chat or telephone. Appointments can be made by phone or via service desk.

Consultation hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9:00 to 12:20, Tuesday 14:00 to 18:00 and on Wednesday and Thursday from 14:00 to 16:00.
Video chat:
Videochat Zeiten
Monday to Friday 12.30 to 13:00
Videochat Passwort
ZSB2020
Student Service Centre
University Main Building, Room E065
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Google Maps site plan
+49 3641 9-411111 +49 3641 9-411112
To Service-Desk
More information
Opening hours:
Monday 10 - 12
Tuesday 13 - 15
Wednesday 10 - 12
Thursday 13 - 15
Friday 10 - 12

Updates / adjustments may occur at any time. Thank you for your understanding!

We currently provide advice and handle your concern solely also via phone and service desk.

You can reach us by phone
Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 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 plan
incoming@uni-jena.de

Additional services