Department of Computer Science - University Freiburg
Document Actions

FAQ

I'm not a computer geek, but could a degree in Computer Science still be for me?

Computer Science is not just for computer geeks. The most important thing is that you enjoy abstract and systematic thinking. You will need to have done reasonably well in mathematics in school.

back to top

Do I have to know how to program before I begin my degree?

No, you do not need any programming skills to start with. Although previous knowledge will be helpful, you will be taught all the basics on the course. You will then be expected to consolidate this knowledge independently.
back to top

Do I need a laptop?

No, having your own laptop is not a prerequisite for gaining a place on a Computer Science course. Having your own computer (either a desktop which you can use at home or a laptop for when you're away from home) will make your life easier, but in theory you can complete this course without one. Freiburg University has several computer rooms for students, each equipped with many different computers. Here, you can write your assignments, program, write emails and so on. The university computers are equipped with also specialist programs (mathematics software, for example), and students can print at a minimal fee.

back to top

Which programming languages will be used during the degree?

At the University of Freiburg we mainly work with Java. It will be taught from scratch in the first semester, together with the functional programming language Haskell.

It is very probable that you will also have to deal with programming languages such as PHP, Perl, C (in several variants), and XML/HTML, among others, during the course of your degree. These will not be taught in detail, but must be learnt through self-study or via summer school courses. Languages such as Assembler and VHDL may also play a role in special events/lectures.
back to top

Are math and other science subjects at IIF very academically demanding?

'Demanding' is a relative term, so this is not an easy question to answer. IIF mathematics lectures differ from those of the mathematics department in that they are designed to specifically equip students with the knowledge they will need for Computer Science and Engineering courses. Nonetheless, you will learn about basic theoretical principles and theorem proving, which some students may well find demanding, but which are necessary in many areas of Computer Science.
back to top

Do Computer Science students work with a specific operating system?

Generally, Windows systems have a rather bad reputation amongst computer scientists, because they make it difficult to see how individual processes work. Many students use alternative operating systems like Unix, Linux or Mac OS. However, we do also use the Microsoft system, because a lot of programs are only compatible with Windows.
There are various computer rooms students can use at the IIF, each set up with a different system (Linux, SUN, Windows). back to top

Can I refresh my knowledge of mathematics in a special course before the semester begins?

The department of computer science offers a preparatory math course for freshman students during Introduction Week.

back to top

As a Computer Science student, can I get reductions on operating systems and other software? Can I get these for free?

Yes, Computer Science students can get reductions on software purchases. Operating systems and some other software can be bought at reduced prices or are available for free in the computer center.

http://portal.uni-freiburg.de/rz/dienste

back to top

Do I have to have received very good Math, Physics and Science grades in school in order to be allowed to study Computer Science in Freiburg?

To apply for a place on a Computer Science course in Freiburg, you will have to complete a so-called “Eignungsfeststellungsverfahren” (Aptitude Assessment Process). This is not an exam, but a process which enables us to calculate a grade point average from your achievements in different subjects (mathematics, languages and science) studied in school, as well as from the grades obtained in your high school leaving exams. The assessed suitability of a candidate for the program and hence their acceptance onto the course depends, among other things, on this grade point average. Good grades are, therefore, an advantage.
However, what is absolutely crucial is that you should enjoy using mathematical knowledge. Anyone who, despite good grades, cannot think mathematically and abstractly would perhaps do better choosing another course. Good grades in science subjects are not of the highest importance for us. However, anyone who specifically wants to minor in one particular subject should possess sufficient basic knowledge of this subject.

back to top

After I complete my Bachelor's degree, will I be able to go straight into a job in industry, or will further study be necessary?

A Bachelor's degree is a full, professional university qualification and will give graduates access to the employment market. Further qualifications are often viewed as an advantage, and will normally get employees a higher starting salary, but are not strictly necessary. back to top

Will IIF organize revision sessions or private tuition (from older students, for example) if I have difficulties with the content of certain courses?

There are no official revision sessions, nor does the department organize private tuition. If necessary, students need to use their own initiative to approach senior students or the department, which can act as a go-between.
back to top

Does IIF or the University of Freiburg offer any special language courses for Computer Science students?

At the moment no such language course exists. We do however plan to offer such a course (e.g. during summer break) in the future, should there be sufficient interest. The courses would be called something like German for Mathematics, English for Mathematics or Computer Science for German-Speaking Students. back to top

What language are the lectures and other events held in?

Most lectures will be in German; but English may be spoken in, for example, some parts of the lectures, in seminars, or in special events like knowledge advancement lectures. We do sometimes receive guest professors from abroad, and in their lectures it is likely that they will use English. Additionally, a great deal of subject-specific literature is only available in English, and many specialist terms are no longer translated into German (Internet, Browser, Client, etc).

back to top

It normally takes six semesters to complete a Bachelor's degree course, but what if I need eight?

Unfortunately, there are always some students who need a longer time to complete their course. This will have no repercussions for the degree itself, but students needing two extra semesters will have to pay extra tuition fees.
There is only one important deadline students enrolled on the Bachelor's degree in Computer Science need to meet. They need to pass an introductory exam by the end of the third semester, and if they do not manage to do so, they will be asked to leave the university. This introductory exam is not, however, really an exam, and is 'passed' when a student has earned 15 ECTS credits. This can be done, for example, simply by passing the compulsory first-year units Mathematics and Computer Science (each worth 8 ECTS credits).

back to top

In school I learned basic English. Will I be able to follow events held in English?

In the beginning there will of course be some phrases and technical terms which you will not be familiar with. You might come across terms or expressions that you do not understand even when the lecture is in German, though, and this is no reason to be ashamed. back to top

How many students are there at IIF?

At the moment, there are 600 students in Freiburg majoring in Computer Science. This includes Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students, teaching students, students still studying for a 'Diplom', etc. This figure does not, however, include those students minoring in Computer Science. back to top

Which qualification will give me the best job prospects?

That depends on what job expectations you have. If you want to be hired in a managerial capacity (as project manager, for example) you should hold a Master's degree or doctorate. If, however, you want to work in software development as part of a team, a Bachelor's degree should be sufficient. In fact, having a Master's degree might make you seem overqualified for a job like this. At the moment, job prospects for Computer Science graduates are generally very good, particularly if students are qualified in some specific field and are not afraid to speak confidently about this. Because of the demand for specialists, specializing will give you better prospects than saying that you are prepared to adapt to any requirements! back to top

What proportion of students on the Computer Science course in Freiburg are women?

At the moment around 15% of students majoring in the subject are female, though this figure has been steadily climbing in recent years. back to top

Do you offer anything specifically for women students?

We have some events targeted at female students only. There is the Informatica Feminale Baden-Württemberg which takes place alternately in Furtwangen and in Freiburg, for example. The Department of Applied Sciences also has a women’s representative. back to top

What is the difference between studying Computer Science at a university, studying it at a university of applied sciences (FH) and studying it at a university of cooperative education (BA)?

At an FH, courses focus more on professional experience than at university, where broad scientific training including, among other things, learning about the latest research findings, is important. At university, you will receive a more theoretical and methodological basic training, which then makes original research and independent further study possible. This is why self-sufficiency and flexibility are so very important at university. At an FH or BA, you will concentrate more on concrete, practical problems and less on abstract, analytical thought. Here, the focus is often on rather specialist fields of computer science, such as computer science in the media or in communications. This offers practical insight into these fields, combined with work placements in companies.

back to top

Why is the 'Diplom' qualification being abolished?

All higher education qualifications in Europe are being standardized in the course of the Bologna-Reform, in order to achieve better comparability and make it easier to move between universities. The means that Germany's old system (Diplom, Magister, etc.) will be replaced by the Bachelor's/Master's degree system. This process must be complete nationwide by 2010. From then on, German universities will no longer be able to offer the Diplom qualification. The old Diplom is comparable to a combined Bachelor's and Master's degree. back to top

Will I have to pay tuition fees?

Yes. tuition fees were introduced at many German universities, including Freiburg in the summer semester of 2007. At the moment this is €500 per semester, but administrative fees and health insurance have to be paid on top of that. back to top

Everyone says that Computer Science students spend all day doing calculations, or having machines do them. What are they calculating?

In Computer Science, the term “calculate” refers to the use of algorithms. An algorithm is a series of formal steps of calculation used to solve a problem. Typical problems in Computer Science include data sorting, data searching and the proof of the correctness of a process. After their training, students of computer science must be in a position to put problems into an abstract, formal format, which can then be solved using algorithms.

back to top

How varied is a Computer Science degree course at Freiburg?

The first three semesters of the Bachelor's degree tend to be fairly rigid with regards to unit choice. After that, students can choose which field they wish to specialize in. Examples of specializations include artificial intelligence/robotics, image processing/computer graphics, databases and communications, computer architecture, software development, networks and many more. What you choose will depend on your personal interests and strengths. back to top

How interdisciplinary is a Computer Science course?

So-called “unrelated modules” will be worked into your plan of studies. This means that you will choose one area from the following list of subjects in which to attend a couple of special lectures, and in doing so will learn a little more about another subject area in which computer science might be applied. In Freiburg, these areas are:

  • bioinformatics
  • earth sciences
  • cognitive science
  • mathematics
  • medicine
  • meteorology
  • microsystems technology
  • physics
  • psychology
  • economics
back to top