Computer Science

The first study year is characterized by a broad offer in disciplinary education that builds on and extends the students’ entrance qualification. CS Students select introductory modules with a total of 45 CP from the CHOICE area of various study programs, of which 15-30 CP will be from their intended major.

Students can still change to another major at the beginning of the second year of studies if they have taken the corresponding modules of the study program in the first year of studies.

CS students take the following discipline-specific CHOICE Modules (30 CP) in their first year of study:

• CHOICE Module: Programming in C and C++ (7.5 CP)
• CHOICE Module: Algorithms and Data Structures (7.5 CP)
• CHOICE Module: Introduction to Computer Science (7.5 CP)
• CHOICE Module: Introduction to Robotics and Intelligent Systems (7.5 CP)

The first two modules, Programming in C and C++ and Algorithms and Data Structures, introduce students to imperative and object-oriented programming and basic algorithms and data structures. The Introduction to Computer Science module discusses abstract and concrete notions of computing machines and algorithms and the representation of information. Students are also exposed to a purely functional programming language. The Introduction to Robotics and Intelligent Systems module discusses the interaction of computers with the physical world and lays the foundation for intelligent systems.

Students can select the remaining CHOICE modules (15 CP) in the first year of studies according to interest and allow a change of major up until the beginning of the second year when the major choice becomes fixed.

In their second year, students take modules totaling 45 CP from in-depth, discipline-specific CORE modules. These modules aim to extend the students' critical understanding of their major's key theories, principles, and methods at the current state of knowledge and best practice.

CS students take 30 CP from the following CORE modules:

• CORE Module: Databases and Web Services (7.5 CP)
• CORE Module: Software Engineering (7.5 CP)
• CORE Module: Operating Systems (7.5 CP)
• CORE Module: Automata, Computability, and Complexity (7.5 CP)

Students decide to complement their studies by taking the discipline-specific mandatory elective CORE modules (15 CP):

• CORE Module: Computer Networks (5 CP)
• CORE Module: Legal and Ethical Aspects of Computer Science (2.5 CP)
• CORE Module: Secure and Dependable Systems (5 CP)
• CORE Module: Academic Skills in Computer Science (2.5 CP)

Or substitute these modules with CORE modules from a second field of studies with the aim to pursue a minor.

Students prepare and make decisions for their career after graduation during their third year. In addition, students take a mandatory summer internship to explore available choices fitting individual interests and gain professional experience.

The 5th semester also opens a mobility window for comprehensive study-abroad options. Finally, the 6th semester is dedicated to fostering students' research experience by involving them in an extended Bachelor thesis project.

CS students take 15 CP from major-specific and major-related advanced Specialization modules to consolidate their knowledge of the current state of research in areas of their choice.

CS students can choose from the following Specialization Modules:

• Specialization: Computer Graphics (5 CP)
• Specialization: Human-Computer Interaction (5 CP)
• Specialization: Image Processing (5 CP)
• Specialization: Distributed Algorithms (5 CP)
• Specialization: Parallel and Distributed Computing (5 CP)
• Specialization: Web Application Development (5 CP)
• CORE: Artificial Intelligence (5 CP)
• CORE: Robotics (5 CP)
• CORE: Machine Learning (5 CP)
• CORE: Computer Vision (5 CP)
• Specialization: Digital Design (5 CP)
• CORE: Information Theory (5 CP)

As part of Constructor University's commitment to student employability, all students are required to participate in a mandatory two-month internship of 15 CP that will usually be completed during the summer between the second and third year of study. It provides students with the opportunity to gain real-world experience in a professional setting, allowing them to apply their knowledge and understanding to a professional context, reflect on the relevance of their major to employment and society, and gain professional guidance. As an alternative to the full-time internship, students interested in setting up their own company can apply for a start-up option to focus on the development of their business plan.

The Jacobs Track is a unique and integral component of Constructor University's educational concept, running parallel to the disciplinary modules throughout all years of study. It reflects the university's dedication to providing in-depth training in scientific methods, promotes an interdisciplinary approach, raises awareness of global challenges and societal responsibility, improves employability, and equips students with additional skills that are desirable in the general field of study. It also includes (German) language and culture modules.

Methods and Skills modules

These modules provide students with the tools to acquire and improve essential skills such as mathematics, statistics, programming, data handling, presentation, academic writing, and scientific and experimental skills. All students are required to take 20 credit points in the Methods/Skills area to develop and expand these skills which are crucial for their academic and professional growth.

CS students take the following Methods modules:

• Methods: Calculus and Linear Algebra I (5 CP)
• Methods: Calculus and Linear Algebra II (5 CP)
• Methods: Probability and Random Processes (5 CP)

For the remaining 5 CP CS students can choose between the Methods modules*:

• Methods: Numerical Methods (5 CP)

and the Mathematics CORE module:

• CORE Module: Discrete Mathematics (5 CP)

*Students who take a minor in Mathematics have to choose Numerical Methods.

Big Questions modules
The modules of the Big Questions area intend to broaden the students’ horizon with applied problem solving between and beyond the disciplines. The offerings comprise problem-solving oriented modules that tackle global challenges from the perspectives of different disciplinary backgrounds and that allow, in particular, a reflection of the acquired disciplinary knowledge in economic, societal, technological, and/or ecological contexts.
CS students select 2-4 modules (10 CP) from a broad portfolio of Big Questions modules.

Community Impact Project
In their 5th semester, students must take a 5 CP Community Impact Project (CIP) module. Students engage in on-campus or off-campus activities that challenge their social responsibility, i.e., they typically work on major-related projects that make a difference in the community life on campus, in its neighborhood, in Bremen, or on a cross-regional level.

Language modules

Constructor University supports its students in developing language skills by offering a range of language modules at various proficiency levels. A special emphasis is placed on fostering German language skills for international students, as they are a vital prerequisite for non-native speakers to learn about, explore, and eventually integrate into the host country and its professional environment. All students are required to take four language courses during the first and second years.

The curriculum of the study program is outlined in the schematic study plan: