Computer Science

The first study year is characterized by a university-specific offering of disciplinary education that builds on and expands upon the students’ entrance qualifications. Students select introductory modules for a total of 45 CP from the CHOICE area of a variety of study programs, of which 15-45 CP will belong to their intended major. A unique feature of our curricular structure allows students to select their major freely upon entering Constructor University. The team of Academic Advising Services offers curriculum counseling to all Bachelor students independently of their major, while Academic Advisors, in their capacity as contact persons from the faculty, support students individually in deciding on their major study program.

To pursue Computer Science as a major, the following CHOICE modules (30 CP) need to be taken as mandatory (m) modules:

• CHOICE Module: Programming in C and C++ (m, 7.5 CP)
• CHOICE Module: Algorithms and Data Structures (m, 7.5 CP)
• CHOICE Module: Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science (m, 7.5 CP)
• CHOICE Module: Digital Systems and Computer Architecture (m, 7.5 CP)
• CHOICE Module: Object-Oriented Programming and Design (me, 7.5 CP) or Safe and Concurrent Programming (me, 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 Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science module covers mathematical concepts like boolean algebra, propositional and predicate logic, abstract algebra, and graph theory. Students learn to work with formal notations and how to construct proofs. Starting with elementary digital gates, the Digital Systems and Computer Architecture module develops an understanding of how the hardware components of a computer system work. Students learn programming at the machine instruction level.

The remaining CHOICE modules (15 CP) can be selected in the first year of studies according to interest and/or with the aim to allow a change of major up until the beginning of the second year, when the major choice becomes fixed. Students not pursuing a minor can choose between "Object-Oriented Programming and Design" (7.5 CP) and "Safe and Concurrent Programming" (7.5 CP) in the second semester.

In their second year, students take a total of 45 CP from a selection of in-depth, discipline-specific CORE modules. Building on the introductory CHOICE modules and applying the methods and skills acquired so far, these modules aim to expand the students’ critical understanding of the key theories, principles, and methods in their major for the current state of knowledge and best practice.

To pursue Computer Science as a major, at least the following mandatory CORE modules (30 CP) need to be taken:

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

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

• CORE Module: Functional Programming (me, 5 CP)
• CORE Module: Legal and Ethical Aspects of Computer Science (me, 2.5 CP)
• CORE Module: Machine Learning (me, 5 CP)
• CORE Module: Academic Skills in Computer Science (me, 2.5 CP)

Or substitute these modules with CORE modules from other study programs with the aim of pursuing a minor in a second field.

During their third year, students prepare and make decisions about their career path after graduation. To explore available choices and to gain professional experience, students undertake a mandatory summer internship. The third year of studies allows Computer Science students to take Specialization modules within their discipline, but also focuses on the responsibility of students beyond their discipline.

The fifth semester also opens a mobility window for a diverse range of study abroad options. Finally, the sixth semester is dedicated to fostering the students’ research experience by involving them in an extended Bachelor thesis project.

To pursue CS as a major, 15 CP from the following mandatory elective Specialization Modules need to be taken:

• CS Specialization: Computer Graphics (me, 5 CP)
• CS Specialization: Image Processing (me, 5 CP)
• CS Specialization: Distributed Algorithms (me, 5 CP)
• CS Specialization: Web Application Development (me, 5 CP)
• CS Specialization: Computer Networks (me, 5 CP)
• CS Specialization: Secure and Dependable Systems (me, 5 CP)
• CS Specialization: Ethical Hacking and Offensive Security (me, 5 CP)
• CS Specialization: Security Monitoring and Incident Response (me, 5 CP)
• CS Specialization: Linux Kernel Internals (me, 5 CP)
• CS Specialization: Advanced Operating Systems (me, 5 CP)
• RIS CORE: Computer Vision (me, 5 CP)
• ACS Specialization: Human Computer Interaction (me, 5 CP)
• RIS CORE: Artificial Intelligence (me, 5 CP)
• RIS CORE: Robotics (me, 5 CP)
• ECE Specialization: Digital Design (me, 5 CP)
• ECE CORE: Information Theory (me, 5 CP)

Students pursuing a minor in a second field of studies can additionally select Specialization Modules from:

• RIS CORE: Machine Learning (me, 5 CP)
• SDT CORE: Functional Programming (me, 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 CONSTRUCTOR Track is another important feature of Constructor University’s educational model. The Constructor Track runs orthogonal to the disciplinary CHOICE, CORE, and CAREER modules across all study years and is an integral part of all undergraduate study programs. It provides an intellectual tool kit for lifelong learning and encourages the use of diverse methodologies to approach cross-disciplinary problems. The CONSTRUCTOR track contains Methods, New Skills and German Language and Humanities modules.
 

Methods Modules

Methods such as mathematics, statistics, programming, data handling, presentation skills, academic writing, and scientific and experimental skills are offered to all students as part of the Methods area in their curriculum. The modules that are specifically assigned to each study program equip students with transferable academic skills. They convey and practice specific methods that are indispensable for each students’ chosen study program. Students are required to take a minimum of 20 CP in the Methods area. The size of all Methods modules is 5 CP.

To pursue Computer Science as major, the following Methods module (15 CP) are mandatory

• Methods Module: Elements of Linear Algebra (me, 5 CP)
• Methods Module: Elements of Calculus (me, 5 CP)
• Methods Module: Probability and Random Processes (m, 5 CP)

Students who have a strong mathematical background can also choose Matrix Algebra and Advanced Calculus I and II (me, 5 CP each) instead of Elements of Linear Algebra and Elements of Calculus.

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

• Methods Module: Numerical Methods (me, 5 CP)
• Methods Module: Statistics and Data Analytics (me, 5 CP)

New Skills Modules

This part of the curriculum constitutes an intellectual and conceptual tool kit that cultivates the capacity for a particular set of intellectual dispositions including curiosity, imagination, critical thought, and transferability. It nurtures a range of individual and societal capacities, such as self-reflection, argumentation and communication. Finally, it introduces students to the normative aspects of inquiry and research, including the norms governing sourcing, sharing, withholding materials and research results as well as others governing the responsibilities of expertise as well as the professional point of view.

All students are required to take 20 CP of New Skills modules in their second year and third year of studies. Students choose New Skills modules from the following portfolio:

• New Skills Module: Logic* (me, 2.5 CP)
• New Skills Module: Causation and Correlation* (me, 2.5 CP)
• New Skills Module: Argumentation, Data Visualization and Communication* (me, 5 CP)
• New Skills Module: Models, Matrices and Theories of Complex Systems (me, 5 CP)
• New Skills Module: Complex Problem Solving (me, 5 CP)
• New Skills Module: Agency, Leadership and Accountability (me, 5 CP)
• New Skills Module: Community Impact Project (me, 5 CP)

Some of these modules (marked by *) will be offered with two different perspectives from which the students can only choose one for the fulfillment of graduation requirements of their degree program. The module perspectives are independent modules which examine the topic from different points of view. Please see the module description in chapter 8 for more details such as scheduling, content and assessment.
 

German Language and Humanities Modules

Students are required to take 5 CP of German language or Humanities modules. German language abilities foster students’ intercultural awareness and enhance their employability in their host country. They are also beneficial for securing mandatory internships (between the 2nd and 3rd year) in German companies and academic institutions. Constructor University supports its students in acquiring basic as well as advanced German skills in the first year of the Constructor Track. Non-native speakers of German are encouraged to take 2 German modules (2.5 CP each) but are not obliged to do so. Native speakers and other students who are not taking advantage of this offer take alternative modules in Humanities in each of the first two semesters:

• Humanities Module: Introduction to Philosophical Ethics (2.5 CP)
• Humanities Module: Introduction to the Philosophy of Science (2.5 CP)
• Humanities Module: Introduction to Visual Culture (2.5 CP)

The curriculum of the study program for students without a Minor in a second discipline is outlined in the schematic study plan:

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The curriculum of the study program for students taking a Minor in a second discipline is outlined in the schematic study plan:

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