Mathematics (B.Sc.)
Mathematics (B.Sc.)
The bachelor’s degree program in mathematics is more diverse than one may assume. After the first two years, in which mainly basic knowledge is taught, students can, depending on their interests, specialize in an applied or theoretical field. After graduation, many different options are open to them on the job market.
- Degree
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- Duration of studies in semester
- 6
- Start of degree program
- Winter semester
- Study location
- Erlangen
- Number of students
- 150-250
- Subject group
- Mathematics, Natural sciences
- Special ways to study
- 1-subject Bachelor
- Teaching language
- completely in German
- Admission Requirements
- No Admissions Restrictions
What is the degree program about?
„Mathematics is out of touch – it has nothing to do with everyday life!“
You can hear such prejudices again and again. However, we use many things in daily life without thinking about how they work. Whether it’s a smartphone, a navigation system or an MP3 player, many electronic devices are constantly performing complex mathematical calculations. Almost all engineering work is based on extensive mathematical analyses. In the commercial sector, too, mathematics is needed, for example to describe the economic development of a company.
If you decide to study mathematics, you will first learn the basics in the first two years, some of which you will already know from school (analysis, algebra, stochastics, numerics). Afterwards, depending on your interests, you can deepen your knowledge in an applied or theoretical special field, in which you will then write your Bachelor’s thesis. The spectrum of topics ranges from the investigation of abstract algebraic or geometric structures to the optimization of traffic networks or the simulation of flows.
After graduation, you will finally be able to structure and solve complex internal and external mathematical problems. Mathematicians are in high demand, so you can decide with your bachelor’s degree whether you want to enter the job market right away or continue your studies in a master’s program to deepen your knowledge.
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In the three-year bachelor’s degree program, the focus is on acquiring basic knowledge and fundamental skills. The program consists of various modules that are assessed with ECTS credits. In total, the bachelor’s degree program has a scope of 180 ECTS credits. The study is divided into the blocks „Fundamentals“ (50 ECTS), „Theoretical Mathematics“ (20-40 ECTS), „Applied Mathematics“ (20-40 ECTS), „Cross-sectional Module and Seminar“ (15 ECTS), „Bachelor Seminar and Bachelor Thesis“ (15 ECTS), „Minor“ (30 ECTS) and „Key qualifications“ (10 ECTS).
Here is an exemplary course plan for the BSc Mathematics with a major in Stochastics and a minor in Theoretical Physics.
1st semester:
- Analysis I (10 ECTS)
- Linear Algebra I (10 ECTS)
- Programming: Computer-oriented Mathematics 1 (5 ECTS)
- Module of minor subject: Experimental Physics 1 for Mathematics Students (EP-I) (5 ECTS)
2nd semester:
- Analysis II (10 ECTS)
- Linear Algebra II (10 ECTS)
- Module of minor subject: Theoretical Physics 1: Mechanics (TP-1) (10 ECTS)
3rd semester:
- Analysis III (10 ECTS)
- Applied Mathematics: Stochastic Modeling (10 ECTS)
- Theoretical Mathematics: Geometry (5 ECTS)
- Key qualification: Communication training (5 ECTS)
4th semester:
- Cross-sectional module (10 ECTS)
- Theoretical Mathematics: Probability Theory (10 ECTS)
- Module of minor subject: Theoretical Physics 3: Quantum Mechanics (TP-3) (10 ECTS)
5th semester:
- Seminar on the cross-sectional module (5 ECTS)
- Theoretical Mathematics: Algebra (10 ECTS)
- Applied Mathematics: Numerical Mathematics (10 ECTS)
- Key qualification: French refresher course (5 ECTS)
6th semester:
- Theoretical Mathematics: Theory of Bodies (5 ECTS)
- Applied Mathematics: Introduction to Statistics and Statistical Programming (5 ECTS)
- Bachelor Seminar: Stochastics (5 ECTS)
- Bachelor thesis (10 ECTS)
- Modules of the minor subject: Advanced module (5 ECTS)
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- Ability to think independently and critically
- Pleasure in working out mathematical issues
- Strong stamina for exercises
- Interest in science, nature and technology
- Ability to work in a team
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- Successful studies: optimal prerequisites due to a wide range of lectures, diverse specialization options, very good supervision, modern infrastructure.
- Career entry: industry contacts enable practical work and facilitate entry into the profession
- University with tradition: Founded in 1743, FAU is one of the few German universities where all fields of knowledge are present. It is one of the largest universities in Germany.
- High recreational value: The student city of Erlangen, together with the greater Nuremberg area and Franconian Switzerland, offers an attractive environment.
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Because of the universality of their education, mathematicians are among the most sought-after university graduates today and in the future. In their profession, mathematicians are often employed in tasks for which new strategies have to be developed. Fields of work include:
- Industry/economy: modeling and simulation (flows, economic development), optimization (traffic flow, energy efficiency, processor performance), security technology (cryptology)
- Economy: management consulting, risk management at banks
- University: research and teaching
- Other: Teacher at schools or universities
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Orientation Week
During the week of October 9-13, 2023, the Departments of Mathematics, Data Science, and Physics, in conjunction with FSI, will offer an orientation week for all first-year students in the following programs:
– Bachelor Mathematics
– Bachelor of Economics and Mathematics
– Bachelor Industrial Mathematics
– Teaching degree (grammar school) Mathematics
– Bachelor Data Science
– Bachelor Physics
– Teaching degree (grammar school) Physics
The course is optional, but participation is strongly recommended.
More detailed information can be found at the following website: https://mp.fsi.fau.de/index.php/ersti-infos/orientierungswoche
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- Admission requirements (first semester)
- No Admissions Restrictions
- Application deadline winter semester
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30.09.
- Details and notes
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The application deadline for the winter semester for international applicants is July 15th.
In addition to the general qualification for university entrance (Abitur), there are other access options for studying at FAU.
Do you need help or more information?
Our Student Advice and Career Service (IBZ) is the central point of contact for all questions about studying and starting a degree programme. Our Student Service Centres and subject advisors support you in planning your studies.