In the bachelor's degree in the core subject of computer science, it is planned to take an application subject with a total of 25 credit points from the specified subjects of computational linguistics, geoinformatics, mathematics, economics or Japanese studies. 

You take one of the subjects by writing exams in the modules that belong to it. No further registration as an application subject is necessary. The modules marked with * are mandatory for the application subject. Information about SWS and types of examinations can be found here.

Below there are short descriptions and evaluations of the individual application subjects from students.

Modules:

Introduction to Linguistics I (*, 5 LP), Introduction to Linguistics II (*, 5 LP), Quantitative Linguistics + Basics of Computational Linguistics (*, 10 LP), Markup Languages ​​(5 LP), Computational Linguistic Programming (5 LP), Statistics I (5 CP), scripting languages ​​(5 CP).

Basic Short Description

The application subject of computational linguistics is fundamentally about making language understandable and processable by machines. The first introductory module provides an overall overview of the structure and functionality of language. The advanced module Introduction to Linguistics II then deals with many different models and theories that are used in language processing and generally provides a good insight into the methodology and working methods of computational linguistics. The two seminars Quantitative Linguistics + Basics of Computational Linguistics deepen and expand the material of the introductory courses with changing topics. The other modules are elective subjects. These are more likely to be in the practical area and deal with the basics of the module name in relation to computational linguistics and computer science. 

No prior school knowledge is necessary, but you should have a basic interest in language structures.

As a rule, one final exam is written for each module. The two seminars conclude with a homework assignment. However, you can freely decide in which seminar the paper should be written. 

Advantages:

• After completing the theory, strong application focus
• Practical application of computer science
• Good support from a small department

Disadvantages:

• At first there was a lot of theory to memorize
• Large number of “new” technical terms

Good Entry-Level Subjects

Introduction to Linguistics I, Markup Languages

Modules:

Geoinformatics I (*, 5 CP), cartography (*, 5 CP), basics of remote sensing (*, 5 CP), digital image processing (10 CP), applications of geoinformatics (10 CP), geovisualization (5 CP), geodatabases ( 5 LP).

Basic Short Description

In the geoinformatics application subject, an introduction to geoinformation systems and basic methods are given as well as the basics of satellite-based remote sensing. Another focus is on the design of maps (cartography). You can choose the completion of the module yourself: Applications of geoinformatics includes the methods of geodata processing with ArcGIS; To do this, tasks or problems are worked on independently. It consists of a seminar and a practice event. Geodatabases provides knowledge of databases in the geospatial area. Digital image processing consists of two modules and largely includes remote sensing as well as analysis and processing of image data.

However, if you started your studies in the winter semester and are following the exemplary course plan, you should note that “Fundamentals of Remote Sensing” does not take place in the summer semester.

No previous school knowledge is required.

The exams almost exclusively contain theory from the lecture; The practice is conveyed in the exercises.

Advantages:

• Strong application focus
• Very well positioned department with interesting projects
• Tutorials take place if necessary

Disadvantages:

• Compulsory attendance in exercises, seminars and sometimes also in lectures
• Some exercise groups are very full, sometimes there is a lack of space
• Exercises are almost never relevant to the exam; However, the minimum number of points for the exercises is still admission to the exam

Good Entry-Level Subjects

It is helpful to adhere to the recommendation regarding the sequence of the modules suggested in the subject examination regulations. The modules are mostly based on “Geoinformatics I”.

Modules:

Analysis of one or more variables (10 CP), Linear Optimization (10 CP), Numerics (10 CP), Algebraic Structures and Elements. Number Theory (10 CP), Proseminar in Applied Mathematics (5 CP), Seminar in Applied Mathematics (5 CP)

Basic Short Description:

The application subject provides advanced knowledge of mathematics. It is linked in various ways to the Linear Algebra and Analysis courses that are mandatory for computer scientists. These also represent the process of the application subject very well. If you liked linear algebra, you won't go wrong with this application subject. Interesting topics include prime numbers or solving mathematical problems (e.g. large systems of equations) using computers.

Advantages:

• Strong connection to computer science in general
• Teaching theoretical basics for e. g. cryptography

Disadvantages:

• Much work
• Lots of theory

Good Entry-Level Subjects:

Basically, the introduction to the core subject is the lectures Linear Algebra and Introduction to Mathematics. All modules in the application subject are based on this. In terms of content, they are about the same difficulty. All lectures are suitable for starters. I would recommend the seminar at a later date.

Modules:

Basics of Business Administration I: Leadership Processes (5 LP), Basics of Business Administration II: Performance Processes (5 LPs), Basics of Business Administration III: Accounting (5 LPs), Basics of Sociology I (5 LPs), Basics of Sociology II (5 LPs) , Basics of Economics I (5 LP), Basics of Economics II (5 LP)

Basic Short Description:

In this applied subject you gain insights into business, sociological and economic areas that contribute to a better understanding of economic relationships. Interesting topics include group formation or the various factors that influence market equilibrium.

Five of the seven subjects available must be taken. The exams mostly consist of multiple-choice questions. Unlike computer science modules, there are tutorials in which the content of the lecture is repeated and dealt with using exercises.

Advantages:

• No handing in of exercise sheets, little work throughout the semester
• Advantageous for professional career

Disadvantages:

• Learning a lot by heart for the exam
• Very crowded tutorials

Good Entry-Level Subjects:

Social I, Business Administration I and Economics I, whereby the modules are largely independent of each other.

Modules:

Accompanying foreign language training Japanese I (5 LP), Accompanying foreign language training Japanese II (5 LP), Accompanying foreign language training Japanese III (5 LP), History and cultural history of Japan (10 LP)

Basic Short Description:

This application subject not only deals with the Japanese language, but also with Japanese culture and the history of Japan..

All modules must be heard. The module “History and Cultural History of Japan” consists of two sub-modules and is completed within two semesters.

Foreign language training mainly consists of practical language exercises that can be reminiscent of regular school lessons, while history and cultural history consist of lectures. The exams are all written exams. During your foreign language training, you have the opportunity to apply for a UNIcert certificate by taking additional exams that take place during the semester, regardless of your studies.

Advantages:

• Relatively small practice groups in foreign language training
• No exercises in the history and cultural history of Japan
• Good balance to computer science
• Additional UNIcert certificate with little effort

Disadvantages:

• The language is completely different from the German language
• Symbols and vocabulary must be memorized

Good Entry-Level Subjects:

Study-related foreign language training Japanese I