Frequently Asked Questions

1. Students from different scientific backgrounds can apply. What does this mean?

   • Student from all areas of science, i.e., physics, biology, chemistry, geosciences, mathematics, computer science,  ... who fulfill the necessary admission requirements according to the Admission Regulations can apply for the program. Students from the mathematics or computer science need to have a secondary subject from the natural sciences, preferably related to the desired Area of Specialization. Students from geology, biology or chemistry from the University of Cologne usually have 9 CP in mathematics. Those students can achieve the missing 12 CP e.g., with their Studium Integrale (or similar) from the Bachelor studies.

2. What is a mentor and how does a student select one?

   • A mentor is a lecturer who is a personal guide for her or his students and helps them with the choices within their study paths. Students do not have to choose a mentor they automatically get a qualified mentor. They can, however change the mentor on request.

3. Is it possible to mix elective modules from different areas of specialization?

   • No, that is generally not possible. Only the listed modules are allowed. The only possibility to attend modules from other areas is the Supplementary module.

4. Do the courses for the Supplementary Module have to be science-related?

   • They can be chosen fairly flexible, but should be coordinated with the mentor.

5. Is there a minimum amount of CP of each branch, Mathematics or Computer Science, within the Elective Area Mathematics and Computer Science?

   • No, there is no compulsory amount of CP from the two fields. Students are encouraged to choose the modules that suit them and their future research. The choice can be made with the mentor, who is an experienced researcher.

6. What is the minimum required English certification to get into the program?

   • The minimum level is B2. German candidates already gained this level with their university entrance certificate (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung).

7. What are the interviews in the application process about? When are they? Are they in person?

   • The program can admit only 25 students per year. If we have more than 25 admissible students, then a mix of the grades from the Bachelor program and results from an interview will determine who will be admitted (for details see Admission Regulation). The interviews are currently planned to be online.

8. How many people can take the program each semester?

   • We currently have a capacity of 25 students each year. Enrollment is possible for the winter semester only.

9. How can I prove the knowledge of a programming language?

   • You can prove the knowledge of a programming language by:

     • a course that you attended during your previous studies. In that case, please refer to your Transcript of Records.

     • A project where you learned and applied a programming language. That could be the bachelor thesis or some other project. Please provide a description.

     • Any other course. Please provide a certificate.

10. Can I change the Area of Spezialization after I started studying?

    • Yes, you find the corresponding regulations in the Examination Regulations.

11. Can I study an Area of Specialization without previous knowledge about the topic from my bachelor studies?

    • Theoretically yes but it is not advisable because each Area of Specialization deals with advanced topics that typically build up on bachelor level knowledge of the topic.

12. Is the number of credit points within the elective areas fixed or flexible?

    • The numbers are fixed. You can always receive more CP but the weight of each area within the whole curriculum does not change.

13. Can modules, which have been completed within another master program, be recognized in the Master program Computational Sciences?

    • Yes, if the modules are (nearly) identical, this is possible. It requires approval from the examination board.