Computer Science
Degree
Combined bachelor, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - the course is offered with teacher training. Please also refer to the mono-bachelor in ‘Computer Science’ download, the ‘Bachelor’s and master’s courses at HU’ FAQ and the ‘Teacher training at HU zu Berlin’ overview.
Please note that all our undergraduate degree courses are taught in German!
Standard time for completing course
6 semesters
Start of study and Entry Restriction
Cf. course catalogue
Combinations
Computer Science can be studied as:
Core subject with teaching training binding: 113 CP, with a second subject to be selected except from Special Needs Education
Second subject with teaching training binding: 67 CP, with any bachelor’s core subject except Biology and Physics
*One credit point (CP) equals a workload of 25 - 30 hours for preparation, follow-up and attendance at classes.
Course objectives
Computer Science researches the basic processes involved in information processing and the general methods of deploying these methods across a range of areas. Its aim is to use abstraction and modelling to go beyond a) the specific ways in which existing data processing systems are technically realised and b) the distinctive features of particular applications. By doing so we illustrate the general laws that underlie information processing. The aim of this programme is to present the essential principles, methods and tools of Computer Science independent of individual applications. Teaching provides a sound academic basis and reflects the latest developments within Computer Science. The course looks at current trends within Computer Science and its effect on other subject areas and society at large. By looking at standard tools we can explain the principles and realised theoretical insights of Computer Science, focusing on the essential issues rather than generally discussing how these are manifested. The acquired knowledge in Computer Science is closely linked to the teacher training elements. Preparation for the world of work also involves the acquisition of oral and written communication, in particular in English.
Why study Computer Science at HU?
The scientific foundations of Computer Science are taught in several modular courses. These start as early as the first semester to ensure that students start their studies on the right foot. We continually highlight the relevant methodological foundations in those subjects with a more practical orientation - the abstraction of current trends and the concentration on conceptual aspects are particular strengths of our programme.
Students with a core subject of Computer Science can develop their own specialisations in the mandatory elective modules and through their selection of the main programme focus.
However, it is not only what we teach, but where we are that makes us an attractive option. To make it easier for students to manage their time, we have reduced the number of exams to be taken to a minimum, and most classes do not require personal attendance. If students lack any required knowledge, they can attend preparatory courses whenever possible. Students in the first few semesters can turn to tutors for help in organising their studies and acclimatising to university life. In other words, we try and pick up where secondary school left off - you need a little more than a school IT course to study Computer Science successfully with us.
The study location is also attractive: all buildings and lecture rooms are new, and we have an excellent library with a range of well-equipped workstations. We also offer state-of-the-art computer pools that can usually be used around the clock. All classes benefit from the latest technological support in the form of presentation technology. Also, the Adlershof campus offers excellent part-time working opportunities for students with its lively scene of research institutes and a range of young companies.
Content of studies
The best places to find information about course content is the annotated university calendar or the current timetables. They are online at u.hu-berlin.de/vorlesungsverzeichnis. The Course Advisory Service is also available to help you (see important addresses). You’ll find module descriptions, the course curriculum and other details in the course and examination regulations, available online at www.amb.hu-berlin.de, no. 31/2015, 1st revision no. 02/2016, 2nd revision no. 8/2022.
Combined bachelor's course Computer Science
Core subject Computer Science with teaching training binding (113 CP)
Mandatory modules (82 CP)
Module |
Description |
Size |
B1K |
Programming Fundamentals |
11 CP |
M1 |
Linear Algebra I |
10 CP |
A2 |
Algorithms and Data Structures |
9 CP |
A1K |
Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science and Didactical Exercises |
10 CP |
C2K |
Digital Systems without Programming Project |
8 CP |
W*3 |
Fundamentals of Database Systems |
5 CP |
SQ |
Computer Science Key Qualifications |
5 CP |
B3K |
Software Engineering and Didactical Exercises |
9 CP |
FD |
Computer Science and its Didactics |
5 CP |
Bachelor's Thesis and its Defence |
10 CP |
Mandatory elective modules (15 CP)
Students must choose modules summing up to 15 CP in total.
Module |
Description |
Size |
A3 | Logic in Computer Science | 9 CP |
C3 | Communication Systems | 8 CP |
W*2 |
Operating Systems |
8 CP |
W*1 |
Compiler Building |
5 CP |
W*S |
Module (x LP) with Seminar |
5 CP |
W5-n |
Special Topics of Computer Science 5-n (n= 1,2,3...) |
5 CP |
W6-n |
Special Topics of Computer Science 6-n (n= 1,2,3...) |
6 CP |
W7-n |
Special Topics of Computer Science 7-n (n= 1,2,3...) |
7 CP |
W8-n |
Special Topics of Computer Science 8-n (n= 1,2,3...) |
8 CP |
W9-n |
Special Topics of Computer Science 9-n (n= 1,2,3...) |
9 CP |
W10-n |
Special Topics of Computer Science 10-n (n= 1,2,3...) |
10 CP |
W11-n |
Special Topics of Computer Science 11-n (n= 1,2,3...) |
11 CP |
W12-n |
Special Topics of Computer Science 12-n (n= 1,2,3...) |
12 CP |
M2 |
Analysis 1 |
10 CP |
The modules W5-n until W12-n consist of a varying combination of the following courses: lecture, exercise seminar, practice seminar, internship and project seminar. In those modules students acquire advanced skills and competences in current topics of computer science.
Teacher training Modules (16 CP)
Teacher training for students who wish to enter the teaching profession consists of the Educational Sciences Modules with in total 11 CP and a Language Training Module with 5 CP.
Second subject Computer Science with teaching training binding (67 CP)
Mandatory modules (62 CP)
Module |
Description |
Size |
B1K |
Programming Fundamentals |
11 CP |
A2 |
Algorithms and Data Structures |
9 CP |
A1K |
Introduction to Theoretical Computer Science and Didactical Exercises |
10 CP |
C2K |
Digital Systems without Programming Project |
8 CP |
W*3 |
Fundamentals of Database Systems |
5 CP |
SQ |
Computer Science Key Qualifications |
5 CP |
B3K |
Software Engineering and Didactical Exercises |
9 CP |
FD |
Computer Science and its Didactics |
5 CP |
Mandatory elective modules (5 CP)
Students must choose one module with 5 CP in total.
Module |
Description |
Size |
W*1 | Compiler Building | 5 CP |
W5-n | Special Topics of Computer Science 5-n (n= 1,2,3...) | 5 CP |
Students are free to choose between modules W6-n until W12-n (see core subject). In this case however, students must accept to complete modules that are worth more than 5 CP.
Master’s degrees
You can apply for the master’s programmes Master of Education and Statistics at Humboldt-Universität. For further master’s courses, see the ‘Course catalogue’.
Important addresses
Department of Computer Science: Rudower Chaussee 25, 12489 Berlin, www.informatik.hu-berlin.de
Course Advisory Service: Prof. Hafner, Tel. +49 30 2093-3905, hafner@informatik.hu-berlin.de
Classification and recognition of studies and qualifications (Examinations Office): Prof. Köbler +49 30 2093-3189, koebler@informatik.hu-berlin.de
Teacher Training Service Centre: hu.berlin/lehramtsberatung, Tel. 030/2093-70813, lehrerbildung@rz.hu-berlin.de
Applications, http://studium.hu-berlin.de/bewerbung, see also ‘Course catalogue’
Links to job market: careers information centre (http://www.arbeitsagentur.de/web/content/DE/BuergerinnenUndBuerger/ArbeitundBeruf/Berufswahl/Berufsinformationszentren/index.htm) , employment market reports (http://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de/Navigation/Statistik/Arbeitsmarktberichte/Akademiker/Akademiker-Nav.html), Federal Employment Office Berufenet (http://berufenet.arbeitsagentur.de/berufe/), Hochschulteam calendar of events (http://www.arbeitsagentur.de/web/content/DE/dienststellen/rdbb/berlinmitte/Agentur/BuergerinnenundBuerger/Akademiker/index.htm)
Version: May 2017
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