In the Bachelor’s degree program, the courses in the first four semesters are usually taught in German, then in German or English. In the second semester, students choose a technical application subject. Technical application subjects are

• Mechatronics
• Optics and photonics
• Thermo- and fluid dynamics
• Solid mechanics and dynamics
• Control Engineering
• Information Technology

Foundations and Orientation Phase (GOP)
In the Foundations and Orientation Phase (GOP), students should prove that they are up to the requirements of a scientific study program in Computational Engineering and, in particular, that they have acquired the methodological skills necessary to continue the degree program successfully.

The structure of the degree program
In addition to the three main sections Mathematics, Computer Science, and Technical Applications, the degree program consists of a compulsory elective section, an internship, soft skills, a seminar, and the Bachelor’s thesis.

Mathematics [at least 37.5 ECTS]: This section contains compulsory modules that correspond to the usual mathematics for engineers. These modules are supplemented by two additional modules in numerics for engineers.

Computer Science [55.0 ECTS]: This section consists of some modules from the bachelor’s degree program in computer science and three additional modules from the field of scientific computing and high-performance computing.

Technical Application Subject, TAF [min. 35 ECTS]: This section lists all modules that are specific to the application subject. Each TAF has a TAF representative who supports the students with all questions.

Technical elective modules [max. 17.5 ECTS]: In this section, the student can choose modules that correspond to his/her personal interests.

Soft Skills and Practicum/Internship [15 ECTS]: This section consists of a freely selectable module (5 ECTS credits) and an internship (10 ECTS credits), which consists of either an 8-week professional internship (industrial internship) or an internship module from a catalog of selectable internships.

Seminar [5 ECTS]: Within the framework of the seminar, a lecture is to be given and a written paper is to be prepared.

Bachelor thesis [15 ECTS]: The Bachelor’s thesis consists of a research paper of approx. 360 hours. The topic of the thesis must be from the field of computational engineering and must be worked on under the guidance of a qualified member of the Faculty of Engineering.

The bachelor’s degree program consists of the following areas:

• Compulsory area computer science
• Compulsory area mathematics
• Technical application subject
• Technical electives
• Elective subject “Key qualifications” (university internship or 8-week industrial internship)
• Seminar
• Bachelor thesis with presentation

Computational Engineering (CE) is an interdisciplinary subject and includes Computer Science, Applied Mathematics and an engineering subject (the so-called Technical Application Subject). The program consists of compulsory and elective modules from the fields of computer science and mathematics, a technical application subject, a technical elective subject, the elective subject “Key Qualifications” with university internship or (optionally) an eight-week industrial internship, a seminar and the Bachelor’s thesis, which must be completed during the course of study.

The standard period of study is six semesters. The number of ETCS points required for successful completion – the organization of studies and examinations is based on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System – is 180 ECTS points in the Bachelor’s degree program.

The degree program is divided into modules, which are assessed with ECTS points. A module is a teaching and learning unit that is continuous and self-contained. The modules conclude with a module examination during the course of study. ECTS points are only awarded for successful participation in modules, which is determined on the basis of independent, definable performance in a module examination. The exact examination regulations can be found in the study and examination regulations: Study and Examination Regulations.

Important prerequisites for CE studies are enjoyment

• in analyzing and modeling complex problems,
• in solving logical, mathematical and physical problems,
• in interdisciplinarity,
• independent and structured work and
• cooperation in a team.

Also recommended are

• Programming skills in one of the common programming languages such as C++ or Java,
• Interest in technical issues,
• creativity

As a CE student in Erlangen, you will be trained to solve problems flexibly, think analytically, and deal with logical-mathematical and scientific contexts. This makes you a sought-after employee as a graduate. With the methods you have learned, you will be able to develop new ways of thinking and working in almost all areas of industry and business. This qualification opens up a wide range of professions, activities and sectors for you, e.g.

• Project engineer for signal processing in multimedia applications,
• Scientist, researcher and lecturer at universities,
• Engineer for the simulation of processes and material properties,
• Specialist for the development and optimization of (optical) input devices,
• product manager for IT solutions in industrial and service companies,
• Development and optimization of sensors and measuring devices (mechatronics),
• Development and optimization of mechanical systems in industrial plants (mechanical engineer)

• An introductory day is offered at the start of the semester, providing all the important information on how to study and a campus tour – attendance is recommended.
• The amount of work and time required for the studies should not be underestimated – preparation and follow-up are absolutely necessary in order to complete the studies.
• The language of instruction is German – in the Bachelor’s degree program some modules are also offered in English.
• FAU offers a Java programming internship prior to the start of lectures – participation is recommended, but not a prerequisite to start the CE program.