With the Master of Science in Computational Sciences, JGU offers an interdisciplinary degree program that is one-of-a-kind in Germany. It is located at the interface between mathematics, computer science, and a selected natural science subject such as chemistry, geoscience, meteorology, or physics. It thus bridges the gap between the methodological foundations of mathematics and computer science and their practical application to complex issues and phenomena in related disciplines.
The degree program provides tools for answering fundamental questions in the natural sciences through the application of state-of-the-art computer-based methods. On a solid mathematical basis, you will design models and analyze and understand complex natural science processes with the help of simulations. The program’s special feature is the clear focus on natural science applications, which distinguishes it from many other degree programs with a stronger focus on engineering. A central component is the academic training in methodological approaches that enables you to tackle questions from the fields of physics, chemistry, and biology. This strengthens your ability to design interdisciplinary projects and solve scientific challenges with analytical precision.
The course program combines mathematics, computer science, and a chosen natural science discipline. When applying for a place in the degree program, you must specify a major you want to specialize in, which can be either geoscience, atmospheric physics, the physics of liquids and solids, or theoretical chemistry. The first three semesters will focus on deepening your mathematical foundations through the study of numerics, scientific computing, and modeling practicals, among others. In addition, you will complete two computer science modules, which can be either specializations software development, software engineering, computer graphics, data science, or simulation. In the natural science area, an remedial or specialization module as well as a major module are completed. The third and fourth semesters are dedicated to research and specialization, and finally to completing the master’s thesis.
Further details on the study content and structure of the program of study can be found in the module handbook and in the examination regulations, which can be downloaded from our download center for mathematics.
Three weeks before the beginning of the lecture period, we offer bridging courses in mathematics to help all new students in the department refresh their school mathematics and to ease their transition from school to university. This is a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with the university and get to know fellow students who are also just starting their studies.
The Learning Workshop is a service offered by our faculty that builds on this idea: During the lecture period, students can work on the weekly exercises together and support each other. There are also tutors present on site who can offer advice and assistance.
The application deadline for the winter semester always ends on September 1st; the application deadline for the summer semester always ends on March 1st.
If you have general questions about studying and applying to JGU, you can find the right contact person for your question at the Student Advisory Center.
Further information can be found in the official degree description for this degree program:
https://www.studium.uni-mainz.de/en/choosing-your-degree-program/courses-offered/computational-sciences-msc/
