Pre-Courses for Starting Studies in Mathematics
Pre-Course Mathematics (Major)
Before the start of the lecture period of each winter semester, i.e. in September/October of each year, a 14-day preliminary course for first-year students of mathematics takes place. It is intended to provide as realistic a picture as possible of the typical content, methods and specific difficulties of the subject. Each year, a different topic is treated as an example.
Attendance of the preliminary course is recommended, but not a prerequisite for the study of mathematics. The courses are held in German.
Aim of the Pre-Course
The preliminary course is not intended to refresh school knowledge or to compensate for differing knowledge. Rather, topics are covered that are new to most participants. It is also not important whether at the end of the course everything has been understood and stored in the memory in a well-ordered manner, since the topics discussed will for the most part be dealt with again in detail in the course of the basic studies.
Rather, the aim is to raise awareness among participants at the beginning of their studies that mathematics is a very interesting subject, but (unfortunately) not an easy one.
Procedure
Normally, a lecture is held from Monday to Friday from 11 am to 1 pm. In addition, exercises take place in the afternoon, in which the material of the lecture is deepened and practiced by solving tasks independently. This takes place in smaller groups so that exchange and cooperation are promoted. The exercises are led by tutors who help to overcome any difficulties that arise.
Who is the Pre-Course for?
The course is primarily aimed at first-year students majoring in mathematics. However, first-year students of physics and computer science are also welcome, because mathematics also plays an important role in these fields of study, which should not be underestimated.
In addition, the preliminary course is intended to serve as a decision-making aid for all those interested who have not yet decided on mathematics as a field of study.
Aim of the Programming Ccourse
The lecture "Algorithmic Mathematics I" includes exercises in which programming tasks have to be worked on. The programming course is intended to prepare students for this. The lecture is already scheduled in the 1st semester of the bachelor's degree program in mathematics, and in the (3rd or) 5th semester of the teacher training program in mathematics.
Especially if you do not have any programming experience, it is highly recommended to attend this course.