Reform of the curriculum in mathematics
To support the introduction of the Bachelor-Master structure in the winter semester 2006/2007, the Mathematics department had developed a concept that offered students from the end of the Bachelor's program to the Master's thesis a unique opportunity for in-depth research-oriented final papers. From the fifth semester, four-semester cycles could be taken, which quickly introduced students to current research questions in a specific field. Often, students were accompanied by the same lecturers over a longer period. The structure of the cycles offered a certain variety, as they could be attended at any institute.The specialization had a certain appeal for all parties involved, but it also brought some problems for the system. New Master's students could not be reliably recruited for specific courses, as a cycle was usually only offered every 4-5 years. The integration of international students became increasingly difficult, as often a lot of knowledge had to be caught up on. Furthermore, it was difficult to keep up with the cycles during a stay abroad.
The new structure of the Bachelor's program from the winter semester 2025/2026 aims to provide a reliable foundation in the second year of study, on which the in-depth modules will build from the third year. To enable a wide range of choices in the third year, eight shorter modules in the 3rd/4th semester will provide a reliable basis for all and define a minimum standard for admission to the Master's program. For these shorter modules in the 3rd and 4th year, the material will be offered that is relevant for most advanced courses and the Master's program: two modules each in algebra, numerical and optimization, functional theory, functional analysis, measure and integration theory, and stochastic theory.
Building on this, the third year and the Master's program will continue to offer research-oriented, exciting teaching - but with fewer redundancies between courses and more reliability for Master's students from outside. A new module will prepare students better for writing scientific papers and the basics of good scientific practice in the context of a seminar.
In the first year, there will be differentiated offers in case of difficulties, which are already offered in this year in the two-subject Bachelor's program, especially in the teaching profile. Furthermore, the importance of discrete mathematics methods will be strengthened in the second semester of pure mathematics and in a first module of discrete stochastic theory.