Relevance to Practice
Computer Engineering ProjectA larger group of students will devote themselves to interdisciplinary problems within the framework of the project. The problems will be divided into parts to which smaller groups are assigned; at the end of the project, the solutions to the problems must be condensed into a functional whole solution. The intended interdisciplinary character and opportunity for collaboration with different partners in the independent development of solutions, applying acquired knowledge to unfamiliar tasks, is intended especially to develop the abilities of students with regard to methodology and social interaction.
The project is a requirement for both the Automation Engineering and Applied Computer Science specialisations. The use of the term ‘computer engineering’ in the name of the project is intended to convey that it is not necessarily concerned with a project in one specific specialisation, but rather can incorporate aspects of different specialisations, depending on the project topic.
In order to ensure the necessary quality of interdisciplinarity, numerous teaching staff drawn from different specialisations may be assigned to manage the project. In particular, collaboration with industry partners provides an opportunity to apply acquired knowledge to unfamiliar problem areas (methodological competence, transfer payments). Group work also promotes social skills among students.
The project consists of two modules; according to choice or suitability of the project topics, these modules will either build upon one another so that the project will run for a total of one year, or they will be two distinct single projects, each of which will run for one semester.
The problems that will be dealt with in the project are drawn mainly from challenges currently facing technical development as well as problems related to research interests of the university instructors involved.
Students will first strengthen their acquired theoretical knowledge and skills in different areas of the field in order to apply them to the development of a solution to a complex problem. Students learn to employ their acquired theoretical knowledge and practical abilities, which may be drawn from different fields, toward solving a complex, practically-oriented problem, as well as independently filling any gaps in the required knowledge.
It is especially in the context of collaboration with industry partners that acquired knowledge can be applied to unfamiliar problems. The character of the project as well as the teamwork involved enable students to gain experience in dealing with partners and to recognise their strengths and how to implement them appropriately.
Elective Modules
Students may take advantage of the selection of elective fields, described in a regularly updated catalogue that reflects the extremely rapid nature of innovation and short product cycles associated with computer science, choosing modules that will support individually chosen areas of concentration.
The topics covered mainly consist of currently relevant problems within the framework of ongoing technical development as well as the current research interests of the instructors involved. The modules serve to strengthen theoretical knowledge and abilities in a specialised area of the field, which should then be used in the development of a solution to a chosen problem.
Practical Semester
Both specialisations share a practical semester in the second phase of studies, which is complemented by preparatory and follow-up modules.
The practical semester is usually the fifth semester. It is designed to enhance students’ ability to apply theoretical knowledge, offer preparation for a career as an engineer and provide insight into the company, economic and social relationships that characterise the professional environment in which they will work.
The PRAXVOR module consists of two classes, Business Administration 1 and a seminar that serves as preparation for practical experience. The PRAXNACH module consists of Business Administration 2 and a seminar serving to evaluate and present the results of the practical experience.
The Business Administration courses cover foundations of business administration with a focus on company organisation and foundations of project management (PRAXVOR) and company processes, as well as business administration and management functions (PRAXNACH). The aspects of business administration presented are oriented toward future applications in professional practice, particularly the knowledge and skills necessary to recognise economic relationships and their relevance to professional practice in engineering science.
During the practical semester preparatory seminar, organisational structures and operational processes in companies will be discussed, with the goal of acquiring the knowledge and abilities necessary to independently accomplish tasks associated with professional practice. In addition, the goals and form of the practical semester will be discussed. Occupational safety is an important component of the course, since many students will be close to manufacturing processes in industrial operations during their practical placement. Students also receive information about organisational structures and operational processes in companies. Within the framework of company simulations, legal, social, cultural, financial and technical perspectives will developed with respect to the given company.
An assignment to be completed during the practical semester is also developed in collaboration with each student during the preparatory seminar.
The educational aim of the practical semester is to develop the knowledge and abilities that students require in order to be able to independently accomplish tasks associated with professional practice as well as to enable students to seamlessly integrate into the professional environment socially and culturally.
The results of the practical semester are introduced, analysed and evaluated during the follow-up seminar. The assignment given during the preparatory module will be completed and presented.
In addition to the acquisition of skills necessary for accomplishing tasks required in professional practice with respect to economic perspectives, the ability to perform scientific research is an educational goal of this module.