Computer Science

The study programme is a fully-fledged computer science Master's programme that conveys specific expertise in key areas of computer science including theoretical foundations, practical skills, and knowledge about application areas. This includes the areas of software engineering, information systems, databases, machine learning, communication and security, algorithms and programming. Students select a study focus: visual computing, embedded systems, or complex and intelligent software systems. As part of this study focus, students gain in-depth knowledge and can choose from a wide-ranging catalogue of modules. In addition, students acquire non-technical skills ranging from presentation techniques and team work to management and leadership skills. (1) Visual Computing Study Focus: Visual computing comprises disciplines handling images and 3D models, i.e. computer vision, computer graphics, image processing, machine learning, visualisation, and virtual/augmented reality. Visual computing systems deal with acquisition, processing, and analysis of visual information, also originating from medical image acquisition technologies and rendering of visual information, e.g. the generation of images from visual or other data. Application areas include quality control, medical image processing and visualisation, autonomous robotics, multimedia systems, and computer games. (2) Embedded Systems Study Focus: Embedded systems include applications such as consumer electronics, industrial control, and transportation systems. Transportation systems such as automotive electronics are of particular interest, because of stringent timing and dependability requirements that act as technology catalysts. The embedded systems market is expected to grow significantly over the next decade and it is expected that many embedded systems will be connected to the Internet, form cyber-physical systems, and include embedded AI. (3) Complex and Intelligent Software Systems: This study focus covers the body of knowledge and core competences that build the foundation for all types of modern software systems. This includes state-of-the-art techniques and tools for software development and machine learning, software maintenance and evolution, software quality assurance, but also crucial social skills, modern project management, creative thinking and effective problem solving. In all study foci, students benefit from the close collaboration between electrical engineering and computer science and a tight link to research projects conducted in both disciplines at the University of Siegen. For embedded systems, both disciplines contribute to courses on the specific knowledge including key areas such as hardware/software design, computer architectures, real-time systems, dependability, security, operating systems, modelling and application areas (e.g. automotive, industrial control). In the context of visual computing, the tight link to sensor development is an essential added value, including key areas like face detection, online range data processing with range cameras such as the Kinect, and multimodal pattern recognition. University of Siegen participates and leads research projects. Master's students are welcome to become involved in these projects and excellent students get the opportunity to pursue a PhD in one of these projects in Siegen.