The MSc programme Computer Simulation in Science (CSiS) focuses on the development, implementation, and application of computer-oriented simulation techniques and methods to modern research problems in natural sciences and engineering. All courses of this MSc programme are taught in English. Students choose a field of advanced studies from atmospheric physics, computational electromagnetics, computational fluid mechanics, experimental particle physics, financial mathematics, materials science, theoretical chemistry or theoretical physics. Preliminary knowledge at Bachelor's level in the chosen subject and knowledge of at least one programming language is required. A parallel computer dedicated to the Master's study programme has been installed at the university. Extensive computer lab courses are part of the curriculum. Contacts have been established with Trinity College Dublin and FZ Jülich since January 2009.
Educational organisation
Once the field of advanced studies has been selected, the course schedule consists mainly of mandatory courses. It is expected that students develop independent and responsible working skills. Substantial weekly homework is required in all courses. Presentations by the students are part of the preparation towards the Master's thesis.Forms of assessment
All courses are awarded credit points according to ECTS. Credit points are acquired through homework, presentations, written exams, and oral exams.Course objectives
Students gain wide knowledge of model building and simulation. The ability to construct a model (abstract formulation of a problem) and interpret the results (simulation or experiment) are fundamental and require a broad basic technical education. With this knowledge, graduates are well positioned to continue their education with a PhD, or to switch to industry or business. People who know how to perform computer simulations are sought by the research departments of industries where simulations are used in situations for which real experiments would be too dangerous or expensive. In recent years, computer simulations have also taken on a prominent role in the finance and banking sectors (e.g., risk analysis).Language requirements
If you are an international student: sufficiently good proficiency in English, documented by providing the results of a recently passed Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS, academic module), a Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (level 4) or another language certificate at level B2 of the European Framework of Reference. The minimum scores for TOEFL and IELTS are as follows:- TOEFL iBT (Internet-based) 79 points
- TOEFL PBT (paper-based) 550 points
- IELTS academic module 6.0 band score
If you can prove that your Bachelor's courses were taught in English, an additional language test is not required.
If you are a student with a German Bachelor's degree: English at level B2 (Abitur)
Academic requirements
- Bachelor's degree or German Diploma ("Diplom") degree in applied science, chemistry, electrical engineering, financial mathematics, mathematics, mechanical engineering, physics, or safety engineering, or in a related field
- The Master's course of study requires advanced knowledge according to the examination regulations in one of the fields of specialisation: atmospheric physics, computational electromagnetics, computational fluid mechanics, experimental particle physics, financial mathematics, materials science, theoretical chemistry, or theoretical particle physics. Knowledge of mathematics corresponding to a Bachelor of Science or Engineering is also required.
- Knowledge of at least one programming language
- A mark of (or corresponding to) at least 3.0 after rounding down to the first decimal place in the German system
The application must include:
- Officially certified copies of the school leaving certificate, of the Bachelor's or equivalent degree, of the diploma supplement and of the transcript of records, either in German or English
- A short letter of motivation indicating two choices for the specialisation in preferred order. The number of places in each specialisation is limited. Therefore the final choice has to be left to us.
- The results of the IELTS/TOEFL (only for international students), or a document certifying that you have taken your first degree in English. The University of Wuppertal's TOEFL code number is 1799. Applicants who send their application to uni-assist should instead use the code number 2727 for their TOEFL. Indicate this code to the Educational Testing Service so that your scores can be sent directly to them/to us.
- If you are not a German citizen, add a completed copy of this application form: http://www.daad.de/en/download/zulassungsantrag_eng.pdf.
Enrolment fees
There are no enrolment fees. Students have to pay a compulsory fee including a social contribution called "Sozialbeitrag", a contribution to the student body called "Studentenschaftsbeitrag", and a fee for the "NRW-Ticket" for public transport within the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The compulsory fee amounts to about 270 EUR per semester and is not a university fee.Costs of living
A student's monthly expenses is approx. 650-700 EUR. This includes accommodation, general costs, health insurance, and learning materials.Job opportunities
There are some possibilities to obtain a teaching or research assistantship after the first semester. However, such a position will not be sufficient to cover all living expenses.Non-EU students are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days. There are no limits on student part-time jobs at the university or at another academic or research institution.
Arrival support
See: http://www.international-students-wuppertal.de/Services and support for international students
For the International Office, see: http://www.internationales.uni-wuppertal.de/en/basics/international-office.htmlFor the International Students Team, see: http://www.international-students-wuppertal.de/
For the Hochschulsozialwerk, see: http://www.hochschul-sozialwerk-wuppertal.de/en.html
Accommodation
You can either live in a residence or rent a room/apartment off campus. There are eight on-campus halls of residence with a total capacity of about 1,200 places. The rooms are mostly rented unfurnished. Rent is approx. 200-250 EUR. You can obtain information and apply for a place in a student residence at:http://www.hochschul-sozialwerk-wuppertal.de/en/accommodation/looking-for-accommodation.html
As only a limited number of living quarters are available here, you can also inquire about private accommodation free of charge at the Central Accommodation Office of the Wuppertal University Social Services Office.
See: http://www.hochschul-sozialwerk-wuppertal.de/en/accommodation/contact.html
E-mail: wohnen@hsw.uni-wuppertal.de
See: http://www.hochschul-sozialwerk-wuppertal.de/en/accommodation/private-rooms.html
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