Applied Mathematics in Digital Media

The enormous technological progress during the last two decades resulted in highly innovative products and services that more than ever before are based on mathematical achievements. Modern mathematics is at the heart of an increasing number of innovations in the field of digital communication, satellite navigation, e-commerce, medical technology, and consumer electronics. Without mathematics there would be no navigation system, no mobile phone, no secure payment on the internet, no digital TV, and no MP3 player. Also, there would be no efficient web search, no Blu-ray discs and no digital rights management (DRM). Modelling and simulation of computer and communication networks as well as social network analysis are also based on profound mathematical knowledge and methods. Current and previous developments in these highly innovative fields have led to a new understanding of mathematics. Modern mathematics is not only an auxiliary science for other sciences to solve technical and economic problems; nowadays it is considered as an independent, genuine technology. Its main characteristics are its algorithmic and technology-driven approach, combined with industrial relevance and innovation. The goal of the Master's degree programme in applied mathematics is to persuade young people to participate in these ongoing developments in a most competent and comprehensive way and to give them a promising perspective for an academic or professional career in the field of mathematics and its applications to digital media.

The programme focuses on complex mathematical problems relevant to digital technology and digital media and on efficient computerised methods for their solution. Students attend obligatory courses on automata theory, public key cryptography and digital signatures, advanced topics in modern cryptography, wavelets in image and audio compression, computational intelligence (neural networks for pattern recognition in digital data), simulation and visualisation, network algorithms (e.g., for navigation systems and routing on the Internet), and mathematical network analysis (focusing on network reliability and social network analysis). Programming and presentation skills are particularly encouraged through a programming project and two mathematical seminars. A special feature of this programme is the Maths and Media Project in which students may choose between investigating a mathematical problem related to digital media and creating animated mathematical multimedia content (e.g., a Youtube video or an interactive learning resource). Students may also choose from a comprehensive catalogue of attractive courses from both mathematics and computer science. All courses are in English.

Students participate intensely in the various research activities covered by the professors, but are not limited to applications in digital media. Other fields of active research are computer simulation, several branches of discrete mathematics, and computational intelligence. Students are free to decide on the field in which they want to write their Master's thesis. The thesis takes five months and culminates in a colloquium. For the duration of the thesis, regular attendance is not necessary. The Master's thesis is written in English (or if the student chooses so, in German).

Educational organisation

First semester:
Automata Theory (lectures and seminars)
Network Algorithms (lectures, seminar, and lab)
Public Key Cryptography and Digital Signatures (lectures, seminar, and lab)
Stochastic Models (lectures, seminar, and lab)
Mathematical Seminar I
One selection course (*)

Second semester:
Computational Intelligence I (lectures, seminar, and lab)
Reliability of Communication Networks (lectures, seminars)
Advanced Topics in Modern Cryptography (lectures, seminars)
Simulation and Visualisation (lectures and labs)
Programming Project (seminar and labs)
One selection course (*)

Third semester:
Computational Intelligence II (lectures, seminar, and lab)
Social Network Analysis (lectures, seminar, and lab)
Wavelets in Image and Audio Compression (lectures, seminar, and lab)
Maths and Media Project (seminar, labs)
Mathematical Seminar II
One selection course (*)

Fourth semester:
Master's Thesis (with colloquium)

(*) Selection courses:
Discrete Structures, Integral Transforms, Mathematical Logic, Programming Project II, Signals and Systems, Discrete Optimisation, Selected Topics in Computational Mathematics, Selected Topics in Computational Statistics, Selected Topics in Discrete Mathematics, Digital Communication, Embedded Systems, Computer Graphics and Animation, Data Compression, Wireless Communication, Discrete Mathematical Modelling, Digital Video Analysis, Advanced Topics in Computer Science

Study abroad unit(s)

Participants may spend the fourth semester of the programme abroad if they wish.

Internships

No internships

Forms of assessment

All modules conclude with a final exam with a mix of written exams, oral exams, seminar discussions or lab work. In some modules, students may choose a different type of exam, e.g. a written exam instead of an oral exam. For successful graduation, a total of 120 ECTS credits must be acquired, whereby 30 credits are achievable per semester and 5 credits are assigned per module. 30 credits are awarded for the Master's thesis and the final colloquium.

All exams and the Master's thesis will be in English (or if the student chooses so, in German).

Course objectives

Graduates of the Master's programme have in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge in various fields of applied mathematics which are essential to the design and operation of digital media; in particular they have in-depth knowledge in automata theory, coding theory, cryptology, mathematical network analysis, stochastic modelling, computational intelligence as well as simulation and visualisation. They are qualified to acquire new knowledge from other fields of mathematics and computer science by themselves, to recognise future scientific and technological trends and to incorporate them into their academic or professional work.

The graduates have an outstanding ability to think in abstract, conceptual, logical, structural and algorithmic ways. They are able to formulate mathematical hypotheses, and to prove or disprove them. They have excellent programming skills and, in addition, a very deep understanding of the underlying mathematical structures and algorithms. They are qualified to cooperate interdisciplinarily with computer scientists and engineers in large programming projects, and to take on project management in such projects.

Graduates are capable of reading mathematical research literature in English. They are able to use the international mathematical language both in speech and writing, to present their results in mathematical texts and lectures, and they can use modern communication media with a high level of expertise. Their style of academic and professional work is characterised by persistence and perseverance. They are qualified to work scientifically on an independent basis, to join academic and public institutions, and to prepare for a PhD in mathematics or computer science at a university.

Language requirements

English language proficiency is required at minimum level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). We accept among others the following examinations:

• TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) at least 79 points, computer-based (CBT) at least 213 points
• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) at least Band 6.0
• Cambridge Certificate: First Certificate in English (FCE)
• Cambridge English (ESOL)

German language skills are not required, but they are very useful for daily life outside the university. We offer German language courses outside the programme at no extra cost.

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degree in mathematics, computer science or a related field (e.g. information technology), which corresponds at least to a German Bachelor's degree (we shall check this and inform you), including transcript of records. Please submit these documents as certified copies with certified English or German translations and refer to our web pages to find out which documents you must submit in addition in order to complete your application.

Enrolment fees

79 EUR per semester

Costs of living

Approx. 590 EUR per month
For detailed information, please see:
https://www.ausland.hs-mittweida.de/en/incomings/anreise/financeplanning.html#c14139

Job opportunities

Well-paid job opportunities are found in the nearby cities of Chemnitz, Leipzig, and Dresden. During the semester break (February/August/September) you will have enough time for work.

Arrival support

The International Office gives individual advice and support. It recommends travel connections, advises you with regard to accommodation, and informs you about all necessary administrative tasks during arrival and during your studies.
Detailed information for Mittweida is given on the International Office website.
See: https://www.ausland.hs-mittweida.de/en/incomings/anreise.html

Services and support for international students

Academic counselling of students by professors during the studies is provided in English. Each professor regularly offers individual office hours for students regarding all study purposes. The International Office offers administrative support for international students to clear all formalities in regard to foreigner's registration office, health insurance, opening a bank account, campus tour, and tour through the town of Mittweida. The International Student's Club, called Cosmopolitan Club (https://www.hs-mittweida.de/index.php?id=705.), helps you to to find friends and to solve problems during your studies. Each semester it organises excursions and a wide range of other cultural events for foreign students. In the student's club you can relax in the evenings, watch films, dance or simply talk to other students.

Accommodation

We assist you in finding a place in one of our dormitories near the university. Therefore, you need to fill in the online application form for accommodation. Request it in the International Office! Please note that you cannot arrive during the weekend or on official holidays.