Scientific Computing

The past several years have shown that numerical simulations of phenomena in technology and the natural sciences are an essential tool for accelerating development cycles in industry and businesses. While researchers once had to meticulously study the properties of a product on the basis of prototypes, they are now simulated and optimised on computers. Demands for the capabilities of numerical simulation continue to grow with the need for models that are more and more precise, the incorporation of new problem areas such as data analysis (e.g., big data) or stochastic models (i.e. those containing uncertain data). All these fields are encompassed in the young and forward-looking research area of scientific computing. The field addresses the entire workflow, including modelling; mathematical, numerical, and statistical analysis; optimisation; the implementation of algorithms on high-performance computers; and the visualisation of results. However, little attention has been paid to training students in this development. The international Master’s programme is geared towards students working at the intersection of mathematics, computer science, and application fields. The objective of the programme is to offer a specialised educational background that enables highly qualified, hard-working students to apply state-of-the-art methods and tools of Scientific Computing to solve challenging problems in modern technology and sciences. This interdisciplinary approach starts with an in-depth understanding of the mathematical core of the problem, provides a wide overview of modern numerical methods for solving differential and integral equations and analysing large amounts of data, and, finally, supplies practical skills and experience in the area of high-performance computing necessary to implement these solutions in the form of numerical software. In doing so, the programme offers a focused education at the level of a mathematics student that is also attainable by interested students from other disciplines. To this end, special financial support and intensive supervision is provided, which can only be guaranteed within the framework of an elite degree programme, for which the state of Bavaria offers special funding. The contents taught are applied to interdisciplinary problems in modelling seminars. In these seminars problems are presented by well-known industrial partners, who also accompany the solution process. Very talented students can combine the Master's programme with a fast-track doctorate.