Mathematics

Mathematics is a driving force behind many modern technologies and has become one of the key technologies of the information age. Fields like data compression and data security, traffic management, and optimal investment strategies are all underpinned by mathematical methods, reflecting a vibrant academic discipline with numerous open research questions and significant real-world applications.

In a mathematics course at university, you learn to derive logical connections and practice reasoning and proving. There’s actually less calculation involved than many might expect. Almost all familiar rules are questioned, and new structures, such as new types of numbers or high-dimensional spaces, are discovered.

You’ll also explore mathematical principles of randomness and learn how fair prices are determined in financial markets. Under the key word optimization, topics include how a GPS calculates the shortest routes or how to strategically act when competing with others for limited resources.

The mathematics department in Frankfurt boasts a dedicated and dynamic teaching team. In recent years, four faculty members have received the university-wide award for excellence in teaching. Around 20 professors and over 40 academic staff members are available to support the mathematics programs. The staff/student ratio in Frankfurt is excellent, fostering close personal interaction between professors, staff, and students.

A preparatory course and orientation days help ease the transition from high school to university. Frankfurt’s mathematics department also features a learning center with peer tutors, providing a reliable, ongoing resource for all questions related to mathematics. Most foundational courses are recorded and made available online as videos, along with additional learning aids.

Goethe University is spread across several campuses. To embark on a MiNT subject as an application subject, students will need to move between these locations.

Studying mathematics in Frankfurt, a major financial hub, offers a wide range of opportunities for internships on-site, enabling a smooth transition into a career. Additionally, the Institute for Mathematics hosts a professional practice colloquium where staff from Frankfurt’s financial institutions regularly provide insights into practical workflows.

The program is structured as follows:

Core Curriculum

General Career Preparation Courses

Advanced Studies

Applied Faculty

Examinations are conducted throughout the course of study.

In the core curriculum, you will acquire the necessary knowledge to engage with mathematics as a scientific discipline and its practical applications, particularly with the integration of computers. Courses offered in this area include analysis, linear algebra, computer-oriented mathematics, probability and statistics, numerical mathematics, and discrete mathematics.

During the advanced phase of the program, which begins in the fourth semester, you will deepen your knowledge in self-selected subfields. You will develop the ability to independently acquire additional knowledge and skills for your professional career or further qualifications. In this phase, you can tailor your focus by combining modules that complement each other thematically. The program concludes with the bachelor’s thesis, where you will independently work on a topic within your specialization area using scientific methods, within a set timeframe (9 weeks) and under supervision.

In the general career preparation courses, you will gain skills and knowledge that go beyond your subject-specific studies and are valuable for scientific qualifications. These include courses on communication, as well as the option to take on a tutoring role or complete a professional internship.

The bachelor’s program also includes the study of an applied subject. The following applied subjects are available:

Business Administration

Economics

Finance

Computer Science

Experimental Physics

Theoretical Physics

Earth Sciences

Life Sciences

Chemistry

Meteorology

Philosophy

Other applied subjects may be approved upon request.