Computational Engineering Science B.Sc.

 

Computers are often an excellent tool when solving complex technical problems.  As a result the following all play an essential role: skilled selection and evaluation of software tools, the development of suitable algorithms and software, selection of a computer architecture that addresses a problem appropriately. However, the simple availability of high-performance computers and the ability to operate them, is not sufficient for dealing with great scientific and technological challenges. The main difficulty actually lies in the mathematical presentation - the modeling- of a technical question, in order to make it possible to work on the problem through the computer.  The core elements of this course of study lie in teaching students the necessary skills to accomplish this, including the use of computing systems in close connection with fascinating applications.

The Bachelor course of study in CES is a scientific, research oriented course of study, that is oriented towards basic and methods. It enables students to be successful for their entire career, because it is not limited to teaching current topics, but rather teaches theoretical underlying concepts and methods that still play a role in current trends. The education teaches students the basic principles, concepts, and methods in the subject.  After completing their education, students should particularly be able to work on tasks in various fields of application under various technical, economic, and social conditions. They should be able to carry over the concepts and methods they learned to future developments.
The instructional and learning methods and modules prepare students for demands in their future careers.  Goals of the Bachelor course of study are as follows:

• Problem solving skills: Graduates are able to systematically analyze problems, and develop and validate solutions.  They can develop the appropriate measures needed for a solution, when problems occur.  Graduates can also deal with complex questions.  To do so, they have learned how to implement targeted systems and methods from the subject.
• Transferable skills, interdisciplinarity: In addition to technical skills, graduates can communicate concepts, methods of approach, and results and work in a team.  They can work in the language and with the terms of neighboring subjects when needed and collaborate outside of their discipline.

 

 

Degree Content

The Bachelor course of study in Computational Engineering Science is composed of a software development practical experience, a project, a Bachelor thesis, an internship from 22 obligatory modules, that are distributed over the following areas: engineering basics, mathematic-scientific basics, systems science basics, and information technology basics.

An elective is available in the fifth and sixth semesters to help students orient themselves to a particular career field.  Students design the electives themselves, after consulting with an advising professor. Students may select from the following:

• Solid Body and Structural Mechanics
• Flow and Combustion
• Materials Science
• Energy Technology
• Process Engineering
• Biotechnology and Medical Technology
• Material Processes

Course of Study Structure (simplified)

Semester	Basics	Career Field
1	Simulation Technology I and II, Materials Science, Mechanics I and II, Mathematical Basics I, Introduction to Programming
2	Simulation Technology I and II, Mechanics I and II, Thermodynamics I and II, Mathematical Basics II, Algorithms and Data Structures
3	Simulation Technology I and II, Thermodynamics I and II, Mechanics II, Mathematical Basics III, Software Engineering, Software Engineering Internship
4	Fluid Mechanics I, Mathematics Basics IV, Introduction to Applied Stochastics, Software Development internship, Introduction to High-Performance Computing
5	Control Engineering, Process Measuring Technology, Partial Differential Equations, Handling larger amounts of data	Elective module in chosen career field
6	Model supported techniques of estimation, Numerical Flow Simulation	Elective module in chosen career field
	Presentation techniques and project
7	Internship (12 weeks) and Bachelor's thesis (12 weeks)

An overview of the curriculum is available in the course of study layout.

Programs Abroad
The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering offers its students numeroous academic and practice opportunities in Europe and abroad. Set programs include the ERASMUS program, T.I.M.E. double master's program, or the Tshingua Double Degree Program. Get more information on the faculty's webpage "International“! The Moveonline Exchanges database is helpful if you want an overview of all RWTH Aachen exchange programs.

 

Prerequisites

Subject-specific Prerequisite
The Bachelor course of study in Computational Engineering Science is directed towards prospective students interested in the intersection of mathematics, computer science, and technology.

Enrollment Prerequisite
RWTH "Civil Engineering" Self Assessment

 

Master's Degree Prospects

Building on this Bachelor, RWTH Aachen offers a Master course of study with the same name.

 

Career Prospects

A Bachelor in Computational Engineering Science is sought after in many industries. For example, educated engineers trained in this field  are needed to help implement computer based processes in the chemical industry, automobile industry, and the air and space industry.  In addition to these engineering fields, students are of course prepared for work in the software industry.

With skills and knowledge in so many areas, graduates are rarely limited to one career track.  The course of study affords graduates all career possibilities, in which they will be required to use basic engineering skills and the ability to use computers for problem solving. Professor R. Menee (Ford AG) observes, “We view the new course of study in CES as an important prerequisite for giving emerging engineers the skills to face the challenges of the future.”

 

Examination Regulations

Exam Regulations  regulate academic goals, the course of study layout, and exam procedures.  The appendix to the regulations contains the description of the modules, from which the course of study is composed.

 

Faculty

The Bachelor course of study in Civil Engineering is offered by the Faculty of Mecanical Engineering, the Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences and the Faculty of Georesources and Materials Engineering.