Computational Engineering Science B.Sc.

 

Spinning a gigantic machine part with 100km/hr around its own axis or testing the new airbag generation of a secrete car prototype in a simulated crash test – in computation engineering manufacturing and production processes, design, and material compositions can be investigated before being technically implemented. Computer-supported simulation processes held avoid bad investments and allow for reliable risk estimates.

The challenge of this interdisciplinary subject is the mathematical presentation of the relevant questions, that is the modelling. If this is achieved, technical solutions can be developed, tested, and optimized using computers.

Specialists in computational engineering science receive an interdisciplinary education at RWTH. They acquire expertise in mechanical engineering, simulation technology, computer science, and mathematics.

After broad fundamental studies students concentrate on one of six career fields offered starting in the fifth semester:

• The field energy technology and process engineering teaches information and skills about the development, operation, anaylsis, and improvement of processes for energy and chemical changes. Simulations ensure that these processes can be efficiently designed.
• In computer science students are occupied with the implementation of (high performance) computers to solve simulation problems in engineering.
• Mathematics targets the development of mathematical models and numerical processes, with which a problem can be abstracted and solved with the help of a computer.
• In materials science students acquire a look into the discovery, development, manufacture, and use of innovative materials. These are used, for example, in clean energy and national security.
• The field of mechanical systems uses fundamental methods and approaches to theoretical modelling, numerical simulation, and experimental validation, and is applied broadly in all engineering disciplines.
• Flow and combustion offers a look at the development of internal combustion engines and power plant components. Particular attention is placed on fluid and combustion-technical optimization.

 

Degree Content

Curriculum

Semester	Fundamentals
1	Simulation Technology I and II, Materials Science, Mechanics I and II, Mathematical Basics I, Introduction to Programming
2	Mechanics I and II, Thermodynamics I and Computer Simulation of Materials, Mathematical Basics II, Data Structures and Algorithms
3	Simulation Technology I and II, Thermodynamics I and Computer Simulation of Materials, Mathematical Basics III, Software Engineering, Measurement Technology and Data Analysis, High-Performance Computing
4	Fluid Mechanics I, Mathematics Basics IV, Introduction to Applied Stochastics, Software Development internship, Mechanics III
5	Control Engineering, Partial Differential Equations, Software Development Internship, Data Analysis and Visualization
	Subjects from the selected career field
6	Model supported techniques of estimation, Numerical Flow Simulation, Project
	Subjects from the selected career field
7	Internship and Bachelor's thesis

For a curriculum overview that is always up to date, please visit the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.

Tutorials and Practical

The facilitation of fundamental concepts and methods of mechanical engineering, simultation technology, mathematics, and computer science is intensively supported through accompanying tutorials. Students get an initial look at application during their project in the sixth semester and a twelve-week internship in industrial software development.

Programs Abroad

Budding engineers are trained at RWTH for the global market. Aside from above average technical knowledge, international skills play a big role. Experience abroad is often a deciding factor for one's career path. The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering offers study and internship opportunities worldwide. Partnerships with renowned international universities make it possible to conduct a stay during Bachelor's studies in, for example, Europe, the USA, Korea, Japan, or China.

RWTH students profit not only from the Faculty's exchange programs but also from the University's strategic partnerships with international universities. They can, for example, complete short stays at one of the IDEA League universities while completing a term paper. The UROP Abroad program, the only one of its kind in Germay, offers the possibility to participate in research projects at international universities during Bachelor studies. These stays abroad are partially funded by RWTH-specific funding.

All of RWTH's partnerships programs are listed on the study abroad pages. Subject-specific offers are published on the Faculty's webpage about international programs.

 

Prerequisites

Subject-Specific Prerequisites

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 Mechanical Engineering Self Assessment

 

Career Prospects

Whether it's the auotomotive industry, aerospace engineering, or the energy sector – the development of complex products or production methods would hardly be conceivable without computer simulation. The financial, material, and personnel effort would be too high – and that's without a guarantee of success! After studying computational engineering science young engineers can work in all fields, in which technical questions in mechanical engineering are solved with modern IT.

Graduates of the RWTH course of study profit from their broad technical background and their interdisciplinary problem-solving skills. Their studies open the door to all fields, in which computer-supported process are used to develop innovative products.

Graduates can not only pursue a career in engineering but also in the software industry.

 

Master's Degree Prospects

After completing their Bachelor's studies students can pursue the Master's program in Computational Engineering Science. Three concentrations offer the possibility to create an individual profile beyond the program's mandatory curriculum: engineering, computer science, and mathematics.

While the latter two focuses support a more method-oriented profile, students who specialize in engineering can select from a number of application-oriented electives in mechanical engineering and materials engineering. Just a few examples from the catalogue of electives include automotive engineering, aerospace engineering, medical technology, and human engineering.

With the appropriate planning – and possible additional requirements – students can pursue other Master's courses of study, such as automation engineering.

 

Module Handbook and Examination Regulations

The module handbook provides a description of all modules of a degree program and offers a comprehensive insight into the program contents.

The examination regulations are comprised of legally binding provisions on learning objectives, prerequisites for study, the course structure and processes, and examination procedures.

Regulations that generally apply to all Bachelor's and Master's degree programs, including information on language proficiency requirements, can be found in RWTH's General Examination Regulations. These general regulations are further specified and complemented by the subject-specific examination regulations.

If two examination regulations are valid for a degree program during a transition phase, the most current version shall apply to students enrolling in the program for the first time.

Please note that only the German examination regulations are legally binding.

Module Handbook
Subject Specific Examination Regulations
RWTH's General Examination Regulations

 

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.

The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at RWTH is one of the largest and most renowned faculties of mechanical engineering in Europe. The diversity of the institutes in the Faculty and its research focuses is reflected in its course offerings in various courses of study. Students can select from a number of various elective subjects.