Program Overview

Introduction to the Probestudium Program

The Probestudium program offers interested students the opportunity to gain insight into mathematics studies and experience a week of "real" studying. With authentic lectures and exercises, participants will become familiar with the daily routine of university life and discover that university mathematics encompasses more than just calculations. The only requirement is an interest in mathematics, and the topic is deliberately chosen to require minimal prior knowledge. The program is ideal for students from the 9th grade onwards, although exceptions are possible.

Program Schedule

This year's Probestudium program will take place from September 2 to 6, 2024.

Program Content

The program will provide an introduction to graph theory, which is a fundamental area of mathematics. Graphs consist of vertices connected by edges and can be found in various fields, such as computer networks, polyhedra, and transportation systems. Throughout the week, participants will explore the basics of graph theory, including the question of which graphs can be drawn in a plane without intersecting edges.

Program Structure

The program will mimic the daily routine of a university student, with lectures, exercises, and tutorials. The schedule includes:

• Lectures in the morning, introducing new material
• Exercises in the afternoon, where participants will work on problems under supervision
• Tutorials, where homework will be discussed
• Joint lunches in the cafeteria (except on Wednesday)
• Question and answer sessions about mathematical study programs and research
• An additional lecture by Prof. Stefan Ufer

Program Details

• The central exercise and lecture will take place in room B138, on the first floor of the mathematical institute (Theresienstrasse 39)
• Exercises will be held in rooms A027 (Kajetan), B004 (Marleen), and B039 (Fabian)
• The program schedule is as follows:
  • Monday: Registration, lecture, and tutorial
  • Tuesday: Central exercise, lecture, and tutorial
  • Wednesday: Central exercise, lecture, and tutorial
  • Thursday: Central exercise, lecture, and tutorial
  • Friday: Central exercise, lecture, and tutorial

Program Organization

The Probestudium program is organized by Prof. Sebastian Hensel and Kajetan S—hnen.