Program Overview

Human Computer Interaction Program

The Human Computer Interaction program is a comprehensive course of study that encompasses various aspects of computer science and human interaction. The program is structured into six semesters, each with its own set of core subjects and applied subjects.

Semester 1

In the first semester, students are introduced to the fundamentals of programming, digital media, and analysis for computer scientists. The core subjects include:

• Introduction to Programming (Lecture + Exercise, 4 + 2 semester hours, 9 ECTS, Grade)
• Digital Media (Lecture + Exercise, 3 + 2 semester hours, 6 ECTS, Grade)
• Analysis for Computer Scientists (Lecture + Exercise, 4 + 2 semester hours, 9 ECTS, Grade) The applied subjects include:
• Grundbegriffe der Psychologie (Lecture, 2 semester hours, 4.5 ECTS, Grade)
• Practical Skills (Participation in user studies, 1.5 ECTS)

Semester 2

In the second semester, students build upon their foundational knowledge with courses in programming and modeling, algorithms and data structures, computer architecture, and media technology. The core subjects include:

• Programming and Modelling (Lecture + Exercise, 3 + 2 semester hours, 6 ECTS, Grade)
• Algorithms and Data Structures (Lecture + Exercise, 3 + 2 semester hours, 6 ECTS, Grade)
• Computer Architecture (Lecture + Exercise, 3 + 2 semester hours, 6 ECTS, Grade)
• Media Technology (Lecture + Exercise, 3 + 2 semester hours, 6 ECTS, passed/failed) The applied subjects include:
• Grundbegriffe der Psychologie (Lecture, 2 semester hours, 4.5 ECTS, Grade)
• Practical Skills (Participation in user studies, 1.5 ECTS)

Semester 3

In the third semester, students delve into linear algebra for computer scientists, practical courses on software development or operating systems, and statistics and user experience. The core subjects include:

• Linear Algebra for Computer Scientists (Lecture + Exercise, 3 + 2 semester hours, 6 ECTS, Grade)
• Practical Course on Software Development or Operating Systems (Practical course + Plenum, 9 + 2 semester hours, 12 ECTS, Grade) The applied subjects include:
• Statistik I: Deskriptive Statistik für Nebenfachstudierende (Lecture + Exercise, 4 + 2 semester hours, 6 ECTS, Grade)
• User Experience I (Lecture + Exercise, 3 + 2 semester hours, 6 ECTS, Grade)

Semester 4

In the fourth semester, students explore computer networks and distributed systems, computer graphics, theoretical computer science, and selected topics in computer science. The core subjects include:

• Computer Networks and Distributed Systems (Lecture + Exercise, 3 + 2 semester hours, 6 ECTS, Grade)
• Computer Graphics (Lecture + Exercise, 2 + 2 semester hours, 6 ECTS, Grade)
• Theoretical Computer Science (Lecture, 3 semester hours, 3 ECTS, Grade)
• Selected Topics in Computer Science (Seminar, 2 semester hours, 3 ECTS, Grade) The applied subjects include:
• User Experience II (Lecture + Exercise, 2 + 2 semester hours, 6 ECTS, Grade)
• User Experience III (Practical Course, 6 semester hours, 6 ECTS, Grade)

Semester 5

In the fifth semester, students study operating systems, software engineering, database systems, and introduction to personal and social competence. The core subjects include:

• Operating Systems (Lecture + Exercise, 3 + 2 semester hours, 6 ECTS, Grade)
• Software Engineering (Lecture + Exercise, 3 + 2 semester hours, 6 ECTS, Grade)
• Database Systems (Lecture + Exercise, 3 + 2 semester hours, 6 ECTS, Grade)
• Introduction to Personal and Social Competence (Seminar, 2 semester hours, 3 ECTS, BE/NB)
• Ethics and Law in Computer Science (Seminar, 2 semester hours, 3 ECTS, BE/NB) The applied subjects include:
• Advanced Topics in Media Informatics for Bachelor I (6 ECTS, Grade)

Semester 6

In the sixth semester, students focus on project competence multimedia, bachelor thesis, and advanced topics in media informatics. The core subjects include:

• Project Competence Multimedia (Practical course, 3 semester hours, 3 ECTS, BE/NB)
• Bachelor Thesis (12 ECTS, Grade)
• Viva Voce (3 ECTS, Grade) The applied subjects include:
• Advanced Topics in Media Informatics for Bachelor II (6 ECTS, Grade)
• Advanced Topics in Media Informatics for Bachelor III (6 ECTS, Grade)

Course Specific Information

Participation in User Studies

To obtain the 3 ECTS points for the modules WP 4/I and WP 4/II, students must provide proof of participation in user studies for at least 12 study participant hours, spread across at least 3 different studies.

Advanced Topics

Media informatics students can receive advanced topics credits for elective courses, including lectures, practical courses, or seminars. Since 2015, students need to complete three advanced topics.

Interdisciplinary Competences

In addition to the core and applied subjects, students must fulfill the following competence modules:

1. Introduction to Personal and Social Competences
2. Ethics and Law in Computer Science
3. Project Competences Multimedia Further options can be found in the study regulations.