Computational Science (Master)

Graphic representation of a dendrimer.

© Natasa Adzic

The master's programme in Computational Science deals with computer-assistance within the natural sciences. By its interdisciplinary approach, connecting computer science and mathematics with the natural sciences (astronomy, biology, chemistry and physics), the emphasis is on computationally relevant aspects of research and data processing in the respective domain of the natural sciences.

Current natural science domain-specific problems are tackled by means of scientific and mathematical tools and translated into computer algorithms. Such methodological proceedings allow for in depth research on highly complex current issues by employing "computer experiments" and a comprehensive description and presentation of the impact system parameters have on results.

Master of Science

Degree Programme Code: 066 910

4 semesters / 120 ECTS credits

Language: English

NO entrance examination

Curriculum

For more information see the StudiesServiceCenter (SSC) website

Facts & Figures

  • Students: n.a.
  • Graduates in the last academic year: n.a.
  • Number of semesters needed for graduation (median): n.a.

Data updated on: 28.12.2022

*Click here for further information on statistical data in the field of teaching and learning. (in German)

Admission Procedure

Information about the admission procedure

English language requirements

Information on Previous Studies:

In any case eligible degree programmes:

Five Concepts

which you will deal with during your studies:

  • Interdisciplinary
  • Orthonormal systems
  • Cell biology
  • CORE and SHELL programme
  • Partial differential equations

... and many more.

Study Programme

Professor is sitting in front of two computer screens.

© Josef Kreplan

This interdisciplinary master's programme is characterised by its broad research areas in the MIN-disciplines (Mathematics, Informatics, Natural sciences – astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics). These research areas are discussed from a computer-based viewpoint:

  • In which areas is computer-assisted research carried out?
  • How are computational methods implemented and how can they be improved?
  • Which fields of the disciplines of natural sciences are computer-assisted and need the supervision of experts?

These questions and the implementation of relevant solutions are at the center of the master's programme.

Due to the interdisciplinary structure of the degree programme, students are prepared to address these questions and provide solutions as they are required to acquire the vocabulary of each domain of science. They learn to implement key concepts in practice through designing and conducting computer-aided research.

An emphasis is put on two aspects:

  1. In the core programme, students from the various scientific domains are introduced to key concepts and topics of the other domains. Their knowledge base is brought to a common level, from which the implementation of computational aspects in the different natural sciences is further developed.
  2. The shell programme enables students to focus on one domain of the natural science and then integrate their computer programming skills to all MIN-fields via supplementary modules.

The master's programme in Computational Science nurtures lateral thinking of well-informed scientists with knowledge in computer science and mathematics across all natural sciences. Graduates are equipped with comprehensive approaches and the ability to offer solutions. They may act as competent mediators between experts of particular natural sciences.

Student's Opinion

"I study Computational Science as a supplement to the master's programme in Molecular Biology, because I want to concentrate on and specialise in aspects of bioinformatics.

Building on my biological background knowledge I gain a deeper understanding of mathematical methods and computer science. It's also greatly fascinating to study other fields of natural science.

The high extent of interdisciplinarity is definitely the main distinguishing characteristic of Computational Science. Students gain insight into four different fields of natural science as well as mathematics and computer science. Hence, this programme is exactly suitable for students, that rather be 'polymaths' than 'blinkered specialists'."

- Roman Feldbauer, BSc

 Overview of the programme structure & topics

Here you find the current offer of courses for this programme to gain better insight into the topics and structure. For more information please click on the respective level.



After Graduation

Section of a server room.

Students acquire knowledge in the computational areas of the disciplines mathematics, informatics, astronomy, biology, chemistry and physics.

The degree programme equips students with excellent qualifications at the interface between the MIN fields and computer science. Due to its computer-scientific approach to identifying, understanding and implementing computer-related questions in the individual fields of research, science and business, the master's programme in Computational Science represents an addition to the empirical and often experimental basic education of the bachelor's programme. It allows students to broaden the professional expertise they acquired in the bachelor's programme. The master’s programme takes the interdisciplinarity that is in increasing demand nowadays into account, and therefore offers graduates a professional advantage.

Graduates' Perspective on the Degree Programme

Graduate Survey

The University asks graduates to provide their opinion about the degree programme immediately after graduating. The survey results show how graduates evaluate the degree programme they completed from a subject-specific and organisational perspective.

 

The graduate survey is an important feedback tool for continuously improving the quality of studies.

Graduates ...

  • say that this degree programme receives the grade: 1.5 (excellent)
  • rate the level of difficulty as: 3.7 (high)

→ These results are based on feedback from 11 graduates.

*Detailed information about the implementation, analysis and use of the survey as well as further data can be found in the master's programme in Computational Science graduation survey (in German).

Career Tracking of Graduates

The tracking of graduates provides information about the career paths of the University of Vienna graduates and aims at providing guidance for career entry after graduation (e.g. questions about the duration of job search until first employment after graduation, salary development and sectors that graduates are active in).

3 years after graduation ...

  • 76% of graduates residing in Austria are gainfully employed.
  • graduates earn approx. € 2,979 gross/month.
  • 13% of graduates work in the scientific research and development sector.

*You can find precise information on implementation, evaluation and use as well as further data for this degree programme in the graduate tracking "Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics".

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