Computational Science: Frankfurt University

The solution of large-scale numerical problems plays an increasingly important role for research and development in science and engineering, as well as in business, economics, financial markets and medicine. In addition to the availability of high-performance computing facilities, such numerical tasks require knowledge and skills from different fields - many scientific, technical or economical problems can only be addressed if expertise in a particular professional field, mathematical insight and experience with efficient programming techniques are combined. The discipline which provides the required interdisciplinary training is Computational Science.

The basic tools come from applied mathematics and computer science. In order to apply these tools within a particular scientific field, however, fundamental concepts of the given field have to be employed in order to set up models suitable for numerical simulation. Only an understanding of the scales, interactions and correlations involved allows the formulation of efficient, yet realistic models. On the level of actual applications, Computational Science thus requires in-depth knowledge of the relevant scientific field.

The curriculum of the M.Sc. in Computational Science therefore consists of two components: a methodological core curriculum, which is mandatory for all students, along with a variety of compatible tracks leading to the student's individual field of specialisation in one of the natural sciences (offered in the form of required electives).

For this field of specialisation students may choose from a wide variety of options:

• Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Quantum Chemistry
• Elementary Particle Physics, Heavy-Ion Physics, Condensed Matter Theory, Soft Matter
• BioNanoscience, Theoretical Immunology, Neuroscience
• Geodynamics, Hydrology, Meteorology, Mineralogy

For a more detailed overview of the Curriculum, please consult our on-line material at

• http://www.physik.uni-frankfurt.de/mpcs/ .