Scientific Computing is the challenging combination of applied mathematics and computer science to solve application problems by means of numerical methods. The program, run by the Faculty for Mathematics and Computer Science in close collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR) teaches students both the theoretical concepts of computer-based mathematical modelling and the practical aspects of realising complex algorithms in scientific software. By studying an application area as a minor subject, the education is focussed on real-world problems and the interdisciplinary communication that shapes the modern world of research & development.

Mathematical methods taught in this master program include:

• Numerical methods for ODE and PDE
• Statistics and data analysis
• Differential geometry and computer algebra
• Linear and non-linear optimization methods
• Computational methods in fluid dynamics

Computer Science methods list for example:

• Parallel computing
• Scientific visualization
• Mixed-integer programming
• Spatial databases
• Image processing techniques

 Applications for Scientific Computing come from:

• Physics and Astronomy
• Robotics
• Weather and Climate Modelling
• Text and Data Mining
• Theoretical Chemistry
• Biology
• Scientific Visualization
• Economics
• Social Sciences
• Cultural Heritage

The program is linked with HGS MathComp, the doctoral school for mathematical and computational modeling at Heidelberg University. Top students in the first year course will get an invitation to join the doctoral school already for the second master year, opening the possibility to a direct integration into the HGS MathComp PhD program, a master course directly leading to a PhD project (research oriented master track).