Familiar and multifaceted: studying mathematics at RPTU

The Department of Mathematics at RPTU in Kaiserslautern regularly achieves top marks in the university rankings of the Center for Higher Education Development (CHE).In the latest survey, it even took the top position in Germany in the area of "general study situation".In addition to the challenging, multifaceted education, students particularly appreciate the family atmosphere.The close cooperation with the renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM also ensures practical relevance early on in the course.

When asked why she chose Kaiserslautern as a place to study, Lena Wirries says that the Department of Mathematics' regular good performance in the CHE ranking was a decisive factor. And why mathematics? "I already knew in high school that I wanted to study something. And I really enjoyed mathematics even back then." Studying to become a teacher was out of the question for her. "Then at some point I discovered that you can study mathematics without a teaching degree." And that made it clear to her: She started in the winter semester of 2021/22 and still doesn't regret the decision: "The atmosphere in our department is very informal. I really like the community we have here. Almost everyone knows each other."

"You can ask questions at any time"

What she likes about her degree course is that everything is so logically structured. The challenge, however, is "to stick with it and not give up". After all, studying is not always easy: "There are times when everything doesn't seem to work out. But it's not only in such situations that you get help: "You can talk to older students, for example. The professors are also willing to listen. You can ask questions at any time." Dealing with them is uncomplicated.

What should prospective students know in advance? Studying mathematics is different to math lessons at school. "Studying is not about calculating, but about understanding the background. You have to prove things and these are logical arguments," reports Lena Wirries. And course manager Dr. Anna Lena Birkmeyer is also familiar with this often-mentioned difference: she has already heard the comparison that mathematics at school is like painting by numbers. When you study mathematics, you paint yourself.

High-quality education in a family environment

However, Birkmeyer, who herself studied and completed her doctorate in Kaiserslautern, adds: "The Department of Mathematics at RPTU offers a high-quality, challenging education, but in a very good study atmosphere." This is also confirmed by this year's CHE ranking: "Our department is the only one in Germany to receive five stars for the general study situation." Many other categories, such as study organization, support during studies and support for studying abroad, also received top marks. Anna Lena Birkmeyer: "We take care of things. We see the students as partners. At the same time, you can get to know mathematics in all its facets."
 

Practical relevance very early on in the course

The department cooperates closely with the Fraunhofer Institute ITWM, which is just a stone's throw away from campus. Here, students have the opportunity to get a taste of practical experience early on in their studies through the joint establishment of the Felix Klein Center for Mathematics: there are mentoring programs and positions for student assistants. There are also opportunities to work on research projects during your studies.

In general, studying mathematics is anything but a monotonous affair: there are various specializations to choose from as early as the Bachelor's degree course. It is possible to focus on business mathematics or technomathematics - as well as "Algebra, Geometry and Computer Algebra" and "Analysis and Stochastics". Lena Wirries opted for algebra: "It's all about looking at different algebraic structures." She likes the fact that everything is so precise and conceptual. What does this mean for a layperson? "At the beginning of the course, for example, you deal with groups, which are such an algebraic structure." An illustrative example of this is the Rubik's cube, where the rotations are the elements of the group. "For every rotation, there is the same rotation in the opposite direction - the inverse element - and the rotation where you do nothing - the neutral element. Algebra is about working with structures like this."

"Just give it a try"

Lena Wirries, who is now in her sixth Bachelor's semester, recommends prospective students to simply give mathematics a try: "You notice relatively quickly in the first two semesters whether it's right for you." She recommends taking part in the introductory weeks for first-semester students in any case: "You can make contacts early on. You get to know people with whom you can form a study group, for example." You should always have curiosity and perseverance to study mathematics, she adds - and of course a certain basic interest in mathematics.

Stamina, creativity and imagination are required

Anna Lena Birkmeyer can only confirm all of this: "You should be open-minded and enjoy solving puzzles. Have imagination, creativity and a good dose of stamina." Lena Wirries has all of this. She wants to do a Master's degree after her Bachelor's. She would also like to go abroad. Depending on how well she likes the scientific work in her Bachelor's thesis, she might even do a doctorate later on. Taking a look at the CHE ranking when choosing where to study has definitely paid off for her.

Text:Christine Pauli