Mathematics

Abstract

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  Profile of the study programme

  The origins of mathematics go back to prehistoric times. The science developed from the practical requirements of measuring and counting in trade and industry, from the pursuit of astronomy and geodesy and from the appeal of the principles and laws that were thereby discovered.
  The scientific and technical revolutions that have occurred since the beginning of modern times are characterised by the discovery and development of increasing numbers of new mathematical concepts, models and methods. Currently, mathematics has approximately 100 different areas of research, which are interrelated in multifaceted ways with other sciences. Every year more than 100,000 new contributions to research are published in the numerous professional mathematical magazines.

  This study programme is the first step in the training of professional mathematicians. The training is usually continued and completed with a subsequent Master of Science in mathematics. The methods, ways of thinking and content that all mathematicians should be proficient in, in accordance with international standards and independent of subsequent specialisation, are imparted in an intense and demanding programme.
  The major study programme in Mathematics is supplemented by one or two minors that students can choose freely. In addition to physics, computer science and economics, which are traditionally closely linked to mathematics, other fields of study in Science or the Humanities can also be chosen.

  Fribourg profile
  The programme of the first two academic years is largely determined by mandatory courses. The main focus consists of a multi-semester lecture series on analysis, algebra and geometry. During the second academic year, introductory courses on applied mathematics, especially numerical mathematics and probability theory, and statistics are added. The courses consist of lectures that serve to quickly and efficiently impart knowledge in a concentrated form and corresponding exercises in which what has been learned is applied independently deepening the knowledge through practical use.
  The content of the programme during the third academic year is not so defined, although there are rules that ensure that the training is not too one-sided. The courses require thorough command of the methods and content learned during the first two years of study. Among a wide range of courses, students choose further lectures that correspond to their interests and inclinations. In this way they prepare themselves for a further specialisation within the master programme. During seminars they learn to deal with more complex mathematical problems and to present their results in lectures and written work. There is close cooperation with the neighbouring universities in Berne and Neuchâtel, whose course programmes are also open to the students from Fribourg.
  The study of mathematics in Fribourg is bilingual. Approximately half of the courses are held in French and the other half in German. During exams students are free to choose their language. Beginning in the third year, and during the master programme, English is added as a further language of study.

  Learning outcomes and career openings
  Due to the wide use of mathematical methods and ways of thinking in very different areas of business, science and administration, there is no fixed professional profile for mathematicians. There are typical fields of work at banks, insurance companies, management consultancies, in schools and universities, authorities and statistical offices, in industrial research and development, in information technology, logistics, meteorology, image processing and security technology.
  In addition to in-depth mathematical knowledge, the main focus often lies on the skills that are promoted during the studies: clear, structured and substance-oriented thinking, a systematic, targeted approach to tasks, analytical creativity, capacity for abstraction and the ability to see relationships and to quickly find one's way with new types of problems and unfamiliar tasks.

Studies organisation

Structure of studies

Curriculum

Admission

Alternatives

Minor study programmes to be chosen