Cybersecurity (B. Sc.)

This module provides the mathematical foundations for computer science and Computational Life Sciences. Topics include propositional and predicate logic, proof techniques, modular arithmetic, complex numbers, limits and continuity. Students also study differential and integral calculus, including Taylor polynomials, Taylor series, and infinite series, with a focus on their fundamental applications.

This module introduces the fundamental concepts of software development and imperative programming using the C programming language. Topics include data types, control structures, functions, memory management, arrays, pointers, and dynamic data structures. In the lab, students apply these concepts in a software project and develop an interactive game using a Linux-based environment and professional development tools.

This module introduces fundamental concepts of computer science. Topics include algorithms and their representations, complexity and computability theory, number and information representation, and logic. Students also explore the structure of modern computer systems, from the von Neumann architecture to advanced concepts such as caching, multi-core systems, pipelining, superscalar processing, and GPU computing.

This module introduces the fundamentals of IT security and cybersecurity. Topics include security threats, security objectives, cryptographic techniques, key management, and public key infrastructures. Students learn about relevant security standards, cybersecurity tools, and the practical application of security concepts. The course also includes an introduction to Python programming for implementing basic security-related applications.

This introductory project provides a practical introduction to cybersecurity and academic work. Students learn the fundamentals of subject-specific research and library use, work on cybersecurity-related tasks in small teams, and gain initial experience with programming and security tools. Presentations, teamwork, and workshops on learning strategies and time management support a successful start to university studies.

This module introduces ethical, societal, and security-related foundations in the context of modern technologies. Topics include ethical theories, risk ethics, the justification of norms, and the relationship between freedom and security. Students explore key concepts of security research and critically examine the societal implications of cybersecurity and its relevance to both internal and external security.

This module provides advanced mathematical foundations for computer science and Computational Life Sciences. Topics include linear algebra with vector spaces, matrices, eigenvalues, and linear transformations, as well as multivariable differential and integral calculus. Students also study functions of several variables, optimization problems, and the fundamentals of ordinary differential equations.

This module introduces the fundamentals of object-oriented programming with C++. Topics include classes and objects, inheritance, polymorphism, templates, exceptions, threads, and graphical user interfaces using Qt. Students learn modern programming concepts and apply them in a practical software project. In the lab, they develop a C++ application with a graphical user interface while deepening their understanding of core software engineering principles.

This module introduces the fundamentals of modern computer systems and operating systems. Topics include the architecture and programming of microcontrollers, low-level software development, memory technologies, and peripheral and bus systems. Students also learn key operating system concepts, including processes and threads, memory management, input/output, file systems, concurrency, synchronization, and virtualization.

This module introduces the methods and processes of professional software engineering. Topics include requirements engineering, software quality, implementation, documentation, and software testing. Students learn both traditional and agile development approaches as well as process and maturity models. The course provides competencies for analyzing, developing, quality-assuring, and systematically implementing software projects throughout the entire software lifecycle.

This module introduces concepts and technologies for securing operating systems and IT infrastructures. Topics include security threats, authentication and authorization mechanisms, system-level security architectures, and system hardening techniques. Students learn about relevant standards, security technologies such as Secure Boot and TPM, and security-focused operating systems, enabling them to assess and apply modern operating system security approaches in practice.

This module provides the mathematical foundations of IT security. Topics include elementary number theory, divisibility, congruences, prime numbers, and cryptographic concepts that form the basis of modern security mechanisms. Students also learn statistical methods for data analysis, including probability theory, distributions, estimation and hypothesis testing, as well as correlation and regression techniques with applications in cybersecurity.

This module introduces the fundamentals of modern web technologies and web application development. Topics include Internet protocols, client-side and server-side technologies, web services, and architectures for web-based systems. Students learn how to design and implement interactive web applications. The course also covers legal aspects of web development and search engine optimization (SEO).

This module introduces the fundamentals of modern computer networks and Internet communication. Topics include the structure and operation of networks based on the TCP/IP model, protocols of the application, transport, and network layers, as well as local area networks and physical data transmission. Students gain an understanding of core networking concepts and how information is reliably exchanged across interconnected systems.

This module introduces methods of software design, software architecture, and database development. Students learn how to structure complex software systems, transform requirements into architectures, and design distributed systems. The course also covers data modeling, relational databases, SQL, transaction management, and data integrity. The focus is on developing robust, maintainable, and efficient software systems.

This module introduces methods and tools for developing secure software systems. Topics include software security, code quality, security by design, and secure coding principles. Students learn to identify and prevent common vulnerabilities and apply techniques for static and dynamic security analysis. These include source code reviews, automated analysis tools, and penetration testing for evaluating the security of software applications.

This module introduces the fundamentals, architectures, and services of cloud computing. Topics include cloud concepts, virtualization, containerization, infrastructure, management, and access mechanisms. Students explore different cloud architectures and deployment models and evaluate them with respect to cost, scalability, and service quality. The course also covers Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and operational aspects of cloud-based solutions.

This module introduces the methods of project, risk, and quality management. Students learn how to plan, manage, and monitor projects, covering goal definition, stakeholder and risk analysis, resource planning, and change management. The course also covers agile approaches such as Scrum, as well as the fundamentals and regulatory framework of quality management, particularly in healthcare settings.

This module introduces concepts and protocols for securing modern communication networks. Topics include security threats and requirements, cryptographic protocols, access control, and security mechanisms across different network layers. Students learn methods for secure group communication, IPsec, transport-layer security, and the fundamentals of secure wireless and mobile communication, enabling them to evaluate and apply network security solutions in practice.

This module introduces methods of security engineering and the design of secure IT architectures. Topics include security requirements engineering, security development lifecycles, DevSecOps, security maturity models, and model-based security approaches. Students learn key design principles such as Zero Trust, identity management architectures, certificates, and public key infrastructures, as well as the application of relevant security standards to modern systems.

This lab course introduces methods for analyzing and assessing IT security risks in controlled environments. Students examine common vulnerabilities in web applications and software systems, explore their underlying causes, and apply techniques for detection and mitigation. The focus is on understanding attack patterns, secure development practices, and the practical use of security assessment and testing methods.

This academic seminar develops students’ skills in scientific research, academic writing, and professional communication. Students conduct a literature review on an assigned topic, prepare a scientific paper, and present their findings to the group. Through structured discussions and critical reflection, they strengthen their abilities in academic argumentation, presentation, and the analysis of subject-specific issues and current research topics.

This module develops communication and teamwork skills for professional environments. Students reflect on their expectations, strengths, and areas for improvement in preparation for their upcoming internship. Through personality assessments, group exercises, and role-playing activities, they learn effective communication and conflict resolution techniques. The course enhances teamwork, self-awareness, and professional behavior in a variety of workplace situations.

The internship enables students to apply the cybersecurity knowledge and skills acquired during their studies in a professional environment. Students select a suitable company in Germany or abroad and work on practical cybersecurity-related tasks using the methods and technologies learned in the program. They gain insight into business processes, organizational structures, and professional working practices while further developing their technical and personal competencies.

This post-internship seminar supports the reflection and evaluation of experiences gained during the internship. Students present their activities and results in short presentations followed by group discussions. The course connects practical experience with academic knowledge, explores effective presentation techniques, and strengthens communication, social, and professional skills through discussions, exercises, and role-playing activities.

This module introduces the legal foundations of IT security and data protection. Topics include the fundamental rights to informational self-determination and the integrity of information systems, data protection law and the GDPR, as well as legal frameworks for digital forensics and criminal investigations. Students also explore national and international cybersecurity regulations, cyberwarfare-related issues, and legal requirements for protecting critical infrastructures.

This module introduces the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and its application in cybersecurity. Topics include modern AI methods such as neural networks and transformers, the creation and use of training datasets, and attacks against AI systems and their mitigation. Students explore AI applications for intrusion detection, threat intelligence, code analysis, security data mining, and penetration testing while assessing their benefits, limitations, and security implications.

This module introduces methods and processes for incident response management and network monitoring. Students learn how to systematically detect, analyze, contain, and remediate security incidents. Topics include intrusion detection and prevention, threat intelligence, SIEM systems, digital forensics, and organizational and technical measures throughout the incident response lifecycle to strengthen cybersecurity and resilience.

This module introduces concepts and methods for securing modern networks and connected applications. Topics include security architectures, cloud security, web and app security, and secure communication protocols. Students learn about common vulnerabilities, protection mechanisms, and secure programming practices. The course also addresses security user experience to achieve a balanced integration of security, usability, and user-centered design.

In this project module, students apply project management methods and agile software development practices in a hands-on team project. They plan tasks, estimate effort, and use professional development tools such as IDEs, version control systems, ticketing platforms, and Scrum boards. Additional topics include pair programming, test-driven development, unit testing, and CI/CD. Project progress is regularly reported, and results are documented and presented.

This module introduces the fundamentals of business administration and entrepreneurship. Topics include management, organizational structures, marketing, production, finance, accounting, investment analysis, and innovation management. Students explore entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship concepts, develop business models and business plans, and learn about startup financing, strategic partnerships, and entrepreneurial decision-making.

This seminar systematically prepares students for the completion of their bachelor’s thesis. Topics include academic standards, examination regulations, literature research, and documentation techniques. Students independently develop a thesis topic, create an outline and project timeline, coordinate their approach with their supervisor, and prepare the formal registration of the bachelor’s thesis.

The bachelor’s thesis represents the final academic achievement of the degree program. Students independently investigate a research question or hypothesis using scientific methods. This includes reviewing relevant foundations, positioning the work within the current state of research and technology, designing and implementing appropriate solution approaches, and critically evaluating the results, objectives, and limitations of the proposed solution.