Mastering Mathematics at Heidelberg University: A Guide to the M.Sc. Program and Requirements

Heidelberg University offers a comprehensive Master of Science (M.Sc.) program in Mathematics designed to equip students with a deep understanding of mathematical principles and the ability to contribute to cutting-edge research. This article provides a detailed overview of the program, its curriculum, and the requirements for admission and graduation.

Program Overview

The M.Sc. in Mathematics at Heidelberg University aims to broaden and deepen your foundational mathematical knowledge by engaging with current research in various specialized areas. Graduates from this program gain the ability to apply and independently develop mathematical methods and models. This program stands apart from the international Master's program in Scientific Computing, also offered at Heidelberg. While the Mathematics program focuses on internal mathematical research, the Scientific Computing program emphasizes practical applications.

The curriculum provides a structure in which students can discover how a liberal arts education enriches their lives. A liberal arts education offers opportunities to reflect on the student’s education and to integrate learning and experience. The curriculum encourages students to discern connections between the various fields within the liberal arts and between those fields and their major.

Degree Requirements and Academic Program of Study

Upon fulfillment of all graduation requirements, students will be granted the degree which offers the Academic Program of Study. Each department has the authority to change the designation as needed. A program of study encompasses the curricula for the general education or honors program and at least one major. The student should declare a degree and a major (or any minors) by the end of four semesters of enrollment. Students who major or minor in more than one field must complete all of the requirements for each major or minor including allied courses. All Degree Candidates must complete the following requirements. Achieve a minimum of a C- (1.667 quality points) in any major or minor required course (allied courses are not included in this policy). Take at least the senior-year in residence or in a Heidelberg approved academic experience. Sixty semester hours must be earned at a four-year, accredited institution to qualify for a degree. Work toward one degree. No student may work for two degrees simultaneously. If a student wishes to work for a second degree, an additional 30 academic hours are required at Heidelberg after completion of the first degree.

Majors and Minors

A major is an approved course of study consisting of a minimum of 30 semester hours. Courses within a track or concentration are considered a part of the major requirements. In addition, majors may require allied courses, which are taught outside of the major discipline and support the major. Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing must complete at least one major. Candidates for a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree may choose to complete more than one major or minor. Electing to earn more than one major or minor may extend the number of semesters enrolled due to course rotations and/or course conflicts. Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts or Science degree will earn no more than 40 hours from any single subject prefix toward a major. No more than 48 hours from any single subject prefix may be applied toward the minimum requirement of 120 semester hours.

A minor is an approved course of study consisting of 15 to 21 semester hours of coursework. Most minors are designed by departments that offer majors, but some disciplines in which no major is offered may offer a minor. At least half of the required hours in a minor must be done as coursework here at Heidelberg University and one course must be at the 300 or 400 level. In the event that the required number of hours is an odd number, then the number of hours required at Heidelberg will be rounded up. The University offers minors in many disciplines, not tied to a degree program of study, and is permitted to be added without changing the current program of study catalog year so long as the minor is added while the student is a degree candidate.

General Education Program

Bachelor of Science in Arts or Science General Education Program(Refer to full listing of course options and policy statement within the General Education, Academic Policies.)

COM 100 (3 hours)
WRI 101 (3 hours)
Mathematics-Based Course: (3 hours)
Fine Arts and Humanities Breadth of Experience: at least 9 credit hours from at least 3 different prefixes
Natural Science: Students must complete at least 6 credit hours from at least 2 different prefixes; one course must have a laboratory
Social Science: Students must complete at least 6 credit hours from at least 2 different prefixes
Self Community: Students must complete at least 6 credit hours from above list or Approved Study Abroad Experience (options listed below)
Study abroad experience - more than four weeks, but less than a full semester will count for 3 credit hours towards Self and Community
Study abroad experience - Full semester experience will count for 6 credit hours - Self and Community
Another experience approved in writing by the Provost to fulfill Self and Community.

ALEKS Math Placement Assessment

To ensure students are placed in the appropriate mathematics courses, Heidelberg University utilizes the ALEKS Placement Assessment. Here's what you need to know about the assessment:

Cost and Access

There is no cost to you for taking the placement exam. You have access to the Preparation and Learning Modules for 6 months.

Exam Format

There is a brief tutorial at the beginning of the assessment. The tutorial will introduce you to the ALEKS system and interface. The tutorial shows you how to enter different types of answers, how to use the ALEKS calculator, and how to graph something by hand.

The ALEKS Placement Assessment covers material from Basic Math through Precalculus. The exam is an open-response, adaptive assessment that covers hundreds of topics in 30 questions or fewer (it is not multiple choice). The assessment is untimed, but you must complete it within 48 hours of when you begin. The assessment requires an average of 90 minutes to complete, but the amount of time will vary by student. Enter your answers carefully. Once you submit your response to a question, you cannot return to that question. Select “I don't know” ONLY if you have no idea how to work a problem. If you select “I don’t know” repeatedly, it will lower your score on ALEKS.

How to Begin

Log into OASIS.
Under Checklist 1, select Math Placement
Click the "ALEKS Math Placement" link.

Interpreting Your Score

You will be able to see your ALEKS placement score immediately after you finish the test. The math course you take usually depends on your intended major. You will work with your advisor to determine which course is best for you and your major.

0-45 Placement into MTH 100 (recommend taking a 2nd time)
46-60 Placement into MTH 114-120 (Recommend taking a 2nd time based on your major)
61-75 Placement into MTH 121
76 or higher placement into MTH 222

Retaking the Test

Yes, after the initial assessment, a targeted and individualized Preparation and Learning Module is required for students to review and learn material. Students will have up to one additional attempt (2 total) to improve their ALEKS placement score after the initial assessment. The highest attempt is used for placement into mathematics courses. Students have up to 6 months from their first placement test to complete the learning modules.

Student Insurance

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