Media Informatics as a Minor Subject

The Institute of Computer Science offers Bachelor minors in Computer Science and Media Informatics. The minor Computer Science is intended to be combined with a large number of majors from the LMU's range of subjects, while the minor Media Informatics is only offered with a very small number of majors with direct media reference. Specifically, Media Informatics can currently only be combined with the majors "Art and Multimedia" and "Education". Reasons for the limited combinability of the minor are the strong demand for the major Media Informatics and the corresponding shortage of study places on the one hand, and the general concept of Media Informatics to create a very close integration of major and minor on the other hand.

For students of other majors, e.g. philosophy, the general minor computer science is offered, see here. The minor can be studied in all minor formats common at the LMU (15, 30 and 60 ECTS); the 60-ECTS minor is especially suitable in combination with Philosophy. Within the minor of Computer Science, one can also select two modules from the course catalogue of Media Informatics, that is 20% of the course load, for the electives of "Intermediate Courses of Computer Science I and II" ("Vertiefende Themen der Informatik I und II").

Content

Media Informatics is an applied form of Computer Science which deals with the increasingly digital information processing in the media and the resulting convergence of modern concepts of computer science, digital communication technologies and multimedia.

The study of Media Informatics is a variant of the study of Computer Science. Besides the classical elements of Computer Science, the course catalogue is more application-oriented and less theory is taught. Media Informatics contains design elements, integrates other disciplines, and gives a more intensive overview of multimedia technologies. This is not only about the application of existing software for media processing, but above all about understanding the principles behind it and the ability to develop multimedia software oneself.

In order to study Media Informatics successfully, one must be willing and able to deal intensively with the contents of Computer Science. This means, in particular, learning programming and working through a large amount of mathematical and scientific contexts in great detail. To learn programming, one must enjoy abstract-logical thinking and also have a certain tolerance for frustration, since this requires a lot of practical experience (with unavoidable hurdles and errors). How can you tell if you are suitable for these aspects of the subject? The following indicators have proven themselves to be telling:

Good to very good highschool grades in mathematics, physics and possibly computer science indicate that you are suitable with high probability.
Even with average grades in mathematics/natural sciences, one can master the subject. In this case, we recommend using the offers for voluntary self-tests, which enable a better self-assessment.
Those with school grades in mathematical-scientific subjects of 5 points or less in the 15-point system are generally discouraged from studying Media Informatics.
In addition to a talent for mathematics and natural sciences, it is essential for the study of Media Informatics to have a willingness and ability for interdisciplinary and communicative work. Therefore, poor grades in languages (German and foreign languages) are also an indication of lower aptitude.

Finally, some common prejudices are to be eliminated: It is not necessary to have mastered a programming language before starting your studies - the studies start at the level of the Abitur knowledge. And: Computer science is absolutely not explicitly a man's business - in Media Informatics, the percentage of women among the students is over 40%, and experience has shown that women particularly enjoy the application-oriented and creative orientation of the course.

Further Information

A more detailed insight into the modules that must be taken during the Bachelor's program "Media Informatics as a minor" can be found here. In addition, we offer a semester plan. This latter is not binding.

Contact

For an individual consultation, by email, in a personal conversation or online, please contact the email address studierendenbetreuung ät medien.ifi.lmu.de!