Study Modules

The module provides a deep dive into the field of software development. Basic programming skills are expected as a pre-requisite. We will dive into the world of Python programming and quickly recap the basic programming concepts such as variables, control structures, and functions. We will then move on to peek into object-oriented programming and from there move to Django, a web development framework for Python. Finally, we'll discuss agile development methods, clean code, open source development, version control, and some software engineering basics. To better understand the process behind software development, the first coding camp places students into a team software development project in which they get to understand and experience it. Students will be tasked with scoping, planning, and developing (coding) a small project, thus enabling an understanding of the challenges provided with all of these phases. This module is mandatory in all M.Sc. and MBA study programs. The content in all programs is identical. The workload in the hands-on projects is reduced for the MBA students to reflect the lower ECTS points.

The module provides a deep dive into the field of software development. Basic programming skills are expected as a pre-requisite. We will dive into the world of Python programming and quickly recap the basic programming concepts such as variables, control structures, and functions. We will then move on to peek into object-oriented programming and from there move to Django, a web development framework for Python. Finally, we'll discuss agile development methods, clean code, open source development, version control, and some software engineering basics. To better understand the process behind software development, the first coding camp places students into a team software development project in which they get to understand and experience it. Students will be tasked with scoping, planning, and developing (coding) a small project, thus enabling an understanding of the challenges provided with all of these phases. This module is mandatory in all M.Sc. and MBA study programs. The content in all programs is identical. The workload in the hands-on projects is reduced for the MBA students to reflect the lower ECTS points.

In the second deep dive for coding, students are challenged to understand digital image processing and working with interactive devices, such as cameras or microphones. Discussed topics will be coordinate systems, color modes, the history of human-computer interfaces, vector vs. pixel graphics, computer vision, etc. To deepen the understanding, the students will also look into the necessary maths, e.g. matrix manipulations, etc. The basics of Object-Oriented Programming as discussed in Coding Camp 1 will be re-capitulated and deepened. To get started quickly and be able to work on interesting projects soon, we will use tools and libraries, such as Processing and OpenFrameworks. The programming languages of these tools are a subset of the Java programming language and C++. Both will be introduced in the module, always with a hands-on focus. In this second coding camp, students expand on the knowledge from the first coding camp: Knowledge and experiences of the first Coding Camp, such as project management and software development principles can be reiterated and students can experience further methods. The module is compulsory in all M.Sc. and MBA study programs. Contents are the same, the students in the M.Sc. programs have to create additional deep dives to certain course topics (more details in the assessment section). This is the description for the module in the MBA programs. As all German UDS modules, there are two weeks previous to Week 1 for the students to prepare for the module and two weeks after Week 8 to wrap up and reflect the course.

In the second deep dive for coding, students are challenged to understand digital image processing and working with interactive devices, such as cameras or microphones. Discussed topics will be coordinate systems, color modes, the history of human-computer interfaces, vector vs. pixel graphics, computer vision, etc. To deepen the understanding, the students will also look into the necessary maths, e.g. matrix manipulations, etc. The basics of Object-Oriented Programming as discussed in Coding Camp 1 will be re-capitulated and deepened. To get started quickly and be able to work on interesting projects soon, we will use tools and libraries, such as Processing and OpenFrameworks. The programming languages of these tools are a subset of the Java programming language and C++. Both will be introduced in the module, always with a hands-on focus. In this second coding camp, students expand on the knowledge from the first coding camp: Knowledge and experiences of the first Coding Camp, such as project management and software development principles can be reiterated and students can experience further methods. The module is compulsory in all M.Sc. and MBA study programs. Contents are the same, the students in the M.Sc. programs have to create additional deep dives to certain course topics. More details in the assessment section. This is the description for the module in the M.Sc. programs. As all German UDS modules, there are two weeks previous to Week 1 for the students to prepare for the module and two weeks after Week 8 to wrap up and reflect the course.

This module provides a comprehensive introduction to macroeconomic principles, focusing on the behavior and performance of economies at a national and global level. Students will explore key topics such as economic growth, inflation, unemployment, fiscal and monetary policies, and the impact of international trade and globalization. The course emphasizes understanding how economic policies influence overall economic stability, development, and societal well-being. Through theoretical frameworks, real-world case studies, and data analysis, students will develop critical thinking skills and the ability to apply macroeconomic concepts to analyze economic issues and policy decisions. This module lays the foundation for informed decision-making in both public and private sectors.

Software systems and web applications are being used in more and more scenarios. As a result, these systems are becoming more complex, and the security of these software systems is becoming increasingly important.     This module focuses on methods and approaches for developing secure applications (e.g. secure coding and security by design). It also looks at different security measures for web applications, applications for smartphones /tablets and traditional applications. This module also covers various analysis methods that enable the identification and analysis of vulnerabilities and corresponding attack vectors at both theoretical and practical level. 

This course provides the students with hands on ex-perience solving a complex, yet limited problem in its scope. Instead of recognizing faces or fingerprints in an open population, the problem is solved for a limited population of individuals (100, for example). The complete solution pipeline is developed, from data capture to data set generation and application of AI libraries in the cloud.

In this module the students apply AI libraries to large datasets managing a cloud system. Most large AI systems cannot be trained locally, due to the large size of the data bases. Students learn in this module how to load and man-age Big Data systems, and how to create trainable systems for the cloud. In the course we look at the systems produced by Big Data companies for Data Warehousing, and ex-periment with one of them.

In this module the students apply AI libraries to large datasets managing a cloud system.     Most large AI systems cannot be trained locally, due to the large size of the data bases.     Students learn in this module how to load and manage Big Data systems, and how to create trainable systems for the cloud.   In the course we look at the systems produced by Big Data companies for Data Warehousing, and experiment with one of them. 

In this module the students apply AI libraries to large datasets managing a cloud system.     Most large AI systems cannot be trained locally, due to the large size of the data bases.     Students learn in this module how to load and manage Big Data systems, and how to create trainable systems for the cloud.   In the course we look at the systems produced by Big Data companies for Data Warehousing, and experiment with one of them. 

The ongoing digitalization of society means that digital systems are becoming increasingly relevant and their protection is therefore becoming more and more important.     This module provides a general overview of cybersecurity, the state-of-the-art attacking and defending concepts and technologies, the basic knowledge on IT infrastructure, computer network, systems, and applications, as well as the principles (Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availabilities - CIA) and common approaches (e.g., cryptography, firewall, antivirus, intrusion detection, etc.) of cybersecurity.    

This module onboards students to the program, the teaching and learning methods.    Irrespective of the area of implementation, digitalization and digital transformation pose complex challenges. Often, problems are not well-defined and need to be tackled in diverse areas being aware of many interrelated elements. Therefore, the skill to solve complex problems belongs to a set of so-called “future skills”, which humans need to thrive in and design the digital age. The module also teaches the principles, techniques and processes of Design Thinking, a user-centric approach to solve wicked problems and to design innovations. 

Most advanced AI applications being developed and deployed today rely on one or more "deep learning" models. In this course, students will learn to con-struct deep neural networks, with or without attentional components. Students will train preconfigured networks using AI libraries and deploy them in the cloud. In the second part of the course, students will learn how to train ML models using reinforcement learning. The course will also explore alternatives such as probabilistic networks and other types of graphical models. Recursive networks will also be covered.

The advancements of digital technologies put companies across industries under pressure to digitize their internal processes, focus on new ways of customer value creation and develop and implement new business models. This requires significant changes within organizations and requires managers and executives at different levels to have advanced specific skills. The module focuses on advanced theoretical as well as practical frameworks and methods for leadership in the digital world as well as the required change management tools to achieve digital transformation within an organization.

The goal of cybersecurity is to identify cyber risks and reduce them to an acceptable level. From a strategic view, an organization’s cyber-security program and cyber risk management has to fulfill five core functions. There have to be processes to identify cyber risks, a deployment of safeguards and detection capabilities, as well as organizational and technical measures to respond and recover from a cyber incident.  The module provides students with an over-view and understanding of the principles of information security management that are commonly used in industry. It introduces widely used cybersecurity standards, frameworks, and methods. It explores critically the suitability and appropriateness of these standards, frameworks and methods for addressing challenges on today's organizational security requirements.

This module is an introduction to symbolic AI. First the basics of logic systems is discussed, followed by the presentation of combinatorial algorithms for the solution of AI problems. Prolog is used as the implementation language. The students learn to prove assertions of predicate logic and implement simple proof systems in Prolog.

Decision-making is empowered by (big) data through the use of machine learning and data analytics principles. The course looks at subsymbolic systems: regression models, linear and nonlinear discriminators, decision trees, small neural networks, and support vector machines, among others This module conveys fundamental technologies behind big data applications. The students are tasked with un-derstanding and experiencing core principles of e.g. data harmonization and data pipelines fueling machine-learning algorithms. In the course, students will compare different theoretical approaches to AI and be able to choose the best problem-solving strategy for a given application.

Decision-making is empowered by (big) data through the use of machine learning and data analytics principles. The course looks at subsymbolic systems: regression models, linear and nonlinear discriminators, decision trees, small neural networks, and support vector machines, among others This module conveys fundamental technologies behind big data applications. The students are tasked with un-derstanding and experiencing core principles of e.g. data harmonization and data pipelines fueling machine-learning algorithms. In the course, students will compare different theoretical approaches to AI and be able to choose the best problem-solving strategy for a given application.

Within fast changing environments, a strategic perspective is fundamentally important for setting the right directions for future developments of companies. Therefore, the central aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become good strategists—whether in a large corporation, a mid-sized company, or an entrepreneurial startup. The module combines theoretical concepts and frameworks with clear, practical application. It makes participants familiar with all aspects of the strategy process, starting with goal setting and ending with strategy implementation, focusing especially on strategy analysis. It covers strategic management on the business as well as on the corporate level and the entrepreneurial transformation following a good strategy process by analyzing case studies from various industries and regions.

This module is part of the “Rootcamp” which an increasing number of attacks are attempting to compromise individual systems or networked infrastructures.     This module first looks at the relevant characteristics of different systems and networks in order to identify and categorize attack vectors and potential vulnerabilities. This then makes it possible to consider various theoretical security concepts and measures and to examine their practical implementation for specific attack vectors. In addition to the security concepts used and corresponding vulnerabilities of "classic" computer systems and networks, this module also deals with the security functions and potential vulnerabilities of systems - such as smartphones, IoT devices and cloud infrastructures - as well as emerging technologies for modern telecommunication - such as 6G.   

The group challenge is a fundamental part of the study program to apply learned concepts and frameworks and to build up additional competencies required for leaders in the digital world. The module poses a variety of challenges to a group of at least three students that commonly work on solving the given task. Challenges posed are individual per group but all focus on different aspects of digital trans-formation. This can include application scenarios in different industries or for the advancement of societies alike. Students in this module will be mentored by the professor and the teaching team to solve the challenge and thereby also learn and apply tools of digital project management.

The group challenge is a fundamental part of the study program to apply learned concepts and frameworks and to build up additional competencies required for leaders in the digital world. The module poses a variety of challenges to a group of at least three students that commonly work on solving the given task. Challenges posed are individual per group but all focus on different aspects of digital trans-formation. This can include application scenarios in different industries or for the advancement of societies alike. Students in this module will be mentored by the professor and the teaching team to solve the challenge and thereby also learn and apply tools of digital project management.

The group challenge is a fundamental part of the study program to apply learned concepts and frameworks and to build up additional competencies required for leaders in the digital world. The module poses a variety of challenges to a group of at least three students that commonly work on solving the given task. Challenges posed are individual per group but all focus on different aspects of digital trans-formation. This can include application scenarios in different industries or for the advancement of societies alike. Students in this module will be mentored by the professor and the teaching team to solve the challenge and thereby also learn and apply tools of digital project management.

The Master Thesis is a comprehensive research project that serves as the culmination of the Master’s program. It requires students to independently investigate a specific topic within their field, applying advanced theoretical and methodological approaches. The thesis involves the development of a research question, extensive literature review, data collection and analysis, the presentation of original findings, and the defense of the final results of the research to different audiences. It demonstrates the student's ability to conduct rigorous research, critically engage with scholarly work, and contribute to academic or practical knowledge in their discipline.

The Master Thesis is a comprehensive research project that serves as the culmination of the Master’s program. It requires students to independently investigate a specific topic within their field, applying advanced theoretical and methodological approaches. The thesis involves the development of a research question, extensive literature review, data collection and analysis, the presentation of original findings, and the defense of the final results of the research to different audiences. It demonstrates the student's ability to conduct rigorous research, critically engage with scholarly work, and contribute to academic or practical knowledge in their discipline.

The Master Thesis is a comprehensive research project that serves as the culmination of the Master’s program. It requires students to independently investigate a specific topic within their field, applying advanced theoretical and methodological approaches. The thesis involves the development of a research question, extensive literature review, data collection and analysis, the presentation of original findings, and the defense of the final results of the research to different audiences. It demonstrates the student's ability to conduct rigorous research, critically engage with scholarly work, and contribute to academic or practical knowledge in their discipline.

This module onboards students to the program, the teaching and learning methods. Irrespective of the area of implementation, digitali-zation and digital transformation pose complex chal-lenges. Often, problems are not well-defined and need to be tackled in diverse areas being aware of many interrelated elements. Therefore, the skill to solve complex problems belongs to a set of so-called “future skills”, which humans need to thrive in and design the digital age. The module also teaches the principles, techniques and processes of Design Thinking, a user-centric approach to solve wicked problems and to design innovations.

This module onboards students to the program, the teaching and learning methods. Irrespective of the area of implementation, digitali-zation and digital transformation pose complex chal-lenges. Often, problems are not well-defined and need to be tackled in diverse areas being aware of many interrelated elements. Therefore, the skill to solve complex problems belongs to a set of so-called “future skills”, which humans need to thrive in and design the digital age. The module also teaches the principles, techniques and processes of Design Thinking, a user-centric approach to solve wicked problems and to design innovations.

This module onboards students to the program, the teaching and learning methods. Irrespective of the area of implementation, digitali-zation and digital transformation pose complex chal-lenges. Often, problems are not well-defined and need to be tackled in diverse areas being aware of many interrelated elements. Therefore, the skill to solve complex problems belongs to a set of so-called “future skills”, which humans need to thrive in and design the digital age. The module also teaches the principles, techniques and processes of Design Thinking, a user-centric approach to solve wicked problems and to design innovations.

This module is part of the “Rootcamp” which onboards students to the program, the teaching and learning methods. It teaches the principles, techniques and processes of Design Thinking, a user-centric approach to generating innovations. The Design Thinking process combines methods and tools from the fields of design, engineering, the social sciences and business administration. The approach uses these tools to determine the latent desires and needs of future cus-tomers. This user-orientation is combined with the perspective of technological feasibility and economic viability. A team-based approach, it not only relies on the creativity of the individual, but also on collaboration and cooperation.

This module is part of the “Rootcamp” which onboards students to the program, the teaching and learning methods. It teaches the principles, techniques and processes of Design Thinking, a user-centric approach to generating innovations. The Design Thinking process combines methods and tools from the fields of design, engineering, the social sciences and business administration. The approach uses these tools to determine the latent desires and needs of future customers. This user-orientation is combined with the perspective of technological feasibility and economic viability. A team-based approach, it not only relies on the creativity of the individual, but also on collaboration and cooperation. 

This module is part of the “Rootcamp” which onboards students to the program, the teaching and learning methods. It teaches the principles, techniques and processes of Design Thinking, a user-centric approach to generating innovations. The Design Thinking process combines methods and tools from the fields of design, engineering, the social sciences and business administration. The approach uses these tools to determine the latent desires and needs of future customers. This user-orientation is combined with the perspective of technological feasibility and economic viability. A team-based approach, it not only relies on the creativity of the individual, but also on collaboration and cooperation. 

The advancements of digital technologies put companies across industries under pressure to digitize their internal processes, focus on new ways of customer value creation and develop and implement new business models. This requires significant changes within organizations and requires managers and executives at different levels to have advanced specific skills. The module focuses on advanced theoretical as well as practical frameworks and methods for leadership in the digital world as well as the required change management tools to achieve digital transformation within an organization.

Digital Business Models play a fundamental role in an or-ganization for realizing new ways of value creation for customers and remaining competitive in an increasingly digital world. The module focuses on advanced concepts for developing digital business models and create new ventures. The focus will be on tools from the ideation of business ideas to building a minimal-viable-product or prototype of the respective digital business model. The module therefore follows a structured approach covering all relevant steps applicable to building stand-alone ventures (start-ups) as well corporate ventures (new businesses within existing organizations) alike.

The module offers a comprehensive overview of the tools, techniques, and creative processes involved in producing content for digital reality platforms, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). This course emphasizes hands-on learning in content development, ranging from 3D modeling and animation to interactive storytelling and user interface design. Students will explore the latest software and hardware used in the industry, gaining practical skills in creating immersive experiences that captivate and en-gage users. By understanding the unique challenges and opportunities within digital reality, participants will be equipped to innovate and push the boundaries of digital content creation.

Within fast changing environments, a strategic perspective is fundamentally important for setting the right directions for future developments of companies. Therefore, the central aim of this module is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become good strategists—whether in a large corporation, a mid-sized company, or an entrepreneurial startup. The module combines theoretical concepts and frameworks with clear, practical application. It makes participants familiar with all aspects of the strategy process, starting with goal setting and ending with strategy implementation, focusing especially on strategy analysis. It covers strategic management on the business as well as on the corporate level and the entrepreneurial transformation following a good strategy process by analyzing case studies from various industries and regions.