Specializations

Become a specialist

Data science is not just about numbers and algorithms – it is about gaining insights to make better decisions and drive innovation. Imagine using data to revolutionize healthcare, for example by predicting disease outbreaks and personalizing patient care. In the world of finance, data science helps with fraud detection, investment strategies, and risk management. In the entertainment sector, data analyses ensure that video streaming services recommend exactly the tv shows you really want to watch. No matter where your interests lie, data science will most likely play a role here, too.

The possible applications of data science are almost limitless – from self-driving cars to speech recognition and translation to cyber security to weather forecasts. As a data scientist, you do not work with numbers – you solve real problems in concrete contexts.

The diversity of possible applications is also reflected in the research and teaching at FIDS: In your Master's degree program, you can specialize in one of four key areas that are directly linked to the main research areas of our faculty:

Machine Learning and Statistics
Computational Life Sciences
Human-Centred Data Science
Information Systems

A specialization gives you the opportunity to research current topics in a specific area of application and carry out projects that prepare you specifically for your Master's thesis.

All specializations comprise 42 ECTS. If you complete a specialization in full, it will be shown on your degree certificate.

The specializations in detail

Machine Learning and Statistics

The Machine Learning and Statistics specialization provides you with sound skills in mathematical modelling, algorithm development, data analysis, and critical thinking. Specialists in this field hold the key to the further development of artificial intelligence. They are in high demand across all industries - for their ability to develop predictive models, optimize processes, and give valuable insights from complex data.

You can complete the Machine Learning and Statistics specialization by successfully completing the following compulsory modules:

DAT-M-MLS-SML Statistical Machine Learning, 9 ECTS
DAT-M-MLS-AS1 Advanced Statistics 1, 9 ECTS
DAT-M-MLS-RSRCH Research Project, 18 ECTS

In addition, you will take compulsory elective modules totalling at least 6 ECTS credits from the following modules, depending on your interests:

DAT-M-MLS-AS2 Advanced Statistics 2, 6 ECTS
DAT-M-MLS-MATH Lectures in Mathematics, 3-18 ECTS
DAT-M-MLS-ENG Data Engineering, 6 ECTS
DAT-M-MLS-AXAI Advanced Explainable AI, 6 ECTS
DAT-M-MLS-DIPAI Digital Image Processing - AI-based Approaches, 6 ECTS
FIDS-WI-IB-M05 Neural Networks: An Application-Oriented Introduction, 6 ECTS
DAT-M-MLS-AMLS Advanced Topics in Machine Learning and Statistics, 3-12 ECTS

Course of study

What will my studies look like if I choose "Machine Learning and Statistics" as my specialization?

Course of study for the specialization "Machine Learning and Statistics" (start of studies in the winter semester, full-time) (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible)

Computational Life Sciences

With the computational life sciences specialization, you will acquire important skills to master challenges in medicine, biology, biochemistry, and pharmacy with the help of data science and computer-aided methods. You will deepen your knowledge of bioinformatics, data analysis, machine learning, and biological modelling. This specialization prepares you for exciting career paths, for example in biotechnology, the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare, the food industry, and environmental sciences. Whether as a data scientist, computational biologist, bioinformatics specialist or in drug development and personalized medicine - as a computational life science specialist, you will work at the forefront of innovative research and technology-driven solutions.

You can complete the computational life sciences specialisation by taking the following compulsory modules:

INF-M-BINF-BIOL Biology for Computer and Data Scientists, 6 ECTS
DAT-M-CLS-STATBIO Statistical Bioinformatics, 6 ECTS
INF-M-BINF-RSRCH Research Project in Bioinformatics, 18 ECTS

In addition, you will choose compulsory elective modules totalling at least 12 ECTS from the following range of modules:

INF-M-BINF-ALGBIO Algorithmic Bioinformatics, 6 ECTS
DAT-M-CLS-HIGHDIM Analysis of High-Dimensional Data, 6 ECTS
INF-M-BINF-OPT Optimisation, 6 ECTS
INF-M-BINF-SEM Current Topics in Bioinformatics, 6 ECTS
INF-M-BINF-EXT Bioinformatics: International and External Studies, 3-12 ECTS

Course of study

What will my studies look like if I choose "Computational Life Sciences" as my specialization?

Course of study for the specialization "Computational Life Sciences" (start of studies in winter semester, full-time) (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible)

Human-Centred Data Science

As a specialist in human-centred data science, you combine technical know-how with a deep understanding of human behavior, ethics, and the societal impact of data science. You develop data-based solutions that focus on user experience, fairness, and accessibility. You interpret data with cultural and social sensitivity and work across disciplines to align technology with human needs.

This will make you a specialist in human-centred data science:

Take the following compulsory modules:

HCAI-M02 AI Ethics, 6 ECTS
HCAI-M08 Advanced Information Behaviour, 6 ECTS
HCAI-M09 Deep Reinforcement Learning for Human Decision Strategies, 6 ECTS

Choose additional compulsory elective modules totalling at least 24 ECTS from the following offer:

INF-M-HCC-INT1 Interaction Technologies I, 6 ECTS
INF-M-HCC-INT2 Interaction Technologies II, 6 ECTS
HCAI-M06 Explainable AI for Human-Computer Interaction, 6 ECTS
HCAI-M07 Generative AI for Human-Computer Interaction, 6 ECTS
HCAI-M10 Group Project in Human-Centred AI, 6 ECTS
HCAI-M11 Computational Human-Centred AI, 6 ECTS
HCAI-M13 Research Project in Human-Centred AI, 18 ECTS

Course of study

What will my studies look like if I choose "Human-Centred Data Science" as my specialization?

Course of study for the specialization "Human-Centred Data Science" (start of studies in the winter semester, full-time) (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible)

Information Systems

A specialization in Information Systems provides you with in-depth knowledge to optimize business processes, understand and control data flows in companies, and protect organisations from cyber threats. This will prepare you for exciting future roles, e.g., as an IT security analyst, cybersecurity consultant, and business systems manager in leading companies.

Would you like to become an Information Systems Specialist? Then complete the following compulsory modules:

INF-M-IS-SEM Advanced Seminar Information Systems, 12 ECTS
DAT-M-MLS-AXAI Advanced Explainable AI, 6 ECTS

And choose compulsory elective modules totalling at least 24 ECTS from the following offer:

FIDS-WI-IB-M05 Neural Networks: An Application-Oriented Introduction, 6 ECTS
FIDS-WI-MSc-IB-M02 Social Network Analysis, 6 ECTS
FIDS-WI-MSc-IB-M04 Digital Platforms and the AI Economy, 6 ECTS
FIDS-WI-MSc-SEC-M02 Security of Mobile Systems, 6 ECTS
FIDS-WI-MSc-SEC-M03 Multilateral Security: Anonymous Communication Systems, 6 ECTS
FIDS-WI-MSc-SEC-M04 IT Security Practice, 6 ECTS
FIDS-WI-MSc-BIS-M01 Business Engineering, 6 ECTS
FIDS-WI-MSs-BIS-M04 Process Mining, 6 ECTS
WI-MSc-IB-M05 Intelligent Agents and Reinforcement Learning, 6 ECTS
FIDS-WI-MSc-M02 Security of data-intensive applications, 6 ECTS
INF-M-IS-EXT Information Systems: International and External Studies, 3-12 ECTS

Course of study

What will my studies look like if I choose "Information Systems" as my specialization?

Course of study for the specialization "Information Systems" (start of studies in the winter semester, full-time) (opens in a new window). (This PDF is not accessible)

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