MINT Pre-course
MINT-Pre-course - Mathematical Methods of Physics
Comprehensive knowledge and skills in mathematics are required for a successful start to your studies at our faculty. In the course, essential mathematics content is repeated and deepened. In addition, some calculation techniques that are required in the first semester in the physics courses are prepared and practiced on specific tasks.
We also recommend taking part in the Online-Math-Course OMB+ to review the school math material. This is best done before the MINT Pre-course.
Contents of the MINT Pre-course:
- Geometry, algebra and elementary functions
- Differential calculus and series
- Integral calculus
- Vectors and coordinate systems
- Complex numbers
The course Mathematical Methods of Physics is recommended for students of physics, quantum technology, mathematical physics, physics teaching, aerospace informatics, functional materials.
Participation in the course is also possible if you are not yet enrolled. However, early enrolment is recommended, as the university's IT infrastructure can then be used.
Information on the preliminary courses of the other MINT faculties can be found on the central MINT preliminary course pages.
Before you start - some answers to frequently asked questions
Block 1 and block 2 are identical in content.
This means that the same course is offered twice in a row!
The same applies to the preliminary courses in mathematics and computer science, so that you can take two preliminary courses without any overlap. Please note that this does not apply to the preliminary course in Mathematics for the non-specialized teaching profession and the preliminary courses in Biology and Chemistry. These are only offered in the 2nd block!
The pre-course consists of a daily lecture and exercises. The lecture takes place from 9-11 am. Afterwards, exercises are worked on and discussed in small groups until approx. 5 pm.
The pre-course is not only about mathematical calculation methods in physics, but also about getting started in physics studies. It is also particularly important to get to know your fellow students. That alone is a good reason to take part in the pre-course!
Important note for first-year students of Mathematical Physics and Grammar School Teacher Training with Mathematics: You must also attend the pre-course in Mathematics!
See: Beginning Mathematics - Pre-course in Mathematics
Deficits in mathematics are by far the most common cause of difficulties in the first semesters of MINT subjects. One motivation of the preliminary course is therefore to consolidate the knowledge and skills of school mathematics.
In terms of content, the mathematics pre-course in physics starts with school mathematics, but also goes much further (curvilinear coordinate systems, complex numbers, vectors, multiple integrals). This is because mathematical tools are needed early on to describe physical phenomena. The pre-course is intended to bridge the gap between school and university mathematics - another important reason to take part.
In addition to writing paper, you should bring sensible writing and drawing utensils (fountain pen, pencil, colored pencils, geo-triangle, ruler) as well as collections of formulas (from school), calculator and possibly a laptop to the mathematics pre-course in physics.
