• natural sciences
  with the focus biosciences/medicine or physics
• engineering sciences
  with the focus mechanical or electrical engineering
• data analysis and statistics

 

The choice is orientated towards a classic topic segmentation, standard in many editorial offices for science. With regard to the science department often a specialization in biological/medical matters, physics and astronomy or “technique” (engineering science) can be observed. The minor subject “data analysis and statistics” is supposed to close a qualification gap in many editorial offices and to support the development of investigation tools in the field “computer assisted reporting” (CAR).

 

The bachelor students can choose a focus at the beginning of their studies. It is recommended to continue the studies of the second subject once chosen during the master phase. 

 

 

 

Whenever the curriculum of future science journalists is discussed one question certainly arises: Do journalists need to study maths? Our answer: Yes, they need to. The students of the bachelor course Science Journalism are taught the very basic knowledge of the second subject they have chosen. That’s why math is obligatory. Only a broad and solid basis enables the students to develop an understanding of more complex scientific subjects. For this reason the curriculum of the bachelor phase is quite determined, whereas in the master phase the students can choose their courses. 

Most courses in the second subject are part of the general undergraduate study program of the corresponding matter. An exception is the tailor-made module medicine, which has been established in cooperation with the Universität Witten/Herdecke. The following paragraphs give an overview of the timetables in the second subjects.

 

Natural Sciences
The second subject natural sciences is divided into a general introduction and a focus, which can be either biosciences/medicine or physics. The general introduction includes basic courses in physics, chemistry (including math for chemists) and biosciences. The focus biosciences/medicine is subdivided into chemistry (inorganic, organic and physical chemistry), biology (general biology, cell biology, biochemistry) and medicine (basics of medicine, central medical subjects). The focus physics consists of (more) mathematical basics, physical measuring methods, quantum physics and some elective courses.

Engineering Sciences
The second subject engineering science consists of common technical basic studies and advanced studies of electrical or mechanical engineering. The common technical basic studies consist of the modules mathematics and natural scientific basics as well as basics of electrical and mechanical engineering. The advanced studies in the field of mechanical engineering include technical system management, manufacturing technologies and elective courses. The advanced studies in electrical engineering deal with more general basics, micro technology, microstructure technology and elective courses in power engineering and information technology.  

 

Data Analysis and Statistics
The second subject data analysis and statistics consists of the following modules: basics of statistics (descriptive statistics, probability theory), mathematical basics, estimation and testing, linear models, case studies, data survey, and elective courses (e.g. knowledge discovery, statistical methods in clinical trials, and demographics).