1. Implementation of ECTS and project-based learning at the University of Bremen
Sebastian Kinder, University Bremen
Daniel Große, University Bremen
Rolf Drechsler, University Bremen

2. Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science
Study Programs:
Mathematics (Diploma, Teacher Education)
Technical Mathematics (Diploma)
Computer Science (Diploma, B.Sc. / M.Sc.)
Digital Media (B.Sc. / M.Sc.)
Systems Engineering (B.Sc. / M.Sc.)

3. Structure of C. S. Programs
Modularization
Credit Points fully translated from SWS into ECTS
In parallel Diploma and B.Sc. / M.Sc.
Strong focus on project-based learning

4. Pre-Diploma CP-System
modules
CP - compulsory
CP - electives
restricted electives
electives
theoretical 22 6 12
practical 36
Applied
others
project 20
overall 120 CP

5. Diploma CP-System overall 150 CP with Pre-Diploma 270 CP modules
CP - compulsory
CP - electives
restricted electives
electives
theoretical 12 18 14
practical 24
applied
others
project 40
Diploma thesis 30
overall 150 CP
with Pre-Diploma 270 CP

6. Bachelor overall 180 CP modules CP - compulsory CP - electives
restricted electives
electives
theoretical 22 12 16 18
practical 36
applied 6
others
SW-project 2
project 20
overall 180 CP

7. Example of Study Plan (B.Sc.)
1st year (60 CPs)
2nd year (60 CPs)
3rd year (60 CPs)
Com-pulsory
Mathematics (16)
Theoretical C.S. (6)
Introduction to Programming (14)
Technical C.S. (8)
Research Methods (2)
Practical C.S. (6)
Software project (18)
Computers & Society (6)
Student‘s Project including Bachelor Report (20)
Restricted Electives
Applications (IS, Engin., Education), 2 modules (12)
2 module from C.S. (10)
Practical C.S. (12)
Applications (6)
1 module from C.S. (6)
Electives
1 module (2)
1 modules (6)
2 modules (10)

8. Master overall 90 CP modules CP - electives restricted electives
theoretical 6 8
practical 12
applied
others
project 20
master thesis 30
overall 90 CP

9. Example of Study Plan (M.Sc.)
1st year (60 CPs)
2nd year (30 CPs)
Compulsory
Student Project (20)
Master Thesis (30)
Restricted Electives
Theoretical C.S. (6)
Practical C.S. (12)
Applications (6)
Electives
1 module from C.S. (8)
1 module (8)

10. Project-based Learning
Organizing learning around projects
Projects
Complex tasks
Challenging questions and problems
Involve students in
Problem-solving
Decision making
Investigative activities
Opportunity to work relatively autonomously over extend period of time

11. Project-based Learning (Diploma) (1)
Every year:
Approx. 200 students
Approx. 8 – 12 projects
From different research areas:
Technical, theoretical, practical C.S.
2 years (4 semester) for 40 CP
workload approx. 10h per week
Every Friday reserved for project meetings

12. Project-based Learning (Diploma) (2)
Projects:
Own project management
Final report with
All systems specifications
Implementation and testing of resulting software system
Students
Have their own room
Work in one team that is subdivided in smaller teams for subtasks
Organize/document the work progress

13. Project-based Learning (Diploma) (3)
Projects:
Academic stuff
Works as coaches
Facilitate learning process
Provides input for specific topics
Additional courses (lectures/seminars)
Plenary sessions
Organizational tasks
Reflect work process
Presentation of student results
Evaluation of individual performance of each student (at end of each term)
At the end of project: Results are presented faculty-wide

14. Project-based Learning – Structure
Projects (Diploma)
Pre-Diploma: 1 year (SW Project)
Diploma: 2 years
Projects (Ba/Ma)
Bachelor:
1 year (SW Project)
1 year, Project incl. Bachelor report
Master: 1 year

15. Difficulties/Experiences
Digital Media
4 Universities (in Bremen)
3 Systems
2 Degrees (B.Sc.,M.Sc., B.A., M.A)
1 Program

16. Forecast/Outlook Many changes Hard to predict anything
Unclear perspectives
Evaluation cannot be expected within next few years!
We are not at the end of the process: Changes will continue…