Mathematics

Mathematics is a structural science; as such, its goal in this Master of Education degree program is to prove statements about mathematical objects and structures according to the principles of logic and to construct and refine mathematical theories. Such theories should be described so generally that the results can be applied to as many real situations as possible. Students are involved with current research topics in mathematics from the areas of arithmetic, geometry, algebra, mathematical analysis, probability and statistics, linear algebra and mathematical modeling.

While in the bachelor's degree program students focus on the knowledge side of their two school subjects, the Master of Education degree program puts a stronger emphasis on educational sciences and subject didactics. Learning the didactic aspects of the knowledge-based topics, students can also deepen their own understanding of these topics. Students are introduced to a broad range of possibilities as to how mathematical proofs can be conducted, how problems can be varied, and how school students can discover how to learn math. In order to adequately address heterogeneity among school students, topics such as differences in basic mathematical preconceptions, creativity and giftedness, and dyscalculia are explored as well as their effects on instruction.

In teaching degree programs designed for grammar and comprehensive schools, students choose two school subjects. Thus, in addition to Mathematics, students are enrolled for a second subject as well as Educational Sciences. The practical semester is a centerpiece of the degree program.

Possible lines of work:

Teaching at schools

For other possible lines of work, please refer to the Mathematics (MSc) degree program.