14
Sep
Welcome to the HSO!
Everything You Need to Know About Starting at Hochschule Offenburg
An exciting new chapter is about to begin. Want to know what to expect during your studies? We’ll make sure you’re off to a solid start from day one. This page is your go-to resource for everything you need to know about the official start of the semester. Be sure to check back regularly for updates, especially before the semester begins.
Ready for Math and Physics: The Prep Courses
Want to start your studies well-prepared? In our free preparatory courses for math and physics, you’ll brush up on your high school knowledge, fill in any remaining gaps, and best of all: you’ll get to know your fellow students and the campus even before the first lecture. That way, you’ll start off relaxed and with a head start! So, sign up right away. Courses always start two weeks before the semester begins.
What are the preparatory courses in math, physics, and programming?
Whether you’re studying engineering, computer science, business, or media, you’ll encounter math and physics in many of our degree programs. The lectures assume a foundation in high school math and physics. But depending on how long ago you graduated or how your high school weighted these subjects, your level of knowledge may vary. With our preparatory courses, we bring everyone up to the same level of knowledge for the lectures.
Mathematics: We’ll refresh your high school knowledge and cover foundational topics that aren’t included in all curricula. By the way, you’re not alone if you have gaps or feel unsure about math: About two-thirds of all new students take preparatory courses.
Physics: We review the fundamentals of mechanics, electricity, thermodynamics, and optics.
Programming: Not actually a high school subject, but maybe you’d like to get a taste of it beforehand? In our online basics course, you can write your first lines of code at your own pace.
How do the preparatory courses work?
In Person: We’ll meet on the Offenburg campus two weeks before classes begin.
Supported Learning: Experienced instructors and our smart learning apps (Teachmatics & MINT-Fabrik) are here to support you.
Teamwork: You’ll work in small groups organized by degree program. This often leads to study groups that stay together throughout your entire degree program!
Flexible: Can’t make it to Offenburg? We also offer the math prep course remotely via Zoom.
Should you participate?
Preparatory Courses in Math and Physics
The preparatory courses are intended for:
Preparatory course in Math: for all degree programs that include math
Preparatory courses in Physics: for all engineering degree programs
A definite yes if you…
have been out of school for a while.
don’t have a high school diploma.
only took the basic math course or dropped physics early on.
had a grade lower than a 2.0 in school.
just want to meet people from your program in advance.
want to play it safe: participants have been shown to get off to a more successful start in their studies!
Feel free to check the overview to see which preparatory course we recommend for your program.
Preparatory Courses in Programming
The preparatory course is designed for all degree programs that include programming.
The programming lectures start with the absolute basics and require no prior knowledge. If you feel unsure without any prior knowledge, take the online course on programming basics. After all, the basics always remain relevant, no matter which programming language your degree program starts with.
Take the online preparatory programming course if you…
have no or very little programming experience.
want to get a taste of programming beforehand.
want to ease into your first semester by gaining some programming experience beforehand.
Feel free to check the overview to see which preparatory course we recommend for your degree program.
Overview: Which preparatory courses are required for your degree program
Here you will find a list of the preparatory courses we recommend for your degree program, organized by program. Participation is free of charge.
Angewandte Informatik: Preparatory courses in math, and programming
Angewandte Künstliche Intelligenz: Preparatory courses in math, and programming
Betriebswirtschaft: Preparatory course in math
Biomechanik: Preparatory courses in math, and physics
Biotechnologie: Preparatory courses in math, and physics
Digital Public Management and Consulting: Preparatory courses in math, and programming
Einstiegssemester startING: Preparatory courses in math and physics
Elekrotechnik/Informationstechnik (-plus): Preparatory courses in math, physics, and programming
Energie- and Gebäudetechnik: Preparatory courses in math, and physics
Gesundheitsmanagement und Digital Health: Preparatory courses in math, and programming
International Management Logistics: Preparatory courses in math
Maschinenbau: Preparatory courses in math, and physics
Mechatronik (-plus): Preparatory courses in math, physics, and programming
medien und kommunikation, bachelor's degree: Voluntary participation in preparatory courses in math and physics is possible
Mediengestaltung and Produktion: No preparatory course required
Medientechnik/Wirtschaft-plus: Preparatory course in math
Medizintechnik: Preparatory courses in math and physics
Umwelttechnologie: Preparatory courses in math and physics
Unternehmens- und IT-Sicherheit: Preparatory course in math
Virtuelle Welten und Game Technologies: optional math preparatory courses available
Wirtschaftsinformatik (-plus): Preparatory courses in math and programming
Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen: Preparatory courses in math and physics
Wirtschaftspsychologie: Preparatory courses in math
Master's Programs: There are no subject-specific preparatory courses.
Dates and Registration
The in-person math and physics preparatory courses are held on the Offenburg campus. In addition, there is a remote math preparatory course via Zoom.
Schedule for the Math and Physics Preparatory Courses
Week 1 | Mon, Sept. 14 | Tue, Sept. 15 | Wed, Sept. 16 | Thu, Sept. 17 |
8:15/30 | 8:30 Start | 8:15 Library (2) | 8:15 Library (2) | 8:15 Library (2) |
9:00 – 12:15 | Math Prep Course Days 1–4 (1) | |||
Break |
| |||
1:00 PM – 4:15 PM | Physics Prep Course Days 1–4 (1) | |||
Week 2 | Mon, Sept. 21 | Tue, Sept. 22 | Wed, Sept. 23 | Thu, Sept. 24 |
8:15 | 8:15 Library (2) | 8:15 Library (2) | 8:15 Library (2) | 8:15 Library (2) |
9:00 – 12:15 | Math Prep Course Days 5–8 (1) | |||
Break |
| |||
1:00 PM – 4:15 PM | Physics Prep Course Days 5–8 (1) | |||
Classrooms will be announced at the joint start of the preparatory courses (welcome session).
(1) For degree programs where both courses are relevant, Math and Physics may be swapped.
(2) Library Basics Training: only one session; group assignments will be announced in advance.
Registration for the preparatory course
Get a head start now and register via our learning platform Fit4Study:
Can't make it on those dates?
Can't attend in person?
In the preparatory courses offered before the winter semester, we are offering the math prep course remotely (via Zoom). If you are interested, please register for the remote math course via Zoom. The courses will be conducted in the same format as the in-person courses, but with a mix of students from various degree programs.
The times for the preparatory courses don't work for you?
Can't make it to the live sessions before the semester starts? No problem! You can also take the preparatory courses in math, physics, or programming as self-paced courses and work through them on your own. This way, you can simply work through the modules at your own pace, whenever it suits you.
Click here for the self-study preparatory courses (self-paced courses)
Can't make it on certain days?
No problem. Just ask the instructors for your course which topics will be covered that day and review them on your own using the self-study courses.
Click here for the self-study preparatory courses (self-study courses)
Any other questions?
Feel free to contact us by email or phone:
Email: learning center@hs-offenburg.de
Phone hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Please use the phone numbers listed below in this order. If we are unavailable, please send us an email with your inquiry and, if necessary, a request for a callback along with your phone number.
Digital learning aids
We support you with digital and innovative learning tools as you transition from high school to University. Discover tools like the Teachmatics learning app, our STEM Factory, or the self-study courses in math, physics, and computer science (programming basics) in our preparatory courses. If you’re already interested in these topics while still in school or as preparation for college, then get in touch with us! Email us at learning center@hs-offenburg.de
Mentoring: by students, for students
To help you get off to a smooth start, we pair every new undergraduate student with an experienced mentor. Our mentors are upperclassmen who will show you around campus, share insider tips, and help you quickly make connections within your bachelor's program.
The best part: You don’t have to worry about a thing. On the official orientation day, you’ll be automatically assigned to a group and get to know your team right there on campus. If you missed that day and haven’t found a group yet, just send us a quick message and we’ll find a spot for you. Throughout the semester, there are several Meet & Greets that you definitely shouldn’t miss.
Startklar mit dem Studi-ABC
Aller Anfang ist spannend. Und manchmal voller Fragezeichen. Damit du nicht lost gehst, gibt’s das Studi-ABC. Darin findest du das Wichtigste, was du als (angehender) Ersti wissen musst.
A–Z
The campus in your pocket!
Want to know what’s on the menu at the university cafeteria today, quickly check your university emails, or make sure you never miss news from your department again? With the Hochschule Offenburg app, you’ve got everything at your fingertips—right on your smartphone.
What the app can do:
Everything in one place: news feed, emails, and your personal grade report.
Customized topics: Just select “Student Mode” and follow your interests.
Try it now: Get the app for free on the Google Play Store or App Store.
Log in, get started, and experience the campus digitally!