Digital Design & Development

Tracks and specialisations

• Data Engineering und Analytics · 20 ECTS
• Künstliche Intelligenz und Intelligence Engineering · 20 ECTS

Semester plan

1. Semester 135 ECTS requiredAdvanced Computer Science · Advanced Linear Algebra and Analysis · Advanced Programming · Fundamentals Data Science and Artificial Intelligence · Basic Computer Science · Fundamental Mechanical Design I · Basic Linear Algebra and Analysis · Basic Programming · Practical Module I · Relations, Algebra, Optimisation · Key Qualifications

   • Advanced Computer ScienceSummary by OWWZ: Distributed systems, communication interfaces and security concepts are combined with web development; a practical web application demonstrates how current technologies work together.Semesters 1–25 ECTS
   • Advanced Linear Algebra and AnalysisSummary by OWWZ: Orthogonality, matrix decompositions and numerical methods are developed alongside multivariable calculus and error analysis; iterative solution and integration methods are applied.Semesters 1–2Exam (in German): Klausur 120 Min.5 ECTS
   • Advanced ProgrammingSummary by OWWZ: Data structures, searching and sorting, functional programming and heuristic algorithms are developed further; a data processing application uses common data science and machine learning libraries.Semesters 1–25 ECTS
   • Fundamentals Data Science and Artificial IntelligenceSummary by OWWZ: Data-driven knowledge discovery and AI are introduced through learning types, regression, classification, clustering, model evaluation and visualisation using elementary applications.Semesters 1–2Exam (in German): Portfolio oder Klausur mit Projektbericht ohne Präsentation5 ECTS
   • Basic Computer ScienceSummary by OWWZ: Data representation and computer components are connected with operating systems, memory management, virtualisation and network protocols.Semesters 1–2Exam (in German): Klausur 120 Min.5 ECTS
   • Fundamental Mechanical Design ISummary by OWWZ: Technical drawing and CAD introduce the design of simple parts. Tolerances, fits, load- and manufacturing-appropriate design and joining techniques support dimensioning of basic machine elements.Semesters 1–2Exam (in German): Klausur 120 Min.5 ECTS
   • Basic Linear Algebra and AnalysisSummary by OWWZ: Vector spaces, matrices and eigenvalues are connected with sequences, limits, differential and integral calculus and Taylor series.Semesters 1–2Exam (in German): Klausur 120 Min.5 ECTS
   • Basic ProgrammingSummary by OWWZ: Algorithms, data types and control structures are learned alongside programming paradigms, libraries, testing and debugging and applied in practical programming tasks.Semesters 1–25 ECTS
   • Practical Module ISummary by OWWZ: Students learn about their company and its data- and AI-related processes through practical participation. Assigned tasks are designed, documented and examined in a project paper and reflection report.Semesters 1–2Exam (in German): Projektarbeit und Praxis- und Reflexionsbericht (unbenotet)20 ECTS
   • Relations, Algebra, OptimisationSummary by OWWZ: Sets, relations, logic, graphs and algebraic structures provide a basis for linear, nonlinear, discrete and multi-objective optimisation, including computer-assisted applications.Semesters 1–2Exam (in German): Klausur 120 Min.5 ECTS
   • Key QualificationsSummary by OWWZ: Scientific foundations are supplemented by two chosen units in communication, applied research, philosophy of mind, AI and society, or design thinking.Semesters 1–2Exam (in German): Unbenoteter Leistungsnachweis (unbenotet)5 ECTS
2. Semester 235 ECTS requiredContinues: Advanced Computer Science, Advanced Linear Algebra and Analysis, Advanced Programming, Fundamentals Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Basic Computer Science, Fundamental Mechanical Design I, Basic Linear Algebra and Analysis, Basic Programming, Practical Module I, Relations, Algebra, Optimisation, Key Qualifications
3. Semester 335 ECTS requiredAdditive Manufacturing · Cloud Computing and Big Data · Fundamental Material Science and Mechanics of Materials · Basic IT-Security and Privacy · Fundamental Mechanical Design II · Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning · Modern Database Concepts · Practical Module II · Stochastics · Systems Engineering · Theoretical Computer Science

   • Additive ManufacturingSummary by OWWZ: Additive manufacturing is examined through materials, equipment and process chains. Part design, CAD/CAM, preprocessing, postprocessing and costs connect process selection with integration into existing production workflows.Semesters 3–4Exam (in German): Klausur 120 Min.5 ECTS
   • Cloud Computing and Big DataSummary by OWWZ: Cloud and big data architectures are explored using microservices, containers, orchestration, data lakes and parallel data processing and combined in a practical application.Semesters 3–45 ECTS
   • Fundamental Material Science and Mechanics of MaterialsSummary by OWWZ: Materials and manufacturing processes are connected with mechanics and strength of materials. Material properties, testing, load types and dynamic loading support selection and calculation of suitable parts and production processes.Semesters 3–4Exam (in German): Klausur 120 Min.5 ECTS
   • Basic IT-Security and PrivacySummary by OWWZ: Cryptography, authentication and data protection are connected with security management, forensics and network security; threats and data science applications in security are examined.Semesters 3–45 ECTS
   • Fundamental Mechanical Design IISummary by OWWZ: Systematic design is developed through shafts, shaft-hub connections, couplings, brakes, transmission elements and bearings. Assemblies are designed and assessed for function, dimensioning, manufacturing and responsibility.Semesters 3–4Exam (in German): Klausur 120 Min.5 ECTS
   • Artificial Intelligence and Machine LearningSummary by OWWZ: Knowledge representation and inference are connected with advanced learning methods, model evaluation, neural networks, language models and reinforcement learning and implemented in practice.Semesters 3–45 ECTS
   • Modern Database ConceptsSummary by OWWZ: Relational and nonrelational databases are explored through design, transactions, index structures, distribution, consistency and SQL or NoSQL programming.Semesters 3–4Exam (in German): Klausur 120 Min.5 ECTS
   • Practical Module IISummary by OWWZ: Data and AI tasks are carried out in company areas such as marketing, manufacturing or software development. A graded project paper and presentation are supplemented by an ungraded reflection report.Semesters 3–420 ECTS
   • StochasticsSummary by OWWZ: Probability models and random variables are connected with limit theorems, estimation, confidence intervals, hypothesis tests and experimental design.Semesters 3–4Exam (in German): Klausur 120 Min.5 ECTS
   • Systems EngineeringSummary by OWWZ: System architectures and model-based design are connected with requirements management, software implementation, testing and DevOps throughout the development lifecycle.Semesters 3–4Exam (in German): Klausur 120 Min.5 ECTS
   • Theoretical Computer ScienceSummary by OWWZ: Algorithm complexity is linked with formal languages, grammars, automata and Turing machines; computability, decidability and practical language implementation are explored further.Semesters 3–45 ECTS
4. Semester 435 ECTS requiredContinues: Additive Manufacturing, Cloud Computing and Big Data, Fundamental Material Science and Mechanics of Materials, Basic IT-Security and Privacy, Fundamental Mechanical Design II, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Modern Database Concepts, Practical Module II, Stochastics, Systems Engineering, Theoretical Computer Science
5. Semester 525 ECTS required · 1 elective catalogueCurrent Topics of Digital Design and Development · Selected Aspects in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence · Bachelor Thesis · Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in Mechanical Design I · Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in Mechanical Design II · Practical Module III · Virtual Engineering I · Virtual Engineering II · Required elective from Fachliche Vertiefung

   • Current Topics of Digital Design and DevelopmentSummary by OWWZ: One of two units is selected: AI for identifying parts and common components and managing variants, or ethical and legal questions of AI, including risk assessment and implementation within companies.Semesters 5–6Exam (in German): Klausur 120 Min.5 ECTS
   • Selected Aspects in Data Science and Artificial IntelligenceSummary by OWWZ: Students select a specialisation in language processing, reinforcement learning, network analysis, IT security, explainable AI, user experience, data project leadership or in-memory analytics, combining concepts with application.Semesters 5–65 ECTS
   • Bachelor ThesisSummary by OWWZ: A workplace data or AI problem is independently analysed and solved scientifically and documented as a final thesis; a colloquium supplements the written assessment.Thesis · Semesters 5–612 ECTS
   • Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in Mechanical Design ISummary by OWWZ: Measurement technology and statistical analysis of measurement series are combined with AI. Experimental data supports design optimisation, evaluation and discovery of materials, and planning of test setups and rigs.Semesters 5–6Exam (in German): Klausur 120 Min.5 ECTS
   • Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in Mechanical Design IISummary by OWWZ: Field data from manufacturing, operation, suppliers and design is analysed with AI and fed back into development. Calculation methods support improvements in quality, strength and function and assessment of component automation.Semesters 5–6Exam (in German): Klausur 120 Min.5 ECTS
   • Practical Module IIISummary by OWWZ: Workplace practice is reflected on in terms of its processes and personal competence development; students tackle complex practical tasks with increasing independence.Semesters 5–6Exam (in German): Praxis- und Reflexionsbericht (unbenotet)8 ECTS
   • Virtual Engineering ISummary by OWWZ: Finite element simulation and topology optimisation support digital engineering design. Strength, operating processes and dynamic behaviour are calculated; iterative optimisation and process selection connect simulation results with manufacturing.Semesters 5–6Exam (in German): Entwurf5 ECTS
   • Virtual Engineering IISummary by OWWZ: Virtual and augmented reality are explored for product development and assembly integration. Displays, tracking, development tools and interaction models support implementation and user-oriented evaluation of immersive applications.Semesters 5–6Exam (in German): Klausur 120 Min.5 ECTS

   Required elective from Fachliche Vertiefung8 modules · choose 20 ECTS

   Depending on track: Data Engineering und Analytics

   • Data EngineeringSummary by OWWZ: Data provision, preprocessing and integration are explored through the data engineering lifecycle; data lakes, warehouses and ETL are implemented in practice.Semesters 5–6 · Data Engineering und Analytics5 ECTSRequired elective
   • Data AnalyticsSummary by OWWZ: SQL queries, OLAP and learning methods are applied to data analysis; time series, visualisation, big data frameworks and analytics portals supplement practical analysis cases.Semesters 5–6 · Data Engineering und AnalyticsExam (in German): Portfolio5 ECTSRequired elective
   • Current Developments Data Engineering and AnalyticsSummary by OWWZ: Current data infrastructure and analytics topics are selected for practical relevance, including data mesh, cloud operations, real-time analytics and serverless computing; laboratory tasks develop selected applications.Semesters 5–6 · Data Engineering und AnalyticsExam (in German): Assignment oder Portfolio5 ECTSRequired elective
   • Data Engineering and Analytics ProjectSummary by OWWZ: A team project combines data provision and analysis with project organisation, process modelling and software development; results are documented scientifically and presented.Semesters 5–6 · Data Engineering und AnalyticsExam (in German): Seminararbeit (mit Präsentation)5 ECTSRequired elective

   Depending on track: Künstliche Intelligenz und Intelligence Engineering

   • Intelligence EngineeringSummary by OWWZ: AI applications are developed through data collection, feature engineering, training, evaluation, deployment and maintenance; model-based systems engineering supports different application classes.Semesters 5–6 · Künstliche Intelligenz und Intelligence EngineeringExam (in German): Portfolio5 ECTSRequired elective
   • Advanced Artificial Intelligence and Machine LearningSummary by OWWZ: Deep learning is developed further with complex data, generative models and reinforcement learning; hyperparameter optimisation, AutoML and practical tools support experimental model improvement.Semesters 5–6 · Künstliche Intelligenz und Intelligence Engineering5 ECTSRequired elective
   • Current Developments Artificial Intelligence and Intelligence EngineeringSummary by OWWZ: Current AI topics are selected for practical relevance, including knowledge graphs, language models, visualisation, explainable AI and business analytics; laboratory tasks supplement the specialisation.Semesters 5–6 · Künstliche Intelligenz und Intelligence EngineeringExam (in German): Assignment oder Portfolio5 ECTSRequired elective
   • Artificial Intelligence and Intelligence Engineering ProjectSummary by OWWZ: An integrated AI project combines data acquisition and preparation with model selection, optimisation, evaluation and deployment to produce a usable application.Semesters 5–6 · Künstliche Intelligenz und Intelligence EngineeringExam (in German): Projektbericht (mit Präsentation)5 ECTSRequired elective
6. Semester 625 ECTS requiredContinues: Current Topics of Digital Design and Development, Selected Aspects in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Bachelor Thesis, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in Mechanical Design I, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence in Mechanical Design II, Practical Module III, Virtual Engineering I, Virtual Engineering II

Topic profile · Track Künstliche Intelligenz und Intelligence Engineering

ECTS by topic from the curriculum’s modules; together at most the programme’s ECTS.RequiredElective

• Machine learning12 ECTS: 5 required, 7 elective12 ECTS
• Artificial intelligence8 ECTS: 4 required, 4 elective8 ECTS
• Databases7 ECTS: 7 required7 ECTS
• Engineering design7 ECTS: 7 required7 ECTS
• Algorithms and data structures6 ECTS: 6 required6 ECTS
• Data science and data analysis6 ECTS: 4 required, 2 elective6 ECTS
• Software engineering5 ECTS: 5 required5 ECTS
• Systems engineering5 ECTS: 3 required, 2 elective5 ECTS

Curriculum sources

• Studien- und Prüfungsordnung Wirtschaft 26/2026Examination regulations · Version Amtliche Bekanntmachungen Nr. 26/2026 vom 9. Juli 2026 · checked 14 October 2026
• Modulhandbuch Data Science und Kuenstliche Intelligenz – Digital Design & Development (STG)Module handbook · Version Stand vom 13.10.2026 · checked 14 October 2026