Media Informatics
Media informatics is a young branch of computer science that primarily deals with the communication interfaces and interaction surfaces between media and multimedia applications and people. As a discipline, it mediates between technology and art, but with a clear focus on technology. Specialists in media informatics, for this reason, often act as professional intermediary between the needs and work processes of the people on the one hand and the technological capabilities of the computerised systems on the other.
The studies in media informatics follow a highly interdisciplinary approach. They are designed as two-stage consecutive Bachelor and Master studies. Starting with fundamentals of higher mathematics, physics, theoretical computer science and English, students learn to practically apply two high-level programming languages such as C and Java. This involves obtaining a profound knowledge of algorithms and data structures, databases, operating systems, computer networks, and digital technology. In addition to these basic skills in computer science, studies are focussed on media-specific issues. A basic multimedia course is combined with modules on media theory, media law, business and media marketing. From the fourth semester, these two lines of study are continued with a special emphasis on advanced topics of media informatics such as computer graphics and animation, authoring systems, multimedia databases, audio/video technology and production, multimedia web programming and e-learning. A practical project in businesses, agencies or academic institutions offers the opportunity to engage in real-life projects.
Consequently, the Master programme includes in-depth issues of media informatics such as 3D design, cross-media production, pattern recognition, human-machine interaction, network and systems management, IT security, principles of programming languages, evolutionary algorithms, media didactics and learning management systems, amongst other modules. Taking a math module is compulsory. The departments of business administration and media offer further electives to interested students.
Media informatics as a practically oriented scientific and technical discipline with a growing market share in the contemporary world offers well-trained graduates excellent professional opportunities, primarily with manufacturers and vendors of multimedia systems, office and telecommunications systems, in e-business and e-commerce, audio and video studios, entertainment companies, advisory and consulting firms, media and advertising agencies, in institutions of learning and further qualification with modern media, as well as in media-oriented groups of scientific institutions.
