Student opinions
What do current and past students think about the courses offered at TUHH? Are they suffice to stimulate your technical adrenaline? Would offer you challenging study opportunities? If you always wanted to ask these questions to the seniors at TUHH, this page is the right place for you to get the answers. Here you can find opinions from the students who are currently studying or have already finished their courses. The opinions are restricted to the International Masters Programs offered at TUHH. Please be advised that these are not the opinions of ISATUHH or TUHH, but only of the students who volunteered to give their opinions in this forum. It remains to be their personal opinion.
Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering
In 2009, the master's course in Biotechnology at TUHH, were replaced by the master's course in Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering. This program offers subjects from the closely related fields of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Process Engineering, which makes the course industry oriented. There are a few compulsory courses which provide the students a basic knowledge in all these fields. Students are free to choose the electives from their field of interest. It is advisable to prospective students of the course to go through the course structure and the subjects offered, information about which is available at the TUHH website. A number of practical courses are also offered, in both the compulsory and the elective modules, which are carried out in the well equipped laboratories of the Institutes. Many of the current students also work part-time in these labs, as student assistants. As far as the work load is concerned, like graduate studies in most places, studies at TUHH are quite tough, but for one who is motivated enough, the course has a lot to offer.
Note: In 2009, the master's course in Biotechnology and the master's course in Process engineering at TUHH, was replaced by the master's course in Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering.
The Biotechnology program at the TUHH is a very industrial oriented course. The department of Biotechnology is divided into 3 institutes, the Institutes of Technical Microbiology, Bio-process engineering and Technical Bio-catalysis. Some excellent research work is carried out in these departments in collaboration with industries and the labs are very close to state of art. My personal experience is in the institute of Technical Bio-catalysis, where I am doing my student job and also my project work. The work environment is excellent and I was given a lot of freedom to implement my ideas. Although I was expected to work independently, people were really willing to share their knowledge with me. I think there is lots to learn here if one is motivated enough to make the best out of the program. But I also think that the syllabus is very taxing and it is not a very easy ride."
The Biotechnology course at the TUHH not only involves main departments like Bio-catalysis, Biological process and Technical microbiology but also involves the institutes of chemical engineering and Thermal separations. So this makes the program 'industrial Biotechnology'. The labs are well equipped and it's a great opportunity to learn and gain more knowledge. The syllabus makes us to learn some new things which are technically related."
Highly Research and Industrial Application oriented Process Engineering Course at TUHH comprises of biological, chemical, and physical processing of substances in order to produce useful products. The program incorporates new techniques essential for designing future production processes in areas of biotechnology, environmental technology, and advanced energy technology and chemical engineering. As student of this program one learns comprehensive approach to invent, design, optimize, and operate sustainable processes for human and industrial needs. The program is organized as a two-year course (four semesters). It includes two semesters of lectures and practical courses, 10 weeks of industrial training during the lecture-free period following the 2nd semester, and two semesters devoted to work in a research team (project work) and to the preparation of a master's thesis. Of course, the program demands lot of hard work and time management as variety of courses in different areas to be studied."
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Environmental Engineering
The Environmental Engineering program at TUHH is divided into 5 institutes namely Waste Resource Management, Waste water Management and Water Protection, Water Resources and Water Supply, Environmental Technology and Energy Economics and River and coastal engineering. The course modules are divided in such a way to specialize in one of the fields of research. Waste water treatment, biological waste treatment, water treatment, ground water engineering and GIS could be taken as the broad areas of specialization. I am currently working in one of the institutes and I am happy to be part of their research work which focuses on industrial waste water treatment. The work environment is good with adequate guidance and resources. It is worth mentioning, that the course modules in the study are quite broad and stressful. However, one could learn a lot during the course of the program, provided one has the thrust to excel in the field he wishes to specialize. Last but not the least, the professor-student interaction must improve more to help students envisage a higher degree of knowledge and motivation."
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Information and Communication Systems
ICS is a very interesting course dealing with aspects of communication processes and systems and is ideal for those coming from and\or wanting to go the communications way. The curriculum is divided into three modules : 1. a software related module ; dealing with topics such as software verification and testing, machine learning, objected oriented modelling, etc. 2. Signal processing module ;mainly involving signal processing in the audio, image and video domain, including a course on the processors used for DSP. 3. Communication networks module : as the name suggests, it deals with communication networks,at the basic as well as advanced level(for eg. simulation and stuff) and queueing theory for networks. Apart from that, couple of other courses on mobile communications, antenna theory and related topics are in included in this module itself. You are supposed to chose subjects among all these modules based on some criteria(the details of which you will get after you enroll),for completing the required credits. You can get the complete list of subjects in each module and details of each one of them from the TUHH website. Based on the number of credits a subject has, it will have exercise sessions along with the lecture. Exercises are very important and is not to be missed(not to be implied that you can miss lectures!). Firstly ,you understand many of the things here if not in the lecture; secondly, the questions and topics dealt here are very relevant for the exams.And more importantly,when practical stuff is involved, its gets very interesting. The course, on the whole, is neither too tough nor too easy(it ultimately comes down to the individual),but some are definitely fun. If you are strong with the basics of the subjects mentioned above from your bachelor studies, then it will be very useful and you can go more deeper here. If not,there is nothing to worry about. It is very much possible to catch up in a semester's time ;of course,given that you spend some time for it during the semester and not just before the exams. Earlier experience with MATLAB will be a huge bonus. By MATLAB,I'm talking about signal processing, and not just knowing how to create arrays and stuff. And here again, you can always learn after coming here; just be ready to spend time on it. (the latest licensed software can be obtained from the univeristy, free of cost) As for books, there are plenty of books for all the subjects and by various authors. But if you are comfortable with some particular author or publication, especially if its Indian, then it is better that you carry it along while coming here. Just make sure that the book is something closely related to what you are going to study here. Buying it here may be out of question, as they are very expensive. Finally, make sure the laptop you bring is fully functioning and with a decent configuration,as there are courses where you will have to install new softwares and run them for exercises and assignments.
Information and Communication Systems (ICS) at TUHH will be interesting if one is interested in Signal processing at the physical layer, application of digital signal processing (eg. in Image, Audio processing), Communication networks (all the seven layers). The course is not just focusing in this area but also covers wide area around it eg. Digital Signal processors, Optical Communication, Software for Information Systems (some times not so interesting). The exercise classes, which are given in addition to the theory classes are very useful to understand the concepts better. Though TUHH is not- the one among the best universities, it's a good university where one could make the best for him/herself. At least to me the international cultural environment and integration are perfect. Lots of activities organized by the university will provide 'lots of fun' environment to study. If one is interested in Communication, Signal processing, International environment, why not ICS at TUHH?"
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Information and Media Technologies
This course provides hands-on experience in the fields of multimedia and Internet technologies. Though most of the courses offered in IMT are also offered in ICS, courses like Web engineering, E-commerce, Content management, Computer Graphics are specifically offered to IMT students and aims at improving the student's expertise in the field of information technology and media design. Students with some work experience in programming have a good chance of getting a part time job here as there are always openings for Java, PHP programmers and also for web development. This course focuses more on Information technology (like programming) than on computer science (like software engineering). More information about IMT can be found at
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International Production Management
This international master's program has a mix of courses from production engineering, business management , core mechanical subjects and some courses in IT. A new syllabus is expected to be in place from winter 2011 but will include the above said modules. I have had a look at the syllabus which is yet to be approved by the senate and is quite interesting. the aim of the course is to give the students a general idea in manufacturing and management of the same. General advice would be to learn as much German as you can before coming here, this gives you the edge when it comes to looking for jobs (student jobs) and eventually maybe full time employment too. Basic understanding of mechanical concepts is desired as courses such as FEM and Dynamics can be quite challenging
It was a hot and humid day with temperatures soaring above 45 degrees and I was walking across one of the largest steel plants of SAIL (Steel Authority of India) and then is when I found a huge interest in Engineering. Post engineering, having joined PricewaterhouseCoopers as a Consultant was an addition to realize more dreams. I got a feel of Engineering and Management at the same time. As they say the learning never stops, my mind asked for more and the question was TO GO or NOT to GO and I decided on Germany and came down to TUHH and NIT. The degree was two masters (A Masters in Science - International Production Management (IPM) and a MBA in Technology Management along with German Language courses). My dream was to realize an International career and so I took the Lufthansa flight from Kolkata which also happens to be my Sponsor for the program into the Hanseatic State of Hamburg as the Germans often call it.
Speaking of the education, the experience so far has been priceless, as we learn from Professors who have multiple industry experience and the discussions and lectures are definitely enriching, not to forget the international touch of the program having students coming from around the world for this exchange of ideas. Germany is famous for engineering and having been a part now, I can't doubt it even to the least. Having completed the first year successfully, I currently look forward to my internship with Deloitte and Touche in Munich, wherein I work as a Consultant in Risk Management and Strategy for German Multinationals and other Western European companies.
A graduate program is tough anywhere in the world and the correct choice of University is very important, so my choice about the University was also hard. The reason for choosing TUHH and NIT was the diversity of subjects. IPM is a mixture of Engineering and Management. It is aimed at those people who know engineering really well and would take on a Manager's role in the near future. Speaking about classes, on one day of the week we have to prepare for presentation for product development of a company, while on others we are solving statistics on SPSS with real life problems. It is a mix of hardcore engineering science and also management subjects like supply chain and logistics. IPM also has two of the heaviest departments TIM and Logistics at TUHH, wherein numerous students learn and perform there projects and Masters Thesis working on real life problems that companies face today. The entire program is scientifically designed with the best mix of subjects to equip students for the future. Also, the German Language training on Wednesday afternoon is the most invaluable aspect which for me is the biggest take away from Germany.
So for aspirants my word for you would be the following if you want to be in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, getting multicultural exchange of ideas, in a course which is demanding with a nice blend of engineering and management along with multiple options for the future , IPM at TUHH can help you realize your dreams."
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Mechatronics
As a lot of prospective students hopefully know already, Mechatronics is a hybrid field which comprises of multiple engineering sciences (mechanical, electronics, computer, control etc.) superimposed at various levels. However, I am writing about Mechatronics with respect to the TUHH curriculum. The program at our university is very elaborate and highly well-structured. It maintains its objective of promoting research and development in the applied sciences department. Emphasis is given to Practical work for some courses (such as programming a Lego Mindstorm robot using Java, simulating using Matlab and Simulink, Visual Basic for Applications etc). The professors are highly qualified and students can gain better insight from them. Some professors also take their students on Industrial Visits to reputed firms(e.g. SICK, a sensor making industry). The labs and departments are adequately equipped. Having said that, the detail to which this program caters demands a lot of input from each student. From a personal perspective, I can tell you that it's not going to be easy. But I can guarantee that it's completely worth it. At the end of the course, students will have a highly superior understanding of the science and opportunities exist in more than one field.
Mechatronics is an emerging field of engineering which fuses multiple areas in science which equips the student with multiple talents in various fields of engineering as required by the modern society. At TUHH, Mechatronics is a well-structured, challenging course. The departments related with the study are well-equipped and the professors are talented in their own ways(that is they are usually involved in research for many companies like the German railway system, Siemens, etc.,). There are lots of research going on in the departments and the students have a wide opportunity to see things practically. As a proverb says, here flows the river of Knowledge, one can Drink or Dive!! Choice is yours!!"
If we pause for a while, and ponder over, " What is the real purpose of education?", then strikingly, the answer eludes us. Money, Power and Respect sure come to the elite few, who are chosen to rule the corporate kingdom, whilst others slave their way midst a ruthlessly competitive world to earn their daily bread.I aver, that it is the "elevated thinking", which deserves the accolades, rather than the Graduate Program or the brand name of your alma mater.To steer clear of any personal philosophical digressions, there seems to be not much of a difference between a typical Bachelor's and a Master's program as far as a German educational system is concerned. Horizontal learning structures seem to be prevalent, which immediately trigger a perplexing question as if to satiate the thirst of a childlike curiosity, " What was your specialization in your Masters Program"? It seems to be non-existent, at least to me it looks obliterated, which I hope to unravel soon.
The Mechatronics program is an elite program encompassing sensors, electronics and applied computer science. The degree is offered by the School of Mechanical Engineering; so applied mechanics ought to be your forte prior to entry! According to me, Control Systems and Dynamics are the domains, one could deepen his knowledge as far as the subjects offered are concerned. My 2 cents for prospective applicants: any Graduate program calls for good skills in mathematics especially linear algebra and calculus, so please brush them up thoroughly as it will make your journey smooth. Please try to solve the 'self test' provided in the website, as it is a realistic indicator of the curriculum of this program. Hamburg is known to have an unpredictable weather; an umbrella ain't you forget! Alles Gute!"
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Microelectronics and Microsystems
The course in Microelectronics and Microsystems at TUHH has 120 ECTS and spans 2 years. The content of this course is mainly the understanding of electronics on a Micro to Nanometer scale and Microsystem design, technology and engineering. There is laboratory work too, with Microsystem design , Microsystem Engineering, Analog and Digital circuit design. The prerequisites for this course are a strong interest and understanding of basic physics, calculus and basic electronics The work load of this course is comprehensive and very fulfilling for a student willing to invest the necessary time and effort on this Master's course.
As the curtain went up slowly, a stream of electrons, photons, mesons, quarks and numerous other particles began to brighten the stage. A strange drama of particles and matter unfolds before your eyes. Electrons and photons quite confused about their roles- to be particles and be counted or not to be particles or to be waves and be interfered or not to be waves. But this time Shakespeare did not author this dichotomy, but Plank, Schroedinger (and of course his cat), Heisenberg et al did the job of authoring this romantically conundrum of a drama.
Well, this is not a scene from a surreal world of cinema but a reality right here at TUHH and at the department of Microelectronics and Microsystems (MEMS). The Masters degree in the area of MEMS has a three dimensional facet- at one dimension is the Micro-electronics and in the other Micro-systems and in the third dimension are the allied courses.
Micro-electronics deals with the device physics, CMOS technology, 2 dimensional microelectronic systems and optoelectronics. These theoretical courses are complemented by the analog (analog layout design using tools such as cadence) and digital labs (Verilog programming). The courses are up to date with the state of the art technology (such as 45nm CMOS design) and hands on experience with layout designing adds to the full experience of micro- or nano-electronics.
Micro-systems deals with the design and the fabrication of the micro- dimension systems (such as acceleration sensor, optical wave guides etc). Theoretical lectures added to the silicon fabrication lab (with hands on the silicon wafer processing to fabricate a micro system at a clean room lab) and micro-system design lab (to design micro-systems using COMSOL tool) makes the circle complete.
In the third dimension, we have allied courses from computer communication and DSP. Though I found this diversification to be little out of the place for the MEMS course, the system here demands an Engineer to be aware of such courses! Not to forget the soft-skills and cultural courses at the university, it gives a depth to the whole masters course.
Scoring in the exams is not so difficult if regular study programs are not interrupted by the Beer parties! To conclude, I would say that the course has given me a fundamental understanding of the electrons and the methods to control them to an end to make our life smarter through electronics.
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