START SMART! is a study variant of the four Bachelor's programmes in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology: Electrical Engineering & Information Technology, Renewable Energies, Mechatronics and Engineering & Management.
START SMART! makes it easier to start your technical university studies, takes different preconditions into account and thus increases your chance of a successful degree.
If you would like to start your university studies with less stress or consciously take time to learn the basics, read on!
It is the modules from the first semesters that will determine your future success. However, mathematics, electrical engineering, technical mechanics, physics and computer science pose a major challenge for many first-year students - they often lack prior knowledge, underestimate the complexity or use the wrong learning method. At START SMART! the modules of the first two semesters are therefore spread over four semesters and supplemented by individual support - the mentoring. There is plenty of time to learn the basics in small groups. Additional courses help you to organize your studies. Practical projects introduce students to typical engineering working methods.
The total standard period of study is therefore nine semesters, which are fully eligible for BaföG funding if you are eligible. From the 5th semester onwards, the course of study corresponds to the regular course of study from the 3rd semester onwards.
”Before I started university studies, I was already aware that I would need a lot of time at the beginning to bring my maths skills up to date. START SMART! was my answer!
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”START SMART! helped me to understand linguistic challenges and new terms in many modules, for example mathematics and electrical engineering. I could ask questions at any time and was always supported.
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”START SMART! makes it much easier for me to get back into learning and
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gives me a better understanding of my department!
”With START SMART! I can take my time to learn the basics of university studies and build up a solid foundation of knowledge!
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Special features of START SMART!
- Extension of the introductory phase from two to four semesters
- Fewer examinations (three instead of six) per semester, more time for the basics
- Intensive learning in small groups (mentoring)
- Targeted support and exam preparation
- Personal atmosphere with individual support and advice (dedicated contact person)
- 9 instead of 7 semesters standard period of study
- Fully eligible for BAföG funding (if eligible)
START SMART! is right for you if...
- you want to increase your chances of successfully completing your studies,
- you want to consciously take more time for the basics in order to achieve better grades
- you want to make the start of your studies more relaxed,
- you want to better combine your family, part-time job or hobbies with your studies,
- you finished school a few years ago and are therefore a little out of practice when it comes to studying for exams,
- you are not completely confident in the German language,
- you would like to have a permanent mentor in the first few semesters or
- you are dependent on BAföG and would like to study with less pressure.
If you are interested in START SMART! matriculate in your desired study programme and then fill out the application for attendance at START SMART! (available under Downloads, but only in German language: Antrag).
You do not have to decide immediately: Until the 5th week of your 2nd semester, you can still apply for START SMART!
Please note, however, that the study programme is limited to a maximum of 20 participants.
With an early inventory, targeted support and - with time: studying at an adapted speed (SaG) enables a decelerated start to your studies with personal support, additional events on basics and personal development, various practical projects and networking opportunities. And because there is hardly any space for all of this in the full curriculum, the start of the course is extended by two semesters.
Studying at an adapted speed is interesting for anyone who has the feeling that they are missing important basics, for example because it has been a few years since they graduated from school, they are not entirely confident in the German language or are starting their studies with professional qualifications, for example. Studying at an appropriate pace can be relevant for anyone who wants to take time for personal development, support and deepening.
Competency analysis
Right at the start of their studies, all first-year students in the respective course are asked to take part in a subject-specific skills analysis. This is largely digitally supported and tests, on the one hand, the respective competencies in the basic subjects of the respective degree programs and, on the other hand, the self-assessment of one's own study motivation and self-efficacy. Based on the results, a possible change to the “study program variant” is discussed with the participants in personal reflection and consultation sessions.
Professional support
For participants in the course variant, there are various additional offers (mostly compulsory) within an intensively supervised learning group to equalize the level of knowledge and skills. These include, for example, support courses in the basic subjects, additional internships and laboratory activities, revision courses, exam preparation courses, open consultation hours and learning periods as well as project work to promote early identification with the subject of study. In addition to the face-to-face events, there are e-learning offers and online courses on the basic subjects.
+2 semesters of BAföG
By taking part in the course variant, the introductory phase of the course is extended by two semesters. If you are eligible for BAföG funding, this also applies to the additional two semesters.
Organizational support
In addition to technical support, the SaG offers a wide range of organizational support. The project team supports all participants intensively in the initial phase and supports individual course planning. Personal mentors promote the socialization of participants at the university. And in the “group mentoring” setting, the focus is on diversity among each other and the role of the individual in the diverse student body. The aim of further measures is to strengthen skills that go beyond the technical and to prepare people for self-organized learning. Project management, learning methods, self-organization, time management and teamwork skills are trained in small groups. Additional courses and workshops aim to impart transferable skills. Excursions and internships serve to explore the professional field. The learning and reflection process is also supported by scenarios of digitally supported teaching and learning.
General advisory services
