Master Autonomous Systems (MAS)

Accredited by ASIIN

Universityof Applied Sciences

Department of Computer ScienceSankt Augustin

www.inf.fh-bonn-rhein-sieg.de

Contents

Welcome to the MAS Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Aims of the MAS Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Academic Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Skills to succeed in the Global World of Autonomous Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 - 5

Teaching Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Profile of the MAS Faculty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Research Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 - 9

Applying for MAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Building your Future after MAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

General Information about the Bonn-Rhein-SiegUniversity of Applied Sciences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 - 13

Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Impressum:

Herausgeber:Der Gründungsrektor der FachhochschuleBonn-Rhein-Sieg

Inhalt:Paul Plöger

Design and Layout:causa formalis informationdesign, cologne

Sandra PreußCorporate Design Beauftragteder FachhochschuleBonn-Rhein-Sieg

Photos:Eric LichtenscheidtStadt KölnEva Tritschler

Print Office:Farbo Print + Media GmbHBischofsweg 48-5050969 Köln

Stand:05/2007

Welcome to the MAS Program 1

The rapid development of micro-pro-cessor technology and the continuousgrowth of integration density of elec-tronic and mechatronic components has yielded a significant cost reduction of high tech products. Due to this deve-lopment, it has become feasible toembed devices for information proces-sing or communication into all sorts ofappliances. For example, we find them in production facilities, traffic and trans-port systems, mobile and service robotsand high tech toys. In future, a growingnumber of these devices will be embed-ded into complex mechatronic systems,in production environments as well as inour everyday life. They tend to becomeinvisible behind the system's functiona-lity yet they occupy a rapidly growingmarket share.

The dynamic nature of this field of ope-rations demands flexibility and adapta-bility. Well-established control paradigmsand architectures fall short of adequatelyrealizing the full potential of these tech-nologies, nor are they sufficient tomaster the growing complexity of thesesystems.

One solution is to design selected com-ponents as 'autonomous systems' whichcan act mainly by themselves withoutcontinuous external control. In this con-text, autonomous robots and mobilemanipulators form the forefront ofrecent developments.

In the Master's Program 'AutonomousSystems' (MAS) students will learn thepractical skills and intellectual abilitiesnecessary for the design and develop-ment of such autonomous systems. ThisMaster's Program takes the form of a "Master by Research". So a large partof the program consists of direct parti-cipation in research and developmentprojects.

We offer a stimulating and challengingexperience in an international and interdisciplinary learning environment to ambitious individuals who show anextraordinary level of commitment, self-initiative, and self-responsibility. If this isthe kind of experience you are lookingfor, we look forward to meeting you inperson.

Prof. Dr. Kurt-Ulrich Witt(Dean)

Prof. Dr. Paul Plöger

Prof. Dr. Kurt-Ulrich Witt(Dean)

Prof. Dr.Paul Plöger

Aims of the MAS ProgramSolid foundation for a successful career

The goal of this Master's Program is toprovide further in-depth scientific con-cepts, methods and techniques to thosestudents who have already attained aqualifying academic degree. The MASProgram offers a sound way to deepenknowledge in computer science and qua-lifies for a leading edge area in appliedcomputer science. It provides graduatesfrom other subject areas with additionalIT qualifications.

Students will learn how to develop these concepts, methods and techniquesand how to apply them to the solutionof complex practical problems. The pro-blems and principles of the design ofdistributed, interacting autonomoussystems are central to this course ofstudy. The program is strongly directed to practical applications since half of theoverall ECTS units are gained from theproject work embedded into the course.The majority of students pursue theirprojects in the Fraunhofer Institut fürIntelligente Analyse- und Informations-systeme (IAIS), which is located nearbythe university in a castle. At SchlossBirlinghoven, over 240 employees focuson the development and application ofautonomous systems in the areas ofembodied robots, knowledge discovery,data mining, and security.

Functional SkillsThe MAS Program provides the studentwith a broad foundation of knowledge in autonomous systems and the newestscientific findings as well as in esta-blished methods currently in practicaluse. We focus on the following fields of knowledge:• mathematical modelling of systems• architectures for component-based

systems• the design, programming, and testing

of embedded and autonomous sys-tems, especially robotics systems with special focus on mobility, outdoor scenarios and low cost realizations

• learning for embodied robots

Methodological SkillsExperienced senior professionals have todevelop analytical skills and techniquesthat improve the efficiency of the designand development process. Our MAS gra-duates will be able to employ scientifical-ly-founded methods in their professionalenvironments. Qualifications will be de-veloped and enhanced in the followingfields:• advanced information retrieval

techniques including indexing and categorization of research

• scientific methods• planning, structuring and publishing

of research results• agile SW development methods• project management methods• system modelling methods

Social SkillsMAS graduates will be capable of actingconfidently and sensitively in social net-works since the course work and extracurricular clubbing activities take place ina truly multinational setting. Ability towin research or business partners fortheir aims and motivating them to coo-perate is trained. Social skills will bedeveloped in the following areas:• social sensitivity and empathy• intercultural competency• intensively practiced teamwork ability• presentation skills

Problem Solving SkillsTackling and solving problems in theframe of real-life projects is one of themajor foundations on which the MASProgram rests. Among the most prominent learning objectives are• to work on complex problems

self-sufficiently• to find solutions for advanced

problem cases in a team• to handle criticism and conflicts

adequately in the team• to work on a question under scientific

points of view and develop state-of the-art solutions

• to transform conceptional work into operational applications

• to present and document work inEnglish

Academic Program

Structure of the MAS Program The program's modular structure enables students to assess their learningprogress at any given stage. This enhan-ces internationalization, especially whena semester is studied abroad, and alsosimplifies the process of credit transfer toother programs or other universities.

DurationGoing successfully through the programtakes a total of 4 semesters. The firstsemester is dominated by course work,followed by two semesters of combinedcourse work and research and develop-ment projects. The fourth and finalsemester is exclusively devoted to theMaster Thesis. The program is taught ontwo consecutive days of the week, thusparticipants can focus either on projectsor on university topics. The programstarts twice each year, namely in earlyApril (Summer Term) and early October(Winter Term).

Teaching LanguageAll courses are given in English. Nativespeakers teach additional language cour-ses, available through the university'slanguage centre.

Overview of Structure

Module AS15 lectures5 exercises1 seminar1 traineeship

30 ECTS

Module AS2 Module R&D12 lectures 1st R&D2 exercises1 seminar

15 ECTS 15 ECTS

Module AS3 Module R&D22 lectures 2nd R&D2 exercises1 seminar

15 ECTS 15 ECTS

Module MTH

Master Thesis Master Colloquium

25 ECTS 5 ECTS

Total

30 ECTS

30 ECTS

30 ECTS

30 ECTS

120 ECTS Overall

1st Semester

2nd Semester

3rd Semester

4th Semester

1st Year

2nd Year

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Skills to succeed in the Global World of Autonomous SystemsCourses in the MAS Program

The two-year curriculum is comprised of:• nine courses, each with exercises • three seminars• one traineeship• two part-time R&D projects • one full-time Master Thesis project

The purpose of the first semester is tobuild a fundamental base of knowledgeand to teach the skills required to suc-cessfully complete the research and development projects in the followingsemesters. Each course is based on scientific methods and has at the sametime practical applications. Each modulein the curriculum provides an additionalqualification, so that in the end the suc-cessful participant becomes a highly qualified engineer.

Autonomous Mobile RobotsThis course acquaints students with basicand advanced concepts of robotics andsensorimotorical systems, and essentialconcepts and techniques for mobility and navigation.

Robot ArchitecturesThis lecture acquaints the students withthe problems involved in designing anautonomous, intelligent system out ofhardware- and software componentssuch that it meets the requirements ofgiven tasks and environments.

Control and Systems TheoryThis course recaptures some of the basicsand adds some special, currently appliedmathematical techniques from controland systems theory. Mathematical foun-dations for research work are presentedto acquaint students with needed theo-rems and applied program packages tosolve the problems.

Hardware/Software Co-design of Embedded SystemsThe foundations of this lecture lie in the areas of sensors, signal processing,microcontrollers and hardware design.HW/SW co-design deals with the ques-tion of which parts of an algorithmshould go into software and which intohardware.

Agile Software Team TechniquesThis traineeship conveys practical know-ledge of modern software engineeringmethods, in particular agile developmentmethods. Agile techniques are studiedand practiced in the context of develo-ping software for robotics and embed-ded systems. Object-oriented softwaredesign and software patterns serve as afoundation. Software team techniquesfrom extreme programming, such asrefactoring and pair programming, arepracticed.

Introduction to Scientific WorkThe student will learn how to systema-tically approach a new (scientific) sub-ject, how to identify the state of the artin a certain field and what has beenachieved, how to identify the hard pro-blems and open issues and ultimatelyhow to define the direction of his or herown research.

Learning and AdaptivityThe objective of this course is to intro-duce students to concepts, methods, and tools for implementing learning andadaptivity in robots. Students will knowthe benefits and pitfalls, and well as pre-requisites and limitations of various lear-ning approaches and their associatedmethods and techniques.

Probabilistic ReasoningThis course examines some of the tech-niques for modelling decision problemsof various types and the computationalmethods used to solve them. It focusesmainly on probabilistic models of reaso-ning, and on sequential decision making.

Advanced Scientific WorkingThe goal of this seminar, which is a con-tinuation of the seminar "Introduction to Scientific Work" is to advance the stu-dents in their capabilities to work on ascientific subject and to conduct inde-pendent research beyond the state of the art.

Master SeminarThe student should prove her or his ability to find, present, and defend theproposed topic of their Masters' thesis in three different states.

Advanced Filtering and Sensor FusionSensors constitute the perceptual sys-tem of a robot. Thus, their correct rea-ding and analysis is essential for any reasonable behaviour of the robot. Thecourse covers advanced techniques likeadaptive filtering and some techniques in sensor fusion.

Computer VisionThe objective of this course is to intro-duce advanced concepts of computerand active vision. These include acquisi-tion, representation, and derivation ofmodel knowledge, integration of multi-sensory data into the vision process, efficient design and implementation ofcomputer vision algorithms, especiallyunder real-time aspects.

Planning and SchedulingThis course introduces concepts, me-thods, and tools for task-level planningand scheduling. Students should knowthe state-of-the-art in task planning and be able to select and apply adequatemethods for use in robot applications.

Robot ManipulationThis course presents an introduction tothe basics of robot manipulation.Participants will become acquainted withthe basic mathematical and physicalmodels to describe, design and programrobots for manipulation tasks.

Reliability Modelling and Residual Risks of Technical SystemsIn today's technology, reliability and safety are increasing in importance.While it is still possible to describe thebehaviour of simple electro-mechanicalsystems with deterministic models, com-plex semiconductor technology necess-itates the application of probabilisticmethods, especially with respect to thesystem's safety and reliability.

Modelling and SimulationThe participants shall come to know and understand advanced state-of-the-art methods and techniques in model-ling, simulation and control of enginee-ring systems.

R&D FociAll applied R&D projects can be con-ducted in the Fraunhofer Institut fürIntelligente Analyse- und Informations-systeme (IAIS) or one of the cooperating companies. In this part of the programeach project is subsumed under at leastone of the following topics:• System Architecture• Robot Navigation and Manipulation• Visual Information Processing• Autonomy, Adaptivity, and Learning• Embedded Systems Design• Ambient Intelligence

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The teaching methods in the master pro-gram reflect the latest didactic develop-ments. They will be incorporated into theprogram after they have been thoroughlytested for effectiveness.

Seminars and LecturesThe focus of this classical type of coursework lies in an interactive, discussion-based lecture. Classes are usually smalland therefore create very intensive and ideal learning conditions that enhancethe learning process in all its phases.

Guided Project WorkThe R&D projects confront the studentwith real-life situations under the auspi-ces of senior scientists in the FraunhoferInstitute IAIS or a senior engineer in oneof the cooperating companies. Case stu-dies train students to identify relevantproblems and to develop effective, scien-tifically sound solutions. Furthermore,students may exercise leadership abilitiesin group-based project work.

ExercisesExercises consolidate and expand lear-ning outcomes while at the same timethey offer the students the opportunityto apply their knowledge in the contextof practical problems.

Guest SpeakersVisiting guest speakers foster the stu-dents to engage themselves in dialogueand discussions with internationalexperts.

Applied Master ThesisA practical Master Thesis concludes theprogram. The Master Thesis should covera specific problem from the student'sR&D context and present a practical, via-ble and sound solution.

Other Teaching MethodsIn addition to these principal teachingmethods, lecturers employ further tech-niques to activate and motivate the students such as:• creativity techniques• tele-seminars are conducted by leading

researchers in the context of ongoing funded multi-party research projects.

• excursions• participation in tournaments such as

RoboCup

Teaching Methods

Profile of the MAS FacultyTeaching experience and professional backgrounds

The team of instructors in the MASProgram consists of professors with esta-blished teaching experience and long-standing professional backgrounds inrenowned international companies andorganizations.

• Applied Research Facilities:Fraunhofer Institut für Intelligente Analyse- und Informationssysteme (IAIS)Fraunhofer Institut für Produktions-technik und Automatisierung (IPA)Steinbeiss Stiftung (STW) Stuttgart Forschungsinstitut für Anwendungs-orientierte Wissensverarbeitung (FAW Ulm)

• Universities:University of UlmFachhochschule KölnRheinische Fachhochschule, Köln

• Public Ministries, EU Commission, Professional Associations:IEEE Robotics and Automation SocietyEuropean Robotics Research Network(EURON II)IEEE International Conference on Robotand Human Interaction (ROMAN)Deutsche Gesellschaft für Robotik DGR Trustee Board of the RoboCup Federation

Courses are taught by thefollowing Computer Sciencefaculty members:

Prof. Dr. WolfgangBorutzkyModeling, simulation, visualization of technical systems

Prof. Dr. Thomas BreuerComputer engineering

Prof. Dr. Rainer HerpersImage processing, computer graphics, multimedia

Prof. Dr. Andre HinkenjannApplication of multimedia systems

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Norbert Jung Embedded systems

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Gerhard KraetzschmarAutonomous Systems IIICooperating multi-agentsystems, adaptive autono-mous agents, middleware,SW engineering

Prof. Dr. Paul G. Plöger,Autonomous Systems IIEmbedded system design, construction of robots, mathematical foundations

Prof. Dr. Erwin Prassler,Autonomous Systems IRobot architectures, service robotics, low-cost robotics, learning, probabilistic reasoning

Prof. Dr. Dietmar ReinertDesign of reliable systems

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Research Profile

The following topics outline a researchroad map of the MAS Program which isa part of the B-IT Applied ScienceInstitute. This Institute is affiliated to thedepartment of Computer Science andhosts the MAS Program. There are threefocal points, which range from very basicresearch in intelligent systems, to veryselective and applied topics, for example,in service robotics and low cost robotics.We aim at a rapid technology transfer tosmall and medium-sized companies,which have started to shape a new indu-stry for intelligent systems.

The mission underlying our researchroadmap is to develop and maintainkey expertise areas which show a particularly high industrial relevance.In all our research and development activities, our objective is to involvelocal, national, as well as internationalcompanies.

Architectures for Intelligent SystemsHow to design dependable service ro-bots, which operate safely and reliably in everyday environments, is an openresearch issue. There are well-establishedsolutions for closed environments frommanufacturing industries, such as the useof rigid mechanical structures or opticalcurtains. These are not applicable indomestic robotics, since here the envi-ronments are open. Thus, each compo-nent must be enabled to operate intellig-ently all by itself and, secondly, at thesystem level we need to address thequestion of how to compose numerousautonomous components in one roboticsystem. In detail, we deal with the follo-wing topics:• dependable design• concepts for fault-tolerant

architectures• robust autonomy• failure models, self-models

and self-awareness

A small mobile platform with a manipu-lator will serve as a first demonstrator for the central ideas. Areas of motion inplane and manipulation in 3D need to be merged in a compliant way. Issuesinvolved are 3D obstacle detection andavoidance, middleware and hybrid con-trol architectures for mobile manipula-tion.

Results of the research focus“Architectures for Intelligent Systems“will be of special interest for industrialcompanies. Some of them are alreadypartners in a Coordinated Action funded by the EU as a project entitled“Robot Standards and Architectures“(RoSta). Secondly, potential exploiters are all industrial members of the DESIREconsortium, which is a research project in service robotics initiated and fundedby the German Federal Ministry ofEducation and Research, among themare the German robotics companiesKuka, Schunk and Siemens.

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LearningThe objective of this focal point is to de-velop strong expertise in the intersectionof the fields of robotics and learning. We study various paradigms for differentforms of robotic learning and embodied learning, including:• learning by experimentation• learning by observation• novelty detection• knowledge/data mining

Especially the latter two topics are notexclusively confined to robotics researchtopics. With the methodologies they use,they form a bridge to the larger area ofknowledge and data acquisition. Thistopic is financed by an EU Project XPEROwhich started in 2006. Partners of theXPERO consortium are the TechnicalUniversity of Vienna, the University ofVerona, the University of Ljubljana, andthe American University of Paris.

Domestic Robot LabThe objective of this focal point isbenchmarking of existing solutions andtheir extension. To this end, we exploreand develop new methods, materials,components, new production methodsand technologies at large, which expedi-te the development of low-cost servicerobots. Low cost should not be interpre-ted as mediocre quality. We rather takelow-cost as synonym for acceptableprice-performance ratio. Since the exper-tise of our lab is in the field of softwaredevelopment and hardware-/software co-design, we will especially focus on:

• low-cost sensors und sensor configurations

• affordable obstacle detection and avoidance (tactile, suspended chassis, etc.)

• inexpensive position estimation• low-prized navigation at large • low-cost manipulation

This project proposal has been sub-mitted to the EU-FP7 and is currentlybeing drafted. Potential exploiters come from service robotics industry at large.

Applying for MAS: Admission and Requirements

Target GroupThe program addresses students, who have already graduated from a first-level degree course and who have a keen interest in gaining advanced, academically-founded knowledge of concepts, methods and technologies in the field of autonomous systems. The acquired skills can be used bene-ficially when solving difficult and complex computer-science problemsencountered during design and imple-mentation of systems or in research and development.

The main addressees of the MAS Program are • computer scientists• students holding a degree in a

mathematical subject• natural scientists or• engineers

For those students falling unter the lastthree categories, fifty percent of theircompleted courses need to overlap totypical subjects in computer science.There is no regular admission if the shareis below fifty percent. In cases where theoverlap is less than two-thirds, the appli-cant must enrol in additional courses.They will be specified on an individualbasis and equal 30 ECTS credit points atmaximum. If the content of the comple-ted courses intersects more than two-thirds with subjects from computer scien-ce, no extra courses will be assigned.

AdmissionThe following three prerequisites have tobe met:

• First-level university degree in one of the above-mentioned fields, includingthe described overlap in computer science. The grade must be at least satisfactory, i.e. the ECTS grade D or German mark 3.0.

• A TOEFL test (or an equivalent test) score of at least 557 points in the paper-based test or at least 220 pointsin the computer-based test to furnish proof of proficiency in English.

• The third admission requirement is a project contract with the FraunhoferInstitut für Intelligente Analyse- und Informationssysteme (IAIS) or another cooperating partner.

We welcome program participants withdiverse backgrounds and specializationsto ensure interdisciplinary cooperation inan international team. We expect ourstudents to maintain an extraordinarilyhigh degree of motivation and initiativethroughout the program.

From winter term 2006 on there will bea tuition fee of 650 Euro in total persemester, including a social contributionof 150 Euro. Students can apply for bothsemesters each year.

For details of the enrolment procedureplease email the Admissions Office at studierendensekretariat@fh-bonn-rhein-sieg.de.

Building your future after MAS

The MAS Program's course work has proven to be an indispensable foun-dation of a career in research, industry or independent entrepreneurship. Themajority of our graduates pursue a scientific career either by enrolling for a PhD program or by finding positions inappropriate research and developmentfacilities.

Benefits for Graduates:• The program qualifies the partici-

pants in the field of autonomous systems and will prepare them for a leading position in system design and development.

• Graduates will have acquired the abilityto initiate, specify, develop and imple-ment concepts in this field.

• Graduates gain a broad understandingin the practical solution of system design problems.

• Degree holders will have developed a network of contacts with fellow students, professors, researchers and representatives of leading companies.

Benefits for Employers:• The MAS Program qualifies em-

ployees via application of advanced methods for the solution of real life problems.

• The program is fully accredited by ASIIN, which is the world's leading accrediting agency for computer science.

• Company projects and problems may be integrated into the program via R&D projects or as a Master Thesisproject.

• The MAS Program builds up know-ledge, which can immediately be app-lied to practical problems.

• The MAS Program continuously aims to teach industrial state-of-the-artdevelopment tools.

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General InformationSince its foundation in 1995, the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences(UAS) has extended the range of appliedresearch and teaching in the greaterBonn area. We, as one of the youngestUniversities of Applied Sciences in NorthRhine Westphalia, are specialized in busi-ness administration, natural sciences,computer science and engineering. Thecampuses at Sankt Augustin, Rheinbachand Hennef (since 2003) are well equip-ped with modern laboratories, studiosand workshops.

Our focus areas are applied R&D, techno-logy transfer and an international andinterdisciplinary approaches. Thus there isan emphasis on internships and practicalapplications in industry and research andjoint research projects with numerouscompanies (many of them global play-ers). Traditionally, universities of appliedsciences attract a regional clientele.

Nevertheless, the Bonn-Rhein-SiegUniversity has official co-operation agree-ments with 23 universities throughoutthe world, in Europe, North and SouthAmerica, Asia and Australia.

At present almost 3700 students haveenrolled and 90 professors and selectedassistant lecturers from industry, scienceand research are teaching. Especially inthe Masters Programmes, students aretaught in small groups: in this programenrolment is limited to only 25 studentsper year (starting in October).

At the University of Applied Sciencesthe following courses of studies are available:

Diploma Courses:• Electrical Engineering• Mechanical Engineering/Mechatronics• Technical Journalism• Business Administration

Bachelor Courses:• Biology• Business Administration• Business Information Systems• Chemistry with Materials Science• Computer Science• Social Insurance

Master Courses:• Autonomous Systems• Biology with Biomedical Sciences• Business Administration• Computer Science• Chemistry with Materials Science

General Information about the Bonn-Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences

The University and its surroundingsThe Bonn/Rhein-Sieg region is a dynamicand internationally orientated locationfor science, research, industry, trade andservice industries. The Bonn-Rhein-SiegUniversity of Applied Sciences, which issituated into this future-oriented region,is only one of a wide range of researchfacilities.

The University of Bonn, theRheinAhrCampus in Remagen, the International College of Tourism in BadHonnef, the centre of advanced euro-pean studies and research (caesar) inBonn, the German Aerospace Centre(DLR) in Cologne, the Research Society of Applied Sciences (FGAN) in Wacht-berg, the Fraunhofer Institutes (FHG) inSankt Augustin, the Dr. Reinold HagenFoundation in Bonn and the Compe-tence Centre for Surface Technology in Rheinbreitbach (to name only a few)are all in the vicinity.

The region has an international compe-tence background due to the capital heritage of Bonn's former status as ca-pital of West Germany: thanks to its perfect infrastructure, the city has de-veloped into a centre for internationalcooperation.

Numerous UN organizations and non-governmental organizations have settledhere in this cosmopolitan city on theRhine. Bonn's economic and scientificinstitutions are also well-known aroundthe world.

In addition, the surrounding area of theBonn-Rhein-Sieg UAS offers beautifulcountryside, an interesting range of cul-tural activities and a diversity of leisureamenities ensuring a high quality of life.For this reason it attracts millions of visi-tors every year. They visit Beethoven'sbirthplace, savour the theatre perform-ances of the Bonn Biennial with its pro-ductions by contemporary European dra-matists or the concerts held during theBeethoven Festival. One can also followin the footsteps of historical figures wholived, studied and worked in the region,e. g. the composers Robert and ClaraSchumann, the poet Heinrich Heine andthe Expressionist painter August Macke.

And for those who interpret “following in the footsteps“ literally ashiking, there's plenty of that, too. Thedelightful landscape of the Seven Hills,with the Dragon's Rock overlooking theromantic Rhine, has been a favouritewith travellers since the 19th century.Hikers and cyclists will find a wealth ofplaces to visit in the Eifel foothills such as the Maria Laach monastery. The excel-lent transport links enjoyed by the BonnRhein-Sieg University are also an invalua-ble asset. The campuses are only a fewminutes' walk from a suburban rail linkor high speed tram which provides afast and direct service to Bonn. TheUniversity's proximity to railways andmotorways means that cities likeCologne and Düsseldorf are only a stone's throw away, and Cologne-BonnAirport connects the region with thewhole world. Furthermore, the highspeed rail link between Cologne andFrankfurt has been recently completed,with a station in the nearby town ofSiegburg.

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Universityof Applied Sciences

Department of Computer Science Sankt Augustin

www.inf.fh-bonn-rhein-sieg.de

Prof. Dr. Thomas ChristallerHead of Fraunhofer Institut Intelligente Analyse undInformationssysteme (IAIS)Schloss Birlinghoven53754 Sankt AugustinGermanyphone: +49 2241-14-2756fax: +49 2241-14-2348

www.iais.fraunhofer.de

Contact PersonProf. Dr. Kurt-Ulrich Witt Dean and Director at the Bonn-Aachen International Centre for Information Technology – b-it

53754 Sankt AugustinGermanyphone: +49 2241-865-200/-201 or -202fax: +49 2241-865-8200

fb02.dekan@fh-bonn-rhein-sieg.demsc-as@b-it-center.dewww.fh-bonn-rhein-sieg.dewww.b-it-center.de

Admission officeUniversity of Applied SciencesBonn-Rhein-Sieg

Grantham-Allee 2053757 Sankt AugustinGermanyphone: +49 2241-865-626/-644 or -622

www.fh-bonn-rhein-sieg.de/International_Office-lang-en.html