Structure and contents
The Master in Computational Science (MCS) programme spans four semesters over two years, totalling 120 ECTS of full-time study. The curriculum blends foundational courses in numerical mathematics and computer science with a diverse array of application-focused topics. The programme culminates with a master's thesis in the form of a half-year project worth 30 ECTS, which can be carried out in an industrial or research setting.
Designed to align with students' unique interests and career goals, the programme offers three specialised tracks for a targeted educational experience:
- High-Performance Computing (HPC): Concentrates on large-scale computing and optimisation techniques, equipping students for careers in sectors that demand high computational capabilities.
- Data Science: Focuses on the analysis and interpretation of data to understand complex systems and relationships, suitable for those interested in studying interconnected phenomena.
- Simulations: Centres on the development and interpretation of simulations, applicable in diverse fields such as engineering and biomedical research.
Each track features a tailored study plan to ensure an enriching educational experience. Under the guidance of the MCS study coordinator, students are encouraged to formulate individualised study plans that incorporate relevant elective courses.
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Study Programme 2023-2025
The Master in Computational Science programme consists of four semesters across two years of full-time study (120 ECTS). It offers courses in numerical mathematics and computer science, together with a wide range of more application-oriented courses. It finishes with a master’s thesis in the form of a half–year project worth 30 ECTS, which can be carried out in an industrial or research setting.
With the guidance of the Master Director, students will be encouraged to set up an individual study plan that includes appropriate elective courses. The Master Director will advise and accompany students through the entire two-year course of study.
HPC 120 First Semester 30 Mandatory 24 Numerical Algorithms 6 High-Performance Computing 6 Introduction to Data Science 6 Introduction to Programming (Python) 6 Electives 6 Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations 3 Scattered Data Approximation 3 Or Artificial Intelligence 6 Second Semester 30 Mandatory 24 Quantum Computing 6 Effective HPC & Data Analytics 6 Data Management 6 Advanced Computer Architecture 6 Electives 6 Third Semester 30 Mandatory 24 Master Thesis Preparation 6 Algorithms & Complexity 6 Distributed Algorithms 6 Distributed Systems 6 Electives 6 Fourth Semester 30 Mandatory 24 Master Thesis 24 Electives 6 Data Science 120 First Semester 30 Mandatory 24 Numerical Algorithms 6 High-Performance Computing 6 Introduction to Data Science 6 Introduction to Programming (Python) 6 Electives 6 Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations 3 Scattered Data Approximation 3 Or Artificial Intelligence 6 Second Semester 30 Mandatory 18 Graphical Models and Network Science 6 Effective HPC & Data Analytics 6 Stochastic Methods 6 Electives 12 Graph Deep Learning or Data Analytics 6 Other 6 Third Semester 30 Mandatory 24 Master Thesis Preparation 6 Advanced Topics in Machine Learning 6 Analysis of Social Networks 6 Bioinformatics 6 Electives 6 Fourth Semester 30 Mandatory 24 Master Thesis 24 Electives 6 Simulations 120 First Semester 30 Mandatory 24 Numerical Algorithms 6 High-Performance Computing 6 Introduction to Data Science 6 Introduction to Programming (Python) 6 Electives 6 Introduction to Ordinary Differential Equations 3 Scattered Data Approximation 3 Or Artificial Intelligence 6 Second Semester 30 Mandatory 24 Advanced Discretization Methods 6 Scientific Learning 6 Particle Methods 6 Stochastic Methods 6 Electives 6 Third Semester 30 Mandatory 12 Master Thesis Preparation 6 Algorithms & Complexity 6 Electives 18 Fourth Semester 30 Mandatory 24 Master Thesis 24 Electives 6 Please be aware that slight changes in the study programme may occur.
Course Requirements:
- Students at USI enrolled in the Double-Degree MCS, or EUMaster4HPC MCS programmes are required to complete a first-year curriculum at USI. After the first year, students may choose a curriculum that best aligns with their overall study plan, subject to approval from both universities.
- Students transferring to USI in their second year from other universities—either through the EUMaster4HPC or Double-Degree programmes—may choose a curriculum that best aligns with their overall course of study, subject to approval from both universities.
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Research summer internships for students - UROP Internships
The Faculty of Informatics encourages and promotes the talent of its Bachelor and Master students by offering them summer internships in academic research within the programme Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program - UROP.
Internships are extracurricular and access is on a competitive basis. Students work one-on-one with an advisor to develop a deeper understanding of both the concepts taught during the semester and of the research topic. Students that are considering continuing in academia should seriously consider applying for a UROP position.
All research opportunities for this year are listed here.
See all the job and internship opportunities in the USI Job Bank.
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Teaching
Teaching at the Faculty of Informatics emphasizes close contact between students and staff. Professors are pursuing research on a variety of topics and are active participants in Swiss and international research projects and networks. The Institute of Computing at the Faculty of Informatics aims to train students that are interdisciplinary in approach, with abstract mathematical skills, a sound knowledge in numerical methods, computing and data science, as well as project management and teamwork abilities.
Academic Directors: Prof. Olaf Schenk and Prof. Ernst Wit
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Language
The admission to English-language Master programmes at USI requires a good command of English. Non-native English speakers applying to the Master’s or whose previous degree was obtained in another language, are required to provide an internationally acknowledged language certificate equal to the B2 level as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning (CEFR) or equivalent (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS, etc.).
The language certificate must be included in the application package.
We only accept the English qualifications mentioned below. The certificate must still be valid at the point of the application. We generally cannot accept language test results older than three years as of September 1st.The B2 level on the CEFR corresponds to the following scores in internationally acknowledged exams:
IELTS* 5.5 TOEFL* Computer-based: 183
Internet-based*: 65
Paper-based: 513Cambridge English B2 First TOEIC Listening & Reading: 785
Speaking: 150
Writing: 160Students admitted under the above-mentioned condition must achieve a C1 competence in English within the maximum time required to obtain the Master's degree.
The level can be certified either by attending a language course offered at USI during the Fall and Spring semester, by taking the final exam, or by providing an internationally acknowledged language certificate*.The C1 level on the CEFR corresponds to the following scores in internationally acknowledged exams:
IELTS* 7.0 TOEFL* Internet-based*: 100 Cambridge English C1 Advanced, grade C or above
BEC (Business English), grade C or aboveTOEIC Listening & Reading: 945
Speaking: 180
Writing: 180*Update 30.01.2023 - Academic Year 2023/24
Certificates obtained by passing the IELTS Academic Online or TOEFL iBT Home Edition tests may also be submitted for admission to the programme.Italian
As Lugano is located in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland, students might be interested in acquiring the basics in Italian.
The Università della Svizzera italiana offers a free of charge Italian language course: further information can be found here.
