Master in Computational and Applied Mathematics
Student Interviews
The advantage of a practical approach
Tomas Nouza from the Czech Republic came to IMM august 2005 through the Erasmus Mundus programme. This programme is funded by the European Commission for European university education at Master's level. The Erasmus Mundus programme also provides a limited number of EU-funded scholarships for third country (non EU/non-EEA) nationals.
- "You became interested in DTU when you learned about the Erasmus programme?"
"Yes I went to an Erasmus lecture at my university CTU (Czech Technical University in Prague) with participation of several students who had already been abroad. This lecture gave me some insight in the practicalities and economical challenge of going abroad. The Erasmus fund is only for one year but when economy is a limiting factor it is a big help to get the first year financed so I was soon convinced that I should apply. There was also a person from the Erasmus coordination office who explained me the possibilities of doing the M.Sc. in Denmark."
- "What is your scientific interest?"
"I like to study Artificial Intelligence and computers in terms of statistics. In this IMM has been very rewarding. The department has many experts in these fields and focus on some very interesting aspects."
- "Are the courses also satisfying?"
"We are indeed solving real and very practical problems and I think this is very important. In my country there is plenty of theory and a whole semester could pass without any reference to any practical engineering work. IMM is certainly given priority to the students meeting real problems. I'm also very impressed by the project approach which I was introduced to here at DTU. A project gives you a feeling of working in an office in a real company solving real and realistic problems. IMM does have access to the industry and that is perhaps the most striking difference from my home university. Many universities in post communistic countries are on a high scientific level but short of experience in industrial and commercial co-operation."
- "And this commercial aspect is a particular attraction to you?"
"Certainly and IMM should announce this more. On the IMM web page focus is on the scientific content of the courses. This is of course important but for many students from post communistic countries the commercial potentials are at least as interesting. If the IMM web page could highlight not only the scientific outcome but also the commercial perspective I think it would appeal to many students."
Morten Nonboe Andersen, January 02, 2006.