Study Preparation
Brushing up on your knowledge to ensure a good start of studies
Would you like to start your degree well prepared? Here you’ll find resources to help you brush up on key fundamentals, fill in any gaps in your knowledge and deepen your understanding in specific areas to help you get off to a good start at the start of studies – from maths, physics and chemistry right through to general study strategies.
→ Mastering maths
→ Brush up on physics
→ Understanding chemistry
→ Learning strategies for university
Mastering Maths
Online Mathematics Bridging Course (OMB+)
With the Online Mathematics Bridging Course (OMB+), you can refresh your school maths and prepare specifically for a degree programme involving maths – particularly in engineering, economics, natural sciences, computer science and technical degree programmes.
This free online course teaches the fundamentals of maths through explanations, examples, interactive exercises and tests. You set your own pace and can work through the course flexibly online.
The OMB+ was jointly developed by twelve German universities and is recommended by numerous universities as preparation for university studies. You should allow around 60 hours to complete the course in full. If you have any questions, support is available daily from 10 am to 8 pm.
HM4MINT NRW
With HM4MINT NRW, you can prepare for the mathematics involved in engineering, computer science and natural science degree programmes even before you start your studies. This free online course covers the content of ‘Higher Mathematics I’, as typically taught in the first university semester, supplemented by key mathematical fundamentals.
You can start the course at any time and work through it at your own pace. Videos, texts, examples and interactive practice and exam questions support your learning and provide immediate feedback. Support is available daily from 10 am to 8 pm should you have any questions. In-person exams are held at regular intervals. Depending on your degree programme and university, a successfully passed exam may be recognised as a credit for ‘Higher Mathematics I’.
The HM4MINT NRW programme is offered jointly by 17 higher education institutions in North Rhine-Westphalia, including FH Aachen.
Brush up on physics
LEIFIphysik
LEIFIphysik allows you to refresh your knowledge of key concepts in school physics and explore them in greater depth. This free online portal offers clearly presented content on a wide range of topics – from mechanics, electricity and optics to thermodynamics, quantum physics and atomic physics.
Articles on basic concepts, illustrative materials, exercises, tests and experiments help you to revise your knowledge, check your understanding and prepare for physics content at university. The content can be selected by topic, year group and federal state.
Online Bridging Course in Physics
With the online bridging course in physics, you can refresh your knowledge of physics, fill in any gaps in your understanding and prepare specifically for a degree in engineering or the natural sciences. This free course covers key fundamentals of mechanics, electromagnetism, optics and thermodynamics.
Lesson texts, clear examples, videos, interactive exercises and tests support independent learning. The course can be completed online at any time and at your own pace – without the need to sign up or register.
The online physics bridging course is recommended by the TU9 and was developed in collaboration with FH Aachen. If you have any questions, a physics helpdesk staffed by tutors is available via ORCA.nrw.
Understanding chemistry
LEIFIchemie
LEIFIchemie allows you to refresh your knowledge of key fundamentals of school chemistry and explore them in greater depth. This free online portal offers clearly presented content on a wide range of topics – from the structure of matter and chemical reactions, through acids and bases, to redox reactions, electrochemistry and organic chemistry.
Explanations, exercises, tests, experiments, simulations and other interactive materials help students to understand chemical concepts, revise their knowledge and assess their own level of understanding. The content is organised by subject area and year group and can be used flexibly for independent study.
Online Bridging Course in Chemistry
With the online bridging course in chemistry, you can refresh your knowledge of chemistry, fill any gaps in your understanding and prepare for a degree programme that includes chemistry. This free self-study course covers the key fundamentals of general and inorganic chemistry.
At the start, you can select a learning path tailored to your intended degree programme. Explanations, diagrams and practical examples help you to work through the relevant content in a targeted manner and at your own pace. The course can be completed online at any time and with complete flexibility – even in several stages.
Learning strategies for university
Learning strategies – ORCA.nrw
The free online course ‘Learning Strategies’ enables you to explore your own learning behaviour and any potential motivation issues. The course teaches strategies for recognising typical challenges when studying at university and dealing with them effectively.
Videos, interactive exercises and practical solutions help you to reflect on and improve your own learning. The course is particularly suitable for those starting university and can be completed flexibly online.
moveo – ORCA.nrw
The free moveo self-assessment test allows you to reflect on your own learning behaviour, your motivation to study and your satisfaction with your study situation. The online test helps you to identify your personal strengths and potential challenges in everyday student life.
Once you have completed the test, you will receive a personalised assessment and recommendations for suitable support services. The test takes around 20 minutes and is particularly suitable for students in the early stages of their degree programme.
