Prof. Dr. Ralf Gerlich and Paul Heine
School pupil Paul Heine achieves top marks in programming module
Getting a 1.0 in a module at Furtwangen University (HFU) is definitely an achievement. But even more impressive when you are only 14 years old and still in school. Paul Heine is in the 8th grade at Trossingen High School. At the same time, he was the youngest student ever to sit in a lecture hall at HFU last semester. Every Thursday from 2.00 to 7.00pm he attended the “Programming” lecture and the subsequent practical at the Faculty of Computer Science.
“My computer science teacher asked me if I would like to further develop my programming skills,” says Paul Heine. Prof. Dr. Ralf Gerlich, supervisor of this programming module for various computer science courses at HFU, adds, “Normally, our schools programme is aimed at upper secondary pupils, but we were happy to make an exception for Paul. It's remarkable how early he started programming and how good he already is.”
“Unlike at school, you work much more independently at university and the information is conveyed in a more compact way. That's exciting,” says Paul, describing his impressions of the university. In the module he is taking, students work with the Python program, among other things, and develop their own mathematical programs. “He quickly settled in and even asked questions that challenged me,” summarises Professor Gerlich.
As a student “like any other,” Paul took the exam at the end of the semester and also submitted the final assignment for his internship. He completed the module with the top grade of 1.0. “This is an unusual achievement that even my regular students rarely manage. Paul can be very proud,” explains Prof. Dr. Ralf Gerlich. “He can also have this grade credited toward future studies at HFU and will then no longer have to attend the module.”
Paul will continue to be at Furtwangen University this semester, taking the “Databases” module. This is also a first, made possible especially for Paul, who was able to extend his student studies beyond the “Programming” module. “It's great that I can attend another module at HFU and I'm excited to see what I'll learn,” says Paul happily.
The HFU schools programme is aimed at high school students who want to gain experience at a university while still in school. More information at: Internal link opens in the same window:https://www.hs-furtwangen.de/info-pool/schuelerstudium