Embedded systems are computer systems which mostly interact directly with other systems without the influence of human users. Embedded systems often undertake monitoring, control and optimisation tasks in security-critical applications. In addition to functional properties, embedded systems also need non-functional properties such as low energy consumption, high computing power/real-time capability, reliability and should be of a small size. Consequently special hard- and software is often developed for embedded systems. For this reason knowledge in hardware design, processor architecture and the development of hardware-related software for the development of embedded systems is very important.

The complete system composed of embedded systems and further mechanical systems is often referred to today as a cyber-physical system. This normally includes several embedded systems which interact with each other and with the environment of the whole system. Typical fields of application are in vehicle technology, aviation, traffic control, logistics, energy supply and the control of complex industrial facilities. The number of embedded systems in these areas has increased dramatically in recent years so that embedded systems have become a driving force for innovation in the sectors mentioned above: more than 95% of microprocessors are used in embedded systems each year.

In these branches of industry there is an increasing demand for computer scientists who are particularly capable of hardware-related programming and of designing special hardware if required and integrating it into complete systems. In order to meet this demand the Department of Computer Science together with the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering offers the master degree course "Embedded Systems".