Become a preliminary course tutor
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Orga team preliminary course 2026
Become a preliminary course tutor
Are you interested in getting involved in the preliminary course?
Of course we are very happy about that! As every year, we are looking for committed students who would like to help the prospective first-year students with their first steps in maths at university! So that you know what to expect, we have summarised all the important information below.
Preliminary course 2026: Tutors wanted!
All information about the preliminary course
So that you know what to expect, we have summarised the most important information about the preliminary course below.
The preliminary course is an offer for prospective first-semester students of the subject and two-subject Bachelor of Mathematics to make it easier for them to start their studies. To this end, they spend the two weeks before the O-week dealing with the basic topics of mathematics studies, which are explicitly listed below.
How can I get involved in the preliminary course?
And this is where you come in: first-semester students receive support from the pre-course tutors as they learn the basics. Exercises (also known as "tutorials") in groups of around 20 first-semester students allow them to put what they have learnt into practice. These exercises are supervised by two pre-course tutors. The organisation team ensures that inexperienced tutors always work together with experienced tutors. We have outlined the process of a pre-course day below.
The tutor's task is to support the students with the tasks, answer questions and compare and discuss the tasks together with the group. In addition, it has always proven to be pleasant for the first-year students to talk about topics such as O-week, the first-year trip, the system of exercise sheets and partners as well as general tips and tricks for studying maths, but we will of course provide more detailed information on this. As a pre-course tutor, you should take away the fear of studying for the first time and encourage them - after all, we all know that studying can be a bit overwhelming at the beginning.
You will receive access to assignments and solutions from us in good time so that you can prepare for the tutorials. If you're not sure whether you're fit enough for the subject - don't worry! You are already familiar with these topics thanks to your study experience, which is why you are sure to know them or be able to prepare them quickly if necessary. If you would like to take a look at the topics now, you can find the task sheets from previous years in the Stud.IP event of the student body for mathematics under the "Preliminary course" tab. The tasks change only minimally over the years, so you already know roughly what you can expect.
to the preliminary course folder in Stud.IP
If you still have difficulties with an assignment, that's no problem. The other tutors in the team will be happy to help and advise you. Don't be afraid to talk to us, we're all pulling in the same direction!
One of your tasks is to familiarise yourself with the subject matter and exercises in advance of the respective pre-course day. Nevertheless, the same applies here: If you are unsure about an assignment, don't worry. We are a large team of tutors who support each other. Besides, you never lead your exercise group alone!
How does a day on the preliminary course work?
Get to know everyday university life in the preliminary course!
What are the contents of the preliminary course?
The preliminary course covers the following sixteen topics over a total of eight days:
- What is maths? and propositional logic
- School mathematics I and set theory
- Quantifier logic and number domains
- Proof techniques I and proof techniques II
- Complete induction and functions and mappings I
- Functions andgraphs II and school maths II
- Functions andgraphs III and problem solving
- Linear algebra and sequences and limits
Who gives the lectures in the preliminary course?
The preliminary course lectures are also given by tutors who are willing to do so. If you are interested, you can also apply to give a lecture. We will send you the script and some tips on how to organise the presentation - you should use these as a guide when preparing.
Afterwards, there will be trial presentations where you can practise a little and also receive feedback from the organisation team. This way, nothing can go wrong during your big "performance" in front of the prospective first-semester students!
What else can I expect?
Of course, the preliminary course is not for free! In addition to the maths, experience as a tutor and new friends, you will receive a small allowance for the period.
Of course, the preliminary course should also be fun - we do things together with the tutors and go to the Kramermarkt with the first-year students.
Although these events are not compulsory, they have always proved to be "highlights" in recent years! As a team of tutors, we've always had a great time together - and we'd love for you to be part of it this year!
How can I apply?
Unfortunately, the application deadline for the 2026 preparation course expired on 31 May.
In the event that not enough tutors have applied and the application phase is extended, you will be informed on this page!
You can also support the student body in organising other projects - such as the orientation week!