Method-oriented training profile; academically well-grounded study with a focus on the fundamentals and application; strong synergies between research and teaching; innovative use of e-learning and modern media in all areas of study (e.g. use of smartphones and tablets); teaching of interdisciplinary and social skills; training for independent learning and working in corporate or academic environment; consistent documentation of the performance for self-monitoring.

High proportion of international students (35 %); classes taught in English as far as possible in the Master's courses; numerous international research collaborations.

Clean room class 4 to 7 (in accordance with DIN EN ISO 14644) individually adjustable; labs with excellent technical equipment (electronics, mechanics, measurement technology, optics, biotechnology, materials, hardware, robotics, computer vision); modern computer rooms, some with special equipment; comprehensive WiFi access; extensive e-learning options (in particular, recorded lectures); innovative use of multimedia tools in teaching (smartphones in teaching, use of tablet PCs for examinations); modern technical facilities in the classrooms (smart boards, overhead projector/audio systems).

Research and teaching are closely linked, there is interaction beyond the boundaries of the institute and faculty on a daily basis. Both basic and applied research often involve the students. Special research areas (medical epigenetics) and areas of excellence (CIBSS – centre for integrative biological signal study and livMatS - Living, Adaptive and Energy-autonomous Materials Systems) as well as collaborations with Fraunhofer Institutes offer an ideal environment.

There is a pronounced start-up culture. Start-ups can get advice from the university's start-up office and are given inexpensive premises at the technical faculty during the initial phase. Examples of spin-offs in recent years: ATLAS neuro-engineering, 5d-lab GmbH, Smart Exergy (environmental technology award 2013 of the state of Baden-Württemberg), CorTEC, BioFluidiX, Jobst Technologies, Cognit GmbH, Telocate (awarded the Exist start-up grant in 2014).

The unique combination of Microsystems Engineering and Computer Science in one faculty enables synergies to be exploited in research and teaching; Close cooperation with five Fraunhofer Institutes and Hahn-Schickhard as well as international research clusters offer opportunities both for interdisciplinary basic research and for product development; location at the borders of France, Switzerland and Germany enables innovative cooperation, particularly in the field of Life Science.