Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Mathematics

The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide Honours Bachelor of Science (Hons BSc) graduates with the knowledge, specific skills and applied and theoretical competence in a number of Science fields to provide opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and valuable contributions to society.

A second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with graduates in a number of learning fields in order to ensure that the leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity is widened.

A third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with people who can perform a constructive role they need to play as intellectual leaders in their society.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification recognises Formal prior learning and Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning.

Formal prior learning

Students need a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree to register for the Honours Bachelor of Science (Hons BSc).

Students' prior accredited learning at tertiary level in relevant domains which constitute credit-bearing units is recognised.

Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning

Students will be given RPL for individual modules if they can produce a portfolio of evidence or undergo any other recognised means of assessment that shows that they meet the outcomes and associated assessment criteria specified for that module. They may also be awarded blocks of credits towards elective modules.

Entry Requirements

An appropriate Bachelor's Degree with an average of 60% or more. In instances where a student does not have an average of 60% or more a submission may be made to the relevant college to allow such a student admission.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 36 Credits

• Research Methods in Applied Mathematics, 12 Credits.
• Honours Research Project in Applied Mathematics, 24 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 8, 84 Credits

• Introduction to General Relativity, 12 Credits.
• Partial Differential Equations, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Mechanics of Fluids, 12 Credits.
• Cosmology, 12 Credits.
• Applied Functional Analysis, 12 Credits.
• An Introduction to the Finite Element Method, 12 Credits.
• Continuous Time Stochastic Processes, 12 Credits.
• Optimal Control, 12 Credits.
• Riemannian Geometry and Tensor Calculus, 12 Credits.
• Mathematics of Optimization Theory, 12 Credits.
• Numerical Solutions to Partial Differential Equations, 12 Credits.
• Partial Differential Equations, 12 Credits.

1. Engage in critical and creative thinking and demonstrate an understanding of concepts, principles and constructed knowledge predominantly in applied mathematics.
2. Deal with problems in applied mathematics.
3. Demonstrate an increasingly advanced understanding of the impact of technology on production, acquisition and dissemination of scientific knowledge and skills.
4. Conduct research.
5. Communicate research results clearly and systematically.

• Identify, analyse, formulate and solve convergent and divergent problems and issues related to the natural and human environments.
• Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization and community.
• Manage and organize her or his activities and life responsibly and effectively, including her or his studies within the open and distance learning context.
• Collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information, as required in the pursuit of the Degree.
• Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and for written presentation, often in pieces of sustained discourse.
• Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health and well-being of others, in community, national and global context.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation, and by acknowledging their responsibilities to those in the local and broader community.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment is done by means of activities in study guides, self-assessment questions in study guides and self-assessment assignments as well as written assignments that have to be submitted for assessment. The assignments are either in the form of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short questions, essays or a combination. Students must submit three assignments for each module. The marks obtained for these assignments contribute a minimum of 20% towards the final mark for the module. The remaining mark is made up of the examination mark. Feedback on activities and self-assessment questions are provided in study guides and tutorial letters. Individual feedback on assignments is provided by assessors in marked assignments while general feedback on these assignments is provided in tutorial letters.

Summative assessment is conducted by means of a two-to three-hour examination per module. Feedback on summative assessment (examinations) is provided to individual students upon request.