Bachelor of Science Honours in Mathematics

Purpose

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)

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. Students must provide a written motivation of not more than 3 pages requesting admission to the institution. The institution will determine the requirements for the motivation. However, in considering the application the institution must take into account: the relevant experience, work or otherwise, of the student; the language capabilities of the student; alternative options for access into the qualification; any other factor deemed necessary by the institution.

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules

• Research Methods in Mathematics, 12 Credits.
• Honours Research Report in Mathematics, 24 Credits.

Elective Modules

• Introduction to Category Theory, 12 Credits.
• Topology, 12 Credits.
• Functional Analysis II, 12 Credits.
• Functional Analysis I, 12 Credits.
• Matrix Theory and Linear Algebra I, 12 Credits.
• Matrix Theory and Linear Algebra II, 12 Credits.
• Partial Differential Equations II, 12 Credits.
• Partial Differential Equations I, 12 Credits.
• Category Theory, 12 Credits.
• Group Theory, 12 Credits.
• Graph Theory I, 12 Credits.
• Ordinary Differential Equations II, 12 Credits.
• Graph Theory II, 12 Credits.
• Measure Theory and Integration I, 12 Credits.
• Ordinary Differential Equations I, 12 Credits.
• Rings and Fields, 12 Credits.
• Set Theory, 12 Credits.

1. Identify, analyse, formulate and solve convergent and divergent problems and issues related to the natural environment.
2. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community, and contribute to the group output in tasks within the field of environmental management.
3. Manage and organise her or his activities and life responsibly and effectively, including her or his studies within the open and distance learning context.
4. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information, as required for in the pursuit of the Degree.
5. Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and for written presentation, often in pieces of sustained discourse.
6. 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.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation, and by acknowledging their responsibilities to those locally and the broader community.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify, analyse and solve complex and advanced abstract problems by drawing on their own experience and theoretical knowledge and on the experiential base of a single discipline or across interdisciplinary lines in the humanities.
• Use their knowledge and experience to offer informed suggestions, or to generate alternative strategies, for dealing with problems at a community, national, international and global level.
• Solve problems by generating alternative strategies for dealing with those problems.
• Critically evaluate various theoretical standpoints and compare them to their own views.
• Offer evidence in a variety of ways (from a theoretical knowledge base, from an experiential base, etc.) to support their stated views.
• Analyse the global, national and local community in terms of problems, needs and opportunities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Use and propagate 'people skills' (tolerance, empathy, listening skills, etc.) in group situations.
• Demonstrate respect for the opinion of others through (written and/or oral) reporting without bias.
• Demonstrate tolerance of diversity through (written and/or oral) reporting without bias.
• Undertake projects of a theoretical and/or practical nature to provide evidence of successful interaction with other.
• Use advanced communication skills within the group.
• Act as supportive followers and group participants.
• Organise themselves and others into effective working groups.
• Communicate the evidence of these group interactions through (written and/or oral) reporting.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate the requisite theoretical skills and learning strategies.
• Organise their study plans and engage in effective time management.
• Assess their own strengths and weaknesses and develop organisational strategies.
• Evolve strategies best suited to their personal situations and contexts.
• Think independently, and offer sustained theoretical evidence to support their decisions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Critically evaluate and integrate information from different sources to address problems in the relevant field.
• Critically connect theories to the problems in the relevant field.
• Use mathematical theories and constructs to address problems.
• Apply relevant knowledge to authentic and simulated scenarios.
• Apply knowledge and skills in innovative ways to problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Communicate their ideas logically and provide supporting evidence in a sustained manner.
• Evaluate conclusions and premises in academic arguments and produce sound arguments.
• Use language competently, showing awareness of written (and/or oral) conventions relevant to the discipline.
• Use appropriate models of organisation and presentation as required in the relevant discipline.
• Use statistics (where necessary) effectively in support of their ideas.
• Identify and illustrate discipline-specific jargon.
• Analyse, evaluate and critique the ideas of others.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Demonstrate a responsible attitude towards scholarship and technology.
• Use scientific methods of investigation, testing and evaluation.
• Select technology to suit the needs of the individual or group.
• Use natural resources in a sustainable way.
• Show respect for and a responsible/ethical attitude towards science and technology.
• Show respect and openness towards the psychological, health and physical environment of others.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Demonstrate their prior knowledge and experience as it is relevant to their discipline.
• Connect the abstract knowledge of theory to the reality of their individual contexts.
• Draw upon their prior knowledge (personal and abstract) and personal experience as Appropriate when investigating and analysing the world around them.
• Look beyond and across traditional disciplinary boundaries for possible solutions.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is done in line with the institution's policy.

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.

Summative Assessment is conducted by means of a two- to three-hour examination per module.