Bachelor of Science Honours in Mathematics

Purpose

The qualification is a Postgraduate specialisation qualification that serves to consolidate and deepen the student's expertise in Mathematics, and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of that discipline. The qualification will include the conduction and reporting on a research topic under supervision, in a manner that is appropriate to Mathematics.

Rationale

To provide South Africa with significant numbers of Postgraduates in the field of Mathematics in order to ensure that the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity is widened.

The qualification will embody aspects of practical training essential for functioning as a professional scientist in a work environment. The qualification will also equip learners with the tools necessary for them to enter a path to be professional academic practitioners in their particular disciplines: again, most South African Universities insist on a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours level qualification as the minimum entry standard for further Postgraduate training. Accordingly, the qualification must embody aspects of academic training such as understanding of the scientific literature as well as furtherance of the requirements of literacy, numeracy and computer literacy first introduced in the BSc qualifications.

Mathematics is a vast and ever-growing subject, which incorporates successful explorations of numerical, geometrical and logical relationships. It has varied applications in very many branches of human activity, including science, engineering, medicine and commerce.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Access to the qualification can also be provided in terms of the university's RPL policy and its admission criteria stipulated by Senate. Students can also undergo a Portfolio Development Course (PDC) to support the student's admission. The PDC will focus on written submission explaining the reasons for the candidates' interest in the discipline as an adjunct to their existing professional competencies and indicating the nature of a possible research project. In addition, an application can be made in terms of rule A.2, the competency rule via Senate.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree and at least a 60% pass in third year level Mathematics or its equivalent.

This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Level 8, 120 Credits.

Research Project 30.

Electives (Choose any 6 Modules)

Algebraic Number Theory 15.

Computational Linear Algebra 15.

Cryptography 15.

Coding Theory 15.

Design Theory 15.

Number Theory 15.

Graph Theory 15.

Mathematical Modelling in Epidemiology 15.

Ordinary Differential Equation 15.

Partial Differential Equations 15.

Measure and Integration 15.

Topology 15.

Rings and Modules 15.

Functional Analysis 15.

Numerical Analysis 15.

Galois Theory 15.

Functions of a Complex Variable 15.

Group Theory 15.

Introduction to Optimal control 15.

Group Theory 15.

Stochastic Calculus for Finance 15.

Financial Engineering 15.

A Full-time student must complete the compulsory modules and electives as prescribed. A Full time student must complete the qualification in one year but if the student successfully attained 90 Credits. The student will be allowed to continue to complete the qualification in one additional year.

A Part-time student must complete the compulsory modules and electives as prescribed. A part time student must complete the qualification in two years. If the student successfully attained 90 Credits after two years, the student will be allowed to continue to complete the qualification in one additional year.

1. Possess advanced academic skills to identify information needs and retrieve information; critically analyse and synthesise quantitative and/or qualitative data; an ability to engage with journal articles, scholarly reviews and primary sources.
2. Communicate information through presentation skills, using the full resources of an academic/professional discourse appropriately.
3. Apply logical, critical and creative thinking and solutions in order to be able to deal effectively with a range of concrete and abstract problems.
4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the ethical and social responsibility and implications of apply knowledge to particular contexts.
5. Demonstrate understanding of the social and ethical implications of applying knowledge to particular contexts and the development of lifelong learning attributes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

• Engage with multiple sources of knowledge in the area of specialization that includes an understanding and application of the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories related to the area of Mathematics.
• Be able to manage a project in this context, present solutions to problems and work in a team environment.
• Access adequate range of relevant sources and grasp relevant problems.
• Identify and understand prescribed organizational and professional ethical codes of conduct.
• Select and apply appropriate, basic research methodologies to access knowledge in Mathematics.

Integrated Assessment

The University adopted a Continuous Assessment System. Assessments consist of number assessment events throughout the year and a variety of assessment instruments are used (for example, tests, essays, practical reports, project reports and oral presentations).