Higher Certificate in Mathematics and Statistics

Purpose

The Higher Certificate in Mathematics and Statistics will enable learners with a NQF Level 4 Mathematics to improve their reading and writing in academic, business and Standard English language, their computational skills mathematical skills and statistical skills, with an introduction to scientific field knowledge in higher education. Upon qualifying learners will be able to register for higher qualifications within South Africa and throughout the world. Qualifying learners will be employable in appropriate statistical and mathematical environments as support staff to specialists in the field.

The Higher Certificate will enable the qualifying learners to acquire knowledge of statistics as well as practical skills in data management and data exploration.

Rationale

The qualification addresses the acknowledged shortage of knowledge and skills capacity in South Africa in the fields of mathematics and statistics. In particular, statistics practitioners with competence in collecting and analysing data and with an understanding of the statistical methods, at different levels of expertise, are needed in all areas of society. Mathematics is also a key part of science and engineering disciplines, and inadequate mathematical background prevents many learners form qualifying for study in these fields. This Higher Certificate is a foundation qualification and addresses this shortage in two different ways.

The typical learners for this qualification that will enrol are those with a National Senior Certificate, Senior Certificate or the National Certificate Vocational. Or those learners who are interested in Mathematics, Science or Statistics careers but with no access to higher education in these fields because they do not satisfy the Mathematics requirement.

The qualification will offer learners alternative pathways for access to Diplomas or Bachelor's within the fields of Science, Engineering and Technology, thus widening access into higher education. The qualification aims to equip learners with knowledge, skills and attitudes to undertake studies at higher NQF levels, especially those requiring Mathematical sciences and Statistics. The introduction of a Higher Certificate in Mathematics and Statistics will, therefore, allow learners to reach their full potential of advancement through formal higher education, via distance education. A learner having gained this qualification would be able to advance to higher qualifications in tertiary institutions in any South African Institution of Higher learning.

The Higher Certificate will also give learners theoretical knowledge and practical skills in Statistics. They will be able to manage, explore, describe, analyse and report on data, using the relevant software, and will have experience in conducting statistical investigations. They will be employable as entry-level statisticians in various sectors. The key benefit of competent mathematics and statistic learners is that they will be able to solve mathematical or statistical problems within their field of employment.

The qualification will equip them to operate as entry-level statisticians in the academic, government, financial, or industry sectors.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning will take place following the institution's policy and guidelines. For this qualification, recognition takes place where prior learning corresponds to the required NQF Level and, in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification.

According to the institutional RPL policy, a learner may obtain access to this qualification via the RPL route. Learners need to provide evidence that their existing qualifications or relevant work or research experience in the field have led to learning which meets the formal admission requirements. Depending on the evidence provided, the outcome may be direct access or conditional access to the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate without endorsement.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 5, 120 Credits

• English Proficiency for University Studies, 12 Credits.
• Ethical Information and Communication Technologies for Development Solutions, 12 Credits.
• Fundamental Mathematics, 12 Credits.
• Pre-Calculus A, 12 Credits.
• Pre-Calculus B, 12 Credits.
• Statistics for Beginners, 12 Credits.
• Basic Statistical Computing, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Research Skills, 24 Credits.
• Elementary Quantitative Methods, 12 Credits.

1. Write and communicate clearly in the academic setting, in particular within the Mathematics and Statistics disciplines.
2. Apply theory, principles and techniques in Mathematics and Statistics fields in solving routine and applied problems and in project investigations.
3. Perform mathematical and statistical calculations manually, using a calculator and using appropriate software.
4. Develop a set of professional ethics and values regarding the data analysis in the field of Statistical Sciences.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Communicate clearly in a correct academic style.
• Use mathematical and statistical terminology and notations correctly.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply the theory, principles and techniques correctly and appropriately.
• Produce a report of a project according to accepted standards.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Ensure calculations are correct and accurate.
• Use software appropriately and critically and illustrate an understanding of its shortcomings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Exhibit a professional attitude in all tasks.

Integrated Assessment

In this qualification, the quality assurance process will demonstrate that an effective integrated assessment strategy is used. Clearly identified components of assessment will address summative assessment of the Exit Level Outcomes. Evidence will be derived from major work or multiple instances of limited scale work. The qualification is designed in a modular format. The learners will be assessed in the various modules via a combination of the following: summative examinations, assignments, projects and portfolios of evidence of learning growth.