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Programme 02133263

The University of Pretoria offers a BSc in Mathematics with a minimum duration of 3 years and a total of 416 credits required. Admission requires specific achievement levels in English and Mathematics, and meeting these does not guarantee acceptance. The program includes fundamental, core, and elective modules, with specific requirements for each, and students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue their studies.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
9 views43 pages

Programme 02133263

The University of Pretoria offers a BSc in Mathematics with a minimum duration of 3 years and a total of 416 credits required. Admission requires specific achievement levels in English and Mathematics, and meeting these does not guarantee acceptance. The program includes fundamental, core, and elective modules, with specific requirements for each, and students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue their studies.

Uploaded by

Makhelwane
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

University of Pretoria Yearbook 2026

BSc in Mathematics (02133263)


Department Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
Minimum duration of
3 years
study
Total credits 416
NQF level 07

Admission requirements
Important information for all prospective students for 2026
The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a
National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click
here for this Faculty Brochure.
Minimum requirements
Achievement level
English Home Language or
English First Additional Mathematics
APS
Language
NSC/IEB NSC/IEB
5 6 34
Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.
Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.
Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.
Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted.
Unsuccessful candidates will be notified after 30 June.
Applicants should check their application status regularly on the UP Student Portal at click here.
Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the International
undergraduate prospectus 2026: Applicants with a school leaving certificate not issued by Umalusi (South Africa),
available at click here.
International students: Click here.
Transferring students
A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a
registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based
on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from
other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.

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Closing dates: Same as above.
Returning students
A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered
student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for
admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.
Note:
● Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be
considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific requirements.
● Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed.
● Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the availability of space in the
programmes for which they apply.
Closing date for applications from returning students
Unless capacity allows for an extension of the closing date, applications from returning students must be
submitted before the end of August via your UP Student Centre.

Other programme-specific information


1.1 Requirements for specific modules
A candidate who:
a. does not qualify for STK 110, must enrol for STK 113 and STK 123;
b. registers for Mathematical Statistics (WST) and Statistics (STK) modules must take note that WST and STK
modules, except for STK 281, may not be taken simultaneously in a programme; a student must take one and
only one of the following options:

● WST 111, WST 121, WST 212, WST 211, WST 221, WST 311, WST 312, WST 322, WST 321, and STK 353
or
● WST 111, WST 121, WST 212, WST 211, WST 221, WST 311, WST 312, WST 322, STK 320, STK 353.
or
● STK 110, STC 122, STK 210, STK 220, WST 212, STK 310, STK 320, STK 353.
c. registers for a module presented by another faculty must take note of the timetable clashes, prerequisites for
that module, subminimum required in examination papers, supplementary examinations, etc.

1.2 Fundamental modules


a. It is compulsory for all new first-year students to satisfactorily complete the Academic orientation (UPO 102)
and to take Academic information management modules (AIM 111 and AIM 121) and Language and study
skills (LST 110). Please see curricula for details.
b. Students who intend to apply for admission to MBChB or BChD in the second semester, when places become
available in those programmes, may be permitted to register for up to 80 module credits and 4 core modules
in the first semester during the first year provided that they obtained a final mark of no less than 70% for
Grade 12 Mathematics and achieved an APS of 34 or more in the NSC.

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Promotion to next study year
A student will be promoted to the following year of study if he or she passed 100 credits of the prescribed credits
for a year of study, unless the Dean on the recommendation of the relevant head of department decides
otherwise. A student who does not comply with the requirements for promotion to the following year of study,
retains the credit for the modules already passed and may be admitted by the Dean, on recommendation of the
relevant head of department, to modules of the following year of study to a maximum of 48 credits, provided that
it will fit in with both the lecture and examination timetable.
General promotion requirements in the faculty
All students whose academic progress is not acceptable can be suspended from further studies.
● A student who is excluded from further studies in terms of the stipulations of the abovementioned regulations,
will be notified in writing by the Dean or Admissions Committee at the end of the relevant semester.
● A student who has been excluded from further studies may apply in writing to the Admissions Committee of the
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences for re-admission.
● Should the student be re-admitted by the Admissions Committee, strict conditions will be set which the student
must comply with in order to proceed with his/her studies.
● Should the student not be re-admitted to further studies by the Admissions Committee, he/she will be informed
in writing.
● Students who are not re-admitted by the Admissions Committee have the right to appeal to the Senate Appeals
Committee.
● Any decision taken by the Senate Appeals Committee is final.

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Curriculum: Year 1
Minimum credits: 140

Fundamental = 14
Core = 64
Elective = 62
Additional information:
Choose electives according to the following combinations with a view to pursuing specialisation in the relevant
field:
● Physics: PHY 114 & PHY 124 and WST 111 & WST 121 or CMY 117 & CMY 127 (64 credits)
● Chemistry: CMY 117 & CMY 127 and WST 111 & WST 121 or PHY 114 & PHY 124 (64 credits)
● Economics: WST 111, WST 121, EKN 110, EKN 120 and one of FRK 111 or OBS 114 or FBS 112 (62
credits) (Please note: If FRK is selected as an elective, INF 183 has to be taken as well.)
● Mathematical Statistics: WST 111 & WST 121, EKN 110, EKN 120 and one of FRK 111 or OBS 114 or FBS 112
(62 credits)
● Computer Science: COS 110, COS 132, COS 151, WST 111 and WST 121 (72 credits)
Students who want to take other electives must consult the Undergraduate Programme Coordinator in the
Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.

Fundamental modules
Academic information management 111 (AIM 111)
Module credits 4.00
NQF Level 05
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Faculty of Humanities
Service modules
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Faculty of Theology and Religion
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Contact time 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Find, evaluate, process, manage and present information resources for academic purposes using appropriate
technology.

Academic information management 121 (AIM 121)


Module credits 4.00

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NQF Level 05
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Faculty of Humanities
Service modules Faculty of Law
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Faculty of Theology and Religion
Faculty of Veterinary Science
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Contact time 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Apply effective search strategies in different technological environments. Demonstrate the ethical and fair use of
information resources. Integrate 21st-century communications into the management of academic information.

Language and study skills 110 (LST 110)


Module credits 6.00
NQF Level 05
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Service modules
Faculty of Veterinary Science
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Contact time 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
The module aims to equip students with the ability to cope with the reading and writing demands of scientific
disciplines.

Academic orientation 102 (UPO 102)


Module credits 0.00
NQF Level 00
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Year

Core modules

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Calculus 114 (WTW 114)
Module credits 16.00
NQF Level 05
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Faculty of Humanities
60% for Mathematics in Grade 12 OR a candidate must have passed Foundational
Prerequisites
mathematics (WTW 137 and WTW 147).
Contact time 4 lectures per week, 1 tutorial per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
*This module serves as preparation for students majoring in Mathematics (including all students who intend to
enrol for WTW 218 and WTW 220). Students will not be credited for more than one of the following modules for
their degree: WTW 114, WTW 158, WTW 134, WTW 165.
Functions, limits and continuity. Differential calculus of single variable functions, rate of change, graph
sketching, applications. The mean value theorem, the rule of L'Hospital. Definite and indefinite integrals,
evaluating definite integrals using anti-derivatives, the substitution rule.

Discrete structures 115 (WTW 115)


Module credits 8.00
NQF Level 05
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
50% for Mathematics in Grade 12 OR a candidate must have passed Foundational
Prerequisites
mathematics (WTW 137 and WTW 147).
Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Propositional logic: truth tables, logical equivalence, implication, arguments. Mathematical induction and well-
ordering principle. Introduction to set theory. Counting techniques: elementary probability, multiplication and
addition rules, permutations and combinations, binomial theorem, inclusion-exclusion rule.

Numerical analysis 123 (WTW 123)


Module credits 8.00
NQF Level 05
Service modules Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology

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Prerequisites WTW 114
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Non-linear equations, numerical integration, initial value problems for differential equations, systems of linear
equations. Algorithms for elementary numerical techniques are derived and implemented in computer
programmes. Error estimates and convergence results are treated.

Mathematics 124 (WTW 124)


Module credits 16.00
NQF Level 05
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Education
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Prerequisites WTW 114
Contact time 4 lectures per week, 1 tutorial per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
*Students will not be credited for more than one of the following modules for their degree:
WTW 124, WTW 146, WTW 148 and WTW 164. This module serves as preparation for students majoring in
Mathematics (including all students who intend to enrol for WTW 218, WTW 211 and WTW 220).
The vector space Rn, vector algebra with applications to lines and planes, matrix algebra, systems of linear
equations, determinants. Complex numbers and factorisation of polynomials. Integration techniques and
applications of integration. The formal definition of a limit. The fundamental theorem of Calculus and
applications. Vector functions and quadratic curves.

Mathematical modelling 152 (WTW 152)


Module credits 8.00
NQF Level 05
Service modules Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
50% for Mathematics in Grade 12 OR a candidate must have passed Foundational
Prerequisites
mathematics (WTW 137 and WTW 147).
Contact time 1 practical per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1

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Module content
The module serves as an introduction to computer programming as used in science. Modelling of dynamical
processes using difference equations; curve fitting and linear programming are studied. Applications are drawn
from real-life situations in, among others, finance, economics and ecology.

Dynamical processes 162 (WTW 162)


Module credits 8.00
NQF Level 05
Service modules Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Prerequisites WTW 114
Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
*Students will not be credited for more than one of the following modules for their degree: WTW 162 and WTW
264.
Introduction to the modelling of dynamical processes using elementary differential equations. Solution methods
for first order differential equations and analysis of properties of solutions (graphs). Applications to real life
situations.

Elective modules
General chemistry 117 (CMY 117)
Module credits 16.00
NQF Level 05
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Veterinary Science
Passed both Mathematics and Physical Sciences with at least 60% in the Grade 12
examination OR passed Foundational chemistry (CMY 137 and CMY 147) and
Prerequisites
Foundational mathematics (WTW 137 and WTW 147) and Foundational physics
(PHY 137 and PHY 147).
Contact time 1 practical per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1

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Module content
General introduction to inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry. Atomic structure and periodicity. Molecular
structure and chemical bonding using the VSEPR-model. Nomenclature of inorganic ions and compounds.
Classification of reactions: precipitation, acid-base, redox reactions and gas-forming reactions. Mole concept and
stoichiometric calculations concerning chemical formulas and chemical reactions. Principles of reactivity: energy
and chemical reactions. Physical behaviour gases, liquids, solids and solutions and the role of intermolecular
forces. Rate of reactions: Introduction to chemical kinetics.

General chemistry 127 (CMY 127)


Module credits 16.00
NQF Level 05
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Veterinary Science
Natural and Agricultural Sciences students: CMY 117 GS or CMY 154 GS Health
Prerequisites
Sciences students: none
Contact time 1 practical per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Theory: General physical-analytical chemistry: Chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, buffers, solubility
equilibrium, entropy and free energy, electrochemistry. Organic chemistry: Structure (bonding), nomenclature,
isomerism, introductory stereochemistry, introduction to chemical reactions and chemical properties of organic
compounds and biological compounds, i.e. carbohydrates and aminoacids. Practical: Molecular structure (model
building), synthesis and properties of simple organic compounds.

Program design: Introduction 110 (COS 110)


Module credits 16.00
NQF Level 05
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites COS 132 AND (COS 151 OR 12130009 OR 12136009) AND Maths level 5
Contact time 3 lectures per week, 1 practical per week, 1 tutorial per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2

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Module content
The focus is on object-oriented (OO) programming. Concepts including inheritance and multiple inheritance,
polymorphism, operator overloading, memory management (static and dynamic binding), interfaces,
encapsulation, reuse, etc. will be covered in the module. The module teaches sound program design with the
emphasis on modular code, leading to well structured, robust and documented programs. A modern OO
programming language is used as the vehicle to develop these skills. The module will introduce the student to
basic data structures, lists, stacks and queues.

Imperative programming 132 (COS 132)


Module credits 16.00
NQF Level 05
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Service modules
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
APS of 30 and level 5 (60-69%) Mathematics OR a candidate must have passed
Prerequisites
Foundational mathematics ( WTW 137 and WTW 147).
Contact time 1 practical per week, 3 lectures per week, 1 tutorial per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
This module introduces imperative computer programming, which is a fundamental building block of computer
science. The process of constructing a program for solving a given problem, of editing it, compiling (both
manually and automatically), running and debugging it, is covered from the beginning. The aim is to master the
elements of a programming language and be able to put them together in order to construct programs using
types, control structures, arrays, functions and libraries. An introduction to object orientation will be given. After
completing this module, the student should understand the fundamental elements of a program, the importance
of good program design and user-friendly interfaces. Students should be able to conduct basic program analysis
and write complete elementary programs.

Introduction to computer science 151 (COS 151)


Module credits 8.00
NQF Level 05
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
APS of 30 and level 5 (60-69%) Mathematics OR a candidate must have passed
Prerequisites
Foundational mathematics ( WTW 137 and WTW 147).
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1

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Module content
This module introduces concepts and terminology related to the computer science discipline. General topics
covered include the history of computing, machine level representation of data, Boolean logic and gates, basic
computer systems organisation, algorithms and complexity and automata theory. The module also introduces
some of the subdisciplines of computer science, such as computer networks, database systems, compilers,
information security and intelligent systems. The module also focues on modelling of algorithms.

Economics 110 (EKN 110)


Module credits 10.00
NQF Level 05
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 discussion class per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
This module deals with the core principles of economics. A distinction between macroeconomics and
microeconomics is made. A discussion of the market system and circular flow of goods, services and money is
followed by a section dealing with microeconomic principles, including demand and supply analysis, consumer
behaviour and utility maximisation, production and the costs thereof, and the different market models and firm
behaviour. Labour market institutions and issues, wage determination, as well as income inequality and poverty
are also addressed. A section of money, banking, interest rates and monetary policy concludes the course.

Economics 120 (EKN 120)


Module credits 10.00
NQF Level 05
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
EKN 110 GS or EKN 113 GS and at least 4 (50-59%) in Mathematics in the Grade
Prerequisites
12 examination or 60% in STK 113 and concurrently registered for STK 123
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 discussion class per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2

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Module content
This module deals with the core principles of economics, especially macroeconomic measurement the private
and public sectors of the South African economy receive attention, while basic macroeconomic relationships and
the measurement of domestic output and national income are discussed. Aggregate demand and supply
analysis stands core to this course which is also used to introduce students to the analysis of economic growth,
unemployment and inflation. The microeconomics of government is addressed in a separate section, followed by
a section on international economics, focusing on international trade, exchange rates and the balance of
payments. The economics of developing countries and South Africa in the global economy conclude the course.

Financial management 112 (FBS 112)


Module credits 10.00
NQF Level 05
Service modules Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
At least 6 (70-79%) in Mathematics in the Grade 12 examination OR a candidate
Prerequisites must have passed Foundational mathematics (WTW 137 and WTW 147) and
Foundational statistics (STC 137 and STC 147) with 60%
Contact time 3 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
*Only for students in BSc (Actuarial and Financial Mathematics), BSc (Mathematics), BSc (Applied Mathematics),
BSc (Mathematical Statistics), and BCom (Statistics) who comply with the set prerequisites.

Key principles of financial management. Company ownership. Taxation. Introduction to financial statements.
Structure of financial statements. Depreciation and reserves. Preparing financial statements. Group financial
statements and insurance company financial statements. Interpretation of financial statements. Limitation of
financial statements. Issue of share capital.

Financial accounting 111 (FRK 111)


Module credits 10.00
NQF Level 05
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Contact time 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1

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Module content
The nature and function of accounting; the development of accounting; financial position; financial result; the
recording process; processing of accounting data; treatment of VAT; elementary income statement and balance
sheet; flow of documents; accounting systems; introduction to internal control and internal control measures;
bank reconciliations; control accounts; adjustments; financial statements of a sole proprietorship; the accounting
framework.

Informatics 183 (INF 183)


Module credits 3.00
NQF Level 05
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Contact time 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Year
Module content
Computer processing of accounting information.

Business management 114 (OBS 114)


Module credits 10.00
NQF Level 05
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites May not be included in the same curriculum as OBS 155
Contact time 3 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
The entrepreneurial mind-set; managers and managing; values, attitudes, emotions, and culture: the manager
as a person; ethics and social responsibility; decision making; leadership and responsible leadership; effective
groups and teams; managing organizational structure and culture inclusive of the different functions of a generic
organisation and how they interact (marketing; finance; operations; human resources and general
management); contextualising Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in each of the topics.

First course in physics 114 (PHY 114)


Module credits 16.00
NQF Level 05

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Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules
Faculty of Education
A candidate must have passed both Mathematics and Physical Sciences with at
least 60% in the Grade 12 examination OR the candidate must have passed
Prerequisites
Foundational mathematics (WTW 137 and WTW 147) and Foundational physics
(PHY 137 and PHY 147).
Contact time 1 discussion class per week, 4 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
SI-units. Significant figures. Waves: intensity, superposition, interference, standing waves, resonance, beats,
Doppler. Geometrical optics: Reflection, refraction, mirrors, thin lenses, instruments. Physical optics: Young-
interference, coherence, diffraction, polarisation. Hydrostatics and dynamics: density, pressure, Archimedes’
principle, continuity, Bernoulli. Heat: temperature, specific heat, expansion, heat transfer. Vectors. Kinematics of
a point: Relative, projectile, and circular motion. Dynamics: Newton’s laws, friction. Work: point masses, gasses
(ideal gas law), gravitation, spring, power. Kinetic energy: Conservative forces, gravitation, spring. Conservation
of energy. Conservation of momentum. Impulse and collisions. System of particles: Centre of mass, Newton’s
laws. Rotation: torque, conservation of angular momentum, equilibrium, centre of gravity.

First course in physics 124 (PHY 124)


Module credits 16.00
NQF Level 05
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules
Faculty of Education
Prerequisites (WTW 114 GS or WTW 158 GS or WTW 134) and PHY 114 GS
Contact time 1 practical per week, 1 discussion class per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Simple harmonic motion and pendulums. Coulomb’s law. Electric field: dipoles, Gauss’ [Link] potential.
Capacitance. Electric currents: resistance, resistivity, Ohm’s law, energy, power, emf, RC-circuits. Magnetic
Field: Hall-effect, Bio-Savart. Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws. Oscillations: LR-circuits. Alternating current: RLC-
circuits, power, transformers. Introductory concepts to modern physics. Nuclear physics: Radioactivity.

Mathematical statistics 111 (WST 111)


Module credits 16.00
NQF Level 05
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

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At least 5 (60-69%) in Mathematics in the Grade 12 examination OR the
Prerequisites candidate must have passed Foundational statistics (STC 137 and STC 147) and
Foundational mathematics (WTW 137 and WTW 147).
Contact time 1 practical per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Aims of data analysis (descriptive, inferential and predictive). Stages of conducting a data analysis. Sources and
types of data. Reproducible research. Characterisation of a set of measurements: Graphical and numerical
methods. Random sampling. Probability theory. Discrete and continuous random variables. Probability
distributions. Generating functions and moments.

Mathematical statistics 121 (WST 121)


Module credits 16.00
NQF Level 05
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites WST 111
Contact time 1 practical per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Sampling distributions and the central limit theorem. Statistical inference: Point and interval estimation.
Hypothesis testing with applications in one and two-sample cases. Introductory methods for: Linear regression
and correlation, analysis of variance, categorical data analysis and non-parametric statistics. Identification, use,
evaluation and interpretation of statistical computer packages and statistical techniques.

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Curriculum: Year 2
Minimum credits: 132

Core = 84
Elective = 48
Additional information:
Choose electives according to the following combinations with a view to pursuing specialisation in the relevant
field:
● Physics: PHY 255 & PHY 263 (48 credits)
● Chemistry: CMY 282, CMY 283, CMY 284 & CMY 285 (48 credits)
● Economics: EKN 214, EKN 224 & EKN 234 (48 credits)
● Mathematical Statistics: WST 211 & WST 221 (48 credits)
● Computer Science: COS 210, COS 212, COS 214 and any one of COS 216, COS 221, COS 284 (56 credits).
Consult the Department of Computer Science for guidance on which of the additional modules is appropriate for
you. Students wishing to continue with COS 332 in the third year of study should select COS 216. Students
wishing to continue with COS 326 in the third year of study should select COS 221.
Students who want to take other electives must consult the Undergraduate Programme Coordinator in the
Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.

Core modules
Linear algebra 211 (WTW 211)
Module credits 12.00
NQF Level 06
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Education
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Prerequisites WTW 124
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 tutorial per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
This is an introduction to linear algebra on Rn. Matrices and linear equations, linear combinations and spans,
linear independence, subspaces, basis and dimension, eigenvalues, eigenvectors, similarity and diagonalisation
of matrices, linear transformations.

Calculus 218 (WTW 218)


Module credits 12.00
NQF Level 06

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Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Education
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Prerequisites WTW 114 and WTW 124
Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Calculus of multivariable functions, directional derivatives. Extrema and Lagrange multipliers. Multiple integrals,
polar, cylindrical and spherical coordinates.

Analysis 220 (WTW 220)


Module credits 12.00
NQF Level 06
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Education
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Prerequisites WTW 114 and WTW 124, WTW 211 and WTW 218
Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
*This module is recommended as an elective only for students who intend to enrol for WTW 310 and/or WTW
320. Students will not be credited for more than one of the following modules for their degree: WTW 220 and
WTW 224.
Properties of real numbers. Analysis of sequences and series of real numbers. Power series and theorems of
convergence. The Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem. The intermediate value theorem and analysis of real-valued
functions on an interval. The Riemann integral: Existence and properties of the interval.

Linear algebra 221 (WTW 221)


Module credits 12.00
NQF Level 06
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Education
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Prerequisites WTW 211 and WTW 218
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 tutorial per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English

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Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Abstract vector spaces, change of basis, matrix representation of linear transformations, orthogonality,
diagonalisability of symmetric matrices, some applications.

Vector analysis 248 (WTW 248)


Module credits 12.00
NQF Level 06
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules
Faculty of Education
Prerequisites WTW 218
Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Vectors and geometry. Calculus of vector functions with applications to differential geometry, kinematics and
dynamics. Vector analysis, including vector fields, line integrals of scalar and vector fields, conservative vector
fields, surfaces and surface integrals, the Theorems of Green, Gauss and Stokes with applications.

Discrete structures 285 (WTW 285)


Module credits 12.00
NQF Level 06
Service modules Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Prerequisites WTW 115
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 tutorial per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Setting up and solving recurrence relations. Equivalence and partial order relations. Graphs: paths, cycles, trees,
isomorphism. Graph algorithms: Kruskal, Prim, Fleury. Finite state automata.

Differential equations 286 (WTW 286)


Module credits 12.00
NQF Level 06
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Prerequisites WTW 114, WTW 124, WTW 162, WTW 211#

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Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
*Students will not be credited for more than one of the modules for their degree: WTW 264, WTW 286
Theory and solution methods for ordinary differential equations and initial value problems: separable and linear
first-order equations, linear equations of higher order, systems of linear equations. Application to mathematical
models. Numerical methods applied to nonlinear [Link] analysis of linear systems.

Elective modules
Physical chemistry 282 (CMY 282)
Module credits 12.00
NQF Level 06
Service modules Faculty of Education
Prerequisites CMY 117 and CMY 127
Contact time 2 practicals every other week, 1 tutorial every other week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Theory: Classical chemical thermodynamics, gases, first and second law and applications, physical changes of
pure materials and simple compounds. Phase rule: Chemical reactions, chemical kinetics, rates of reactions.

Analytical chemistry 283 (CMY 283)


Module credits 12.00
NQF Level 06
Service modules Faculty of Education
Prerequisites CMY 117 and CMY 127
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 2 practicals every other week, 1 tutorial every other week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Statistical evaluation of data in line with ethical practice, gravimetric analysis, aqueous solution chemistry,
chemical equilibrium, precipitation-, neutralisation- and complex formation titrations, redox titrations,
potentiometric methods, introduction to electrochemistry. Examples throughout the course demonstrate the
relevance of the theory to meeting the sustainable development goals of clean water and clean, affordable
energy.

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Organic chemistry 284 (CMY 284)
Module credits 12.00
NQF Level 06
Service modules Faculty of Education
Prerequisites CMY 117 and CMY 127
Contact time 2 practicals every other week, 1 tutorial every other week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Resonance, conjugation and aromaticity. Acidity and basicity. Introduction to 13C NMR spectroscopy.
Electrophilic addition: alkenes. Nucleophilic substitution, elimination, addition: alkyl halides, alcohols, ethers,
epoxides, carbonyl compounds: ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and their derivatives Training in an ethical
approach to safety that protects self, others and the environment is integral to the practical component of the
course.

Inorganic chemistry 285 (CMY 285)


Module credits 12.00
NQF Level 06
Service modules Faculty of Education
Prerequisites CMY 117 and CMY 127
Contact time 1 tutorial every other week, 2 practicals every other week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Atomic structure, structure of solids (ionic model). Coordination chemistry of transition metals: Oxidation states
of transition metals, ligands, stereochemistry, crystal field theory, consequences of d-orbital splitting,
electrochemical properties of transition metals in aqueous solution. Fundamentals of spectroscopy and
introduction to IR spectroscopy. During practical training students learn to acquire and report data ethically.
Practical training also deals with the misuse of chemicals and appropriate waste disposal to protect the
environment and meet the UN sustainable development goals.

Theoretical computer science 210 (COS 210)


Module credits 8.00
NQF Level 06
Prerequisites COS 110 and COS 151, admission to relevant programme
Contact time 1 practical per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English

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Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
This module introduces students to a framework for investigating both computability and complexity of
problems. Topics include, but are not limited to: finite-state machines, regular expressions and their application
in a language such as awk, the Halting problem, context-free grammars, P vs NP problem, NP-complete class,
reduction techniques, regular languages, DFAs and NFAs, Lattices, Church-Turing thesis.

Data structures and algorithms 212 (COS 212)


Module credits 16.00
NQF Level 06
Service modules Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites COS 110, admission to relevant programme
Contact time 4 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Data abstraction is a fundamental concept in the design and implementation of correct and efficient software. In
prior modules, students are introduced to the basic data structures of lists, stacks and queues. This module
continues with advanced data structures such as trees, hash tables, heaps and graphs, and goes into depth with
the algorithms needed to manipulate them efficiently. Classical algorithms for sorting, searching, traversing,
packing and game playing are included, with an emphasis on comparative implementations and efficiency. At
the end of this module, students will be able to identify and recognise all the classical data structures;
implement them in different ways; know how to measure the efficiency of implementations and algorithms; and
have further developed their programming skills, especially with recursion and polymorphism.

Software modelling 214 (COS 214)


Module credits 16.00
NQF Level 06
Prerequisites COS 212, admission to relevant programme
Contact time 1 practical per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
The module will introduce the concepts of model-driven analysis and design as a mechanism to develop and
evaluate complex software systems. Systems will be decomposed into known entities, such as design patterns,
classes, relationships, execution loops and process flow, in order to model the semantic aspects of the system in
terms of structure and behaviour. An appropriate tool will be used to support the software modelling. The role of
the software model in the enterprise will be highlighted. Students who successfully complete this module will be
able to concep-tualise and analyse problems and abstract a solution.

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Netcentric computer systems 216 (COS 216)
Module credits 16.00
NQF Level 06
Prerequisites COS 110, admission to relevant programme
Contact time 1 practical per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
This module will introduce the student to netcentric systems by focusing on the development of systems for the
web, mobile devices and the cloud. To lay the foundation on which the rest of the module can follow, traditional
web-based programming languages such as HTML5, JavaScript, CSS and Python will be covered differentiating
between client-side and server-side computation. Persistence of web-based data will be included for both client
and server-based computation. These technologies will be extended and applied to mobile platforms where the
availability of a connection, location-services and mobile device limitations play a role. For cloud platforms,
aspects relating to task partitioning, security, virtualisation, cloud storage and access to the shared data stores,
data synchronisation, partitioning and replication are considered. In order to practically demonstrate that a
student has reached these outcomes, students will be required to use, integrate and maintain the necessary
software and hardware by completing a number of smaller practical assignments where after integrating all
these technologies into a comprehensive and practical programming project is required.

Introduction to database systems 221 (COS 221)


Module credits 16.00
NQF Level 06
Prerequisites COS 110
Contact time 1 practical per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
This module will expose students to the evolution of databases systems. They will be able to model data
conceptually, in terms of models such as conceptual, relational, object oriented, graph-based and network and
the mapping between models, in particular between the conceptual and relational model. Foundational concepts
relating to the relational model will be considered, such as: entity and referential integrity, relational algebra and
calculus, functional dependency, normals forms, Indexing of database systems and transaction processing will
also form an integral part of the curriculum. The physical data representation of the databases system both in
memory and within the file system of the operating system will be considered.

Computer organisation and architecture 284 (COS 284)


Module credits 16.00
NQF Level 06

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Prerequisites COS 212 GS, admission to relevant programme
Contact time 4 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
This module provides the foundations on which other modules build by enabling a deeper understanding of how
software interacts with hardware. It will teach the design and operation of modern digital computers by studying
each of the components that make up a digital computer and the interaction between these components.
Specific areas of interest, but not limited to, are: representation of data on the machine-level; organisation of
the machine on the assembly level; the architecture and organisation of memory; inter- and intra-component
interfacing and communication; data paths and control; and parallelism. Topic-level detail and learning
outcomes for each of these areas are given by the first 6 units of ‘Architecture and Organisation’ knowledge
area as specified by the ACM/IEEE Computer Science Curriculum 2013.
The concepts presented in the theory lectures will be reinforced during the practical sessions by requiring design
and implementation of the concepts in simulators and assembly language using an open source operating
system.

Economics 214 (EKN 214)


Module credits 16.00
NQF Level 06
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
EKN 110 GS & EKN 120 OR EKN 113 GS & EKN 123; & STK 110 GS OR STK 113 &
STK 123 & STK 120/121 or concurrently registered for STK 120/121 OR WST 111
Prerequisites
& WST121 are prerequisites instead of STK 120/121 or WST 111 and concurrently
registered for WST 121.
Contact time 3 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Macroeconomics
From Wall and Bay Street to Diagonal Street: a thorough understanding of the mechanisms and theories
explaining the workings of the economy is essential. Macroeconomic insight is provided on the real market, the
money market, two market equilibrium, monetarism, growth theory, cyclical analysis, inflation, Keynesian
general equilibrium analysis and fiscal and monetary policy issues.

Economics 224 (EKN 224)


Module credits 16.00
NQF Level 06

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Faculty of Education
Service modules Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
[EKN 110 GS & EKN 120] OR [EKN 113 GS & EKN 123 & BME 120 GS or STK 110
Prerequisites GS or (STK 113 & STK 123 & STK 120/121) or STK120/121# OR WST 111 & WST
121 are prerequisites instead of STK 120/121 or WST 111 and WST 121#.
Contact time 3 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Microeconomics
Microeconomic insight is provided into: consumer and producer theory, general microeconomic equilibrium,
Pareto-optimality and optimality of the price mechanism, welfare economics, market forms and the production
structure of South Africa. Statistic and econometric analysis of microeconomic issues.

Economics 234 (EKN 234)


Module credits 16.00
NQF Level 06
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
EKN 110, EKN 120 and STK 120/121 and STC 122 or WST 121 OR concurrently
Prerequisites
registered for STK 120/121 or WST 121.
Contact time 3 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Macroeconomics
Application of the principles learned in EKN 214 on the world we live in. We look at international markets and
dynamic macroeconomic models, and familiarise the students with the current macroeconomic policy debates.
We also take a look at the latest macroeconomic research in the world. The course includes topics of the
mathematical and econometric analysis of macroeconomic issues.

Waves, thermodynamics and modern physics 255 (PHY 255)


Module credits 24.00
NQF Level 06
Service modules Faculty of Education
[PHY114 and PHY124] or [PHY171] or [PHY143 and PHY153 and PHY163] and
Prerequisites
[WTW211#] and [WTW218#]

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Contact time 1 practical per week, 4 lectures per week, 2 discussion classes per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Vibrating systems and waves
Simple harmonic motion (SHM). Superposition (different frequencies, equal frequencies). Perpendicular
vibrations (Lissajous figures). Damped SHM. Forced oscillations. Resonance. Q-value. Transverse wave motion.
Plane wave solution using method of separation of variables. Reflection and transmission at a boundary. Normal
and eigenmodes. Wave packets. Group velocity.
Modern physics
Special relativity: Galilean and Lorentz transformations. Postulates. Momentum and energy. 4 vectors and
tensors. General relativity. Quantum physics. Failure of classical physics. Bohr model. Particle-wave duality.
Schrödinger equation. Piece-wise constant potentials. Tunneling. X-rays. Laser. Nuclear physics: Fission. Fusion.
Radioactivity.
Heat and thermodynamics
Heat. First Law. Kinetic theory of gases. Mean free path. Ideal, Clausius, Van der Waals and virial gases. Entropy.
Second Law. Engines and refrigerators. Third Law. Thermodynamic potentials: Enthalpy Helmholtz and Gibbs
free energies, Chemical potential. Legendre transformations (Maxwell relations). Phase equilibrium. Gibbs phase
rule.
Modelling and simulation (practical sessions)
Introduction to programming in a high level system: Concept of an algorithm and the basic logic of a computer
programme. Symbolic manipulations, graphics, numerical computations. Applications: Selected illustrative
examples.
Error Analysis (practical sessions)
Experimental uncertainties. Propagation of uncertainties. Statistical analysis of random uncertainties. Normal
distribution. Rejection of data. Least-squares fitting. Covariance and correlation.

General physics 263 (PHY 263)


Module credits 24.00
NQF Level 06
Service modules Faculty of Education
Prerequisites PHY 255 GS and WTW 218 GS and WTW 220# and WTW 248#
Contact time 4 lectures per week, 2 discussion classes per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2

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Module content
Classical mechanics
Fundamental concepts, energy and angular momentum, calculus of variations and Lagrangian mechanics,
conservative central forces and two body problems, scattering, mechanics in rotating reference frames, many
body systems.
Physical Optics
Maxwell’s equations, wave equation and plane wave solution, coherence, interference, diffraction, polarisation.
Physics of Materials
Classification of materials. Atomic bonding. Crystallography. Defects. Material strength.
Phase diagram's, Ceramics. Polymers. Composites. Fracture. Electrical and magnetic properties.
Semiconductors. Smart materials Nanotechnology.
Experiments

Mathematical statistics 211 (WST 211)


Module credits 24.00
NQF Level 06
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites WST 111, WST 121, WTW 114 and WTW 124
Contact time 2 practicals per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Set theory. Probability measure functions. Random variables. Distribution functions. Probability mass functions.
Density functions. Expected values. Moments. Moment generating functions. Special probability distributions:
Bernoulli, binomial, hypergeometric, geometric, negative binomial, Poisson, Poisson process, discrete uniform,
uniform, gamma, exponential, Weibull, Pareto, normal. Joint distributions: Multinomial, extended
hypergeometric, joint continuous distributions. Marginal distributions. Independent random variables.
Conditional distributions. Covariance, correlation. Conditional expected values. Transformation of random
variables: Convolution formula. Order statistics. Stochastic convergence: Convergence in distribution. Central
limit theorem. Sources and types of data and characteristics of extremely large or complex data sets. Practical
applications. Practical statistical modelling and analysis using statistical computer packages and the
interpretation of the output.

Mathematical statistics 221 (WST 221)


Module credits 24.00
NQF Level 06
Service modules Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites WST 211
Contact time 4 lectures per week, 2 practicals per week

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Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Stochastic convergence: Asymptotic normal distributions, convergence in probability. Statistics and sampling
distributions: Chi-squared distribution. Distribution of the sample mean and sample variance for random samples
from a normal population. T-distribution. F-distribution. Beta distribution. Point estimation: Method of moments.
Maximum likelihood estimation. Unbiased estimators. Uniform minimum variance unbiased estimators. Cramer-
Rao inequality. Efficiency. Consistency. Asymptotic relative efficiency.
Bayes estimators. Sufficient statistics. Completeness. The exponential class. Confidence intervals. Test of
statistical hypotheses. Reliability and survival distributions. Aims of data analysis (descriptive, inferential and
predictive). Stages of conducting a data analysis. Reproducible research. Practical applications. Practical
statistical modelling and analysis using statistical computer packages and the interpretation of the output.

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Curriculum: Final year
Minimum credits: 144

Core = 72
Elective = 72
Additional information:
● Students may choose modules from Physics, Chemistry, Economics, Mathematical Statistics, Applied
Mathematics, Financial Mathematics and Computer Science. Students must consult the relevant yearbook
entries for admission requirements for the different honours degrees listed below.
● Students who wish to pursue an honours degree in Physics should take PHY 356 & PHY 364.
● Students who wish to pursue an honours degree in Chemistry should take CMY 382, CMY 383, CMY 384
& CMY 385.
● Students who wish to pursue an honours degree in Economics should take EKN 310, EKN 320, EKN 325
& WTW 383.
● Students who wish to pursue an honours degree in Mathematical Statistics should take WST 311, WST
312, WST 321, WST 322 & STK 353.
● Students who wish to pursue an honours degree in Applied Mathematics should take WTW 382, WTW
386, WTW 383 & WTW 387.
● Students who wish to pursue an honours degree in Financial Engineering should take WTW 354 &
WTW 364, and two modules from WST 311, WST 312, WST 321 & WST 322.
● Students who wish to pursue an honours degree in Mathematics of Finance should take WTW 354 &
WTW 364, and two modules from WST 311, WST 312, WST 321, WST 322, WTW 383 & WTW 386.
● Students who wish to pursue an honours degree in Computer Science should take COS 301 and any
three of COS 314, COS 326, COS 330, COS 332, COS 333, COS 341 and COS 344.
● Students who want to take other electives must consult the Undergraduate Programme Coordinator in the
Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.

Core modules
Analysis 310 (WTW 310)
Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Faculty of Education
Service modules Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Faculty of Humanities
Prerequisites WTW 220
Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1

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Module content
Topology of finite dimensional spaces: Open and closed sets, compactness, connectedness and completeness.
Theorems of Bolzano-Weierstrass and Heine-Borel. Properties of continuous functions and applications.
Integration theory for functions of one real variable. Sequences of functions.

Complex analysis 320 (WTW 320)


Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Service modules Faculty of Education
Prerequisites WTW 218 and WTW 220
Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Series of functions, power series and Taylor series. Complex functions, Cauchy- Riemann equations, Cauchy's
theorem and integral formulas. Laurent series, residue theorem and calculation of real integrals using residues.

Algebra 381 (WTW 381)


Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Faculty of Humanities
Prerequisites WTW 114 and WTW 211
Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Group theory: Definition, examples, elementary properties, subgroups, permutation groups, isomorphism, order,
cyclic groups, homomorphisms, factor groups. Ring theory: Definition, examples, elementary properties, ideals,
homomorphisms, factor rings, polynomial rings, factorisation of polynomials. Field extensions, applications to
straight-edge and compass constructions.

Geometry 389 (WTW 389)


Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07

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Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Education
Faculty of Humanities
Prerequisites WTW 211
Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Axiomatic development of neutral, Euclidean and hyperbolic geometry. Using models of geometries to show that
the parallel postulate is independent of the other postulates of Euclid.

Elective modules
Physical chemistry 382 (CMY 382)
Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Service modules Faculty of Education
Prerequisites CMY 282, CMY 283, CMY 284 and CMY 285
2 practicals every other week, 2 lectures per week, 1 discussion classes every
Contact time
other week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Theory: Molecular quantum mechanics. Introduction: Shortcomings of classical physics, dynamics of microscopic
systems, quantum mechanical principles, translational, vibrational and rotational movement. Atomic structure
and spectra: Atomic hydrogen, multiple electron systems, spectra of complex atoms, molecular structure, the
hydrogen molecule ion, diatomic and polyatomic molecules, structure and properties of molecules. Molecules in
motion: Viscosity, diffusion, mobility. Surface chemistry: Physisorption and chemisorption, adsorption isotherms,
surface tension, heterogeneous catalytic rate reactions, capillarity.

Analytical chemistry 383 (CMY 383)


Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Service modules Faculty of Education
Prerequisites CMY 282, CMY 283, CMY 284 and CMY 285
Contact time 2 practicals every other week, 1 tutorial every other week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2

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Module content
Separation methods: Extraction, multiple extraction, chromatographic systems. Spectroscopy: Construction of
instruments, atomic absorption and atomic emission spectrometry, surface analysis techniques. Mass
spectrometry. These techniques are discussed in terms of their use in environmental analysis and the value they
contribute to meeting the UN sustainable development goals (#3,6 & 11). Instrumental electrochemistry. The
relevance of electrochemistry to providing affordable and clean energy (UN SDG#7) is addressed.

Organic chemistry 384 (CMY 384)


Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Service modules Faculty of Education
Prerequisites CMY 282, CMY 283, CMY 284 and CMY 285
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 2 practicals every other week, 1 tutorial every other week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Theory: NMR spectroscopy: applications. Aromatic chemistry, Synthetic methodology in organic chemistry.
Carbon-carbon bond formation: alkylation at nucleophilic carbon sites, aldol and related condensations, Wittig
and related reactions, acylation of carbanions (Claisen condensation). Practical: Laboratory sessions are
designed to develop the rational thinking behind the design of organic chemistry experiments. An industrial
project specifically prepares students for work in SA industry context and honours projects. As part of this
practical programme the UN sustainable development goals must be considered in evaluating the best industrial
process.

Inorganic chemistry 385 (CMY 385)


Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Service modules Faculty of Education
Prerequisites CMY 282, CMY 283, CMY 284 and CMY 285
Contact time 1 tutorial every other week, 2 practicals every other week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Theory: Structure and bonding in inorganic chemistry. Molecular orbital approach, diatomic and polyatomic
molecules, three-centre bonds, metal-metal bonds, transition metal complexes, magnetic properties, electronic
spectra, acid-base concepts, non-aqueous solvents, special topics.

Software engineering 301 (COS 301)


Module credits 27.00

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NQF Level 07
Prerequisites COS 212 and COS 214
Contact time 1 practical per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Year
Module content
The module exposes students to problems associated with software development on an industrial scale. Overall
goals of the module are: to become familiar with the latest trends in software engineering; to understand the
software engineering process and to appreciate its complexity; to be exposed to a variety of methodologies for
tackling different stages of the software lifecycle; to understand and apply the concepts of systems
administration and maintenance; to complete the development of a fairly large object orientation-based
software product. The focus of the module is on a project that lasts the whole year. The project is completed in
groups of approximately four (4) students and teaches students to take responsibility for a variety of roles within
a group, and to understand the different requirements for these; to experience the advantages and problems of
working in a group; professionalism with regards to particularly colleagues and clients.
After the successful completion of this module, the student will be able to: understand the psychology of a
client; work in groups; and have an appreciation for planning, designing, implementing and maintaining large
projects. These qualities should place the students in a position in which they are able to handle software
development in the corporate environment.

Artificial intelligence 314 (COS 314)


Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Prerequisites COS 110, admission to relevant programme
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
The main objective of this module is to introduce a selection of topics from artificial intelligence (AI), and to
provide the student with the background to implement AI techniques for solving complex problems.
This module will cover topics from classical AI, as well as more recent AI paradigms. These topics include: search
methods, game playing, knowledge representation and reasoning, machine learning, neural networks, genetic
algorithms, artificial life, planning methods, and intelligent agents. In the practical part of this module, students
will get experience in implementing
(1) game trees and evolving game-playing agents;
(2) a neural network and applying it to solve a real-world problem; and
(3) a genetic algorithm and applying it to solve a real-world problem.

Database systems 326 (COS 326)


Module credits 18.00

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NQF Level 07
Prerequisites COS 221, admission to relevant programme
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
This module builds on a prior introductory module on database technology and provides more advanced
theoretical and practical study material for managing large volumes of data, for example, noSQL database
systems and MapReduce. The module will consider file system models, for example Hadoop, relevant for big
data storage, manipulation at scale, mining and visualisation. Basic knowledge of parallel decomposition
concepts will be included.

Computer security and ethics 330 (COS 330)


Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Prerequisites COS 110, admission to relevant programme
Contact time 1 practical per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
This module develops an appreciation of the fundamentals and design principles for information assurance and
security. Students will develop a clear understanding of the basic information security services and mechanisms,
enabling them to design and evaluate the integration of solutions into the user application environment.
Emphasis will be placed on services such as authorisation and confidentiality. Students will acquire knowledge
and skills of Security Models such as the Bell-LaPadula, Harrison-Ruzzo Ullman and Chinese Wall Model. Students
will develop a detailed understanding of the confidentiality service by focusing on cryptology and the practical
implementation thereof. The student will be introduced to professional and philosophical ethics. At the end of
the module students will be able to engage in a debate regarding the impact (local and global) of computers on
individuals, organisations and society. The professionalism of IT staff will be discussed against national and
international codes of practices such as those of the CSSA, ACM and IEEE.

Computer networks 332 (COS 332)


Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Prerequisites COS 216, admission to relevant programme
Contact time 1 practical per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1

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Module content
The objective of this module is to acquaint the student with the terminology of communication systems and to
establish a thorough understanding of exactly how data is transferred in such communication networks, as well
as applications that can be found in such environments. The study material includes: concepts and terminology,
the hierarchy of protocols according to the OSI and TCP/IP models, protocols on the data level, physical level and
network level as well as higher level protocols. The practical component of the module involves programming
TCP/IP sockets using a high level language. The emphasis throughout is on the technical aspects underlying the
operation of networks, rather than the application of networks.

Programming languages 333 (COS 333)


Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Prerequisites COS 110, admission to relevant programme
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Programming languages are the backbone for software development. Each language has its own different
syntax and semantics, but there are many common concepts that can be studied and then illustrated through
the languages. The module concentrates on issues of object orientation, including delegation, iteration and
polymorphism. It surveys how languages provide the basic building blocks for data and control, as well as
exception handling and concurrency. At the end of the module, students will be able to appreciate the rich
history behind programming languages, leading to independent principles that evolve over time. They will be
skilled at using a variety of programming languages, including new paradigms such as functional, logical and
scripting, and will know how to learn a new language with ease. From this experience, they will be able to apply
evaluation criteria for choosing an appropriate programming language in a given scenario.

Compiler construction 341 (COS 341)


Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Prerequisites COS 210 and COS 212, admission to relevant programme
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2

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Module content
This module will introduce the student to the fundamentals of compiler construction. These include: the
structural difference between a high-level and a von-Neumann language, the meaning of syntax and semantics
and what semantics-preserving correctness means; the concepts of regular expressions, finite automata,
context-free grammars in the context of programming languages; the need to construct parse-trees for given
programmes; the application of data structures and algorithms for the purpose of code-analysis, code-
optimisation and register-allocation; and the limits of code-analysis in terms of undecideability and the halting
problem.
After successful completion of the module, the student will have an understanding of the importance of
compilers and will understand how to implement a compiler, in terms of its components, the scanner, parser,
type checker and code-generator for a given grammar.

Computer graphics 344 (COS 344)


Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Prerequisites COS 110 and WTW 124 or WTW 146, admission to relevant programme
Contact time 1 practical per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
The aim of this module is to acquire a sound knowledge of the basic theory of interactive computer graphics and
basic computer graphics programming techniques. The theory will cover graphics systems and models, graphics
programming, input and interaction, geometric objects and transformations, viewing in 3D, shading, rendering
techniques, and introduce advanced concepts, such as object-oriented computer graphics and discrete
techniques. The module includes a practical component that enables students to apply and test their knowledge
in computer graphics. The OpenGL graphics library and the C programming language will be used for this
purpose.

Economics 310 (EKN 310)


Module credits 20.00
NQF Level 07
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites Any two of EKN 214; EKN 234; EKN 224 or EKN 244.
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 discussion class per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1

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Module content
Public finance
Role of government in the economy. Welfare economics and theory of optimality. Ways of correcting market
failures. Government expenditure theories, models and programmes. Government revenue. Models on taxation,
effects of taxation on the economy. Assessment of taxation from an optimality and efficiency point of view.
South African perspective on public finance.

Economics 320 (EKN 320)


Module credits 20.00
NQF Level 07
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites Any two of EKN 214; EKN 234; EKN 224 or EKN 244.
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 discussion class per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Economic analyses
Identification, collection and interpretation process of relevant economic data; the national accounts (i.e. income
and production accounts, the national financial account, the balance of payments and input-output tables);
economic growth; inflation; employment, unemployment, wages, productivity and income distribution; business
cycles; financial indicators; fiscal indicators; social indicators; international comparisons; relationships between
economic time series - regression analysis; long-term future studies and scenario analysis; overall assessment of
the South African economy from 1994 onwards.

Economics 325 (EKN 325)


Module credits 20.00
NQF Level 07
Faculty of Humanities
Service modules
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites Any two of EKN 214; EKN 234; EKN 224 or EKN 244.
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 discussion class per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2

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Module content
Economic policy and development: Capita select
The course provides an introduction to growth economics and also to some topics on development economics.
Firstly, historical evidence is covered and then the canonical Solow growth model and some of its empirical
applications (human capital and convergence). Secondly, the new growth theory (the AK and the Romer models
of endogenous growth) are covered. Some of the development topics to be covered include technology transfer,
social infrastructure and natural resources.

Electronics, electromagnetism and quantum mechanics 356 (PHY 356)


Module credits 36.00
NQF Level 07
Service modules Faculty of Education
PHY 255 GS and PHY 263 GS and WTW 211 GS and WTW 218 GS and WTW 248
Prerequisites
GS
Contact time 4 lectures per week, 2 discussion classes per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Electronics
Thévenin and Norton equivalent circuits, superposition principle, RC, LC and LRC circuits. Semiconductor diode.
Bipolar transistor. Operational amplifiers. Computer controlled instrumentation.
Electromagnetism
Electrostatics: Coulomb’s law, divergence and curl of E, Gauss’ law, Laplace’s equation, image charge problems,
multipole expansion.
Magnetostatics: Lorenz force, Biot-Savart law, divergence and curl of magnetic field strength, Ampère’s law,
magnetic vector potential, multipole expansion, boundary conditions.
Electrodynamics: Electromotive force, electromagnetic induction, Maxwell’s equations, wave equation.
Electric and magnetic fields in matter: Polarisation, electric displacement and Gauss’s law in dielectrics, linear
dielectrics. Magnetisation (diamagnets, paramagnets, ferromagnets), auxiliary field H and Ampère’s law in
magnetised materials, linear and nonlinear media.
Quantum mechanics
The Schrödinger equation, the statistical interpretation of the wave function, momentum, the uncertainty
principle, the time-independent Schrödinger equation, stationary states, the infinite square well potential, the
harmonic oscillator, the free particle, the Delta-Function potential, the finite square well potential, Hilbert
spaces, observables, eigen functions of a Hermitian operator, Dirac notation, the Schrödinger equation in
spherical coordinates, the hydrogen atom, angular momentum spin.

Statistical mechanics, solid state physics and modelling 364 (PHY 364)
Module credits 36.00
NQF Level 07
Service modules Faculty of Education

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Prerequisites PHY 356 and WTW 211 and WTW 218 and WTW 248 GS
Contact time 2 discussion classes per week, 2 practicals per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Statistical mechanics
Isolated systems in thermodynamical equilibrium. Systems in equilibrium with a heat bath: the canonical
ensemble, Gibbs' entropic formula, classical statistical mechanics, energy equipartition theorem,
thermodynamic potentials, paramagnetism.
The classical limit of perfect gases: non-distinguishable character of quantum particles, the equation of state of
the classical ideal gas. Quantum perfect gases: Black body radiation, the grand canonical ensemble, Fermi-Dirac
distribution, the free electron gas in metals, the Bose-Einstein distribution, Bose-Einstein condensation.
Solid state physics
Crystal structures, the reciprocal lattice, x-ray diffraction, lattice vibration, the Debye model, characteristics of
solids, the free electron model, Pauli paramagnetism, electronic heat capacity, the relaxation time, electrical
conduction, the classical Hall effect, thermal conduction in metals, failures of the free electron model, the
independent electron model, band theory of solids.
Computational Physics and modelling. Assessment will be done through a portfolio of project reports. The topics
for the projects will be selected from various sub-disciplines of Physics.

The science of data analytics 353 (STK 353)


Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Service modules Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites WST 212
Contact time 1 practical per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Introduction to coding: data types, basic arithmetic, logical comparisons, functions, loops, conditional
statements, packages. Data exploration and visualisation. Visualisation best practices. Data wrangling: data
cleaning, missing values, duplicate data, outliers. Data transformation. Principal component analysis. Statistical
coding. Algorithmic thinking. Sampling: basic techniques in probability, non-probability, and resampling
methods, Monte Carlo, probability integral transformation, bootstrap method, acceptance/rejection algorithm.
Machine learning: train/test split, performance metrics, classification and clustering, performance metrics, cross-
validation. Supervised and unsupervised learning: linear regression, decision tree, random forest, naïve Bayes,
K-nearest neighbour, hierarchical clustering. Interpretation and communication of results. Text mining and
analytics: topic modelling and word embeddings. Statistical concepts are demonstrated and interpreted through
practical coding and simulation within a data science framework.

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Multivariate analysis 311 (WST 311)
Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Service modules
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites WST 211, WST 221, WTW 211 GS and WTW 218 GS
Contact time 1 practical per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Multivariate statistical distributions: Moments of a distribution, moment generating functions, independence.
Multivariate normal distribution: Conditional distributions, partial and multiple correlations. Distribution of
quadratic forms in normal variables. Multivariate normal samples: Estimation of the mean vector and covariance
matrix, estimation of correlation coefficients, distribution of the sample mean, sample covariance matrix.
Principal component [Link] linear model: Models of full rank, least squares estimators, test of
[Link] generalised linear model: Exponential family mean and variance, link functions, and deviance.
Poisson and Logistic regression. Cross-validation for model checking and hyperparameter selection. Model
regularisation. Reproducible research. Metrics for model performance. Practical applications: Practical statistical
modelling and analysis using statistical computer packages and interpretation of the output.

Stochastic processes 312 (WST 312)


Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Service modules
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites WST 211, WST 221, WTW 211 GS and WTW 218 GS
Contact time 1 practical per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Definition of a stochastic process. Stationarity. Covariance stationary. Markov property. Random walk. Brownian
motion. Markov chains. Chapman-Kolmogorov equations. Recurrent and transient states. First passage time.
Occupation times. Markov jump processes. Poisson process. Birth and death processes. Structures of processes.
Structure of the time-homogeneous Markov jump process. Applications in insurance. Practical statistical
modelling, analysis and simulation using statistical computer packages and the interpretation of the output.

Time-series analysis 321 (WST 321)


Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07

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Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Service modules
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites WST 211, WST 221 or STK 210, STK 210
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Note: Only one of the modules WST 321 or STK 320 may be included in any study programme.
Stationary and non-stationary univariate time-series. Properties of autoregressive moving average (ARMA) and
autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) processes. Identification, estimation and diagnostic testing
of a time-series model. Forecasting. Multivariate time-series. Practical statistical modelling and analysis using
statistical computer packages, including that of social responsibility phenomena.

Actuarial statistics 322 (WST 322)


Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Service modules
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites WST 211, WST 221, WTW 211 GS and WTW 218 GS
Contact time 1 practical per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Bayes estimation. Loss distributions. Reinsurance. Risk models. Ruin theory. Credibility theory. Extreme value
theory. Copulas. Practical statistical modelling and analysis using statistical computer packages.

Financial engineering 354 (WTW 354)


Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Prerequisites WST 211, WTW 211 and WTW 218
Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1

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Module content
Mean variance portfolio theory. Market equilibrium models such as the capital asset pricing model. Factor
models and arbitrage pricing theory. Measures of investment risk. Efficient market hypothesis. Stochastic
models of security prices

Financial engineering 364 (WTW 364)


Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Service modules Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Prerequisites WST 211, WTW 124, WTW 218 and WTW 286/264
Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Discrete time financial models: Arbitrage and hedging; the binomial model. Continuous time financial models:
The Black-Scholes formula; pricing of options and the other derivatives; interest rate models; numerical
procedures.

Dynamical systems 382 (WTW 382)


Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Education
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Prerequisites WTW 218 and WTW 286/264
Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Matrix exponential function: homogeneous and non-homogeneous linear systems of differential equations.
Qualitative analysis of systems: phase portraits, stability, linearisation, energy method and Liapunov's method.
Introduction to chaotic systems. Application to real life problems.

Numerical analysis 383 (WTW 383)


Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07

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Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Faculty of Humanities
Prerequisites WTW 114, WTW 123 WTW 124 and WTW 211
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Direct methods for the numerical solution of systems of linear equations, pivoting strategies. Iterative methods
for solving systems of linear equations and eigenvalue problems. Iterative methods for solving systems of
nonlinear equations. Introduction to optimization. Algorithms for the considered numerical methods are derived
and implemented in computer programmes. Complexity of computation is investigated. Error estimates and
convergence results are proved.

Partial differential equations 386 (WTW 386)


Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules
Faculty of Education
Prerequisites WTW 248 and WTW 286/264
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 tutorial per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Conservation laws and modelling. Fourier analysis. Heat equation, wave equation and Laplace's equation.
Solution methods including Fourier series. Energy and other qualitative methods.

Continuum mechanics 387 (WTW 387)


Module credits 18.00
NQF Level 07
Prerequisites WTW 248 and WTW 286/264
Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Kinematics of a continuum: Configurations, spatial and material description of motion. Conservation laws.
Analysis of stress, strain and rate of deformation. Linear constitutive equations. Applications: Vibration of beams,
equilibrium problems in elasticity and special cases of fluid motion.

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General Academic Regulations and Student Rules
The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and
registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at
the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that
they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the
relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant
yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or
basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations. The G Regulations are updated annually and
may be amended after the publication of this information.

Regulations, degree requirements and information


The faculty regulations, information on and requirements for the degrees published here are subject to change
and may be amended after the publication of this information.

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project


The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-
Framework (HEQSF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are
legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher
Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications
Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications
and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP
qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to
contact their faculties if they have any questions.

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Common questions

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The 'Mathematical modelling 152' module integrates real-life applications by introducing difference equations and linear programming as tools for modeling dynamical processes. These methods are applied to practical examples from fields like finance, where they model investment growth and predict market trends, and ecology, for understanding population dynamics. This practical application of mathematical models helps students connect abstract mathematical concepts to tangible problems, enhancing analytical capabilities across disciplines .

The 'Software modelling 214' module employs a model-driven analysis and design approach, which involves decomposing complex systems into known entities such as design patterns, classes, relationships, and execution loops. This approach allows students to model the semantic aspects of a system in terms of its structure and behavior, enabling them to conceptualize and analyze complex software systems effectively. The use of appropriate tools for software modeling and highlighting the role of the software model in an enterprise further aids in understanding and abstraction .

The 'Data structures and algorithms 212' module plays a crucial role in building software development proficiency by exposing students to advanced data structures, like trees, hash tables, heaps, and graphs, alongside the algorithms for their manipulation. The course emphasizes efficient algorithm implementation and the comparative analysis of classical algorithms for tasks such as sorting and searching. By deepening students' understanding of data abstraction and efficiency measurement, the module enhances their ability to design and implement optimized software solutions .

The 'Introduction to database systems 221' module establishes foundational knowledge by introducing students to various database models, including conceptual, relational, object-oriented, and others. Key concepts such as entity and referential integrity ensure data consistency and the proper representation of relationships between data entities in databases. Understanding these concepts is vital for designing robust databases and effectively transitioning between different data models .

In the 'Information assurance and security' module, cryptology plays a central role in exploring confidentiality services. Students delve into cryptographic techniques that protect data by ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential. This involves understanding various encryption methods and their practical implementations to secure communication channels. The exposure to cryptology enhances students' comprehension of confidentiality services, equipping them to design secure systems and assess their integration into user application environments .

The key objectives of the 'Time-series analysis 321' module include understanding stationary and non-stationary univariate time-series, the properties of ARMA and ARIMA processes, and conducting identification, estimation, and diagnostic testing of time-series models. Additionally, the module focuses on forecasting and multivariate time-series. These objectives apply to practical statistical modeling through the use of statistical computer packages to analyze real-world social responsibility phenomena .

The 'Actuarial statistics 322' module integrates theories such as credibility and extreme value theory to equip students for practical statistical modeling. Credibility theory is used for adjusting forecasts based on historical data reliability, while extreme value theory helps model rare events' impact, like financial crises. Through practical exercises and statistical software use, students learn to apply these theories in analyzing risk and forecasting in actuarial contexts .

The 'Dynamical processes 162' module teaches methods for modeling and solving first-order differential equations through analytical techniques. Students learn to apply these methods to real-life scenarios, analyzing solution properties and using graphs for interpretation. This practical application is crucial in various fields, such as engineering and economics, where differential equations model dynamical systems, helping to predict behaviors and outcomes .

Learning about the OSI and TCP/IP models in the 'Computer networks 332' module significantly enhances a student's understanding of network communication. These models provide a structured framework for understanding the layers of data transfer and communication protocols in networks. By focusing on the technical aspects of network operation, students gain insights into how data is systematically transferred and how each protocol layer contributes to this process, fostering a comprehensive comprehension of network communications .

The 'Numerical analysis 123' module integrates computational techniques by deriving and implementing algorithms for non-linear equations, numerical integration, initial value problems for differential equations, and systems of linear equations. The importance of error estimation in this context lies in understanding the convergence of numerical solutions and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of computational results. Estimating errors allows practitioners to refine algorithms and improve solution precision .

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