Department of Mathematical Sciences and Computing
Programmes

The Department of Mathematical Sciences and Computing (MSC) at the Walter Sisulu's Mthatha Campus offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in mathematics, statistics, and computer science. The undergraduate programs include four streams: Applied Mathematics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics. These programs are available as three-year mainstream or four-year extended curriculum programs. Both lead to the same qualifications, and the job opportunities are the same.

The department currently offers postgraduate studies in BSc Hons in Computer Science, BSc Hons in Mathematics, and MSc in Mathematics, PhD in Natural Science with plans to revive BSc Hons in Statistics, MSc in Statistics and MSc in Computer Science.

MSC has partnerships with leading organizations such as IBM, and offers research and teaching opportunities, fellowships, and internships. The department also offers service courses in computer literacy, applied statistics, biostatistics, and mathematics. In terms of research, the department focuses on a variety of topics including pure mathematics, computer science, applied mathematics, and statistics.

We look forward to having you join us in the Department of Mathematical Sciences and Computing. Here’s to a journey of discovery, learning, and achievement!

QUALIFICATION CODE: W64009

QUALIFICATION NAME: Bachelor of Science in Applied Statistical Science


PROGRAMME OVERVIEW:

The programme offers statistical expertise in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics, focusing on practical applications for addressing technical challenges in the industry. It also offers advanced training in multiple areas of specialisation that require a solid grounding in Statistical Sciences. To have graduates with skills that will enable then to compete for good jobs in the job market.


MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a bachelor's endorsement and a minimum achievement of Level 4 in the subjects listed below:
• English
• Mathematics
• Physical Science

Admission Point Score of 12 for these subjects.


TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGY

A teaching and learning approach that integrates technology and focuses on students, accommodating their diverse backgrounds. These will incorporate a variety of teaching and learning methods that cater to different skills, knowledge, and abilities.

Teaching is structured in modules that usually includes lectures and tutorials. Every lecture-centered module includes a series of tutorials and, when suitable, practical sessions to aid students in understanding essential concepts and their application. Projects, exams, and assessments are provided to assist students in enhancing their understanding. Typically, these assignments are assessed and returned to the students within a week, accompanied by individualised feedback.

Learning Components:

• Lectures (face-to-face, limited interaction, or technologically mediated): 40%
• Tutorials: individual groups of 30 or less: 20%
• Practical workplace experience (experiential learning/work-based learning etc.): 0%
• Independent self-study of standard texts and references (study guides, books, journal articles): 20%
• Independent self-study of specially prepared materials (case studies, multi-media, etc.): 20%


ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

The comprehensive evaluation approach during the curriculum and materials creation phase of module development encompasses the criteria for module assessment, along with the formative and summative evaluations and the moderation that will take place in every module (WSU Assessment Policy, 2022).

Formative assessment:

Measures students’ progress during the learning process to provide ongoing and incremental feedback. It includes a range of formal and informal assessments typically to monitor the progress being made towards achieving learning outcomes and obtaining a year/semester mark or predicate, i.e., admission to the summative assessment (WSU Assessment Policy, 2022).

Summative assessment:

Takes place after the learning has been completed at the semester and provides information and feedback that sums up the teaching and learning process. The intention behind summative assessment is to validate performance and award marks and results (WSU Assessment Policy, 2022).

A student must attain a minimum semester mark of 40% in a course to be allowed to write examinations. Weighting shall be in the ratio of 60% formative assessment to 40% summative assessment. The overall aggregate pass mark shall be 50%. A student who obtains an overall mark of 40–48% and obtains a minimum mark of 40% in the final examination qualifies for a supplementary examination.


PROGRESSION RULES

A student must pass all core and elective modules to proceed to the next study level.