Department of Computing Sciences

Module Guide 2025

WRFV/X101 Computing Fundamentals

Table of Contents
MODULE OVERVIEW.....................................................................................................1
MODULE OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................1
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES .............................................................................2
MODULE ACTIVITIES ....................................................................................................4
Lecture details: ...................................................................................................................... 5
WRFX101 Tutorial Sessions ................................................................................................... 5
Practical session details: ........................................................................................................ 5
Practical times: ....................................................................................................... 6
Practical assessment details: .................................................................................. 7
File Locations and Saving ....................................................................................................... 7
Community Involvement ....................................................................................................... 8
MODULE MATERIAL .....................................................................................................9
Additional material: ............................................................................................................... 9
Earphones .............................................................................................................................. 9
Laboratory Rules: ................................................................................................................... 9
ASSESSMENT..............................................................................................................10
Semester Tests..................................................................................................................... 10
Sick tests .............................................................................................................................. 10
Examination ......................................................................................................................... 10
Calculation of marks ............................................................................................................ 11
Supplementary Test............................................................................................................. 11
SCHEDULE ..................................................................................................................12
MODULE RESOURCE LOCATIONS ............................................................................12
Copies of previous papers and assignment memos ............................................................ 12
Email .................................................................................................................................... 12
WhatsApp ............................................................................................................................ 12
Notice Board ........................................................................................................................ 12
SUPPLEMENTARY INSTRUCTION .............................................................................13
IMPORTANT DEPARTMENTAL RULES AND UNIVERSITY POLICIES ......................13
Attendance Policy ................................................................................................................ 13
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism ...................................................................................... 13
Disciplinary .......................................................................................................................... 13
 WRFV101/WRFC101/WRFX101 Module guide

Module Overview
In this module you will learn the following:
Basic Computer Science theory
Using a word processing program
General report writing skills
Using a spreadsheet program
Understanding formulas and functions
Preparing effective electronic presentations
Using the Internet and e-mail
Practical problem analysis
The module has a credit value of 8. This is determined by the minimum time you need to spend on attaining the
credits:

Notional Hour Allocation

Type of Activity Hours
Lectures 12
Preparation (includes practical work and
weekly tests) 48
Tests (2 x 2 hour tests) 4
Test preparation 16
Total Notional Hours 80
Equivalent Credit Allocation 8
This module has a big practical component which is covered by providing a set of required practical tasks per week.
These practical tasks must be completed and submitted for marking before the specified deadline each week.
Note: You should spend 2–2½ hours per week of self-study in addition to the allocated lecture and practical
sessions.

Module Objectives
The primary aim of this module is for you to learn:
Basic Computer Science theory and practice which applies to Computing Fundamentals;
How to effectively use the computer as a tool in your work; and
Practical problem analysis.
Be prepared to:
Take a genuine interest in the course;
Work consistently and hard to complete the required work in the week that it is allocated;
Take corrective action when you find yourself in difficulties (see academic support); and
Participate in your classes! (Remember the only dumb questions are those you don’t ask.)
What you get out of the module will depend on you. The more time you spend using the computer meaningfully,
the more proficient you will become.

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Intended Learning Outcomes

After completion of this module, students should be able to:
Computer hardware and software components and concepts
1.1 Hardware Components; Peripheral Devices; Operating Systems; Application Systems; Basic Networking
• Name, identify and understand the purpose of the different hardware components of a computer system.
• Describe the functions of the different hardware components of a computer system.
• Name, identify and understand the purpose of the different peripheral devices used for: Storage, Input and
Output.
• Describe and compare the functions and capabilities of the different peripheral devices when connected to
a computer system (Storage, Input, Output).
• Understand the differences between computer systems (hardware), operating systems and application
systems.
• Identify and understand the standard operating system currently used by the majority of personal
computers in South Africa.
• Compare the different types of operating systems that can be used on personal computers.
• Explain the concepts and functions of selected application systems.
• Understand the basics of networking – e.g. using drive mapping, using programs on a network, using a
network printer.
• Recognise the hardware & software needed to connect to a communications network.
1.2 Security; Social Issues; Data Communications; Copyright
• Understand the security and social responsibilities involved in the use of computer technology.
• Recognise and understand the importance of using computers and the opportunities offered by their use in
business, industry, education and in the home in everyday life.
• Understand the concepts of data communications and its role in modern information systems in an
“Information Society”.
2. Application Software
Apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills to design, implement and evaluate the solution of basic problems
using specific application software packages.
2.1 Desktop Management
• Understand and Manage the Desktop.
• Identify the various elements of the Windows Desktop.
• Manipulating the various elements of the Desktop (e.g. date/time control, taskbar, start button, shortcuts).
2.2 File and Disk Management; Organisation of Storage Space:
• Manage the organisation of a storage medium through being able to create, find, copy, move, rename and
delete files and folders.
• Identify the different parts of a file specification.
• Determine if a file is an executable, data or source file.
• Use file extensions and wildcard characters to simplify file access.
• Examine a folder, determine the size of files and the date files were created/updated.
• Examine a folder, determine the number of files in that folder and the size of the folder.
• Understand the difference between logical and physical file storage.

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2.3 Word processing:

• Change the appearance of text: italics, bold, underline, change fonts, change line spacing, set text alignment.
• Bullet points to highlight comments.
• Use page-setup to define the margins, page orientation, etc.
• Create, open, save and print a document.
• Move or copy text within a document.
• Replace words with other words.
• Use a spell check and grammar program and make changes where necessary.
• Indent text.
• Import text from other documents.
• Insert graphics.
• Create simple tables.
• Use templates and styles to create professional documents.
• Using word processing and information processing skills to write an academic report.
• Use the on-line HELP function.
2.4 Spreadsheets
• Find, open, create, save or print a document.
• Enter labels, numbers and simple formulae.
• Insert rows and columns.
• Copy and move values and formulae.
• Understand and use relative, absolute and mixed references.
• Perform What If Analysis.
• Format cells, rows and columns – e.g. size, decimal points, currency, percentage, use AutoFormat.
• Sort the spreadsheet data.
• Use basic statistical functions – e.g. SUM, AVERAGE, MAX, MIN.
• Use basic mathematical functions – e.g. ROUND, INT, COUNT, COUNTA
• Use logical functions – e.g. IF, SUMIF, COUNTIF
• Produce different types of charts from spreadsheet figures to analyse the data and change the appearance
of charts.
• Design a solution to a problem using basic problem-solving techniques and a knowledge of the main areas
and sheets of a workbook.
2.5 E-mail and Web:
• Understand the uses and concepts of E-mail, including how it works, where it may be used.
• Understand what the Internet is and how to access information using the Internet.
• Practice good manners and etiquette when using E-mail and the Internet.
2.6 Presentations:
• Find, open, create, save or print a presentation.
• Demonstrate the use of slide shows.
• Recognise the properties of an effective presentation.

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 WRFV101/WRFC101/WRFX101 Module guide

Module Activities
All students registered for this module are required to be within the environs of
campus to be able to participate in all required on-campus activities.
If you cannot attend the scheduled compulsory weekly activities, you should either shuffle your other
subjects or cancel this module with your Faculty Officer. You cannot register for the module if you cannot
attend the required activities.

Semester tests are written on campus only, with no option for online testing.
This module is a semester in duration and includes lectures and practical sessions. Each week you are expected to
participate in the following scheduled module activities (see schedule available on the Funda Moodle page):
• Weekly Lecture. Attendance of ONE weekly lecture session is compulsory.
• Complete and submit all weekly Practical assignments that include practical files and weekly quiz
submissions. Attendance of ONE weekly practical session, as well as the completion and submission of all
practical assignments, is compulsory. WRFX101 Tutorial Sessions
• ONLY for BSc Extended students:
Time Venue
Wednesday 13:05 – 14:15 TBD
The lecturer is Mr Chuku Taole. Contact details are as follows:
 09 01 01A  [email protected]  041 504-4893
• Practical session details: section below. If you do not complete your work during your assigned practical
session, you will need to complete it on your own time, in the labs, or on your personal computer.
Each of these activities requires preparation and/or review which must be done in your own time.
WRFX101 students: As extended students, WRFX101 students are required to attend ONE weekly tutorial session
per week. The schedule for tutorial sessions is shown in the WRFX101 Tutorial Sessions section below. Note that
these tutorial sessions are ONLY for WRFX101 students – no other students may attend these sessions.
Public Holidays: If your selected lecture session coincides with a public or university holiday, you should make a
concerted effort to attend one of the duplicate lecture sessions for that week. If a public or university holiday
affects your scheduled practical session, it is your responsibility to complete the tasks of that practical session in
your OWN time BEFORE your next scheduled practical session. Check the lab timetables for slots allocated to
WRFV101 as Open Sessions, where you can work on your assignments.
A combination of emails, Funda Moodle, Assessment Moodle, SMark, and a network Submissions drive (S:) are used
for communication, weekly tasks, tests and submissions.
To access your S: Drive, you will need to either use the campus labs to upload your work or use a VPN connection
to access the university servers remotely. A guide for setting up and using a VPN connection is available on the
Funda Moodle page (Additional General Materials folder) and the COURSES folder (F:). Any technical issues
encountered when setting up or using the VPN should be reported to [email protected] (your lecturer
cannot assist with these issues).
While email will be used to send out important announcements and information and should be monitored daily, the
Funda Moodle page will remain the central point of communication and information – pay special attention to the
Weekly Info block. However, it must be noted that both the Funda Moodle and Assessment Moodle messaging
tools are NOT monitored and should not be used by students to communicate with lecturers. Students wishing
to communicate with lecturers must make use of email only.

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Lecture details
Lectures are available on South Campus as per the schedule below. You must attend ONE lecture each week, on-
campus.

Time Venue
Monday 18:15 – 19:25 123 007
Tuesday 07:45 – 08:55 123 007
Wednesday 10:25 – 11:35 123 007
Thursday 10:25 – 11:35 123 007
Several lecturers are responsible for teaching this module. The contact details and consultation times for the
lecturers are available on the module Funda Moodle page.
The Module Coordinator is Dr Ife Fashoro. Consult the coordinator on all general administrative issues. The
Weekly Marks administrator is Ms Lizz Franke. Contact details are as follows:
 09 01 01F  [email protected]  041 504-2091
 09 01 01D  [email protected]  041 504-4319
Lecture session times and venue details (George campus):

Time Venue
Wednesday 10:25 - 11:35 337 0004 &
337 0005

The George campus lecturer is Mrs Ramantswana. Contact details are as follows:
 Admin Bldg 0153  [email protected]  044 801-5584

WRFX101 Tutorial Sessions

ONLY for BSc Extended students:
Time Venue
Wednesday 13:05 – 14:15 TBD
The lecturer is Mr Chuku Taole. Contact details are as follows:
 09 01 01A  [email protected]  041 504-4893

Practical session details:

Each week students must complete a set of practical tasks. Practical task completion and submission are
compulsory and used to calculate your classwork mark for the module. The instructions for these tasks will be
published on Funda Moodle in a block for the relevant week and will include a Learning Guide and an Application
Guide, both of which must be completed for the week. As one of your weekly practical tasks, you will also be
expected to complete a Weekly Test in Funda Moodle.
All WRFV101, WRFC101 and WRFX101 students are expected to be on or near their registered campus (South or
George) to allow them to use the PCs in the computer labs on campus as needed and for writing assessments. On
the South and George campuses (depending on registered numbers), the use of the labs will require you to book
specific sessions. Clarity on the booking process is provided in Week 00 lectures – the slides can be found on the
Funda Moodle page (Lecture slides in Week 00 block) after the lectures.
To complete any unfinished practical tasks off campus, you need to have access to a computer with the following:
1. Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / 11
(Apple Mac computers are NOT acceptable as they do not run the software in the same way).
2. Office 2019 or Office 365 (NOTE: Office 365 is available to registered NMU students at no cost).
3. Strong, reliable internet connection (and sufficient data).

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You cannot complete the practical tasks by working with the Office applications on your mobile phone or using
the Office Online software.
Students who use an Apple Computer at home should also be aware that some of the features and applications
needed to complete the practical activities for this module do not function in the same way on an Apple
computer. These students must use the computers in the Dept CS labs to prepare for their assessments properly.
Completed tasks must be your own work. Refer to the section There are Supplementary Instruction sessions for this
module. Information is provided in lectures and in the Important Info block in Funda Moodle.
Important Departmental Rules and University Policies.
It should be noted:
• There are practical tasks that must be done EVERY week
• You need to do the tasks during your assigned practical session in the labs on campus during your scheduled
practical session. If you do not complete your work during your assigned practical session, you will need to
complete it on your own time, in the labs, or on your personal computer.
• You MUST BOOK a weekly on-campus practical session (this scheduling is done on the Funda Moodle page
(South Campus) and Lab 301 0054 (George campus) in the first week of term) and do your work in our labs
during your selected session, where there will be a student assistant and/or a lecturer to assist.
• You can attend the Assisted sessions in various labs (normally labs 1, 2 and 3 per the lab timetable) each
Monday between 14:25 and 18:15 during term (no booking required) to get help from our senior students
assisting there.
Practical times:
Summerstrand South Campus (2nd Floor, Embizweni Building, 09-02, labs 1 - 5)
WRFC101 / WRFX101 / WRFV101 (Semester 1)
There are various weekly practical sessions on campus per the schedule below, where a lecturer and/or student
assistant will be available to offer guidance and answer questions relating to the tasks for that week. If a session
does not have enough students, it might be cancelled, and those students will then be accommodated in another
session.
Venues for sessions will be confirmed once the Practical Session Selection task (on Moodle) has been finalised.
Practical Sessions Practical Sessions
Tuesday 07:45 – 08:55 Wednesday 14:25 – 15:35
Tuesday 09:05 – 10:15 Wednesday 15:45 – 16: 55
Tuesday 10:25 – 11:35 Wednesday 18:15 – 19:25
Tuesday 11:45 – 12:55 Thursday 07:45 – 08:55
Tuesday 13:05 – 14:15 Thursday 09:05 – 10:15
Tuesday 14:25 – 15:35 Thursday 10:25 – 11:35
Wednesday 07:45 – 08:55 Thursday 11:45 – 12:55
Wednesday 09:05 – 10:15 Thursday 13:05 – 14:15
Wednesday 10:25 – 11:35 Thursday 14:25 – 15:35
Wednesday 13:05 – 14:15
If you did not finish all your practical tasks at the end of your session, you should complete the tasks in your own
time, before the due date and time. Tasks can be completed from home or in the labs.
There are Assisted and non-assisted Open sessions on the Lab timetable (as posted at the Lab entrances). No other
modules are scheduled for these sessions, and you may go into any of these sessions if there is space available on
a first-come, first-served basis. A senior student is available for assistance during the assisted sessions. Session

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times for South Campus are listed below. Note that you do not have to attend the full session and can leave once
your work is complete:
Assisted Hot-Spot Venue Unassisted Lab Sessions Venue
Sessions
Monday 14:25 – 18:15 Labs 1, 2 & 3 Various “Open” sessions are available in the CS Labs in Embizweni
on different days at different times. Consult the timetable on the
lab doors.

George Campus
WRFV101 (Labs 301 0126 / 301 0054)

Practical Sessions Venue

Monday 07:45 – 08:55 301 0126
Friday 09:05 – 10:15 301 0126 / 301 0054
Friday 10:25 – 11:35 301 0126 / 301 0054
All practical tasks must be submitted before the due date and time (irrespective of load-shedding and technical
issues).
Attendance of practical sessions, practical task completion and submission ARE compulsory.
Practical assessment details:
Learning and Application tasks must be submitted, prior to the weekly deadline, on the network Submissions Drive
(S:), in Funda Moodle and/or the SMark system – as specified in the instructions in the relevant weekly Learning
and Application Guides. Completion of weekly tasks is compulsory.
Submitted tasks will be marked, and these marks will count towards your class work mark, which forms part of the
final module mark.
Should you need support in completing your practical tasks, lecturers and student assistants will be available during
assisted and scheduled practical sessions. Lecturers will be available during consultation hours in their offices or via
email. Lecturer Consultation times can be found in the Lecturers block of the Funda Moodle page. The university
also offers Supplemental Instruction (SI) sessions for this module.
You are given multiple attempts to submit weekly practical tasks to facilitate your learning and improve your weekly
mark. We encourage you to use these attempts to ensure a thorough understanding of the features and concepts
covered in any given week, to improve your class work mark and to prepare you for the semester tests adequately
– you should aim to develop enough knowledge to get >=70% per task.
It is YOUR responsibility to ensure that your work is submitted in your network Submissions Drive (S:), on Funda
Moodle and/or SMark (per the instructions in the weekly Guides), using the CORRECT file names, usually BEFORE
the specified closing date and time.

File Locations and Saving

Each module has its own spot in a common location, which can be shared by all students, no matter where you are
working in a laboratory. This common location is referred to as the COURSES folder, and files not made available
via Moodle or SMark can be found here (per the instructions in the relevant weekly guides). You cannot save to
this location. For WRFC/X/V101 the location of this folder in the Computing Sciences labs is:
F:\WRFV101
Each student has two permanent storage folders on the network. The first is your OneDrive folder, which you can
use to store your private documents and documents for modules other than WRFC/X/V101. Please be aware that

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this is a CLOUD storage space supplied by Microsoft and is not part of the Mandela University ICT server system.
As cloud-based storage, uploading and downloading of documents here will require an internet connection and
incur data costs. You can use this drive to back up important files – submission documents, assignments, etc.- but
it should NEVER be used to open/save or upload files to another storage space (e.g., Moodle / SMark). A basic
guide to using OneDrive can be found here: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-get-started-onedrive-
windows-10 and you need to use your NMU student email details to sign in to OneDrive. Standard practice at
NMU is to map the OneDrive to the O: drive letter, so make sure you select this file path when requested in the
mapping process on your PC. This folder will show in the university labs as:
(O:)
The second folder is your network Submissions Drive (S:), where you need to always save all your WRFC/X/V101
work. You should also back up (make a copy of) this folder on a weekly basis to a removable drive or your OneDrive
cloud storage space to minimize the chances of losing your work. The location (or path) of this folder is:
S:\s<student number>
You must keep your Submissions Drive folder structure tidy by creating sub-folders and saving your documents
within the appropriate folder, as instructed in your Weekly Instructions. You have limited space available on your
S: Drive, and it should ONLY be used to save the required work for your modules in the Department of Computing
Sciences.
During a practical test or examination, you have to save your work in a TEST folder, where the lecturer can easily
access it for marking. The TEST folder can be found on the T: drive. This drive is only available for use during
assessments, and the test ID and test password required for access are provided within the test venue at the start
of the test session.
When working in the labs on campus, do NOT save your work to the Documents or Downloads folders on the lab
computers. Work saved to the local computer will not be available to you when you work on a different computer.
Always save your WRFC/X/V101 files to the network Submission Drive (S:) and work for other modules to your
OneDrive.

Community Involvement
Nelson Mandela University has six core values that serve as a compass for the actions of the staff and students
associated with the University. The six core values are:
Respect for diversity –reflect and serve diverse communities, and we foster an environment where diversity is
appreciated, respected and celebrated.
Ubuntu - respecting fellow human beings, treat them fairly, disagree honestly, enjoy their fellowship and work
together for a common goal and help each other achieve it.
Excellence - an individual's highest level of quality and his will to win, his personal excellence.
Respect for the Natural Environment - being more environmentally conscious in and around our beautiful campus
for the sake of our own health and enjoyment.
Integrity - doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching, having courage to say no and courage to face the truth.
Taking responsibility - for your future is the source from which self-respect develops.
As active participants in this module, all students are challenged to live out these values. Take responsibility for
your own learning and show your integrity by ensuring you always adhere to the rules regarding plagiarism and
copyright. Bring excellence to all you do and practice Ubuntu at all times.

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Module material
There is no prescribed textbook for this module. Different resources (including videos and Self Study Texts) will be
used during the semester. Should you make use of similar texts, it is your responsibility to ensure that you do not
miss anything covered in the original resources.
Practical task instructions may refer to the FCS (Fundamental Computing Skills) documents and files. These
instruction documents and data files are made available to you through the Funda Moodle page (Learning Materials
block), the Courses drive (F:) and SMark.

Additional materials
Any additional material required will be provided in Funda Moodle page. This includes, but is not limited to:
1. Module Guide (this document) (Module Documents block)
2. Module Schedule (Module Documents block)
3. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions (Important Info block)
4. How to documents that cover a number of different tasks required in the module, e.g. How to use NMU Email,
How to use SMark, or How to set up a VPN in Windows. (Additional Materials block)
Other material to support you in your learning can be found in the Learning Material block. This includes, but is not
limited to:
5. List of Spreadsheet functions
6. Spreadsheet scenarios
Every week, you will have specific instructions for the practical tasks that are scheduled for that week (Learning
Guide & Application Guide). These will be made available online on the Funda Moodle page.
You should not use cloud storage spaces for documents that you are currently working on – any slight blip in the
internet connection can cause your files to be corrupted, and you would have to re-start your tasks from scratch.
When you are working off campus, it is recommended that you save your work in a specific folder on your local
hard drive or a removable drive and regularly back up your work to the cloud using your OneDrive space. When
working on campus, files can be saved to your network Submissions Drive (S:) or removable drive and also regularly
backed up to the cloud using your OneDrive space. All submissions of weekly work must be saved appropriately
using your Submissions Drive (S:). You should not save your work to the Documents or Downloads folders or any
other local location when using the computers in the labs.

Earphones
You need a set of earphones to work in the labs, whether this is to watch the videos available on the Moodle page
or attend any online activities while using the labs.

Laboratory Rules
Make sure you check and understand the rules for the Laboratory as detailed in the ICT Usage policy. Please respect
requests from any lecturer, technician or student assistant regarding your behaviour and actions while in the labs.

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Assessment
Assessments are held on-campus only. There is NO OPTION for online assessment.
The assessment method used is the Portfolio Assessment method consisting of tests and class work with no exam.
Within this type of continuous assessment module, there is no re-assessment opportunity, as improvement
opportunities are available in the weekly assignments and a 2nd chance for semester tests, provided certain criteria
are met during the semester.
Formative assessments that make up the classwork mark consist of weekly assignments and tests. For weekly
assignments, see the weekly Learning and Application Guides in Funda Moodle.
Summative or Formal assessments will comprise two COMPULSORY semester tests scheduled during the module.
The tests consist of both a practical and a theoretical component and will be delivered using the Assessment Moodle
site. You will be required to book a test session for each test. Details on the booking process will be communicated
in the appropriate lecture sessions via the Funda Moodle page and/or email two to three weeks before the
confirmed test date.
All summative assessments are internally moderated. The moderator for this module is Dr Lynette Barnard. Please
note, however, that all marks queries must be directed to your lecturer or the module marks administrator, Ms Lizz
Franke, who will, if it is applicable, take the matter up with the moderator.
All work submitted for assessment (formal and informal) must be your own work. Submitting work that is not
your own is an example of academic dishonesty and has severe implications.
Marks are not published on the Funda Moodle site but will be emailed individually as and when they become
available. However, you can check your weekly marks in the Funda Moodle and SMark grade books. You should
review your marks immediately and query any discrepancies within ONE week of the email being sent. Any marks
not queried within this time frame will become final, and no further queries will be investigated.

Semester Tests
Semester tests will be compulsory 2-hour, closed-book tests that will be completed on-campus using appropriate
tools (e.g. Assessment Moodle, File Explorer and Microsoft Office with SMark). The test dates are provided in the
schedule (published separately in Funda Moodle).

Sick tests
There are no sick tests. Students who miss a semester test with a valid, documented reason as per university policy
(e.g. medical certificates) will be required to write the Supplementary Test. Failure to write the Supplementary Test
when required to do so will constitute a fail.

Examination
No examination will be written for this module, so the classwork mark & semester test marks are used to calculate
the final mark.

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Calculation of marks
To pass the module, you must achieve a minimum final module mark of 50%. The mark composition, mark
calculations and weightings are subject to change; however, should the need arise; changes will be formally
communicated in contact sessions. Unless otherwise communicated, the Final Mark will consist of an aggregate of
the following:

10% Classwork Mark*

Final Mark 40% Semester test 1 Mark
50% Semester test 2 Mark
50% informal assessment (weekly tests, equally weighted)
Classwork Mark*
50% informal assessments (practical tasks)

The Classwork Mark is composed as follows:

• There are 11 weekly tasks consisting of practical submissions and theoretical tests as detailed each week
on the Funda Moodle page.
• All tasks should be completed and submitted to gain adequate practice in preparation for the semester
tests.
• Of the 11 weekly classwork marks, the average from the top 9 (nine) weeks’ marks will be used to calculate
your final Classwork Mark.

Supplementary Test
It should be noted that the Supplementary test covers all content for the entire semester (Test 1 and Test 2
content) and all students writing the Supplementary test are required to write the full test, regardless of what
tests they may or may not have written for the module in the current academic year.

The Supplementary test is the last opportunity for passing the module in this semester. Students can only be
approved to write the Supplementary test in the following ways:
• As a makeup test for a missed semester test if the required, valid documentation is submitted three days
after missing a semester test except in unique circumstances like being in the hospital.
• As a final opportunity. students with a final mark between 45% and 49% as well as a classwork mark
minimum of 50%. To be approved in this instance, a student must have attempted both semester tests.
• As a last outstanding opportunity for final year students. Students who are due to graduate must pay
attention to the following: As a Continuous Assessment module, there is no 3rd opportunity exam
available to pass the module. If you do not pass by participating, your ONLY option to pass in the current
academic year is to write the Supplementary test. Final year students should email
[email protected] proof to inform her of their status so this can be noted and application can be
made for approval to write the Supplementary Test if you do not pass.
The calculation of the final mark will vary depending on the type:

Type 1: Students who missed one of the semester tests (with a documented valid reason) need to write
the Supplementary test. For these students, the Final Mark will be calculated in the same manner as above,
with the Supplementary test mark being used in the place of the mark of the missed test:

10% Classwork Mark*

Final Mark 40% Semester test 1 Mark or Supplementary test Mark if no Test 1
50% Semester test 2 Mark or Supplementary test Mark if no Test 2
50% informal assessment (weekly tests, equally weighted)
Classwork Mark*
50% informal assessments (practical tasks)

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Type 2: Students with a final mark between 45% and 49% as well as a classwork mark minimum of 50%
qualify to gain entrance to the supplementary test as a reassessment. NB: If the final mark is between
45% and 49% but the classwork mark is below 50%, no 2nd chance will be given. For these students writing
the supplementary test, the Final Mark will consist of an aggregate of the following (unless otherwise
communicated):

10% Classwork Mark*

Final Mark 20% Average of Semester test 1 and semester test 2 Marks
70% Supplementary test Mark
The maximum mark that can be achieved by Type 2 students writing a supplementary test as a reassessment is
50%.

Failure to write the Supplementary test when required to do so, will constitute a fail.
If you fail this module, you will have to repeat it the following year. Note that you are only allowed to attempt a
module a limited number of times. If a summer or winter school (recess program) is offered for this module, only
students who failed, but were actively involved in the module, and have written both tests, will be eligible to register
for the summer/winter school (there might be additional entrance requirements based on the mark obtained in
the semester module).
The Supplementary Test results will NOT be emailed or published.

Schedule
A weekly schedule is published on the Funda Moodle site, and any updates will also be posted on the Funda Moodle
site. This is a working document and subject to change, so students should check the Funda Moodle copy regularly.

Module Resource Locations

Copies of previous papers and assignment memos
Copies of previous test papers and assignment memos are not available. Some example theory questions will be
discussed during the lectures. Note that the weekly tasks are designed to assist you in meeting the required
learning for this module and prepare you for the Semester tests, as long as you complete all tasks and use the
multiple attempts allowed to help you improve your understanding.

Email
Your student email is considered the official form of communication at Nelson Mandela University. As such, your
personal email should not be used when contacting any university staff member.
Please check your student email regularly and keep your mailboxes tidy by deleting old messages and clearing your
Deleted Items folder. Regular emails are sent out for this module. Your lecturer will also use this means of
communicating important information to you throughout the semester – if something comes up and the class has
been notified via email, not reading your email will not be considered a valid excuse. Note that you may only use
your NMU email address (s…@mandela.ac.za) to communicate with staff at NMU.

WhatsApp
Make sure that you join (see Important Info block in Funda Moodle) and that you regularly check the messages on
the module’s Whatsapp Group. Short quick messages regarding the module will be placed there as necessary. Note
that Admins are the only people able to post on the group.

Notice Board
The module notice board is online, on the Funda Moodle module site. Any announcement will be published at the
top of the module site. If something comes up and the class has been notified via this notice board, not reading
the announcements will not be considered a valid excuse.

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 WRFV101/WRFC101/WRFX101 Module guide

Supplementary Instruction
There are Supplementary Instruction sessions for this module. Information is provided in lectures and in the
Important Info block in Funda Moodle.

Important Departmental Rules and University Policies

Attendance Policy
• If you are absent from any contact session or formal assessment, you will be marked as having not attended,
unless you have a valid reason.
• If you have a valid reason, you must, within three days of having missed the activity submit the necessary
documentation via email to Dr Ife Fashoro ([email protected])

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism

All work submitted for assessment (formal and informal) must be your own work. Submitting work that is not your
own is an example of academic dishonesty and has severe implications.
See the Policy for the Promotion of Academic Integrity and Prevention of Plagiarism available on the intranet at
http://my.mandela.ac.za/default.asp?id=308&IRCno= under Teaching & Learning:

Disciplinary
Please note that strict action will be taken on any infringements – for example: plagiarism (e.g. copying information
or work from the Internet, a published work or a classmate); fraudulent documentation submitted for absenteeism;
allowing another student to use your work or your user code & password or your workstation, etc. All tasks
submitted for assessment should be your own work.
It is important that you familiarise yourself with the content of the sections on “Misconduct” and “Addendum to
Student Disciplinary Code” in the General Prospectus. In addition, make sure that you have read and understand
the Departmental rules regarding laboratory usage (laboratory usage rules are available inside each of the
Departmental laboratories).

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