University Rules and Syllabuses

for

Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates

offered in the

Faculty of Science
for the 2023 Academic Year

All correspondence should be addressed, as far as is

possible, directly to the relevant person or school.

Official address
The Faculty Registrar
Faculty of Science
University of the
Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Private Bag 3
Wits, 2050
(+27) 011 717 6013 or
(+27) 011 717 6014
www.wits.ac.za/science
This handbook is a series of 9 handbooks produced by the Communications and
Publications Unit, Wits University in 2022.
Contents
General Rules for the Faculty of Science
Introduction 10
G1 Definitions 10
G2 Powers of the University 12
G3 Application of Rules 13
G4 Admission 13
4.1 Application for admission 13
4.2 Medical fitness 13
4.3 Discretion of the Senate to admit 13
4.4 Proficiency in English 14
4.5 Faculty or qualification-specific requirements 14
4.6 Certificate of good conduct 14
4.7 Credits and exemptions 14
4.8 Credits for previous study 15
4.9 Admission to an undergraduate diploma, certificate, licentiate or other
qualification 15
4.10 Admission to the degree of bachelor 16
4.11 Admission to a programme leading to a higher qualification 17
4.12 Admission of occasional students 18
4.13 Admission of study–abroad/ international occasional students 19
4.14 Admission – previously excluded students 19
G5 Registration 19
5.1 Registration and renewal of registration 19
5.2 Concurrent registration at other institutions or faculties or for other
qualifications 19
5.3 Registration as a student prior to registration for a qualification 20
5.4 Late registration 20
5.5 Registration for twelve months for senior doctorate 20
5.6 Cancellation of registration due to ill health 20
5.7 Cancellation of registration as a result of unsatisfactory performance/progress 20
5.8 Change of registration 21
5.9 Cancellation of registration by student 21
5.10 Refusal of permission to register 21

G6 Attendance 22
6.1 Minimum Attendance 22
6.2 Failure to attend 22
6.3 Outside work, visits, tours, fieldwork, vacation employment, non-examined
courses 22
6.4 Exemption from attendance 22
 6.5 Attendance requirement for students for qualification 22
6.6 Limitation on the activity of a student for reasons of ill health 22
G7 Curricula 23
7.1 Senate approval of curriculum 23
7.2 Condonation of breach of rules 23
7.3 Restriction on choice of courses 23
7.4 Special curricula 23
7.5 Change of rules during a student’s registration 24
7.6 Study-abroad component/ foreign electives 24
7.7 Credits 24
7.8 Minimum requirements of study 24
7.9 Withdrawal of, or refusal to grant credits and/or exemptions 25
7.10 Sub-minimum rule 25
G8 Requirements for Award of Qualification 25
G9 Degree of Master 25
9.1 General 25
9.2 The programme of master proceeding by research 25
9.3 Programme of master by research report and coursework 26
9.4 Conditions for the conferment of the degree of master by research 26
9.5 Supervision of full-time members of staff 26
9.6 Abstract and style of Dissertation or Research Report 26
9.7 Copies of Dissertation or Research Report 26
9.8 Formal declaration 26
9.9 Acknowledgement of conferment of degree if material is published 27
9.10 Completion of all requirements for the degree of master 27
G10 Degree of Doctor of Philosophy 27
10.1 Fulfilment of requirements for conferment of the degree of Doctor of
Philosophy 27
10.2 Supervision of full-time members of staff 27
10.3 Copies of thesis 28

G11 Senior Doctorate 28

11.1 Conditions for the conferment of the degree 28
11.2 Notice of intention to apply for candidature 28
G12 Conversion of candidature for higher qualifications 28
12.1 General 28
12.2 Conversion from a programme leading to the degree of master by research to
a programme leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy 29
12.3 Conversion from a programme leading to a degree of master by coursework
and research report to a programme leading to the degree of master by
research 29
G13 Assessment 30
13.1 General 30
13.2 Examiners 30
13.3 Eligibility for assessment 31
13.4 Additional oral or other form of assessment 31
13.5 Supplementary assessments 31
13.6 Deferred assessments 31
13.7 Re-assessment 32
13.8 Absence from assessment 32
G14 Academic Progression 32
14.1 Completion of courses prescribed for previous year of study 32
14.2 Standard required to proceed 32
14.3 Prerequisite non-credit bearing courses 33
14.4 Special curricula for students who cannot proceed to the next year of study 33
14.5 Re-attendance requirement for students who cannot proceed to the next year
of study 33

G15 Results 33
15.1 Publication of results 33
15.2 Non-publication of results 33
G16 Conferment of qualification 33
16.1 Congregation 33
16.2 Issuing of a certificate 34
16.3 Endorsement of certificate 34
16.4 Non-conferment of qualification 34
16.5 Permission to complete qualification by obtaining credits elsewhere 34
G17 Conferment of Qualification with Distinction 34
G18 Honorary Degrees 35
G19 Intellectual Property 35
G20 Ethical Clearance 35

Senate Rule for the Faculty of Science

1 Application of Rules 36
2 UNDERGRADUATE 36
2.1 General Degrees 36
2.1.1 Admission Rules 36
2.1.2 Curricula 38
2.1.3 Progression Rules 64
2.1.4 Completion Rules 65
2.1.5 Restriction on admission to courses: Pre- and corequisite rules 66
2.1.6 Restriction on obtaining credits 89
2.1.7 Lapsing of credits or exemptions 90
2.1.8 Repeating of courses 91
3 POSTGRADUATE 91
3.1 Diplomas 91
3.1.1 Application of Rules 91
3.1.2 Admission Rules 91
3.1.3 Curricula 91
3.1.4 Completion Rules 93
3.1.5 Cancellation of Registration 93
3.2 Degree of Bachelor of Science Honours 93
3.2.1 Application of Rules 93
3.2.2 Admission Rules 93
3.2.3 Curricula 96
3.2.4 Progression Rules 112
3.2.5 Completion Rules 113
3.3 Degree of Master of Science (MSc) 113
3.3.1 Application of Rules 113
3.3.2 Admission Rules 113
3.3.3 Curricula 113
3.3.4 Completion Rules 134
3.4 Doctor of Philosophy 135
3.4.1 Application 135
3.4.2 Admission Rules 135
3.4.3 Curricula 135
3.5 Doctor of Science 137
3.5.1 Application 137
3.5.2 Admission Rules 137
3.5.3 Conditions for award of qualification 137

Outcomes for the Faculty of Science

4.1 Degrees of Bachelor 138
4.1.1 Bachelor of Science 138
4.2 Degrees of Bachelor Honours 139
4.2.1 Bachelor of Science Honours 139
4.3 Degree of Master 139
4.3.1 Master of Science 139
4.4 Doctoral Degrees 141
4.4.1 Doctor of Philosophy 141
4.5 Senior Doctoral Degrees 141
4.5.1 Doctor of Science 141
4.6 Diplomas 141
4.6.1 Postgraduate Diploma in Science 141

Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science 143-268

POPI Disclaimer
The University collects and processes certain personal information about students
which enables the University to meet its contractual obligations with its students.
The University is committed to protecting the student’s privacy and recognises
that it needs to comply with statutory requirements in collecting, processing and
distributing of personal information and in performing its obligations, the University
will comply with the provisions of the relevant data protection legislation.

List of acronyms
Acronym Definition
YOS Year of study
PT Part time
FT Full time
CPD Continuing Professional Development
 HIERARCHY OF ACADEMIC GOVERNANCE

ACTS create the powers and HIGHER EDUCATION ACT, ACT 101 OF 1997
responsibilities of entities by law.

STATUTES
AMENDED STATUTE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF
define how and what the University does to THE WITWATERSRAND, JOHANNESBURG
give expression to the provisions of the Act, (2018)
and further includes features that are particular
to Wits, for example, not all universities have a
role for the Convocation.
POLICIES define a plan of action
determined by Council. POLICIES OF THE UNIVERSITY

REGULATIONS are subordinate to Acts and they define orders

and authoritative direction. REGULATIONS are a set of directions
on how RULES should be put into effect.
RULES
are made by Council for all areas of operation
other than academic matters. Senate approves academic RULES, which are endorsed by Council. A
RULE defines the principle to which action or procedure conforms. RULES set out what may or may
not be done within a particular area of administration. These Rules are reviewed and published in the
University Calendar each year.

PROCEDURES set out the practical steps

necessary to realise the object or purpose of PROCEDURES
Rules and Regulations.

SENATE’S RULES FOR FACULTIES OF SENATE STANDING

THE UNIVERSITY ORDERS OF THE UNIVERSITY

Senate’s rules for faculties of the university Standing orders expand on rules and/or policies
are subordinate to the General Rules. These and govern the manner in which all business
Rules are reviewed and published in the shall be conducted. Standing orders are a set of
University Calendar each year. instructions on how to carry out a task.

These standing orders are recommended by

Faculty Board to Senate for approval. FACULTY STANDING ORDERS

These standing orders are recommended by

SCHOOL STANDING ORDERS
the School to the Faculty Board for approval.
 UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY

‘University Community’ means all students and employees

of the University, persons officially associated with the
University, former students and alumni at the University,
as well as invitees, visitors and guests.

Means University’s policies, rules, regulations, procedures,

standing orders, codes of conduct and guidelines as may
be amended from time to time.

CODES OF CONDUCT

GUIDELINES

Set out the preferred manner in which you carry out a

process/procedures or course of action.
2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

GENERAL RULES
FOR THE
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
Introduction
The rules contained in this section are the General Rules of the University and apply to all students. There
are also specific rules for each Faculty, which are subordinate to the General Rules. General Rules are
defined by ‘Rule G’ and apply to all students.
On registering at this University, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that s/he is familiar with
the rules applicable to her/his registration. Ignorance of these rules will not be accepted as an excuse.
All Rules and Syllabuses are available online. Limited copies are also available in print format.
All words appearing in italics have been defined. Information presented in the shaded boxes, is intended
for explanatory purposes only.

G1 Definitions
1.1 Academic year means the period determined by the Senate from time to time for any particular
year of study for any particular qualification.
1.2 Admission means entry to a course or qualification unless it is indicated otherwise.
1.3 Any university or any other university means any university recognised by the Senate for the
purpose under consideration.
1.4 Applicant means a person who has submitted an application in hard-copy or electronic format
to become a student of the University.
1.5 Assessment means the process of judging learning and may have both a formative and/or
summative nature.
1.6 Auxiliary pass (also referred to as ancillary pass or condoned pass, unless the contrary appears
in the faculty rules) means a special type of condonation of a failing mark to a pass when no
supplementary assessment is offered, so that the course will be included as a credit towards the
qualification but the student may not proceed to a higher level course in that subject.
1.7 Candidate/Postgraduate student (see Rule G1.24) means a student registered for a higher
qualification (see Rule G1.16).
1.8 Corequisite course is a course which must be taken with another course and is a requirement
for credit in the other course.
1.9 Course means a component of teaching and learning activity, which may run for an entire
academic year or a portion thereof, that is recognised in any of the faculty rules as a component
of a qualification.
1.10 Credit means the recognition that is obtained when a student passes such assessments and
complies with such conditions as the Senate may impose for the completion of each course. A
credit towards a qualification may be granted to a student in respect of a credit obtained from
another institution recognised by the Senate for this purpose or from another faculty within the
University.

10
 2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

The plural includes the singular where the sense so suggests.

1.11 Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) is the practice of accumulating credits from one or
more cognate learning programmes in an institution, and the transfer of credits to be recognised
towards a qualification/part-qualification in the same or a different institution to the satisfaction
of Senate. This practice is subject to the rules published by the CHE and in conformance with
the HEQFS requirements.
1.12 Curriculum means a course or combination of courses leading to a qualification.
1.13 Dissertation is the term reserved for an extended piece of written work that makes a contribution
to the advancement of knowledge that may incorporate creative work or publications integral
to the argument, and is submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for a degree of master by
research.
1.14 Examination and re-examination mean a formal, compulsory, summative, scheduled
assessment.
1.15 Exemption from a course means that the Senate has deemed a student to have a sufficient
understanding of the subject matter of that course to warrant the student not having to complete
the course. An exemption is not a credit but allows the student to proceed to the subsequent
level in a particular course. The full number of credits required for a qualification is not affected
by the granting of an exemption.
1.16 Higher qualification means a qualification which requires at least the attainment of a first
degree, or equivalent recognised by the Senate, at entry level and includes a degree of Bachelor
with Honours.
1.17 Joint degrees mean an undergraduate (Bachelors) or a postgraduate degree (Masters and
PhD), jointly offered by the University and an external non-South African partner institution,
recognised by the Senate. The student/candidate shall receive a single co-branded degree
certificate representing work completed at the University and a partner institution.
1.18 Matriculation means the formal recognition by Umalusi prior to 2008 in terms of any law, of
the capacity of a student to enter a university.

Umalusi is a council for quality assurance in the certification of qualifications in the general education
and training band (Grades 0 to 9) and the further education and training band (Grades 10 to 12).

1.19 National Senior Certificate (NSC) means the formal recognition by Umalusi from 2008 in terms
of any law, of the capacity of a student to enter a university.
1.20 National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)] means the formal recognition by Umalusi from 2009
in terms of any law, of the capacity of a vocational student to enter a university.
1.21 Notional Hours of Learning means the agreed estimate of the average learning time that it would
take a student to meet the defined outcomes. It includes but is not limited to the consideration
of contact time, research, completion of assignments, time spent in structured learning in the
workplace, and individual learning.
1.22 NQF credits are credits recognised by the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework
(HEQSF) as a measure of the volume of learning required for a qualification, qualified as the
number of notional study hours required for achieving the learning outcomes specified for a
qualification.
1.23 Occasional student means a person who is registered at the University for any course/s for
non-qualification purposes. An occasional student is deemed to be a student as defined in Rule
G1.33 for all other purposes.
1.24 Postgraduate student/Candidate means a student who is registered for a higher qualification
(see Rule G1.7).

11
2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

1.25 Prerequisite course is a course for which credit must be obtained before being able to register
for the subsequent course.
1.26 Programme is a course or set of courses or postgraduate research which may lead to a
qualification.
1.27 Qualification includes any degree, diploma, certificate, licentiate, or any other educational
attainment that is offered by the University as stipulated in its list of qualifications.
1.28 Recognition of prior learning means the taking into account of the previous learning and
experience of the applicant by the Senate either for purposes of admission and/or for the
granting of exemption or full or partial credit towards one or more courses.
1.29 Research Report is the term reserved for the written document which forms the research
component of a degree of master by coursework and research report and which may include
creative work or publications integral to the argument.
1.30 Semester is half an academic year.
1.31 Senate is defined in section 1 as read with section 28 of the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997
and is the body which governs the policies and procedures in respect of the teaching, learning,
research and academic functions of the University. The Senate may delegate its powers except
where expressly prohibited from doing so by the University Statute.

In many cases the powers of the Senate are, for practical purposes, delegated to and exercised by the
deans of the faculties or, in specific instances their nominee/s.

1.32 Short course is a certified teaching and learning activity of less than 1200 notional study
hours which does not, or does not directly, carry credit towards a qualification. With special
permission of the Senate, short courses may carry credit towards a qualification. A short course
student is not deemed to be a student as defined in Rule G1.33 but is still subject to the
University rules, policies and procedures.
1.33 Student means any person registered at the University full-time or part-time for a degree,
diploma, licentiate or certificate of the University or enrolled for any course or programme of
instruction of the University, provided that a person so registered or enrolled who is also a full-
time or part-time employee of the University is not a student for the purpose of membership of
the Council or the Senate.
1.34 Study-abroad component means that part of a curriculum leading to a qualification which a
student has been granted permission by the Senate to complete at an institution recognised by
the Senate for this purpose, in a country other than South Africa.
1.35 Teaching block is a quarter of an academic year.
1.36 Thesis is the term reserved for an extended piece of writing based on research that makes
an original and significant contribution to knowledge that may incorporate creative work or
publications integral to the overall argument, and is submitted in fulfilment of the requirements
for a doctor of philosophy qualification.
1.37 University means the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, unless the context
indicates otherwise.

G2 Powers of the University

2.1 The University has the power in terms of section 77(3) of its Statute to confer, in any faculty,
the degrees of bachelor, master and doctor, as well as to grant a diploma, certificate, licentiate
or other qualification to any person who has satisfied such requirements as may be prescribed.

12
 2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

2.2 No qualification, other than an honorary degree, may be conferred by the University upon any
person who has not attended the University as a student for such period, and satisfied such
other requirements, as may be prescribed.
2.3 The University may confer, without attendance or examination, an honorary degree of
master or doctor, in any faculty, upon any person who has rendered distinguished services
in the advancement of arts, science, jurisprudence or other branches of learning, or who has
otherwise rendered herself or himself worthy of such a qualification. The University has the
power in terms of section 79(8) of its Statute to withdraw the conferment of any qualification.
2.4 The University provides higher education at or above level 5 of the National Qualification
Framework as contemplated in the National Qualifications Framework Act, Act No 67 of 2008.
2.5 The University has the power in terms of its Statute and the Higher Education Act 101 of
1997 to determine the admission policy, the entrance requirements in respect of its curricula,
the number of students who may be admitted for a particular curriculum or course and the
manner of their selection and the minimum requirements for the readmission to a curriculum
leading to a qualification in a faculty of the University. The University has the power to refuse
readmission to a student who fails to satisfy such minimum requirements for readmission.
2.6 The University reserves the right not to offer a particular course or qualification notwithstanding
that such course or qualification appears in the rules of a faculty.

G3 Application of Rules
3.1 These rules apply to all students who register for the first time in 2023 and to all students who
were registered before 2023 unless for compelling reasons the Senate determines otherwise
in a particular case, in which event such a student may proceed in terms of the rules under
which s/he was last registered, or in terms of amendments to these rules, or in terms of a special
curriculum laid down for her/him by the Senate subject to the provisions of Rule G7.
3.2 Where a right of appeal or review exists any student, who is the subject of an adverse decision
must be informed by the member of the academic or administrative staff who conveys the
decision of that right and of the procedure to be followed.

G4 Admission
4.1 Application for admission
A person who wishes to be admitted as a student of the University must apply in hard- copy or
electronic format on the University’s application form submitting evidence of her/his academic
and general qualifications. In the case of application for admission to a programme leading to a
higher qualification the applicant may be required to indicate the line of research s/he wishes
to pursue.

4.2 Medical fitness

In respect of certain courses or qualifications an applicant may be required to demonstrate
mental and/or physical fitness and may not be admitted to such course or qualification if s/he
does not so demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Senate.

4.3 Discretion of the Senate to admit

Notwithstanding anything contained in the Rules regarding the minimum requirements for
admission, the Senate may on good cause admit or refuse to admit any student to any year of
study.

13
2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

4.4 Proficiency in English

4.4.1 All applicants for admission (with the exception of those referred to in Rule G4.4.2) to any
curriculum leading to a qualification must have passed English as a first or second language
(higher grade) at matriculation or passed English home language or first additional language in
the NSC or NC(V) or at a level considered equivalent by the Senate or deemed to be equivalent
by legislation.
4.4.2 Immigrants of less than five years’ residence in South Africa who have passed English at the
standard grade at matriculation or who have passed English in the NSC or NC(V) will be
considered for admission.
4.4.3 Notwithstanding Rule G4.4.1 and Rule G4.4.2, the Senate recognises the International English
Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum test score of (6.5) or the Cambridge English
Language Assessment (CAE) with a minimum of 185 points to be proficient for admission. In
exceptional cases, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) may be recognised by the
University with a minimum test score of 550 (79 TOEFL iBT/213 TOEFL CBT) for admission.

A pass in English at the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), the International General
Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), or the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary
level is considered equivalent to a pass in English at NSC or NC(V) level or at the higher grade at
matriculation level.

4.5 Faculty or qualification-specific requirements

In addition to satisfying the minimum admission requirements of the University, an applicant
must satisfy any additional requirements of the faculty to which s/he seeks admission.

4.6 Certificate of good conduct

A student who was registered at any other university, must upon application for admission to
this University, submit a certificate of good conduct and an academic transcript issued by that
university or those universities, which satisfies the Senate that s/he is a person of good standing.

4.7 Credits and exemptions

4.7.1 Credits
The Senate may grant a student credit in a course or courses once only, if s/he has completed:

a) an equivalent course offered under a different curriculum, for the same qualification in
the University;
b) the same or equivalent course offered for another qualification in the University provided
that the required attendance period at the University has been satisfied in terms of Rule
G6.1; or
c) an equivalent course offered in another university or institution recognised for this purpose
by the Senate provided that the provisions of Rule G4.8 and Rule G7.9 are observed.
d) an equivalent short course at this University recognised for this purpose by the Senate in
terms of Rule G1.32 but such short courses shall not constitute more than 50 percent of
the credits towards a qualification.

Such credits are acknowledged as part fulfilment of the requirements for a qualification and with
permission of the Senate these courses may carry credit towards a qualification but shall not constitute
more than 50 percent of the credits towards a qualification. See Rule G1.11.

14
 2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

4.7.2 Exemptions
On admission and subject to Rule G7.9 the Senate may grant a student exemption from a
course or part of a course offered by the University where it has deemed a student to have a
sufficient understanding of the subject matter to warrant the student not having to complete the
course or part of the course. An exemption is not a credit but allows the student to proceed to
the subsequent year of study in a particular course. The full number of credits required for a
qualification is not affected by the granting of an exemption.

4.8 Credits for previous study

4.8.1 An applicant may be admitted to any curriculum leading to a qualification and this University
may accept, as far as practicable, certificates of proficiency (credits) issued by another university
or institution and periods of study as a matriculated student at another university or institution,
provided that:

a) the periods of attendance at this and any other institution are together not less than the
completed period prescribed by this University for that qualification;
b) s/he has at this University:

i) in the case of a first qualification for which the period of attendance is three or
four academic years, attended for at least two academic years and has attended
and completed at least half of the total number of NQF credits prescribed for the
qualification including the final year course/courses in her/his major subject; or
ii) in the case of a first qualification for which the period of attendance is more than four
years, attended for at least half the required period of attendance and completed at
least half of the total number of courses prescribed for the qualification; or
iii) in the case of any other degree of bachelor offered after a first degree, attended for at
least two academic years, except for the degree of Bachelor of Education (BEd), for
which the period of attendance may be one academic year, and has attended and
completed at least half of the total number of NQF credits prescribed for the degree.
iv) in the case of any postgraduate degree, attended and completed at least half of the total
number of courses prescribed for the degree.

c) s/he applies for such credit during or before the end of the first registration period.

4.8.2 A student may be granted entry to a qualification if s/he has completed a diploma with a
minimum duration of three years at this University or another institution recognised by the
Senate for this purpose. To allow for such entry into another qualification Umalusi must
have granted complete or conditional exemption from the matriculation examination or must
have formally recognised the capacity of the NSC or NC(V) student to enter a university.
Such exemption or formal recognition by Umalusi must have been backdated to the
commencement of the year in which credit for such diploma was first earned. Credits towards
such a diploma may be accepted as part of the requirements for a qualification offered by the
University provided that the student complies with Rule G4.8.1 (a), (b) i – iii and (c) above.

4.9 Admission to an undergraduate diploma, certificate,

licentiate or other qualification
The Senate may, by resolution, determine the standard for admission to a programme leading
to an undergraduate diploma, certificate, licentiate or other undergraduate qualification other
than a degree. Different standards may be set for the different qualifications.

15
2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

4.10 Admission to the degree of bachelor

4.10.1 National Senior Certificate/National Certificate (Vocational)/ Matriculation
The minimum requirement for admission to a programme leading to the degree of bachelor
is:

a) a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with the formal recognition by Umalusi in terms of
any law, of the capacity of an applicant to enter a university for the degree of bachelor;
b) a National Certificate (Vocational) – NC(V) with the formal recognition by Umalusi from
2009 in terms of any law, of the capacity of a vocational applicant to enter a university
for the degree of bachelor;
c) Matriculation in the form of a university entrance examination or a matriculation
endorsement from Umalusi or the granting of complete or conditional matriculation
exemption by the Matriculation Board of Universities South Africa (USAf).

The date of validity of the NSC, NC(V), matriculation certificate, matriculation endorsement, or
certificate of exemption from the matriculation examination must precede 2 April of the academic
year for which admission is sought, notwithstanding that the certificate may be issued at a later date.

4.10.2 Certificate of conditional exemption on recommendation of the Senate

Certificate of conditional exemption on recommendation of the Senate:
An applicant must be issued a certificate of conditional exemption by USAf if that applicant,
in the opinion of the Senate has demonstrated, in a selection process approved by the Senate,
that s/he is suitable for admission to the University. Where the Senate certifies that the holder
of a certificate of conditional exemption issued in terms of this paragraph has completed the
normal requirements of the curriculum for the first year of study of any qualification, USAf
must issue a certificate of complete exemption to her/him, dated from the first day in January
of the year in which the first degree credit was obtained. An applicant may be registered for
a course under this rule only if places are available for that course. In the case of an applicant
who has not qualified with an NSC or NC(V) for entry to a university, Rule G4.3 will apply.
4.10.3 Certificate of ordinary conditional exemption
An applicant who has been issued a conditional exemption from the matriculation
examination and who has one outstanding requirement for complete exemption may be
admitted to a programme leading to the degree of bachelor provided that s/he fulfils that
outstanding requirement in the first year of study as prescribed by USAf. In the case of an
applicant who has not qualified with an NSC or NC(V) for entry to a university, Rule G4.3
will apply.
4.10.4 Mature age conditional exemption
An applicant who has been issued a mature age conditional exemption from the matriculation
examination by virtue of being over the age of 23 years or 45 years, as the case may be,
may be admitted to a programme leading to the degree of bachelor on condition s/he fulfils
the requirements of the undergraduate qualification within the period stipulated by the
faculty concerned. Such fulfilment entitles the applicant to complete exemption from the
matriculation examination.

For the purposes of mature age conditional exemption the USAf distinguishes between applicants aged
23 to 44 years and applicants of 45 years or more. Further details regarding mature age conditional
exemption are available from USAf.

16
 2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

In the case of an applicant who has not qualified with an NSC or NC(V) for entry to a
university, Rule G4.3 will apply.

4.10.5 Holder of a three-year diploma

An applicant who has passed school Grade 12, but who did not obtain a matriculation
exemption, an NSC or an NC(V) to enter university, and who has completed a three- year
diploma from a university, university of technology, teachers’ training college, nursing college
or a franchised or associated technical or community college recognised by the Senate for this
purpose may be admitted to a programme leading to the degree of bachelor on condition that
s/he fulfils the requirements of the undergraduate qualification within the period stipulated
by the faculty concerned. Such fulfilment entitles the applicant to complete exemption from
matriculation, the NSC or the NC(V).
4.10.6 Immigrant conditional exemption
Subject to Rule G4.4, a person who has resided in South Africa for less than five years and who
has been issued with a conditional matriculation exemption by reason of not having passed a
second language at higher grade in the school-leaving examination at a South African school,
may be admitted to a programme leading to the degree of bachelor, on condition that s/
he completes a second language course at higher grade or NSC or NC(V) or university level
within the period stipulated by the faculty concerned. The qualification cannot be awarded
until this condition has been fulfilled.
4.10.7 Foreign conditional exemption
An applicant from a foreign country who has been issued a conditional exemption from the
matriculation examination by USAf may be admitted to a programme leading to the degree
of bachelor on condition that s/he fulfils the requirements of the undergraduate qualification
within the period stipulated by the faculty concerned. Such fulfilment entitles the applicant
to complete exemption from the matriculation examination. In the case of a foreign applicant
who has not qualified with an NSC or NC(V) for entry to a university, Rule G4.3 will apply.

4.11 Admission to a programme leading to a higher

qualification
4.11.1 General requirement for admission to a programme leading to a higher qualification
For admission to a programme leading to a higher qualification the Senate must be satisfied
that the candidate is qualified at an appropriate standard to undertake the proposed line of
study or research or both.
4.11.2 Admission to a programme leading to a degree of bachelor with honours
Subject to Rule G4.11.6, a graduate in an area of study which the Senate considers
appropriate of this or another university recognised by the Senate for this purpose may be
admitted to a programme leading to the degree of bachelor with honours. However, in a case
considered by it to be exceptional, the Senate may admit a person who has not satisfied all
the requirements for the degree of bachelor, and in such a case, the award of the degree of
bachelor with honours will not be made until the requirements for the degree of bachelor
have been satisfied.
4.11.3 Admission to a postgraduate diploma or certificate
Subject to Rule G4.11.6, a graduate in an area of study which the Senate considers appropriate
of this or another university recognised by the Senate for this purpose may be admitted to a
programme leading to a postgraduate diploma or certificate. However, in a case considered
by it to be exceptional, the Senate may admit as a student a person who has not satisfied all
the requirements for the degree of bachelor, and in such a case the award of the postgraduate
diploma or certificate will not be made until the requirements for the degree of bachelor have
been satisfied.
17
2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

4.11.4 Admission to a programme leading to the degree of master

Subject to Rule G4.11.6, a graduate of this or another university recognised by the Senate for
this purpose may be admitted to a programme leading to the degree of master if s/he holds a
qualification in a field considered by the Senate to be appropriate and which can normally
only be taken over not less than four years of full-time study; or if s/he holds more than one
qualification both or all of which are considered by the Senate to be in an appropriate field,
and for which the combined number of years of full-time study is not less than four years.
The Senate may require an applicant for registration for a programme leading to the degree of
master to attend such courses or pass such examinations, oral or written or both, as it deems
necessary before admitting her/him as a candidate for the qualification.
4.11.5 Admission to a programme leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy
Subject to Rule G4.11.6, a holder of a degree of master in an appropriate field from this or any
other university recognised by the Senate for this purpose may be admitted to a programme
leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
4.11.6 Overriding criteria for admission to a programme leading to the award of a higher
qualification
Notwithstanding the criteria specified in Rule G4.11.2 to Rule G4.11.5 above, a person who
has demonstrated a level of competence to the Senate’s satisfaction by virtue of examples of
research, writings, experience, professional standing or reputation or other attainments or
qualifications in the discipline or cognate field may be admitted as a candidate to a higher
qualification.
4.11.7 Admission to candidature for a senior doctorate
Any person may be admitted as a candidate for the degree of doctor if the Senate is satisfied,
after consulting with an ad hoc committee of the faculty board concerned which has been
convened to peruse the published work submitted, that, on the face of it, a case exists for
admitting the candidate.

The following qualifications are senior doctorates:

Doctor of Architecture, Doctor of Commerce, Doctor of Economic Science, Doctor of Education,
Doctor of Engineering, Doctor of Laws, Doctor of Literature, Doctor of Music, Doctor of Science,
Doctor of Science in Architecture, Doctor of Science in Building, Doctor of Science in Business
Administration, Doctor of Science in Dentistry, Doctor of Science in Engineering, Doctor of Science
in Medicine, Doctor of Science in Quantity Surveying, Doctor of Science in Town and Regional
Planning, Doctor of Town and Regional Planning.

4.12 Admission of occasional students

A person, whether matriculated or not, may be permitted by the Senate to register for courses
outside a recognised curriculum subject to such requirements and conditions as may be
determined by the Senate. However, any such courses may not subsequently be granted as
credits towards a degree unless the student had matriculated before commencing them. A
student seeking credit towards a qualification in respect of a course taken for non-qualification
purposes at this University or another institution must satisfy the Senate that:
a) s/he is eligible for admission to the curriculum leading to the qualification; and
b) the validity of the credit/s has not lapsed.

18
 2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

4.13 Admission of study–abroad/ international occasional

students
Students of an institution recognised by the Senate for this purpose may be admitted to
courses for non-qualification purposes.

Where an exchange agreement with such an institution exists fees may be waived on the basis of
reciprocity.

4.14 Admission – previously excluded students

The Senate may in exceptional circumstances consider the application of a student who
was previously excluded from the University, for having failed to satisfy the minimum
undergraduate degree requirements and exceeding the maximum time (N+2) for the
completion of the degree. In such a case the student will have to demonstrate that if s/he is
readmitted, s/he will be able to succeed and complete the degree.

G5 Registration
The last day for registration differs among faculties and programmes. It is the responsibility of the
student to find out from the relevant faculty office when the last day of registration is for her/his
programme and to register on or before that date.

5.1 Registration and renewal of registration

Except with the permission of the Senate no person may attend any course or proceed as a
candidate for any qualification unless s/he is registered as a student of the University at the
material time. Registration is renewable annually or on such shorter period as the Senate may
determine.
Normally, an annual period of registration is from the date of registration in a particular year
until the last day of registration in the first quarter of the subsequent year in the relevant
faculty.

A student who registers in the first semester for first semester or full year course(s) may with the
permission of Senate substitute such course(s) with an equivalent course(s) provided that they do so
within the first two weeks of the first semester.
A student who registers in the first semester for a course(s) that commences in the second semester
may with the permission of Senate substitute such course(s) with an equivalent course(s) provided
that they do so within the first two weeks of the second semester.

5.2 Concurrent registration at other institutions or faculties

or for other qualifications
A person who is registered as a student for any qualification may not be registered as a student
for any other qualification or at any other faculty of the University or at any other tertiary
education institution except with the approval of the Senate normally given in advance. Such
approval will only be granted in circumstances considered exceptional by the Senate.

19
2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

5.3 Registration as a student prior to registration for a

qualification
The Senate may permit or require a person, before being registered for a qualification, to
register as an occasional student and attend courses for such period and pass assessments at
the prescribed standard in such courses as the Senate may determine in her/his case.

5.4 Late registration

Late registration, for which a fee may be charged, may be permitted by the Senate only in
exceptional circumstances.

5.5 Registration for twelve months for senior doctorate

A candidate for a senior doctorate must be registered as a student of the University for at least
twelve months before the qualification may be conferred.

5.6 Cancellation of registration due to ill health

5.6.1 An applicant for registration in the first or any subsequent year of study may be required
to satisfy the Vice-Chancellor that s/he is physically and mentally fit to carry out the work
involved in that or any subsequent year of study, and may for this purpose be required to
present herself/himself for, and submit to, any medical examination that the Vice-Chancellor
may require in her/his case.
5.6.2 The Vice-Chancellor may suspend the registration of any student if s/he is satisfied that this
step is warranted because of the student’s physical or mental ill health. An appeal against
such suspension may be made to the Council.
5.6.3 The Council may cancel the registration of any student because of her/his physical or mental
ill health if it is satisfied after giving the student a proper opportunity to make representations
(as defined in the Administration of Justice Amendment Act 53 of 2002), that this step is
warranted.

5.7 Cancellation of registration as a result of unsatisfactory

performance/progress
5.7.1 The Senate may cancel the registration of an undergraduate student in one or more of the
courses for which that student is registered in that year, if in the opinion of the Senate the
student’s progress is unsatisfactory or if the academic achievement of the student is such that
s/he will not at the end of the year obtain credit in such course or courses. For this rule to
be invoked, the Head of School must ensure the criteria have been published in advance by
which progress and/or academic achievement will be judged as the case may be. An appeal
against such cancellation may be made in the first instance to the relevant Head of School.
If the Head of School is unwilling to reverse her/his original decision, s/he shall forthwith
place the student’s representations and his/her own written comments before the Dean for a
decision. In exceptional cases, the Dean may set up an appeal committee composed of two
senior faculty members (one from the school concerned) nominated by her/him. The decision
of the Dean or the appeal committee, as the case may be, shall be final. Fee implications
associated with the cancellation of registrations are outlined in the Schedule of Fees books.
5.7.2 The Senate may cancel the registration of an undergraduate student in the qualification for
which that student is registered in that year and in the opinion of the Senate the student’s
progress is unsatisfactory or the student has not met the conditions that was stipulated for her/
his readmission in that year of study.

20
 2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

5.7.3 The Senate may cancel the registration of a postgraduate student registered for a programme
by research if a higher degrees committee (or equivalent), on the recommendation of the
relevant supervisor(s) and head of school, has considered the research proposal and/or
other milestones of the research of that student and has judged the research proposal or the
progress towards the milestones to be academically unsatisfactory or, in material aspects,
incomplete. The higher degrees committee may appoint a panel comprising one member of
the higher degrees committee, the relevant supervisor and the relevant Head of School for
the purpose of advising the higher degrees committee. Reasons must be given when such
registration is cancelled and an appeal against such cancellation may be made to the Dean of
the Faculty, who will then propose membership of an ad hoc committee to review the case.
The three-person ad hoc committee will be chaired by the Dean. The Chairperson of the
higher degrees committee; the Head of School and/or the Supervisor (or equivalent); may be
in attendance.
If the ad hoc committee does not permit renewal of registration, the student has the right to
submit a further appeal to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC): Research who may consult
with the Dean. The decision of the DVC: Research acting on behalf of the Council, shall be
final. Fee implications associated with the cancellation of registrations are outlined in the
Schedule of Fees book.
5.7.4 The process set out in Rule G5.7.3 will also apply to a postgraduate student registered for a
programme which includes coursework.

5.8 Change of registration

In exceptional circumstances, where a first-year student is adjudged by the Senate to be
making inadequate progress and the criteria by which such judgment is made have been
published in terms of Rule G5.7, the student may be permitted or required to alter her/his
registration to a special curriculum for the same qualification.

5.9 Cancellation of registration by student

5.9.1 Date of cancellation of registration for a qualification
Unless in exceptional circumstances the Senate otherwise determines, a student who cancels
her/his registration for a qualification less than one month prior to the commencement of
the final examination session in which the assessment for that qualification are held, will be
deemed to have failed in all the courses for which s/he was registered in that year, except for
those courses which s/he has already completed.
5.9.2 Date of cancellation of registration in a particular course
Unless the Senate otherwise determines, a student may not cancel her/his registration
for a particular course less than one month prior to the commencement date of the final
examination session in which the assessment for that course is held.

5.10 Refusal of permission to register

A student who fails to complete a course may be refused permission by the Senate to register
again for that course if admission to the course is limited or if s/he has registered more than
once for that course.

21
2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

G6 Attendance
6.1 Minimum Attendance
The minimum attendance for any programme shall be determined by the Faculty Rules in
compliance with the HEQSF.

6.2 Failure to attend

Any student registered for any course who fails to fulfil the attendance requirements
prescribed by the faculty for that course may be refused permission by the Senate to present
herself/himself for assessment in that course.

6.3 Outside work, visits, tours, fieldwork, vacation

employment, non-examined courses
The requirements for any qualification or course may include such work or attendance whether
within or outside the University and during the academic year and/or vacation periods as the
Senate may prescribe. A student is required to perform satisfactorily all duties required of her/
him in this connection. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in the student
being refused permission by the Senate to present herself/himself for assessment, to register
for the subsequent year of study or any particular year of study thereafter or ineligibility for
the conferment of the qualification.

6.4 Exemption from attendance

In exceptional circumstances where it is deemed appropriate, the Senate may excuse a
student from attending all or part of a course.

6.5 Attendance requirement for students for qualification

Any student for whom attendance is not otherwise prescribed by the rules is required to
attend at the University for such period and in such manner as may be determined by the
Senate. The Senate may waive this requirement in exceptional circumstances.

6.6 Limitation on the activity of a student for reasons of ill

health
6.6.1 The Vice-Chancellor is entitled to investigate the physical or mental health of any student
where s/he considers it necessary in the interest of the student or in the interests of the
University, to that end may require the student to obtain a medical report from or to submit
to examination by a suitably qualified medical practitioner or psychologist acceptable to the
Vice-Chancellor. The University is responsible for any costs incurred in the course of such
investigation.
6.6.2 Whenever the Vice-Chancellor has reasonable grounds to believe that a student is or may
become a danger to herself/himself or to any other person, or may cause damage to any
premises occupied or under the control of the University, or may disrupt any of the activities
or functions of the University, s/he may place limitations on the presence or activities of that
student on University premises and the student is required to observe those limitations.
Without prejudice to her/his general powers under this rule, the Vice- Chancellor may
prohibit the student from –

a) entering the precincts of, or any specified part of the University including a University
residence; and/or

22
 2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

b) attending any lecture or any specified lectures, laboratory, or other classes or activity
whether academic or otherwise.
Any action taken under this rule must be reported to the next meeting of Council or the
Executive Committee of Council.

6.6.3 Unless in the opinion of the Vice-Chancellor the urgency of the case or the condition of the
student concerned makes it inappropriate or impractical to do so, the Vice-Chancellor or
any other officer of the University designated by the Vice-Chancellor, must interview the
student concerned before any action is taken under Rule G6.6.2 above and afford her/him a
reasonable opportunity to be heard.
6.6.4 Any limitation imposed on a student under Rule G6.6.2 above remains in force until the
Vice-Chancellor is satisfied that it is no longer necessary. However, the student concerned is
entitled at any time to make representations to the Vice-Chancellor or to apply to the Council
to review any limitations imposed under Rule G6.6.2 above.
6.6.5 The Council may, at any time, investigate the matter and having considered any representations
that may have been made by the Vice-Chancellor or the student concerned, may confirm,
alter or set aside any limitation imposed under G6.6.2 above.

G7 Curricula
7.1 Senate approval of curriculum
A person may not be registered for a curriculum leading to a qualification in any year of
study until her/his curriculum for that year has been approved by the Senate. An approved
curriculum may only be amended with the consent of the Senate.

7.2 Condonation of breach of rules

The Senate may, with retrospective effect, condone any breach of the faculty rules governing
a curriculum if it is satisfied that the student concerned was not at fault and would suffer
undue hardship if the breach were not condoned.

7.3 Restriction on choice of courses

In terms of Rule G2.6 wherever the rules for a qualification provide for the selection of
courses by a student, such selection may be limited by the timetable of classes, a restriction
on the number of students to be registered for a particular course or insufficient resources.

7.4 Special curricula

The Senate may approve a special cognately consonant curriculum for a student:

a) where it considers it necessary for that student to proceed on a curriculum which extends
beyond the minimum period of full-time study. The maximum period of extension is
stipulated in the faculty rules; or
b) where it considers it necessary for that student to proceed on foundation and/or
additional courses which do not contribute credits towards a qualification; or
c) who has been granted credits or exemptions in terms of Rule G4.7; or
d) who has interrupted her/his studies at the University prior to a change in the rules
governing the curriculum or qualification for which s/he was registered or to whom no
curriculum is currently applicable; or
e) who has been permitted to proceed to a subsequent year of study without having
obtained credit for all the courses prescribed for the previous year of study; or

23
2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

f) who has, in circumstances considered by the Senate to be exceptional, been able to

give satisfactory evidence of her/his qualifications to proceed to a second or third level
course in a subject; or
g) who, in the opinion of the Senate, suffers or has suffered a disadvantage because of
illness or physical disability or because of some other good and sufficient cause; or
h) who has, in circumstances considered by the Senate to be exceptional, been able to
give satisfactory evidence of her/his ability to complete the first course in a subject by
part-time study; or
i) in any other circumstances which it considers academically desirable or necessary. The
granting of a special curriculum has been delegated by the Senate to the Dean of each
faculty, or to the nominee/s of the Dean, in instances where the Dean reports such
nomination/s and the period for which each such person will exercise this responsibility,
to the Faculty Board.

7.5 Change of rules during a student’s registration

If the rules governing a qualification are changed, a student who registered under the old
rules and who has obtained sufficient credits to enable her/him to proceed to the next year of
study in terms of those rules, may proceed on the old curriculum unless s/he elects to proceed
on the new curriculum. However where there are, in the opinion of the Senate, compelling
reasons for doing so, which may include failure in one or more courses, or where a student
does not register for the next year of study in the ensuing academic year or where at her/
his request, a student is permitted by the Senate to register in the ensuing year on a special
curriculum, that student may be required by the Senate to proceed on new rules or on interim
rules or on a special curriculum laid down for her/him by the Senate.
7.6 Study-abroad component/ foreign electives
A registered student who completes a study-abroad component approved by the Senate or,
as part of an institutional exchange agreement, completes appropriate credits at an institution
which is recognised by the Senate for this purpose in a country other than South Africa, earns
credits as defined in the requirements for the qualification.
A student may not be granted a credit more than once in the same course within the same
qualification.
7.7 Credits
Subject to the rules pertaining to a particular qualification and any special restrictions on
credits in the rules, a student obtains credit in any course that s/he successfully completes.
However, even if a student obtains such credit, s/he may be refused permission to renew her/
his registration if s/he fails to comply with the minimum requirements of study prescribed.
A student may not be granted a credit more than once in the same course within the same
qualification.
7.8 Minimum requirements of study
7.8.1 A student who does not meet the minimum requirements of study may be refused permission
by the Senate to renew her/his registration. If, however, a student is permitted to renew her/
his registration after having failed to satisfy the minimum requirements of study, s/he may be
required to satisfy further conditions as the Senate may determine in her/his case.

The minimum requirements of study prescribed for students are set out in the faculty rules.

24
 2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

7.8.2 Save in exceptional circumstances, a student who fails to meet the minimum requirements of
study after s/he has reached or exceeded the maximum time (N+2) for the completion of the
degree shall not be permitted by Senate to renew her/his study with the University.

Rule 7.8.2 will only apply to undergraduate programmes.

7.9 Withdrawal of, or refusal to grant credits and/or

exemptions
The Senate may withdraw or refuse to grant credits and/or exemptions if, in the opinion
of the Senate, the time which has elapsed between obtaining the credit or exemption and
completion of the other requirements for the award of a qualification is excessive or is
excessive in view of the nature of the subject.

Unless otherwise stipulated by the Dean of the Faculty, the shelf life of a course is four years.

7.10 Sub-minimum rule

Unless specified otherwise in a course outline, a student will not be allowed to obtain credit
for a course unless s/he achieves:

a) a final mark of at least 50 percent for that course; and

b) a sub-minimum of 35 percent in each of the components of that course as well as in the
summative assessment for that course.

Such a sub-minimum criterion applies only to components which contribute 25 percent or

more towards a course, unless specified otherwise in the course outline.
Summative assessment in this instance is assessment that regulates the progression of students
by awarding marks at the conclusion of a course.

G8 Requirements for Award of Qualification

In addition to the requirements of admission, registration, attendance and assessment applicable to the
qualification for which a student is registered, such student must meet the requirements for the award
of the qualification by obtaining credit in the courses set in each academic year and/or conducting
research approved by the Senate and satisfying such further requirements as may be prescribed by
the Senate and which are set out in the faculty rules.

G9 Degree of Master
9.1 General
The Senate may require a candidate for the degree of master as a condition of the conferment
of the degree to attend such courses or pass such examinations (written or oral) as it deems
necessary before conferring the qualification.

9.2 The programme of master proceeding by research

Where appropriate a faculty may offer a programme leading to the degree of master by
advanced study and research normally under the guidance of a supervisor/s appointed by
the Senate.

25
2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

9.3 Programme of master by research report and

coursework
Where appropriate a faculty may offer a programme leading to the degree of master by
research report and coursework by by attendance, completion of a curriculum approved by
the Senate and submission of coursework and research report on an approved topic by the
Senate.

9.4 Conditions for the conferment of the degree of master

by research
A person who is admitted as a candidate for a degree of master by research must, after
consultation with her or his supervisor if there is one, present for the approval of the Senate a
dissertation on a subject approved by the Senate. The dissertation must, in the opinion of the
Senate, constitute both an application of the methods of research and a contribution to the
advancement of knowledge in the subject chosen.
Consistent with the definition of a dissertation in Rule G1.13, a dissertation will be an
extended piece of written work which may incorporate creative work or publications.

The terms Dissertation and Research Report are defined in Rule G1.13 and G1.2.9. Further conditions
for the conferment of the degree of master are set out in the faculty rules and the Senate Standing
Orders for Higher Degrees.

9.5 Supervision of full-time members of staff

In circumstances considered by it to be exceptional the Senate may dispense with the
requirement for supervision in the case of a candidate who holds an appointment as a
member of the full-time academic staff of the University and has held such appointment for
such period as is laid down in the faculty rules. In such a case the Senate must appoint an
internal and external examiner.

9.6 Abstract and style of Dissertation or Research Report

The Dissertation or Research Report prescribed by the Senate must include an abstract and
conform as far as possible to the style, length and format recommended in the authorised
style guide obtainable from faculty offices.

9.7 Copies of Dissertation or Research Report

A candidate for the degree of master must submit for examination an electronic copy of her/
his dissertation or research report via email or any other electronic platform designated by
the faculty office. In exceptional circumstances the examiner may request a hard copy of the
dissertation or research report. In such a case, the candidate will be required to provide a
bound hard copy or copies, together with the electronic version. Copies must be in a format
that, in the opinion of the Senate, is suitable for submission to the examiners.
Prior to graduation, a candidate must submit a final, corrected electronic copy of her/his
dissertation or research report via email or any other electronic platform designated by the
faculty office.

9.8 Formal declaration

Together with her/his dissertation or research report, a candidate must submit a formal
declaration stating whether –

26
 2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

a) it is her/his own unaided work or, if s/he has been assisted, what assistance s/he has
received;
b) the substance or any part of it has been submitted in the past or is being or is to be
submitted for a qualification at any other university;
c) the information used in the dissertation or research report has been obtained by her/
him while employed by, or working under the aegis of, any person or organisation
other than the University.

9.9 Acknowledgement of conferment of degree if material

is published
A candidate upon whom a degree of master has been conferred by the University and who
subsequently publishes or republishes her/his dissertation or research report in whole or
in part, must indicate on the title page or in the preface or, if this is not appropriate, in a
footnote, that such Dissertation or Research Report has been approved for that qualification
by the University.

9.10 Completion of all requirements for the degree of

master
Unless the Senate has granted an extension of time, a candidate who has not satisfied all the
requirements for the degree of master including submission of a research report, if s/he is
required to submit one, by the date stipulated in the faculty rules is deemed to have failed.
If the Senate grants her/him such extension s/he is required to register for the new academic
year.

G10 Degree of Doctor of Philosophy

10.1 Fulfilment of requirements for conferment of the
degree of Doctor of Philosophy
When the research is completed a candidate must:

a) present for the approval of the Senate a thesis, the research for which is normally
conducted under the guidance of a supervisor/s, which must constitute in the opinion
of the Senate a substantial contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the subject
chosen, and which must be satisfactory as regards literary presentation;

The term thesis is defined in Rule G1.36. Further conditions for the conferment of the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy are set out in the faculty rules and the Senate Standing Orders for Higher
Degrees.

b) furnish an abstract with each copy of the thesis;

c) if required by the Senate, present herself/himself for such assessment, or such other
requirements as the Senate may determine in respect of the subject of her/his thesis.

10.2 Supervision of full-time members of staff

In circumstances considered by it to be exceptional, the Senate may dispense with the
requirement for supervision in the case of a candidate who holds an appointment as a
member of the full-time academic staff of the University and has held such appointment for
such period as is laid down in the faculty rules. In such a case, the Senate must appoint one
internal and two external examiners.

27
2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

10.3 Copies of thesis

Unless the faculty rules for the qualification require otherwise, a candidate for the degree
of Doctor of Philosophy must submit for examination an electronic copy of her/his thesis
via email or any other electronic platform designated by the faculty office. In exceptional
circumstances, the examiner may request a hard copy of the thesis. In such a case, the
candidate will be required to provide a bound copy of her/his thesis, together with the
electronic version. The bound copies must be in a format that, in the opinion of the Senate,
is suitable for submission to the examiners.
Prior to graduation, a candidate must submit a final, corrected electronic copy of her/his
thesis via email or any other electronic platform designated by the faculty office.
The rules relating to formal declaration (Rule G9.8), acknowledgement of conferment of the
qualification, (Rule G9.9) and completion of all requirements for the degree of master (Rule
G9.10), apply with the appropriate changes.

G9.7, G10.3: A candidate for a higher degree is not entitled to the return of such copies.

G11 Senior Doctorate

11.1 Conditions for the conferment of the degree
A candidate for a senior doctorate must present for the approval of the Senate at least
five copies of original published work, or original work accepted for publication, in a
field approved by the Senate. Such work must, in the opinion of the Senate, constitute a
distinguished contribution to the advancement of knowledge in that field.

11.2 Notice of intention to apply for candidature

A candidate must give notice in writing to the Registrar of her/his intention to present herself/
himself as a candidate for the qualification, submitting at the same time the title and an
outline of the proposed submission.

G12 Conversion of candidature for higher qualifications

12.1 General
Where the requirements for a higher qualification allow, a candidate may be permitted or
required by Senate under conditions prescribed by it to convert her/his candidature from
one higher qualification to another within the period of registration. Special conditions for
conversion are specified in the faculty rules.
The conditions for conversion are generally applicable for existing programmes and
qualifications prior to 2009, for new programmes or qualifications, i.e. those which have
not existed before 2009, the conditions for conversion are subject to Senate discretion. On
conferment of a converted higher qualification, the transcript will be endorsed to reflect the
conversion.

Conditions for conversion may change in light of the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework.

28
 2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

12.2 Conversion from a programme leading to the degree

of master by research to a programme leading to the
degree of Doctor of Philosophy
a) A person who has been admitted as a candidate for the degree of master may, in
exceptional circumstances, at her/his request and on the recommendation of the
supervisor and of the Head of the School concerned, on the basis of work towards the
dissertation be allowed, by permission of the Senate, to proceed instead to the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy. Provided further that the degree of master shall NOT be conferred
on her/him in the event of her/his–
i) withdrawing her/his candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy;
or
ii) having her/his candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy cancelled in terms
Rule G5.7; or failing to satisfy the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
b) A person who has completed the requirements for the degree of master, at her/his
request and on the recommendation of the Head of the School concerned, may be
permitted by the Senate not to have the qualification conferred on her/him, but to
conduct, for not less than one academic year of further full-time study, or not less than
two academic years of further part-time study, additional research for the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy, which shall be a significant extension of the research already
completed by her/him: Provided that the period of additional research may be waived or
reduced in a case considered by the Senate to be exceptional. Provided further that the
degree of master shall NOT be conferred on her/him in the event of her/his –
i) withdrawing her/his candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy;
or
ii) having her/his candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy cancelled in terms
Rule G5.7; or
iii) failing to satisfy the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
c) A person who is permitted to change her/his candidature in terms of (a) or (b) above will
be deemed to have been admitted to candidature for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy
at the date of her/his admission to candidature for the degree of master, or at such
later date as the Senate may determine in her/his case, but will be subject, in all other
respects, to the rules for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and such other conditions
as the Senate may determine in her/his case.

12.3 Conversion from a programme leading to a degree

of master by coursework and research report to a
programme leading to the degree of master by research
a) A person who has been admitted as a candidate for the degree of master by coursework
and research report may, in exceptional circumstances, at her/his request and on the
recommendation of the supervisor and of the Head of the School concerned, on the
basis of work towards the research report be allowed, by permission of the Senate, to
proceed instead to the degree of master by research. Provided further that the degree
of master by coursework and research report shall NOT be conferred on her/him in the
event of her/his-

29
2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

i) withdrawing her/his candidature for the degree of master by research; or

ii) having her/his candidature for the degree of master by research cancelled in terms
Rule G5.7; or
iii) failing to satisfy the requirements for the degree of master by research.
b) A person who has completed the requirements for the degree of master by coursework
and research report, at her/his request and on the recommendation of the Head of the
School concerned, may be permitted by the Senate not to have the degree conferred on
her/him, but to conduct, for not less than one academic year of further full-time study,
or not less than two academic years of further part-time study, additional research for
the degree of master by research, which shall be a significant extension of the research
already completed by her/him: Provided that the period of additional research may be
waived or reduced in a case considered by the Senate to be exceptional. Provided
further that the degree of master by coursework and Research Report shall be conferred
on her/him in the event of her/his –

i) withdrawing her/his candidature for the degree of master by research; or

ii) having her/his candidature for the degree of master by research cancelled in terms
Rule G5.7; or
iii) failing to satisfy the requirements for the degree of master by research.
c) A person who is permitted to change her/his candidature in terms of (a) or (b) above will
be deemed to have been admitted to candidature for the degree of master by research at
the date of her/his admission to candidature for the degree of master by coursework and
research report, or at such later date as the Senate may determine in her/his case, but
will be subject, in all other respects, to the rules for the degree of master by research and
such other conditions as the Senate may determine in her/his case.

G13 Assessment
13.1 General
An assessment may be written, practical, electronic, clinical or oral, in project or assignment
form or be any other piece of work or any combination thereof as may be specified by the
Senate, provided that a student’s overall assessment does not consist of an oral assessment
alone, except if expressly determined as appropriate by the Senate. Such determination may
not be delegated. In all cases the evaluation must be in a form that is suitable for objective
assessment by an internal moderator or external examiner. In each case the School must
make clear the extent and nature of the work to be assessed and the criteria to be used.

13.2 Examiners
13.2.1 At least one examiner for each course must be a member of the academic staff of the University
who has taught the students in the course under assessment unless it is impracticable in any
instance because of the death, dismissal, resignation, absence, illness or other incapacity of
the member of staff concerned, or for some reason deemed by the Senate to be sufficient.
13.2.2 At least 50 percent of the assessments that contribute to the final marks for every course will
be internally moderated and/or externally examined, provided that at least 30 percent of
every course is externally examined.

30
 2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

13.2.3 An internal moderator is normally a member of the academic staff who may be from the same
department or school or from another department or school but who has not been involved at
all in teaching the course during the relevant academic year. Unless otherwise impracticable
or with the approval of the Dean, an internal moderator should not be appointed to examine
the same course for more than three consecutive years.
13.2.4 An external examiner is normally appointed from outside the University, preferably from
another university, or in the case of professional disciplines, from among experienced
members of the professions. In exceptional cases where these options are impracticable,
a member of the academic staff may, with the permission of the Dean, be appointed as an
external examiner but only if s/he has not been involved at all in teaching the course during
the relevant academic year. Unless otherwise impracticable or with the approval of the Dean
an external examiner should not be appointed to examine the same course for more than
three consecutive years. There should be no reciprocity between external examiners from this
and other institutions save in circumstances which the Senate deems exceptional.
13.2.5 An additional requirement with regard to examiners for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy
is that the Senate must appoint three examiners of whom two must be external examiners as
defined in Rule G13.2.4 above.

13.3 Eligibility for assessment

A student may be disqualified from presenting herself/himself for any assessment if s/he has
not satisfied such requirements, including satisfactory participation in the work of the class,
as may be prescribed by the Senate.

These requirements include, but are not limited to: attendance, assignments completed, tutorials
participated in, practical experiments, clinical work, field work and outside work. It is incumbent
on each student to ascertain from the head of school what is required to qualify for presentation
for assessment for each course. Disqualification includes being refused permission to complete an
assessment or receiving no marks for such assessment.

13.4 Additional oral or other form of assessment

The Senate may require a student to present herself/himself for an oral or other form of
assessment if, on the marks obtained by her/him after prescribed assessment/s, s/he is, in the
opinion of the Senate, on the borderline of the pass mark or the mark required for a particular
class, as defined in the faculty or school standing orders. In such an event the marks obtained
in such oral assessment are reported to the Senate in addition to the marks obtained in the
prescribed assessment/s. The Senate must then determine the mark to be allocated.

13.5 Supplementary assessments

A student who has failed a course may be permitted by the Senate to present herself/himself
for a supplementary assessment where such assessment is permitted by the rules of the faculty
which teaches and examines the course, unless otherwise agreed by the faculties concerned.
Supplementary assessments may only be deferred in circumstances considered by the Senate
to be exceptional.

A supplementary assessment fee may be charged.

13.6 Deferred assessments

13.6.1 Students applying for a deferred assessment/s must do so within three (3) working days after
the date of the assessment/s.

31
2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

13.6.2 If the Dean of the faculty is satisfied that there is sufficient reason, s/he may permit a student
to defer her/his assessment/s. The Dean will require the student to submit such evidence to
support her/his case as the Dean considers necessary.
A Dean who permits a student to present herself/himself for a deferred assessment may
require her/him to do so at such time and subject to such conditions as s/he considers fit and,
in particular, may require the student to defer or to repeat (as the case may be) some or all her/
his assessments (or some or all the assessments that s/he has not failed) in the year in respect
of which her/his application is lodged.
13.6.3 A student who does not present herself/himself for a deferred assessment is not entitled or
permitted to have the assessment further deferred unless there are, in the opinion of the
Senate, exceptional grounds for permitting her/him to do so.
13.6.4 Unless in the opinion of the Senate, exceptional circumstances exist, a deferred assessment:
a) in the first semester, must be completed not later than the first week of the third teaching
block;
b) in the second semester, must be completed before the commencement of the following
academic year.

13.7 Re-assessment
Where a student has presented herself/himself for assessment and before the results or
provisional or unconfirmed results of such assessment are published, the Dean of the faculty,
after due consideration of the relevant factors, may permit a student to sit for re-assessment if
at the time of the assessment owing to illness or her/his mental state, the student was unable
to bring her/his judgment properly to bear on whether to apply for a deferred assessment in
terms of Rule G13.6.1 above and if the Dean considers that the student would suffer hardship
to an exceptional degree were s/he not allowed to do so.

13.8 Absence from assessment

Unless the Senate is satisfied that there was good and sufficient reason, a student who is
absent from an assessment, in a course for which, in accordance with the relevant curriculum,
s/he is required, permitted or entitled to present herself/himself, fails that course.

G14 Academic Progression

14.1 Completion of courses prescribed for previous year of
study
Except as provided in the rules for any qualification or by permission of the Senate, a student
may not be admitted to a year of study until s/he has completed the courses prescribed for
any preceding year of study and satisfied such further requirements, if any, as are prescribed
by the rules.

14.2 Standard required to proceed

A student may not include in her/his curriculum any course at a subsequent level unless
s/he has attained in that course at the preceding level such standard as is considered by
the Senate to warrant her/his admission to the course at the subsequent level and has
satisfied the prerequisites for that course as determined by the Senate from time to time.

32
 2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

14.3 Prerequisite non-credit bearing courses

Where a student is required to attend a course which does not constitute a credit towards the
qualification for which s/he is registered or to perform any other requirement prescribed for
any particular year of study for any qualification, her/him failure to attend such course or to
perform such other requirement may result in her/him being refused permission by the Senate
to register for the subsequent year of study or any particular year of study thereafter.

14.4 Special curricula for students who cannot proceed to

the next year of study
A student who has obtained credit in some of the courses prescribed for any year of study but
who may not in terms of the rules proceed to the following year of study and who has not
been excluded in terms of the faculty rules for progression, may be permitted or required by
the Senate to proceed on a special curriculum. In addition to the courses being repeated the
student may be permitted to include in her/his curriculum a course or courses prescribed for
the next year of study and/or such course as may enrich the content of her/his curriculum.

14.5 Re-attendance requirement for students who cannot

proceed to the next year of study
A student who is not permitted by the Senate to proceed to the subsequent year of study or
to include in her/his curriculum for the following academic year a further course in a subject
in which s/he has obtained credit, may be required by the Senate to re-attend and perform
to the satisfaction of the Senate the work of the class prescribed for such a repeated course,
failing which s/he may be refused permission to register for the subsequent year of study or
any particular year of study thereafter.

G15 Results
15.1 Publication of results
The final mark obtained by a student in a course may be published either by way of a
percentage mark or as a result decision except where the Senate has, in the case of some
supplementary assessments, ruled otherwise.

15.2 Non-publication of results

The final marks obtained by a student will not be published and a qualification will not be
conferred on a student unless and until –

a) s/he has paid all outstanding fees, levies, disbursements, fines and any other monies
lawfully owing to the University;
b) any disciplinary proceedings, pending or incomplete, have been completed; and
c) there has been compliance with any order made against the student as a consequence
of any disciplinary proceedings.

G16 Conferment of qualification

16.1 Congregation
Qualifications must be conferred by the University at a meeting of the Congregation of the
University convened for this purpose.

33
2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

16.2 Issuing of a certificate

Degrees are conferred and Diplomas are granted at a University Graduation ceremony. A
degree or diploma certificate will not be issued to a student/candidate prior to her/his name
appearing in the official graduation programme.

16.3 Endorsement of certificate

Where a qualification is conferred or granted in a specific field, option or branch, the
Senate may determine that the certificate attesting to such conferment or granting will bear
a statement specifying that field, option or branch. The Senate may determine that where a
person who has been granted such a certificate has satisfied the requirements for another
field, option or branch, the original certificate be endorsed to reflect this fact.

16.4 Non-conferment of qualification

A student who otherwise qualifies for the conferment of a qualification may be deemed not
to have done so unless and until –

a) the student has paid all outstanding fees, levies, disbursements, fines and any other monies
lawfully owing to the University;
b) any disciplinary proceedings, pending or incomplete, have been completed;
c) any order made against the student as a consequence of any disciplinary proceedings has
been complied with; and
d) in the case of the conversion from one higher qualification to another s/he has surrendered the
certificate in respect of the former higher qualification. Where such surrender is impossible
the Senate may permit the conferment of the qualification.

16.5 Permission to complete qualification by obtaining

credits elsewhere
The Senate may, if it considers fit, permit a student who has only one or two, or, in a case
considered by it to be exceptional, three courses or such number of courses as does not
exceed 30 per cent of the total number of prescribed courses outstanding for a qualification
and who satisfies the Senate that, by reason of a change of residence, or for some other good
and sufficient cause, s/he is unable to continue attending at the University, to complete such
course or courses at another university or at an institution recognised for this purpose by the
Senate within or outside the Republic of South Africa.

The policy of the faculties on this issue is set out in the standing orders of each faculty.

G17 Conferment of Qualification with Distinction

The qualification is awarded with distinction or with distinction in a particular course to a
student who has obtained the standard laid down by the Senate for that purpose.

34
 2023 General Rules for the Faculty of Science

G18 Honorary Degrees

18.1 A proposal to confer an honorary degree may be made either by a member of the Council or
of the Senate and must be seconded by another member of either of these structures.
18.2 The proposal must be communicated in writing to the University Registrar.
18.3 The proposal must be accompanied by a statement setting out the reasons for making it.
18.4 A resolution to confer an honorary degree must be passed in the Council and in the Senate by
an absolute majority of the members of each structure voting by secret postal ballot.
18.5 A person who sits on both structures is entitled to vote in each election.

G19 Intellectual Property

Students are advised to refer to the University Policy on Intellectual Property.

19.1 Any owner’s right to intellectual property in any thesis, dissertation, research report or any
other work is normally subject to the right of the University to make a reproduction of it or
parts of it in any medium for a person or institution requiring it for study or research, provided
that not more than one copy is supplied to that person or institution.
19.2 Where research includes a patentable invention, the University may keep the research
confidential for a reasonable period if specifically requested to do so.
19.3 Where confidentiality has been agreed in advance the University must keep the research
confidential for the period agreed.
19.4 Subject to 19.2 and 19.3 the University may distribute abstracts or summaries of any thesis,
dissertation, research report or any other work for publication in indexing and bibliographic
periodicals considered by the University to be appropriate.

G20 Ethical Clearance

Students who propose to conduct research of any kind on human or animal subjects must apply for
ethical clearance from the appropriate University’s Ethics Committee/s

35
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

SENATE RULES
FOR THE
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
These Rules are subordinate to and should be read in conjunction with the General Rules. The Rules for
degrees and diplomas published here are subject to change. They reflect the Rules and Regulations of the
University as at 31 July 2022 but may be amended prior to the commencement of the 2023 academic
year.

1 Application of Rules
See Rule G3.

2 UNDERGRADUATE
2.1 General Degrees
Qualification Name Programme Code NQF Exit Level
Bachelor of Science SBA00 7

2.1.1 Admission Rules

2.1.1.1 Minimum requirements for admission to Fields of Study
Subject to G4.10 and unless otherwise permitted by the Senate, a student may not be admitted to a Field
of Study listed below unless s/he has obtained the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or other recognised
School Leaving Certificate considered by the Senate to be equivalent, or other pre-university or university
requirements.

Description Firm Offer Waitlist Reject

BSc in the field of ≥ 80% in Mathematics ≥ 80% in Mathematics < 80% in Mathematics
Actuarial Science and ≥ 80% in Physical and ≥ 42 points and/or < 42 points
Sciences and ≥ 80%
in English and ≥ 42
points
BSc in the field of ≥ 80% in Mathematics ≥ 80% in Mathematics < 80% in Mathematics
Mathematical Sciences and ≥ 80% in Physical and ≥ 42 points and /or < 42 points
Sciences and ≥ 80%
in English and ≥ 42
points
BSc in the field of ≥ 70% in Mathematics ≥ 70% in Mathematics < 40 points
Chemistry with and ≥ 60% in Physical and ≥ 60% in Physical
Chemical Engineering Sciences ≥ 43 points Sciences and between
40 and 42 points
(inclusive)

36
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Description Firm Offer Waitlist Reject

BSc in the field of ≥ 70% in Mathematics ≥ 70% in Mathematics < 40 points
Materials Science and ≥ 60% in Physical and ≥ 60% in Physical
Sciences ≥ 43 points Sciences and between
40 and 42 points
(inclusive)
BSc in the field of ≥ 70% in Mathematics ≥ 70% in Mathematics < 40 points
Astronomy and and ≥ 70% in Physical and ≥ 70% in Physical
Astrophysics Sciences ≥ 43 points Sciences and Between
40 and 42 points
(inclusive)
BSc in the field of ≥ 70% in Mathematics ≥ 70% in Mathematics < 40 points
Physical Sciences and ≥ 60% in Physical and ≥ 60% in Physical
Sciences ≥ 42 points Sciences and 40 - 41
points
BSc in the field of ≥ 70% in Mathematics ≥ 70% in Mathematics < 41 points
Computer Science ≥ 44 points and 41- 43 points
BSc in the field of ≥ 70% in Mathematics ≥ 70% in Mathematics < 41 points
Computational and ≥ 44 points and 41- 43 points
Applied Mathematics
BSc in the field of ≥ 70% in Mathematics 40 - 41 points < 40 points
Geological Sciences and ≥ 60% in Physical
Sciences ≥ 42 points
BSc in the field of ≥ 42 points 40 - 41 points < 40 points
Geographical and
Archaeological
Sciences
BSc in the field of ≥ 42 points 40 - 41 points < 40 points
Geospatial Sciences
BSc in the field of ≥ 42 points 40 - 41 points < 40 points
Environmental Studies
BSc in the field of ≥ 43 points 41-42 points < 41 points
Biological Sciences
BSc ≥ 42 points 40 - 41 points < 40 points

2.1.1.2 Minimum requirements for admission *

Unless the Senate considers a case to be exceptional, in addition to the requirement of a National Senior
Certificate (NSC) (for degree studies), matriculation exemption or matriculation endorsement as defined
under Matriculation (refer to G1.16 (a)) and the entry requirement as stated in the Guide for Applicants, no
person shall be admitted as a student to study for the degree of Bachelor in the Faculty of Science unless
s/he has also satisfied the following minimum requirements:
a) For admission to the Bachelor of Science – Three Year Programme:
NSC requirements – a minimum of 60 percent in Mathematics, a minimum of 60 percent
in English and a minimum of 42 points on the Wits Admission Points Score (APS); Pre-NSC
requirements – a minimum of 40 percent in Mathematics at higher grade and a minimum of
26 points;

37
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

b) National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)] – with a minimum of 80 percent in Mathematics, 80

percent in English and 80 percent in Physical Sciences and a minimum of 42 points on the
Wits APS; and
c) Additional requirements may be imposed for specific fields of study (see 2.1.1.1) and may be
imposed for specific courses.

For the purposes of a pass in Mathematics, an applicant who has successfully passed a course in
Mathematics at a university or other institution recognised by the Senate for this purpose may be
deemed by the Senate to have obtained the equivalent of a pass in Mathematics at the Higher Grade
or relevant NSC level.

* In addition to the minimum requirements as stipulated in Rule 2.1.1.2, all eligible applicants will be
required to undertake the National Benchmark Tests.
2.1.1.3 Admission under special conditions
Except where the General and Faculty Rules provide otherwise, the following may be permitted by
the Senate to proceed to study for the degree of Bachelor in the Faculty of Science under such special
conditions as the Senate considers necessary:
a) a student who has obtained credit towards one of the degrees of Bachelor in the Faculty of Science
or in another faculty and who wishes to proceed to study for another degree of Bachelor in the
Faculty;
b) a student who holds a degree of Bachelor in the Faculty of Science or in another faculty, hereafter
referred to as the first degree, and who wishes to proceed to study for a second degree of Bachelor
in the Faculty, hereafter referred to as the second degree;
c) provided that a student mentioned in (b) above –
i) shall attend and obtain credit in a minimum of one-half of the courses required for the second
degree and shall, by so doing, obtain 216 credits, which shall include 72 credits derived from
any approved ‘science’ course/s at level III;
ii) shall not be permitted to complete the requirements for the second degree before two full
years or until a minimum of two years of registration for this second degree have elapsed; and
iii) shall not obtain credit in her/his programme for the second degree for more than 84 credits in
a single major (namely level I and level II – as listed in 2.1.2.2 a) in which s/he has obtained
credit for the first degree, except by permission of the Senate in a case considered by it to be
exceptional.

2.1.2 Curricula
2.1.2.1 Structure of the Degree
2.1.2.1a) Length of Programme
The degree of Bachelor of Science shall extend over not less than three academic years of full-time study:
By virtue of the provisions of G7.4, the Senate may require a particular student to proceed on a special
programme.
2.1.2.2 Year of Study
2.1.2.2 a) For the purposes of these Rules –

a) a course at first year level (level I) is denoted by the Roman numeral I following the descriptor and
its code number begins with the Arabic numeral 1 (e.g. Chemistry I, CHEM1012A);

38
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

b) a course at second year level (level II) is denoted by the Roman numeral II following the descriptor
and its code number begins with the Arabic numeral 2 (e.g. Chemistry II, CHEM2001A); and
c) a course at third year level (level III) is denoted by the Roman numeral III following the descriptor
and its code number begins with the Arabic numeral 3 (e.g. Chemistry III, CHEM3034A).
2.1.2.2 b) A student is deemed to be –

a) in the first year of study if s/he has 0 credits or obtained credit for, courses at level I which make up
a total of less than 108 credits;
b) in the second year of study until s/he has obtained a minimum of 108 credits at level I and 144
credits at level II; and
c) in the third year of study until s/he has obtained a minimum of 432 credits, at least 144 of which
are from level III.
2.1.2.3 Number of course credits in current academic year of study
Unless permitted by the Senate, a student shall include in her/his programme:

a) for the first year of study, courses for which no more than 144 credits at level I are allocated;
b) for the second year of study, courses for which no more than 192 credits at level II are allocated; and
c) for the third year of study, courses for which no more than 192 credits at level III are allocated.
In exceptional cases, the Senate may permit a student in any year of study to register for additional courses.
2.1.2.4 Majors and courses accepted by the Faculty of Science as part of the Bachelor of
Science

A student intending to proceed to the Postgraduate Certificate in Education should note that
acceptance into certain subject methodology courses is not automatic, as selection procedures may
be applied. In particular, a student intending to major in Psychology with a view to registering for
Guidance Methodology is advised to include in her/his programme at least all the courses required
to complete a recognised major in a third teaching subject up to (and including) level II. In addition,
a student intending to proceed to the Postgraduate Certificate in Education is strongly advised to
confirm with the Faculty of Humanities that the programme chosen for the degree of Bachelor of
Science satisfies the requirements for admission to the Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
2.1.2.4 a) Majors recognised for the Bachelor of Science
From the Faculty of Science a major course consists of a series of courses in a single subject selected from
the list below. A minimum of 36 credits are required at level I, 48 credits at level II and 72 credits at level
III for a student to be credited with such a major.
Actuarial Science III
Applied Bioinformatics III
Applied Chemistry III
Applied Geology III
Archaeology III
Biodiversity III (Courses in Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences)
Biochemistry and Cell Biology III
Chemistry III
Computational and Applied Mathematics III
Computational Applications III
Computer Science III
39
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Ecology and Conservation III (Courses in Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences)
Environmental Studies III
Genetics and Developmental Biology III
Geography III
Geology III
Geospatial Sciences III
Materials Science III
Mathematical Statistics III
Mathematics III
Microbiology and Biotechnology III
Organismal Biology III (Courses in Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences)
Physics III
2.1.2.4 b) Majors recognised for the Bachelor of Science from other faculties
The Senate may grant special permission to students to register for one major (72 credits) offered in
another faculty.
2.1.2.5 Compulsory Mathematics course/s
The programme shall include course/s in Mathematics yielding a minimum of 36 credits at NQF level 5
(MATH1041A or [MATH1034A and MATH1036A]).
2.1.2.6 List of Approved Courses for the Bachelor of Science (General)
A student shall include in her/his programme courses selected from the following list to satisfy the
requirements of 2.1.2.4. A full complement of courses at level I is equivalent to 36 credits, at level II is
equivalent to 48 credits and at level III is equivalent to 72 credits.

Courses leading to or comprising a major are indicated in bold. Note that stand-alone courses, not in
bold, do not make up a major. This list of courses should be read in conjunction with the Syllabuses
section.

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
ACCOUNTING (offered in the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management)
ACCN1000A Business Accounting I 36 5
ACTUARIAL SCIENCE
STAT1002A* Actuarial Science I 18 5
STAT2008A* Actuarial Science II 48 6
STAT3021A Computers and Communications for Actuaries III 18 7
STAT3010A Life Contingencies III 18 7
STAT3015A Actuarial Economics III 24 7
STAT3030A Actuarial Reserving Techniques III 14 7
ANATOMICAL SCIENCES (offered in the Faculty of Health Sciences)
ANAT2021A* Human and Comparative Biology II 48 6
ANAT3002A* Human Biology III 72 7
ANAT3011A* Medical Cell Biology III 72 7

40
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
ANIMAL, PLANT AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
APES1003A Introduction to Physiology and Environmental
Sciences I PT 18 5
APES2033A Animal Form and Function II 24 6
APES2038A Research Methods in Biological Sciences II 12 6
APES2039A Ecology, Environment, and Conservation IIA 24 6
APES2040A Ecology, Environment, and Conservation IIB 24 6
APES2041A Plant Form and Function II 24 6
APES2042A Life on Earth: Diversity II 24 6
APES2043A Life on Earth: Evolution II 12 6
APES3023A* Self-Study Course III 9 7
APES3026A* Special Topic III 9 7
APES3028A* Biogeography III 18 7
APES3029A* Palaeontology III 18 7
APES3034A* Functional Ecology in Changing Environments III 18 7
APES3041A* Animal Behaviour III 18 7
APES3042A* Medical and Applied Entomology III 18 7
APES3044A* Laboratory Project III 18 7
APES3047A* Ecological Communities and Biodiversity
Conservation III 18 7
APES3048A* Microscopy III 18 7
APES3051A* Diversity, Ecology and Economic Importance of Algae III 18 7
APES3057A* Physiological Entomology III 18 7
APES3058A* Biosystematics and Evolution III 18 7
APES3073A Environment and Sustainability III 18 7
APES3067A Experimental Field Biology III 18 7
APES3066A Behavioural Ecology III 18 7
APES3065A Applied Population Ecology III 18 7
APES3064A Applied Freshwater Ecology and Management III 18 7
APES3069A Molecular Ecology III 18 7
APES3070A People and Conservation Field Course III 18 7
APES3068A Field Methods in Terrestrial Ecology III 18 7
APES3071A Service Learning in Biology III 18 7
APES3072A Spatial Ecology and Conservation III 18 7

41
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
APES3074A Biodiversity in a Changing World IIIA: From Process to 36 7
Pattern
APES3075A Biodiversity in a Changing World IIIB: From Physiology 36 7
to Behaviour
APES3076A Applied Ecology and Global Change IIIA: Individuals, 36 7
Populations and Communities
APES3077A Applied Ecology and Global Change IIIB: Managing our 36 7
Complex World
APPLIED CHEMISTRY
CHEM2030A Applied Chemistry II 48 6
CHEM3033A Applied Chemistry IIIA 36 7
CHEM3034A Applied Chemistry IIIB 36 7
CHEM3031A Undergraduate Research III 9 7
CHEM3007A Environmental Chemistry III 9 7
APPLIED GEOLOGY
GEOL2026A* Applied Geology II 36 6
GEOL2021A Introduction to Geochemical Techniques II 12 6
GEOL2019A Geological Mapping Techniques II 24 6
GEOL3050A* Applied Geology III 72 7
GEOL3042A Advanced Geological Mapping Techniques III 18 7
GEOL3044A Hydrogeology & Water Resource Management III 18 7
GEOL3045A Exploration Methods III 18 7
GEOL3048A Geographical Information Systems & Remote Sensing III 18 7
ARCHAEOLOGY
ARCL1011A Archaeology I 36 5
ARCL1008A World Hunter-Gatherers I 9 5
ARCL1007A A Guide to Human Evolution I 9 5
ARCL1009A Origins of Civilisation I 9 5
ARCL1010A The Neolithic Revolution I 9 5
ARCL2002A Archaeology II 48 6
ARCL2009A World Rock Art II 12 6
ARCL2004A Earlier and Middle Stone Age II 12 6
ARCL2005A Archaeology of the Last 2000 Years II 12 6
ARCL2006A Osteoarchaeology II 12 6
ARCL2007A Space and Time in Archaeology II 12 6
ARCL3002A Archaeology III 72 7

42
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
ARCL3006A Southern African Rock Art III 18 7
ARCL3008A The Archaeology of Death III 18 7
ARCL3004A History of Archaeological Thought III 18 7
ARCL3010A Experimental Archaeology III 18 7
ARCL3011A Heritage Matters III 18 7
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
BIOL1000A* Introductory Life Sciences I 36 5
BIOL1006A Complementary Life Sciences I 36 5
BIOL1008A Molecular and Cellular Biology I 9 5
BIOL1009A Principles and Applications of Microbiology I 9 5
BIOL1025A Life in its Diversity I 18 5
CHEMICAL AND METALLURGICAL ENGINEERING (offered in the Faculty of Engineering and the
Built Environment)
CHMT2011A Computing for Process Engineering II 15 6
CHMT2021A Process Engineering Fundamentals IIA 20 6
CHMT2023A Process Engineering Fundamentals IIB 20 6
CHEMISTRY
CHEM1012A Chemistry I 36 5
CHEM1049A Chemistry I (Auxiliary) PT 15 5
CHEM1051A Engineering Chemistry I 12 5
CHEM2001A* Chemistry IIA 24 6
CHEM2002A* Chemistry IIB 24 6
CHEM2029A* Environmental Chemistry II 12 6
CHEM3002A Chemistry IIIA 36 7
CHEM3003A Chemistry IIIB 36 7
COMPUTATIONAL AND APPLIED MATHEMATICS
APPM1026A* Mathematical Methods and Modelling I 12 5
APPM1027A* Mathematical Methods and Modelling I PT 12 5
APPM1028A* Mechanics I 12 5
APPM1029A* Mechanics I PT 12 5
APPM1030A* Scientific Computing I 12 5
APPM1031A* Scientific Computing I PT 12 5
APPM2021A Mathematical Methods and Modelling II 16 6
APPM2022A Mathematical Methods and Modelling II PT 16 6
APPM2023A Mechanics II 16 6
APPM2024A Mechanics II PT 16 6

43
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
APPM2025A Scientific Computing II 16 6
APPM2026A Scientific Computing II PT 16 6
APPM3017A Computational and Applied Mathematics III 72 7
COMPUTATIONAL APPLICATIONS III:
COMS3007A Machine Learning III 18 7
COMS3024A Machine Learning III PT 18 7
COMS3006A Computer Graphics and Visualisation III 18 7
COMS3025A Computer Graphics and Visualisation III PT 18 7
COMS3008A Parallel Computing III 18 7
COMS3026A Parallel Computing III PT 18 7
COMS3011A Software Design Project III 18 7
COMS3027A Software Design Project III PT 18 7
COMPUTER SCIENCE
COMS1015A Basic Computer Organisation I 9 5
COMS1019A Basic Computer Organisation I PT 9 5
COMS1018A Introduction to Algorithms and Programming I 9 5
COMS1022A Introduction to Algorithms and Programming I PT 9 5
COMS1017A Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms I 9 5
COMS1021A Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms I PT 9 5
COMS1016A Discrete Computational Structures I 9 5
COMS1020A Discrete Computational Structures I PT 9 5
COMS1025A Auxiliary Computer Science and Programming IA 9 5
COMS1026A Auxiliary Computer Science and Programming IB 9 5
COMS2002A Database Fundamentals II 12 6
COMS2018A Database Fundamentals II PT 12 6
COMS2013A Mobile Computing II 12 6
COMS2019A Mobile Computing II PT 12 6
COMS2014A Computer Networks II 12 6
COMS2020A Computer Networks II PT 12 6
COMS2015A Analysis of Algorithms II 12 6
COMS2021A Analysis of Algorithms II PT 12 6
COMS2017A Auxiliary Database Systems II 12 6
COMS3002A1 Software Engineering III 18 7
COMS3019A1 Software Engineering III PT 18 7
COMS3003A Formal Languages and Automata III 18 7

44
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
COMS3021A Formal Languages and Automata III PT 18 7
COMS3005A Advanced Analysis of Algorithms III 18 7
COMS3022A Advanced Analysis of Algorithms III PT 18 7
COMS3009A 1
Software Design III 18 7
COMS3028A1 Software Design III PT 18 7
COMS3010A Operating Systems and System Programming III 18 7
COMS3023A Operating Systems and System Programming III PT 18 7
1
A student may select either Software Engineering (COMS3002A/COMS3019A) or Software Design
(COMS3009A/COMS3028A), but not both.
ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS SCIENCES (Offered in the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management)
FNE2000A Corporate Finance II 24 6
FINE2010A Investment II 24 6
BUSE2006A Insurance and Risk Management IIA 24 6
BUSE2008A Insurance and Risk Management IIB 24 6
FINE3014A Investment and Corporate Finance III 72 7
BUSE3003A Insurance and Risk Management III* 72 7
ECON1012A Economics IA Microeconomics 18 5
ECON1014A Economics IB Macroeconomics 18 5
ECON1016A Economic Theory IA Microeconomics 18 5
ECON1018A Economic Theory IB Macroeconomics 18 5
ECON2000A Economics IIA 24 6
ECON2001A Economics IIB 24 6
ECON3005A Economic Science III 72 7
ECON3009A Economic Theory III 72 7
INFO1000A* Information Systems IA 18 5
or or
INFO1004A Fundamentals in Information Systems I 18 5
INFO1003A* Information Systems IB 18 5
INFO2000A Information Systems IIA 24 6
INFO2001A Information Systems IIB 24 6
INFO3002A* Management and Application of Information Systems III 72 7
INFO3003A* Capstone Project in Information Systems III 24 7
ELECTRICAL AND INFORMATION ENGINEERING (offered in the Faculty of Engineering and the
Built Environment)
ELEN2000A* Electrical Engineering II 18 6

45
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
GAES2000A People and the Environment in Africa II 24 6
GAES2001A Nature, Climate and Society II 24 6
GAES3000A Theory and Practice in Sustainability Science and 18 7
Sustainable Development III
GAES3001A Political Ecology and Environmental Justice III 18 7
GAES3002A Communicating Environmental Issues III 18 7
GAES3003A Human Biometeorology III 18 7
GAES3004A Heritage Resources Management III 18 7
GAES3005A Contemporary Environmental Issues in Southern Africa III 18 7
GEOGRAPHY
GEOG1000A* Geography I 36 5
GEOG2010A Earth and Atmospheric Processes II 12 6
GEOG2012A Environmental Governance: From Local to Global II 12 6
GEOG2013A Methods, Models and Geographical Information
Systems II 12 6
GEOG2014A Conservation Biogeography II 12 6
GEOG2015A Thinking Geographically: Concepts and Practices in
Human Geography II 12 6
GEOG3019A Economic Geography III 18 7
GEOG3020A Climate and Environmental Change III 18 7
GEOG3021A Advanced Atmospheric Sciences III 18 7
GEOG3023A Theory and Practice in Sustainability Science and
Sustainable Development III 18 7
GEOG3024A Environmental Monitoring and Modelling III 18 7
GEOG3025A Urban Futures: The Political-Economy of Population and 18 7
Scarcity III
GEOG3026A Food: Security, Politics and Culture III 18 7
GEOG3029A Geospatial Data Design and Management III 18 7
GEOG3030A Project Management in Geospatial Science III 18 7
GEOG3032A Spatial Data Analysis and Modelling III 18 7
GEOG3033A Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry III 18 7
GEOLOGY
GEOL1000A* Geology I 36 5
GEOL2025A* Geology II 48 6
GEOL2024A Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, and Palaeontology II 12 6
GEOL2020A Igneous Petrology & Processes II 12 6
GEOL2023A Mineralogy & Optical Mineralogy II 12 6

46
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
GEOL2022A Metamorphic Petrology & Processes II 12 6
GEOL3049A* Geology III 72 7
GEOL3043A Advanced Petrology III 18 7
GEOL3046A Economic Geology & Ore Petrology III 18 7
GEOL3047A Structural Geology III 18 7
GEOL3041A Tectonics of the Earth III 18 7
MATERIALS SCIENCE
CHEM2007A* Materials Science II 48 6
CHEM3037A* Materials Science III 75 7
MATHEMATICAL STATISTICS
STAT1003A* Mathematical Statistics I 18 5
STAT2005A Mathematical Statistics II 48 6
STAT2012A Introduction to Mathematical Statistics II 8 6
STAT2015A Introduction to Mathematical Statistics II PT 8 6
STAT2013A Basic Statistics for the Natural Sciences II 12 6
STAT2014A Basic Statistics for the Natural Sciences II PT 12 6
STAT3031A Multivariate Data Analysis III 14 7
STAT3032A Risk Theory III 14 7
STAT3033A Statistical Elements of Machine Learning III 14 7
STAT3034A Stochastic Processes III 14 7
STAT3035A Survival Analysis III 14 7
STAT3036A Time Series III 14 7
STAT3037A Introduction to Spatial Statistics III 18 7
MATHEMATICS
MATH1034A Algebra I 15 5
MATH1044A Algebra I PT 15 5
MATH1036A Calculus I 21 5
MATH1045A Calculus I PT 21 5
MATH1041A Auxiliary Mathematics I 36 5
MATH1042A Engineering Mathematics 1A 18 5
MATH1046A Engineering Mathematics 1A PT 18 5
MATH1043A Engineering Mathematics 1B 18 5
MATH1047A Engineering Mathematics 1B PT 18 5
MATH2001A Basic Analysis II 8 6
MATH2029A Basic Analysis II PT 8 6
MATH2003A Differential Equations II 8 6

47
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
MATH2028A Differential Equations II PT 8 6
MATH2007A Multivariable Calculus II 8 6
MATH2032A Multivariable Calculus II PT 8 6
MATH2015A Abstract Mathematics II 8 6
MATH2028A Abstract Mathematics II PT 8 6
MATH2016A Advanced Analysis II 8 6
MATH2033A Advanced Analysis II PT 8 6
MATH2019A Linear Algebra II 8 6
MATH2031A Linear Algebra II PT 8 6
MATH2011A* Mathematics II (Engineering) 27 6
MATH2027A * Mathematics II (Engineering) PT 27 6
MATH3001A Number Theory III 12 7
MATH3003A Coding and Cryptography III 12 7
MATH3004A Complex Analysis III 12 7
MATH3006A Group Theory III 12 7
MATH3009A Rings and Fields III 12 7
MATH3010A Topology III 12 7
MATH3047A Advanced Real Analysis III 12 7
MATH3048A Real Analysis III 12 7
MATH3049A Positive Linear Systems III 12 7
MOLECULAR AND CELL BIOLOGY
MCBG1001A Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology I PT 18 5
MCBG2038A* Molecular and Cell Biology IIA: Molecular Processes II 48 6
MCBG2039A* Molecular and Cell Biology IIB: Cells and Organisms II 48 6
MCBG2037A* Molecular and Cell Biology IIC: Applications II 48 6
MCBG3004A* Biochemistry and Cell Biology III 72 7
MCBG3033A* Applied Bioinformatics III 72 7
MCBG3034A* Genetics and Developmental Biology III 72 7
MCBG3035A* Microbiology and Biotechnology III 72 7
MCBG3005A Protein Biochemistry and Biotechnology III 18 7
MCBG3008A Enzymology III 18 7
MCBG3010A Advanced Cell Biology III 18 7
MCBG3012A Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes III 18 7
MCBG3018A Advanced Virology III 9 7
MCBG3021A Microbial Food Security III 9 7
MCBG3022A Biotechnology of Fungi III 9 7

48
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
MCBG3024A Advanced Bacteriology III 9 7
MCBG3027A Plant and Invertebrate Pathology III 18 7
MCBG3029A Population Genetics III 18 7
MCBG3030A Advanced Developmental Biology III 18 7
MCBG3031A Introduction to Bioinformatics III 36 7
MCBG3032A Bioengineering and Biotechnology III 18 7
MCBG3036A Genomes and Genomics III 18 7
MCBG3037A Advanced Immunology III 18 7
PHYSICS
PHYS1000A* Physics I (Major) 36 5
PHYS1001A Physics I (Auxiliary) 36 5
PHYS1026A Introduction to Astronomy I 18 5
PHYS1027A Modern Astrophysics I 18 5
PHYS1031A Physics I PT 18 5
PHYS1034A Applied Physics I 12 5
PHYS2001A* Physics IIA (Major) 24 6
PHYS2002A* Physics IIB (Major) 24 6
PHYS2011A* Introduction of Reactor Physics II 12 6
PHYS2012A* Basic Nuclear Physics II 12 6
PHYS2015A Modern Radio and Gamma-ray Astronomy II 12 6
PHYS2016A Relativity: The Basis of Cosmology and Astrophysics II 12 6
PHYS3000A Quantum Mechanics III 11 7
PHYS3001A Applications of Quantum Mechanics III 11 7
PHYS3002A Statistical Physics III 11 7
PHYS3003A Waves and Modern Optics III 11 7
PHYS3004A Introduction to Geophysics III 11 7
PHYS3006A Advanced Experimental Physics and Project III 28 7
PHYS3010A Advanced Astrophysics III 36 7
PHYS3011A Cosmology: The Origin and Evolution of the Universe III 36 7
PHYSIOLOGY (offered in the Faculty of Health Sciences)
PHSL2000A* Physiology II 48 6
PHSL3002A* Applied and Experimental Physiology III 72 7
PHSL3006A* Human Physiology III 72 7
PSYCHOLOGY (See Schedule 2.1.6 (c)) (offered in the Faculty of Humanities)
PSYC1009A Psychology I 36 5
PSYC2020A Psychology II 48 6

49
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
PSYC2005A* Psychological Research Design and Analysis IIA 24 6
PSYC2006A Psychological Research Design and Analysis IIB 24 6
PSYC3001A Abnormal Psychology III 18 7
PSYC3013A Cognitive Neuropsychology III 18 7
PSYC3015A Health Psychology III 18 7
PSYC3016A Community Psychology III 18 7
PSYC3017A Psychotherapeutic Interventions III 18 7
PSYC3018A Child and Adolescent Psychology III 18 7
PSYC3019A Critical Social Psychology III 18 7
PSYC3020A Organisational Behaviour III 18 7
PSYC3022A Employment Relations III 18 7
PSYC3023A Organisational Effectiveness III 18 7
PSYC3033A Select Topic in Psychology III 18 7
PSYC3034A Cognitive Studies III 18 7
PSYC3039A Career Psychology 18 7
SOCIAL SCIENCES (offered in the Faculty of Humanities)
AFRL1005A Elementary Sesotho Language and Culture IA 18 5
AFRL1003A Elementary IsiZulu Language and Culture IA 18 5
INTR1010A The International Relations of South Africa and Africa I 18 5
POLS1007A Introduction to Political Studies I 18 5
SOCL1013A Southern Africa in the Era of Globalisation I 18 5
SOCL1014A Identity and Society I 18 5
PHIL1001A* Critical Thinking and Philosophical Reasoning I 12 5
PHIL1002A Introduction to Ethics I 18 5
PHIL1003A Introduction to Philosophy – Knowledge and Reality I 18 5
HIST1010A* Social History of Technology I 9 5
PHIL2007A Philosophy of Science II 24 6
ENGINEERING COURSES (offered in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environmnet)
FEBE1000A Introduction to the Engineering Profession I 12 5
FEBE1002A Engineering Analysis and Design IA 12 5
FEBE1004A Engineering Analysis and Design IB 12 5

*Admission to this course is restricted and subject to a selection process at the discretion of the
Senate.

50
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

2.1.2.7 Structured Curricula

The curricula for the various options of the Bachelor of Science degree are listed below as options 1 to 11.
Options 1 and 2 may lead to entry to the third year of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
1) Bachelor of Science in the field of Chemistry with Chemical Engineering
A student who completes a Bachelor of Science containing the courses listed below may apply
for entry to the third year of the Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Chemical Engineering) in
the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (EBE) or the Bachelor of Science Honours
in the Faculty of Science in the field of Chemistry. Admission is at the discretion of the Senate:

Programme Code: SBA00 NQF Exit Level: 7

Plan Code: SMACHEM11 Total NQF Credits: 460

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF
Credits Level
Year of Study I:
CHEM1012A Chemistry I 36 5
Mathematics I:
MATH1034A Algebra I 15 5
MATH1036A Calculus I 21 5
PHYS1000A Physics I 36 5
FEBE1002A Engineering Analysis and Design IA 12 5
FEBE1004A Engineering Analysis and Design IB 12 5
Any elective course from the list below:
AFRL1005A Elementary Sesotho Language and Culture IA 18 5
AFRL1003A Elementary IsiZulu Language and Culture IA 18 5
INTR1010A The International Relations of South Africa and Africa I 18 5
POLS1007A Introduction to Political Studies I 18 5
SOCL1013A Southern Africa in the Era of Globalisation I 18 5
SOCL1014A Identity and Society I 18 5
Year of Study II:
ECON1002A Economic Concepts IA 18 5
CHEM2001A Chemistry IIA 24 6
CHEM2002A Chemistry IIB 24 6
ELEN2000A Electrical Engineering 18 6
CHMT2011A Computing for Process Engineering II 15 6
CHMT2021A Process Engineering Fundamentals IIA 20 6
MATH2011A Mathematics II (Engineering) 27 6
Year of Study III:
CHMT2023A Process Engineering Fundamentals IIB 20 6
CHEM3002A Chemistry IIIA 36 7
CHEM3003A Chemistry IIIB 36 7

51
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Plan Code: SMACHEM11 Total NQF Credits: 460

CHEM3033A Applied Chemistry IIIA 36 7
CHEM3034A Applied Chemistry IIIB 36 7
2) Bachelor of Science in the field of Materials Science

Degree Code: SBA00 NQF Exit Level: 7

Plan Code: SMAJGEN19 Total NQF Credits: 432

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF
Credits Level
Year of Study I:
CHEM1012A Chemistry I 36 5
Mathematics I:
MATH1034A Algebra I 15 5
MATH1036A Calculus I 21 5
PHYS1000A Physics I 36 5
Any elective course yielding a minimum of 36 level I credits as listed in 2.1.2.6.
Year of Study II
Compulsory courses
CHEM2007A Materials Science II 48 6
MATH2007A Multivariable Calculus II 8 6
MATH2003A Differential Equations II 8 6
MATH2019A Linear Algebra II 8 6
Any group of courses yielding a minimum of 72 credits as listed below:
PHYS2001A Physics IIA 24 6
PHYS2002A Physics IIB 24 6
CHEM2001A Chemistry IIA 24 6
OR
CHEM2001A Chemistry IIA 24 6
CHEM2002A Chemistry IIB 24 6
PHYS2001A Physics IIA 24 6
Year of Study III
CHEM3037A Materials Science III 72 7
Any major course yielding a minimum of 72 credits as listed below:
CHEM3002A Chemistry IIIA 36 7
CHEM3003A Chemistry IIIB 36 7
OR
Physics III:
PHYS3000A Quantum Mechanics III 11 7
PHYS3001A Quantum Mechanics and its Applications III 11 7
PHYS3002A Statistical Physics III 11 7
PHYS3003A Waves and Modern Optics III 11 7
PHYS3006A Advanced Experimental Physics III 28 7

52
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

3) Bachelor of Science in the field of Mathematical Sciences

Programme Code: SBA00 NQF Exit Level: 7

Plan Code: SMAMS1A10 Total NQF Credits: 444

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Year of Study I:
Mathematics I:
MATH1034A Algebra I 15 5
MATH1036A Calculus I 21 5
Computational
and Applied
Mathematics I:
APPM1026A Mathematical Methods and Modelling I 12 5
APPM1028A Mechanics I 12 5
APPM1030A Scientific Computing I 12 5
STAT1003A Mathematical Statistics I 18 5
Additional courses yielding a minimum of 54 level I credits as listed in 2.1.2.6
Year of Study II:
Mathematics II:
MATH2001A Basic Analysis II 8 6
MATH2003A Differential Equations II 8 6
MATH2007A Multivariable Calculus II 8 6
MATH2015A Abstract Mathematics II 8 6
MATH2016A Advanced Analysis II 8 6
MATH2019A Linear Algebra II 8 6
STAT2005A Mathematical Statistics II 48 6
Computational
and Applied
Mathematics II:
APPM2021A Mathematical Methods and Modelling II 16 6
APPM2023A Mechanics II 16 6
APPM2025A Scientific Computing II 16 6
Year of Study III:
Mathematical
Statistics III:
STAT3031A Multivariate Data Analysis III 14 7
STAT3032A Risk Theory III 14 7
STAT3033A Statistical Elements of Machine Learning III 14 7
STAT3034A Stochastic Processes III 14 7
STAT3035A Survival Analysis III 14 7
STAT3036A Time Series III 14 7
Any major course yielding a minimum of 72 credits as listed below:
APPM3017A Computational and Applied 72 7
Mathematics III
OR

53
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Mathematics III:
[MATH3001A [Number Theory III 12 7
or or
MATH3010A] Topology III] 12 7
and
MATH3006A Group Theory III 12 7
and
MATH3048A Real Analysis III 12 7
and
[MATH3003A [Coding and Cryptography III 12 7
or or
MATH3047A Advanced Real Analysis III] 12 7
and
[MATH3009A [Rings and Fields III 12 7
or or
MATH3049A] Positive Linear Systems III] 12 7
and
MATH3004A Complex Analysis III 12 7
4) Bachelor of Science in the field of Biological Sciences

Programme Code: SBA00 NQF Exit Level: 7

Plan Code: SMABIOL10 Total NQF Credits: 432

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Year of Study I:
BIOL1000A Introductory Life Sciences I 36 5
CHEM1012A Chemistry I 36 5
MATH1041A Auxiliary Mathematics I 36 5
One additional course yielding a minimum of 36 level I credits as listed in 2.1.2.6
Year of Study II:
Any combination yielding a minimum of three recognised majors from Anatomical Sciences or
Physiology, Chemistry, Animal, Plant & Environmental Sciences and Molecular & Cell Biology and at
level II, as listed in 2.1.2.6, where courses leading to or comprising a major are indicated in bold (and
depending on prerequisite and corequisite Rules). One of the majors must be in the Faculty of Science.
Year of Study III:
Any combination yielding a minimum of two recognised majors from Anatomical Sciences or
Physiology, Chemistry, Animal, Plant & Environmental Sciences and Molecular & Cell Biology at level
III, as listed in 2.1.2.6, where courses leading to or comprising a major are indicated in bold (and
depending on prerequisite and corequisite Rules). One of the majors must be in the Faculty of Science.

54
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

5) Bachelor of Science in the field of Geological Sciences

Programme Code: SBA00 NQF Exit Level: 7

Plan Code: SMAGEOL10 Total NQF Credits: 432

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Year of Study I:
GEOL1000A Geology I 36 5
CHEM1012A Chemistry I 36 5
Mathematics I:
MATH1034A Algebra I 15 5
MATH1036A Calculus I 21 5
One additional course yielding a minimum of 36 level I credits as listed in 2.1.2.6
Year of Study II:
GEOL2025A Geology II 48 6
or or
[GEOL2024A [Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, and Palaeontology II 12 6
GEOL2020A Igneous Petrology & Processes II 12 6
GEOL2023A Mineralogy & Optical Mineralogy II 12 6
GEOL2022A] Metamorphic Petrology & Processes II] 12 6
GEOL2026A Applied Geology II 36 6
or or
[GEOL2021A [Introduction to Geochemical Techniques II 12 6
GEOL2019A] Geological Mapping Techniques II] 24 6
STAT2013A Basic Statistics for Natural Scientists II 12 6
One major yielding a minimum of 48 level II credits as listed in 2.1.2.6
Year of Study III:
GEOL3049A Geology III 72 7
or or
[GEOL3043A [Advanced Petrology III 18 7
GEOL3047A Structural Geology III 18 7
GEOL3041A Tectonics of the Earth III 18 7
GEOL3046A] Economic Geology & Ore Petrology III] 18 7
GEOL3050A Applied Geology III 72 7
or or
[GEOL3042A* [Advanced Geological Mapping Techniques III 18 7
GEOL3044A Hydrogeology & Water Resource Management III 18 7
GEOL3045A Exploration Methods III 18 7
GEOL3048A] Geographical Information Systems & Remote Sensing III] 18 7
*This course is an additional prerequisite for entry into the BSc Honours in the field of Geology.

55
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

6) Bachelor of Science in the field of Actuarial Science

Programme Code: SBA00 NQF Exit Level: 7

Plan Code: SMAACSI10 Total NQF Credits: 446

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Year of Study I:
Mathematics I:
MATH1034A Algebra I 15 5
MATH1036A Calculus I 21 5
Economics I:
ECON1016A Economic Theory IA Microeconomics 18 5
ECON1018A Economic Theory IB Macroeconomics 18 5
ACCN1000A Business Accounting I 36 5
STAT1003A Mathematical Statistics I 18 5
STAT1002A Actuarial Science I 18 5
Year of Study II:
STAT2008A Actuarial Science II 48 6
STAT2005A Mathematical Statistics II 48 6
Mathematics II:
MATH2001A Basic Analysis II 8 6
MATH2003A Differential Equations II 8 6
MATH2007A Multivariable Calculus II 8 6
MATH2015A Abstract Mathematics II 8 6
MATH2016A Advanced Analysis II 8 6
MATH2019A Linear Algebra II 8 6
Year of Study III:
Actuarial
Science III:
STAT3021A Computers and Communications for Actuaries III 18 7
STAT3010A Life Contingencies III 18 7
STAT3015A Actuarial Economics III 24 7
STAT3030A Actuarial Reserving Techniques III 14 7
Mathematical
Statistics III:
STAT3031A Multivariate Data Analysis III 14 7
STAT3032A Risk Theory III 14 7
STAT3033A Statistical Elements of Machine Learning III 14 7
STAT3034A Stochastic Processes III 14 7
STAT3035A Survival Analysis III 14 7
STAT3036A Time Series III 14 7

56
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

7) Bachelor of Science in the field of Computer Science*

*This programme is also offered part-time.

Programme Code: SBA00 NQF Exit Level: 7

Plan Code: SMACOMM10 Total NQF Credits: 432

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Year of Study I:
Mathematics I:
MATH1034A Algebra I 15 5
MATH1036A Calculus I 21 5
Computer
Science I:
COMS1015A Basic Computer Organisation I 9 5
COMS1016A Discrete Computational Structures I 9 5
COMS1017A Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms I 9 5
COMS1018A Introduction to Algorithms and Programming I 9 5
Computational
and Applied
Mathematics I:
APPM1026A Mathematical Methods and Modelling I 12 5
APPM1028A Mechanics I 12 5
APPM1030A Scientific Computing I 12 5
One additional course yielding a minimum of 36 level I credits as listed in 2.1.2.6
Year of Study II:
Computer
Science II:
COMS2002A Database Fundamentals II 12 6
COMS2013A Mobile Computing II 12 6
COMS2015A Analysis of Algorithms II 12 6
COMS2014A Computer Networks II 12 6
Mathematics II:
MATH2001A Basic Analysis II 8 6
MATH2007A Multivariable Calculus II 8 6
MATH2015A Abstract Mathematics II 8 6
MATH2016A Advanced Analysis II 8 6
MATH2019A Linear Algebra II 8 6
STAT2012A Introduction to Mathematical Statistics II 8 6
Computational
and Applied
Mathematics II:
APPM2021A Mathematical Methods and Modelling II 16 6
APPM2023A Mechanics II 16 6
APPM2025A Scientific Computing II 16 6

57
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Year of Study III:
Computer
Science III:
COMS3005A Analysis of Advanced Algorithms III 18 7
COMS3003A Formal Languages and Automata III 18 7
[COMS3009A [Software Design III 18 7
or or
COMS3002A] Software Engineering III] 18 7
COMS3010A Operating Systems and System Programming III 18 7
Computational
Applications III:
COMS3007A Machine Learning III 18 7
COMS3006A Computer Graphics and Visualisation III 18 7
COMS3008A Parallel Computing III 18 7
COMS3011A Software Design Project III 18 7
8) Bachelor of Science in the field of Computational and Applied Mathematics

Programme Code: SBA00 NQF Exit Level: 7

Plan Code: SMACAMS10 Total NQF Credits: 432

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Year of Study I:
Computational
and Applied
Mathematics I:
APPM1026A Mathematical Methods and Modelling I 12 5
APPM1028A Mechanics I 12 5
APPM1030A Scientific Computing I 12 5
Mathematics I:
MATH1034A Algebra I 15 5
MATH1036A Calculus I 21 5
Two elective courses yielding a minimum of 72 level I credits as listed in 2.1.2.6
Year of Study II:
Computational
and Applied
Mathematics II:
APPM2021A Mathematical Methods and Modelling II 16 6
APPM2023A Mechanics II 16 6
APPM2025A Scientific Computing II 16 6
Mathematics II:
MATH2001A Basic Analysis II 8 6
MATH2007A Multivariable Calculus II 8 6
MATH2016A Advanced Analysis II 8 6
MATH2015A Abstract Mathematics II 8 6
MATH2019A Linear Algebra II 8 6
STAT2012A Introduction to Mathematical Statistics II 8 6

58
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
One elective course yielding a minimum of 48 credits depending on courses completed at level I:
Year of Study 3:
APPM3017A Computational and Applied Mathematics III 72 6
One elective course yielding a minimum of 72 credits depending on courses completed at level II
9) Bachelor of Science in the field of Geographical and Archaeological Studies

Programme Code: SBA00 NQF Exit Level: 7

Plan Code: SMAGAES10 Total NQF Credits: 432

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Year of Study I:
GEOG1000A Geography I 36 5
ARCL1011A Archaeology I 36 5
MATH1041A Auxiliary Mathematics I 36 5
or
Mathematics I:
[MATH1034A [Algebra I 15 5
MATH1036A] Calculus I ] 21 5
One additional course yielding a minimum of 36 level I credits as listed in 2.1.2.6
Year of Study II:
Any three courses yielding 48 level II credits each as listed below and/or as listed in 2.1.2.6
Geography II:
GEOG2010A Earth and Atmospheric Processes II 12 6
[GEOG2012A [Environmental Governance: From Local to Global II 12 6
or or
GEOG2014A] Conservation Biogeography II] 12 6
GEOG2013A Methods, Models and Geographical Information 12 6
Systems II
GEOG2015A Thinking Geographically: Concepts and Practices in 12 6
Human Geography II

AND/OR
ARCL2002A Archaeology II 48 6
Year of Study III:
Any two courses yielding 72 level III credits each as listed below or as listed in 2.1.2.6
Geography III:
Select four courses from the list below yielding 72 credits.

59
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
GEOG3033A Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry III 18 7
GEOG3019A Economic Geography III 18 7
GEOG3020A Climate and Environmental Change III 18 7
GEOG3021A Advanced Atmospheric Sciences III 18 7
GEOG3023A Theory and Practice in Sustainability Science and
Sustainable Development III 18 7
GEOG3024A Environmental Monitoring and Modelling III 18 7
GEOG3025A Urban Futures: The Political-Economy of Population and
Scarcity III 18 7
GEOG3026A Food: Security, Politics & Culture III 18 7
AND/OR
ARCL3002A Archaeology III 72 7
10) Bachelor of Science in the field of Geospatial Sciences

Degree Code: SBA00 NQF Exit Level: 7

Plan Code: SMAGEOS10 Total NQF Credits: 442

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Year of Study I:
GEOG1000A Geography I 36 5
MATH1041A Auxiliary Mathematics I 36 5
or
[MATH1034A [Algebra I 15 5
MATH1036A] Calculus I] 21 5
BIOL1000A* Introductory Life Sciences I 36 5
CHEM1012A* Chemistry I 36 5
*or any two courses yielding a minimum of 36 level I credits each as listed in 2.1.2.6
Year of Study II:
Geospatial
Sciences II:
MINN2016A Engineering Surveying 16 6
COMS1025A Auxiliary Computer Science and Programming IA 9 5
COMS1026A Auxiliary Computer Science and Programming IB 9 5
COMS2017A Auxiliary Database Systems II 12 6
STAT2013A Basic Statistics for Natural Sciences II 12 6
Geography II:
GEOG2013A Geographic Information Systems, Science and Mapping
Systems II 12 6
GEOG2015A Thinking Geographically: Concepts and Practices in
Human Geography II 12 6
Any two courses yielding 12 credits each as listed below:
GEOG2010A Earth and Atmospheric Processes II 12 6
GEOG2012A Environmental Governance: From Local to Global II 12 6
GEOG2014A Conservation Biogeography II 12 6

60
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
AND
Any course yielding 48 level II credits as listed in 2.1.2.6
Year of Study III:
Geospatial
Sciences III
GEOG3029A Geospatial Data Design and Management III 18 7
GEOG3030A Project Management in Geospatial Science III 18 7
GEOG3032A Spatial Data Analysis and Modelling III 18 7
STAT3037A Introduction to Spatial Statistics III 18 7
Geography III:
GEOG3033A Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry III 18 7
Select three courses from the list below yielding 18 credits each.
GEOG3019A Economic Geography III 18 7
GEOG3020A Climate and Environmental Change III 18 7
GEOG3021A Advanced Atmospheric Sciences III 18 7
GEOG3023A Theory and Practice in Sustainability Science and 18 7
Sustainable Development III
GEOG3024A Environmental Monitoring and Modelling III 18 7
GEOG3025A Urban Futures: The Political-Economy of Population and 18 7
Scarcity III
GEOG3026A Food: Security, Politics & Culture III 18 7

11) Bachelor of Science in the field of Environmental Studies

Programme Code: SBA00 NQF Exit Level: 7

Plan Code: SMAEVST10 Total NQF Credits: 432

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Year of Study I:
MATH1041A Auxiliary Mathematics I 36 5
or
Mathematics I:
[MATH1034A [Algebra I 15 5
MATH1036A] Calculus I] 21 5
Any three courses yielding a minimum of 108 level I credits as listed in 2.1.2.6
Year of Study II:
Environmental
Studies II:
GAES2000A People and the Environment in Africa II 24 6
GAES2001A Nature, Climate and Society II 24 6
Any two elective courses yielding a minimum of 96 level II credits as listed in 2.1.2.6

61
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Year of Study III:
Compulsory courses:
Environmental
Studies III:
GAES3000A Theory and Practice in Sustainability Science and 18 7
Sustainable Development III
GAES3005A Contemporary Environmental Issues in Southern Africa III 18 7

Any two courses yielding 18 credits each as listed below:

GAES3001A Political Ecology and Environmental Justice III 18 7
GAES3002A Communicating Environmental Issues III 18 7
GAES3003A Human Biometeorology III 18 7
GAES3004A Heritage Resources Management III 18 7
Any elective course yielding a minimum of 72 credits as listed in 2.1.2.6.
12) Bachelor of Science in the field of Physical Sciences

Programme Code: SBA00 NQF Exit Level: 7

Plan Code: SMAPHSC10 Total NQF Credits 432

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Year of Study I:
Mathematics I:
MATH1034A Algebra I 15 5
MATH1036A Calculus I 21 5
PHYS1000A Physics I Major 36 5
CHEM1012A Chemistry I 36 5
One additional course yielding 36 level I credits as listed in 2.1.2.6
Year of Study II*:
Mathematics II:
MATH2001A Basic Analysis II 8 6
MATH2003A Differential Equations II 8 6
MATH2007A Multivariable Calculus II 8 6
MATH2015A Abstract Mathematics II 8 6
MATH2016A Advanced Analysis II 8 6
MATH2019A Linear Algebra II 8 6
AND/OR
Chemistry II:
CHEM2001A Chemistry Major IIA 24 6
CHEM2002A Chemistry Major IIB 24 6
AND/OR

62
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Physics II:
PHYS2001A Physics Major IIA 24 6
PHYS2002A Physics Major IIB 24 6
*Any combination yielding a minimum of three recognised majors at level II, as listed in 2.1.2.6
Year of Study III**
**Any combination yielding a minimum of two recognised majors at level III, as listed in 2.1.2.6
13) Bachelor of Science in the field of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Programme Code: SBA00 NQF Exit Level: 7

Plan Code: SMAASTR10 Total NQF Credits: 432

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Year of Study I:
Mathematics I:
MATH1034A Algebra I 15 5
MATH1036A Calculus I 21 5
PHYS1000A Physics I Major 36 5
Computational
and Applied
Mathematics I:
APPM1026A Mathematical Methods and Modelling I 12 5
APPM1028A Mechanics I 12 5
APPM1030A Scientific Computing I 12 5
PHYS1026A Introduction to Astronomy I 18 5
PHYS1027A Modern Astrophysics I 18 5
Year of Study II:
Physics II:
PHYS2001A Physics IIA (Major) 24 6
PHYS2002A Physics IIB (Major) 24 6
MATH2007A Multivariable Calculus II 8 6
STAT2012A Introduction to Mathematical Statistics II 8 6
MATH2019A Linear Algebra II 8 6
Computational
and Applied
Mathematics II:
APPM2021A Mathematical Methods and Modelling II 16 6
APPM2023A Mechanics II 16 6
APPM2025A Scientific Computing II 16 6
PHYS2015A Modern Radio and Gamma−ray Astronomy II 12 6
PHYS2016A Relativity: The Basis of Cosmology and Astrophysics II 12 6

63
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Recommended additional courses*:
MATH2015A Abstract Mathematics II 8 6
MATH2016A Advanced Analysis II 8 6
Year of Study III:
Physics III:
PHYS3000A Quantum Mechanics III 11 7
PHYS3001A Applications of Quantum Mechanics III 11 7
PHYS3002A Statistical Physics III 11 7
PHYS3003A Waves and Modern Optics III 11 7
PHYS3006A Advanced Experimental Physics and Project III 28 7
PHYS3010A Advanced Astrophysics III 36 7
PHYS3011A Cosmology: The Origin and Evolution of the Universe III 36 7

*Recommended additional courses do not count towards the obtaining of credits for the BSc in the
field of Astronomy and Astrophysics. The additional courses may be registered for to enhance the
learning experience.

2.1.2.8 Bachelor of Science Degree together with courses offered by other Faculties of this
University

Note: see the appropriate Faculty’s Rules and Syllabuses book for prerequisites.
In exceptional circumstances, a student may, by permission of the Senate, include in her/his programme
one or more courses not listed in 2.1.2.6. The choice of courses is subject to the limitations imposed by
the timetable of classes, the maximum sizes of classes and the completion of prerequisite courses.
The programme of a student who has been permitted to proceed in terms of this Rule shall be subject
to the Rules governing the degree of Bachelor of Science but, in addition, shall comply with any special
provisions contained in the Rules for the other Faculty in which the course is undertaken or in the Syllabuses
for the course. Students who select this option must ensure that they gain a credit in a recognised Science
major (2.1.2.4 a) up to and including level III.

2.1.3 Progression Rules

2.1.3.1 Admission to courses at level II and level III
Notwithstanding anything contained in these Rules, a student who has passed and obtained credit for all
courses at a particular level may be refused permission by the Senate to proceed to a course or courses in
the succeeding level in that course if:

a) the Council, after consultation with the Senate, has limited the number of students who may be
permitted to register for such a course and such a student has not been selected for registration
therefore; and
b) if s/he has passed a course but has not been permitted to proceed.
2.1.3.2 Additional requirements for admission to courses at level II
Subject to the provisions of 2.1.2.4 and 2.1.2.6 a student shall not include in her/his programme any
course at level II unless s/he has obtained a credit in a course at level I which leads to an approved Science
major (selected from the list in 2.1.2.4 a).

64
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

2.1.3.3 Sub-minimum Rule

Where a major (refer to 2.1.2.4 a) is made up of component courses a student must obtain an overall
average of 50 percent and not less than 35 percent in any of the component courses that contribute to
that major.
2.1.3.4 Minimum requirements of study
The minimum requirements of study prescribed for students are set out below. Credits awarded for courses
are detailed in 2.1.2.6. A student who does not meet the minimum requirements of study may be refused
permission by the Senate to renew her/his registration. If, however, a student is permitted to renew her/
his registration after having failed to satisfy the minimum requirements of study, s/he may be required to
satisfy these and further conditions as the Senate may determine in her/his case.
Year of Study I Year of Study II Year of Study III
At first attempt, a 108 credits and 48 credits at level 72 credits (one major
student must complete provided that students II excluding credits course) at
courses which yield a have satisfied the previously obtained level III excluding
minimum total of: prerequisites for three credits previously
major courses at level II obtained
(students who have
completed courses
which yield a total
between 72 - 107
credits will be allowed
to repeat the first year
of study)
Repeating students 144 credits at level 288 credits 432 credits including
must have obtained the I and provided that including 144 credits at 144 credits at level III
following cumulative students have satisfied level II
credit total across all the prerequisites for
years of study: three major courses at
level II
(Part-time students must (Part-time students must
(Part-time students must complete their second complete their degree
complete their first year year of study over a in a maximum of six
of study over a period period of two years of years of registration.)
of two years of registration.)
registration.)

Notwithstanding anything contained above, a student registering for a Bachelor of Science three year
degree (full-time) may not take longer than four years to complete the requirements. Only in exceptional
circumstances, with the permission of the Senate, may this be extended by a further year.
A student registering for a Bachelor of Science (part-time) degree may not take longer than six years to
complete the requirements. Only in exceptional circumstances and with the permission of the Senate,
may this be extended by a further year.

2.1.4 Completion Rules

In order to qualify for the degree of Bachelor of Science, a student will be required to obtain a minimum
of 432 credits. A minimum of 144 of these credits must be obtained from level III and a minimum of 144
of these credits from level II. Courses must be selected from the list in 2.1.2.4 a) (Science courses) and, by
permission of the Senate, may include courses as specified in 2.1.2.4 b) from another faculty. A minimum
of 72 of the 144 credits must be derived from any approved science major at level III (selected from the
list in 2.1.2.4 a).

65
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

a) Conferment of Qualification with Distinction:

i) all of the courses prescribed in the qualification must have been passed at first attempt;
ii) the qualification must have been completed in the minimum period of time;
iii) all prescribed courses are passed with a weighted minimum average of 75 percent, and obtain
a subminimum of 60 percent in each of the relevant courses; and
iv) all major courses at exit level (third year level) are passed with a minimum weighted average
of 75 percent.

2.1.5 Restriction on admission to courses: Pre- and corequisite rules

Subject to G7.9 and G14 and to the qualifications set out in the Schedule to 2.1.5 below, unless by
permission of the Senate, a student shall not be admitted to a course listed in column A below unless s/he
has obtained credit in, or been exempted from, the corresponding prerequisite listed in column B below.
Courses listed in column C must be taken concurrently with the corresponding course listed under column
A. A student shall not be permitted to register for any course unless s/he has satisfied such requirements
as the Senate may consider appropriate in her/his case.

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

ACTUARIAL SCIENCE
Actuarial Science I (STAT1002A) Algebra I (MATH1034A)
and
Calculus I (MATH1036A)
and
Mathematical Statistics I
(STAT1003A)
Actuarial Science II Actuarial Science I (STAT1002A) Basic Analysis II (MATH2001A)
(STAT2008A) and and
Mathematical Statistics I Multivariable Calculus II
(STAT1003A) (MATH2007A)
and and
Algebra I (MATH1034A) Abstract Mathematics II
and (MATH2015A)
Calculus I (MATH1036A) and
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)
and
Differential Equations II
(MATH2003A)
and
Advanced Analysis II
(MATH2016A)

66
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

Computers and Actuarial Science II
Communications for Actuaries (STAT2008A)
III (STAT3021A) and
Life Contingencies III Mathematical Statistics II
(STAT3010A) (STAT2005A)
Actuarial Economics III and
(STAT3015A) Differential Equations II
Actuarial Reserving Techniques (MATH2003A)
III (STAT3030A) and
Multivariable Calculus II
(MATH2007A)
and
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)
ANATOMICAL SCIENCES
Human and Comparative Introductory Life Sciences I
Biology II (ANAT2021A) (BIOL1000A)
and
Chemistry I (CHEM1012A)
and
[Physics I (Auxiliary)
(PHYS1001A)
or
Physics I (Major) (PHYS1000A)
or
Auxiliary Mathematics I
(MATH1041A)
or
Algebra I (MATH1034A)
and
Calculus I (MATH1036A)]
Human Biology III Human and Comparative
(ANAT3002A) Biology II (ANAT2021A)
or
By permission of the Senate
Medical Cell Biology III Human and Comparative
(ANAT3011A) Biology II (ANAT2021A)
or
By permission of the Senate
ANIMAL, PLANT AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Animal Form and Function II Introductory Life Sciences Basic Statistics for the Natural
(APES2033A) (BIOL1000A) Sciences (STAT2013A)
Research Methods in Biological and
Sciences II (APES2038A) Chemistry 1 (CHEM1012A)
Ecology, Environment, and and
Conservation IIA (APES2039A) Auxiliary Mathematics I
Ecology, Environment, and (MATH1041A)
Conservation IIB (APES2040A)
Plant Form and Function II
(APES2041A)
Life on Earth: Diversity II
(APES2042A)

67
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

Functional Ecology in Changing Basic Statistics for the Natural Third year field trip or
Environments (APES3034A) Sciences (STAT2013A/ laboratory project by
STAT2014A) selecting one of the following:
and Applied Freshwater Ecology and
APES courses yielding a Management (APES3064A)
minimum of 24 NQF credits on or
level 6 Experimental Field Biology
and (APES3067A)
Fundamentals of Ecology II or
(APES2036A) Field Methods in Terrestrial
Ecology (APES3068A)
or
People and Conservation Field
Course (APES3070A)
or
Microscopy (APES3048A)
or
Service Learning in Biology
(APES3071A)
Applied Freshwater Ecology and Basic Statistics for the Natural
Management (APES3064A) Sciences (STAT2013A/
STAT2014A)
and
APES courses yielding a
minimum of 48 NQF credits on
level 6
Applied Population Ecology III Basic Statistics for the Natural Third year field trip or
(APES3065A) Sciences (STAT2013A/ laboratory project by
STAT2014A) selecting one of the following:
and Applied Freshwater Ecology and
APES courses yielding a Management (APES3064A)
minimum of 24 NQF credits on or
level 6 Experimental Field Biology
and (APES3067A)
Fundamentals of Ecology II or
(APES2036A) Field Methods in Terrestrial
Ecology (APES3068A)
or
People and Conservation Field
Course (APES3070A)
or
Microscopy (APES3048A)
or
Service Learning in Biology
(APES3071A)

68
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

Behavioural Ecology III Basic Statistics for the Natural Third year field trip or
(APES3066A) Sciences (STAT2013A/ laboratory project by
STAT2014A) selecting one of the following:
and Applied Freshwater Ecology and
APES courses yielding a Management (APES3064A)
minimum of 24 NQF credits on or
level 6 Experimental Field Biology
and (APES3067A)
Fundamentals of Ecology II or
(APES2036A) with a minimum Field Methods in Terrestrial
of 60% Ecology (APES3068A)
or
People and Conservation Field
Course (APES3070A)
or
Microscopy (APES3048A)
or
Service Learning in Biology
(APES3071A)
Field Methods in Terrestrial Basic Statistics for the Natural
Ecology (APES3068A) Sciences (STAT2013A/
STAT2014A)
and
APES courses yielding a
minimum of 24 NQF credits on
level 6
and
Fundamentals of Ecology II
(APES2036A)
Molecular Ecology (APES3069A) Basic Statistics for the Natural Third year field trip or
Sciences (STAT2013A/ laboratory project by
STAT2014A) selecting one of the following:
and Applied Freshwater Ecology and
APES courses yielding a Management (APES3064A)
minimum of 24 NQF credits or
on level 6 Experimental Field Biology
and (APES3067A)
Evolution (APES2008A) or
Field Methods in Terrestrial
Ecology (APES3068A)
or
People and Conservation Field
Course (APES3070A)
or
Microscopy (APES3048A)
or
Service Learning in Biology
(APES3071A)

69
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

Spatial Ecology and Basic Statistics for the Natural Third year field trip or
Conservation III (APES3072A) Sciences II (STAT2013A/ laboratory project by
STAT2014A) selecting one of the following:
and Applied Freshwater Ecology and
APES courses yielding a Management III (APES3064A)
minimum of 24 NQF credits or
on level 6 Experimental Field Biology III
and (APES3067A)
Fundamentals of Ecology II or
(APES2036A) Field Methods in Terrestrial
Ecology III (APES3068A)
or
People and Conservation Field
Course III (APES3070A)
or
Microscopy III (APES3048A)
or
Service Learning in Biology III
(APES3071A)
Biodiversity in a Changing Life on Earth: Diversity II
World IIIA: From Process to (APES2042A)
Pattern (APES3074A) and
Life on Earth: Evolution II
(APES2043A)
Biodiversity in a Changing Life on Earth: Diversity II Biodiversity in a Changing
World IIIB: From Physiology to (APES2042A) World IIIA: From Process to
Behaviour (APES3075A) and Pattern (APES3074A)
Life on Earth: Evolution II
(APES2043A)
Applied Ecology and Global Ecology, Environment, and
Change IIIA: Individuals, Conservation IIA (APES2039A)
Populations and Communities and
(APES3076A) Ecology, Environment, and
Conservation IIB (APES2040A)
and
Life on Earth: Diversity II
(APES2042A)
and
Life on Earth: Evolution II
(APES2043A)

70
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

Applied Ecology and Global Ecology, Environment, and Applied Ecology and Global
Change IIIB: Managing our Conservation IIA (APES2039A) Change IIIA: Individuals,
Complex World (APES3077A) and Populations and Communities
Ecology, Environment, and (APES3076A)
Conservation IIB (APES2040A)
and
Life on Earth: Diversity II
(APES2042A)
and
Life on Earth: Evolution II
(APES2043A)
ARCHAEOLOGY
Archaeology II (ARCL2002A) Archaeology I (ARCL1001A)
Archaeology III (ARCL3002A) Archaeology II (ARCL2002A)
APPLIED CHEMISTRY
Applied Chemistry II Chemistry I (CHEM1012A) Chemistry IIA (CHEM2001A)
(CHEM2030A) with a minimum of 60% and
[Save by permission of the Chemistry IIB (CHEM2002A)
Senate, a student on a fixed
curriculum may gain automatic
entry by passing Chemistry I
(CHEM1012A)
and
[Algebra I (MATH1034A) and
Calculus I (MATH1036A)]
or
Auxiliary Mathematics I
(MATH1041A)]
Applied Chemistry IIIA Chemistry IIA (CHEM2001A)
(CHEM3033A) and
Applied Chemistry IIIB Chemistry IIB (CHEM2002A)
(CHEM3034A)
Undergraduate Research III Permission is required from the Chemistry IIIA (CHEM3002A)
(CHEM3031A) Senate. Only students with a and
minimum of 70% in Chemistry Chemistry IIIB (CHEM3003A)
II will be eligible to apply
APPLIED GEOLOGY
Applied Geology II Geology I (GEOL1000A) with Geology II (GEOL2025A)
(GEOL2026A) a minimum of 55% [Save and
Introduction to Geochemical by permission of the Senate Basic Statistics for the Natural
Techniques II (GEOL2021A) a student may get entry by Sciences (STAT2013A)
Geological Mapping passing Geology I (GEOL1001A)
Techniques II (GEOL2019A) and Chemistry I (CHEM1012A)]

71
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

Applied Geology III [Introduction to Geochemical Geology III (GEOL3049A)
(GEOL3050A)* Techniques II (GEOL2021A)
or Geological Mapping Techniques
[Advanced Geological Mapping II (GEOL2019A)]
Techniques III (GEOL3042A) * and
Hydrogeology & Water Basic Statistics for the Natural
Resource Management III Sciences (STAT2013A/2014A)
(GEOL3044A) * and
Exploration Methods III Geology II (GEOL2025A)
(GEOL3045A)* or
Geographical Information an equivalent course at the
Systems & Remote Sensing III] discretion of the Senate
(GEOL3048A)*]
CHEMISTRY
Chemistry I (CHEM1012A) [Algebra I (MATH1034A) and
Calculus I (MATH1036A)]
or
Auxiliary Mathematics I
(MATH1041A)
Chemistry IIA (CHEM2001A) Chemistry I (CHEM1012A)
Chemistry IIB (CHEM2002A) with a minimum of 60%
[Save by permission of the
Senate, a student on a fixed
curriculum may gain automatic
entry by passing Chemistry I
(CHEM1012A)
and
[Algebra I (MATH1034A) and
Calculus I (MATH1036A)]
or
Auxiliary Mathematics I
(MATH1041A)]
Chemistry IIIA (CHEM3002A) Chemistry IIA (CHEM2001A)
Chemistry IIIB (CHEM3003A) and
Chemistry IIB (CHEM2002A)
COMPUTATIONAL AND APPLIED MATHEMATICS
Computational and Applied Algebra I (MATH1034A)
Mathematics I: and
Mathematical Methods and Calculus I (MATH1036A)
Modelling I (APPM1026A)
Mechanics I (APPM1028A)
Scientific Computing I
(APPM1030A)

72
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

Computational and Applied [Computational and Applied Basic Analysis II (MATH2001A)
Mathematics II: Mathematics I: and
Mathematical Methods and Mathematical Methods and Multivariable Calculus II
Modelling II (APPM2021A) Modelling I (APPM1026A) (MATH2007A)
Mechanics II (APPM2023A) Mechanics I (APPM1028A) and
Scientific Computing II Scientific Computing I Abstract Mathematics II
(APPM2025A) (APPM1030)] (MATH2015A)
and and
[Algebra I (MATH1034A) Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)
and and
Calculus I (MATH1036A)] Introduction to Mathematical
Statistics II (STAT2012A)
(If Statistics I was passed,
students must register for
Differential Equations II
(MATH2003A)
and
Advanced Analysis II
(MATH2016A)
Computational and Applied [Computational and Applied
Mathematics III (APPM3017A) Mathematics II (APPM2007A)
or
Computational and Applied
Mathematics II:
Mathematical Methods and
Modelling II (APPM2021A)
Mechanics II (APPM2023A)
Scientific Computing II
(APPM2025A)]
and
[Basic Analysis II
(MATH2001A)
and
Multivariable Calculus II
(MATH2007A)
and
Abstract Mathematics II
(MATH2015A)
and
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)
and
[Differential Equations II
(MATH2003A)
or
Introduction to Mathematical
Statistics II (STAT2012A)]
and
Advanced Analysis II
(MATH2016A)]

73
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

COMPUTER SCIENCE
Computer Science I Algebra I (MATH1034A)
Basic Computer Organisation I and
(COMS1015A) Calculus I (MATH1036A)
Discrete Computational
Structures I (COMS1016A)
Introduction to Algorithms and
Programming I (COMS1018A)
Introduction to Data Structures
and Algorithms I (COMS1017A)
Auxiliary Computer Science and Minimum of 60% in National Auxiliary Mathematics I
Programming IA (COMS1025A) Senior Certificate (NSC) or (MATH1041A)
Auxiliary Computer Science and other Senate recognised or
Programming IB (COMS1026A) school leaving certificate [Algebra I (MATH1034A)
in Mathematics (excluding and
Mathematical Literacy) Calculus I (MATH1036A)]
Mobile Computing II Introduction to Algorithms and Database Fundamentals II
(COMS2013A) Programming I (COMS1018A) (COMS2002A)
and
Introduction to Data Structures
and Algorithms I (COMS1017A)
Database Fundamentals II Introduction to Data Structures
(COMS2002A) and Algorithms I (COMS1017A)
Computer Networks II Basic Computer Organisation I
(COMS2014A) (COMS1015A)
and
Introduction to Algorithms and
Programming I (COMS1018A)
and
Introduction to Data Structures
and Algorithms I (COMS1017A)
Analysis of Algorithms II Basic Computer Organisation I Abstract Mathematics
(COMS2015A) (COMS1015A) (MATH2015A)
and and
Discrete Computational Multivariable Calculus II
Structures I (COMS1016A) (MATH2007A)
and and
Introduction to Data Structures Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)
and Algorithms I (COMS1017A) and
and Introduction to Mathematical
Introduction to Algorithms and Statistics II (STAT2012A)
Programming I (COMS1018A)
and
Algebra I (MATH1034A)
and
Calculus I (MATH1036A)

74
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

Auxiliary Database Systems II Auxiliary Mathematics I
(COMS2017A) (MATH1041A) with a minimum
of 65%
or
[Algebra I (MATH1034A) and
Calculus I (MATH1036A)]
Formal Languages and Discrete Computational
Automata III (COMS3003A) Structures I (COMS1016A)
and
Analysis of Algorithms II
(COMS2015A)
and
Abstract Mathematics
(MATH2015A)
and
Multivariable Calculus II
(MATH2007A)
and
Introduction to Mathematical
Statistics II (STAT2012A)
and
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)
Software Engineering III Database Fundamentals II
(COMS3002A) (COMS2002A)
and
Multivariable Calculus II
(MATH2007A)
and
Introduction to Mathematical
Statistics II (STAT2012A)
and
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)
Software Design III Database Fundamentals II
(COMS3009A) (COMS2002A)
and
Computer Networks II
(COMS2014A)
and
Analysis of Algorithms II
(COMS2015A)
and
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)
Computer Graphics and Analysis of Algorithms II
Visualisation III (COMS3006A) (COMS2015A)
and
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)
and
Multivariable Calculus II
(MATH2007A)

75
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

Machine Learning III Analysis of Algorithms II
(COMS3007A) (COMS2015A)
and
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)
and
Introduction to Mathematical
Statistics II (STAT2012A)
Parallel Computing III Computer Networks II
(COMS3008A) (COMS2014A)
and
Analysis of Algorithms II
(COMS2015A)
Advanced Analysis of Analysis of Algorithms II
Algorithms III (COMS3005A) (COMS2015A)
and
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)
and
Introduction to Mathematical
Statistics II (STAT2012A)
and
Multivariable Calculus II
(MATH2007A)
Operating Systems and System Mobile Computing II
Programming (COMS3010A) (COMS2013A)
and
Computer Networks II
(COMS2014A)
and
Analysis of Algorithms II
(COMS2015A)
and
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)
and
Multivariable Calculus II
(MATH2007A)
and
Abstract Mathematics II
(MATH2015A)
and
Introduction to Mathematical
Statistics II (STAT2012A)
Software Design Project III Database Fundamentals II
(COMS3011A) (COMS2002A)
and
Analysis of Algorithms II
(COMS2015A)
and
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)

76
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

SCHOOL OF ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS SCIENCES
Corporate Finance II [Economic Theory IA -
(FINE2000A) Microeconomics for Economists
(ECON1016A) and
Economic Theory IB -
Macroeconomics for Economists
(ECON1018A)]
or
[Economics IA –
Microeconomics (ECON1012A)
and
Economics IB - Macroeconomics
(ECON1014A)]
and
[Algebra I (MATH1034A)
and Calculus I (MATH1036A)]
or
[Computational Mathematics I
(APPM1004A)
and
Business Statistics I
(STAT1000A) /(STAT1004A)]
Investment II (FINE2010A) [Economic Theory IA -
Microeconomics for Economists
(ECON1016A) and
Economic Theory IB -
Macroeconomics for Economists
(ECON1018A)]
or
[Economics IA –
Microeconomics (ECON1012A)
and
Economics IB - Macroeconomics
(ECON1014A)]
and
[Algebra I (MATH1034A)
and
Calculus I MATH1036A)]
or
[Computational Mathematics I
(APPM1004A)
and
Business Statistics I
(STAT1000A) /(STAT1004A)]
and
Corporate Finance II
(FINE2000A)
Investment and Corporate Corporate Finance II
Finance III* (FINE3014A) (FINE2000A)
and
Investment II (FINE2010A)

77
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

Insurance and Risk Management Economics IA - Microeconomics Economics IB –
IIA (BUSE2006A) (ECON1012A) Macroeconomics (ECON1014A)
or or
Economic Theory IA - Economic Theory IB –
Microeconomics for Economists Macroeconomics for Economists
ECON1016A) (ECON1018A)
Insurance and Risk Management [Economic Theory IA - Insurance and Risk Management
IIB (BUSE2008A) Microeconomics for Economists IIA (BUSE2006A)
(ECON1016A) and
Economic Theory IB -
Macroeconomics for Economists
(ECON1018A)]
or
[Economics IA –
Microeconomics (ECON1012A)
and
Economics IB - Macroeconomics
(ECON1014A)]
Insurance and Risk Management Insurance and Risk Management
III* (BUSE3003A) IIA (BUSE2006A)
and
Insurance and Risk Management
IIB (BUSE2008A)
Economic Theory IB Economic Theory IA
Macroeconomics for Economists Microeconomics for Economists
(ECON1018A) (ECON1016A)
Economics IB Macroeconomics Economics IA Microeconomics
(ECON1014A) (ECON1012A)
Economics IIA (ECON2000A) [Economic Theory IA
Economics IIB (ECON2001A) Microeconomics (ECON1016A)
and
Economic Theory
IB Macroeconomics
(ECON1018A)]
or
[Economics IA Microeconomics
(ECON1012A) with a minimum
of 65 %
and
Economics IB Macroeconomics
(ECON1014A) with a minimum
of 65 %]
Economics IIB (ECON2001A) Economics IIA (ECON2000A)
Economic Science III Economics IIA (ECON2000A)
(ECON3005A) and
Economic Theory III Economics IIB (ECON2001A)
(ECON3009A)

78
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

Information Systems IB Information Systems IA
(INFO1003A) (INFO1000A)
or
Fundamentals of Information
Systems (INFO1004A)
Information System IIA [Information Systems IA
(INFO2000A) (INFO1000A)
or
Fundamentals of Information
Systems (INFO1004A)]
and
Information Systems IB
(INFO1003A)

Information Systems IIB Information Systems IIA

(INFO2001A) (INFO2000A)
Management and Application Information Systems IIA In order to be considered an
of Information Systems (INFO2000A) Information Systems major,
(INFO3002A) and students must complete both
Information Systems IIB Management and Application
(INFO2001A) of Information Systems
(INFO3002A) and Information
Systems Development Project
(INFO3003A).
Information Systems Information Systems IIA
Development Project (INFO2000A)
(INFO3003A) and
Information Systems IIB
(INFO2001A)
Environmental Studies
People and the Environment in Permission required from the
Africa II (GAES2000A) Senate and 108 level I credits
Nature, Climate and Society II
(GAES2001A)
Theory and Practice in People and the Environment in
Sustainability Science and Africa II (GAES2000A)
Sustainable Development III Nature, Climate and Society II
(GAES3000A) (GAES2001A)
Political Ecology and
Environmental Justice III
(GAES3001A)
Communicating Environmental
Issues III (GAES3002A)
Human Biometeorology III
(GAES3003A)
Heritage Resources
Management III (GAES3004A)
Contemporary Environmental
Issues in Southern Africa III
(GAES3005A)

79
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

Geography
Earth and Atmospheric Geography I (GEOG1000A)
Processes II (GEOG2010A) or
Environmental Governance: Permission required from the
From Local to Global II Senate
(GEOG2012A) or
Thinking Geographically: equivalent
Concepts and Practices
in Human Geography II
(GEOG2015A)
Conservation Biogeography II
(GEOG2014A)
Geographic Information
Systems, Science and Mapping
II (GEOG2013A)
Economic Geography III Geography I (GEOG1000A)
(GEOG3019A) or
Urban Futures: The Political- Environmental Governance
Economy of Population and (GEOG2012A)
Scarcity (GEOG3025A) or
equivalent
Climate and Environmental Earth and Atmospheric
Change III (GEOG3020A) Processes II (GEOG2010A)
Advanced Atmospheric or
Sciences III (GEOG3021A) Geology II (GEOL2025A)
Environmental Monitoring and or
Modelling III (GEOG3024A) equivalent
Theory and Practice in Any of the level II courses in
Sustainability Science and Geography, Biology, Chemistry,
Sustainable Development Geology or equivalent
(GEOG3023A)
Geospatial Data Design and Methods, Models and
Management III (GEOG3029A) Geographical Information
Project Management in Systems II (GEOG2013A)
Geospatial Science III Engineering Surveying
(GEOG3030A) (MINN2016A)
Geospatial Data Design and Auxiliary Computer Science and
Visualisation III (GEOG3031) Programming IA (COMS1025A)
Spatial Data Analysis and Auxiliary Computer Science and
Modelling III (GEOG3032A) Programming IB (COMS1026A)
Auxiliary Database Systems II
(COMS2017A)
Remote Sensing and Methods, Models and
Photogrammetry III Geographical Information
(GEOG3033A) Systems (GEOG2013A)
or
Geology II (GEOL2025A)
or
equivalent

80
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

GEOLOGY
Geology I (GEOL1000A) Chemistry I (CHEM1012A)
and
[Algebra I (MATH1034A)
and
Calculus I (MATH1036A)]
or
Auxiliary Mathematics I
(MATH1041A)
Geology II (GEOL2025A) Geology I (GEOL1000A) with
Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, a minimum of 55% [Save by
and Palaeontology II permission of the Senate a
(GEOL2024A) student may get entry by passing
Igneous Petrology & Processes II Geology I (GEOL1001A)
(GEOL2020A) and
Mineralogy & Optical Chemistry I (CHEM1012A)]
Mineralogy II (GEOL2023A)
Metamorphic Petrology &
Processes II (GEOL2022A)
Geology III (GEOL3049A) Geology II (GEOL2025A)
or or
[Advanced Petrology III [Sedimentology, Stratigraphy,
(GEOL3043A) and Palaeontology II
Economic Geology & Ore (GEOL2024A)
Petrology III (GEOL3046A) Igneous Petrology & Processes II
Structural Geology III (GEOL2020A)
(GEOL3047A) Mineralogy & Optical
Tectonics of the Earth III Mineralogy II (GEOL2023A)
(GEOL3041A)] Metamorphic Petrology &
Processes II (GEOL2022A)]
MATERIALS SCIENCE
Materials Science II Chemistry I (CHEM1012A)
(CHEM2007A) with a minimum of 60%
[Save by permission of the
Senate, a student on a fixed
curriculum may gain automatic
entry by passing Chemistry I
(CHEM1012A)]
and
Algebra I (MATH1034A)
and
Calculus I (MATH1036A)
and
Physics I (Major)(PHYS1000A)]
Materials Science III Materials Science II
(CHEM3037A) (CHEM2007A)

81
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

MATHEMATICAL STATISTICS
Mathematical Statistics I Algebra I (MATH1034A)
(STAT1003A) and
Calculus I (MATH1036A)
Introduction to Mathematical Algebra I (MATH1034A)
Statistics II and
(STAT2012A) Calculus I (MATH1036A)
Mathematical Statistics II Mathematical Statistics I Basic Analysis II (MATH2001A)
(STAT2005A) (STAT1003A) and
and Multivariable Calculus II
Algebra I (MATH1034A) (MATH2007A)
and and
Calculus I (MATH1036A) Abstract Mathematics II
(MATH2015A)
and
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)
and
Differential Equations II
(MATH2003A)
and
Advanced Analysis II
(MATH2016A)
Basic Statistics for the Natural Auxiliary Mathematics I
Sciences II (STAT2013A/ (MATH1041A)
STAT2014A)
Multivariate Data Analysis III Mathematical Statistics II
(STAT3031A) (STAT2005A)
Risk Theory III (STAT3032A) and
Statistical Elements of Machine Differential Equations II
Learning III (STAT3033A) (MATH2003A)
Stochastic Processes III and
(STAT3034A) Multivariable Calculus II
Survival Analysis III (MATH2007A)
(STAT3035A) and
Time Series III (STAT3036A) Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)
Introduction to Spatial Statistics Statistics for Natural Sciences
(STAT3037A) (STAT2013A)
or
(STAT2014A)
MATHEMATICS
Algebra I (MATH1034A) Minimum of 70% in National
Calculus I (MATH1036A) Senior Certificate (NSC) or
other Senate recognised
school leaving certificate
in Mathematics (excluding
Mathematical Literacy)

82
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

Basic Analysis II (MATH2001A) [Algebra I (MATH1034A)
Multivariable Calculus II and
(MATH2007A) Calculus I (MATH1036A)]
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A) or
[Mathematics I (Engineering)
(MATH1042A and
MATH1043A) with a minimum
of 60%]
Abstract Mathematics II [Algebra I (MATH1034A) Basic Analysis II (MATH2001A)
(MATH2015A) and and
Differential Equations II Calculus I (MATH1036A)] Multivariable Calculus II
(MATH2003A) or (MATH2007A)
Advanced Analysis II Mathematics I (Engineering) and
(MATH2016A) (MATH1042A, MATH1043A) Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)

Coding and Cryptography III Abstract Mathematics II

(MATH3003A) (MATH2015A)
Number Theory III Basic Analysis II (MATH2001A)
(MATH3001A) and
Group Theory III (MATH3006A) Abstract Mathematics II
(MATH2015A)
and
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)
Topology III (MATH3010A) Basic Analysis II (MATH2001A)
and
Abstract Mathematics II
(MATH2015A)
and
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)
Complex Analysis Basic Analysis II (MATH2001A)
(MATH3004A) and
Multivariable Calculus II
(MATH2007A)
and
Abstract Mathematics II
(MATH2015A)
and
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)

83
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

Rings and Fields III Basic Analysis II (MATH2001A)
(MATH3009A) and
Multivariable Calculus II
(MATH2007A)
and
Abstract Mathematics II
(MATH2015A)
and
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)
and
Advanced Analysis II
(MATH2016A)
and
[Differential Equations II
(MATH2003A)
or
Introduction to Mathematical
Statistics II (STAT2012A)]
Advanced Real Analysis III Basic Analysis II (MATH2001A)
(MATH3047A)
Real Analysis III (MATH3048A) Basic Analysis II (MATH2001A)
and
Multivariable Calculus II
(MATH2007A)
and
Abstract Mathematics II
(MATH2015A)
and
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)
and
Advanced Analysis II
(MATH2016A)
and
[Differential Equations II
(MATH2003A)
or
Introduction to Mathematical
Statistics II (STAT2012A)]
Positive Linear Systems Multivariable Calculus II
(MATH3049A) (MATH2007A)
and
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)

84
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

MOLECULAR AND CELL BIOLOGY
Molecular and Cell Biology Introductory Life Sciences I Molecular and Cell Biology
IIA: Molecular Processes II (BIOL1000A) IIA: Molecular Processes II
(MCBG2038A) and (MCBG2038A)
Molecular and Cell Biology IIB: Chemistry I (CHEM1012A) with Molecular and Cell Biology IIB:
Cells and Organisms II a minimum of 55% Cells and Organisms II
(MCBG2039A) and (MCBG2039A)
Molecular and Cell Biology IIC: Auxiliary Mathematics I
Applications (MCBG2037A) (MATH1041A)

Biochemistry and Cell Biology [Molecular and Cell Biology

III (MCBG3004A) IIA: Molecular Processes II
Genetics and Developmental (MCBG2038A)
Biology III (MCBG3034A) and
Microbiology and Molecular and Cell Biology IIB:
Biotechnology III Cells and Organisms II
(MCBG3035A) (MCBG2039A)]
and
[Molecular and Cell Biology IIC:
Applications (MCBG2037A)
or
a 48 credit course at the
discretion of the Senate]
Applied Bioinformatics III [Molecular and Cell Biology Introduction to Bioinformatics
(MCBG3033A) IIA: Molecular Processes II III (MCBG3031A) and two
(MCBG2038A) Molecular and Cell Biology III
Molecular and Cell Biology IIB: 18 credit courses NOT included
Cells and Organisms II in other MCB major courses.
(MCBG2039A)] NB: These optional courses
and must fit into available slots in
[Molecular and Cell Biology IIC: the student’s timetable.
Applications (MCBG2037A)
or
a 48 credit course at the
discretion of the Senate]
PHYSICS
Physics I (Major) (PHYS1000A) Minimum of 60% in Physical Algebra I (MATH1034A)
Sciences and a minimum of and
70% in Mathematics National Calculus I (MATH1036A)
Senior Certificate (NSC) or
equivalent
Modern Astrophysics Physics I (Major) (PHYS1000A)
(PHYS1027A) Introduction to Astronomy
(PHYS1026A)
Introduction to Reactor Physics At the discretion of the Senate
(PHYS2011A)
Basic Nuclear Physics
(PHYS2012A)

85
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

Physics IIA (PHYS2001A) Physics I (Major) (PHYS1000A) [Multivariable Calculus II
Physics IIB (PHYS2002A) and (MATH2007A)
[Algebra I (MATH1034A) and and
Calculus I (MATH1036A)] Differential Equations II
or (MATH2003A)
Auxiliary Mathematics I and
(MATH1041A) with a minimum Advanced Analysis II
of 60% (MATH2016A)
and
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)]
or
Mathematics II (Eng)
(MATH2011A)
Modern Radio and Gamma−ray Introduction to Astronomy Physics IIA (PHYS2001A)
Astronomy II (PHYS2015A) (PHYS1026A) and
Relativity: The Basis of and Physics IIB (PHYS2002A)
Cosmology and Astrophysics II Modern Astrophysics
(PHYS2016A) (PHYS1027A)
Waves and Modern Optics III Physics IIA (Major)
(PHYS3003A) (PHYS2001A)
Quantum Mechanics III and
(PHYS3000A) Physics IIB (Major)
Statistical Physics III (PHYS2002A)
(PHYS3002A) and
Introduction to Geophysics [Multivariable Calculus II
(PHYS3004A) (MATH2007A)
and
Differential Equations II
(MATH2003A)
and
Advanced Analysis II
(MATH2016A)
and
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)]
or
Mathematics II (Eng)
(MATH2011A)

86
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

Advanced Experimental Physics Physics IIA (Major) Waves and Modern Optics III
and Project III (PHYS3006A) (PHYS2001A) (PHYS3003A)
and and
Physics IIB (Major) Quantum Mechanics III
(PHYS2002A) (PHYS3000A)
and and
[Multivariable Calculus II Statistical Physics III
(MATH2007A) (PHYS3002A)
and and
Differential Equations II [Introduction to Geophysics
(MATH2003A) (PHYS3004A)
and or
Advanced Analysis II Quantum Mechanics and its
(MATH2016A) Applications III (PHYS3001A)]
and
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)]
or
Mathematics II (Eng)
(MATH2011A)
Quantum Mechanics and its Physics IIA (Major) Quantum Mechanics III
Applications III (PHYS3001A) (PHYS2001A) (PHYS3000A)
and
Physics IIB (Major)
(PHYS2002A)
and
[Multivariable Calculus II
(MATH2007A)
and
Differential Equations II
(MATH2003A)
and
Advanced Analysis II
(MATH2016A)
and
Linear Algebra II (MATH2019A)]
or
Mathematics II (Eng)
(MATH2011A)
Advanced Astrophysics Physics IIA (Major) Quantum Mechanics III
(PHYS3010A) (PHYS2001A) (PHYS3000A)
and and
Physics IIB (Major) Quantum Mechanics and its
(PHYS2002A) Applications III (PHYS3001A)
and and
Modern Radio and Gamma−ray Statistical Physics III
Astronomy II (PHYS2015A) (PHYS3002A)
and and
Relativity: The Basis of Waves and Modern Optics III
Cosmology and Astrophysics II (PHYS3003A)
(PHYS2016A) and
Advanced Experimental Physics
and Project III (PHYS3006A)

87
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

Cosmology: The Origin and Physics IIA (Major) Quantum Mechanics III
Evolution of the Universe (PHYS2001A) (PHYS3000A)
(PHYS3011A) and and
Physics IIB (Major) Quantum Mechanics and its
(PHYS2002A) Applications III (PHYS3001A)
and and
Modern Radio and Gamma−ray Statistical Physics III
Astronomy II (PHYS2015A) (PHYS3002A)
and and
Relativity: The Basis of Advanced Experimental Physics
Cosmology and Astrophysics II and Project III (PHYS3006A)
(PHYS2016A)
PHYSIOLOGY (offered in the Faculty of Health Sciences)
Physiology II (PHSL2000A) Introductory Life Sciences I
(BIOL1000A) with a minimum
of 55%
and
Chemistry I (CHEM1012A)
and
[Physics I (Auxiliary)
(PHYS1001A)
or
Auxiliary Mathematics I
(MATH1041A)]
Applied and Experimental Physiology II (PHSL2000A)
Physiology III (PHSL3002A)
Human Physiology III
(PHSL3006A)
PSYCHOLOGY (offered in the Faculty of Humanities)
Psychology II (PSYC2020A) Psychology I (PSYC1009A)
Psychological Research Design Psychology I (PSYC1009A)
and Analysis IIA (PSYC2005A)
Psychological Research Design Psychological
and Analysis IIB (PSYC2006A) Research Design and
Analysis IIA (PSYC2005A)

88
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Course B. Prerequisite C. Corequisite

Abnormal Psychology III Psychology II (PSYC2020A)
(PSYC3001A) and
Cognitive Neuropsychology III Psychological Research Design
(PSYC3013A) and Analysis IIA (PSYC2005A)
Health Psychology III
(PSYC3015A)
Community Psychology III
(PSYC3016A)
Psychotherapeutic Interventions
III (PSYC3017A)
Child and Adolescent
Psychology III (PSYC3018A)
Critical Social Psychology III
(PSYC3019A)
Organisational Behaviour III
(PSYC3020A)
Employee Relations III
(PSYC3022A)
Organisational Effectiveness III
(PSYC3023A)
SOCIAL SCIENCES (offered in the Faculty of Humanities)
Critical Thinking and Permission is required from the
Philosophical Reasoning I Senate
(PHIL1001A)
Social History of Technology
(HIST1010A)

2.1.6 Restriction on obtaining credits

a) Unless specifically stated otherwise, the prerequisite course may be either the auxiliary or the
major course.
b) A student may not obtain credits for more than one of the courses in each of the groups of
courses listed below:

Students are referred to the requirements of 2.1.3.4 and 2.1.8.

Course Description Course Code

Group A
Ancillary Statistics I STAT1005A
Business Statistics I STAT1000A
Mathematical Statistics I STAT1003A
Basic Statistics for the Natural Sciences II STAT2013A/ STAT2014A
Group B
Chemistry IA CHEM1013A
Chemistry I CHEM1012A
Chemistry Auxiliary I PT CHEM1049A

89
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Description Course Code

Group C
Ancillary Mathematics I MATH1008A
Ancillary Mathematics and Statistics I MATH1010A
Auxiliary Mathematics I MATH1041A
[Algebra I and Calculus I] [MATH1034A and MATH1036A]
Group D
Physics I (Major) PHYS1000A
Physics I (Auxiliary) PHYS1001A
Group E
Mathematical Statistics I STAT1003A
Introduction to Mathematical Statistics II STAT2012A
c) Psychology (refer to Rule 2.1.2.4 b)
A student who majors in Psychology needs to be credited with courses at levels II and III from
the list below; yielding a total of between 144 and 168 credits:

Course Description Course Code NQF NQF

Credits Level
Year of Study II
Compulsory courses
Psychological Research Design and Analysis IIA PSYC2005A 24 6
Psychology II PSYC2020A 48 6
Elective course
Psychological Research Design and Analysis IIB PSYC2006A 24 6
Year of Study III
Courses from the list below yielding a total value of 72 credits:
Abnormal Psychology III PSYC3001A 18 7
Cognitive Neuropsychology III PSYC3013A 18 7
Health Psychology III PSYC3015A 18 7
Community Psychology III PSYC3016A 18 7
Psychotherapeutic Interventions III PSYC3017A 18 7
Child and Adolescent Psychology III PSYC3018A 18 7
Critical Social Psychology III PSYC3019A 18 7
Organisational Behaviour III PSYC3020A 18 7
Employment Relations III PSYC3022A 18 7
Organisational Effectiveness III PSYC3023A 18 7
Any combination making up 72 credits at level III in Psychology will result in a student receiving a major
in Psychology.

2.1.7 Lapsing of credits or exemptions

An exemption will normally be granted in respect of a credit previously obtained but could be refused if,
in the opinion of the Senate, the Syllabuses have changed in substantial or important respects or if four
years have elapsed between the time when the credit was obtained and when the exemption was sought.
90
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

2.1.8 Repeating of courses

A student who fails to meet the pass requirement in a course in any particular year of study may be refused
permission by the Senate to repeat the course and the student will be deemed as Fail May Not Repeat
(FNR) for that course if:  
a) s/he has repeated the course more than once; or
b) the course is restricted. To note which courses are restricted refer to 2.1.2.6.
The decision of FNR is endorsed by the Faculty Board of Examiners. In the event of readmission
(WRCI/WRCII) the Senate/Council retains the discretion to allow the student to proceed with
all the courses except for the course/s with a decision of FNR.

3 POSTGRADUATE
3.1 Diplomas
Qualification Name Programme Code NQF Exit Level
Postgraduate Diploma in SXA01 8
Science

3.1.1 Application of Rules

See Rule G3.

3.1.2 Admission Rules

Any one of the following may be admitted by the Senate for the Postgraduate Diploma in Science if
the Senate is satisfied that s/he is qualified to undertake the line of study required for it. (In exercising
its discretion the Senate will take into account the academic standard achieved by the applicant in any
course or the nature and standard of any postgraduate work, or both, done by her/him.)
a) a Bachelor of Science of this or another university;
b) a graduate of this or another university who holds a degree in another faculty; and
c) a person other than a graduate who has in any other manner satisfied the Senate that s/he is so
qualified.

3.1.3 Curricula
3.1.3.1 Length of Programme
The programme extends over not less than one academic year of full-time study or two academic years
of part-time study.
3.1.3.2 Programme Details

4) Postgraduate Diploma in Science in the field of Enterprise Risk Management

A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Postgraduate Diploma in
Science in the field of Enterprise Risk Management. (Will not be offered in 2023.)

91
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Programme Code: SXA01 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFAERM50 Total NQF Credits: 120

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
STAT5032A Copulas and Dependence 20 8
STAT5036A Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Concept and
Framework 20 8
STAT5004A Extreme Value Theory 20 8
STAT5035A King III Corporate Governance in South Africa and ERM
Case Studies 20 8
STAT5033A Multivariate models and financial time series 20 8
STAT5034A Risk Measurement, Assessment and Application of
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) 20 8
5) Postgraduate Diploma in Science in the field of Data Science
An applicant must have ≥ 60% in Mathematics National Senior Certificate or equivalent.
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Postgraduate Diploma in
Science in the field of Data Science.

Programme Code: SXA01 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFADATS50 Total NQF Credits: 120

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
COMS5022A Programming for Data Scientists 15 8
COMS5021A Mathematics and Statistical Foundations of Data Science 15 8
COMS5026A Applied Machine Learning 15 8

COMS5020A Data Science in Practice 15 8

Any five elective courses from the list below:
SLLS5027A Social Media Analysis in and for the Global South 12 8
SLLS5028A Visualising African Societies with Data 12 8

COMS5025A Data-intensive Computing 12 8

COMS5024A Applications of Machine Learning in Chemistry 12 8

COMS5023A Data Science in Education 12 8

COMS5027A Health Analytics for Data Science 10 8

GEOL5013A Spatio-temporal Data Analytics 12 8

92
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.

Elective courses may be selected with the permission of the Senate.

3.1.3.3 Credits for Courses

In exceptional circumstances, the Senate may grant a candidate credit in respect of some of the
requirements of 3.1.3 if s/he has obtained credit in the same courses or topics at this or another university
approved by the Senate for this purpose: Provided that every candidate must complete courses yielding a
minimum of 60 credits while registered for the diploma at this University.

3.1.4 Completion Rules

a) A candidate must successfully complete the prescribed courses to obtain a Postgraduate
Diploma in Science.
b) Conferment of Qualification with Distinction:
i) all of the courses taken in the qualification must have been passed at first attempt;
ii) the qualification must have been completed in the minimum period of time; and
iii) all courses are passed with a minimum weighted average of 75 percent.

3.1.5 Cancellation of Registration

A candidate shall be required to obtain credit in courses yielding a minimum of 60 credits at the first
attempt of full-time study or 30 credits at the first attempt of part-time study.
Provided that the Senate may permit a candidate to repeat courses the next time they are offered: Provided
further that if the candidate again fails any course, her/his registration will be cancelled. By permission of
the Senate, a candidate who fails a course may substitute an alternative course, in which event the course
must be passed at first attempt, failing which her/his registration will be cancelled.

3.2 Degree of Bachelor of Science Honours

Qualification Name Programme Code NQF Exit Level
Bachelor of Science Honours SHA00 8

3.2.1 Application of Rules

See Rule G3.

3.2.2 Admission Rules

a) Subject to the provisions of 3.2.3, the Honours subject/field of study selected by a candidate shall,
save by permission of the Senate, be one in which s/he passed the relevant major course/s (refer
to 2.1.2.4 a) at this University or any other university whose programme has been approved by
the Senate.
b) A person may not normally be admitted as a candidate for Honours in a subject unless s/he has
attained a minimum of 60 percent average in the final undergraduate course/s; but, in special
circumstances, a student may be given permission by the Senate to be admitted as a candidate if s/
he has a qualification that the Senate considers adequate for the purpose of admission.
c) Any one of the following may be admitted by the Senate as a candidate for the degree of Bachelor
of Science Honours:

93
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

i) a Bachelor of Science of the University: Provided that, by special permission of the Senate, a
person who has obtained credit in all but one of the courses contained in her/his programme
for the degree of Bachelor of Science may be admitted as a candidate for the degree of
Bachelor of Science Honours and be registered concurrently for the degree of Bachelor of
Science: Provided further that such candidate shall not be eligible to qualify for the degree of
the Bachelor of Science Honours until s/he has obtained credit in the course outstanding for
the degree of Bachelor of Science;
ii) a Bachelor of Science of any other university or equivalent; or
iii) a graduate of the University who holds a degree of Bachelor in another faculty, if the Senate
has determined that the academic discipline in which the degree was obtained is relevant to
the Honours subject for which s/he wishes to register.

Note: normally this standard is a minimum of 60 percent as set out in 3.2.2.

The Senate may require a person to attend and pass a course, or courses offered for the Bachelor of
Science, or more than one such course either before being admitted as a candidate for the degree of
Honours or while s/he is registered for it.
3.2.2.2 Requirements for admission to particular subjects
The following requirements are prescribed for admission to particular courses. Except with the permission
of the Senate, a candidate shall not be admitted as a candidate for the degree of Honours in the courses
listed under A unless s/he has obtained credit in a course or courses listed under B, or equivalent as
acceptable to Senate.

A. Field of Study B. Subject Requirements

Actuarial Science Actuarial Science III with the appropriate exemptions or has passed the
equivalent courses in the professional examinations or has obtained credit
at another university in a course which, in the opinion of the Senate,
represents an equivalent standard.
Animal, Plant and Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences courses or has obtained credit
Environmental Sciences at another university in a course which, in the opinion of the Senate,
represents an equivalent standard.
Applied Bioinformatics Introduction to Bioinformatics III, and two other 18 credit MCB III courses,
or equivalent as determined by the Senate.
Archaeology Archaeology III, or has obtained credit at another university in a course
which, in the opinion of the Senate, represents an equivalent standard.
Computational and Computational and Applied Mathematics III, or has obtained credit at
Applied Mathematics another university in a course which, in the opinion of the Senate, represents
an equivalent standard.
Biochemistry and Cell Biochemistry and Cell Biology III, or has obtained credit at another
Biology university in a course which, in the opinion of the Senate, represents an
equivalent standard.

94
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Field of Study B. Subject Requirements

Chemistry Chemistry III, or has obtained credit at another university in a course which,
in the opinion of the Senate, represents an equivalent standard. A second
course in Mathematics may be a prerequisite for some options offered in
the Honours degree.
Computer Science Computer Science III, a Higher Diploma in Computer Science, or has
obtained credit at another university in a course which, in the opinion of
the Senate, represents an equivalent standard.
Environmental Studies Environmental Studies III or any course in a cognate discipline in Science,
Social Science or Humanities.
Genetics and Genetics and Developmental Biology III, or has obtained credit at another
Developmental Biology university in a course which, in the opinion of the Senate, represents an
equivalent standard.
Geochemistry Geology III or has obtained credit at another university in a course which, in
the opinion of the Senate, represents an equivalent standard.
Geography Geography III, or has obtained credit at another university in a course
which, in the opinion of the Senate, represents an equivalent standard.
Geography, Archaeology Geography III and Archaeology III, or has obtained credit at another
and Environmental university in a course which, in the opinion of the Senate, represents an
Studies equivalent standard.
Geographic Information Geography III, Environmental Studies III, Data Science III, Surveying III or
System and Remote any cognate discipline in Science with a background in GIS and Remote
Sensing Sensing.
Geology Geology III or has obtained credit at another university in a course which, in
the opinion of the Senate, represents an equivalent standard.
Geophysics Geology I, Mathematics II (or Computational and Applied Mathematics
II) and Physics II and any two of the following: Geology III, Mathematics
III, Computational and Applied Mathematics III and/or Physics III or has
obtained credit at another university in a course which, in the opinion of
the Senate, represents an equivalent standard.
Mathematics Mathematics III (Major) or has obtained credit at another university in a
course which, in the opinion of the Senate, represents an equivalent
standard.
Mathematical Sciences Major courses in either the Schools of Computer Science & Applied
Mathematics, Mathematics and Statistics & Actuarial Science, or has
obtained credit at another university in a course which, in the opinion of
the Senate, represents an equivalent standard.
Mathematical Statistics Mathematical Statistics III and Mathematics II or has passed the equivalent
courses or has obtained credit at another university in a course which, in the
opinion of the Senate, represents an equivalent standard.
Microbiology and Microbiology and Biotechnology III, or has obtained credit at another
Biotechnology university in a course which, in the opinion of the Senate, represents an
equivalent standard.
Palaeontology Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences courses, Archaeology III,
Anatomical Sciences III, Geology III or Geography III or its equivalent or
has obtained credit at another university in a course which, in the opinion
of the Senate, represents an equivalent standard.

95
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

A. Field of Study B. Subject Requirements

Palaeontology and Geology III and either Plant Sciences III or Zoology III or its equivalent or
Geology has obtained credit at another university in a course which, in the opinion
of the Senate, represents an equivalent standard.
Physics Physics III or its equivalent or has obtained credit at another university
in a course which, in the opinion of the Senate represents an equivalent
standard.
Psychology Psychological Research Design and Analysis IIA and a major in Psychology
III or its equivalent or has obtained credit at another university in a course
which, in the opinion of the Senate, represents an equivalent standard.

3.2.3 Curricula
3.2.3.1 Length of programme
Unless permitted or required otherwise by the Senate, the Honours programme extends over one
academic year of full-time study or two academic years of part-time study.
3.2.3.2 Programme details for various fields of study
1) School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences − Honours in the field of Animal,
Plant and Environmental Sciences
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Bachelor of Science Honours in
the field of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFAAPES40 Total NQF Credits: 120

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
APES4030A Research Project IV 52 8
APES4021A Enabling Skills IV 17 8
Any three elective courses from the list below:
APES4015A Animal Behaviour and Ecology IV 17 8
APES4016A Animal, Plant and Environment Sciences Honours Special
Topic IV 17 8
APES4017A Biocontrol IV 17 8
APES4018A Biogeography IV 17 8
APES4019A Ecological Engineering and Phytoremediation IV 17 8
APES4020A Ecophysiology IV 17 8
APES4022A Entomology IV 17 8
APES4023A Ethnoecology IV 17 8
APES4026A Freshwater Science − Field and Laboratory
approaches IV 17 8
APES4027A Global Change Impacts on Soil, Plants, Animals and
Humans in Southern Africa IV 17 8

96
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
APES4028A Plant Variation and Nomenclature IV 17 8
APES4029A Pollination Ecology IV 17 8
APES4034A Population Conservation IV 17 8
APES4035A Climate Change - Exploring Science with Society IV 17 8
APES4036A Global Change Impacts on Medicinal Plants IV 17 8
APES4037A Analysis of Wildlife Populations IV 17 8
APES4038A Transitions in Environmental Sustainability IV 17 8
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
With prior permission of the Senate, a candidate may substitute one of the elective courses with a
course or courses from another discipline yielding a minimum of 17 NQF level 8 credits.
2) School of Chemistry − Honours in the field of Chemistry
This programme is designed for candidates intending to graduate as professional chemists. A candidate
must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Bachelor of Science Honours in the field of
Chemistry.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFACHEM40 Total NQF Credits: 120

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
CHEM4012A Research Projects in Chemistry IV 36 8
CHEM4007A Analytical Chemistry IV 12 8
CHEM4008A Contemporary Topics in Chemistry IV 30 8
CHEM4009A Inorganic Chemistry IV 12 8
CHEM4010A Organic Chemistry IV 12 8
CHEM4011A Physical Chemistry IV 18 8
3) School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics − Honours in the field of
Computational and Applied Mathematics
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Bachelor of Science Honours in
the field of Computational and Applied Mathematics.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFACAMS41 Total NQF Credits: 132

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
APPM4076A Research Project: Computational and Applied
Mathematics IV 30 8
COMS4057A Introduction to Research Methods IV 6 8
APPM4054A Mathematical Modelling IV 12 8

97
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
APPM4055A Partial Differential Equations IV 12 8
APPM4056A Symmetry Methods for Differential Equations IV 12 8
APPM4057A Computational Differential Equations IV 12 8
APPM4059A Continuum Mechanics IV 12 8
APPM4065A Global Optimization IV 12 8
Any two elective courses from the list below:
APPM4058A Digital Image Processing IV 12 8
APPM4060A Galaxies and the Determination of Cosmological
Parameters IV 12 8
APPM4061A Studies in Applied Mathematics IV 12 8
APPM4062A Studies in Mechanics IV 12 8
APPM4063A Studies in Computational Mathematics IV 12 8
APPM4064A Optimal Control Theory IV 12 8
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
With prior permission of the Senate, a candidate may substitute not more than two of the elective
courses with a course/s from another discipline yielding a minimum of 12 NQF level 8 credits.
An exemption will normally be granted in respect of a credit previously obtained but could be refused
if, in the opinion of the Senate, the syllabus has changed in important respects or if two years have
lapsed between the time the credit was obtained and the exemption is sought.
If a candidate receives a mark of less than 40% for any course, the course is failed.
A candidate will be allowed to repeat a course/s within a two year period.
A course may not be repeated more than once.
Failed compulsory course/s must be repeated.
Failed elective course/s in the first semester may be substituted with elective course/s offered in the
second semester.
A candidate must pass the Research Project with a minimum of 50% at the first attempt.
4) School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics − Honours in the field of Computer
Science
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Bachelor of Science Honours
in the field of Computer Science.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFACSCI41 Total NQF Credits: 120

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
COMS4059A Research Project: Computer Science IV 30 8
COMS4057A Introduction to Research Methods IV 6 8
Any seven elective courses from the list below:
COMS4030A Adaptive Computation and Machine IV 12 8
COMS4032A Applications of Algorithms IV 12 8

98
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
COMS4034A Compilers IV 12 8
COMS4036A Computer Vision IV 12 8
COMS4037A Database IV 12 8
COMS4040A High Performance Computing and Scientific Data 12 8
Management IV
COMS4041A Human Computer Interaction IV 12 8
COMS4043A Multi-agent Systems IV 12 8
COMS4045A Robotics IV 12 8
COMS4048A Data Analysis and Exploration IV 12 8
COMS4050A Discrete Optimisation IV 12 8
COMS4053A Regulated Rewriting in Formal Language Theory IV 12 8
COMS4054A Natural Language Processing IV 12 8
COMS4055A Mathematical Foundations of Data Science IV 12 8
COMS4060A Introduction to Data Visualisation and Exploration IV 12 8
COMS4061A Reinforcement Learning IV 12 8
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
With prior permission of the Senate, a candidate may substitute one of the elective courses with a
course/s from another discipline yielding a minimum of 12 NQF level 8 credits.
5) School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics − Honours in the field of Computer
Science (Part-time)
Entrance to Bachelor of Science Honours in the field of Computer Science on a part-time basis over a
maximum of two years is at the discretion of the Senate and is subject to satisfying the entrance criteria
as set by the Senate.
6) School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics − Honours in the field of Big Data
Analytics
Unless permitted or required otherwise by the Senate, the Honours programme extends over one
academic year of full-time study.
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Bachelor of Science Honours
in the field of Big Data Analytics.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFABDAA41 Total NQF Credits: 120

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
COMS4058A Research Project: Big Data Analytics IV 30 8
COMS4057A Introduction to Research Methods IV 6 8
COMS4030A Adaptive Computation and Machine Learning IV 12 8
COMS4048A Data Analysis and Exploration IV 12 8

99
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
COMS4050A Discrete Optimisation IV 12 8
COMS4060A Introduction to Data Visualisation and Exploration IV 12 8
Any three elective courses from the list below:
COMS4032A Applications of Algorithms IV 12 8
COMS4036A Computer Vision IV 12 8
COMS4040A High Performance Computing and Scientific Data 12 8
Management IV
COMS4047A Special Topics in Computer Science IV 12 8
COMS4055A Mathematical Foundations of Data Science IV 12 8
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
With prior permission of the Senate, a candidate may substitute one of the elective courses with a
course/s from another discipline yielding a minimum of 12 NQF level 8 credits.
7) School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies − Honours in the field of
Archaeology
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Bachelor of Science Honours
in the field of Archaeology.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFAARCH40 Total NQF Credits: 120

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
ARCL4025A Research Project: Archaeology IV 40 8
ARCL4016A Archaeology in the Field / Laboratory IV 20 8
ARCL4027A Theory of Archaeology IV 20 8
Any two elective courses from the list below:
ARCL4018A Archaeometry IV 20 8
ARCL4019A Archaeology of Food Production IV 20 8
ARCL4020A Geoarchaeology IV 20 8
ARCL4021A Historical Archaeology IV 20 8
ARCL4023A Rock Art Management IV 20 8
ARCL4024A Rock Art of Africa IV 20 8
ARCL4026A Stone Age Archaeology IV 20 8
ARCL4028A Classification in Archaeology IV 20 8
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
With prior permission of the Senate, a candidate may substitute one of the elective courses with a
course/s from another discipline yielding a minimum of 20 NQF level 8 credits.
Candidates will be required to spend a minimum of one month participating in fieldwork as approved
by the Senate; credit for this fieldwork will be awarded through Archaeology in the Field / Laboratory
(ARCL4016A).

100
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

8) School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies − Honours in the field of

Geography
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Bachelor of Science Honours
in the field of Geography.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFAGEOG40 Total NQF Credits: 120

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory course:
GEOG4038A Research Project: Geography IV 40 8
Any four elective courses from the list below:
GEOG4015A Geographic Information Systems IV 24 8
GEOG4034A Environmental Management: Water Challenges in South 20 8
Africa IV
GEOG4039A Local and Regional Economic Development IV 20 8
GEOG4041A Understanding Cities in Africa 20 8
GEOG4044A Global Atmospheric Change IV 20 8
GEOG4045A Disaster Risk and Geohazards IV 20 8
GEOG4046A Nature and Society IV 20 8
GEOG4047A Air Pollution and Health Impacts IV 20 8
GEOG4049A Advanced Remote Sensing of Environment IV 20 8
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
With prior permission of the Senate, a candidate may substitute one of the elective courses with a
course/s from another discipline yielding a minimum of 20 NQF level 8 credits.
9) School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies − Honours in the field of
Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Bachelor of Science Honours in
the field of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFAGAES40 Total NQF Credits: 120

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory course:
GEOG4036A Research Project: Geography, Archaeology and 40 8
Environmental Studies IV
Any four elective courses from the list below:
ARCL4016A Archaeology in the Field / Laboratory IV 20 8
ARCL4018A Archaeometry IV 20 8
ARCL4019A Archaeology of Food Production IV 20 8

101
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
ARCL4020A Geoarchaeology IV 20 8
ARCL4021A Historical Archaeology IV 20 8
ARCL4023A Rock Art Management IV 20 8
ARCL4024A Rock Art of Africa IV 20 8
ARCL4026A Stone Age Archaeology IV 20 8
ARCL4027A Theory of Archaeology IV 20 8
ARCL4028A Classification in Archaeology IV 20 8
GEOG4015A Geographic Information Systems IV 24 8
GEOG4034A Environmental Management: Water Challenges in 20 8
Southern Africa IV
GEOG4037A Environmental Policy and Practice IV 20 8
GEOG4039A Local and Regional Economic Development IV 20 8
GEOG4041A Understanding Cities in Africa IV 20 8
GEOG4044A Global Atmospheric Change IV 20 8
GEOG4045A Disaster Risk and Geohazards IV 20 8
GEOG4047A Air Pollution and Health Impacts IV 20 8
GEOG4049A Advanced Remote Sensing of Environment IV 20 8
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
With prior permission of the Senate, a candidate may substitute one of the elective courses with a
course/s from another discipline yielding a minimum of 20 NQF level 8 credits.
10) School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies − Honours in the field of
Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Bachelor of Science Honours in
the field of Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFAGEIS40 Total NQF Credits: 124

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
GEOG4048A Research Project: Geospatial IV 40 8
GEOG4015A Geographic Information Systems IV 24 8
GEOG4049A Advanced Remote Sensing of Environment IV 20 8
GEOG4051A Geospatial Programming IV 20 8
Any one elective course from the list below:
GEOG4034A Environmental Management: Water Challenges in South 20 8
Africa IV
GEOG4037A Environmental Policy and Practice IV 20 8

102
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
GEOG4045A Disaster Risk and Geohazards IV 20 8
GEOG4050A Advanced Selected Topics in Remote Sensing and 20 8
Geographic Information System IV
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
With prior permission of the Senate, a candidate may substitute one of the elective courses with a
course/s from another discipline yielding a minimum of 20 NQF level 8 credits.

11) School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies − Honours in the field of
Environmental Studies
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Bachelor of Science Honours in
the field of Environmental Studies.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFAENVS40 Total NQF Credits: 120

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
GAES4002A Research Project: Environmental Studies IV 40 8
GAES4003A Research Methods in Environmental Studies IV 20 8
GAES4001A Environmental Policy and Practice IV 20 8
GAES4000A Integrated Environmental Management IV 20 8
Any one elective course from the list below:
ARCL4018A Archaeometry IV 20 8
ARCL4019A Archaeology of Food Production IV 20 8
ARCL4020A Geoarchaeology IV 20 8
ARCL4021A Historical Archaeology IV 20 8
ARCL4023A Rock Art Management IV 20 8
ARCL4024A Rock Art of Africa IV 20 8
ARCL4026A Stone Age Archaeology IV 20 8
ARCL4027A Theory of Archaeology IV 20 8
ARCL4028A Classification of Archaeology IV 20 8
GEOG4015A Geographic Information Systems IV 24 8
GEOG4027A Air Pollution and Health Impacts IV 20 8
GEOG4034A Environmental Management: Water Challenges in South 20 8
Africa IV
GEOG4039A Local and Regional Economic Development IV 20 8
GEOG4041A Understanding Cities in Africa IV 20 8
GEOG4044A Global Atmospheric Change IV 20 8

103
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
GEOG4045A Disaster Risk and Geohazards IV 20 8

Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.

12) School of Geosciences − Honours in the field of Geology

A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Bachelor of Science Honours
in the field of Geology.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFAGEOL41 Total NQF Credits: 120

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
GEOL4029A Research Project: Geology IV 40 8
GEOP4009A Geophysics for Geologists IV 10 8
GEOL4014A Hydrogeology IV 10 8
GEOL4025A Advanced Petrology and Geochemistry IV 10 8
GEOL4026A Earth Evolution and Global Tectonics IV 10 8
GEOL4027A Exploration, Mining, Economics, and Entrepreneurship IV 10 8
GEOL4028A Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing in 10 8
Geology IV
GEOL4030A Structural Geology and Mineralisation Processes IV 20 8
13) School of Geosciences − Honours in the field of Geochemistry
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Bachelor of Science Honours
in the field of Geochemistry.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFAGECH41 Total NQF Credits: 120

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
GEOL4029A Research Project: Geology IV 40 8
GEOP4009A Geophysics for Geologists IV 10 8
GEOL4014A Hydrogeology IV 10 8
GEOL4024A Surficial Geochemistry IV 10 8
GEOL4025A Advanced Petrology and Geochemistry IV 10 8
GEOL4028A Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing in 10 8
Geology IV
GEOL4030A Structural Geology and Mineralisation Processes IV 20 8
GEOL4031A Solid Earth Geochemistry and Geoanalysis IV 10 8

104
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Note: With prior permission of the Senate, a candidate may substitute one of the elective courses
with a course/s from another discipline yielding a minimum of 10 NQF level 8 credits.
14) School of Geosciences − Honours in the field of Geophysics
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Bachelor of Science Honours
in the field of Geophysics.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFAGEOP40 Total NQF Credits: 120

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credit Level
GEOP4008A Research Project: Geophysics IV 30 8
GEOP4004A Mathematical and Computational Geophysics IV 16 8
GEOP4005A Advanced Potential Theory IV 16 8
GEOP4006A Seismology IV 16 8
GEOP4007A Electrical and Electromagnetic Methods IV 16 8
GEOP4010A Global Geophysics IV 16 8
GEOP4011A Africa Array Field School IV 10 8
15) School of Geosciences − Honours in the field of Palaeontology
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Bachelor of Science Honours
in the field of Palaeontology.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFAPALE40 Total NQF Credits: 120

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
PALP4024A Research Project: Palaeontology IV 40 8
PALP4010A Comparative Osteology, Quantitative Methods and Field 10 8
Techniques IV
PALP4011A Phylogenetics IV 10 8
PALP4012A Statistics and Geometric Morphometrics IV 10 8
PALP4016A Taphonomy and Biostratigraphy IV 10 8
Any four elective courses from the list below:
PALP4013A Hominid Evolution and Osteology IV 10 8
PALP4014A Invertebrate Palaeontology IV 10 8
PALP4015A Terrestrial and Marine Micropalaeontology IV 10 8
PALP4017A Archosaurs Evolution IV 10 8
PALP4018A Synapsid Evolution IV 10 8
PALP4019A Evolution of Terrestrial Ecosystems IV 10 8
PALP4020A Evolution of Mammals IV 10 8

105
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
PALP4026A Plio-Pleistocene Palaeoecology IV 10 8
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
16) School of Geosciences − Honours in the field of Palaeontology and Geology
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Bachelor of Science Honours in
the field of Palaeontology and Geology.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFAPAAG42 Total NQF Credits: 120

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
PALP4025A Research Project: Palaeontology and Geology IV 40 8

PALP4016A Taphonomy and Biostratigraphy IV 10 8

GEOL4026A Earth Evolution and Global Tectonics IV 10 8
GEOL4018A Sedimentary Basin Analysis IV 10 8
GEOL4030A Structural Geology and Mineralisation Processes IV 20 8
Any three elective courses from the list below:
GEOL4014A Hydrogeology IV 10 8
PALP4010A Comparative Osteology, Quantitative Methods and Field 10 8
Techniques IV
PALP4011A Phylogenetics IV 10 8
PALP4013A Hominid Evolution and Osteology IV 10 8
PALP4014A Invertebrate Palaeontology IV 10 8
PALP4015A Terrestrial and Marine Micropalaeontology IV 10 8
PALP4017A Archosaurs Evolution IV 10 8
PALP4018A Synapsid Evolution IV 10 8
PALP4019A Evolution of Terrestrial Ecosystems IV 10 8
PALP4020A Evolution of Mammals IV 10 8
PALP4026A Plio-Pleistocene Palaeontology IV 10 8
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.

106
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

17) School of Human and Community Development − Honours in the field of Psychology
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Bachelor of Science Honours
in the field of Psychology.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFAPSYC40 Total NQF Credits: 122

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
PSYC4045A Research Methods in Psychology IV 23 8
PSYC4044A Research Essay on an approved topic IV 30 8
Any three elective courses from the list below:
PSYC4034A Psychological Assessment: Theory and Research IV 23 8
PSYC4042A Qualitative and Programme Evaluation Techniques IV 23 8
PSYC4026A Mind, Brain and Behaviour IV 23 8
PSYC4007A Cognitive Neuroscience IV 23 8
PSYC4046A Social Psychology IV 23 8
PSYC4009A Community Psychology IV 23 8
PSYC4057A Health Psychology IV 23 8
PSYC4035A Psychological Interventions IV 23 8
PSYC4029A Personality and Psychopathology IV 23 8
PSYC4032A Psychoanalytic Theory IV 23 8
PSYC4058A Developmental Psychology IV 23 8
PSYC4066A Selected Topic in Psychology IV 23 8
PSYC4070A Inclusive Education - Learning Support IV 23 8
PSYC4072A Everyday Life and Social Interaction IV 23 8
PSYC4073A Narratives of Youth Identity IV 23 8
PSYC4074A Gender in Psychology IV 23 8
Note: With prior permission of the Senate, a candidate may substitute one of the elective courses
with a course/s from another discipline yielding a minimum of 23 NQF level 8 credits.
18) School of Mathematics − Honours in the field of Mathematics
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Bachelor of Science Honours
in the field of Mathematics.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFAMATH40 Total NQF Credits: 120

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
MATH4026A Research Project: Mathematics IV 36 8

107
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
MATH4016A Algebra IV 12 8
MATH4021A Functional Analysis IV 12 8
MATH4025A Measure Theory IV 12 8
MATH4027A Topology IV 12 8
Any three elective courses from the list below:
MATH4017A Asymptotics/Approximation Theory IV 12 8
MATH4018A Calculus Variations IV 12 8
MATH4019A Combinatorics IV 12 8
MATH4020A Complex Analysis IV 12 8
MATH4022A Geometry and Algebraic Topology IV 12 8
MATH4023A Graph Theory IV 12 8
MATH4024A Number Theory IV 12 8
MATH4028A Mathematical Logic IV 12 8
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
With prior permission of the Senate, a candidate may substitute two of the elective courses with a
course/s from another discipline yielding a minimum of 12 NQF level 8 credits.

School of Molecular and Cell Biology

Candidates will complete theoretical topics and research in the field of molecular and cellular biology,
biotechnology and applied bioinformatics. The purpose of these programmes are to encourage and
guide candidates to critically examine and develop an appreciation of the integrative nature of biology,
especially in its application through biotechnology, and to give candidates exposure to the range of
experimental and analytical techniques fundamental to research at the molecular and cellular level.
Candidates are grounded in the research process, from conceptualisation and design of the project to its
execution and dissemination and discussion of its findings. The programme enables candidates to become
independent researchers and develop professional attitudes and skills.
19) School of Molecular and Cell Biology − Honours in the field of Biochemistry and Cell Biology
A candidate must complete the following courses to qualify for a Bachelor of Science Honours in the field
of Biochemistry and Cell Biology.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFABACB41 Total NQF Credits: 120

Course Description NQF NQF

Course Code Credits Level
MCBG4029A Research Project: Biochemistry and Cell Biology IV 60 8
MCBG4027A Current Topics in Molecular and Cell Biology IV 24 8
MCBG4028A Laboratory Techniques in Molecular and Cell Biology IV 36 8
20) School of Molecular and Cell Biology − Honours in the field of Genetics and
Developmental Biology
A candidate must complete the following courses to qualify for a Bachelor of Science Honours in the field
of Genetics and Developmental Biology.
108
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFAGADB41 Total NQF Credits: 120

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
MCBG4031A Research Project: Genetics and Developmental 60 8
Biology IV
MCBG4027A Current Topics in Molecular and Cell Biology IV 24 8
MCBG4028A Laboratory Techniques in Molecular and Cell Biology IV 36 8
21) School of Molecular and Cell Biology − Honours in the field of Microbiology and
Biotechnology
A candidate must complete the following courses to qualify for a Bachelor of Science Honours in the field
of Microbiology and Biotechnology.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFAMABI41 Total NQF Credits: 120
Course Code Course Description NQF NQF
Credits Level
MCBG4032A Research Project: Microbiology and Biotechnology IV 60 8
MCBG4027A Current Topics in Molecular and Cell Biology IV 24 8
MCBG4028A Laboratory Techniques in Molecular and Cell Biology IV 36 8
22) School of Molecular and Cell Biology − Honours in the field of Applied Bioinformatics
A candidate must complete the following courses to qualify for a Bachelor of Science Honours in the field
of Applied Bioinformatics.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFAABIO41 Total NQF Credits: 120

Course code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
MCBG4030A Research Project: Applied Bioinformatics IV 60 8
MCBG4027A Current Topics in Molecular and Cell Biology IV 24 8
MCBG4028A Laboratory Techniques in Molecular and Cell Biology IV 36 8
23) School of Physics − Honours in the field of Physics
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Bachelor of Science Honours
in the field of Physics.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFAPHYS40 Total NQF Credits: 121

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:

109
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
PHYS4018A Research Project: Physics IV 30 8
PHYS4011A Quantum Mechanics IV 13 8
PHYS4012A Statistical Physics IV 13 8
PHYS4014A Nuclear Physics I IV 13 8
PHYS4015A Electrodynamics IV 13 8
PHYS4016A Solid State I IV 13 8
Any two elective courses from the list below:
PHYS4013A Physics of Nano systems IV 13 8
PHYS4017A Solid State Physics II IV 13 8
PHYS4019A Mathematical Methods for Physics IV 13 8
PHYS4020A Astrophysical Fluid Mechanics IV 13 8
PHYS4021A General Relativity IV 13 8
PHYS4022A Experimental Physics Techniques IV 13 8
PHYS4023A Introduction to Cosmology IV 13 8
PHYS4024A Introduction to Computational Materials Science IV 13 8
PHYS4025A Introduction to the Standard Model IV 13 8
PHYS4026A Nuclear Physics II IV 13 8
PHYS4027A Physical Cosmology IV 13 8
PHYS4028A Introduction to Quantum Field Theory IV 13 8
PHYS4029A Introduction to Experimental Particle Physics IV 13 8
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
With prior permission of the Senate, a candidate may substitute one of the elective courses with a
course/s from another discipline yielding a minimum of 13 NQF level 8 credits.
Applicants from other universities may be required to take additional topics and/or laboratory
components, to be specified by the Senate. This may in some cases require an 18 or 24 month
registration for Honours.
24) School of Physics − Honours in the field of Physics (Part-time)
Entrance to Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics on a part-time basis over a maximum of two years is
at the discretion of the Senate and is subject to satisfying the entrance criteria as set by the Senate.
25) School of Statistics and Actuarial Science − Honours in the field of Mathematical Statistics
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Bachelor of Science Honours in
the field of Mathematical Statistics.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFAMSTA40 Total NQF Credits: 120

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
STAT4113A Research Project: Mathematical Statistics IV 36 8

110
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
STAT4117A Advanced Multivariate Methods IV 12 8
STAT4120A Bayesian Methods IV 12 8
STAT4126A Statistical Simulations IV 12 8
Any four elective courses from the list below:
STAT4038A Selected Topics in Mathematical Statistics 12 8
STAT4102A Applied Sampling IV 12 8
STAT4104A Extreme Value Theory IV 12 8
STAT4107A Spatial Statistics IV 12 8
STAT4111A Reliability and Maintenance Theory IV 12 8
STAT4116A Operations Research Techniques IV 12 8
STAT4118A Advanced Probability Theory IV 12 8
STAT4119A Advanced Statistical Elements of Machine Learning IV 12 8
STAT4121A Biostatistics IV 12 8
STAT4122A Advanced Time Series IV 12 8
STAT4123A Modern Non-Parametric Methods IV 12 8
STAT4124A Statistical Information Theory and Coding IV 12 8
STAT4125A Statistical Methods for Reliability Analysis IV 12 8
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
With prior permission of the Senate, a candidate may substitute one of the elective courses with a
course/s from another discipline yielding a minimum of 12 NQF level 8 credits.
26) School of Statistics and Actuarial Science − Honours in the field of Mathematical Statistics
(Part-time)
Entrance to Bachelor of Science Honours in Mathematical Statistics on a part-time basis over a maximum
of two years is at the discretion of the Senate and is subject to satisfying the entrance criteria as set by the
Senate.
27) School of Statistics and Actuarial Science − Honours in the field of Actuarial Science
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Bachelor of Science Honours
in the field of Actuarial Science.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFAACSI40 Total NQF Credits: 138

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses: **
STAT4095A Research Project: Actuarial Science IV 35 8
STAT4092A Actuarial Liability Management IV 15 8
STAT4093A Actuarial Marketing and Product Development IV 20 8
STAT4094A Investment and Asset Management IV 20 8
Any two elective courses from the list below:**
111
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
STAT4096A Actuarial Practice in Retirement Funds IV 24 8
STAT4097A Actuarial Practice in Life Assurance IV 24 8
STAT4098A Actuarial Practice in Health Care IV 24 8
STAT4099A Actuarial Practice in General Insurance IV * 24 8
STAT4100A Actuarial Financial Theory and 24 8
Application IV
STAT4127A Actuarial Practice in Banking IV** 24 8
*Actuarial Science III and Mathematical Statistics III are prerequisites.
**Actuarial Science III or the equivalent professional course is a prerequisite.
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
With prior permission of the Senate, a candidate may substitute one of the elective courses with a
course/s from the Schools of Economic and Business Science or from Mathematical Sciences yielding
a minimum of 24 NQF level 8 credits.
28) Interdisciplinary Honours, presented by the School of Computer Science and Applied
Mathematics − Honours in the field of Mathematical Sciences
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Bachelor of Science Honours in
the field of Mathematical Sciences.

Programme Code: SHA00 NQF Exit Level: 8

Plan Code: SFAMSCI40 Total NQF Credits: 120

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory course:
Research Project in relevant School 36 8
Any courses from the Schools of Computer Science & Applied Mathematics and Mathematics
yielding a minimum of 84 NQF level 8 credits.
Note: With prior permission of the Senate, a candidate may select NQF level 8 courses from the
Schools of Mathematical Sciences provided that the course prerequisites are met.

3.2.4 Progression Rules

A candidate who has not satisfied all the requirements for the Bachelor of Science Honours Programme,
which include passing the Research Project associated with the field of study for which s/he is registered,
shall be deemed to have failed, unless the Senate grants her/him an extension of time. If the Senate grants
her/him an extension of time s/he shall be required to register for the ensuing academic year.
3.2.4.1 Repeating of courses and re-examination
A candidate who fails an Honours examination or part of an examination may be permitted by the Senate
to present herself/himself for the examination again or that part of it at such time as the Senate may
determine. Such a candidate may be required to re-attend the course or such parts of the course as the
Senate may determine prior to such re-examination.

112
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

3.2.5 Completion Rules

A candidate shall qualify for the award of the degree when s/he has:

a) obtained credit in all the prescribed courses in accordance with 3.2.3.2; and
b) attained a standard in her/his Research Project considered by the Senate to be satisfactory in
accordance with 3.2.4.
c) Conferment of Qualification with Distinction:
i) all the courses prescribed in the qualification must have been passed at the first attempt;
ii) the qualification must have been completed in the minimum period of time (one year full-
time and two years part-time);
iii) all prescribed courses are passed with a minimum weighted average of 75 percent; and a
subminimum of 60 percent in each of the relevant courses; and
iv) the research component is passed with a minimum of 75 percent.

3.3 Degree of Master of Science (MSc)

Qualification Name Programme Code NQF Exit Level
MSc by Coursework and SCA00 9
Research Report
MSc by Research SRA00 9

3.3.1 Application of Rules

See Rule G3.
A person who wishes to be admitted as a candidate for the degree must apply online or submit her/his
application to the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC), and must indicate the line of research which s/he
wishes to conduct.

3.3.2 Admission Rules

Any of the following may be admitted by the Senate as a candidate for the degree of Master of Science if
the Senate is satisfied that the applicant is qualified to undertake the line of study or research proposed
(or both):

a) a Bachelor of Science Honours of this or another university;

b) a graduate of this or another university who holds a degree in another faculty whose curriculum has
ordinarily extended over not less than four academic years of full-time study;
c) a person other than a graduate who has in any other manner satisfied the Senate that s/he is so
qualified; and
d) a person who has been accepted as a candidate for the degree of Master of Science by virtue of
having obtained at any other university or institution such qualification as is, in the opinion of the
Senate, equivalent to or higher than the degree of Bachelor of Science Honours in the University.

3.3.3 Curricula
3.3.3.1 Length of programme
The curriculum for the degree shall extend over a period of not less than one academic year of study.

113
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

3.3.3.2 Methods of study

A person who wishes to be admitted as a candidate for the award of Master of Science may elect to:

a) conduct research, or
b) attend and by examination complete a programme of advanced study and submit a Research
Report.
3.3.3.3 Conditions for the degree of Master of Science
A) MSc by Research (SRA00)

a) i) A candidate for the degree of Master of Science by research shall conduct during not less than
one academic year advanced study or research, or both, under the guidance of a supervisor
appointed by the Senate either in the University or in an institution deemed by the Senate to
be part of the University for this purpose;
Provided that a person admitted under 3.3.3.1 shall be deemed to have commenced this
period of advanced study or research at the date of her/his admission as a candidate for the
degree of Master of Science or such later date as the Senate may determine in her/his case.
ii) For the purposes of 3.3.3.3A a) i) above study or research “in the University” means study or
research under the control of an academic school in the University.
iii) The advanced study or research or both, as the case may be, shall be in the subject in which
the candidate has obtained an Honours or equivalent qualification: Provided that the Senate
may permit a candidate to pursue advanced study or research or both in a cognate subject
in which event it may require her/his to attend such courses and to pass such examinations.
b) A person who is admitted as a candidate for the degree shall, after consultation with the supervisor,
present for the approval of the Senate a dissertation on a subject approved by the Senate, such
dissertation to show acquaintance with methods of research, and shall, if required by the Senate,
present herself/himself for such examination in regard to the subject of her/his dissertation as it
may determine.
c) A candidate for the degree of master must submit for examination an electronic copy of her/
his dissertation via email or any other electronic platform designated by the faculty office. In
exceptional circumstances the examiner may request a hard copy of the dissertation. In such a
case, the candidate will be required to provide a bound hard copy or copies, together with the
electronic version. Copies must be in a format that, in the opinion of the Senate, is suitable for
submission to the examiners.
Prior to graduation, a candidate must submit a final, corrected electronic copy of her/his dissertation
via email or any other designated electronic platform designated by the faculty office.
d) A Bachelor of Science of the University may, by permission of the Senate, register for the degrees
of Honours and Master’s concurrently, but shall not be awarded the degree of Master of Science
until a minimum of one year after her/his award of the degree of Bachelor of Science Honours.

(Note: An institution is normally deemed by the Senate to be part of the University only for the
purpose of the research of an individual candidate.)
B) MSc by Coursework and Research Report (SCA00)

a) A candidate for the degree shall:

i) attend, perform the work of the class and any other work as the Senate may prescribe, and,
as the Senate determines, present herself/himself for examination or present such work in lieu
thereof as may be required of her/his in the courses prescribed in the Syllabuses;

114
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

ii) be required to obtain credit in every course at the first attempt: Provided that the Senate
may, in a case considered by it to be exceptional, permit a candidate who has completed all
but one of the courses to repeat such course the next time it is offered or if the course is not
available the following year, with the approval of the Senate, to register for another course
which is offered the following year (If the candidate fails to pass the course s/he is repeating
s/he will be required to cancel her/his registration.); and
iii) the Senate may in circumstances considered by it to be exceptional credit a candidate with
courses on the grounds of her/his having obtained credit in the same or a similar course,
either in the University or elsewhere: Provided that such credits do not exceed half of the total
number of credits prescribed for the degree.
b) A candidate shall conduct, under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Senate, research
on a topic approved by the Senate either in the University or in an institution deemed by the Senate
to be part of the University for this purpose, and shall submit a Research Report for the approval
of the Senate.

Note: In some instances a candidate is permitted by the Senate to conduct research at an institution
which is not under the control of a school or department of the University but which is recognised by
the Senate as being an appropriate place for the purpose of the research of an individual candidate.

c) A candidate shall, after consultation with her/his supervisor, submit a Research Report by a date to
be determined by the Senate, which date is hereinafter referred to as ‘the due date’.
d) A candidate for the degree of master must submit for examination an electronic copy of her/his
Research Report via email or any other electronic platform designated by the faculty office. In
exceptional circumstances the examiner may request a hard copy of the Research Report. In such
a case, the candidate will be required to provide a bound hard copy or copies, together with the
electronic version. Copies must be in a format that, in the opinion of the Senate, is suitable for
submission to the examiners.
Prior to graduation, a candidate must submit a final, corrected electronic copy of her/his Research
Report via email or any other designated electronic platform designated by the faculty office.
e) The due date may be extended from time to time by the Senate if it is satisfied that by reason of
illness or for some good and sufficient cause the candidate would suffer hardship to an exceptional
degree if the due date were not so extended.
f) A candidate who fails to obtain the approval of the Senate for her/his Research Report may be
permitted by the Senate to submit a revised Research Report by such date as it may determine.
g) Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing contained, a candidate may be required or permitted by
the Senate to submit a Research Report on a new topic approved by the Senate in terms of these
Rules, by such date as the Senate may determine.
h) A candidate shall, if required by the Senate, present herself/himself for such assessment in regard
to the subject of her/his Research Report as the Senate may determine.
3.3.3.4 Fields of Study
A) MSc by Research (SRA00)
The Master of Science degree by Dissertation may be offered in the following fields of study:

School Field of Study Code Field of Study Description

Animal, Plant and APES8003A Animal, Plant and
Environmental Sciences Environmental Sciences
Chemistry CHEM8003A Chemistry

115
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

School Field of Study Code Field of Study Description

Computer Science and Applied APPM8003A Computational and Applied
Mathematics Mathematics
Computer Science and Applied COMS8003A Computer Science
Mathematics
Geography, Archaeology and ARCL8003A Archaeology
Environmental Studies
Geography, Archaeology and GEOG8003A Geography and Environmental
Environmental Studies Studies
Geosciences GEOL8003A Geology
Geosciences GEOP8003A Geophysics
Geosciences PALP8003A Palaeontology
Mathematics MATH8003A Mathematics
Molecular and Cell Biology MCBG8002A Molecular and Cell Biology
Physics PHYS8003A Physics
Statistics and Actuarial Science STAT8003A Statistics
Statistics and Actuarial Science STAT8003A Acturial Science
Note: The University cannot guarantee that all fields will be offered every year. Curricula are available
in the relevant academic departments or schools.
B) MSc by Coursework and Research Report (SCA00)
The Master of Science degree by Coursework and Research Report may be offered in the following fields
of study:

School Field of Study

Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences Interdisciplinary Global Change Studies
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences Resource Conservation Biology
Computer Science and Applied Mathematics Artificial Intelligence
Computer Science and Applied Mathematics Computational and Applied Mathematics
Computer Science and Applied Mathematics Computer Science
Computer Science and Applied Mathematics Data Science
Computer Science and Applied Mathematics e-Science
Computer Science and Applied Mathematics Robotics
Computer Science and Applied Mathematics Mathematical Sciences (Interdisciplinary)
Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Geographical Information Systems
Studies
Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Archaeological Heritage Management
Studies
Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Environmental Sciences
Studies
Geosciences Economic Geology
Geosciences Hydrogeology

116
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

School Field of Study

Mathematics Mathematics
Physics Astro Physics
Physics Medical Physics
Physics Physics
Physics Radiation Protection
Statistics and Actuarial Science Mathematical Statistics
Note: The University cannot guarantee that all fields will be offered every year. Curricula are available
in the relevant academic departments or schools.

3.3.3.5 Programme details for various fields of study within the MSc by Coursework and
Research Report
29) School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences − MSc by Coursework and Research
Report in the field of Resource Conservation Biology
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Master of Science in the field of
Resource Conservation Biology.

Programme Code: SCA00 NQF Exit Level: 9

Plan Code: SFOSRECO60 Total NQF Credits: 180

Course code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
APES7009A Research Report Full-time 90 9
or or
[APES7015A [Research Report Part-time I 45 9
and and
APES7016A] Research Report Part-time II] 45 9
STAT7063A Statistical Research Design and Analysis (Coursework) 18 9
and and
STAT7064A Statistical Research Design and Analysis (Project) 12 9
Select four courses from list below:
APES7000A Conserving Biodiversity: Frontiers 15 9
APES7002A Sustaining Populations and Resources: Foundations 15 9
APES7003A Sustaining Populations and Resources: Frontiers 15 9
APES7004A Maintaining Ecosystem Processes: Foundations 15 9
APES7008A Advanced Special Topics in Environmental Biology 15 9
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
Elective courses may be selected subject to the approval of the Senate.
30) School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences − MSc by Coursework and Research
Report in the field of Interdisciplinary Global Change Studies
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Master of Science in the field of
Interdisciplinary Global Change Studies. (Will not be offered in 2023.)

117
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Programme Code: SCA00 NQF Exit Level: 9

Plan Code: SFAIGCS60 Total NQF Credits: 180

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
APES7021A Interdisciplinary Global Change Studies Research Report 90 9
Full-time
or or
[APES7022A [Interdisciplinary Global Change Studies Research Report 45 9
Part-time I
and and
APES7023A] Interdisciplinary Global Change Studies Research Report 45 9
Part-time II]
APES7017A Interdisciplinary Global Change Studies 30 9
Select courses from lists below yielding a minimum of 60 credits:
Select a minimum of one course from the list below:
APES7003A Sustaining Populations and Resources: Frontiers 15 9
APES7004A Maintaining Ecosystem Processes: Foundations 15 9
APES7019A Energy and the Environment 15 9
APES7020A Environmental Impact Assessment - Concepts and Critical 15 9
Review
Select courses from the list below:
MINN7025A Mining and the Environment 20 9
MINN7048A Coal and the Environment 20 9
MINN7076A Sustainable Development in Mining and Industry 20 9
ARPL7042A Energy for Sustainable Cities 25 9
ARPL7043A Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy for Buildings 25 9
CIVN7053A Design for the Environment 20 9
CHMT7068A CO2 Capture in Power Plants 20 9
CIVN7061A Water Supply and Urban Drainage 20 9
PHIL7031A Ethics and the Environment 30 9
SOCL7011A Environmental Sociology 30 9
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
Elective courses may be selected subject to the approval of the Senate.

118
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

31) School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies − MSc by Coursework and
Research Report in the field of Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Master of Science degree in the
field of Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing.

Programme Code: SCA00 NQF Exit Level: 9

Plan Code: SFAGINF60 Total NQF Credits: 180

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
GEOG7000A Environmental Studies Research Report 90 9
GEOG7045A Research Methods in GIS and Remote Sensing 30 9
STAT7006A Spatial Statistics 15 9
STAT7063A* Statistical Research Design and Analysis (Coursework) 18 9
and and
STAT7064A* Statistical Research Design and Analysis (Project) 12 9
Any one elective course from the list below:
GEOG7029A Advanced Applied Geographical Information Studies 30 9
GEOG7044A Advanced Applied Remote Sensing 15 9
STAT7032A Biostatistics 15 9
STAT7034A Official Statistics 15 9
STAT7038A Data Mining Theory and Applications 30 9
COMS7043A ** Databases 15 9
COMS7050A ** Computer Vision 15 9
COMS7053A ** Special Topics in Computer Science 15 9
COMS7054A ** Human Computer Interaction 15 9
* If this course or an equivalent has been successfully completed before, a candidate will not be
permitted to register for it as part of this qualification; an alternative course will have to be selected.
**A candidate may register for these courses with prior permission of the Senate and provided that s/
he complies with the course requirements.
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
Elective courses may be selected subject to the approval of the Senate.
With prior permission of the Senate, a candidate may substitute one of the courses from another
discipline yielding a minimum of 15 NQF level 9 credits.

119
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

32) School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies − MSc by Coursework and
Research Report in the field of Archaeological Heritage Management (Will not be offered in
2023.)
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Master of Science degree in the
field of Archaeological Heritage Management.

Programme Code: SCA00 NQF Exit Level: 9

Plan Code: SFAARHM60 Total NQF Credits: 180

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory course:
ARCL7025A Research Report: Archaeological Heritage Management 90 9
Select courses from lists below yielding a minimum of 90 NQF credits.
A minimum of two courses from the list below:
ARCL7026A Archaeotourism 30 9
ARCL7027A Geographical Information Systems for Heritage Resource
Management 30 9
ARCL7028A Cultural Resource Management Archaeology in the Field 30 9
and Laboratory
ARCL7029A Public and Heritage Archaeology 30 9
ARCL7030A Rock Art Management 30 9
A maximum of 30 credits from the list below (optional):
HART7032A Collections Management 30 9
APES7019A Energy and the Environment 15 9
APES7020A Environmental Impact Assessment – Concepts and 15 9
Critical Review
PHIL7031A Ethics and the Environment 30 9
SOCL7011A Environmental Sociology 30 9
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
6) School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies − MSc by Coursework and
Research Report in the field of Environmental Sciences.
Applicants are required to have a Honours degree in Environmental Studies or any cognate discipline in
Science, Social Science or Humanities or a relevant NQF level 8 qualification.
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Master of Science in the field
of Environmental Sciences.

120
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Programme Code: SCA00 NQF Exit Level: 9

Plan Code: SFAENVS60 Total NQF Credits: 180

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
GAES7003A Research Report: Environmental Science Full-time 90 9
or or
[GAES7008A [Research Report: Environmental Science Part-time I 45 9
and and
GAES7009A] Research Report: Environmental Science Part-time II] 45 9
Any three elective courses from the list below:
GAES7000A Globalisation of Food 30 9
GAES7001A Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 30 9
GAES7002A Landscapes and Climate Change 30 9
GAES7005A Sustainable Tourism 30 9
GAES7006A People and Palaeoecology 30 9

GAES7007A Knowledge, Society, Precarity: Science and 30 9

Communication in an Era of Climate Crisis

Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.

33) School of Physics − MSc by Coursework and Research Report in the field of Physics
(Will not be offered in 2023)
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Master of Science in the field
of Physics.

Programme Code: SCA00 NQF Exit Level: 9

Plan Code: SFAPHYS61 Total NQF Credits: 180

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
PHYS7000A Research Report 90 9
or or
[PHYS7002A [Research Report Part I 45 9
and and
PHYS7003A] Research Report Part II] 45 9
PHYS7001A Theory 90 9
34) School of Physics − MSc by Coursework and Research Report in the field of Radiation
Protection
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Master of Science degree in the
field of Radiation Protection.

121
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Programme Code: SCA00 NQF Exit Level: 9

Plan Code: SFAPHYS60 Total NQF Credits: 180

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
PHYS7000A Research Report 90 9
PHYS7075A Review of Fundamentals 0 9
PHYS7076A Quantities and Measurements 11 9
PHYS7077A Biological Effects of Ionising Radiation 7 9
PHYS7078A International System of Radiation Protection and the 13 9
Regulatory Framework
PHYS7079A Assessment of External and Internal Exposures (non- 10 9
Medical)
PHYS7080A Planned Exposures: Generic Requirements 4 9
PHYS7081A Planned Exposures: Applications in the Nuclear Industry 10 9
PHYS7082A Planned Exposures: Applications in Mining and Industry 9 9
PHYS7083A Planned Exposures: Applications in Medicine 8 9
PHYS7084A Emergency Exposures and Emergency Preparedness and 7 9
Response
PHYS7085A Existing Exposure Situations 4 9
PHYS7086A Training the Trainers 7 9
35) School of Physics − MSc by Coursework and Research Report in the field of Medical Physics
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Master of Science degree in the
field of Medical Physics.

Programme Code: SCA00 NQF Exit Level: 9

Plan Code: SFAMEDP60 Total NQF Credits: 180

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
PHYS7000A Research Report 90 9
PHYS7054A Dosimetry 15 9
PHYS7056A Medical Physics of Imaging 18 9
PHYS7057A Medical Physics of Radiation Oncology 11 9
PHYS7058A Radiation Physics for Medical Physicists 7 9
PHYS7061A Radiation Protection and Control 9 9
PHYS7062A Radiobiology for Medical Physicists 3 9
Any elective courses from the list below yielding a minimum of 27 NQF credits:
PHYS7052A Advanced Brachytherapy 8 9
PHYS7053A Advanced Dosimetry Theory 19 9
PHYS7055A Dosimetry Standards, Uncertainties and Traceability 8 9
122
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
PHYS7059A Advanced Radiation Oncology Medical Physics 17 9
PHYS7060A Clinical Dosimetry in Radiotherapy 10 9
PHYS7063A Accuracy in Radiotherapy Medical Physics 10 9
SCMD7003A Research Ethics 20 9
Note: Not all courses will be offered in every year.
36) School of Physics − MSc by Coursework and Research Report in the field of Astrophysics
Applicants are required to have a Bachelor of Science Honours in the field of Physics or a relevant
Postgraduate Diploma with a minimum average mark of 65 percent.
Unless permitted or required otherwise by the Senate, the Masters programme extends over one academic
year of full-time study or two academic years of part-time study.
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Master of Science by Coursework
and Research Report in the field of Astrophysics.

Programme Code: SCA00 NQF Exit Level: 9

Plan Code: SFAAPHY60 Total NQF Credits: 180

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory course:
PHYS7074A Research Report: Astrophysics 90 9
Subject to the discretion of the Senate select five courses from the list below:
PHYS7064A Advanced General Relativity 18 9
PHYS7065A Cataclysmic Variables 18 9
PHYS7066A Computational Astrophysics 18 9
PHYS7067A Extragalactic Astronomy 18 9
PHYS7068A High Energy Astrophysics and Pulsars 18 9
PHYS7069A Observational Cosmology 18 9
PHYS7070A Plasma Physics 18 9
PHYS7071A Stellar Structure and Evolution 18 9
PHYS7072A Theoretical Cosmology 18 9
PHYS7073A Time Series and Data Analysis 18 9
Note: Not all courses will be offered in every year.
37) School of Mathematical Statistics and Actuarial Science − MSc by Coursework and
Research Report in the field of Mathematical Statistics
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Master of Science by Coursework
and Research Report in the field of Mathematical Statistics.

123
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Programme Code: SCA00 NQF Exit Level: 9

Plan Code: SFAMSTA60 Total NQF Credits: 180

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory course/s:
STAT7012A Research Report Full-time 90 9
or or
[STAT7013A [Research Report Part-time I 45 9
and and
STAT7014A] Research Report Part-time II] 45 9
Select courses from lists below yielding a minimum of 90 NQF credits:
Select a minimum of one course from the list below:
STAT7000A Dynamic Programming 15 9
STAT7003A Nonparametric Methods 15 9
STAT7030A Advanced Sampling 15 9
STAT7031A Advanced Selected Topic in Mathematical Statistics 15 9
STAT7038A Data Mining Theory and Application 30 9
Any elective courses from the list below:
STAT7004A Reliability and Maintenance Theory 15 9
STAT7006A Spatial Statistics 15 9
STAT7032A Biostatistics 15 9
STAT7033A Extreme Value Theory 15 9
STAT7034A Official Statistics 15 9
STAT7035A Operations Research 15 9
STAT7036A Point Processes 15 9
STAT7037A Stochastic Processes with Applications in Finance 15 9
Note: Not all courses will be offered in every year.
38) School of Mathematics − MSc by Coursework and Research Report in the field of Mathematics
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Master of Science in the field
of Mathematics.

Programme Code: SCA00 NQF Exit Level: 9

Plan Code: SFAMSCI60 Total NQF Credits: 180

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
MATH7025A Research Report: Mathematics 90 9
MATH7021A Measure Theory 22 9
MATH7022A Topology 23 9
MATH7023A Algebra 22 9
MATH7024A Functional Analysis 23 9

124
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Note: With prior permission of the Senate, a candidate may substitute one of the courses from another
discipline yielding a minimum of 23 NQF level 9 credits.
An applicant may not be permitted to register for the programme if s/he has completed a BSc Honours
in the field of Mathematics at this University.
Applicants with a minimum of 65 percent in the BSc in the field of Mathematics Honours will be
considered for this qualification.
39) School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics − MSc by Coursework and Research
Report in the field of Computational and Applied Mathematics
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Master of Science in the field of
Computational and Applied Mathematics.

Programme Code: SCA00 NQF Exit Level: 9

Plan Code: SFACAM60 Total NQF Credits: 180

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory course:
APPM7044A Research Report: Computational and Applied 90 9
Mathematics
A minimum of one elective course from the list below:
APPM7034A Advanced Mathematical Modelling 15 9
APPM7035A Advanced Methods of Partial Differential Equations 15 9
APPM7036A Advanced Symmetry Methods for Differential Equations 15 9
APPM7037A Advanced Computational Differential Equations 15 9
APPM7038A Advanced Global Optimisation 15 9
Any five of the elective courses from the list below or the list above:
APPM7039A Advanced Optimal Control Theory 15 9
APPM7040A Advanced Principles of Continuum Mechanics 15 9
APPM7041A Studies in Applied Mechanics 15 9
APPM7042A Studies in Applied Mathematics 15 9
APPM7043A Studies in Computational Mathematics 15 9
COMS7238A Advanced Digital Image Processing 15 9
Note: An applicant may not be permitted to register for the programme if s/he has completed a BSc
Honours in the field of Computational and Applied Mathematics at this University. Applicants from
other institutions with a BSc Honours in the field of Computational and Applied Mathematics will be
considered for this programme provided they have obtained a minimum mark of 65 percent.
Note: Not all courses will be offered in every year.
40) School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics − MSc by Coursework and Research
Report in the field of Computer Science
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Master of Science by Coursework
and Research Report in the field of Computer Science.
Applicants require a minimum average of 70 percent for a NQF level 8 aualification.

125
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Programme Code: SCA00 NQF Exit Level: 9

Plan Code: SFACOMS62 Total NQF Credits: 195

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
COMS7009A Research Report: Computer Science 90 9
COMS7072A Research Methods and Capstone Project in Computer 15 9
Science
COMS7041A Applications of Algorithms 15 9
Any five elective courses from the list below:
COMS7040A Advanced Operating Systems 15 9
COMS7042A Compilers 15 9
COMS7043A Databases 15 9
COMS7044A Artificial Intelligence 15 9
COMS7045A High Performance Computing and Scientific Data 15 9
Management
COMS7046A Distributed Databases and Transaction Processing 15 9
COMS7047A Adaptive Computation and Machine Learning 15 9
COMS7048A Multi-agent Systems 15 9
COMS7049A Robotics 15 9
COMS7050A Computer Vision 15 9
COMS7051A Distributed Computing 15 9
COMS7052A Software Defined Networking 15 9
COMS7053A Special Topics in Computer Science 15 9
COMS7054A Human Computer Interaction 15 9
COMS7055A Data Policy and Ethics 15 9
COMS7056A Data Visualisasion and Exploration 15 9
COMS7057A Large Scale Optimisation and Data Science 15 9
COMS7058A Mathematical Foundations of Data Science 15 9
COMS7059A Large Scale Computing Systems and Scientific 15 9
Programming
COMS7062A Special Topics in Data Science 15 9
COMS7063A Statistical Foundations of Data Science 15 9
COMS7065A Computational Intelligence 15 9
COMS7066A Natural Language and Technology 15 9
COMS7069A Advanced Topics in Robotics 15 9
COMS7071A Reinforcement Learning 15 9
COMS7238A Advanced Digital Image Processing 15 9

126
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
With prior permission of the Senate, a candidate may substitute one of the courses from another
discipline yielding a minimum of 15 NQF level 9 credits.
41) School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics − Interdisciplinary Masters,
presented by the School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics − MSc by
Coursework and Research Report in the field of Mathematical Sciences
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Master of Science in the field
of Mathematical Sciences.

Programme Code: SCA00 NQF Exit Level: 9

Plan Code: SFAMSC60 Total NQF Credits: 180

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory course:
Research Report in relevant school 90 9
Any NQF level 9 courses from the Schools of Computer Science & Applied Mathematics,
Mathematics and Statistics & Actuarial Science yielding a minimum weight of 90 credits.
Note: An applicant may not be permitted to register for certain courses dependent on the courses
successfully completed in the BSc Honours in the field of Mathematical Sciences if the degree was
done at this University. Applicants with a minimum of 65 percent in the BSc Honours in the field of
Mathematical Sciences will be considered for this programme provided that the course prerequisites
are met.
42) School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics – MSc by Coursework and Research
Report in the field of eScience*
*(This programme is offered full-time only.)
Applicants are required to have a Bachelor of Science Honours degree from a relevant discipline in
Science (Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics) or a relevant NQF level 8 qualification
or a relevant Professional Engineering Degree with demonstrable knowledge of basic principles of
Computing, Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics.
Applicants require a minimum average of 70 percent for a NQF level 8 aualification.
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Master of Science by Coursework
and Research Report in the field of eScience.

Programme Code: SCA00 NQF Exit Level: 9

Plan Code: SFAESC160 Total NQF Credits: 180

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
COMS7061A Research Report: Data Science 90 9
COMS7055A Data Privacy and Ethics 15 9
COMS7060A Research Methods and Capstone Project in Data Science 15 9

127
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Any four courses from the list below subject to the approval of the Senate:
COMS7047A Adaptive Computation and Machine Learning 15 9
COMS7056A Data Visualisation and Exploration 15 9
COMS7057A Large Scale Optimisation for Data Science 15 9
COMS7058A Mathematical Foundations of Data Science 15 9
COMS7059A Large Scale Computing Systems and Scientific 15 9
Programming
COMS7062A Special Topics in Data Science 15 9
COMS7063A Statistical Foundations of Data Science 15 9
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
43) School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics – MSc by Coursework and Research
Report in the field of Data Science
Applicants are required to have a Bachelor of Science Honours degree from a relevant discipline in
Science (Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics) or a relevant NQF level 8 qualification
or a relevant Professional Engineering Degree with demonstrable knowledge of basic principles of
Computing, Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics.
Applicants require a minimum average of 70 percent for a NQF level 8 aualification.
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Master of Science by Coursework
and Research Report in the field of Data Science.

Programme Code: SCA00 NQF Exit Level: 9

Plan Code: SFADATS61 Total NQF Credits: 195

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
COMS7061A Research Report: Data Science 90 9
COMS7047A Adaptive Computation and Machine Learning 15 9
COMS7055A Data Privacy and Ethics 15 9
COMS7056A Data Visualisation and Exploration 15 9
COMS7060A Research Methods and Capstone Project in Data Science 15 9
COMS7063A Statistical Foundations of Data Science 15 9
Any two courses from the list below subject to the approval of the Senate:
COMS7040A Advanced Operating Systems 15 9
COMS7041A Applications of Algorithms 15 9
COMS7042A Compilers 15 9
COMS7043A Databases 15 9
COMS7044A Artificial Intelligence 15 9
COMS7045A High Performance Computing and Scientific Data 15 9
Management
128
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
COMS7046A Distributed Databases and Transaction Processing 15 9
COMS7048A Multi-Agent Systems 15 9
COMS7049A Robotics 15 9
COMS7050A Computer Vision 15 9
COMS7051A Distributed Computing 15 9
COMS7052A Software Defined Networking 15 9
COMS7053A Special Topics in Computer Science 15 9
COMS7054A Human Computer Interaction 15 9
COMS7056A Data Privacy and Ethics 15 9
COMS7057A Large Scale Optimisation and Data Science 15 9
COMS7058A Mathematical Foundations of Data Science 15 9
COMS7059A Large Scale Computing Systems and Scientific 15 9
Programming
COMS7062A Special Topics in Data Science 15 9
COMS7065A Computational Intelligence 15 9
COMS7066A Natural Language Technology 15 9
COMS7069A Advanced Topics in Robotics 15 9
COMS7071A Reinforcement Learning 15 9
COMS7238A Advanced Digital Image Processing 15 9
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
Elective courses may be selected subject to the approval of the Senate.
44) School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics – MSc by Coursework and Research
Report in the field of Artificial Intelligence
Applicants are required to have a Bachelor of Science Honours degree from a relevant discipline in Science
(Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics) or a relevant NQF level 8 qualification or a
relevant Professional Engineering Degree with demonstrable knowledge of basic principles of Algorithms,
Computing, Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics. Applicants require a minimum average of
70 percent for a NQF level 8 aualification.
Applicants are also required to have passed Mathematics and Computer Science at NQF level 6.
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Master of Science by Coursework
and Research Report in the field of Artificial Intelligence.

Programme Code: SCA00 NQF Exit Level: 9

Plan Code: SFAARTI61 Total NQF Credits: 195

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory Courses
COMS7068A Research Report: Artificial Intelligence 90 9
COMS7047A Adaptive Computation and Machine Learning 15 9

129
2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
COMS7050A Computer Vision 15 9
COMS7067A Research Methods and Capstone Project in Artificial 15 9
Intelligence
COMS7071A Reinforcement Learning 15 9
Any three courses from the list below subject to the approval of the Senate:
COMS7040A Advanced Operating Systems 15 9
COMS7041A Applications of Algorithms 15 9
COMS7042A Compilers 15 9
COMS7043A Databases 15 9
COMS7044A Artificial Intelligence 15 9
COMS7045A High Performance Computing and Scientific Data 15 9
Management
COMS7046A Distributed Databases and Transaction Processing 15 9
COMS7048A Multi-agent Systems 15 9
COMS7049A Robotics 15 9
COMS7051A Distributed Computing 15 9
COMS7052A Software Defined Networking 15 9
COMS7053A Special Topics in Computer Science 15 9
COMS7054A Human Computer Interaction 15 9
COMS7055A Data Privacy and Ethics 15 9
COMS7056A Data Visualisation and Exploration 15 9
COMS7057A Large Scale Optimisation and Data Science 15 9
COMS7058A Mathematical Foundations of Data Science 15 9
COMS7059A Large Scale Computing Systems and Scientific 15 9
Programming
COMS7062A Special Topics in Data Science 15 9
COMS7063A Statistical Foundations of Data Science 15 9
COMS7065A Computational Intelligence 15 9
COMS7066A Natural Language Technology 15 9
COMS7069A Advanced Topics in Robotics 15 9
COMS7238A Advanced Digital Processing 15 9

Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.

130
 2023 Senate Rules for the Faculty of Science

45) School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics – MSc by Coursework and Research
Report in the field of Robotics
Applicants are required to have a Bachelor of Science Honours degree from a relevant discipline in Science
(Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics) or a relevant NQF level 8 qualification or a
relevant Professional Engineering Degree with demonstrable knowledge of basic principles of Algorithms,
Computing, Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics. Applicants require a minimum average
of 70 percent for a NQF level 8 aualification.
Applicants are also required to have passed Mathematics and Computer Science at NQF level 6.
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Master of Science by Coursework
and Research Report in the field of Robotics.

Programme Code: SCA00 NQF Exit Level: 9

Plan Code: SFAROBT61 Total NQF Credits: 195

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
COMS7070A Research Report: Robotics 90 9
COMS7073A Research Methods and Capstone Project in Robotics 15 9
COMS7047A Adaptive Computation and Machine Learning 15 9
COMS7049A Robotics 15 9
COMS7050A Computer Vision 15 9
COMS7071A Reinforcement Learning 15 9
Any two courses from the list below subject to the approval of the Senate:
COMS7040A Advanced Operating Systems 15 9
COMS7041A Applications of Algorithms 15 9
COMS7042A Compilers 15 9
COMS7043A Databases 15 9
COMS7044A Artificial Intelligence 15 9
COMS7045A High Performance Computing and Scientific Data 15 9
Management
COMS7046A Distributed Databases and Transaction Processing 15 9
COMS7048A Multi-agent Systems 15 9
COMS7051A Distributed Computing 15 9
COMS7052A Software Defined Networking 15 9
COMS7053A Special Topics in Computer Science 15 9
COMS7054A Human Computer Interaction 15 9
COMS7055A Data Privacy and Ethics 15 9
COMS7056A Data Visualisation and Exploration 15 9
COMS7057A Large Scale Optimisation and Data Science 15 9
COMS7058A Mathematical Foundations of Data Science 15 9

131
2023 Outcomes for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
COMS7059A Large Scale Computing Systems and Scientific 15 9
Programming
COMS7062A Advanced Topics in Data Science 15 9
COMS7063A Statistical Foundations of Data Science 15 9
COMS7065A Computational Intelligence 15 9
COMS7066A Natural Language Technology 15 9
COMS7069A Advanced Topics in Robotics 15 9
COMS7238A Advanced Digital Image Processing 15 9
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
46) School of Geosciences − MSc by Coursework and Research Report in the field of Hydrogeology
Applicants are required to have a Bachelor of Science Honours degree from the relevant discipline of
Science (Geology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics) or a relevant Postgraduate Diploma. Acceptance
into certain courses may be restricted to applicants with relevant undergraduate course credits and field
experience. Applicants from Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics are required to attend the prerequisite
courses before registering for this degree. Unless permitted or required otherwise by the Senate, the
Masters programme extends over one academic year of full-time study or two academic years of part-time
study. Part-time candidates are required to register for four courses and Research Report: Hydrogeology
Part-time I in the first year of study. The remaining two courses and Research Report: Hydrogeology Part-
time II are to be completed in the second year of study.
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Master of Science by Coursework
and Research Report in the field of Hydrogeology.

Programme Code: SCA00 NQF Exit Level: 9

Plan Code: SFAHYDR60 Total NQF Credits: 180

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
GEOL7028A Research Report: Hydrogeology 90 9
or or
[GEOL7051A [Research Report: Hydrogeology Part-time I and 30 9
and and
GEOL7052A] Research Report: Hydrogeology Part-time II] 60 9
GEOL7022A Hydrogeochemistry 15 9
GEOL7023A Environmental Isotopes 15 9
GEOL7024A Physical Hydrogeology 15 9
GEOL7029A Hydrological Processes 15 9
Any two elective courses from the list below:
GEOL7025A Hydrogeophysics 15 9
GEOL7026A Geochemical Toolbox for Hydrogeology 15 9
GEOL7027A Contaminant Hydrogeology 15 9
GEOL7030A Water Resources Management 15 9

132
 2023 Outcomes for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
GEOL7031A Applied Structural Geology 15 9
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.
Elective courses may be selected subject to the approval of the Senate.
47) School of Geosciences − MSc by Coursework and Research Report in the field of Economic
Geology
Applicants are required to have a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Geology or a relevant
Postgraduate Diploma or a BSc degree in Geology and a minimum of four years professional experience
in mining or minerals exploration. Acceptance into certain courses may be restricted to applicants with
relevant undergraduate course credits and/or work experience. Applicants may be required to complete
prerequisite courses as stipulated by the Senate before being admitted.
Unless permitted or required otherwise by the Senate, the Masters programme extends over one academic
year of full-time study or two academic years of part-time study. Part-time candidates are required to
register for three compulsory courses and Research Report: Economic Geology Part-time I in the first year
of study. The remaining elective courses and Research Report: Economic Geology Part-time II are to be
completed in the second year of study.
A candidate must successfully complete the following courses to obtain a Master of Science by Coursework
and Research Report in the field of Economic Geology.

Programme Code: SCA00 NQF Exit Level: 9

Plan Code: SFAECOG60 Total NQF Credits: 180

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
Compulsory courses:
GEOL7048A Research Report: Economic Geology Full-time 90 9
or or
[GEOL7049A [Research Report: Economic Geology Part-time I 30 9
and and
GEOL7050A] Research Report: Economic Geology Part-time II] 60 9
GEOL7032A Introduction to Ore Deposit Geology 15 9
GEOL7033A GIS and Remote Sensing 15 9
GEOL7034A Structural Controls on Ore Deposits 15 9
Any three elective courses from the list below:
GEOL7030A Water Resources Management 15 9
GEOL7035A Magmatic Ore Deposits 15 9
GEOL7036A Sedimentary Ore Deposits 15 9
GEOL7037A Hydrothermal Ore Deposits 15 9
GEOL7038A Exploration Targeting - Geochemistry 15 9
GEOL7039A Exploration Targeting - Geophysics 15 9
GEOL7040A Geometallurgy and Reflected Light Microscopy 15 9
GEOL7041A Geological Modelling 15 9
GEOL7042A Platinum Group Element Deposits 15 9

133
2023 Outcomes for the Faculty of Science

Course Code Course Description NQF NQF

Credits Level
GEOL7043A Gold Deposits 15 9
GEOL7044A Uranium Deposits 15 9
GEOL7045A Iron and Manganese Deposits 15 9
GEOL7046A Critical Metal Deposits 15 9
GEOL7047A The Central African Copperbelt 15 9
GEOL7053A Geology and Exploitation of Coal Deposits 15 9
MINN7092A Mine Financial Valuation 20 9
MINN7007A Statistical Valuation of Ore Reserves 20 9
MINN7066A Geostatistical Methods in Mineral Evaluation 20 9
MINN7012A Sustainable Development in Mining and Industry 20 9
MINN7025A Mining and the Environment 20 9
CHMT7029A Mineral Beneficiation 20 9
MINN7048A Coal and the Environment 20 9
MINN7050A Mineral Resource Management 20 9
MINN7014A Mineral Economics 15 9
Note: Not all elective courses will be offered in every year.

3.3.4 Completion Rules

3.3.4.1 Results
A candidate shall qualify for the award of the degree when s/he has:

a) obtained credit in all the prescribed courses in accordance with 3.3.3.4 and 3.3.3.5; and
b) attained a standard in her/his Research Report considered by the Senate to be satisfactory.
3.3.4.2 Distinction
Conferment of the qualification with distinction:

a) the MSc by Research degree shall be awarded with distinction only when the Examiners are
unanimous in their recommendations. If only the external Examiner has recommended the award
of the degree with distinction then the Graduate Studies Committee may consult the internal
Examiner on this issue.
b) the MSc by Coursework and Research Report shall be awarded with distinction only when the
candidate passes both the Coursework and Research Report components with a minimum of 75
percent.

134
 2023 Outcomes for the Faculty of Science

3.4 Doctor of Philosophy

Qualification Name Programme Code NQF Exit Level
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) SDA00 10

3.4.1 Application
See Rule G3.
A person who wishes to be admitted as a candidate for the degree must apply online or submit her/his
application to the Student Enrolment Centre, and must indicate the line of research which s/he wishes to
conduct.

3.4.2 Admission Rules

a) Any of the following may be admitted by the Senate as a candidate for the degree of Doctor of
Philosophy if the Senate is satisfied that the applicant is qualified to undertake the line of study or
research proposed (or both):
i) a Master of Science of this or another university;
ii) a person other than a graduate who has in any other manner satisfied the Senate that s/he is
so qualified; and/or
iii) a person who has been accepted as a candidate to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy by
virtue of having obtained at any other university or institution such awards as is, in the
opinion of the Senate, equivalent to or higher than the qualification of Master of Science at
the University.
b) A person who has been admitted as a candidate for the Master of Science may, on the
recommendation of the supervisor and the head of the school concerned, be permitted by the
Senate to proceed instead to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.

3.4.3 Curricula
3.4.3.1 Length of programme
A candidate shall conduct full-time/part-time research on a subject approved by the Senate, under the
guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Senate either in the University or in an institution deemed by
the Senate to be part of the University for this purpose, for not less than two academic years of study.

(Note: An institution is normally deemed by the Senate to be part of the University only for the
purpose of the research of an individual candidate.)
Provided that:

a) the Senate may permit a candidate to conduct her/his research outside the University for such
portion of the prescribed period and in such manner as the Senate may determine; and
b) a person admitted under 3.4.2 shall be deemed to have commenced the prosecution of research
for the Doctor of Philosophy at the date of her/his admission as a candidate for the award of Master
of Science or such later date as the Senate may determine in her/his case.
3.4.3.2 Conditions for the degree of PhD

a) The Senate may require a candidate to attend such advanced courses of instruction as it considers
to be cognate to the subject of her/his research and to pass an examination, oral or written or both,
in such courses.

135
2023 Outcomes for the Faculty of Science

b) At the close of the period of research every candidate for the degree shall:–
present for the approval of the Senate a thesis which must constitute a substantial contribution to
the advancement of knowledge in the subject chosen, and which must be satisfactory as regards
literary presentation and in a form suitable for publication.

Note: When presenting her/his thesis a candidate may include published results of publications,
provided that this work was undertaken during the period of the candidature. In the case of joint
publications, the candidate’s share in such work must be indicated.

c) If required by the Senate, present herself/himself for an examination or test, oral or written.
d) A candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy must submit for examination an electronic
copy of her/his thesis via email or any other electronic platform designated by the faculty office. In
exceptional circumstances, the examiner may request a hard copy of the thesis. In such a case, the
candidate will be required to provide a bound hard copy or copies of her/his thesis, together with
the electronic version. The bound copies must be in a format that, in the opinion of the Senate, is
suitable for submission to the examiners.
Prior to graduation, a candidate must submit a final, corrected electronic copy of her/his thesis via
email or any other electronic platform designated by the faculty office.
3.4.3.3 Fields of study
The degree of PhD will be offered in the following fields of study.

School Course Code Field of Study Description

Animal, Plant and APES9002A Animal, Plant and
Environmental Sciences Environmental Sciences
Chemistry CHEM9002A Chemistry
Computer Science and Applied APPM9002A Computational and Applied
Mathematics Mathematics
Computer Science and Applied COMS9002A Computer Science
Mathematics
Geography, Archaeology and ARCL9002A Archaeology
Environmental Studies
Geography, Archaeology and GEOG9002A Geography and Environmental
Environmental Studies Studies
Geosciences GEOL9002A Geology
Geosciences GEOP9002A Geophysics
Geosciences PALP9002A Palaeontology
Mathematics MATH9002A Mathematics
Molecular and Cell Biology MCBG9002A Molecular and Cell Biology
Physics PHYS9002A Physics
Statistics and Actuarial Science STAT9002A Mathematical Statistics and
Actuarial Science

136
 2023 Outcomes for the Faculty of Science

3.5 Doctor of Science

Qualification Name Programme Code NQF Exit Level
Doctor of Science (DSc) SDA01 10

3.5.1 Application
See Rule G3.
A person who wishes to be admitted as a candidate for the degree must apply online or submit her/his
application to the Student Enrolment Centre, and must indicate the line of research which s/he wishes to
conduct.

3.5.2 Admission Rules

Any one of the following may be admitted by the Senate as a candidate:

a) A person who has held any of the following degrees of this or another university for a minimum
of five years:
i) a Bachelor of Science Honours;
ii) a Bachelor of Science (if s/he has passed an examination of Honours standard); or
iii) a Bachelor of Arts Honours, provided the proposed work relates to Archaeology, Geography,
Mathematical Statistics, Mathematics or Psychology.
b) A person who has held any of the following degrees and under such conditions as stated hereunder:
i) a Master of Science of the University who has held the degree of Bachelor of Science Honours
for a minimum of four years;
ii) a Master of Arts of the University who has held the degree of Bachelor of Arts Honours for
a minimum of four years, provided the proposed work relates to Archaeology, Geography,
Mathematical Statistics, Mathematics or Psychology;
iii) a Doctor of Philosophy or a graduate admitted to the status of Doctor of Philosophy of a
minimum of two years’ standing of this or another university;
iv) a graduate of any other university, who has held the degrees of Master of Science or Master
of Arts for a minimum of four years, provided the proposed work, in the case of a candidate
admitted to the status of Master of Arts, relates to Archaeology, Geography, Mathematical
Statistics, Mathematics or Psychology;
v) a person accepted as a candidate for the degrees of Doctor of Science by virtue of having
obtained at any other university or institution such qualifications as is, in the opinion of the
Senate, equivalent to or higher than the award of Doctor of Philosophy degree and who has
held the qualification by virtue of which such acceptance has been granted for a period of a
minimum of four years; or
vi) a person accepted as a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Science who has held the
qualification by virtue of which such acceptance has been granted for a period of a minimum
of four years.

3.5.3 Conditions for award of qualification

a) A candidate for the degree of Doctor of Science shall present for the approval of the Senate original
work in a field approved by the Senate; such work shall have been published and shall constitute
a distinguished contribution to the advancement of knowledge in that field.
b) A candidate shall give a minimum of six months’ notice in writing to the Faculty Registrar of her/
his intention to submit her/his work for examination.

137
2023 Outcomes for the Faculty of Science

OUTCOMES
FOR THE
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
The University aspires for its students to achieve the following outcomes upon qualifying. The outcomes
and assessment criteria listed are those, for each qualification of the University, as agreed by the Senate.

4.1 Degrees of Bachelor

4.1.1 Bachelor of Science
Qualification Title Bachelor of Science
Qualification Abbreviation BSc
Minimum Period of Study 3 years full-time
NQF Exit Level Level 7
NQF Credits Total minimum 432
Exit Level Outcomes
The qualifying student:
1. generates, explores and considers options and makes decisions about ways of seeing systems
and situations, and considers different ways of applying and integrating scientific knowledge to
solve theoretical, applied or real life problems;
2. demonstrates an understanding of key aspects of specified scientific systems and situations;
3. demonstrates an understanding of specified bodies of content and their inter- connectedness in
chosen disciplines;
4. demonstrates an understanding of the boundaries, inter-connections, value and knowledge creation
systems of chosen disciplines within the sciences;
5. reflects on possible implications for self and system of different ways of seeing and intervening in
systems and situations;
6. demonstrates an ability to reflect with self and others, critical of own and other peoples’ thoughts
and actions, and capable of self-organisation and working in groups in the face of continual
challenge from the environment;
7. demonstrates consciousness of, and engagement with own learning processes and the nature of
knowledge, and how new knowledge can be acquired;
8. demonstrates an ability to conduct oneself as an independent student and practitioner.

138
 2023 Outcomes for the Faculty of Science

4.2 Degrees of Bachelor Honours

4.2.1 Bachelor of Science Honours
Qualification Title Bachelor of Science Honours
Qualification Abbreviation BScHons
Minimum Period of Study 1 year
NQF Exit Level Level 8
NQF Credits Total minimum 120
Exit Level Outcomes
The qualifying candidate:
1. generates, explores and considers options and makes decisions about ways of seeing systems
and situations, and considers different ways of applying and integrating scientific knowledge to
solve theoretical, applied or real life problems, specifically through research and the production of a
research project;
2. demonstrates an advanced understanding of key aspects of specified scientific systems and situations;
3. demonstrates an advanced understanding of specified bodies of content and their inter-
connectedness in chosen discipline/s;
4. demonstrates an advanced understanding of the boundaries, inter-connections, value and
knowledge creation systems of the chosen discipline/s within the sciences;
5. reflects on possible implications for self and system of different ways of seeing and intervening in
systems and situations;
6. demonstrates an ability to reflect with self and others, critical of own and other peoples’ thoughts
and actions, and capable of self-organisation and working in groups in the face of continual
challenge from the environment;
7. demonstrates consciousness of, and engagement with, own learning and learning strategies, and
awareness of the nature of knowledge and how new knowledge can be acquired;
8. demonstrates an ability to reflect on the importance of scientific paradigms and methods in
understanding scientific concepts and their changing nature;
9. demonstrates an ability to conduct her/his self as independent candidate and practitioner.

4.3 Degree of Master

4.3.1 Master of Science
Qualification Title Master of Science
Qualification Abbreviation MSc
Minimum Period of Study 1 year
NQF Exit Level Level 9
NQF Credits Total minimum 180
Master of Science (by dissertation)
Exit Level Outcomes
1. generate, explore and consider options and possibilities for scope, content and methodology of
research leading to a dissertation;

139
2023 Outcomes for the Faculty of Science

2. identify the most appropriate scope, content and methodology of research commensurate with one
or several of interest, research imperatives, resources and supervision available;
3. explain why a particular scope, content and methodology of research has been chosen and what has
been taken into account in doing so;
4. undertake the research and produce the dissertation, while continuously monitoring and adapting
own performance as required or recommended by supervision and/or peers;
5. evaluate own learning during the research and identify strengths, weaknesses and areas for
improvement;
6. reflect on the ethics of their research and what they have learnt about themselves as a candidate and
as a researcher;
7. demonstrate an advanced understanding of the boundaries, inter-connections, value and knowledge
creation systems of the chosen discipline/s within the sciences and an ability to critically evaluate
these;
8. demonstrate an advanced understanding and ability to analyse specified bodies of content and their
inter-connectedness in chosen discipline/s.
Master of Science (by Coursework and Research Report)
Exit Level Outcomes
The candidate must:
1. generate, explore and consider options and possibilities for scope, content and methodology of
research leading to a research report;
2. identify the most appropriate scope, content and methodology of research commensurate with
one or several of interest, research imperatives, resources and supervision available;
3. explain why a particular scope, content and methodology of research has been chosen and what has
been taken into account in doing so;
4. undertake the research and produce the research report, while continuously monitoring and
adapting own performance as required or recommended by supervision;
5. evaluate own learning during the research and identify strengths, weaknesses and areas for
improvement;
6. reflect on the ethics of their research and what they have learnt about themselves as a candidate and
as a researcher;
7. demonstrate an advanced understanding of the boundaries, inter-connections, value and knowledge
creation systems of the chosen discipline/s within the sciences and an ability to critically evaluate
these;
8. demonstrate an advanced understanding and ability to analyse specified bodies of content and their
inter-connectedness in chosen discipline/s.

140
 2023 Outcomes for the Faculty of Science

4.4 Doctoral Degrees

4.4.1 Doctor of Philosophy
Qualification Title Doctor of Philosophy
Qualification Abbreviation PhD
Minimum Period of Study 2 years
NQF Exit Level Level 10
NQF Credits Total minimum 360
Exit Level Outcomes
The candidate must:
1. The qualifying candidate is capable of independent and original research;
2. The qualifying candidate possesses highly specialised, authoritative knowledge and is competent to
apply that knowledge to the solution of problems;
3. The qualifying candidate is self-directed and self-critical.

4.5 Senior Doctoral Degrees

4.5.1 Doctor of Science
Qualification Title Doctor of Science
Qualification Abbreviation DSc
Minimum Period of Study n/a (published work)
NQF Exit Level Level 10
NQF Credits 360
Exit Level Outcome
The candidate must demonstrate an original and distinguished contribution to science by completing a
body of work that includes a set of co-ordinated publications.

4.6 Diplomas
4.6.1 Postgraduate Diploma in Science
Qualification Title Postgraduate Diploma in Science
Qualification Abbreviation PGDipSc
Minimum Period of Study 1 year
NQF Exit Level Level 8
NQF Credits Total minimum 120
Exit Level Outcomes
The candidate must:
1. generate, explore and consider options and possibilities for scope, content and methodology of
research;
2. explain why a particular scope, content and methodology of research has been chosen and what has
been taken into account in doing so;

141
2023 Outcomes for the Faculty of Science

3. evaluate own learning and identify strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement
4. reflect on the ethics of research and what s/he has learnt about her/his self as a candidate;
5. demonstrate an advanced understanding of the boundaries, inter-connections, value and knowledge
creation systems of the chosen discipline/s within the sciences and an ability to critically evaluate
these;
6. demonstrate to peers and instructors an advanced understanding and ability to analyse specified
bodies of content and their inter-connectedness in chosen discipline/s.

142
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

SYLLABUSES
FOR THE
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
School of Accountancy (Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management)
Course Code: ACCN1000A
Course Description: Business Accounting
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 5
Topics covered in the course include the following: The role of accounting in business, and the objective
of a business enterprise, a conceptual overview and framework, the accounting equation, analysis of
transactions and journals, preparation of financial statements, recognition and measurement of the
elements of the financial statements, inventory and cost of sales, computerised accounting, information
technology security and controls, accounting for partnerships, accounting for companies, statement of
cash flows, budgeting, analysis of financial statements and managerial accounting.
School of Anatomical Sciences (Faculty of Health Sciences)
Course Code: ANAT2021A
Course Description: Human and Comparative Biology II
NQF Credits: 48 NQF Level: 6
Human and Comparative Biology II is a full course at the Second Year level of study. The course consists
of four topics which aim to clarify and explain the structure of the human body within a comparative
framework of the evolutionary history and development of the vertebrates. The four topics are the
Concepts of Evolution, Primary Tissues and Early Embryology, Comparative Biological Systems, Vertebrate
and Human Neuroanatomy, and the Vertebral Skeletal System. The course is a stepping-stone to the
Human Biology III and Medical Cell Biology III courses offered in the Third Year of study. Interactions
of organisms with the external environment, combined with evolutionary mechanisms over time have
resulted in the development, adaptation, retention and loss of features that have yielded an incredible
diversity of form and function among all the vertebrate species. Therefore this course covers a series of
integrated study areas.
Course Code: ANAT3002A
Course Description: Human Biology III
NQF Credits: 72 NQF Level: 7
The Human Biology III course introduces key topics in biological anthropology. This course consists of
four lecture topics and one protocol project. The first topic deals with human skeletal biology and its
application in a forensic context, while the second explores major themes in the field of human evolution.
The third block is divided into two sections dealing with human biodiversity and then research methods.
A protocol project is undertaken during the fourth block where students design a feasible research project
under the supervision of one of the teaching and research staff.
Course Code: ANAT3011A
Course Description: Medical Cell Biology III
NQF Credits: 72 NQF Level: 7

143
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Medical Cell Biology III aims to provide an understanding of applied cell biology, molecular biology, and
developmental biology within a biomedical framework, through lectures and independent student work.
The course consists of 5 lecture-based topics which reflect the current research interests of the School,
including: Teratology and Birth Defects; Introduction to Toxicology; Reproductive Immunology and
Infertility; Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience; and Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms
of Cancer. The final topic is a Research Proposal, where students identify a research question and develop
a full protocol detailing relevant literature, hypotheses and methodological approaches. Course content
is selected primarily from research articles in order to convey current developments in specific fields,
with laboratory sessions aimed at introducing students to commonly used and cutting-edge research and
diagnostic techniques. The course thus aims to prepare students for postgraduate studies and employment
in the scientific arena.
School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
The School offers courses in the majors of; Ecology & Conservation, Biodiversity and Organismal Biology.
The courses are listed below and have been designed to introduce the students to a broad range of topics
within the field. The choice of courses could follow the career lines identified in the Biological Sciences
handbook. Appropriate short courses from other schools that make up 25% of the credits for a major can
also be taken with the approval of the Senate.
Course Code: APES2033A
Course Description: Animal Form and Function II
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 6
This course examines how the anatomy and physiology of living and extinct animals have been shaped
through evolutionary processes for functional purposes. Using a set of fundamental principles (e.g., lever
mechanics), the course builds integrative knowledge of animal anatomy, functional morphology, and
comparative physiology.
Course Code: APES2038A
Course Description: Research Methods in Biological Sciences II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course provides students with an opportunity to gain experience in research methods. The
course consists of a self-study topic in which students engage with particular staff members about a
research topic of interest, and learn how to develop the research problem statement, aim and
objectives. The student learns how to perform literature reviews, development appropriate research
methods, conduct the research, and write a report. The course will have a strong focus on research
methodology and skills development (writing and presenting, data collection and analysis).
Course Code: APES2039A
Course Description: Ecology, Environment, and Conservation IIA
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 6
This course providesis a comprehensive, introductory survey of the main topics in ecology., It is designed
from an African perspective, and to serve the needs of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecology. It covers
the fundamental components of all scales of ecology, including organismal, community, population,
ecosystem, landscape, and global ecology.
Course Code: APES2040A
Course Description: Ecology, Environment, and Conservation IIB
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 6

144
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course builds on Ecology, Environment, and Conservation IIA. In Ecology, Environment, and
Conservation IIB the foundational concepts of ecology covered in the first semester course are applied
to the management and conservation of systems. Humans can no longer be viewed as separate to the
environment, and this course explores how people manage natural resources, including the management
of wastewater and its effects on the environment, sustainability in transformed ecosystems, and the
concepts of resilience and stability. We will also engage with topics around conservation biology,
including theory, legislature and conservation needs and threats in the 21st century.
Course Code: APES2041A
Course Description: Plant Form and Function II
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 6
This course demonstrates how the structure of plants has allowed them to survive on planet Earth
and ultimately enable other life forms, including humans, to survive. It introduces students to the
organisation of the plant body, describes the function of plant tissues and discusses plant nutrition and
water uptake. The course provides an integrated understanding of how plants function under changing
environmental conditions and presents the fundamental concepts important for the understanding of
plant growth which enables accurate estimates of plant productivity to be made for future climates.
Course Code: APES2042A
Course Description: Life on Earth: Diversity II
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 6
This course introduces the major groups of flora and fauna in grassland and savanna (the major biomes
that occur in Gauteng Province) in the contest of the principles and practices of systematics. It focuses on
the evolutionary trends in morphology, physiology, ecology and/or behaviour, and the biogeographical
features that have shaped the complements of organisms occurring in this region. In this way, drivers
of biodiversity and the economic/ecological conservation values of this biodiversity is addressed, and
the impact of human transformation on the biota is also considered. This course lays the foundation for
biosystematics, evolutionary and ecological work by examining many of the components and factors
affecting biodiversity. In addition, it introduces students to the technological advances in the archiving of
such pertinent biodiversity information.
Course Code: APES2043A
Course Description: Life on Earth: Evolution II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course provides a working understanding of evolution. It introduces Darwinian natural selection
and contextualises it in neo−Darwinian population genetics. Examples are drawn across the diversity of
life on earth, from organelles to plants, animals and humans. Topics include: Macro−evolution, micro−
evolution, speciation, evolution of sex, and strategies for improving fitness.
Course Code: APES3023A
Course Description: Self−study course III
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 7
This course makes provision for special interests to suit individual students. It may only be taken under
exceptional circumstances and only with the approval of the Head of School.
Course Code: APES3026A
Course Description: Special Topic III
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 7
Special course given by visiting lecturers – not always offered.

145
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: APES3028A

Course Description: Biogeography III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course gives a detailed overview of most of the important concepts in biogeography: it explains what
an organism’s distribution is, and how this can change through time due to various processes and events;
it explains diversity gradients from the point of view of several current (and discredited) hypotheses and
adds the spatial dimension to the theory of evolution. The course covers these concepts at various scales,
from global patterns in the distribution of various taxonomic groups to the species composition on islands
and nature reserves. The course shows how these ideas can be applied to the planning of parklands in
urban areas. This course focuses on the biogeography of Africa and especially southern Africa.
Course Code: APES3029A
Course Description: Palaeontology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course offers an integrated approach to the evolution of plants and animals through time. The course
begins with a short introduction to the origin of life and then focuses on higher plant and animal taxa
that have evolved. The course covers the major transitions; fish to amphibian to reptile to mammals
and hominids to modern humans, mass extinctions, aquatic to land plants, ferns, gymnosperms and
angiosperms The course provides students with the fundamental concepts of palaeoecology.
Course Code: APES3034A
Course Description: Functional Ecology in Changing Environments III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course examines the interconnectedness of ecosystems within the context of the regional African
environments. The course introduces students to the well−documented causes of global change; change
in the composition of the atmosphere, in land use and in water use that impact the way ecosystems
function in South Africa. The course also addresses the functioning of soils, plants and animals and uses
examples from conservation, water resource management, agriculture and forestry.
Course Code: APES3038A
Course Description: Populations and Resources III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course covers principles of population ecology, including population distribution and dynamics,
the behavioural ecology of resource use, interactions with predators and competitors, and applications
to bio−resource conservation. The course focuses on large mammalian herbivores and their interactions
with vegetation. The course introduces students to applications of appropriate mathematical and graphical
models via computer modelling exercises.
Course Code: APES3041A
Course Description: Animal Behaviour III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces students to the science of animal behaviour (i.e. ethology). The course is designed
to provide the basics of animal behaviour to students who have only a rudimentary knowledge of biology,
while at the same time extending the knowledge of advanced students. The course focuses on the underlying
(how and why) questions. The course starts with some of the psychological processes underlying animal
behaviour, such as stimulus− response, learning, and cultural transmission of information. The course
ends with an extensive coverage of the adaptive significance of behaviour, particularly socio− ecological
phenomena. The course also covers issues in applied ethology to demonstrate the applicability of animal
behaviour in the real world.

146
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: APES3042A

Course Description: Medical and Applied Entomology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course takes an applied look at the problems and opportunities offered by insects in our environment.
The course introduces students to the techniques involved in the manipulation of insects considered
as pests or biological control agents. The course covers medically important arthropod groups, control
methods, vector biology and forensic entomology.
Course Code: APES3044A
Course Description: Laboratory Project III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course is a laboratory−based project which may only be taken under exceptional circumstances.
Entry is limited to those students who are majoring in one of the AP&ES courses and acceptance may be
limited because of staffing constraints. Students may not do both a Field Work Project and a Laboratory
Project in the same major. Students wishing to register for this module should contact the Head of School
and the relevant staff member before registration.
Course Code: APES3047A
Course Description: Ecological Communities and Biodiversity Conservation III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course explores the quantitative description of animal and plant communities and their relationships
to biotic and abiotic factors. This course offers an array of quantitative skills that are essential for practising
field ecologists. This course focuses on the conservation of biodiversity and the ecology of the southern
African biomes is also included. This course includes a compulsory field trip during the first weekend after
the start of the block in which this course is offered.
Course Code: APES3048A
Course Description: Microscopy III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course covers the use of microscopy techniques in the field of biological research as tools for solving
problems. The course trains students in the practical application of light microscopy, video microscopy,
digital photography, scanning and electron microscopy and confocal microscopy for both living and fixed
material. The course includes a brief theoretical background to microscopy. This course includes a project
on biological material.
Course Code: APES3051A
Course Description: Diversity, Ecology and Economic Importance of Algae III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course explores the importance of algae as primary producers in aquatic and less conventional
ecosystems, introduces their long history in economic pursuits such as mariculture, and tackles some
intriguing and varied ‘life skills’ that they have employed, including motility, behaviour, symbiosis, toxins,
etc. The practical sessions provide a limited exposure to algal diversity and provide some opportunity to
undertake independent literature research.
Course Code: APES3052A
Course Description: Plant Propagation and Conservation III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7

147
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course investigates the two broad ways to conserve plant germplasm; in situ conservation where
plants are allowed to remain in their natural habitat with the minimum of human management and
ex situ conservation where plants are either removed from their natural habitats and grown in botanic
gardens, fields and plantations or alternatively their seeds may be stored in seed/genebanks. In this
course the various methods adopted in the ex situ conservation of plant germplasm (e.g. seed storage
and cryopreservation) are linked with the various methods of plant propagation, viz. seed propagation,
vegetative propagation and in vitro micropropagation (plant tissue culture). The course is designed to give
students practical experience in seed germination and plant tissue culture.
Course Code: APES3057A
Course Description: Physiological Entomology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course provides an overview of interactions between insects and their environments from a
physiological perspective. This course introduces the basic insect physiological principles as applied to
insects, with inclusion of; the evolution of plant – insect interactions, chemical defence mechanisms,
vision, metabolic rate, respiration, water loss and thermoregulation. The course is designed to teach
students experimental techniques in insect physiology.
Course Code: APES3058A
Course Description: Biosystematics and Evolution III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces students the study of biosystematics that examines variability and diversity in
organisms. The course examines the process of evolution and the interpretation of the pattern they
produce at the levels of the organism, population and species. Implications for classification (i.e. species
concepts and hierarchial organisation of organisms), understanding phylogenetic and biogeographic
relationship and conservation issues are discussed. Examples are be drawn from the African flora and
fauna. The practical component of the course involves use of the tools of phenetics and cladistics to
examine variation and patterns of the evolution in both plants and animals.
Course Code: APES3064A
Course Description: Applied Freshwater Ecology and Management III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This field based course introduces students to research skills in aquatic ecology. Students use in situ
physical and chemical parameters, riparian vegetation, macroinvertebrates and fish to determine the
health of a river in the Mpumalanga Province. The course is designed to equip students with the necessary
tools used to determine river health.
Course Code: APES3065A
Course Description: Applied Population Ecology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course provides students with an understanding of applied population ecology as a professional
discipline and of the use of the scientific method in this field. The course explores the importance
of population ecology as the theoretical basis upon which renewable resources are managed and its
application to wildlife conservation, fisheries, forestry and rangeland management, pest control,
and harvest management. The course teaches students how to be scientists and managers in applied
population ecology.
Course Code: APES3066A
Course Description: Behavioural Ecology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7

148
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

The course provides the students with a critical understanding of behavioural ecology principles and their
applications to problems in the conservation of biological diversity and natural resources. The course is
made up of a theoretical and a practical component. The theoretical component focuses on the temporal
and spatial dynamics of consumer−resource relations to address issues of resource use sustainability and
factors governing the variable success of species in different habitats. The practical component consists
in designing and implementing a small group project to test some aspect of behavioural ecology theory.
Deliverable of the project is an individually written report.
Course Code: APES3067A
Course Description: Experimental Field Biology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This field based course is designed to train undergraduate students in basic field techniques, and the
application of these, to experimental ecological research. The course consists of a field−based project
during which students are introduced to the process of conducting ecological research in the field, and
exposes them to a variety of concepts and field techniques. In particular, students learn skills appropriate
to the scientific method, including; hypothesis formulation and experimental design, data collection, data
analysis, scientific writing and presentation.
Course Code: APES3068A
Course Description: Field Methods in Terrestrial Ecology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This field based course gives students experience in doing ecological research in a heterogeneous
savanna environment. The course includes learning methods for conducting a research project including
formulating a research question, planning data collection, field methods for collecting data, how to
analyse data in the appropriate manner and how to communicate those results both verbally and in a
written report. This course involves completing a research project in groups.
Course Code: APES3069A
Course Description: Molecular Ecology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course shows how molecular genetics techniques are used to improve our understanding of ecology
and evolution, in a conservation context. The course focuses on the application of molecular genetic
techniques to conservation and biodiversity issues while learning skills necessary for future conservation
biologists. Through this course, students gain an understanding of the applications of molecular ecology,
its role in professional disciplines, and the use of the scientific method in this field. This course builds on
the foundation for biosystematic, evolutionary and ecological work from previous courses by integrating
information that can be obtained through molecular resources.
Course Code: APES3070A
Course Description: People and Conservation Field Course III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This field course is a combination of lectures, tutorials, and fieldwork, in which students be exposed
to concepts, issues and research methodology relating to the relationship between local people and
conservation in rural communities. The course is run from the Wits Rural Facility (WRF), in the central
Lowveld. The course introduces students to social research methods, such as structured interviews
and participatory rural appraisal focus groups. The course teaches students how to engage with local
community members about local environmental issues, dependence on natural resources, environmental
attitudes and perceptions, and local resource management.

149
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: APES3071A

Course Description: Service Learning in Biology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces students to both the theory behind and the practice of service learning in biology.
The course explores the teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with
instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen
communities. The course equips students with event, poster and oral presentation skills, reflective
journaling and exhibition planning and time management so that they can participate in the Yebo Gogga
Yebo aBloma event.
Course Code: APES3073A
Course Description: Environment and Sustainability III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course explores basic concepts of sustainability and how human activities and management
practices alter biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and ecosystem services. It introduces the applied side
of environmental sciences and the ways in which it can have meaning in the business environment.
Students are familiarised with aspects related to the Green Economy, economic and legislative tools
for sustainability, sustainable development goals and society’s progress in achieving them. It explores
economic, social and governance perspectives to understand the value of the natural environment in
sustainability, as well as the value of ecological research in sustainability and environmental management.
Course Code: APES3072A
Course Description: Spatial Ecology and Conservation III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
Spatial ecology is an interdisciplinary topic. This course will interpret the ecology of systems in a very
inclusive manner, looking at landscape patterns and process, and human-environment interactions. We
will investigate the relationship humans have with the environment and ecosystem services, and how this
is related to conservation planning and future environmental and conservation management options. The
course will have a strong focus on spatial analyses.
Course Code: APES3074A
Course Description: Biodiversity in a Changing World IIIA: From Process to Pattern
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 7
This course builds on foundational concepts in evolution and diversity, exploring what comprises
biodiversity at multiple levels. Starting at the molecular level, the class will explore the origins of life on
earth and cellular evolution, then the evolutionary relationships between organisms through phylogenetics
and systematics. This leads to the study of biogeography, considering how the distributions of species
were established. Finally, the course covers evolutionary processes at the genetic level to understand
what biodiversity is, and ultimately how to conserve biodiversity.
Course Code: APES3075A
Course Description: Biodiversity in a Changing World IIIB: From Physiology to Behaviour
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 7
This course builds on the concepts taught in Biodiversity in a Changing World IIIA: From Process to
Pattern. It explores how the physiology of plants and animals allow them to survive and adapt in a
changing world, with a view to best conserve biodiversity. It also covers proximate and ultimate aspects of
animal behaviour with a focus on conservation. Plant/animal interactions are explored within the theme
of biological control, and the impact of alien invasives in conserving biodiversity.

150
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: APES3076A

Course Description: Applied Ecology and Global Change IIIA: Individuals, Populations and
Communities
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 7
In this African-centric course topics in ecology, spanning from the individual to the biological community
will be covered. Topics range from the evolution of traits, functional traits, behavioural ecology,
population dynamics, and how these contribute to community structure, species co-existence, change in
species composition, and the broader consequences of these processes (succession and alternate states).
The course has a strong quantitative component to facilitate thinking in a structured manner and working
with mathematical models and complex datasets.
Course Code: APES3077A
Course Description: Applied Ecology and Global Change IIIB: Managing our Complex World
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 7
This African-centric course begins with a paleo-ecological focus to understand historical, global,
environmental change and provide context for our complex world. It integrates knowledge of
contemporary environmental issues related to global change and its implications for biodiversity,
ecosystem services and human wellbeing. The course explores the complexity of natural systems, aspects
of landscape management, conservation, society, and ecosystem services. The course has a strong
quantitative component on how to work with large amounts of complex data.
Course Code: APES4037A
Course Description: Analysis of Wildlife Populations IV
NQF Credits: 17 NQF Level: 8
This course equips candidates with the basic abilities in the quantitative methods used to study population
ecology, with particular reference to mammal populations. This course includes statistical theory relevant
to the estimation of population parameters, sampling design, matrix algebra, population models, and
methods to estimate presence, density, survival and recruitment. This course introduces candidates to the
methods of matrix population modelling, distance sampling, occupancy modelling, and capture−mark−
recapture analysis.
Course Code: APES4015A
Course Description: Animal Behaviour and Ecology IV
NQF Credits: 17 NQF Level: 8
This course covers some of the topics related to animal behaviour and behavioural ecology with the
aim to introduce the candidates to current concepts and techniques in the study of these closely related
disciplines. Emphasis is placed on physiological, developmental, adaptive function and ecological
processes of behaviour as well as the evolutionary context of behaviour. The course includes such
topics as natural selection, sexual selection, microeconomic theory in behaviour, learning and cognition,
communication, contest behaviour, sociality, resource use, behaviour and conservation, behaviour and
environmental change.
Course Code: APES4016A
Course Description: APES Special Topic IV
NQF Credits: 17 NQF Level: 8
This course covers a relevant topic in modern biology, such as conservation ecology, remote sensing in
biological systems, plant pathology or systematics, animal or plant anatomy and morphology, the ecology
of vision, or some other such topic which is relevant to the expertise available in the school within any
given teaching year. This course might not run every year.

151
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: APES4017A

Course Description: Biocontrol IV
NQF Credits: 17 NQF Level: 8
This course explores current issues in the biological control of alien invasive organisms. The main focus
of the course is on biocontrol of alien weeds, in which South Africa is a leading exponent. The course also
introduces the candidate to allied topics such as sterile male release, pheromone based pest control, the
role of molecular biology in biocontrol and any other related topics which the candidates chose from a list
or suggest themselves. The course also explores how science interacts with the society it is in.
Course Code: APES4018A
Course Description: Biogeography IV
NQF Credits: 17 NQF Level: 8
This course comprises two sections:
the first focuses on Island Biogeography, and the second on Endemism and Species Richness. In the first
section, candidates are introduced to Biogeography in the broad sense as the science that endeavours to
describe and interpret the geographic distributions of organisms and the processes that have shaped their
distribution, and then more specifically to the patterns and processes involved in the biogeography of
islands; and the second section of the course considers factors affecting species richness and endemism,
the role of spatial and temporal scales in the assessment of species richness and endemism and implications
for conservation, the biogeography of alien invasive species and their ecological impacts, and/or the role
of refugia in influencing patterns of species richness and endemism, and principles, and practices of
conservation biogeography.
Course Code: APES4019A
Course Description: Ecological Engineering and Phytoremediation IV
NQF Credits: 17 NQF Level: 8
This course addresses how landscapes deliver ecosystem services, and describes the ecological principles
that underpin self−sustaining landscapes. This course introduces candidates to plant−soil−water
relations, the concept of evapotranspiration, and the role of plants in hydraulic processes, landscape
hydrology and the movement of contaminated groundwater. The course also explores the genetic traits
and physiological processes associated with plant tolerance, uptake and accumulation of halogens and
metals are addressed, and the ways in which plant − microbial symbioses confer tolerance to adverse
conditions.
Course Code: APES4020A
Course Description: Ecophysiology IV
NQF Credits: 17 NQF Level: 8
This course focuses on how animals regulate and maintain their functional capacities in response to
stressors in their environment. The course explores the link between environmental challenges and energy
expenditure in both invertebrates and vertebrates in a variety of environments. The course introduces the
importance of size as a determinant of physiological variables and this is used to understand ecology as
well as how morphology, anatomy and physiology interface to allow animals to successfully exploit their
environment. This course also compares and contrast the strategies shown in endotherms and ectotherms
in the thermal environment.
Course Code: APES4021A
Course Description: Enabling Skills IV
NQF Credits: 17 NQF Level: 8
This course exposes the candidates to a variety of techniques which they either need (e.g. statistics) or
find useful (e.g. Global Information Systems) in their Honours year, particularly in connection with their
compulsory research project.
152
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

The components of the course are Approaches to Science which covers the philosophy and methods
underlying modern science; R which introduces candidates to the R statistical computer programme;
Experimental Design and Statistics explores useful statistical methods in biology.
Course Code: APES4022A
Course Description: Entomology IV
NQF Credits: 17 NQF Level: 8
This course covers a range of subjects relating to insects, concentrating on how insects surviving in
extreme environments. The course covers the following topics; metabolism, gas exchange, nutrition,
water balance, temperature and insect aggregations. The course also involves a drawing or composite
microscope picture of an anatomical structure important to one of the physiological systems discussed.
Course Code: APES4023A
Course Description: Ethnoecology IV
NQF Credits: 17 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces candidates to key theoretical concepts and research methods in the multi−
disciplinary field of ethnoecology. The course is taught at the Wits Rural Facility, in Limpopo Province,
and consists of lectures, readings, group activities and field excursions that are structured around a number
of core themes. The central focus of the course is experiential learning, and most theoretical aspects
covered in class are linked with practical examples and experiences in the field in rural Bushbuckridge.
Course Code: APES4026A
Course Description: Freshwater Science − Field and Laboratory approaches IV
NQF Credits: 17 NQF Level: 8
This course provides a broad introduction into the theory and methods of environmental data collection
and the practice of environmental monitoring. The course consists of case studies drawn from a wide
range of environmental fields including meteorological and hydrological monitoring, air and water
pollution monitoring and other aspects of environmental change science. The course covers a range of
environmental data collection approaches from citizen science to professional environmental monitoring
using specialist equipment, with an exploration of the role and limitations of each.
Course Code: APES4027A
Course Description: Global Change: Impacts on Soil, Plants, Animals and Humans in Southern
Africa− the next 50 years IV
NQF Credits: 17 NQF Level: 8
This course covers an overview of the most important aspects of global change and the associated
impacts which are expected to occur in Southern Africa. The undergraduate courses are all orientated
towards terrestrial biological systems but this course is intended to be much broader. The course covers
topics related to marine, human and global systems and approaches to understanding legally binding
negotiations. The purpose of the course is to teach breadth in a transdisciplinary way and to teach depth
within a discipline.
Course Code: APES4028A
Course Description: Plant Variation and Nomenclature IV
NQF Credits: 17 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces candidates to the most important issues dealt with in systematics, recognising and
interpreting variation. In this course, candidates discuss what kinds of variation exist, what characters (e.g.
morphological, anatomical, molecular) one might investigate to study variation and what approaches or
methods may be used to interpret variation (e.g. phenetics and phylogenetics). This course also explores
the need for and requirements of an international standardised naming system and the principles and
practices espoused in the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature.

153
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: APES4029A

Course Description: Pollination Ecology IV
NQF Credits: 17 NQF Level: 8
This course focuses on pollination which is a vital process in the continued survival of any plant taxon.
The course addresses topics on floral diversity and pollinator types, floral phenology, breeding systems,
the relationship of pollination biology to gene flow and the interaction of pollination, plant communities
and the environment.
Course Code: APES4030A
Course Description: Research Project: APES IV
NQF Credits: 52 NQF Level: 8
The research project forms a major part of the APES Honours programme because it offers the candidate
the opportunity to be an independent researcher, running their own project under the close supervision
of a mentor. The candidate has to choose a supervisor, design a research project, write a project proposal,
present that proposal as a formal seminar to the school, write up the project as a formal dissertation and
present the final results to the school in a formal seminar.
Course Code: APES4033A
Course Description: Tropical Studies in Field Ecology IV
NQF Credits: 34 NQF Level: 8
This course consists of the fundamental modules or hard skills that are acquired during the programme.
The course work introduces the skills of; statistics, Excel modelling, philosophy of science, field research
skills, natural history skills, group dynamics, scientific writing and oral presentation. The core topics
covered in the course are; ecology, conservation and biodiversity, history and culture of South Africa. In
addition, candidates participate in field research projects.
Course Code: APES4034A
Course Description: Population Conservation IV
NQF Credits: 17 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces candidates to the bridge between landscape ecology and genetics, and to enable
a more holistic and comprehensive approach to conservation research and management. The course
focuses on the application of molecular population genetics, network analyses, and landscape ecology
tools in improving conservation management planning. Through the course, candidates gain a valuable
understanding of each of the above−mentioned techniques, their application in professional disciplines,
and how to apply the scientific method in this multidisciplinary setting.
Course Code: APES4035A
Course Description: Climate Change − Exploring Science with Society IV
NQF Credits: 17 NQF Level: 8
This course enables candidates to understand the social dimensions of global change. The course is
designed to enable candidates to investigate the range of challenges associated with complex, wicked
issues, to enable understanding of how these can be framed from various paradigmatic viewpoints (eg.
very technical versus a more social approach) so that interventions that are designed may be effective
rather than disruptive (eg. sustainable development goal.
Course Code: APES4036A
Course Description: Global Change Impacts on Medicinal Plants IV
NQF Credits: 17 NQF Level: 8

154
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course introduces key concepts about the use and importance of medicinal plants. It examines the
relationship between plants and medicine, the history of medicinal plants, the use of medicinal plants
in phytomedicine, phytochemistry, alternative medicine and toxic plants. The course also explores the
potential effects of climate change on commercially important medicinal plants, especially those that are
useful to the pharmaceutical industry.
Course Code: APES7000A
Course Description: Conserving Biodiversity: Foundations
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course addresses the definition and determination of biodiversity at different levels; threats to
biodiversity; benefits and functions of biodiversity to ecosystem processes; practical approaches to
biodiversity conservation; and the evaluation and assessment of biodiversity.
Course Code: APES7001A
Course Description: Conserving Biodiversity: Frontiers
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course is designed as an introduction to spatial techniques used in conservation; essentially a peek
into the toolbox of tools that are available to conservation practitioners and training in the use of a few of
these tools. With easy access to spatial data from various sources, and the reality of conservation planning
in the face of biodiversity loss, conservation is becoming an increasingly spatially explicit problem that
needs spatially explicit solutions. The course comprises of theory around spatial ecology, niche modelling,
landscape pattern analysis and remote sensing.
Course Code: APES7002A
Course Description: Sustaining Populations and Resources: Foundations
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course outlines the application of population ecology theory supported by computer modelling
techniques towards sustaining resource populations. The course introduces candidates to alternative
models, forms of density dependence, age− and stage− structured matrix models, deterministic vs
stochastic simulations, optimal harvest quotas, population viability analysis, herbivore−plant interactions,
Markov state models and adaptive management.
Course Code: APES7003A
Course Description: Sustaining Populations and Resources: Frontiers
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course addresses applications of population and resource modelling techniques to the management
of herbivore−vegetation systems for conservation or production ends, including habitat suitability
assessment, competitive interactions and broader factors governing stability and sustainability.
Course Code: APES7004A
Course Description: Maintaining Ecosystem Processes: Foundations
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course outlines biogeochemical processes, in particular the cycling of nutrients, processes maintaining
soil fertility, influence on primary and secondary production and relevance for ecological sustainability.
The course also explores the consequences of rising atmospheric CO2 and other greenhouse gases and
global temperature change for vegetation patterns be evaluated and modelled.
Course Code: APES7008A
Course Description: Advanced Special Topic in Environmental Biology
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9

155
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This option allows for one or more Master modules in another field of environmental science to be
included for credit towards the Masters degree in Resource Conservation Biology.
Course Code: APES7017A
Course Description: Interdisciplinary Global Change Studies
NQF Credits: 30 NQF Level: 9
This course introduces candidates to basic concepts and new thinking in the field of Global change
within multi−disciplinary conceptual frames. The course covers key problematic and methodologies in
global change research, as well as new understanding and development of integrative research tools and
the human capacities they require. The course introduces candidates to problem−solving and systems
thinking approaches to understand current global change issues. The course also explores the values and
beliefs driving society’s behaviours as well as an awareness of own values and beliefs in the context of
global change.
Biological Sciences
Course Code: BIOL1000A
Course Description: Introductory Life Sciences I
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 5
This course is the core course for most of the disciplines offered at second and third year level in the
Biological Sciences. It comprises the four modules listed below:
Introductory Molecular and Cellular Biology
This module examines the relationship between structure and function at the molecular and cellular levels.
It studies the cell as the basic unit of life, and examines how cells capture and use energy, communicate
and react to molecular signals.
Growth and Development
This module explains the flow of genetic information in the cell and focuses on how genes and chromosomes
play a role in the storage, expression and transmission of genetic material from one generation to the next.
Candidates also examine the different sources of genetic variation.
Structure and Function Influenced by the Environment
This module introduces the student to the relationship between structure and function using homeostasis
as a common theme linking anatomy, physiology and evolution. The module is designed to familiarise the
students with the relevant vocabulary and important principles involved in animal physiology.
Ecology and Diversity
This module consists of two components; diversity and ecology and the environment. The diversity
component introduces students to the spectacular range of plants and animals. The ecology and
environmental components covers ecological theory, knowledge of field practice, knowledge of southern
African ecosystems, environmental problems and knowledge of the environment of organisms.
Course Code: BIOL1006A
Course Description: Complementary Life Sciences I
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 5
This course offers enrichment in areas that lead into teaching and research programmes within the
Biological Sciences and comprises of the components below:
Molecular and Cellular Biology
This component centres on identification of major principles recognised in modern molecular and
cellular biology. Emphasis is placed on how the study of DNA may be used to study evolution, and how
recombinant DNA technology and biotechnology is used in research in the field.
Principles and Applications of Microbiology
The component studies microbial diversity including the structure and function of bacteria and viruses
and explains the principles of host−microbe interactions.

156
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Life in its Diversity

This component explores the patterns of diversity, evolution, relationships and biology of major groups
of protists, animals, plants and fungi. This component equips students with the skills on how to recognise
these organisms, how to identify organisms and access information about them via a knowledge of
their classification. This component also focuses on the importance of these organisms in the natural
environment and to man, and the need for their conservation.
Course Code: BIOL1008A
Course Description: Molecular and Cellular Biology I
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 5
This course is based on the identification of major principles recognised in modern molecular and cellular
biology. Emphasis is placed on how the study of DNA may be used to study evolution, and how
recombinant DNA technology and biotechnology is used in research in the field.
Course Code: BIOL1009A
Course Description: Principles and Applications of Microbiology I
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 5
The course studies microbial diversity including the structure and function of bacteria and viruses and
explains the principles of host−microbe interactions.
Course Code: BIOL1025A
Course Description: Life in its Diversity
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 5
This course explores the patterns of diversity, evolution, relationships and biology of major groups
of protists, animals, plants and fungi. This course equips students with the skills on how to recognise
these organisms, how to identify organisms and access information about them via a knowledge of their
classification. This course also focuses on the importance of these organisms in the natural environment
and to man, and the need for their conservation.
School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering (Faculty of Engineering and the Built
Environment)
Chemistry with Chemical Engineering
Course Code: CHMT2021A/CHMT2022A (PT)
Course Description: Process Engineering Fundamentals A (CHEM)
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 6
This course introduces chemical and metallurgical engineering students to the basic principles and
calculation techniques used in process engineering. It acquaints the students with the fundamentals of
material balances. The course focuses on both reactive and non-reactive material balances as applied to
steady-state process systems and covers both single and multiple units including recycle, purge and by-
pass streams.
Course Code: CHMT2023A/CHMT2024A (PT)
Course Description: Process Engineering Fundamentals B (CHEM)
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 6
This course builds on the fundamentals taught in previous courses and acts as a bridge to advanced
courses and covers intermediate chemical engineering problems and an introduction to energy balances,
heat transfer and fluid flow.

157
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

School of Chemistry
Course Code: CHEM1012A
Course Description: Chemistry I
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 5
Students who wish to proceed to Chemistry II Major after completing this course need to achieve
a minimum pass mark of 60 percent. This course is the study of matter and the changes that matter
undergoes. It is often considered to be the ‘central science’ because of its importance to diverse areas
of science and engineering. Chemistry draws on the language of mathematics and the laws of physics
to describe the world around us from a chemical, biological and physical point of view. It plays a vital
part in our understanding of the structure and the interactions of matter, and it is crucial for a thorough
understanding of disciplines as diverse as geology, molecular biology, biotechnology, medicine, materials
science and environmental studies. This course covers the introductory aspects of chemistry essential for
further studies towards a BSc in Chemistry or degrees that require a general first−year background in the
subject. Experimental work related to this material, including quantitative analysis, is carried out in the
first year laboratories throughout the year.
This course comprises:
Students are introduced to the concepts of matter and measurement; atoms, molecules and ions;
stoichiometry and calculations with chemical formulas and equations. This is followed by a study of
aqueous reactions, including acid−base reactions and solution stoichiometry. The fundamental
description of matter from a chemistry point of view, including aspects such as, electronic structure of
atoms, periodic properties of the elements, basic concepts of chemical bonding, molecular geometry
and bonding theories and the properties and theory of gases is then covered in some detail, followed
by an introduction to organic chemistry. Organic chemistry (including polymers and molecules of life);
an introduction to coordination compounds, intermolecular forces, liquids and solids and properties of
solutions is given, followed by physical chemistry topics such as thermochemistry, chemical kinetics,
chemical equilibrium, chemical thermodynamics, electrochemistry and additional aspects of acid−base
equilibria and aqueous equilibria.
Course Code: CHEM1051A
Course Description: Engineering Chemistry I
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 5
This course describes the basic concepts of chemistry of importance in engineering and understanding of
the chemical view of matter. The topics covered include the modern view of atomic structure including
isotopes; atomic numbers and mass numbers; balanced chemical equations; aqueous reactions and
solution stoichiometry; concepts of equilibrium and equilibrium constants; concepts of acids and bases;
thermochemistry and chemical thermodynamics; laws of thermodynamics; concepts of internal energy,
enthalpy, and entropy; modern materials such as ceramics and polymers.
Course Code: CHEM2001A
Course Description: Chemistry IIA
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 6
This course comprises:
Physical Chemistry: Solid State Chemistry, Chemical Thermodynamics and Reaction Kinetics. Solid State
Chemistry is to become familiar with the language of the solid state and to gain a basic understanding
of crystallography. Chemical Thermodynamics is a discipline that is concerned with the energy changes
associated with, and the spontaneity of, the changes that occur in material substances. Reaction kinetics,
also called chemical kinetics, is the study of the rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions, and deals
with the experimental aspects of reaction kinetics, and focuses largely on the dependence of rate on
reactant concentrations and the effect of temperature on rate.

158
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Inorganic Chemistry: The Inorganic Chemistry section of the course introduces the student to the basic
chemical concepts of atomic structure and chemical bonding, Examples of important theories introduced
are different chemical bonding theories (Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion Model, Valence Bond
Theory and Molecular Orbital Theory). The solution chemistry towpics include key concepts about both
Brønsted and Lewis acid and base chemistry, an introduction to transition metal coordination chemistry
and redox reactions.
Laboratory Work: Experimental work related to CHEM2001A/2002A material is incorporated as part of
the course in the form of practical laboratory experiments, running on two afternoons per week.
Course Code: CHEM2002A
Course Description: Chemistry IIB
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 6
This course comprises:
Analytical Chemistry: This section provides the theory and introduction to basic quantitative chemical
analysis. Calibration methods, volumetric analysis, and the statistical treatment of data is covered allowing
students to evaluate the integrity of quantification. The different reactions and associated calculations
involved in titrimetic analysis (acids and bases; complexometric reactions; redox reactions; precipitation
reactions and gravimetric analysis) are explored theoretically and in lab based practicals using experiments
that are applicable to society and industry.
Organic Chemistry: This section of the course covers stereoisomerism in organic chemistry and aspects
of reactivity of saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbon compounds, saturated and unsaturated heteroatom
compounds, and compounds with composite functionalities. A large part of the course introduces students
to various types of spectroscopy (the electromagnetic spectrum; vibrational or infrared (IR) spectroscopy;
nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy; and electronic or ultraviolet−visible (UV−VIS)
spectroscopy; mass spectrometry), which are essential for characterising the compounds made by the
knowledge of the Organic Chemistry course.
Laboratory Work: Experimental work related to CHEM2001A/2002A material is incorporated as part of
the course in the form of practical laboratory experiments, running on two afternoons per week.
Course Code: CHEM2030A
Course Description: Applied Chemistry II
NQF Credits: 48 NQF Level: 6
This course has been designed to introduce students to current technologies and instrumentations needed
in the South African chemical industry. The main aim of this course is to increase the relevance of a
chemistry degree in the chemical industry. As such, the topics selected are biased to covering content and
also building skills applicable to industry as well as applied research. The topics include instrumentation
and statistics; nanotechnology and forensics; fast moving consumer goods and industrial chemistry; natural
products; cosmetics and flavours and fragrances. Topics offered may change depending on available
industry partners and academic staff.
Instrumentation and statistics: The first part of the course introduces concepts of basic statistics that are
used in analytical chemistry such as basic graphs; analytical uncertainties and error propagation; design
of experiments (DOE); statistical sampling techniques (Normal, Hypergeometric, Binomial, Poisson and
Bayesian); introduction to method validation (test for outliers, confidence intervals, chi−squared tests,
correlation, regression, Student’s t−test, F−test, ANOVA, quality control charts and capability indices)..
The second part describes techniques such as Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV−VIS), chromatography
pH and conductivity and sample preparation and handling in the water industry.
Nanotechnology and forensics: The first part includes topics such as what is nanotechnology; uses of
nanomaterials; types of nanomaterials; quantum dots; manufacturing of nanomaterials; handling, disposal
of nanomaterials and characterisation techniques. The second part, forensic science, focuses mainly on
handling and sampling, chemical analysis and toxicology.

159
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Industrial chemistry: This topic introduces the students to the basic research and developmental processes
in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, specifically in the personal care industry. The first
part consist of emulsions, surfactants, thickening and rheology; the role of preservatives, Safety, Materials
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), regulations, claims and labelling. The second part introduces the production
of the chemicals, materials and fuels which we use in our daily lives.
Natural products; cosmetics and flavours and fragrances: This section provides students with the
knowledge of various types of natural products that are obtained from plants and their pharmaceutical,
flavours, fragrance and cosmetic applications. It details the extraction of natural products; the production
processes and equipment used in the flavour and fragrance industry as well as the safety regulations and
formulations of cosmetic products.
Course Code: CHEM2007A
Course Description: Materials Science II
NQF Credits: 48 NQF Level: 6
This course introduces the student to fundamental concepts of materials that is useful in the third year
course. It is made up of three components. The first component, Chemistry of Materials provides the
student with fundamental information about structure and properties of materials and the different types of
materials. The second component Physics of Materials explores the different characterisation techniques
that are used to study the properties of materials whilst the third component, Metallurgy, introduces
the student to the different types of engineering materials including relationships between processing,
structure, properties and applications of these materials. All three components incorporate experimental
work related to them.
Course Code: CHEM2029A
Course Description: Environmental Chemistry II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course covers the core of environmental chemistry – water, soil and air. Sources, reactions, transport,
effect and fate of chemical species in water, soil and air, and the effect of human activity on these. This
course forms an integral part of the BSc in the field of Natural Sciences curriculum. Properties of matter are
considered from a chemical perspective. The laboratory unit emphasises the nature of experimentation
in chemistry. The content is integrated with the development of skills required by practising scientists.
Course Code: CHEM3002A
Course Description: Chemistry IIIA
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 7
This course comprises:
NMR Spectroscopic Techniques, which covers advanced nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic
techniques. The topic covers theoretical aspects of one and two dimensional NMR and interpretation of
NMR spectra.
Instrumental Analytical Chemistry: Instrumental analytical techniques, including advanced emission and
absorption spectroscopic methods, electroanalytical methods, and separation techniques.
Organic Chemistry: Synthetic methods and principles of synthetic design, carbonyl group chemistry,
aromatic and heteroaromatic chemistry, rings and rearrangements. Experimental work related to the
material covered in all of these components is incorporated as several afternoon practical laboratory
sessions.
Course Code: CHEM3003A
Course Description: Chemistry IIIB
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 7

160
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course comprises:

Inorganic Chemistry: The chemistry of the d and f blocks elements.
The Physical Chemistry component deals with topics such as thermodynamics, electrochemistry, quantum
effects in chemistry and crystal chemistry. Experimental work related to the material covered in all of
these components is incorporated as several afternoon practical laboratory sessions.
Course Code: CHEM3007A
Course Description: Environmental Chemistry III
NQF Credits: 39 NQF Level: 7
This course includes the core of environmental chemistry – the sources, reactions, transport, effect and fate
of chemical species in the air, water and soil and the effect of human activity upon these. Discussed topics
are: theoretical concepts to illustrate the relevance of theory to environmental problems, geochemical
cycles and their importance to biologically mediated and inorganic systems, introduction to organic and
inorganic pollution, hazardous substances and human activities which lead to release of pollutants into
the environment as well as their neutralisation. The two terms ‘environmental chemistry’ and ‘pollution’
often seem to go together, yet environmental chemistry is much more than the study of the chemical
effects of pollution. It is multi−disciplinary science of chemical phenomena in the environment involving
chemistry, physics, life science, public health, engineering, etc.
Course Code: CHEM3031A
Course Description: Undergraduate Research III
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 7
This course is assigned to one of the active research groups in the School. Students undertake a short
research project with clearly defined goals under the supervision of the member(s) of staff. The student is
expected to complete the set goals in the allocated time. The emphasis is on practical laboratory work and
the student is exposed to the methods and techniques used by researchers in the research group.
Course Code: CHEM3033A
Course Description: Applied Chemistry IIIA
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 7
This course comprises of four topics, and is the equivalent of the first semester of the full year course
CHEM3030A. These topics are selected to give students an introduction to “real−life” chemistry as it is
applied in various industrial settings.
The course comprises:
Catalysis: heterogeneous catalysis, adsorption isotherms, surface area and porosity, kinetics, acid catalysis,
catalyst preparation and characterisation, Fischer−Tropsch synthesis. Experimental work and assignments
related to this material.
Polymer Chemistry: classification of polymers, synthesis by addition and condensation processes, physical
properties (including structure, tacticity and crystallinity), survey of industrially important chain−growth
and step−growth polymers; experimental work related to this material.
Solid State Chemistry: properties of organic and inorganic crystals (symmetry, structure, applications),
electronic structure of solids (conductors, semiconductors and insulators, superconductivity, elementary
band theory, ionic conductivity, dielectric materials, ferroelectricity, piezoelectricity, pyroelectricity).
Surface and Bulk Properties: The course is concerned with the characterisation and study of bulk and
surface structures of materials at the atomic/molecular level. A number of techniques are discussed,
including powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray adsorption, DSC, DTA, TGA, solid-state NMR spectroscopy
(bulk techniques), SIMS, Electron microscopy, DRIFTS, RBS, STM and AFM, vacuum procedures (surface
techniques), as well as a discussion around characterization using synchrotron radiation.

161
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: CHEM3034A

Course Description Applied Chemistry IIIB
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 7
This course is a semester course that is made up of four topics, and is the equivalent of the first semester of
the full year course CHEM3030A. These topics are selected to give students an introduction to “real−life”
chemistry as it is applied in various industrial settings.
The course comprises:
Environmental Chemistry: sources, reactions, transport, effect and fate of chemical species in water, soil
and air, and the effect of human activity on these.
Medicinal Chemistry: an introduction to the origin of medicines, the physical properties of successful
drugs, the sulfonamide and penicillin families of antimicrobial drugs, modern treatments for malaria and
cancer, viral treatments for HIV and influenza.
Industrial Inorganic Chemistry & Extractive Metallurgy: chemistry of the extraction of metals from their
ores with particular emphasis on the base metals and the platinum group metals,principles of refining and
a survey of the principal techniques used in the South African mining industry.
Green Chemistry: environmentally benign processes in chemistry and the philosophy and principles
underlying such processes, interdisciplinary aspects of green chemistry, biocatalysis.
Course Code: CHEM3037A
Course Description: Materials Science III
NQF Credits: 72 NQF Level: 7
The course comprises of four modules taught in the School of Chemistry in the first semester and one
module taught in the School of Physics in the second semester:
The first semester modules include: Materials Chemistry which studies the chemical properties of
materials; Catalysis which introduces the students to fundamental concepts in catalysis; Surface and Bulk
properties which explores the characterisation techniques used to study the properties of the surface and
bulk of solid materials; and Polymer Chemistry which provides an introduction to polymer science with
respect to synthesis, properties, polymerization kinetics and network formation.
Second semester module: Advanced Functional Materials and Materials Characterisation covers advanced
chemical and physical aspects of modern materials.
Course Code: CHEM4007A
Course Description: Analytical Chemistry
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course explores important concepts in advanced environmental chemistry and deals with aspects of
both pollution and geochemical based analysis. The course covers a number of aspects of environmental
chemistry, including environmental processes (cycles, organic and inorganic pollutants, metal speciation,
and bioavailability), geochemical analysis (sediment provenance, climate change, environmental
reconstruction), and radioactivity (processes and transport). The critical aspects of sampling, sampling
preparation and method validation are also discussed, together with general measurement techniques.
Case studies on aspects of geochemistry, environmental toxicology and organic chemical pollution are
dealt with, and techniques learned are applied to problem solving in environmental chemistry.
Course Code: CHEM4008A
Course Description: Contemporary Topics in Chemistry
NQF Credits: 30 NQF Level: 8
This course focuses on specialised and applied concepts and trends in the areas of analytical, inorganic,
organic and physical chemistry. The course comprises a number of optional topics in each discipline,
such as advanced methods for environmental modelling, trace analysis and isotopes in environmental
chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry and applications in medicine and drug design, advanced homogeneous
and heterogeneous catalysis and synthetic design, crystallography and solid state chemistry.
162
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: CHEM4009A

Course Description: Inorganic Chemistry
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course covers the application of spectroscopy to the solution of structural problems in inorganic
chemistry. Modern inorganic chemistry recognises that spectroscopic signatures of coordination
compounds provide significant information relating to compound structure and chemical reactivity of
metal centres. This course also deals with concepts of chemical kinetics and ligand substitution reactions
of transition elements.
Course Code: CHEM4010A
Course Description: Organic Chemistry
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course deals with contemporary methods for the construction of organic molecules, and modern
approaches to the attainment of diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity in organic synthesis. One
aspect of the course focuses on the use of chemistry of the main group elements in the formation or
breaking of carbon–carbon bonds, introduction or removal of unsaturation in bonds, and functional
group interconversions. A further challenge is to accomplish these transformations stereoselectively, and
a second aspect of the course explores the wide range of procedures and reagents now available for
effecting these changes diastereoselectively or enantioselectively.
Course Code: CHEM4011A
Course Description: Physical Chemistry
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 8
This course deals with the fundamental study of chemically important systems by experimental and
theoretical methods. The course approaches this on two levels: experimental studies and theoretical
studies. Theoretical analysis refers to model studies of isolated entities like single atoms or molecules,
discussed in the basics of quantum mechanics. Statistics is used to link the two sets of results and the
procedure is commonly known as statistical thermodynamics. This course first introduces the candidate
to numerical approaches to solving complex mathematical problems that may be useful in chemistry and
a study of the symmetry of molecules, known as group theory. The course then covers the fundamentals
and applications of quantum theory and statistical thermodynamics.
Course Code: CHEM4012A
Course Description: Research Project: Chemistry
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 8
This course provides practical training for the development of research skills and bridges the gap between
formal practicals performed in the undergraduate courses and the more open−ended experimental work
that is the hallmark of chemical research. The course is comprised of two research projects in two different
areas of Chemistry. The ability to do research is an essential skill for an individual pursuing a career in
Chemistry, and forms the basis of further postgraduate study. By working within established research
structures, candidates receive exposure to the methods, philosophy and ethos of research.
School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics
Computational and Applied Mathematics Courses
Course Code: APPM1026A (APPM1027 PT)
Course Description: Mathematical Methods and Modelling I
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 5
This course introduces the formal methods of encoding conceptual problems into mathematical statements
and equations that can be studied and solved

163
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

It also introduces the formal methods of solution, to recurrence equations and differential equations. The
structure and interpretation of models and their corresponding solutions are also considered. Methods
of solution are presented in tandem with model formulation and the appropriateness of models are
thus exposed and evaluated. Topics include: Foundations of Mathematical Modelling; Symbolic Model
building; Dimensional Analysis; Models as approximations of Change; Modelling using proportionality
(Examples: Kepler’s Third Law, Ohms Law, Hooke’s Law); Geometric Similarity; Curve Fitting; Simple
Discrete Mathematical Models; Direction Fields and Solution Curves; Solution of First Order Equations
by Direct Integration and Integrating Factor; The Methods of Undetermined Coefficients; The Method of
Separation of Variables; Linear and Non-Linear Models and Eigen-vectors and Eigen Values.
Course Code: APPM1028A (APPM1029A PT)
Course Description: Mechanics I
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 5
This course introduces the formal mathematical language and theory that underpin Classical Mechanics. It
explores concepts such as mechanical objects and systems, systems of objects with interaction and formal
construction of mathematical equations appropriate for given systems. This course comprises two parts:
Statics and Dynamics. In Statics, students develop the abstract ideas of vectors as geometric and algebraic
objects and study static physical problems. In Dynamics, students study dynamical physical problems with
special emphasis on Newtonian Mechanics, Newtonian Gravitational Theory and Physical Conservation
Laws. The related topics of Kinematics and Dynamics in Classical Mechanics are also introduced.
Course Code: APPM1030A (APPM1031A PT)
Course Description: Scientific Computing I
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 5
This course introduces the basics of Scientific Computing, with the purpose of getting students competent
in using a computer (and the associated software, programming languages, etc.) for the purpose of
performing scientific computations. It introduces computer programming, paradigms and algorithms
for Scientific Computing on the assumption of no prior knowledge. Students are then introduced to
the methods and implementations of Numerical Linear Algebra, Linear and Nonlinear Systems, Data
Interpolation and Numerical Calculus for the purpose of finding numerical solutions to algebraic
problems and problems from differential and integral calculus. Topics include: Data and Data Types;
Programming Control Structures ; Floating Point Arithmetic; Errors and Error Analysis; Significant Figures
and Chopping; Computing with Scalars, Vectors and Matrices; Addition, Multiplication, Inverses, Norms,
Determinants, Linear Independence; Algebraic Solutions to Systems of Linear Equations; Numerical
Root Finding; Numerical Interpolation in One and Two Dimensions; Finite Difference Approximation;
Numerical Quadrature Methods and Data Visualisation and Solution Representation.
Course Code: APPM2021A (APPM2022A PT)
Course Description: Mathematical Methods and Modelling II
NQF Credits: 16 NQF Level: 6
This course builds on the established foundational knowledge of Mathematical Methods and Modelling
I. It introduces methods of solution for higher-order difference and differential equations and transforms
them to a vector-matrix system of the first-order equations which can be solved and analysed using the
theory of eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Advanced methods of solution such as the Fundamental Matrix
solution method, the integral transform methods and the series solution methods are introduced. Models
of real-life problems in the fields of Physics, Finance and Biology, which are described by first-order
or higher-order difference or differential equations will be formulated, analysed solved and interpreted.
Students are introduced to techniques of qualitative and quantitative analysis, which provide more insight
on the behaviour of solutions to selected problems prior to solving them.

164
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: APPM2023A (APPM2024A PT)

Course Description: Mechanics II
NQF Credits: 16 NQF Level: 6
This course introduces the formal mathematical language and theory that underpin multidimensional
problems in Classical Mechanics. Students develop and employ the tools and techniques of tensor algebra
to analyse the behaviour of classical mechanical systems. Topics include: curvilinear coordinate systems
and coordinate transformations; tensors and tensor algebra; generalised coordinates, transformations
and system descriptions; Lagrange’s Formulation; multiparticle systems; rigid body mechanics; and
generalised mechanical oscillations.
Course Code: APPM2025A (APPM2026A PT)
Course Description: Scientific Computing II
NQF Credits: 16 NQF Level: 6
This course presents numerical and optimisation techniques used to solve various models that arise in
different practical applications and to recognise and use suitable numerical methods for different situations
as they arise in solving practical problems.
It introduces students to the intermediate tools of Scientific Computing, with the purpose of performing
scientific computations involved in computer programming, paradigms and algorithms for Scientific
Computing. Students are involved in solving advanced problems that are generated in the Mechanics
and Mathematical Modelling & Methods courses, with an emphasis on the interpretation of results,
understanding the limitations of solution techniques, and distinguishing problems according to applicable
methods of solution. Topics include: Regression and Least Squares; ODEs (linear multistep methods,
Runge-Kutta methods); stability and error analysis; eigenvalues (power method, indirect power method,
QR-algorithm, householders method); Monte Carlo method (LCG); optimisation and computational
optimisation (bisection, Newton’s, golden search methods).
Course Code: APPM3017A
Course Description: Computational and Applied Mathematics III
NQF Credits: 72 NQF Level: 7
This course comprises:
Theoretical topics: Mathematical Modelling, Methods B and Optimisation which focus on advanced
model development and analysis, solving of second order linear ODEs and PDEs, and the theory of
nonlinear optimisation respectively.
Application topics: Numerical Analysis, Continuum Mechanics, and Control Theory are aimed at
introducing students to advanced numerical methods for linear and nonlinear differential equations,
the foundations of the behaviour of non−rigid continuous bodies and an introduction to the control of
dynamic systems through the manipulation of differential equations.
Course Code: APPM4054A
Course Description: Mathematical Modelling
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course aims to inform the candidate of the uses and importance of mathematical models in applications
to industry. The candidates learn to develop mathematical models in areas such as epidemiology,
industrial processes, mining, finance and fluid mechanics. The central focus of this course is to provide
the candidates with tools which enable them to develop different models, to analyse these models and
decide on their validity using mathematical arguments.
Course Code: APPM4055A
Course Description: Partial Differential Equations
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8

165
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course provides an introduction to first−order partial differential equations (PDEs) as well as scalar
linear second−order PDEs in two independent variables. The candidates learn to solve basic first−order
PDEs, linear or nonlinear, as well as perform reduction to canonical form of scalar linear second−order
PDEs in two independent variables. In many examples the reduced equations are exactly solvable.
The emphasis is thus on obtaining exact solutions and accordingly the necessary theoretical elements
are presented to suit this need with numerous illustrations. The candidates are assumed to have basic
knowledge in solving simple ordinary differential equations. The standard material in this course is
classical and well−known. There are, however, some new elements included such as Laplace invariants
and factorisation.
Course Code: APPM4056A
Course Description: Symmetry Methods for Differential Equations
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course equips the candidate with algebraic techniques for symmetry reductions that enables one to
solve some deterministic models given in terms of differential equations arising in physical phenomena,
for example, engineering, acoustics, environmental mechanics, industry and finance.
Course Code: APPM4057A
Course Description: Computational Differential Equations
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course is focused on numerical and computational treatment of partial differential equations (PDEs)
of various classes. The course focuses not only on a variety of methods used to approximate solutions
of PDEs but also on analysis of these numerical methods as well as the implementation of the methods
through coding in mathematical programs such as Mathematica and MATLAB. The aim of this course is
to impart the skills of numerically solving PDEs, interpreting numerical solutions and presenting solutions
in a contextually relevant manner.
Course Code: APPM4058A
Course Description: Digital Image Processing
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces candidates to the nature of digital images and information extraction from them.
Areas investigated include smoothing filters, edge detection, morphology operators, segmentation and
shape detection. The course includes techniques for handling remotely sensed images and hyperspectral
images. Issues of processing high dimensional data sets and image compression are also addressed.
Candidates are expected to work with the concepts in the laboratory, and to develop expertise with both
the basic theory and practice of processing digital images.
Course Code: APPM4059A
Course Description: Continuum Mechanics
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
The aim of the course is to provide a detailed description of the theory of fluid mechanics and elasticity.
The course content is subject to the discretion of the lecturer. In fluid mechanics the topics considered
include boundary layer theory, thin film theory and turbulence. In elasticity topics from plane strain and
plane stress theory of linear elasticity are considered. Methods of obtaining solutions to the problems in
fluid mechanics and elasticity are presented. Much attention is paid to the physical interpretation of the
solutions to these problems.
Course Code: APPM4060A
Course Description: Galaxies and the Determination of Cosmological Parameters
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces candidates to concepts and notions regarding galaxies and the determination of
various cosmological parameters.
166
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: APPM4061A

Course Description: Studies in Applied Mathematics
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course focuses on familiarising candidates with current research methods and methodologies in
Applied Mathematics. The tools for comparing and analysing these are also investigated. The context
depends on the lecturer and alters accordingly.
Course Code: APPM4062A
Course Description: Studies in Mechanics
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course focuses on familiarising candidates with current research methods and methodologies in
Mechanics. The focus of the course within this field depends on the lecturer and alters accordingly. The
methods of solution employed ranges from computational methods to analytical methodologies. This
allows candidates to gain insight into the various ways problems in Mechanics may be investigated.
Course Code: APPM4063A
Course Description: Studies in Computational Mathematics
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course focuses on familiarising candidates with current research methods and methodologies in the
field of Computational and Applied Mathematics. The use of obtaining computational as well as analytical
solutions for a problem is considered. Candidates learn ways of analysing not only their results, but the
methods employed for solution as well. The context depends on the lecturer and alters accordingly.
Course Code: APPM4064A
Course Description: Optimal Control Theory
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course forms the basis of control theory. Most fundamental concepts in control theory are rooted in
linear system theory. This course provides an overall introduction to linear system theory with rigorous
mathematical proofs for all fundamental results. These results include representation of linear systems by
both time and frequency domains; controllability; pole assignment; stability; observability; detectability;
duality principle; observer; design and separation principle, PID control and dynamic feedback, Routh−
Hurwitz criteria, and basic control problems for PDEs.
Course Code: APPM4065A
Course Description: Global Optimisation
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course enables candidates to understand and utilise optimisation techniques.
This course comprises:
Stochastic algorithms for solving global optimisation problems both continuous, discrete and combinatorial
problems; Deterministic algorithms such as the Branch and Bound algorithm for solving combinatorial
optimisation problems; and Complexity and solution methods for a number of combinatorial optimisation
problems.
Course Code: APPM4076A
Course Description: Research Project: Computational and Applied Mathematics IV
NQF Credits: 30 NQF Level: 8
This course provides practical training for the development of research skills and bridges the gap between
theory and practice, and established work and novel research. By working with the established research
structures in the School, candidates are exposed to the methods, philosophy and ethos of research.

167
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: APPM7034A

Course Description: Advanced Mathematical Modelling
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course aims to inform the candidates of the uses and importance of mathematical models in
applications to industry. The candidates learn to develop mathematical models in areas such as
epidemiology, industrial processes, mining, finance and fluid mechanics. The central focus of this course
it to provide the candidates with tools which enable them to develop different models, to analyse these
models and decide on their validity using mathematical arguments. Furthermore the course focuses on
familiarising candidates with current research methods, methodologies and tools for comparing these via
an exhaustive survey of the field in question. The understanding of the candidates regarding the topic
also deepened via a more rigorous critical analysis of the methods and follow on implementations of the
methods.
Course Code: APPM7035A
Course Description: Advanced Methods of Partial Differential Equations
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course in an introduction to first−order partial differential equations (PDEs) as well as linear second−
order PDEs. The emphasis is on obtaining exact solutions and accordingly the necessary theoretical
elements are presented to suit this need with numerous illustrations. Furthermore the course focuses on
familiarising candidates with current research methods, methodologies and tools for comparing these via
an exhaustive survey of the field in question. The understanding of the candidates regarding the topic
also deepened via a more rigorous critical analysis of the methods and follow on implementations of the
methods.
Course Code: APPM7036A
Course Description: Advanced Symmetry Methods for Differential Equations
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course equips the candidate with algebraic techniques for symmetry reductions that enables one to
solve some models arising in physical phenomena for example engineering, acoustics, environmental
mechanics, industry and finance. It also focuses on familiarising candidates with current research methods,
methodologies and tools for comparing these via an exhaustive survey of the field in question. The
understanding of the candidates regarding the topic also deepened via a more rigorous critical analysis of
the methods and follow on implementations of the methods.
Course Code: APPM7037A
Course Description: Advanced Computational Differential Equations
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course serves as an introduction to Partial Differential Equations (PDE) and their computational
solution. Furthermore candidates are familiarised with current research methods, methodologies and tools
for comparing these via an exhaustive survey of the field. The understanding of the candidates regarding
the topic is deepened via a more rigorous critical analysis of the methods and follows on implementations
of the methods.
Course Code: APPM7038A
Course Description: Advanced Global Optimisation
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course comprises:
Stochastic algorithms for solving global optimization problems both continuous, discrete and combinatorial
problems; Deterministic algorithms such as the Branch and Bound algorithm for solving combinatorial
optimization problems; and Complexity and solution methods for a number of combinatorial optimization
problems.
168
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Furthermore the course focuses on familiarising candidates with current research methods, methodologies
and tools for comparing these via an exhaustive survey of the field in question. The understanding of the
candidates regarding the topic is also deepened via a more rigorous critical analysis of the methods and
follows on implementations of the methods.
Course Code: APPM7039A
Course Description: Advanced Optimal Control Theory
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course covers the representation of linear systems by time and frequency domain; controllability;
pole assignment; stability; stabilizability; observerbility; detectability; duality principle; observers for
linear systems and basic control problems for PDEs. Furthermore the course focuses on familiarising
candidates with current research methods, methodologies and tools for comparing these via an exhaustive
survey of the field in question. The understanding of the candidates regarding the topic is also deepened
via a more rigorous critical analysis of the methods and follows on implementations of the methods.
Course Code: APPM7040A
Course Description: Advanced Principles of Continuum Mechanics
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course is combined Fluid Mechanics and Elasticity allowing for a deeper understanding of the
relationship and similarities between these two aspects of continuum mechanics. It is also focusing on
familiarising candidates with current research methods, methodologies and tools for comparing these via
an exhaustive survey of the field in question. The understanding of the candidates regarding the topic
is deepened via a more rigorous critical analysis of the methods and follows on implementations of the
methods.
Course Code: APPM7041A
Course Description: Studies in Mechanics
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course focuses on familiarising candidates with current research methods, methodologies and tools
for comparing these via an exhaustive survey of the field in question. The understanding of the candidates
regarding the topic is deepened via a more rigorous critical analysis of the methods and follows on
implementations of the methods.
Course Code: APPM7042A
Course Description: Studies in Applied Mathematics
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course focuses on familiarising candidates with current research methods, methodologies and tools
for comparing these via an exhaustive survey of the field in question. The understanding of the candidates
regarding the topic is deepened via a more rigorous critical analysis of the methods and follows on
implementations of the methods.
Course Code: APPM7043A
Course Description: Studies in Computational Mathematics
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course focuses on familiarising candidates with current research methods, methodologies and tools
for comparing these via an exhaustive survey of the field in question. The understanding of the candidates
regarding the topic is deepened via a more rigorous critical analysis of the methods and follows on
implementations of the methods.

169
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: APPM7044A

Course Description: Research Report: Computational and Applied Mathematics
NQF Credits: 90 NQF Level: 9
The ability to do research is an essential skill for an individual pursuing a career in Computational and
Applied Mathematics, and forms the basis of further postgraduate study. This module provides practical
training for the development of research skills and bridges the gap between theory and practice, and
established work and novel research. By working within established research structures in the School,
candidates receive exposure to the methods, philosophy and ethos of research.
Computer Science Courses
Course Code: COMS1015A (COMS1019A PT)
Course Description: Basic Computer Organisation I
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 5
This course covers various introductory topics to computing systems. Topics covered include: Number
Systems, which include basic arithmetic and conversion between various number systems; Data
Representation, which include digital and analog information, data compression, binary formats, character
sets, sound, image, and video formats; Gates and Circuits, which include the use and manipulation of
Boolean expressions, truth tables, and logic diagrams; Computing Components, which include the Von
Neumann machine and three alternative parallel computer configurations; Low−level Programming,
which include implementing simple algorithms in assembly and machine language; and finally, Operating
Systems, which include memory management, process management, and various CPU scheduling
algorithms.
Course Code: COMS1016A (COMS1020A PT)
Course Description: Discrete Computational Structures I
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 5
This course introduces the students to the mathematical ideas, structures and arguments needed for
computer science. The objective is to introduce topics in mathematics with an emphasis on their application
in computer science. The topics mainly come from areas of discrete mathematics, including sets, logic,
induction, relations, finite automata, Turing machines and computability theory. There is an emphasis on
reading and understanding mathematical reasoning and constructing mathematical arguments.
Course Code: COMS1017A (COMS1021A PT)
Course Description: Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms I
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 5
This course introduces students to the fundamental design, analysis, and implementation of various data
structures (ways of representing values and associations between them). It also considers how these data
structures can be represented in a computer memory and algorithms for manipulating these data structures
efficiently. Important characteristics (e.g. efficiency, time and space complexity) of these data structures
and algorithms are examined, as well as their respective practical C++ implementations. Both array and
pointer based implementations are considered where relevant. Topics presented in the course include
include Arrays, Linked Lists, Stacks, Queues, Tree Structures, Binary Search Trees, AVL Trees, Hashing,
Heaps, and Basic Searching and Sorting Algorithms.
Course Code: COMS1018A (COMS1022A PT)
Course Description: Introduction to Algorithms and Programming I
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 5

170
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course provides an introduction to problem solving through algorithmic thinking, using the basic
building blocks of programming: sequencing, selection, repetition and abstraction. Translation of
algorithms into working C++ programs, as well as intermediate C++ programming features, such as
parameter passing mechanisms, static and dynamic array allocation, and pointer arithmetic also fall into
the main scope of the course.
Course Code: COMS1025A
Course Description: Auxiliary Computer Science and Programming IA
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 5
This course equips students with practical skills required for basic programming. Topics include: Problem-
solving using the basic building blocks of algorithms: sequence, selection, repetition, recursion and
abstraction; Translation of algorithms into working programs using relevant development environments
and programming tools. Specific topics include basic syntax and semantics of a higher-level language,
variables and primitive data types (e.g., numbers, characters, Booleans), expressions and assignments,
simple I/O including file I/O, conditional and iterative control structures, functions and parameter passing,
and the concept of recursion.
Course Code: COMS1026A
Course Description: Auxiliary Computer Science and Programming IB
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 5
This course introduces algorithms and design, specifically the design of simple algorithms and computer
programs. It covers the basics of classes and Object Orientation, various Abstract Data Structures (ADTs)
and their appropriate use. Specific ADTs include arrays, lists, stacks, queues, priority queues, sets,
maps, dictionaries/hashtables, trees, and graphs. Students are introduced to common data analysis and
visualisation libraries as well as common data formats used in large datasets.
Course Code: COMS2002A / COMS2018A (PT)
Course Description: Database Fundamentals II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course introduces the students to the main concepts and principles in database design and
implementation. Good database design ensures survival in an environment where timely and accurate
information is critical for every modern organisation, enterprise or institution. Organisations must have
access to a well−designed and well−managed data repository, the database. This unit provides the
students with the required breadth−and−depth knowledge and skills in the area of database design
and database fundamentals. Some of the key concepts such as entities, keys, relationships, dependency,
relationship strength, supertypes, subtypes, and transactions are discussed and implemented in the forms
of projects.
Course Code: COMS2015A / COMS2021A (PT)
Course Description: Analysis of Algorithms II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course focuses on introducing basic algorithmic analysis and design, computer representation of
graphs, spanning and search trees, shortest path, searches and connectivity, bicomponents, strongly
connected components, program evaluation and review technique, Eulerian and Hamiltonian circuits,
planarity and coloring, flows (theory, applications, and algorithms), matching and stable marriage
problems.
Course Code: COMS2014A / COMS2020A (PT)
Course Description: Computer Networks II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6

171
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course focuses on principles and practice in networking, structure and components of computer
networks, packet switching, layered architectures, applications: web/http, voice−over−IP (VOIP), peer−
to−peer (p2p) file sharing and socket programming, reliable transport: TCP/IP (Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol), reliable transfer, flow control, and congestion control, network layer: names
and addresses, routing, local area networks: ethernet and switches, wireless networks and network
security.
Course Code: COMS2013A / COMS2019A (PT)
Course Description: Mobile Computing II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course introduces students to Java and Object Oriented Programming. Students are also exposed to
Andriod Development Environment and topics include Activities, Intents, Views Sensors, APIs including
Location, GPS, Maps, UI and App Basics, Widgets, Persistence ,Network and Web Services.
Course Code: COMS2017A
Course Description: Auxiliary Database Systems II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course introduces relational schema and their development from conceptual models, concepts of
entity integrity and referential integrity constraints, algebraic operations from mathematical set theory,
functional dependency, normal forms (1NF, 2NF, 3NF, BCNF, 4NF), query construction using structured
query language (SQL), stored procedures and functions, and transaction and concurrency control.
Course Code: COMS3002A / COMS3019A (PT)
Course Description: Software Engineering III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces students to the key concepts of software engineering – the application of sound
scientific and engineering principles to the construction of large software systems – and equips students
with the theoretical and practical tools required to manage software projects. The course consists of an
exploration of: software engineering history; the software life−cycle; document−driven, agile and hybrid
software engineering methodologies; software processes (e.g. CMMI, TSP); software project planning and
cost estimation; UML and other tools for system description and implementation; software and project
management tools and processes; quality assurance and testing; and maintenance.
Course Code: COMS3003A / COMS3021A (PT)
Course Description: Formal Languages and Automata III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course presents several abstract mathematical models of languages and computing processes and
examines their implications, e.g. capabilities and limitations of various computing mechanisms. Subjects
covered include regular languages, context−free grammars, the corresponding pumping lemmata, regular
expressions, finite automata, pushdown automata.
Course Code: COMS3005A / COMS3022A (PT)
Course Description: Advanced Analysis of Algorithms III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course provides the student with the theory, application and implementation of various algorithms.
A number of algorithms for solving real world problems are reviewed. Both theoretical and empirical
analysis are performed to come up with an optimal solution for a given problem. This course includes the
following topics: advanced search and sort algorithms, greedy algorithms, dynamic programming, closest
pair of points problems, complexity classes (P, NP and Np−Completeness), backtracking, and A* search.

172
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: COMS3007A / COMS3024A (PT)

Course Description: Machine Learning III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course provides the student with the theory, application and implementation of various machine
learning techniques. The course covers the main kinds of machine learning: supervised, unsupervised and
reinforcement learning. A number of machine learning algorithms are studied for the tasks of classification,
regression, clustering and optimisation. The algorithms are presented and investigated in detail including
mathematical and statistical motivation, methods of application and implementation.
Course Code: COMS3006A / COMS3025A (PT)
Course Description: Computer Graphics and Visualisation III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course presents the mathematics and algorithms used in the generation and manipulation of images
using computers.It is the science of enabling visual communication through computation. Its uses
include cartoons, film special effects, video games, medical imaging, engineering, as well as scientific,
information, and knowledge visualisation. Traditionally, graphics at the undergraduate level has focused
on rendering, linear algebra, and phenomenological approaches. More recently, the focus has begun to
include physics, numerical integration, scalability, and special-purpose hardware. In order for students to
become adept at the use and generation of computer graphics, many implementation-specific issues must
be addressed, such as file formats, hardware interfaces, and application program interfaces. The syllabus
covers the fundamental aspects of Computer Graphics, as well as Graphical Modeling, Rendering,
Animation, Visualisation, and Computational Geometry.
Course Code: COMS3009A / COMS3028A (PT)
Course Description: Software Design III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course covers higher level design principles, focusing on object oriented analysis and design,
functional decomposition, event driven design, aspect oriented and service oriented architectures.
Students are exposed to design patterns, and test driven development. The students learn this through a
combination of lectures and the completion of a large software project.
Course Code: COMS3008A / COMS3026A (PT)
Course Description: Parallel Computing III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course is the process of sharing a large workload among multiple processors. This course provides
an introduction to the basic theory, and practicalities, associated with solving computational problems
using parallel computing techniques. We establish an understanding of different types of machines from
the point of view of large−scale workloads. This includes a study of central processing unit and graphics
processing unit architectures; interconnects; and various forms of parallel memory. The practicalities
of programming these machines using the message passing interface; shared memory; and general
purpose graphics processing units are introduced. Issues such as load balancing; communication; and
synchronisation overhead are addressed. Lastly, established practice in the field in the form of parallel
numerical algorithms is also studied.
Course Code: COMS3010A / COMS3023A (PT)
Course Description: Operating Systems and System Programming III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7

173
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course introduces the student to key concepts and techniques involved in the design and
implementation of operating systems as well as nontrivial computing systems in general. The course also
introduces the student to system programming and the programming interfaces to the operating system
kernel. The course covers the following topics: processes and interprocess communication, multithreaded
programming, memory allocation, resource allocation and scheduling, file systems and persistent storage,
protection and security.
Course Code: COMS3011A / COMS3027A (PT)
Course Description: Software Design Project III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
The course is designed to equip the student with the requisite skills to be able to apply the theory of
System Design Principles, Design Paradigms, Design Patterns, Testing and Test-Driven Development. The
course is made up of a single practical component that is continuously assessed throughout the semester.
The practical component takes the form of a real world software design and implementation project.
Course Code: COMS4030A
Course Description: Adaptive Computation and Machine Learning IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course provides the candidate with an in−depth understanding of adaptive computing and machine
learning. The course consists of machine learning, pattern recognition and computational learning theory
in artificial intelligence. Machine learning explores the study and construction of algorithms that can
learn from and make predictions using data – such algorithms overcome following strictly static program
instructions by making data driven predictions or decisions, through building a model from sample inputs.
Course Code: COMS4032A
Course Description: Applications of Algorithms IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course provides the candidate with various techniques for the design, analysis and application of
computer algorithms. The course introduces mathematical tools required for analysing the running time
complexity of algorithms, especially asymptotic methods. A number of algorithms are presented and
studied in detail from initial algorithm design to proof of correctness and analysis of complexity. The
course also studies various data structures and the implementation of algorithms.
Course Code: COMS4033A
Course Description: Artificial Intelligence IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course provides a broad introduction to artificial intelligence (AI). Topics include: Introduction
to Lisp; Fundamental Issues in AI; Intelligent Agents; Problem Solving by Searching; Informed Search
and Exploration; Constraint Satisfaction Problems; Adversarial Search; Reasoning and Knowledge
Representation; Reasoning with Uncertainty & Probabilistic Reasoning; and Machine Learning.
Course Code: COMS4036A
Course Description: Computer Vision
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces the candidate to the interdisciplinary field that deals with how computers can be
made to gain high−level understanding from digital images or videos. The course is comprised of topics
such as image formation, feature detection, motion estimation, image mosaics, 3D shape reconstruction,
and object and face detection and recognition. The course looks at the applications of these techniques
include building 3D maps, creating virtual characters, organising photo and video databases, human
computer interaction, video surveillance, automatic vehicle navigation, and mobile computer vision.

174
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: COMS4040A

Course Description: High Performance Computing and Scientific Data Management IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces the candidate to on high-performance computing and its use in computational
science and engineering applications. The course consists of advanced architecture models, configurations,
different types of parallel programming models and applications. Advanced architectural models include
the design and analysis of parallel algorithms, and the development of parallel programs. The parallel
programming modules include commonly used shared memory, distributed memory, and accelerator
based programming modules. Applications comprise required parallel data management tools, data
mining and the analysis of massive datasets.
Course Code: COMS4041A
Course Description: Human Computer Interaction IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals and key concepts used in Human−Computer
Interaction, focusing on designing interaction systems for effective communication between humans and
computers. Topics include: user−centered design and testing, new interactive technologies based on
visual and audio signals, collaboration and communication, statistical methods for evaluating models such
as usability studies, human factors and security, design−oriented interaction models, mixed, augmented
and virtual reality.
Course Code: COMS4043A
Course Description: Multi−agent systems IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course provides candidates an in-depth understanding of distributed multi-agent systems. It covers
the following topics: Distributed constraint satisfaction, Distributed optimization, Non-cooperative
game theory: games in normal form, Computing solution concepts for normal-form games, Games with
sequential actions, Computing solution concepts for extensive-form games, Repeated, stochastic, and
Bayesian games, Learning in multi-agent systems, Communication in multi-agent systems, Protocols
for strategic agents: Mechanism design, Protocols for multi-agent resource allocation, Coalitional game
theory, Logics of knowledge and belief.
Course Code: COMS4045A
Course Description: Robotics IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces candidates to the principles of Robotics. It focuses on the algorithms and
techniques used on a robot to perceive the state of its environment and determine actions that should be
taken. Topics that are covered include kinematics and inverse kinematics, dynamics, PID control, optimal
control, filtering and state estimation and simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM). The theory
is supplemented by practical exercises on simulated and physical robots using the Robotic Operating
System (ROS).
Course Code: COMS4047A
Course Description: Special Topics in Computer Science IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course covers specialised and applied concepts and trends in the areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI),
Computer Architecture & Engineering (ARC), Database Management Systems (DBMS), Graphics (GR),
Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Operating Systems & Networking (OSNT), Programming Systems
(PS), Scientific Computing (SCI), Security (SEC) and Theory (THY).

175
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: COMS4048A

Course Description: Data Analysis and Exploration IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces the candidate to the concepts and methodology of Data Analysis for Data
Management. The course is made up of Data Wrangling, Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA), and Data
Modelling which all falls under the general topic of Data Analysis. Data Wrangling involves the initial
steps of preparing data for analysis. EDA involves various data visualisations and descriptive statistics that
assist with the analysis of a given dataset. Data modelling involves using models to do forecasting and
inference based on a dataset.
Course Code: COMS4050A
Course Description: Discrete Optimisation IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course provides the candidate with an in−depth understanding of discrete optimisation. The course
covers the basic concepts and definitions from graph theory, graph partitioning and graph colouring
problem, set covering problem, max flow Problem & max−flow min cur algorithm, max/min cut problem,
minimum spanning tree and shortest path problem, travelling salesman problem, the knapsack problem
(linear and quadratic), the satisfiability problem (SAT), the independent set problem, facility location
problem and p−median problem, assignment and quadratic assignment problem, integer linear and
integer quadratic programming problems.
Course Code: COMS4053A
Course Description: Regulated Rewriting in Formal Language Theory
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course focuses on regulated rewriting in the Chomsky hierarchy. The three best known models
are matrix grammars, programmed grammars and random context grammars. This course focuses on
the following topics: Random context grammars in the string, picture and tree case, Random permitting
context, the pumping lemma and other necessary conditions, Random forbidding context, the shrinking
lemma and other necessary conditions, Context-free grammars, the pumping-shrinking lemma and other
necessary conditions, Table-driven context-free grammars and existing necessary conditions, Random
context grammars and existing necessary conditions, Bag context grammars as a generalisation of random
context grammar, and Open questions.
Course Code: COMS4054A
Course Description: Natural Language Processing
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course focuses on the interaction between human languages and computers. It aims to provide
specialised content in natural language processing. Natural language processing (NLP) involves the
recognition, understanding and generation of human language by computers. This course involves
modeling the characteristics of natural languages and designing algorithms that implement these models.
Course Code: COMS4055A
Course Description: Mathematical Foundations of Data Science
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course provides the candidate with an in−depth understanding of the advanced areas of fundamental
mathematics pertaining to the field of data science. The course comprises foundation in topics such
as high dimensional spaces, graph theory, multivariate statistics, stochastic process and algorithms for
massive data problems.

176
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: COMS4057A

Course Description: Introduction to Research Methods IV
NQF Credits: 6 NQF Level: 8
This course exposes candidates to research including current computer science research and the scientific
method. It focuses on how to read and understand scientific papers to argue logically and coherently, and
improve writing and presentation skills.
Course Code: COMS4060A
Course Description: Introduction to Data Visualisation and Exploration IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces concepts and methodology of Data Analysis for Data Management. It is made up
of Data Wrangling, Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA), and Data Modelling. Data Wrangling involves the
initial steps of preparing data for analysis. EDA involves various data visualisations and descriptivestatistics
that assist with the analysis of a given dataset. Data modelling involves using models to do forecasting and
draw inference based on a dataset.
Course Code: COMS4059A
Course Description: Research Project: Computer Science IV
NQF Credits:36 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces candidates to research activities, familiarises them with a special problem
in computer science and provides independent study on an advanced topic under the guidance of a
supervisor. The student is required to produce a written report on the project, to include the literature
search on the topic, and to present this work at a departmental seminar.
Course Code: COMS4058A
Course Description: Research Project: Big Data Analytics IV
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces candidates to research activities, familiarises them with a special problem
in computer science and provides independent study on an advanced topic under the guidance of a
supervisor. The candidate is required to produce a written report on the project, to include the literature
search on the topic, and to present this work at a departmental seminar.
Course Code: COMS4061A
Course Description: Reinforcement Learning IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course covers decision making under uncertainty, and specifically the field of reinforcement learning
to handle temporal decision making, including aspects of model-based, value function, and policy
methods, deep reinforcement learning, and hierarchical reinforcement learning.
Course Code: COMS5020A
Course Description: Data Science in Practice - Deployment and Ethics
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 8
This course focuses on the deployment of models and data for real world use.
It introduces the leading big data frameworks, which provide useful tools and patterns that simplify the
flow of data through a system as well as enhance the scalability and robustness of big data deployments.
Candidates will acquire the technical skills and practical experience of using these frameworks and
understand the benefits of doing so.
The course also covers the ethical and legal aspects of data science, both theoretically and in application.
It critically examines and applies key ethical theories and legislation relevant to data science across a
range of concrete and hypothetical cases, with an emphasis on the South African context.
177
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: COMS5021A

Course Description: Mathematical and Statistical Foundations of Data Science
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 8
This course covers the fundamental mathematics and statistics needed for applied data science.
Specifically, candidates will be equipped with sufficient knowledge to understand and effectively utilise
data science modelling techniques in practice. A data scientist should have a working knowledge of
linear algebra, multivariate calculus, probability theory and hypothesis testing. This course focuses on the
core applied aspects of each of these areas of mathematics and statistics in relation to modern machine
learning and data science.
Course Code: COMS5022A
Course Description: Programming for Data Scientists
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 8
This course covers the fundamentals of computing, programming, data structures, algorithms, and
software engineering. Candidates must implement and understand algorithms for data collection and
analysis and should understand the time and space considerations of algorithms. They must follow good
design principles developing software, understanding the importance of those principles for testability
and maintainability, including the development and implementation of algorithms, as well as integration
with existing software and/or tools. The course presents a variety of data structures, algorithms and
algorithmic techniques, which candidates should be able to use, whilst understanding the implications
of choosing one over another. Software engineering principles include the design, implementation and
testing of programs. Candidates must understand design principles and their implications for issues such
as modularisation, reusability and security.
Course Code: COMS5023A
Course Description: Data Science in Education
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
The course focuses on data-driven decision making in education. It covers the use of data analysis and
visualisation tools as a vehicle for solving education-related challenges and interpreting and effectively
communicating the results of these analyses to educational managers.
Topics include: Data cleaning and transforms; Data analysis models suited to education; Statistical
analysis tools in the context of educational data; Data management; and Interpreting and communicating
data findings for educational managers.
Course Code: COMS5024A
Course Description: Applications of Machine Learning in Chemistry
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
The course provides an overview of chemistry fields in which the application of machine learning can be
conducted to solve complex problems associated with them. Topics include: Materials chemistry - design
of functional materials (e.g., battery components for electric vehicles and automated systems) and catalytic
materials for reactions (homogeneous and heterogeneous); Computational chemistry – drug design and
general reactions of ligands and metals (i.e., complementing density functional theory with machine
learning); Environmental chemistry – air pollution; water and soil pollution; forensics; agricultural data
(e.g., classification of wines; irrigation water management and pest management); citizen science (data
drawn from communities and online platforms e.g., about water quality from rivers, wells and dams); and
Analytical chemistry - design of experiments and quality control.
Course Code: COMS5025A
Course Description: Data-intensive Computing
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8

178
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course focuses on data-intensive computing. Topics include: managing big data, designing and
implementing data-intensive applications, performance analysis of computational science and engineering
applications, and large scale parallel and distributed systems used for storing and processing massive data.
Course Code: COMS5026A
Course Description: Applied Machine Learning
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 8
This course covers the fundamentals of machine learning. Topics include: Broad categories of machine
learning approaches (e.g., supervised and unsupervised); Algorithms and tools (i.e., implementations
of those algorithms) for machine learning; Machine Learning as a set of principled algorithms (e.g.,
optimisation algorithms); Challenges (e.g., overfitting) and techniques for approaching those challenges;
Performance metrics; Training and testing methodology; Algorithmic and data bias, integrity of data, and
professional responsibility for fielding learned models.
Course Code: COMS5027A
Course Description: Health Analytics for Data Science
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course provides aspiring Heath Data Scientists with an overview of Health Analytics in Health
Systems, the data life cycle of Health Analytics and an introduction to the types of data that can be
processed for Health. They should be able to identify Data Tools and Data Sources, apply data analyses
to different data types, apply exploratory data analyses to Electronic Healthcare data, construct an ETL
pipeline (data processing) and apply Biomedical Image Analyses and Clustering. The course is structured
using a project-based learning approach and students will complete multiple projects and a task and
submit that as a portfolio for assessment on the course.
Course Code: COMS7009A
Course Description: Research Report: Computer Science
NQF Credits: 90 NQF Level: 9
This course trains computer science masters candidates to perform original research, familiarises them
with a special problem in computer science and provides independent study on an advanced topic under
the direct supervision of a member of the computer science school. The topic is decided in consultation
with the supervisor. The candidate is required to produce a written report on the project, to include the
literature search on the topic, and to present this work at a departmental seminar.
Course Code: COMS7041A
Course Description: Applications of Algorithms
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course provides the candidate with various techniques for the design, analysis and application of
computer algorithms. The course introduces mathematical tools required for analysing the running time
complexity of algorithms, especially asymptotic methods. A number of algorithms are presented and
studied in detail from initial algorithm design to proof of correctness and analysis of complexity. The
course also studies various data structures and the implementation of algorithms.
Course Code: COMS7044A
Course Description: Artificial Intelligence
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course provides a broad introduction to artificial intelligence (AI). Topics include: Introduction
to Lisp; Fundamental Issues in AI; Intelligent Agents; Problem Solving by Searching; Informed Search
and Exploration; Constraint Satisfaction Problems; Adversarial Search; Reasoning and Knowledge
Representation; Reasoning with Uncertainty & Probabilistic Reasoning; and Machine Learning.

179
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: COMS7045A

Course Description: High Performance Computing and Scientific Data Management
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course introduces the candidate to on high−performance computing and its use in computational
science and engineering applications. The course consists of advanced architecture models, configurations,
different types of parallel programming models and applications. Advanced architectural models include
the design and analysis of parallel algorithms, and the development of parallel programs. Applications
comprise required parallel data management tools, data mining and the analysis of massively datasets.
Course Code: COMS7047A
Course Description: Adaptive Computation and Machine Learning
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course provides the candidate with an in−depth understanding of adaptive computing and machine
learning. The course consists of machine learning, pattern recognition and computational learning theory
in artificial intelligence. Machine learning explores the study and construction of algorithms that can
learn from and make predictions using data – such algorithms overcome the limitations of strictly static
program instructions by making data driven predictions or decisions, through building a model from
sample inputs.
Course Code: COMS7048A
Course Description: Multi−agent systems
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course provides candidates an in-depth understanding of distributed multi-agent systems. It covers
the following topics: Distributed constraint satisfaction, Distributed optimization, Non-cooperative
game theory: games in normal form, Computing solution concepts for normal-form games, Games with
sequential actions, Computing solution concepts for extensive-form games, Repeated, stochastic, and
Bayesian games, Learning in multi-agent systems, Communication in multi-agent systems, Protocols
for strategic agents: Mechanism design, Protocols for multi-agent resource allocation, Coalitional game
theory, Logics of knowledge and belief.
Course Code: COMS7049A
Course Description: Robotics
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course introduces candidates to the principles of Robotics. It focuses on the algorithms and
techniques used on a robot to perceive the state of its environment and determine actions that should be
taken. Topics that are covered include kinematics and inverse kinematics, dynamics, PID control, optimal
control, filtering and state estimation and simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM). The theory
is supplemented by practical exercises on simulated and physical robots using the Robotic Operating
System (ROS).
Course Code: COMS7050A
Course Description: Computer Vision
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course introduces the candidate to the interdisciplinary field that deals with how computers can be
made to gain high−level understanding from digital images or videos. The course is comprised of topics
such as image formation, feature detection, motion estimation, image mosaics, 3D shape reconstruction,
and object and face detection and recognition. The course looks at the applications of these techniques
include building 3D maps, creating virtual characters, organising photo and video databases, human
computer interaction, video surveillance, automatic vehicle navigation, and mobile computer vision.

180
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: COMS7054A

Course Description: Human Computer Interaction
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course provides an introduction to the fundamentals and key concepts used in Human−Computer
Interaction, focusing on designing interaction systems for effective communication between humans and
computers. Topics include: user−centered design and testing, new interactive technologies based on
visual and audio signals, collaboration and communication, statistical methods for evaluating models such
as usability studies, human factors and security, design−oriented interaction models, mixed, augmented
and virtual reality.
Course Code: COMS7055A
Course Description: Data Privacy and Ethics
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course introduces the students to the ethical and legal foundations of data science governance. The
topics covered are technical processes of data collection, storage, exchange and access; ethical aspects
of data management; legal and regulatory frameworks in South Africa and in relevant jurisdictions; data
policy; data privacy; data ownership; legal liabilities of analytical decisions, and discrimination; algorithms
and technical approaches to enhance data privacy; and relevant case studies.
Course Code: COMS7056A
Course Description: Data Visualisation and Exploration
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course introduces the field of data visualisation which seeks to determine and present underlying
correlated structures and relationships in data sets from a wide variety of application areas. The prime
objective of the presentation is to communicate the information in a dataset so as to enhance understanding.
The course is comprised of the following subjects: Data and image models; Visualisation attributes
(colour) and design (layout); Exploratory data analysis; Interactive data visualisation; Multidimensional
data; Graphical perception; Visualisation software (Python & R); and Types of visualisation (Animation,
Networks & Text).
Course Code: COMS7057A
Course Description: Large Scale Optimisation for Data Science
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
Advanced areas of data science require a deeper understanding of the large scale discrete optimisation
methods pertaining to the field. In order to bridge this mathematical gap and provide a foundation for
further learning this course will place more emphasis on topics such as convex optimisation, sub-gradient
methods, localisation methods, decomposition and distributed optimisation, proximal and operator
splitting methods, conjugate gradients, and nonconvex problems.
Course Code: COMS7058A
Course Description: Mathematical Foundations of Data Science
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
Advanced areas of data science require a deeper understanding of the fundamental mathematics pertaining
to the field. In order to bridge this mathematical gap and provide a foundation for further learning this
course will place more emphasis on topics such as high-dimensional space, best-fit subspaces and singular
value decomposition, random walks and Markov chains, statistical machine learning, clustering, random
graphs, topic models, non-negative matrix factorisation, hidden Markov models, graphical models,
wavelets, and sparse representations.

181
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: COMS7059A

Course Description: Large Scale Computing Systems and Scientific Programming
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
Conducting e-research/e-science requires a good understanding of the computing principles, methods
and tools that have been developed to support the analysis of large-scale and complex data. The course
focuses on the software stack but addresses hardware issues as necessary. The course covers a selection of
following topics: Introduction to programming environments for scientific computing (e.g. Pandas, Numpy,
matplotlib); Principles of distributed systems, and overview of parallel architectures and environments (e.g.
FPGA, GPU, multi-core, cluster, grid); Large scale data transfer and storage; Frameworks for large scale
data analysis (relational databases, map-reduce, streaming); Scientific workflow management: provenance
and replication; Introduction to cloud computing and virtualisation; and Project (e.g. Programming large-
data applications on open-source infrastructures for data processing and storage systems).
Course Code: COMS7060A
Course Description: Research Methods and Capstone Project in Data Science
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course gives the students the theoretical and practical skills to plan, conduct, analyse and present
a scientific assignment (Capstone Project) in the area of Data Science by introducing them to research
methodology, ethics and sustainability. The course is comprised of three parts: 1) scientific writing; 2)
research methodology; and 3) scientific assignment. These three parts are integrated in a capstone project.
Course Code: COMS7061A
Course Description: Research Report: Data Science
NQF Credits: 90 NQF Level: 9
The ability to do research is an essential skill for an individual pursuing a career in Data Science, and forms
the basis for further post-graduate study. This module provides practical training for the development of
research skills and bridges the gap between theory and practice, and established work and novel research.
By working within established research structures in the Institution under the guidance of an expert,
students will receive exposure to the methods, philosophy and ethos of research in the field of Data
Science.
Course Code: COMS7062A
Course Description: Special Topics in Data Science
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This module deals with specialised and applied concepts and trends in the domain specific areas of data
sciences such as finance, health sciences, bioinformatics, natural sciences, social sciences, smart cities,
education, and energy.
Course Code: COMS7063A
Course Description: Statistical Foundations of Data Science
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course provides an understanding of multivariate statistical methods. Hypothesis testing and
confidence intervals. The ability to model data using well known statistical distributions as well as
handle data that is both continuous and categorical. The ability to perform statistical modeling including
multivariate regression and adjust for multiple hypothesis. Forecasting, extrapolation, prediction and
modeling using statistical methods. Bayesian statistics. An understanding of bootstrapping and Monte
Carlo simulation.

182
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: COMS7065A

Course Description: Computational Intelligence
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course provides candidates with the knowledge and skills required to design and implement
effective and efficient computational intelligence solutions to difficult problems in the context of Artificial
Intelligence. It places emphasis on the basic concepts of fuzzy, evolutionary and neural computation,
which candidates apply to solve real case studies.
Course Code: COMS7069A
Course Description: Advanced Topics in Robotics
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course deals with specialised and advanced concepts and trends in robotics, including the integration
of vision, planning, learning and language.
Course Code: COMS7070A
Course Description: Robotics Research Report
NQF Credits: 90 NQF Level: 9
This course provides practical training for the development of research skills and bridges the gap between
theory and practice, and established work and novel research. By working with the established research
structures in the School, candidates are exposed to the methods, philosophy and ethos of research.
Course Code: COMS7068A
Course Description: Artificial Intelligence Research Report
NQF Credits: 90 NQF Level: 9
This course provides practical training for the development of research skills and bridges the gap between
theory and practice, and established work and novel research. By working with the established research
structures in the School, candidates are exposed to the methods, philosophy and ethos of research.
Course Code: COMS7067A
Course Description: Research Methods and Capstone Project in Artificial Intelligence
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course provides candidates with the knowledge and skills required to design and implement
effective and efficient computational intelligence solutions to difficult problems in the context of Artificial
Intelligence. It places emphasis on the basic concepts of fuzzy, evolutionary and neural computation,
which candidates apply to solve real case studies.
Course Code: COMS7066A
Course Description: Natural Language Technology
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course deals with programming computers to process large Natural Language data to enable
interactions between computers and humans. It introduces the most relevant problems involved in
Natural Languages Programming (NLP), the most relevant techniques and resources used and the theories
they are based on. Topics include: Introduction to NLP; Resources used for processing Natural Language;
Language models; Morphology; Syntax; Semantics; Coreference; Natural Language generation and an
overview of Natural Language applications.
Course Code: COMS7238A
Course Description: Advanced Digital Image Processing
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9

183
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course provides an introduction to image representation by computers and the computational
implementation of various image processing algorithms. Furthermore candidates are familiarised
with current research methods, methodologies and tools for comparing these via an exhaustive
survey of the field. The understanding of the candidates regarding the topic is be deepened via
a more rigorous critical analysis of the methods and follow on implementations of the methods.
Course Code: COMS7071A
Course Description: Reinforcement Learning
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course covers decision making under uncertainty, and specifically the field of reinforcement learning
to handle temporal decision making, including aspects of model-based, value function, and policy
methods, deep reinforcement learning, and hierarchical reinforcement learning.
Course Code: COMS7072A
Course Description: Research Methods and Capstone Project in Computer Science
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course provides candidates with the theoretical and practical skills to plan, conduct, analyse and
present a scientific assignment (Capstone Project) in Computer Science by introducing them to research
methodology, ethics and sustainability. The course comprises three parts, 1) scientific writing; 2) research
methodology; and 3) scientific assignment, which are integrated into a capstone project.
Course Code: COMS7073A
Course Description: Research Methods and Capstone Project in Robotics
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course provides candidates with the theoretical and practical skills to plan, conduct, analyse
and present a scientific assignment (Capstone Project) in Robotics by introducing them to research
methodology, ethics and sustainability. The course comprises three parts, 1) scientific writing; 2) research
methodology; and 3) scientific assignment, which are integrated into a capstone project.
School of Economic and Business Sciences (Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management)
Course Code: FINE2000A (FT)/FINE2001A (PT)
Course Description: Corporate Finance II
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 6
This course introduces the student to the principles of corporate finance. The course comprises two pillars
relating to the investment and financing decision. The investment decision involves spending money, and
the financing decision involves raising the capital. The course covers the following topics: Time value
of money; risk, return and the cost of capital; agency problems; management compensation and the
measurement of performance; efficient markets; how corporations issue securities; pay out policy; debt
policy; financing and valuation; managing international risks and mergers and acquisitions.
Course Code: BUSE2006A (FT)/BUSE2007A (PT)
Course Description: Insurance and Risk Management IIA
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 6
This course introduces students to the key concepts and principles of risk management and insurance. It
focuses on the concept of risk, main principles of risk management and the application of insurance as a
risk management mechanism. Topics covered include: sources of risk, types of risk and their management;
utility theory and risk, enterprise risk management; the role of insurance, insurance markets, principles
of insurance, analysis of the insurance contract, determination of insurance premiums, liability risks and
analysis of selected types of insurance products and other related issues.

184
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: BUSE2008A(FT)/BUSE2009A (PT)

Course Description: Insurance and Risk Management IIB
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 6
The course focuses on the conceptual and theoretical foundation developed in BUSE2006/7 and exposes
students to South African statutory insurance funds, international insurance markets, risk financing
approaches and life insurance and other short term insurance products. Key areas covered in the course
include: Risk financing; Captive Insurance; Introduction to Reinsurance; South African Statutory risk funds
with specific reference to workers’ compensation and the Road Accidents Fund; The role of Insurance
Intermediaries; insurance of political risks including terrorism and the role of SASRIA in the South African
insurance market; specialized global insurance markets with specific reference to Lloyds of London;
Protection & Indemnity Clubs; and Life insurance business.
Course Code: FINE2010A (FT)/FINE2011A(PT)
Course Description: Investment II
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 6
This course introduces the student to the essentials of investment and measurement of investment
performance. The course covers the following topics: portfolio theory; portfolio management;
diversification and active and passive portfolio management; calculating investment returns and the
relationship between risk and return; return for risky and risk free assets; debt and equity markets; pricing
and valuation; behavioural finance and efficient market hypothesis; capital asset pricing model; arbitrage
pricing theory; duration; macroeconomic, industry and technical analysis and derivative security analysis.
This course introduces students to the economic theory of insurance, retirement funding and taxation
as well as health insurance and funding. The course comprises three components which are examined
separately. The first component focuses on the economic theory of insurance. Key topics covered in
this component include: adverse selection, risk aversion and market behaviour in the face of imperfect
information among others. The second component covers retirement funding with specific reference
to the economic role of retirement funding; types of retirement funds; risks associated with retirement
funding; administration of retirement funds; regulation and taxation issues. The third component focuses
on health economic issues of healthcare funding and health insurance. It introduces students to economic
issues of healthcare, healthcare funding models and their performance under different macroeconomic
conditions and medical aid schemes and their regulation.
Course Code: FINE3014A(FT)/FINE3015A(PT)
Course Description: Investment and Corporate Finance III
NQF Credits: 72 NQF Level: 7
This course focuses on the two central pillars of business finance, namely investment and corporate
finance. The course is designed to equip the student with theoretical knowledge and practical skills
required for financial and investment analysis. The two pillars of investment and corporate finance consist
of seven topics relating to core areas such as security valuation, portfolio management, capital budgeting
and capital structure. The student is exposed to methodologies such as discounted dividend and cash
flow models, the weighted average cost of capital method, industry and company analysis and derivative
valuation models.
Course Code: ECON1012A(FT)/ECON1013A(PT)
Course Description: Economics IA – Microeconomics
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 5
This course introduces students to the core microeconomic theory. The course investigates the optimising
behaviour of both consumers and firms and the coordination of their decisions through markets. It takes a
technical (mathematics based) approach to exploring the theory and applies this knowledge to explaining
real world social issues in South Africa and abroad.

185
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

The primary focus of the course is to develop an understanding of the theory and underlying logic of the
economic models that form the core of the discipline. The topics covered include: economic efficiency;
demand and supply; utility theory; firm cost, production, and output decisions; pricing and allocation of
factors of production; market structures; international trade; and applied market analysis.
Course Code: ECON1014A(FT)/ECON1015A(PT)
Course Description: Economics IB – Macroeconomics
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 5
This course introduces students to core macroeconomic theory. The course investigates the phenomenon
of economic growth and its fluctuation, and considers the roles of both fiscal and monetary policy in this
process. It takes a technical approach to exploring the theory and applies this knowledge to explaining
real world social issues in South Africa and abroad. The primary focus of the course is to develop an
understanding of the theory and underlying logic of the economic models that form the core of the
discipline. The topics covered include: measuring output, unemployment, and inflation; the business
cycle; the aggregate expenditure, aggregate demand and aggregate supply; and ISLM models; fiscal and
money policies, banks and interest rates determination; the balance of payments; and applied economic
growth analysis.
Course Code: ECON1016A(FT)/ECON1017A(PT)
Course Description: Economic Theory IA – Microeconomics for Economists
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 5
This course establishes the core microeconomic theory for students intending to major in economics.
The course investigates the optimising behaviour of consumers and firms and the coordination of their
decisions through markets. It takes a rigorously technical approach to exploring the theory while guest
speakers from within the economics profession share their insights with students. The primary focus of the
course is to critically engage with the technical and mathematical aspects, as well as the underlying logic,
of the theory and models that form the core of the discipline. The topics covered include: demand and
supply; utility theory; firm production and output decisions; pricing and allocation of factors of production;
market structures; international trade; and applied market analysis. This course covers the same material
as the ECON1012 Economics IA - Microeconomics course but is more mathematically intense.
Course Code: ECON1018A(FT)/ECON1019A(PT)
Course Description: Economic Theory IB – Macroeconomics for Economists
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 5
This course establishes the core macroeconomic theory for students intending to major in economics.
The course investigates the phenomenon of economic growth and its fluctuation, and considers the roles
of both fiscal and monetary policy in this process. It takes a technical approach to exploring this theory.
The primary focus of the course is to critically engage with the technical and the underlying logic of the
theory and models that form the core of the discipline. The topics covered include: measuring output,
unemployment, and inflation; business cycle; aggregate expenditure & demand, aggregate supply, ISLM
models; fiscal & monetary policies; interest rates determination; the BOPs; and economic growth analysis.
This course covers the same material as the ECON1014 Economics IB - Macroeconomics course but is
more mathematically intense.
Course Code: ECON2000A(FT)/ECON2007A(PT)
Course Description: Economics IIA
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 6
This course comprises of two modules: Intermediate Microeconomics and Intermediate Macroeconomics.
Microeconomics introduces students to the theory of consumer behaviour and its empirical applications.
The module explores key concepts such as constrained and unconstrained preferences, demand,
equilibrium, revealed preference and the slutsky equation. Macroeconomics consists of an in-depth
critical analysis of major conventional macroeconomic theories and their policy implications. Especially,
as they relate to current economic conditions in South Africa and the rest of the world over the short- and
medium-run.

186
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: ECON2001A(FT)/ECON2008A(PT)

Course Description: Economics IIB
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 6
This course comprises of two modules: International Economics and Mathematics and Statistics for
Economists. International Economics exposes students to a critical analysis of classical and neoclassical
theories that determine observable trade patterns. The module also provides a background of the basic
principles of international monetary economics. This lays the groundwork for understanding why
individuals and institutions trade in financial assets and how international financial transactions affect
and in turn are influenced by the real and financial sectors of an economy. For Mathematics and Statistics
for Economists, it equips students with elementary mathematical and statistical tools to apply in real
economic analysis.
Course Code: ECON3007A (FT) / ECON3014A (PT)
Course Description: Economic Science III
NQF Credits: 72 NQF Level: 7
This course is designed to equip the student with a detailed analysis and application of conventional and
modern competing theories on how the economy functions at the micro and macro levels, and reinforces
the theoretical and quantitative tools acquired in second-year economics, with a strong emphasis on
developing analytical skills, i.e. measure, explain and predict economic and non-economic phenomena.
Furthermore, in the topic of International economics, students will explore the effects of international
trade and macroeconomic policy. The course is made up of five core semester topics:
1. Macroeconomics: New classical economics. The Keynesian critique of new classical economics.
New Keynesian models. Fiscal and monetary policy. The Mundell-Fleming model.
2. Microeconomics: Revealed preference. Uncertainty and risk. Consumers’ surplus. Different forms
of imperfect competition and their significance. Game theory. The Edgeworth Box. Walras’s law.
Externalities and the Coase theorem.
3. Mathematical Economics: Systems of equations and matrix algebra. Introduction to differential
calculus. Univariate and Multivariate calculus. Optimisation of single variable and multivariable
functions. Constrained optimisation. Dynamic analysis. Difference equations.
4. Econometrics: Single equation regression models. OLS estimation. Hypothesis tests. Multiple
regression analysis. Estimation. Restricted least squares. Multicollinearity and heteroscedasticity.
Weighted least squares. Autocorrelation. Generalised least squares. Model specification tests.
5. International Economics: International macroeconomic policy.
Course Code: ECON3009A(FT)/ECON3010A(PT)
Course Description: Economic Theory III
NQF Credits: 72 NQF Level: 7
This course is designed to equip the student with a detailed analysis and application of conventional and
modern competing theories on how the economy functions at the micro and macro levels, and reinforces
the theoretical and quantitative tools acquired in second-year economics, with a strong emphasis on
developing analytical skills, i.e. measure, explain and predict economic and non-economic phenomena.
The course is made up of five semester topics (four compulsory and one elective): macroeconomics,
microeconomics, mathematical economics and econometrics. Macroeconomics looks at new classical
economics; the Keynesian critique of new classical economics; the new Keynesian models; fiscal and
monetary policies; and the Mundell-Fleming model. Microeconomics looks at revealed preference;
uncertainty and risk; consumers’ surplus; different forms of imperfect competition and their significance;
game theory; the Edgeworth Box; Walras’s law; and externalities and the Coase theorem. Mathematical
economics looks at systems of equations and matrix algebra; differential calculus’ univariate and
multivariate calculus; optimisation of single variable and multivariable functions; constrained optimisation;

187
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

dynamic analysis; and difference equations. Econometrics looks at single equation regression models; OLS
estimation; Hypothesis tests; multiple regression analysis and estimation; restricted least squares; multi-
collinearity and heteroscedasticity; weighted least squares; autocorrelation; generalised least squares; and
model specification tests. In addition to the above topics, the student is required to choose a fifth topic
from the available electives in third year economics, i.e., but not limited to international economics and
public economics.
Course Code: INFO1000A
Course Description: Information Systems IA
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 5
This course introduces students to the fundamentals underpinning the field of Information Systems.
Students are shown how pervasive technologies impact individuals, organisations and societies through
exposure to a set of interrelated themes. Students demonstrate their knowledge through continuous
assessment exercises. In addition to gaining a sound theoretical base, students also undertake business-
focused assignments including use of spreadsheet and database applications.
Course Code: INFO1003A
Course Description: Information Systems IB
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 5
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of programming. Students are taught how to plan,
write and test programs using various methodologies and how to apply these concepts in a visual
programming language environment. Students are also introduced to the process of designing and
implementing solutions to “real world” problems.
Course Code: INFO1004A(FT)/INFO1005A(PT)
Course Description: Fundamentals of Information Systems
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 5
This course introduces students to the fundamentals underpinning the field of Information Systems.
Students are shown how pervasive technologies impact individuals, organisations and societies through
exposure to a set of interrelated themes. Students demonstrate their knowledge through continuous
assessment exercises. In addition to gaining a sound theoretical base, students also undertake business-
focused assignments including use of spreadsheet and database applications.
Course Code: INFO2000A
Course Description: Information Systems IIA
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 6
This course introduces students to the core methodologies, models and tools of systems analysis and
design. The course is underpinned by an integrated team-based project, which focuses on the planning
and analysis phases of the systems development lifecycle and on developing “softer” professional skills
such as business and technical writing and persuasive presentations. Students also continue to develop
their skills in designing and implementing solutions to “real world” problems.
Course Code: INFO2001A
Course Description: Information Systems IIB
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 6
This course continues students’ engagement with the core methodologies, models and tools of systems
analysis and design, with strong emphasis on solution, database, report and user interface design. The
course is again underpinned by an integrated team-based project, which focuses on the design and
implementation phases of the systems development lifecycle and on developing “softer” professional
skills such as business and technical writing and persuasive presentations. Students also continue to
develop their skills in designing and implementing solutions to “real world” problems.

188
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: INFO3002A

Course Description: Management and Applicantion of Information Systems
NQF Credits: 72 NQF Level: 7
This course prepares final year students for roles in the information systems industry, contributing to
information systems projects and working effectively in information intensive organisations. Through
exposure to a set of interrelated themes, students are provided conceptual understanding and practical
experience in a number of core topics relating to the use, development, management and impact of
Information Systems. .
Course Code: INFO3003A
Course Description: Information Systems Development Project
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 7
This course expects final year students to undertake a year-long, team-based development project
for a “real world” client. The project comprises the full systems development lifecycle from planning
and analysis through to design and implementation. The course is strongly dependent on the project
experience gained during second year and expects students to further demonstrate industry readiness in
both “hard” and “soft” skills.
School of Electrical and Information Engineering (Faculty of Engineering and the Built
Environment)
Course Code: ELEN2000A
Course Description: Electrical Engineering
NQF Credits:18 NQF Level: 6
This course provides a broad yet fundamental understanding of electrical engineering concepts. Students
learn how to analyse simple ac; dc and transient circuits as well as basic concepts of electronics. The
students are also introduced to concepts of power engineering ranging from the single-phase transformer,
to the three-phase circuits and the dc and three-phase induction machine.
The course entails three key areas:
Circuit analysis methods and tools; basic electronics; and concepts of power engineering.
Course Code: FEBE1000A/FEBE1001A (PT)
Course Description: Introduction to the Engineering Profession
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 5
This course introduces students to the various engineering disciplines; the social and environmental
context of engineering; engineering communication and vocabulary; non-technical problem solving and
critical thinking. Students are exposed to artefacts and concepts from the various engineering disciplines
in laboratory sessions.
Course Code: FEBE1002A/FEBE1003A (PT)
Course Description: Engineering Analysis and Design IA
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 5
This course covers graphic representation including freehand drawing, descriptive geometry and
computer aided design (CAD); creation and interpretation of engineering technical drawings; introduction
to materials, manufacturing methods and engineering standards. The student is introduced to systems
thinking; engineering artefacts in their context; and the use of the engineering method in solving problems.
Course Code: FEBE1004A/FEBE1005A (PT)
Course Description: Engineering Analysis and Design IB
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 5

189
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course introduces students to the production of simple engineering designs to appropriate engineering
practice standards. The course covers the application of basic engineering science in the design of artefacts
and working principles of common engineering products. Students are required to master technical report
writing.
School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies Archaeology Courses
Course Code: ARCL1011A
Course Description: Archaeology I
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 5
This course introduces the basics of the practice of archaeology. The themes addressed include analysis
and interpretation of archaeological evidence and relationships between archaeology and the wider
public. The course comprises four modules: A Guide to Human Evolution; World Hunter-Gatherers; The
Neolithic Revolution and Origins of Civilisation.
Course Code: ARCL1008A
Course Description: World Hunter−Gatherers I
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 5
This course introduces global debates in the study of hunter−gatherers, whose activities represent a
significant part of the archaeological record. The course explores the origins of hunting and gathering,
social organisation of forager communities, hunter−gatherer economics, religion and ritual, hunter−
gatherer art, complex hunter−gatherers, and the use of ethnographic analogy to understand part hunter−
gatherer communities. The course is run as a series of lectures and tutorials and considers global and
southern African case studies.
Course Code: ARCL1007A
Course Description: Guide to Human Evolution I
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 5
This course explores the development of human cultural behaviour within the framework of the major
stages of human evolution. The first part of the course considers non−human primates and the analogies
they provide for the origins of cultural behaviour in our earliest ancestors. It then considers cultural
adaptations, from the time of the development of lithic technology from 3.3 million years ago until
the evolution of modern humans 200 000 years ago. The most important and lasting adaptations are
discussed, and a major theme is how modern humans mingled with other groups outside of Africa to give
rise to the humans of today.
Course Code: ARCL1009A
Course Description: Origins of Civilisation I
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 5
This course explores the urban way of life today as a consequence of a chain of events that was set into
motion with the domestication of some plants and animals more than 10 000 years ago. The first half of
the course explores these domestication events, how they formed preconditions to the rise of civilisation,
and how and when they spread through Africa. The second half of the course considers the rise of
complex societies. We look at how to define complex society and how to recognise it archaeologically.
We examine the key traits of some famous ancient complex societies (e.g. Babylon, ancient Egypt, the
Maya, and Great Zimbabwe) and consider the future of our ‘civilisation’.
Course Code: ARCL1010A
Course Description: The Neolithic Revolution I
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 5

190
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course covers the Neolithic period. It explores how societies shifted from economies dominated by
foraging and hunting to those focused on agriculture and pastoralism. It examines how these economies
radically changed or altered human societies, altered biodiversity and contributed to the modification of
social landscapes, and how the Neolithic period led to the installation of more permanent settlements ie
how agricultural economies evolved over time and have become key principles of food securities today.
Course Code: ARCL2002A
Course Description: Archaeology II
NQF Credits: 48 NQF Level: 6
This course comprises three compulsory modules and one module which may be selected from three
electives and a weeklong field school. The three compulsory modules cover the Earlier and Middle Stone
Age, Archaeology of the Last 2000 Years and Space and Time in Archaeology. One module for the third
block may be selected from World Rock Art, and Osteoarchaeology. The field school is on southern
African Rock Art. Details of each course are listed under their respective course codes.
Course Code: ARCL2009A
Course Description: World Rock Art II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course examines rock art − cave paintings and open air engravings − from around the world. It
considers the times and spaces in which they were executed and the possible reasons as to why images
were made at all. The ways in which scholars of different regions have tackled these questions engender
lively debate regarding intercontinental similarities and differences. The course takes the form of lectures
This course examines rock art − cave paintings and open air engravings − from around the world. It
considers the times and spaces in which they were executed and the possible reasons as to why images
were made at all. The ways in which scholars of different regions have tackled these questions engender
lively debate regarding intercontinental similarities and differences. The course takes the form of lectures
and long−duration tutorials. Rock art is a highly contested field worldwide and with a large amount
of visual content, it is essential for students to familiarise themselves with the literature and debate
surrounding its interpretation. Assessment is based in part on debate and discussion in the tutorial setting.
Course Code: ARCL2004A
Course Description: Earlier and Middle Stone Age II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course covers the cultural and paleoanthropological evolution of African hominins from 3.3
million until 40,000 years ago. The major cultural milestones include the invention of different types
of tools, fire, language and music. How and whether these developments can be related to observable
paleoanthropological changes is discussed. The interaction of evolutionary processes with climate and
environmental change is also a major theme explored in this course.
Course Code: ARCL2005A
Course Description: Archaeology of the Last 2000 Years II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course examines the archaeology of hunter−gatherer and farming communities who lived in southern
Africa during the last two thousand years.
The course comprises:
The archaeology of the Later Stone Age hunter−gatherers in southern Africa during the Wilton period;
The archaeology of pastoralists during the Later Stone Age; The occupation of southern Africa by farming
communities;The archaeology of the colonial period in southern Africa; and The major debates that have
a bearing on the interpretation of hunter−gatherer material culture, the origins of livestock herding and
crop farming, and the consequences of interaction between these communities during the last 2000 years.

191
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: ARCL2006A

Course Description: Osteoarchaeology II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
Osteoarchaeology is the analysis of human and animal bones and teeth from archaeological sites, and
it is crucial that professional archaeologists are able to identify bone and distinguish human from other
animal remains.
This course aims to:
1. Show how to identify human and animal bones and teeth recovered from archaeological sites and to
differentiate animal from human skeletal material;
2. Describe how taphonomic processes play a role in determining what skeletal elements are preserved
and how bones are altered before and after death or deposition;
3. Outline what is meant by subsistence behaviour or the types of strategies people used to obtain meat
in the past; and
4. Describe how the human body and populations have been affected by behaviour, disease and health
through time.
Course Code: ARCL2007A
Course Description: Space and Time in Archaeology II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
Spatial and temporal resolutions are fundamental aspects of the archaeological record that affect the
ways in which archaeologists excavate and analyse any archaeological data. This course aims to provide
students with the skills needed to recognise different archaeological contexts, and plan multidisciplinary
research protocols to take advantage of a broad range of evidence.
The course aims to:
Describe how the archaeological record is modified in space through time in different archaeological
contexts; Introduce basic archaeological excavation methods and their applicability in different
archaeological contexts; Discuss different types of archaeological evidence and how they are modified
in space and through time by different biological, geological and anthropological processes; and Outline
the basic professional archaeological excavation planning and application processes, in preparation for
third year field schools.
Course Code: ARCL3002A
Course Description: Archaeology III
NQF Credits: 72 NQF Level: 7
This course comprises four modules. Two modules, archaeological data analysis and report writing and
and the history of archaeological thought are compulsory. The other modules can be chosen from the
archaeology of death and from southern African rock art, archaeobotany: people and plants in the past,
and Experimental Archaeology. There is a compulsory, week-long field trip.The details of each course can
be found under their respective course codes.
Course Code: ARCL3006A
Course Description: Southern African Rock Art III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course discusses rock art traditions and meanings, in particular San rock art, but also those made
by other groups including Khoe−speaking herders, Bantu−speaking farmers and groups from mixed
backgrounds. Studying the rock art of these groups helps us understand their beliefs and the nature of
interaction between cultures, from an anthropological approach. This course takes the form of lectures
and long−duration tutorials which focus on the analysis of visual content, and the literature and debate
surrounding the contested nature of rock art interpretation.

192
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: ARCL3008A

Course Description: Archaeology of Death III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course focuses on the corpse, the grave or the memorial to obtain insight to the socio−psychological
fabric of society, and corpses, death and dying which are culturally constructed entities that form part of
a network of knowledge and memory.
This course comprises:
Different theoretical and practical approaches to mortuary studies; Evidence for the earliest forms of
ritual body disposal and current thinking about the evolution of beliefs about death; The growth of the
world’s religions, and systems of governance and death; The symbolic role of mortuary architecture, and
monuments and how they function(ed) in the socio−economic landscape of the past and present; and
The cross−cultural treatment of the body, and what this tells us about attitudes towards and beliefs about
bodies in this and the afterlife.
Course Code: ARCL3004A
Course Description: History of Archaeological Thought III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course is designed to equip students with a framework for understanding the issues that affect the
ways in which we understand the past. The course covers antecedents to archaeology in Egypt and the
classical world, and then on to the Mediaeval and Renaissance Periods; this sets the foundation for
understanding modern forms of archaeological thinking from the 19th Century to present. The course is
run as lectures and long−duration tutorials, which are based on substantial readings.
Course Code: ARCL3010A
Course Description: Experimental Archaeology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course examines the theoretic and practical aspects of Experimental Archaeology. It assesses the
scope, potential and pitfalls of Experimental Archaeology in terms of the interpretation of taphonomic
processes and interpretations of human behaviour in the past. Students conceptualise, design, execute and
report on experiments with relevance to issues such as technology, subsistence or thought-processes in
the past, as well as the vital topic of taphonomy, the processes which affect the deposition, preservation,
recovery, identification, analysis and interpretation of archaeological materials.
Course Code: ARCL3011A
Course Description: Heritage Matters III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces the historic events that led to the creation of the World heritage System, which
governs how sites become World Heritage Sites, and to the current South African heritage legislation,
which governs how archaeological heritage is protected nationally. Students are then introduced to
Cultural Resource Management and learn how to produce Phase 1 site reports as well as the basic skills
and knowledge to become professional archaeologists. The course covers the international and national
legislation and guidelines that govern how archaeology is practiced and cultural resource management
(CRM); how to write reports and how to use GIS to map and present archaeological data to the industry
standard.
Course Code: ARCL4016A
Course Description: Archaeology in the Field/Laboratory
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course is based on at least 30 days of practical field excavation, basic field techniques of recording,
curation or analysis, and associated laboratory work including faunal analysis and rock art recording. This
course is a requirement for those wishing to work as a professional archaeologist.

193
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: ARCL4019A

Course Description:
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course examines the origins of food production during the Neolithic era, with a particular focus
on Africa. The production of a food surplus through farming and herding allowed the rise of a non-food
producing class of specialists, and this so-called ‘Neolithic Revolution’ ultimately made complex societies
and civilizations possible. This course also explores the domestication of key species, responses to the
introduction of new domesticates, and the development of intensive agriculture.
Course Code: ARCL4018A
Course Description: Archaeometry
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course presents the theory and practice of radiocarbon dating, including sampling requirements,
sample preparation and analysis, and interpretation of radiocarbon dates. This course also discusses the
importance of calibration and the limitations presented by multiple intercepts; radiocarbon fluctuations
through time; and global carbon dynamics in the context of Earth System Science. The course comprises
a theoretical component (lectures), a technical visit to the Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) facility at
iThemba laboratories, and the possibility the preparation and analysis of candidates’ own samples.
Course Code: ARCL4020A
Course Description: Geoarchaeology
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course focuses on understanding the dynamic nature of the archaeological record across different
contexts, and the development of description, recording, and analytical skills within the framework of these
contexts. Different contexts (e.g. floodplain gravels, rock shelter, deep cave, settlements) are introduced,
with relevant geomorphological theoretical frameworks and case studies, which form the conceptual basis
for the discussion of different geoarchaeological approaches. The value of each approach/technique is
then discussed and assessed with reference to the specific context, research question and archaeological
assemblage. In this course, candidates learn how to record, describe and analyse deposits, sediments
and landscapes in the field and laboratory using a range of traditional and contemporary techniques and
technologies.
Course Code: ARCL4021A
Course Description: Historical Archaeology
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course interrogates different social, political and economic approaches to historical archaeology and
considers how these impact on the ways in which material culture is interpreted. The course looks at the
impact of capitalism and colonialism on local markets, hierarchies and state development, and considers
the political nature of knowledge production, and how memory, oral or written history operates within
contemporary systems of knowledge and power. In this course, candidates learn how to record and
describe objects and buildings and how to analyse and excavate historical sites.
Course Code: ARCL4023A
Course Description: Rock Art Management IV
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course discusses the intellectual and practical challenges in the management of rock art, including its
audience, the role of conservation, rights of access, traditional cultural practices, site display, and technical
aspects of recording, conservation and control of human agency, development and implementation of
management plans.

194
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: ARCL4024A

Course Description: Rock Art of Africa IV
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course explores conceptual and methodological approaches to understanding rock art. A wide
variety of rock art traditions occur across Africa. These traditions originated in various contexts, and are
studied using a range of techniques. This course draws on examples from across Africa to investigate
topics of international relevance in the study of rock art.
Course Code: ARCL4025A
Course Description: Research Project: Archaeology
NQF Credits: 40 NQF Level: 8
In this compulsory course for Archaeology Honours, candidates must produce a research report on an
approved topic in Archaeology.
Course Code: ARCL4026A
Course Description: Stone Age Archaeology
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course focuses on key developments in stone tool technology and behaviour from the Earlier to
the Middle and the Later Stone Age in southern Africa, and with an emphasis on understanding issues
and debates in technological behaviour. Practical classes in this course are designed to give candidates
experience with original research collections.
Course Code: ARCL4027A
Course Description: Theory of Archaeology
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course provides candidates with an in−depth understanding of contemporary theoretical issues in
Archaeology.
This course considers:
Post−processual archaeology; Agency and practice theories; Embodiment and landscape; Gender and
feminism; Post colonialism; and Materiality.
Reading and writing requirements for this course are substantial and candidates are expected to deal with
the original theoretical texts as well as their archaeological applications.
Course Code: ARCL4028A
Course Description: Classification in Archaeology
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course discusses what classification is and how it can determine the outcome of archaeological
enquiries. The course covers the typological debate, and candidates examine a variety of classificatory
systems currently used in southern African archaeology (lithics, ceramics, rock art, etc) in the light of this
debate. The art (or science) of classification is fundamental to all scientific enquiry, and archaeology is
no exception.
Course Code: ARCL7025A
Course Description: Research Report: Archaeological Heritage Management
NQF Credits: 90 NQF Level: 9
Research Report in an approved topic in Archaeological Heritage Management.

195
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: ARCL7026A

Course Description: Archaeotourism
NQF Credits: 30 NQF Level: 9
This course is designed to equip candidates with a thorough understanding of responsible archaeotourism.
This course provides information on international and local archaeological heritage that can be utilised
as tourism resources, on ‘packaging’ archaeological resources to tourist audiences and on conservation
management strategies and policies.
Course Code: ARCL7027A
Course Description: Geographical Information Systems for Heritage Resource Management
NQF Credits: 30 NQF Level: 9
This course provides candidates with an advanced understanding of GIS through hands−on experience.
The aim of the course is to develop the ability of the candidates to pre−process, analyse and critically
assess a variety of datasets and apply the findings to a range of topics addressed by GIS professionals and
cultural heritage resources managers.
The course includes sourcing of primary quantitative and qualitative data and their processing to create
fundamental datasets for spatial analysis and problem solving, including analysis of site distributions,
surface terrain characteristics and derived properties, and integrate GIS with remote sensing within
standard and web−based GIS platforms.
Course Code: ARCL7028A
Course Description: Cultural Resource Management Archaeology in the Field and Laboratory
NQF Credits: 30 NQF Level: 9
This course is designed to equip candidates with skills required in Archaeological Impact Assessments
(AIA) contexts. These include the ability to engage with ancient and modern landscapes and to accurately
identify those processes that affect the formation, integrity and preservation of archaeological assemblages,
as well as the identification of key archaeological remains. Landscape scale research focuses on training in
geoarchaeological techniques that helps refine context documentation and assessment, for contractors and
other CRM or academic archaeologists. The recovered remains component introduces the skills required
to identify anthropogenic lithic, botanical and osteological remains recovered from archaeological sites.
Course Code: ARCL7029A
Course Description: Public and Heritage Archaeology
NQF Credits: 30 NQF Level: 9
The course aims to prepare archaeologists, both academic and those involved with the management or
exhibition of heritage, to deal with the issues in the field. Public and heritage archaeology is a field that
is fraught with complex issues in South Africa. The course focuses primarily on the presentation and
re−presentation of the past in public spaces and offers practical training on how to go about constructing
visitor experiences to heritage sites.
Course Code: ARCL7030A
Course Description: Rock Art Management
NQF Credits: 30 NQF Level: 9
This course examines current theories and practice in Rock Art Management globally, including specific
examples in southern Africa. Drawing on case studies from around the world it analysis the scope, legislation
and pitfalls of heritage management. Candidates conceptualise and debate the theory and methodology of
value-based management currently espoused by UNESCO; demonstrating an understanding of the tools
and the techniques for developing and implementing a rock art management plan and the need for such
a plan as a fluid holistic management tool.

196
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Environmental Studies
Course Code: GAES2000A
Course Description: People and the Environment in Africa II
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 6
This course describes the deep time history of people in Africa and their interactions with, uses of, and
impact on their environments. Social and cultural responses to climate change and resource availability
are explored specifically.
This encourages sensitivity and understanding for the long term context of environmental change, a
perspective vital in developing a sense of responsible interaction with the environment. Themes examined
in the course include human evolution, exploration, colonization and settlement history in Africa, up
to the present. This course draws from interdisciplinary ideas in Archaeology, Geography, Geology,
Anthropology, History, Cultural Studies and Politics.
Course Code: GAES2001A
Course Description: Nature, Climate and Society II
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 6
This course describes how people make use of environmental resources, the values attributed to the
physical environment and its varied resources by society and in different contexts, environmental
management and environmental governance properties, and societal responses to climate change, using
contemporary examples focusing on South Africa.
Course Code: GAES3000A
Course Description: Theory and Practice in Sustainability Science and Sustainable Development III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course considers the theoretical background and practical skills in issues of Sustainability Science
and Sustainable Development. by integrating theoretical knowledge and application of real-world
sustainability issues. The course covers a range of contemporary society and industry-relevant ecological
and environmental issues associated with sustainable development, such as the workings and dynamics
of biogeochemical (or the natural environment) systems and the role of human activities as a land
surface agent. The course includes considerations and applications of key elements and aspects such as
environmental impact assessments, environmental monitoring and management tools, technology and the
environment, habitat conservation and protected area design, community participation and engagement,
as well as knowledge development and transfer within and across communities. These elements are
explored and discussed within the broader ‘weak’ and ‘strong’ sustainability frameworks.
Course Code: GAES3001A
Course Description: Political Ecology and Environmental Justice III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces students to current debates in the fields of political ecology and environmental
justice. It begins with an exploration of the differences between political and apolitical ecology and how
these relate to questions of environmental justice. It then considers how different approaches within
political ecology and environmental justice critically investigate environmental issues. The course
develops a multi-faceted analysis of one or more case studies in South Africa as well as other countries,
focusing on how a different key issues shaped the specific, geographically situated environmental problem
and how ‘solutions’ are framed.
These issues include:
colonialism and apartheid; the economy; gender, race, class and intersectionality; how evidence is
generated and validated; social mobilisation; and unequal power relations between different parties
affected by and seeking to address the environmental problem.

197
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

The course develops students’ skills to conduct holistic critical analysis of the social, political and
economic aspects of environmental issues and develop proposals to address these environmental issues
to advance environmental justice and are appropriate for the South African context.
Course Code: GAES3002A
Course Description: Communicating Environmental Issues III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces students to environmental communication issues. Using discourse and framing
theory, the course unpacks the ways in which the communication of issues in the natural and social
sciences have been used to direct public and political behaviour, to perpetuate social discrimination
and dissent, and in some cases create a mistrust of science and scientists. The course will critically
examine how the public encounter environmental issues through different media forms (newspapers, art,
film, radio, social media) in formal, informal and lived spaces and contexts. It develops students’ social
awareness and skills to foster effective communication of contemporary environmental issues.
Course Code: GAES3003A
Course Description: Human Biometeorology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces students to the discipline of Human Biometeorology, exploring the role of
climate in human communities. The course begins with a brief overview of the scientific discipline of
Biometeorology and specifically, Human Biometeorology, its development and separation from field
of Applied Climatology, and its key subdisciplines. It thereafter considers the subdisciplines of Human
Biometeorology in detail, including thermal comfort and stress in the contemporary and as evidenced
from the archaeological record, tourism climatology and the role of tourism in driving global change,
and climate epidemiology, the study of the spread of climate-sensitive disease. The course considers key
ideas in the related fields of aerobiology, climate-sensitive design, and microclimate assessments. Students
actively engage in critical assessments of quantitative methodologies in Biometeorology, including basic
statistics and indices developed for each thematic application, as well as the literature.
Course Code: GAES3004A
Course Description: Heritage Resources Management III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces contemporary issues in heritage resources management, drawing on the
interconnections of natural and cultural heritage management and conservation issues and is set in a
southern African context. It considers the history and practice of heritage resources management and
conservation in South Africa; an overview and critique of natural and cultural heritage management
legislative frameworks; the principles of identifying and evaluating cultural and natural heritage resources
and their varied uses; case studies of the processes and practices of heritage resource management; and
consideration of the intellectual and practical challenges in achieving sustainable heritage management.
The course draws from interdisciplinary ideas in Archaeology, Geography, Development Studies, and
Cultural and Natural Heritage Studies.

Course Code: GAES3005A

Course Description: Contemporary Environmental Issues in Southern Africa III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course provides an integrated overview of up-to-date information and contemporary debates on a
range of overarching environmental issues affecting the natural and human worlds in southern Africa.
These issues include agriculture and rural development, food security, water security and sanitation, river
basin management and pollution, transport, health, ecosystem services, air quality, waste generation and
management, coastal and marine resource management, urban development and poverty; environmental
migration and natural resource conflict management.

198
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

These issues are discussed from both policy and practice perspectives, set in the theoretical framework of
ideas in sustainable development, and is based on real-world contemporary examples of environmental
issues as well as identifying and mitigating different future environmental issues.
Course Code: GAES4000A
Course Description: Integrated Environmental Management IV
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course draws on debates in political ecology, heritage studies and environmental systems to critically
interrogate the concept and applications of ‘environmental management’ to address environmental issues
affecting the human and physical environments, both locally and globally. These issues are explored
through first theoretical contexts and then specific case studies from southern Africa and elsewhere.
Course Code: GAES4001A
Course Description: Environmental Policy & Practice IV
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course provides an understanding of the ways in which governments have attempted to address
environmental issues such as environmental change, climate change, energy security, natural resource
use, pollution control and environmental sustainability. It discusses the role of government and other
interest groups in formulating and implementing environmental policies, the various forms of policy
mechanism and tools that are employed in environmental management, the constraints upon their
effective implementation, and how environmental strategies such as Environmental Impact Assessments
(EIA), Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA), Environmental Management Frameworks (EMF),
Environmental Risk Assessments (ERA) and Environmental Management Systems (EMS) are formulated
and implemented both as environmental management tools and frameworks. The course addresses the
development of core scientific and social theories and discourses that underpin contemporary management
of both the built and natural environments and how anthropogenic processes contribute to shaping the
human-environment landscape. It deals with a range of social, development and environmental processes
and explores the complexity in policy formulation and implementation. It provides an overview
Course Code: GAES4002A
Course Description: Research Report: Environmental Studies IV
NQF Credits: 40 NQF Level: 8
A research report on an approved topic in Environmental Studies.
Course Code: GAES4003A
Course Description: Research Methods in Environmental Studies IV
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces key methodological and epistemological tools within the discipline of
Environmental Studies. It supports a candidate’s engagement with their research project and develops key
skills related to project design, data analysis, dealing with literature, and appropriate training in field and
laboratory methods in different discipline-specific contexts.
Course Code: GAES7000A
Course Description: Globalisation of Food
NQF Credits: 30 NQF Level: 9
This course critically examines the global food system from production through to consumption. It
introduces the issues of food production in relation to the challenges faced by modern agriculture and
focuses on the physical parameters of soil fertility, climate change and crop selection.

199
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

The course explores the socio-political nature of food that stems from the unequal organisation of food
systems and distribution of resources, and from contestations over ways to address food challenges. It
engages with a range of contemporary issues on food and development, at global and local levels and
across the global North and South, as an improved understanding of global and local agro-food networks
is essential to stimulate sustainable production of healthy food and renewable resources. The course
further investigates key environmental and development concerns about the disparity in consumption
of food globally and the treatment of food waste as well as the role of agriculture in reducing hunger,
malnutrition and undernutrition and contributing to the economic development of low-income nations,
the sustainability of agricultural, food supply systems, and food security.
Course Code: GAES7001A
Course Description: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
NQF Credits: 30 NQF Level: 9
This course explores the applications of environmental impacts assessments in South Africa and
internationally. It explores the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) No 107 of 1998 and
other environmental policy frameworks and discusses what the statutory and policy frameworks require
when conducting an environmental assessment. It considers the history of environmental monitoring
and assessments as well as various components that go into creating a comprehensive environmental
statement, including the environmental, ecological and social contexts in which environmental
monitoring and assessment occur, their value and effectiveness in these contexts. The course focuses
on some of the strengths, weaknesses and gaps in the operationalisation of environmental monitoring
and assessment systems, including archaeological and heritage assessments, greenhouse gas and climate
change considerations, environmental health and safety, environmental justice issues, analysis of
cumulative impacts, and visual presentation and communication of information.
Course Code: GAES7002A
Course Description: Landscapes and Climate Change
NQF Credits: 30 NQF Level: 9
This course examines the composition and workings of landscape systems (including climate, weathering/
erosion, hydrology, geomorphology, sediment system dynamics and ecology), and their sensitivity to
climate and environmental changes, both in the past and present. It explores the climatic, geomorphological
and anthropogenic controls on landscape development, over different spatial and temporal scales, with
specific reference to southern Africa but set in a global context. The course then examines the relative
influence of different forcing factors on landscape dynamics and properties, and concepts of sensitivity
and considers contemporary examples of landscape geomorphic change in southern Africa.
Course Code: GAES7003A
Course Description: Research Report: Environmental Science
NQF Credits: 90 NQF Level: 9
A Master’s level research report on an approved topic in Environmental Science.
Course Code: GAES7004A
Course Description: Ecotourism
NQF Credits: 30 NQF Level: 9
This course provides a holistic background on ecotourism, focusing on a balance between tourists’
need for authentic experience as frequently dictated by popular culture, and conservation of different
environmental, cultural heritage and ecological resources. It critically analyses and evaluates a range
of local and international resources and landscapes that are currently utilised as ecotourism attractions,
incorporating appraisal of the intersections between heritage, environments, ecosystems, popular culture
and conservation, in a South African context.

200
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: GAES7005A

Course Description: Sustainable Ecotourism
NQF Credits: 30 NQF Level: 9
This course provides a holistic background on sustainable tourism, focusing on a balance between
tourists’ need for authentic experience as frequently dictated by popular culture, and conservation of
different environmental, cultural heritage and ecological resources. It critically analyses and evaluates a
range of local and international resources and landscapes that are currently utilised as sustainable tourism
attractions, incorporating appraisal of the intersections between heritage, environments, ecosystems,
popular culture and conservation, in a South African context.
Course Code: GAES7006A
Course Description: People and Palaeoecology
NQF Credits: 30 NQF Level: 9
This course examines the role that technology and ecology played in human development in the past
and explores the development and origins of technology and its links to human ecology as well as the
technological response to climate change through time. The course then investigates palaeoenvironmental
data such as faunal and plant remains regarding how these are used as proxies for palaeoecological
change. Candidates are shown the basics of palaeozoological and palaeobotanical data analyses
so they can understand their utility in environmental science and related fields. These key topics are
used to explore the development of the human ecological niche and how this links to current issues in
environmental science.
Course Code: GAES7007A
Course Description: Knowledge, Society, Precarity: Science and Communication in an Era of Climate
Crisis
NQF Credits: 30 NQF Level: 9
This course provides an advanced competency in communicating and debating scientific concepts
across disciplines and with broader groups within society: civil society, government, political parties and
interest groups, and community-based organisations. Candidates get the opportunity to develop their own
theoretical, ethical and practical competencies in engaging, communicating with and developing active
and collaborative trans-disciplinary alliances within and across society. Specifically, they are presented
with several real-world scenarios concerning different elements of global change as they relate to the
global south context including include inter alia: the social and political implications of climate-induced
migration and urban change; emerging forms of climate inequality; emerging social divisions related to
age, gender and race concerning climate change; the resistance of powerful groups to real adaptation
and mitigation strategies; the limits of technological responses to climate change; the limits of social
and political responses to climate change; and the possibilities for new modes of knowledge production
that cross social boundaries. The course involves critical engagement with debates about the role of
science in society: what is the role of expert knowledge; how might knowledge be embedded in co-
productive processes? Finally, it entails a practical application of these learnings through the realisation
of collaborative public output (in the form of e.g. an exhibition, an edited collection of writing, a series
of podcasts etc).
Course Code: GEOG2011A
Course Description: An Introduction to Climate Change and Society II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course examines the relationships between climate changes that take place within the Earth system,
and impacts of these changes on different aspects of the human world and societies. The course considers
climate dynamics on a global scale and the impacts of climate on geomorphology and ecosystems.
The course then considers how climate can impact on the human world and society, including cultural
constructions of climate, vulnerability and resilience, climate politics and the IPCC, climate ethics and
social justice, climate hazards and risk, and climate science communication.
201
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: GEOG2012A

Course Description: Environmental Governance: From Local to Global II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course considers the relationships between unequal access to resources (including natural resources,
knowledge, decision making processes, the law, etc), and unsustainable environmental outcomes.
This course consists of:
Environmental problems and protests in developing world cities;
Global environmental governance and how inequalities at the global level result in the disproportionate
ability of nation states to address global environmental issues; and
Changing patterns in governance away from the nation state and towards a stronger role for sub−national
(local) governments and non−state actors.
Course Code: GEOG2013A
Course Description: Methods, Models and Geographical Information Systems II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course aims to introduce student to key epistemological and ontological issues that relate spatial
thinking and GIS, and tracks how changes in technology have led to Geographic Information Systems as
we use them today.
The course also examines how improvements in the availability and quality of data have led to the
increased use and abuse of GIS, and how GIS can be used as both a source of information and propaganda.
Further, the course examines how differential access to digital resources influences participation and
capacity in decision making processes.
Course Code: GEOG2014A
Course Description: Conservation Biogeography II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course focuses on the growing field of biodiversity conservation through lectures, a local fieldtrip
and group projects and presentations. The course begins by reviewing the status of biodiversity on the
planet and the motivations for conserving species. Next, the course will explore some of the key causes
of biodiversity loss and then trace conservation from the early calls for environmental protection to more
recent global initiatives, including international agreements and widely accepted conservation categories
and guidelines. The remainder of the course will review some of the tools and terminology used in
conservation practice, drawing on biological and ecological theory as well as themes in community
conservation.
Course Code: GEOG2015A
Course Description: Thinking Geographically: Concepts and Practices in Geography
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course introduces student to key theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches within the
discipline of geography. The course teaches students to understand and apply theoretical perspectives
in analysing contemporary issues in environmental geography, through a mixture of class−room based
lectures, laboratory tutorials and off−campus field research.
Course Code: GEOG3019A
Course Description: Economic Geography III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course focuses on selected issues in the field of economic geography. Issues of concern include
theoretical and policy debates around spatial inequality and regional development, the informal economy,
and small business development. Contemporary debates in economic geography in South Africa are
further discussed in this course.

202
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: GEOG3020A

Course Description: Climate and Environmental Change III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course examines patterns of climate change through the Quaternary, and in particular during
historical and recent times. Causes of climate change (such as Milankovitch, volcanic forcing etc) are
addressed. The use of various proxies in climate reconstructions, such as pollen, dendrochronology,
varves, geomorphology and historical documentary sources are highlighted. Consideration is given to the
impact that climate change has on the environment and human livelihoods. Particular reference is made
to the southern African region throughout the course.
Course Code: GEOG3021A
Course Description: Advanced Atmospheric Science III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course discusses atmospheric processes and the interactions of the atmosphere with other earth
systems. The course deals with heat and energy exchange in the atmosphere, ocean−atmosphere
interactions, and mesoscale atmospheric processes like weather forecasting, thunderstorms and air
pollution.
Course Code: GEOG3023A
Course Description: Theory and Practice in Sustainability Science and Sustainable Development
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course considers the theoretical background and practical skills in issues of Sustainability Science
and Sustainable Development. The course integrates theoretical knowledge and application of real world
sustainability issues through a mix of lectures, seminars and field excursions. The course covers a range of
contemporary society and industry−relevant ecological and environmental issues associated with
sustainable development, such as the workings and dynamics of biogeochemical (or the natural
environment) systems and the role of human activities as a land surface agent. The course includes
considerations and applications of key elements and aspects such as environmental impact assessments,
environmental monitoring and management tools, technology and the environment, habitat conservation
and protected area design, community participation and engagement, as well as knowledge development
and transfer within and across communities. These elements are explored and discussed within the
broader ‘weak’ and ‘strong’ sustainability frameworks.
Course Code: GEOG3025A
Course Description: Urban Futures: The Political−Economy of Population and Scarcity III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course offers an historical and theoretical account of contemporary challenges in the governance of
cities, as well as a set of intellectual tools for understanding and critically engaging with these challenges.
The course develops skills in explaining, interpreting and developing innovative responses to social,
political and economic issues related to the governance of large and complex cities. These skills are
developed through seminar discussions, group−work and student−led course content.
Course Code: GEOG3024A
Course Description: Environmental Monitoring and Modelling III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course provides a broad introduction into the theory and methods of environmental data collection
and the practice of environmental monitoring. Examples and case studies are drawn from a wide range
of environmental fields including meteorological and hydrological monitoring, air and water pollution
monitoring and other aspects of environmental change science.

203
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

The course covers a range of environmental data collection approaches from citizen science to professional
environmental monitoring using specialist equipment, with an exploration of the role and limitations of
each. The course includes a mixture of lectures, seminars, practical exercises in data analysis and practical
experience of varied monitoring and environmental data collection methods in the field.
Course Code: GEOG3026A
Course Description: Food: Security, Politics and Culture III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course focuses on the socio−political, economic and cultural aspects of food production, acquisition,
utilisation and consumption. Eating is a basic drive, and food acquisition and the safety of food are core
aspects of our everyday life, and are discussed in this course.
Course Code: GEOG3027A
Course Description: Coastal Geomorphology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course examines the physical processes and landforms associated with different coastal environments,
drawing from examples worldwide but with specific reference to the varied coastlines of South Africa.
It explores the geological, geomorphological and ecological processes associated with coastal landform
evolution, and their variability and controls on different spatial and temporal scales. The course also
examines the different ways in which people use and value the coast, its environments and resources. It
covers the different types of coastal environments and their morphological controls, and the role of human
activity in the coastal zone and its implications for coastal zone management.
Course Code: GEOG3029A
Course Description: Geospatial Data Design and Management III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces the fundamentals of geodatabases, such as relational database design, conceptual,
logical and physical databases, and relational models. It defines data properties in the geodatabase and
commonly used map projections. It also explores various applications of geodatabases; the structure and
functionality of the geodatabase, analysis and visualisation of distortions, colour theory models and pattern
use, typography and lettering the Map. The course further introduces the creation, editing and management
of geodatabases, ER (Entity-Relationship) modelling and Object-Oriented Database Management System
(DBMS), loading vector and raster data in a geodatabase, creating and editing features, working with tables,
managing labels and annotation, scale factor and transformation, georeference data, data maintenance
and transactions for geodatabases, geodatabase migration, practices for managing distributed data and
working with versioned and non-versioned data, data archiving in a geodatabase, geodatabase topology
and geoprocessing with Model Builder.
Course Code: GEOG3030A
Course Description: Project Management in Geospatial Science III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course explores the technical and operational environment issues and methods necessary to develop
and run a successful geospatial technology project, including geospatial project conception and design
requirements such as teamwork-building, contextualising data collection techniques and analysis, report
writing, organisational structures, human resources and financial management, communications and public
relationships, and risk and safety management. It also examines the ethics, legislation and professionalism
consideration in the geospatial practice and the spatial data infrastructures, data sharing and privacy
between inter-organisational and geospatial communities and industry and quality assurance and control.
It considers some of the current and emerging trends that may modify how geospatial technology projects
are conceptualised and implemented in the coming years. Students will have opportunities to practice the
concepts and techniques learnt by developing and implementing mini geospatial project plans.

204
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: GEOG3032A

Course Description: Spatial Data Analysis and Modelling III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Credits: 18
This course introduces knowledge and skills necessary to investigate the spatial patterns which result
from social and physical environment processes. The course focuses on understanding spatial statistics
theories and contexts such as point pattern analysis, Kernels and density estimation, spatial cluster analysis
and interaction, multidimensional attributes, multi-criteria evaluation, spatial interpolation, trend surface
analysis, and regression models. It examines essential theoretical concepts of geometric measures and
quantitative geography, including measures of geographical distribution and spatial autocorrelation,
interpolation and network connectivity, and uncertainty, and error on the spatial model. It further
introduces the measurement and modelling, and analysis techniques and methods to address emerging
spatial challenges. Finally, the course explores the spatial analysis techniques in selected topics such as
watershed management, hydrological modelling, infectious disease modelling, poverty and urbanisation.
Course Code: GEOG3033A
Course Description: Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Credits: 18
This course provides the conceptual foundations and the technical skills to apply remote sensing for
problem-solving in environmental, agriculture and urban domains. It introduces the theoretical and
practical concepts of Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry and emphasises image acquisition and data
collection in the electromagnetic spectrum, digital photography, photogrammetric measurement, image
registration, ortho-rectification, orientation and other remote sensing image pre-processing techniques.
It further covers concepts and foundations of remote sensing, aerial photography and photogrammetry,
visual image interpretation, digital elevation models, characteristics of various remotely sensed systems
(i.e. multispectral, thermal, hyperspectral, microwave and lidar), digital image processing techniques,
terrain analysis, and accuracy assessment.
Course Code: GEOG4015A
Course Description: Geographical Information Systems
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 8
This course provides candidates with an advanced and practical understanding of GIS. The course aims
to develop skills in pre−processing, analysing and critically assessing a variety of datasets and applying
the findings to a range of topics addressed by GIS professionals. In this course, in−depth knowledge of
the of the sourcing of primary quantitative and qualitative data and their processing to create fundamental
datasets for spatial analysis and problem solving is presented. Candidates learn to analyse surface terrain
characteristics and derived properties (i.e. slope, hydrology, curvature), to create continuous surfaces
from a set of points, analyse spatial patterns using geostatistical methods, and integrate GIS with remote
sensing.
Course Code: GEOG4034A
Course Description: Environmental Management: Water Challenges in Southern Africa IV
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course provides a broad introduction to the fields of water resource management and conservation
with a focus on the challenges associated with economic development, population growth, improved
access to resources, and global environmental change in a water scarce region. This course discusses
concepts and debates in environmentalism, environmental issues around water management, pollution,
aquatic ecology, political ecology, and sustainable livelihoods related to water resource use and
management.

205
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: GEOG4036A

Course Description: Research Project: Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies
NQF Credits: 40 NQF Level: 8
A research project on an approved topic in Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies.
Course Code: GEOG4037A
Course Description: Environmental Policy and Practice IV
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course explores the different ways in which environmental issues are managed and integrated into
planning and development policy. It discusses the different methods, practices and roles of government
and other interested stakeholders in formulating and implementing environmental policies, the various
forms of policy mechanism and tools that are employed in environmental management, and the constraints
upon their effective implementation. Discussed in this course are how environmental strategies such as
Environmental Impact Assessments, Strategic Environmental Assessments, Environmental Management
Frameworks, Environmental Risk Assessments and Environmental Management Systems are formulated
and implemented both as environmental management tools and as operational and analytical frameworks.
Course Code: GEOG4038A
Course Description: Research Project: Geography
NQF Credits: 40 NQF Level: 8
A research project on an approved topic in Geography and Environmental Studies.
Course Code: GEOG4039A
Course Description: Local and Regional Economic Development
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course provides a critical geographical and historical introduction to ‘development’, both economic
and more broadly. It draws on ideas in economic geography, development geography and critical
development studies to consider a range of theoretical approaches that geographers use to theorise
development. Also discussed in this course are current debates around the definition, measurement and
spatialities of development, as well as its agents, subjects and instruments.
The course emphasises the complex, powerful and uneven nature of development, but also its contextual
and contested dimensions in theory, policy and practice.
Course Code: GEOG4041A
Course Description: Understanding Cities in Africa
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course focuses on development geography and institutional approaches to cities in Africa,
urbanisation, poverty, urban agricul-ture, management and growth in rapidly growing cities, infrastructure
delivery, informal economy, development and urban environ-mental issues.
Course Code: GEOG4044A
Course Description: Global Atmospheric Change IV
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course explores Global Atmospheric Change through geologic time periods, from the Great
Oxidation event, to the formation of the ozone layer and glacial-to interglacial cycles of carbon storage.
Contemporary atmospheric change is then explored, first in the context of increasing concentrations of
greenhouse gases, greenhouse gas sequestration, and projections for climate change under an altered
atmospheric composition.

206
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Isotopic changes in Oxygen, Carbon and Nitrogen are explored as indicators of the changing contemporary
atmosphere. This course engages with the contemporary debates regarding the Anthropocene: the timing
of commencement, the impact of human activity on the atmosphere, and the absence of prior analogues
of contemporary atmospheric and environmental conditions.
Course Code: GEOG4045A
Course Description: Disaster Risk and Geohazards IV
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course focuses on the reasons why disasters occur in a global and southern African context, and the
relationships of these disasters to aspects of the human and physical environments that can trigger, amplify,
or moderate disaster risks and impacts. It addresses the most common types of geohazards globally and
locally (earthquakes, tsunamis, storm surges, river floods, droughts, soil erosion), their causes and controls,
and uses case studies to analyse their impacts on the human and physical environments, including aspects
of vulnerability and adaptation. There is emphasis on predictability, risk and the mitigation of hazard
impacts, including their implications for modelling, management and policy.
Course Code: GEOG4046A
Course Description: Nature and Society IV
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course draws on debates in political ecology to interrogate different approaches to theorising the
relationship between nature and society, and the methodological, practical and political implications
of utilising them. It begins with an exploration of theories of the production of nature and the concept
‘socio-nature’. It then critically analyses contemporary environmental concepts such as environmental
markets, conservation, commodification of nature, eco-system services, circular economy, and
environmental justice by exploring the assumptions regarding nature and society that underpin them.
By problematising concepts and issues whose meanings are frequently taken as given (even in academic
texts), the course “denaturalises” them and develops students’ abilities to identify and critically reflect on
the theoretical foundations of literature on the environment, how environmental problems are framed
and the assumptions underpinning proposals regarding how they should be addressed. Themes of rrace,
gender, class and intersectionality cuts across the course.
Course Code: GEOG4047A
Course Description: Air Pollution and Health Impacts
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course focuses on the reasons why environmental health issues occur, in a global and southern
African context, and the relationships of these health impacts to aspects of the human and physical
environments that can trigger, amplify, or moderate health risks and impacts. It addresses the most
common types of environmental health risks globally and locally (through contamination and pollution
in air; through biogenic and anthropogenic emissions and pollution), their causes and controls, and uses
case studies to analyse their impacts on the human and physical environments, including aspects of
vulnerability and adaptation. Throughout, there is an emphasis on predictability, risk and mitigation of
environmental health risk hazard impacts, including their implications for modelling, management and
policy.
Course Code: GEOG4048A
Course Description: Research Project: Geospatial
NQF Credits:40 NQF Level: 8
This course provides practical training to develop scientific research skills, bridges the gap between
theory and practice in Geospatial science, and establishes work and novel research. It includes practising
the principle of the scientific research methods, particularly in the field of GIS and Remote Sensing, such
as critical review,

207
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

identifying research gaps, formulating a research question, planning geospatial data acquisition, field
methods for collecting data, GIS and remote sensing data analysis and processing, and the appropriate
manner to communicate research project results both verbally and in a written scientific report. The
candidate chooses a supervisor, designs and writes a research proposal, presents the proposal and the
preliminary results as a formal seminar to the School and writes up the project as a formal dissertation
for examination.
Course Code: GEOG4049A
Course Description: Advanced Remote Sensing of Environment IV
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course provides an in-depth understanding of the theory and practices of remote sensing in
environmental applications. It develops skills in advanced algorithms for image processing and analysis.
Specifically, it explores the use of a variety of remotely sensed data in different physical and social
environments, such as monitoring vegetation dynamics, mining impacts, surface water and urbanisation,
etc. The course applies advanced techniques (machine learning and patterns recognition), image
enhancement and restoration, vegetation and water indices, images feature extraction, data fusion, digital
change detection, and error assessment and management.
Course Code: GEOG4050A
Course Description: Special Topics in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System IV
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course explores state-of-the-art principles, spatial data and remote sensing sensors characteristics,
methods and applications in geographic information systems and remote sensing to complement core
course work. The theme varies from year to year. For example, the course focuses on multiuser geospatial
data management and recent developments in Earth observation data such as imaging radar, LiDAR,
hyperspectral sensors, SmallSats and unoccupied autonomous systems (UASs) with emphasis on spatial
data legislation and policies. The course further consists of several current topics in geospatial data
analysis, such as spatial statistics and machine learning for spatial and earth observation data and the
course content reflects recent GIS and remote sensing trends research and applications for local and global
challenges such as vegetation dynamic, precision agriculture, urban environment, spatial epidemiology
and living environment, climate science, hydrology, geohazard modelling, and disaster management. The
course also covers geospatial professionalism, ethics, practices and the job market.
Course Code: GEOG4051A
Course Description: Geospatial Programming IV
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces scripting languages for automating geospatial workflows and visualising geospatial
data. It covers modern geospatial programming methods to automate spatial data management,
processing, analysis, satellite image processing and visualisation, and basic concepts of programming
basics such as expressions and variables, string operations, data structures such as lists and tuples, sets
and dictionaries, as well as geospatial programming fundamentals such as conditions and branching,
loops, functions, objects, classes and arrays. It also explores the automation of geospatial analysis tasks
using open-source scripting languages such as Python and R and will expose candidates to the concepts
underlying spatial data science and how to work with Pandas for loading geospatial data. The course will
also cover web and mobile GIS design and development, geospatial programming tools, languages and
libraries: GeoTools, GDAL, Github, Jupyter Notebooks, Servlet, Google Maps APIs, Leaflet, HTML, CSS
and XML as well as geospatial processing and visualisation techniques using Arcpy, Geopandas, QGIS,
Numpy, and Matplotlib.
Course Code: GEOG7000A
Course Description: Research Report: Environmental Studies
NQF Credits: 90 NQF Level: 9

208
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

A research report on an approved advanced topic in Geographical Information Systems and Remote
Sensing.
Course Code: GEOG7029A
Course Description: Advanced Applied Geographical Information System Studies
NQF Credits: 30 NQF Level: 9
This course presents advanced topics in GIS analysis, including: space and time concepts; modelling
reality and spatial concepts in GIS; mathematical basis of graphs and topology in GIS; data sources in
GISS; and GIS applications and case studies.
Course Code: GEOG7044A
Course Description: Advanced Applied Remote Sensing
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 9
This course provides candidates with critical information on advanced and recent trends in Remote
Sensing data, techniques and applications, with a focus on sensor characteristics, advanced image
processing and analysis techniques, and real−world applications. A wide range of image processing and
statistic software is used by candidates to process different remotely sensed data including multispectral,
hyperspectral and radar.
Course Code: GEOG7045A
Course Description: Research Methods in GIS and Remote Sensing
NQF Credits: 40 NQF Level: 9
This course provides candidates with foundational advanced knowledge in GIS and Remote Sensing and,
at the same time, with a wide range of technical, project management and modern presentation skills
that are necessary to complete large−scale GIS/RS projects, particularly those that are multidisciplinary
and/or involve several different contributors. A wide range of software including both commercial GIS
packages and Free and Open Source alternatives is used, allowing candidates to evaluate the advantages
and disadvantages of each for different kinds of projects, specialist contributors and end−users.
School of Geosciences
Course Code: GEOL1000A
Course Description: Geology I
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 5
This course consists of:
Introduction to Geosciences: The origin of the Universe, the Solar System and the Earth; their chemical
compositions; extra−terrestrial impacts; structure of the Earth; evolution of the structure within the Earth;
dynamic processes within the Earth.
Surface Processes: Geomorphology and rock weathering; action of rivers, glaciers, winds; soil formation;
hydrogeology; ocean dynamics, climate and climatic change.
Origins of Life: Origin and evolution of life; mass extinctions; fossils; evolution of man and man’s impact
on Earth.
Earth Materials: Introduction to basic crystal chemistry; mineralogy; rocks and rock−forming processes.
Geological History of South Africa: Processes controlling the formation of the stratigraphic record in
southern Africa through time and space; introduction to the origin of ore deposits exploited in southern
Africa; geological map interpretation; introduction to physical topographic and geological maps, cross−
sections and solving structural geological problems.
Course Code: GEOL2025A
Course Description: Geology II
NQF Credits: 48 NQF Level: 6

209
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course serves as the theoretical framework underpinning Applied Geology II. It comprises 4 x 12
credit courses: Sedimentology, Stratigraphy & Palaeontology II (GEOL2024A); Mineralogy & Optical
Mineralogy II (GEOL2023A); Igneous Petrology & Processes II (GEOL2020A) and Metamorphic Petrology
& Processes II (GEOL2022A).
Course Code: GEOL2024A
Course Description: Sedimentology, Stratigraphy, and Palaeontology II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course covers sedimentary rocks (their classification, identification, and utility in understanding
environmental change), as well as introducing the technique of facies analysis, by which ancient
environments are interpreted using observations from the rock record. Both clastic and chemical
sedimentary environments are covered. The application of sedimentological knowledge is integrated
with palaeontology (vertebrate, invertebrate, and plant) to provide holistic knowledge of past ecosystems
and environments on Earth, and how they have changed through time. The interplay of sedimentary
environments and plant and animal life, and response of sedimentary environments to biological impetus
is emphasised throughout the course.
Course Code: GEOL2023A
Course Description: Mineralogy and Optical Mineralogy II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to mineralogy and
optical mineralogy − two fundamental subjects that each and every student studying geosciences should
understand and apply to other disciplines in Earth Sciences. The focus of this course is providing students
with the framework with which to identify crystal structures and mineral properties in hand sample, optical
properties of minerals under the microscope and microscopic mineral identification and quantification.
Course Code: GEOL2020A
Course Description: Igneous Petrology & Processes II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course is designed to provide the students with a comprehensive introduction to magmatic rocks, the
processes that operate in a wide variety of magmas, and the effect these processes have on the ultimate
magma/rock compositions. The focus of this course is providing the students with the framework with
which to classify magmatic rocks based on mineral composition, chemical composition and texture and
subsequently understand the processes that these magmas have experience during the evolution into
igneous rocks, from source to final emplacement within or on the Earth’s crust.
Course Code: GEOL2022A
Course Description: Metamorphic Petrology & Processes II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course provides students with the crucial introduction to, and understanding of, metamorphic
processes which are important for the unravelling of tectonics events. The course covers the description,
classification and interpretation of metamorphic minerals, rocks and textures, the basic concepts of
metamorphism, the determination of pressure and temperature conditions using various methods, and the
determination of metamorphic history of rocks. The course is strongly linked to Advanced Petrology III
and Tectonics of the Earth III courses (both Geology III).
Course Code: GEOL2026A
Course Description: Applied Geology II
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 6

210
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course allows students to combine Introduction to Geochemical Techniques (GEOL2021A) and
Geological Mapping Techniques (GEOL2019A) for the purposes of majoring in Applied Geology at the
second year level.
Course Code: GEOL2021A
Course Description: Introduction to Geochemical Techniques
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course is aimed at providing the students with a comprehensive understanding of various geochemical
tools, procedures and techniques that are required in many disciplines within the Geosciences, including
igneous and metamorphic petrology, sedimentary and surficial geoscience, hydrogeology as well as
economic geology. These tools and techniques include whole−rock major, minor and trace element
behaviour, mineral/crystal chemistry, aqueous and surficial geochemical principles as well as an
introduction to principles of radiogenic and stable isotopes. A focus of this course is the handling and
interpretation of geochemical data that apply to all Earth and planetary materials including, rock, soil, air,
water, meteorites and fossils.
Course Code: GEOL2019A
Course Description: Geological Mapping Techniques II
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 6
This course introduces students to practical mapping skills − the ability to make field−related geological
observations and collect data from which a geological map can be compiled, and to interpret geological
maps − are the fundamental cornerstone to the training of a geologist. This course provides practical−
oriented training incorporating tutorials, practicals and fieldwork that expose students to the diverse
methods of geological map, aerial photograph and remote sensing data (Google Earth, LANDSAT)
interpretation, rock identification, structural measurements, field navigation (orientation, GPS) and
mapping techniques and field report writing, as well as issues such as field safety practices.
Course Code: GEOL3049A
Course Description: Geology III
NQF Credits: 72 NQF Level: 7
This course provides the finishing components required by a scientist seeking a comprehensive
background in geology together with the necessary skills to meet this end. It comprises the following
courses: Advanced Petrology III (GEOL3043A); Economic Geology and Ore Petrology III (GEOL3046A);
Structural Geology III (GEOL3047A) and Tectonics of the Earth III (GEOL3041A).
Course Code: GEOL3050A
Course Description: Applied Geology III
NQF Credits: 72 NQF Level: 7
This course allows students to combine Advanced Geological Mapping Techniques III (GEOL3042A),
Hydrogeology & Water Resource Management III (GEOL3044A), Exploration Methods III (GEOL3045A)
and Geographical Information Systems & Remote Sensing III (GEOL3048A) for purposes of majoring in
Applied Geology.
Course Code: GEOL3043A
Course Description: Advanced Petrology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course is divided into 3 equally weighted components:
Igneous Petrology: the development of classification systems in which chemical and mineralogical features
of igneous rocks are correlated satisfactorily, petrography and petrology of igneous rocks including mafic
-ultramafic, granitic and alkaline rocks. A key part of the courses include an introduction to ternary and
quaternary phase diagrams and their use for solving petrological problems for both volcanic and plutonic
rocks.
211
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Topics include: the concept of cumulates and liquids, adcumulus theory, trapped liquid effect, supercooling
and superheating of magmas, the role of fluids in petrogenesis and magma processes operating in crustal
chambers (dykes, mafic sills and layered intrusions).
Metamorphic Petrology: advanced thermobarometry with practical applications, phase diagrams in
metamorphic petrology, recent advances in metamorphic petrology (e.g. Petrochronology) and the
application of various software packages. The course is strongly linked to Metamorphic Petrology
(Geology II) and Tectonics of the Earth courses (Geology III).
Sedimentary Petrology: primary and diagenetic textures in siliciclastic, carbonate, and organic sedimentary
rocks. In each case, sedimentological processes are investigated in the context of energy resources (coal,
hydrocarbon sources, and hydrocarbon reservoirs). The link between depositional history, early, and late
stage diagenetic processes are investigated.
Course Code: GEOL3046A
Course Description: Economic Geology and Ore Petrology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces students to the use of reflected light microscopy for the study of opaque (ore)
minerals and their inter−relationships at the microscopic level (Ore Petrology). This course further
provides an overview of the types and classification of ore deposits, their genesis and the importance
of minerals in the South African economy. Magmatic, sedimentary and hydrothermal ores and deposits
are considered. For each type, classic world localities and the best South African occurrences are used
as examples. Suites of samples from representative deposit types are studied in the laboratory using hand
specimens, thin and polished sections and ore blocks. Laboratory classes are fully integrated with the
lecture component of the course.
Course Code: GEOL3047A
Course Description: Structural Geology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course is divided into theoretical and practical components. The lectures in the course cover the
theoretical concepts that underpin structural geology (stress, strain and rheology), the description,
identification and classification of deformation structures in rocks, and the significance of these structures
This course is divided into theoretical and practical components. The lectures in the course cover the
theoretical concepts that underpin structural geology (stress, strain and rheology), the description,
identification and classification of deformation structures in rocks, and the significance of these structures
for reconstructing strain and stress patterns in rocks. The practical component of the course covers aspects
related to 3D measurement of geological structural elements and their representation via stereographic
projection, and common techniques for the measurement and interpretation of strain patterns in rocks.
Course Code: GEOL3041A
Course Description: Tectonics of the Earth III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces students to plate tectonics (which is a unifying theory in Earth Science) and
plate tectonic principles which exert major influences on thinking regarding sedimentary, igneous, and
metamorphic processes. This course examines a range of geophysical and geological data in the context
of plate tectonics, and illustrates processes by examining in detail the tectonostratigraphic development of
South African rocks from the Archaean to the modern day.
Course Code: GEOL3042A
Course Description: Advanced Geological Mapping Techniques III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7

212
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course focuses on the practical observational and data gathering skills and techniques needed to
conduct advanced geological mapping, integrate results using a variety of geological techniques, and
to report these results in a coherent way. The course builds on the Geological Mapwork II course and
requires the application of theoretical knowledge obtained in other courses throughout the Geological
Sciences curriculum, such as principles of rock and mineral identification, stratigraphic studies, petrology,
geochemistry and structural geology, as well as further developing 3−D visualisation, statistical, writing
and graphicacy skills essential for geological reporting. This course involves a 10−day off−campus
lithological and structural mapping excursion and a series of campus−based activities (underground tunnel
mapping, mining−related structural geology exercises, supplementary petrological and geochemical
laboratory analysis of field samples, and introduction to field geophysical techniques).This course aims to
further develop students’ core field skills and advanced geological mapping techniques required by the
geosciences profession.
This includes interpretation of rock relationships and modes of formation of rock bodies, collection of
spatial datasets and compilation of such datasets into summary documents such as logs of stratigraphic
sections and geological maps, integrating fieldwork with laboratory analysis, and the ability to function
productively in a field setting with limited support facilities as well as with teams of people. This course is
an apex−module in that it allows students to learn by integrating and applying their geological knowledge
in a project−oriented manner in which they generate the observational and quantitative data necessary
to solve a set of problems. It is, thus, close to the real−world situations they can expect once they are
employed as geologists. Assessment is both summative and developmental, and includes both individual
and group tasks.
Course Code: GEOL3044A
Course Description: Hydrogeology and Water Resource Management III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces students to the application of water resources management (important in a country
like South Africa, which is characterised by arid and semi−arid climate and which has a high water
demand for various community developmental activities) and best practice in order to ensure water
supply and sustaining the environment. The course provides the link between hydrology and geology
through water−rock interaction process in aquifers, understanding aquifer systems and managing water
resources in a sustainable manner. The course also provides Geoscience graduates with the knowledge
and skills necessary to prepare them for service as scientific personnel who are qualified to contribute to
the understanding of the unique hydrogeological regime of the country and thereby help in the alleviation
of water shortages. Since groundwater is a natural resource that occurs in the rock interstices, it requires
the development of basic techniques to undertake groundwater mining using sustainable and cost−
effective methods and, therefore, Geoscience graduates are better equipped with basic techniques that
help them to explore for and exploit groundwater in different parts of the country more effectively.
Course Code: GEOL3045A
Course Description: Exploration Methods III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course provides geoscience graduates with knowledge of principles underlying the nature and spatial
distribution of mineral and energy resources, and the common methods employed for detection and
characterisation of such resources. Other aspects that are included in the course relating to exploration
include: legislation, practices and codes, GIS, statistics and geophysics. The course is taught using both
a factual and process−orientated approach, including case studies, individual student participation and
student−group−based project work. As South Africa is well endowed with mineral and energy resources,
and its economic future relies heavily on successfully exploring, discovering and mining of commodities,
students are exposed to a variety of commodities such as iron and manganese ore, coal, diamonds,
among many others. They are exposed to the potential threats exploration and mining may have on
environmental degradation (eg acid mine drainage).

213
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: GEOL3048A

Course Description: Geographical Information Systems & Remote Sensing III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course covers basic skills development in GIS, as relevant to geoscience students, in learning how
to combine and integrate geological, geochemical, geophysical and geographical datasets, to extract new
data layers that assist in the interpretation of geological terrains and locations, and the development of
base maps for exploration and mining. The development of GIS skills lead to training in Remote Sensing
that enables the students to mathematically manipulate and filter selected image parameters of non−
raster files. The validation of new extracted data layers is key to understanding the geological systems in
question.
Course Code: GEOL4014A
Course Description: Hydrogeology
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 8
This course includes a detailed introductory chapter on physical and chemical hydrogeology which is
followed by groundwater recharge estimation which deals with different application formulae. Advanced
groundwater exploration techniques are presented in addition to the groundwater occurrences in different
rocks. The aqueous geochemistry section includes basic principles, mass transport and groundwater
pollution studies. Application of environmental isotopes in hydrogeological problems is addressed in
detail. Groundwater modelling and groundwater management are important components of the course,
which is given at the end of the program.
Course Code: GEOL4023A
Course Description: Solid Earth Geochemistry
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 8
This is a theoretical course focusing on the formation and differentiation of the Earth, including
cosmochemical aspects of solar system and Earth formation. Subject materials include current thinking,
as documented in the latest scientific publications, on the origin and evolution of mantle and crustal
geochemical reservoirs, especially as constrained by radiogenic isotope systematics of Sr, Nd, Pb, Os, Hf
and He. Other subject areas include precise geochronology and geochemical aspects of crust formation
and meteoritics.
Course Code: GEOL4024A
Course Description: Surficial Geochemistry
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 8
This course includes: temporal evolution of sedimentary rocks, weathering, soils and biogeochemical
cycling, redox in natural waters, compositions of rivers and oceans, environmental geochemistry, isotopic
variations in low−temperature systems, atmosphere−biosphere and lithosphere interactions. Lithosphere
by integrating knowledge of geodynamic processes on Earth from Archaean to present; and the nature of
diamond formation.
Course Code: GEOL4025A
Course Description: Advanced Petrology and Geochemistry IV
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 8
This course covers the handling and interpretation of geochemical data to understand the petrology
(origin) of igneous and metamorphic rocks in different tectonic environments, from the convecting mantle
to lithosphere. Geochemical data, including major, minor, trace elements as well as radiogenic and stable
isotopes, is used to illustrate the pathways of melt formation from the mantle to crust.

214
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

The petrology of the mantle, including its thermal and chemical compositions, is illustrated by investigating
oceanic and continental mafic magmas and samples from the cratonic mantle lithosphere. The petrology
of igneous rocks is addressed by chemical and mineralogical classification, and discussing their formation
through parental magma formation, magma series progression, magma transportation and emplacement,
as well as rock classification, supplemented with traditional mineralogical schemes.
Course Code: GEOL4026A
Course Description: Earth Evolution and Global Tectonics IV
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 8
This course covers principles of geochronology and tectonostratigraphy, with an emphasis on the
geochronology and tectonic development of Africa. Using examples of African terranes, the course
examines the tectonic evolution of cratons, mobile belts, and sedimentary basins along with their
sedimentary cover/fill. Concepts in tectonostratigraphy are analysed using African and global examples.
Course Code: GEOL4027A
Course Description: Exploration, Mining, Economics, and Entrepreneurship IV
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 8
This course covers mineral economics - common commodity minerals, the geological settings in which
they form, selection of appropriate techniques for exploration, mining, and cost calculation of an
operation. It also covers the role of the geologist in every step of the minerals industry.
Course Code: GEOL4028A
Course Description: Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing in Geology IV
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 8
This course focuses on the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) to
solve problems in the Earth Sciences. It begins with an introductory phase in the use of mainstream GIS
and RS software and then progresses to data analysis. The course covers the application of GIS and RS
in structural geology, environmental geology, and hydrogeology. Candidates use geological datasets to
quantify geological events.
Course Code: GEOL4029A
Course Description: Research Project: Geology
NQF Credits: 40 NQF Level: 8
Candidates undertake a Geology Honours Project, under the supervision of an appropriately qualified
supervisor. The project entails a literature review (thorough an examination and synthesis of original
literature), identification of a scientific problem/issue to be addressed, selection of suitable methods and
the collection and interpretation of data. Candidates are required to present their project proposals and
final results to the School, and produce a detailed report of their findings.
Course Code: GEOL4030A
Course Description: Structural Geology and Mineralisation Processes IV
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course builds on structural principles to cover processes of mineral deposit formation for igneous,
igneoushydrothermal, and hydrothermal deposits, focusing on areas of overlap and transitions between
different deposit styles. It examines constraints on ore deposit formation in terms of metal and energy
fluxes, and transporting mechanisms. Ore deposits in which there is still major controversy over their
formation are considered, and the merits of different genetic models are examined. This includes
iron-oxide copper-gold deposits (IOCG), Carlin-type gold deposits and skarn systems. In addition, an
introduction to metallogenesis and mineral systems science provides a spatial, structural, and temporal
consideration of global mineral deposits, Structural geology and mineralisation processes are integrated
to look at specific deposits and regional metallogeny.

215
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: GEOL4031A

Course Description: Solid Earth Geochemistry and Geoanalysis IV
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 8
This course focuses on the chemical composition and evolution of the major divisions of planet Earth:
core, mantle and crust. It draws on the extensive framework of results from cosmochemistry (including
meteorites), geochemical and geophysical information on Earth, other terrestrial planets and samples
of Earth materials that are forming in the present day, as well as possible equivalents in the geological
past. The course further provides a comprehensive understanding of the various analytical methods and
instruments available to geologists and geochemists for the analysis of various samples (rocks, minerals,
soils, etc), their applications, and most importantly, practical, hands-on experience in each of the
important geochemistry instruments. It focuses on theoretical aspects and actual laboratory analysis of
rock and mineral samples using X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF), Inductively-Coupled Plasma
Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Secondary Ionization Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) and Electron Microprobe
Analysis (EPMA) for most major and trace elements of geological interest, both through in situ and bulk
rock measurements.
Geophysics Courses
Course Code: GEOP4004A
Course Description: Mathematical and Computational Geophysics
NQF Credits: 16 NQF Level: 8
This course covers signal processing, image processing, inverse theory, and MATLAB programming, all
applied to exploration geophysics.
Course Code: GEOP4005A
Course Description: Advanced Potential Theory
NQF Credits: 16 NQF Level: 8
This course covers fundamental aspects of potential field theory and their application to the study of
gravity and magnetic fields. It features hands−on practical labs and computer programming assignments.
In the theory section, fundamentals of potential theory are derived, starting from basic definitions of
potential and work. The theory is expanded to include work on tensors and invariants. The gravity and
magnetic sections include work on ground, airborne and satellite applications. An introduction to some
of the fundamental image enhancement techniques is also included.
Course Code: GEOP4006A
Course Description: Seismology
NQF Credits: 16 NQF Level: 8
This course is a branch of Geophysics that deals with the mechanical vibrations of the Earth caused by
natural sources, such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and controlled sources, such as underground
explosions. Seismic waves are analysed to study the mechanisms of earthquakes, the structure and
evolution of the Earth’s core, mantle and crust, and the effect of shaking on structures such as buildings
and mines. Seismological methods are used to explore for minerals and hydrocarbons; support the design,
construction and operation of facilities such as mines, dams, nuclear power stations and waste disposal
sites; and mitigate the risks posed by earthquakes.
The Seismology course covers: a review of relevant topics in mathematics, signal processing, physics
(especially the properties and propagation of mechanical waves) and geology; the causes and effects of
natural and mining−induced earthquakes, including methods to assess seismic hazard and mitigate risks;
the acquisition, processing and interpretation of refraction and reflection seismic surveys; and imaging of
the crust and mantle using teleseismic sources.

216
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: GEOP4007A

Course Description: Electrical and Electromagnetic Methods
NQF Credits: 16 NQF Level: 8
This course on Electrical and Electromagnetic Methods includes fundamental theoretical aspects regarding
the propagation of electrical currents and of electromagnetic fields within the Earth and its atmosphere,
examination of electrical properties of Earth materials, application of these methods in mineral, oil and
gas exploration and mining, geohydrology, engineering and environmental disciplines, and case studies.
Course Code: GEOP4008A
Course Description: Research Project: Geophysics
NQF Credits: 30 NQF Level: 8
The Geophysics Honours Project is designed to provide candidates with basic experience in undertaking
a supervised research project. It need not be original research. Project work includes project design, a
literature survey, preparation of a project proposal, scientific research and presenting the findings orally
and in a research report.
Course Code: GEOP4009A
Course Description: Geophysics for Geologists
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 8
This course covers the main aspects and applications of four geophysical methods: magnetics, gravity,
seismic, and resistivity. These methods are used to introduce candidates to planning, collecting,
interpreting and integrating geophysical data sets as applied to the exploration for a variety of resources.
Examples include the search for South African and global resources such as water, diamonds, gold, and
platinum. Real data sets from geophysical surveys are used to stress the importance of good field practice
and to learn techniques for handling imperfect data.
Course Code: GEOP4010A
Course Description: Global Geophysics
NQF Credits: 16 NQF Level: 8
This course includes an introduction to geology (for candidates who have as yet not received geology
training; discussion of relevant aspects of the inner planets and meteorites for understanding the Earth;
an introduction to mathematical and physical concepts of most of the main fields of geophysics; study of
the physics of the Earth’s interior; study of global geophysical patterns; and study of the physics of global
tectonics.
Course Code: GEOP4011A
Course Description: Africa Array Field School
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 8
This course involves training in survey design and tendering for contracts, training in field safety, extensive
field work on an actual mine or exploration project, use of most modern geophysical equipment and
methods, data interpretation and integration, and a project report. It is also offered to selected international
candidates and provides hands−on training for practical geophysicists and consultants.
Course Code: PALP4010A
Course Description: Comparative Osteology, quantitative methods and field techniques
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 8
Students will learn to recognize skeletal elements of different vertebrate groups that will build in their
knowledge in the anatomical and taxonomic identifications of fossils elements. The course includes lab
lectures aiming to the practical knowledge of skull and postcranial anatomy of mammals, reptiles and
birds. Students will have a short field trip to the Cradle of the Humankind to learn field techniques.
217
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: PALP4011A

Course Description Phylogenetics
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 8
This course provides a basic knowledge of techniques to build, interpret and assess relationships between
taxa by means of cladograms. Topics to be covered include character data−matrix and coding of
characters; build of phylogenetic trees and optimisation of characters; character fit, consensus tree and
weighting of characters; evaluation of trees: branch support and resampling techniques.
Course Code: PALP4012A
Course Description: Statistics and Geometric Morphometrics
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 8
This course provides an introduction to basic statistic methodology and use of geometric morphometrics
to explore evolution of morphology, including use of software. Topics include basic statistical methods;
X−ray physics / computed tomography (CT); computed tomography in paleontology; variability of
organism forms−pattern versus process, basic principles of multivariate analysis; basic principles of
geometric morphometics; principal component analysis (PCA).
Course Code: PALP4013A
Course Description: Hominid Evolution and Osteology
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 8
This course provides knowledge on fossil, archaeological and genetic evidence of the evolution and
development of hominid. Topics include: phylogeny (human ancestors and primate cousins); the earliest
hominins; the origins of bipedal locomotion; the evolution of the brain and intelligence; stone tool
technologies; diet and subsistence; the origin and rise of modern humans; the evolution of culture; human
migration and settlement.
Course Code: PALP4015A
Course Description: Terrestrial and Marine Micropalaeontology
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 8
This course covers the introduction to fossil microorganisms of the terrestrial and marine realms, oldest to
modern groups, their classification and application to dating, oil and coal industry, and biostratigraphy.
Case studies are given, shortfalls, limitations and processing methods.
Course Code: PALP4016A
Course Description: Taphonomy and Biostratigraphy
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 8
This course comprises:
Stratigraphy − this part of the course comprises a combination of background reading, four lectures and
discussion sessions, and candidates are required to submit an essay at the end. The goal of this part of
the course is to teach candidates the principles of stratigraphic and sedimentological analysis using the
Karoo Supergroup as a case study, with the purpose of understanding how to undertake a basin analysis.
The first lecture is on the principles of stratigraphy, lecture second is lithostratigraphy, lecture third is
biostratigraphy , and lecture fourth is basin analysis and palaeoenvironments.
The course includes a four days field excursion to the Karoo. Taphonomy − includes six theoretical−
practical lectures and the presentation of an essay by the candidates. The topics include theoretical
background (definition, terminology, considerations, approaches); diagenesis (mineral replacement);
bone modification (weathering, fracture patterns, surface features and their implications); case studies;
review of agents responsible for modifying and accumulating Plio−Pleistocene faunal assemblages
(Human Evolution stream); review of taphonomic studies in the Permian− Triassic−Jurassic (Karoo
stream). Practical (data collection: macroscopically at the assemblage level, including taxon, age,
minimum number of individuals morphometrics, fracture patterns, surface modifications, weathering,
etc); techniques (microscopic analysis)

218
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: PALP4017A

Course Description: Archosaurs Evolution
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 8
This course provides candidates with the knowledge of the evolution of archosaurs, a group that include
dinosaurus, crocodiles and birds. Topic to be considered include archosaur diversity, phylogeny,
and biogeography; pneumaticity of the archosaur skeleton; cranial anatomy of archosaurs; body size
evolution, disparity, and evolutionary rates in archosaurs; digital homology in the archosaur forelimb;
genome size evolution in archosaurs; evolution of feathers; postcranial anatomy of archosaurs and
archosaur locomotion.
Course Code: PALP4018A
Course Description: Synapsid Evolution
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 8
This course provides a background to the various synapsid taxonomic groupings showing the range of
morphological diversity. As South Africa has an exceptionally rich record of fossil therapsids emphasis is
given to the morphological evolution of mammals.
The topics covered include main evolutionary landmarks of synapsids; distribution of the group in the
fossil record; pelycosaurus, biarmosuchids, dinocephalians, anomodonts, gorgonopsians, therocephalians
and non−mammaliaform cynodonts.
Course Code: PALP4019A
Course Description: Evolution of Terrestrial Ecosystems
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 8
This course consists of the evolution from simple to complex ecosystems, with emphasis particular on
plants. Topics to consider include origin of the Earth; origin of life; early life in the ocean; early plants
on land; evolution of the various plant groups and the development of complex ecosystems containing
plants, animals and insects.
Course Code: PALP4020A
Course Description: Evolution of Mammals
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 8
This course consists of the ancient history of mammals. Topics include lineages of living mammals and
their histories during the Mesozoic; dental evolution of Mesozoic mammals; main groups of mammals
represented during the Mesozoic; differences between evolution of monotremes, marsupial and
placentals; conflicts in the timing of evolution of main mammal lineages; mammals during the Cenozoic;
megaherbivores and megacarnivores.
Course Code: PALP4024A
Course Description: Research Project: Palaeontology
NQF Credits: 40 NQF Level: 8
This course provides the first experience of candidates with a research project. The course is directed to
the understanding of the mechanics of research investigation, data collection activity, framing of research
questions, integration of new data with data previously known; elaboration of a written report (modelled
based in an academic research paper) and presentation of the results of the investigation. The presentation
of the results of the project orally represents the first experience of the candidate to understand the activity
developed in scientific congress or conferences.
Course Code: PALP4025A
Course Description: Research Project Palaeontology and Geology
NQF Credits: 40 NQF Level: 8

219
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course provides the first experience of candidates with a research project. The course is directed to
the understanding of the mechanic of research investigation, data collection activity, framing of research
questions, integration of new data with data previously known; elaboration of a written report (modelled
based in an academic research paper), presenting the results of the investigation.
Course Code: PALP4026A
Course Description: Plio−Pleistocene Palaeoecology
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 8
This course consists of the theoretical background for palaeoclimate reconstruction; the use of various
proxy data and comprehends the environment and climatic conditions of South and East Africa during
the Plio−Pleistocene.
Geology Courses
Course Code: GEOL7022A
Course Description: Hydrogeochemistry
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course includes basic description of chemical parameters in rocks (major, minor and trace), physico−
chemical and organoleptic property of water, lab measurement methodologies, plotting and interpretation
of results.
Course Code: GEOL7023A
Course Description: Environmental Isotopes
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course includes basic concepts of isotope fractionation, isotope occurrence in rain, surface water and
groundwater, and characteristics of each isotope after it joins the groundwater system.
Course Code: GEOL7024A
Course Description: Physical Hydrogeology
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course includes water bearing units, hydrogeological parameters (K,T,S) pumping test analysis (single
porosity and double porosity), groundwater occurrence in rocks, groundwater investigation methods,
springs and wells, and bore hole drilling methods.
Course Code: GEOL7025A
Course Description: Hydrogeophysics
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course covers applied geophysical methods to solve groundwater problems especially in hard−rock
terrains. The main focus of the course is on gravity, seismic and electrical methods.
Course Code: GEOL7026A
Course Description: The Geochemical Toolbox for Hydrogeology
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course provides candidates with the geochemical skills necessary to tackle subsequent courses
in the proposed Geohydrology MSc programme and prepare them for any geochemical aspects of
the geohydrological industry. The course focuses on the geochemical tools used in geohydrology, the
applications of these tools and how to interpret the data emanating from each of these tools.

220
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: GEOL7027A

Course Description: Contaminant Hydrogeology
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course is intended to present main groundwater pollution sources, control mechanisms and
quantification of the dispersion, advection and diffusion of contaminants in an aquifer.
Course Code: GEOL7028A
Course Description: Research Report: Hydrogeology Full−time
NQF Credits: 90 NQF Level: 9
This research report provides a broad training in all aspects of Hydrogeology. The candidate is required
to present a written and oral research proposal. The final written report includes a literature survey,
an introduction to the project, a summary of the research question to be addressed, presentation and
interpretation of data, and a comprehensive bibliography to the literature cited in the report; this is
accompanied by a final oral presentation.
Course Code: GEOL7029A
Course Description: Hydrological Processes
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course is intended to present detailed quantification of the hydrological parameters such as
precipitation, evapotranspiration, runoff and recharge in order to estimate the water balance of an area.
The hydrologic cycle is addressed both at a local and regional level.
Course Code: GEOL7030A
Course Description: Water Resources Management
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course includes the relationship of hydrological parameters to water resources management, water
management principles and issues, water resources in South Africa, transboundary surface and ground
water in Africa, water loss, pollution and protection, water resources and climate change impacts, and
water management interventions.
Course Code: GEOL7031A
Course Description: Applied Structural Geology
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course involves an in−depth study of Structural Geology theories and applications related to
structures that control storage and circulation of groundwater.
Course Code: GEOL7032A
Course Description: An Introduction to Ore Deposit Geology
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course considers metal concentration in the crust and concentration factors needed to upgrade
metals to mineable proportions. Igneous, sedimentary and hydrothermal processes that contribute to
concentrating these metals are considered. Topics include ore deposits in layered complexes, mafic
rocks, granites, porphyry copper, pegmatites, laterite and bauxite, VMS, SEDEX, MVT and epithermal ore
deposits. Structural controls that help localise the concentrations of metals are discussed. The course ends
with a consideration of how various types of ore deposits have formed through time. Regulatory controls
that are in place for the reporting of ore deposit resources are also covered. Practical classes involve
examining hand samples, thin sections and ores in reflected light.

221
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: GEOL7033A

Course Description: GIS and Remote Sensing
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course introduces basic principles such as datums and projections, coordinate systems, geo−
referencing, use of GPS, GIS−based techniques for interpretation, radiation and the atmosphere, and
visualisation of geological, structural, geochemical and geophysical datasets. There is a focus on ARCMAP,
Landsat and Aster imagery. An introduction to processing, restoration and image enhancement
is given and includes interpretation of hyperspectral techniques for mineral exploration and mapping for
mineral prospectivity. Case studies are presented. Computer−based practicals form a significant part of
the course.
Course Code: GEOL7034A
Course Description: Structural Controls on Ore Deposits
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course provides an understanding of tectonic processes from the small−scale to the continent−wide
scale. Topics include the 3D visualisation of folds, faults, thrusts, their geophysical expression and the
analysis of structures in drill core. The course includes practical training in recognizing structural features
in the field and integrating structural data−sets at all scales, and provides a greater understanding of the
role of structural controls in focusing the distribution of ore deposits. The objective of the course is to
develop (i) confidence in understanding the structural parameters, and (ii) skills in interpreting the effects
of structural elements in specific areas relevant to mining. There is an emphasis on practical training and
case studies from a variety of ore deposits worldwide are considered.
Course Code: GEOL7035A
Course Description: Magmatic Ore Deposits
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course introduces the concepts of magmatic ore deposit formation and the geochemical and
geophysical methods that can be utilised for further exploration. The various types of deposits studied
include layered igneous complexes, mafic complexes, komatiites, kimberlites and carbonatites. Ore
deposits associated with felsic igneous rocks are also covered and include ores associated with granites
such as tin, tungsten, niobium and rare earths; pegmatites and skarns. There is a focus on mechanisms of
concentration of metals. Practical classes include a study of sample suites from around the world using
hand specimens, thin sections and ores in reflected light.
Course Code: GEOL7036A
Course Description: Sedimentary Ore Deposits
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course covers clastic and chemical sedimentary ore deposits. These include: placer diamonds, heavy
minerals, gold and gems; the role of sedimentary processes in the Witwatersrand Basin and Central
African Copperbelt deposits; and the concentration of laterite and bauxite ores. The chemical behaviour of
elements such as uranium, vanadium, copper, iron and manganese are also a major focus for this course.
The aim of the course is to develop a better understanding of processes to assist in exploration for new
deposits. Practical classes include a study of sample suites from around the world using hand specimens,
thin sections and ores in reflected light.
Course Code: GEOL7037A
Course Description: Hydrothermal Ore Deposits
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9

222
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course focuses on processes involved in the transport and deposition of metals from hydrothermal
fluids in specific geological settings. A consideration is given to the composition of fluids and the Pressure
and Temperature conditions of metal deposition. Metal systems in VMS, SEDEX and MVT settings are
presented together with an overview of Carlin−type deposits, and the role of fluids in upgrading ore in the
Central African Copperbelt and Kupferschiefer of Poland. The course aims to provide an understanding
of the different geological settings responsible for the mineralisation and to provide the participant with a
greater understanding of genetic models used to explain these deposits. Case studies from the lectures are
integrated with a laboratory study of sample suites of ore deposit suites from around the world.
Course Code: GEOL7038A
Course Description: Exploration Targeting – Geochemistry
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course covers available geochemical exploration techniques and make use of the state −of−the−
art software used in the mining and exploration industry to visualise and interpret the relevant data.
There is an emphasis on practical training, data presentation, visualisation, and integration of different
methodologies. The objective is to understand the relative strengths and weaknesses of the different
geochemical techniques in exploration for different types of ore deposits in a variety of terranes and how
these can be integrated with geophysical data. Airborne geochemical methods are often the first technique
utilised in the search for new ore deposits.
Course Code: GEOL7039A
Course Description: Exploration Targeting – Geophysics
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course integrates available techniques and make use of the state−of−the−art and geophysical
software used in the mining and exploration industry to visualise and interpret the relevant data.
There is an emphasis on practical training, data presentation, visualisation, and integration of different
methodologies. The objective is to understand the relevant strengths and weaknesses of the different
geophysical techniques in exploration for different types of ore deposits in a variety of terranes.
Airborne geophysical methods are often the first technique utilised in the search for new ore deposits.
The application of gravity, magnetic and electromagnetic techniques is routine. In addition, the use of
3D seismics in exploration and existing underground operations can now provide structural information
ahead of mining in order to guide development planning.
Course Code: GEOL7040A
Course Description: Geometallurgy and Reflected Light Microscopy
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course is aimed at providing an understanding of how to characterise an ore deposit in terms of its
processing (beneficiation) requirements. These include an appreciation of mineralogical speciation of the
commodity, blasting, blending, crushing, grinding, liberation, recovery and waste control. Practical training
is include a study of ore minerals under the microscope to gain a better understanding of intergrowths
in ore minerals, contaminants, optimum grind size to release the required ore mineral, adverse gangue
minerals and textural ore complexities that can affect beneficiation. This training leads to an improved
understanding by geologists and mineralogists of the roles of mining engineers and metallurgists in the
mining value chain. The incorporation of geometallurgical data into geological and resource models are
covered.
Course Code: GEOL7041A
Course Description: Geological Modelling
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9

223
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course considers how the integration of available geological, structural, geophysical and geochemical
data can be used in exploration targeting and analysis of ore deposits. The course considers the key
geological, geochemical, geophysical and structural parameters and grade variations that are important
in ore−body modelling and the various methods used for data acquisition and manipulation. A brief
consideration is given to QA and QC issues in validating data. Practical training is given and includes the
use of LEAPFROG software for 3D visualisation for exploration and mining.
Course Code: GEOL7042A
Course Description: Platinum Group Element Deposits
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course is useful for those people working in the platinum group metal (PGM) industry, who would
like to gain a wider understanding of the platinum industry world−wide. It considers the Bushveld,
Nkomati, Sudbury, Stillwater, Great Dyke, Norilsk, Muskox and Jinchuan Complexes and focus on the
debates about how and why the ore minerals have been concentrated into specific layers. It considers the
nature of the platinum minerals and how these vary, even within one horizon such as the Merensky Reef,
and how the associated gangue minerals such as serpentine or talc can adversely affect platinum recovery.
It considers the security of supply from countries such as South Africa, Zimbabwe and Russia, which are
the major world suppliers. Laboratory work includes a study of material from various deposits with a focus
on the characteristics of the ore minerals plus an opportunity to study platinum−bearing minerals under
the scanning electron microscope.
Course Code: GEOL7043A
Course Description: Gold Deposits
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course covers all types of gold deposits. This includes a review of the Witwatersrand goldfield with
other sedimentary−hosted gold prospects; shear−hosted gold mines in the Barberton area and throughout
Africa, IOCG−type deposits of Australia and elsewhere, and Carlin−type gold deposits of
western America. The importance of regional structures in the formation of gold deposits is discussed.
Case studies of major gold deposits formed at different times in Earth history form an essential part of the
course.
Course Code: GEOL7044A
Course Description: Uranium Deposits
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course covers primary and secondary types of uranium: unconformity−related deposits constitute
around 33% of the world’s resources, breccia complex ~8%, intrusive−related deposits <10%,
sandstone−hosted deposits ~18%, surficial deposits ~4% and quartz−pebble conglomerates of the
Wits−type Basin ~13%. Minor occurrences associated with coal and phosphate deposits is discussed.
The course provides a greater understanding of the mobility of uranium in igneous, metamorphic,
hydrothermal and sedimentary environments with an aim of improved targeting for further exploration.
Case studies focus of deposits in Canada, Australia, Kazakhstan, Namibia, Niger, Malawi and South Africa.
Africa is a significant producer of uranium, with Niger and Namibia currently the world’s fourth and fifth
largest producers.
Course Code: GEOL7045A
Course Description: Iron and Manganese Deposits
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course aims to provide an understanding of the sedimentary, microbial and hydrothermal processes
involved in the formation of iron and manganese ores, the role of structural controls in ore deposit
formation, and the effect of structural features in mining. The contrasting mineralogy between high−grade
and low grade deposits are studied in laboratory−based practicals using hand specimens, thin sections
and polished ores in reflected light. Case studies include deposits in Australia, and China as well as South
Africa.
224
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: GEOL7046A

Course Description: Critical Metal Deposits
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course focuses on those critical metals that Africa can supply. These include cobalt, lithium, rare
earths, tantalum−niobium, platinum, antimony, tungsten and germanium. This course aims to provide
a better understanding of the deposits with which the strategic metals are related, examples of where
and why enrichment has occurred, and the strategic implications of restricted and uncertainty of supply.
Case studies are used for a variety of deposit types. Critical metals are metals whose availability is
essential for high−technology, green and defence applications, but which are vulnerable to politically or
economically driven fluctuations in supply. At present, this designation applies particularly to the rare−
earth elements, tantalum, niobium, lithium, molybdenum, germanium and indium, although antimony,
platinum group elements, mercury, tungsten, and strontium among others are in short supply although
they are not necessarily rare. The course considers metal resources and criticality as defined by different
international governments, sources of supply and recycling.
Course Code: GEOL7047A
Course Description: The Central African Copperbelt
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course investigates the structural setting of sedimentation and subsequent tectonism, and the
importance of salt tectonics in the DRC. Topics include argillite−hosted and arenite−hosted ores, the
source of the fluids, the source of sulphur, controversies on the source of the metals and the importance of
the major types of alteration. Case studies include practical studies of ore suites from Kamoa, Kamoto and
Kipushi in DRC and from Nchanga/Chingola, Mufalira and Nkana in Zambia. These are contrasted with
similar suites from the Kupferschiefer in Central Europe and White Pine in the USA. The stratabound
copper deposits of the Central African Copperbelt lie partly in northern Zambia and partly in the southern
DRC. There are dramatic differences between mineralisation in the Zambia and DRC parts of the
Copperbelt in terms of stratigraphic setting and structural controls; however, both areas are characterised
by three lithostratigraphic elements of continental red beds, evaporites and reducing strata.
Course Code: GEOL7053A
Course Description: Geology and Exploitation of Coal Deposits
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course considers what coal is and how is it defined, the types of coal and the depositional environments
in which it forms. A major emphasis is on the coal deposits of sub-Saharan Africa and particularly South
Africa as these are becoming of greater significance in meeting the energy needs of future generations.
The factors that affect the quality and marketability of coal as a resource are presented. The techniques of
proximate and ultimate coal analysis, as well as reserves and reporting of resources will form important
parts of the course. The course ends with a consideration of the economics of coal deposits, environmental
implications of mining and coal burning and how alternative energies might impact the coal industry.
Course Code: GEOL7048A
Course Description: Research Report Economic Geology Full−time
NQF Credits: 90 NQF Level: 9
The research report provides a broad training in all aspects of Economic Geology. The candidate is
required to present a written and oral research proposal. The final written report includes a literature
survey, an introduction to the project, a summary of the research question to be addressed, presentation
and interpretation of data, and a comprehensive bibliography to the literature cited in the report; this is
accompanied by a final oral presentation.

225
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: GEOL7049A

Course Description: Research Report Economic Geology Part−time I
NQF Credits: 30 NQF Level: 9
Research Report Part 1 involves preliminary data collection and preparation of an introductory section of
the Research Report that is presented orally and in writing.
Course Code: GEOL7050A
Course Description: Research Report Economic Geology Part−time II
NQF Credits: 60 NQF Level: 9
Research Report Part II involves additional research data collection, analysis, interpretation and discussion
and the submission of the final oral presentation and written Research Report.
Course Code: GEOL7051A
Course Description: Research Report: Hydrogeology Part−time I
NQF Credits: 30 NQF Level: 9
Research Report Part 1 involves preliminary data collection and preparation of an introductory section of
the Research Report that is presented orally and in writing.
Course Code: GEOL7052A
Course Description: Research Report: Hydrogeology Part−time II
NQF Credits: 60 NQF Level: 9
Research Report Part II involves additional research data collection, analysis, interpretation and discussion
and the submission of the final oral presentation and written Research Report.
School of Mathematics
Course Code: MATH1034A (MATH1044A PT)
Course Description: Algebra I
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 5
This course focuses on developing the deductive and logical skills of students. The courses consists of
real numbers, proof by mathematical induction, inverse trigonometric functions, polar coordinates and
polar graphs, the binomial theorem, conics, vectors in two and three dimensions including equations of
lines and planes, linear equations and Gaussian elimination, matrix algebra and determinants, complex
numbers.
Course Code: MATH1036A (MATH1045A PT)
Course Description: Calculus I
NQF Credits: 21 NQF Level: 5
This course focuses on developing the analytical skills of students with regard to introductory undergraduate
calculus. The course consists of the following topics: functions; limits; continuity; differentiability;
integration; differentiation techniques; applications of differentiation; hyperbolic functions; integration
theory and applications; advanced integration techniques; improper integrals; infinite sequences and series
and convergence; and first order differential equations. These topics include an introduction to the students
of key concepts in: trigonometric, logarithmic and exponential functions; partial differentiation; implicit
differentiation; rates of change; maxima and minima; applications to curve sketching; antiderivatives; the
indefinite and definite integral; Riemann sums; and Taylor and Maclaurin series.
Course Code: MATH1041A
Course Description: Auxiliary Mathematics I
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 5

226
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course introduces students to mathematical concepts required for those who major in biological and
earth sciences. It is a terminating course which does not lead into second year. It consists of a calculus
and an algebra component:
Calculus: This component focuses on developing the analytical skill of students. Material includes:
Points and vectors in the plane. Rules for differentiation, Applications of differentiation. Techniques of
integration, areas, volume. Parametric equations, arc length and curved surface area. Partial differentiation,
chain rule and first approximation. First order differential equations.
Algebra: This component focuses on developing the deductive and logical skill of students. Material
includes: Radian measure and trigonometric functions. Proof by mathematical induction, series and
polynomials. Algebra of matrices, inverses, laws of determinants, system of linear equations, Cramer’s
rule. Three dimensional vectors and geometry, equations of lines and planes, distances between points,
lines and planes. Complex numbers arithmetic.
Course Code: MATH1042A (MATH1046A PT)
Course Description: Engineering Mathematics 1A
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 5
This course, consisting of Calculus and Algebra, provides the students with a basic foundation in
differentiation and integration techniques and simple applications, binomial theorem and simple series.
The topics in Calculus 1A include: functions; domain and range of functions; composite functions; limits
and continuity; differentiation; applications of differentiation (curve sketching, maxima & minima and rates
of change); antiderivatives, definite and indefinite integrals; Riemann sums; applications of integration to
areas and volumes; the natural logarithmic and exponential functions (transcendental functions).
The topics in Algebra 1A include: radian measure; trigonometric functions; trigonometric equations; polar
coordinates; the principle of mathematical induction; binomial theorem; conic sections.
Course Code: MATH1043A (MATH1047A PT)
Course Description: Engineering Mathematics 1B
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 5
This course, consisting of Calculus and Algebra, provides students with a basic foundation in differentiation
and integration techniques and simple application, the solution of simple differential equations and
matrices. The topics in Calculus 1B include: further techniques of integration and improper integrals;
sequences and series; Taylor and Maclaurin series; L’Hôpital’s rule; partial differentiation; ordinary first
order differential equations. The topics in Algebra 1B include: linear systems of equations; Gaussian
elimination; matrix algebra; inverse matrices; determinants; inverse matrices by elementary row operations
and adjoint-determinant method; Cramer’s rule; dot product and cross product in R3; vector algebra in
R2 and R3; lines and planes in R3; complex numbers; modulus-argument form of complex numbers; De
Moivre’s theorem; n-th roots.
Course Code: MATH2001A (MATH2029A PT)
Course Description: Basic Analysis II
NQF Credits: 8 NQF Level: 6
This course focuses on developing the basic analytical skills of students. Material includes : limits of
sequences and series; completeness of R, supremum and infimum, and density of Q in R; limits and
proofs of their rules; continuity and the properties of continuous functions on closed bounded intervals;
differentiation, Rolle’s theorem and the 1st mean value theorem.
Course Code: MATH2003A
Course Description: Differential Equations II
NQF Credits: 8 NQF Level: 6
This course provides the student with practical results on the solution of differential equations. This course
consists of solution of nth order constant co−efficient linear differential equations, Laplace transforms;
Fourier series, solution of boundary value and initial value problems for constant coefficient partial
differential equations.
227
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: MATH2007A (MATH2032A PT)

Course Description: Multivariable Calculus II
NQF Credits: 8 NQF Level: 6
This course provides applicable results in calculus of several variables. Materials covered include:
differentiation of maps from Rn to Rm; differentials, divergence, gradient and curl; path integrals over
regions in R2; change of variables in IR2; Jacobians; extrema; Green’s theorem is proved.
Course Code: MATH2015A (MATH2028A PT)
Course Description: Abstract Mathematics II
NQF Credits: 8 NQF Level: 6
This course concentrates on discrete and algebraic aspects of mathematics. The course consists of the
following concepts: finite, countable and uncountable sets; equivalence relations and classes; mappings
and their inverses; binary operations; Well−ordering axioms; the division algorithm; modulo arithmetic;
groups and rigid motions.
Course Code: MATH2016A (MATH2033A PT)
Course Description: Advanced Analysis
NQF Credits: 8 NQF Level: 6
This course focuses on developing the analytic skill of students. Material includes: properties of suprema
and infima; construction of the Riemann integral; metric spaces; open and closed sets; completeness;
compactness; fixed point theorems; existence and uniqueness of solutions to ordinary differential
equations.
Course Code: MATH2019A (MATH2031 PT)
Course Description: Linear Algebra II
NQF Credits: 8 NQF Level: 6
This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of Linear Algebra. Linear Algebra together
with Calculus form a basis of higher mathematics taught in universities. They have important applications
to natural and social sciences. Linear Algebra arose from solving systems of linear equations. This course
introduces the student with the fundamental concepts of a vector space, a linear transfor−mation, an
inner product, and other related notions, in particular, those of linear independence, basis, dimension,
orthogonality, matrix of a linear operator, eigen−values, eigenvectors. The notions, facts, and techniques
presented in the course are widely illustrated by considering examples and solving exercises.
Course Code: MATH2011A (MATH2027A PT)
Course Description: Mathematics (Engineering) II
NQF Credits: 27 NQF Level: 6
This course covers intermediate techniques and applications of the algebra of real and complex functions
and the calculus of several real variables. The course is made up of two components Algebra and Calculus.
Algebra involves: Complex numbers. Indeterminate forms and convergence of series. Linear Algebra
including eigenvalues and eigenvectors; the Cayley−Hamilton theorem and applications to differential
equations; change of coordinates; diagonalisation and applications; orthonormality, unitary and hermitian
matrices and quadratic forms. Fourier series.
Calculus involves: Differential equations. Vector differentiation including curvature, directional
derivations, grad, div and curl, streamlines and potential functions and classification of surfaces. Vector
Integration including line integrals, double integrals, Jacobians, Green’s theorem in the plane.
Course Code: MATH2012A
Course Description: Mathematics II
NQF Credits: 13 NQF Level: 6

228
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course augments techniques and simple applications of the algebra and the calculus introduced in
Mathematics 1A and Mathematics 1B. The course enhances students’ ability to apply first principles of
mathematics to solve engineering problems. Topics covered in this course include: complex numbers,
series, linear space, orthonormality, linear equations and operators, d-operators, complementary functions,
particular integrals, complex exponentials, stability, vector differentiation, curvature torsion, trajectories
and quadric surfaces.
Course Code: MATH3001A
Course Description: Number Theory III
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 7
This course provides the student with an introduction to number theory. Topics covered include a
selection of the following: Exact and asymptotic enumeration of sums; prime numbers and factoring; basic
techniques of enumeration, inclusion−exclusion, identities; enumeration under symmetries; continued
fractions, arithmetical functions, sums of squares; partitions of integers, q−series.
Course Code: MATH3003A
Course Description: Coding and Cryptography III
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 7
This course focuses on the basic mathematics of coding and cryptography. The topics covered include
classical cryptosystems; Ceasar and affine ciphers; block and stream ciphers; one−time pads; public key
cryptosystems; the RSA cryptosystem; digital signatures; discrete logs and the ElGamal cryptosystem;
primality testing and factoring; pseudorandom numbers; error detecting codes.
Course Code: MATH3004A
Course Description: Complex Analysis III
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 7
This is an introductory course in complex analysis which explores properties of analytic functions of one
complex variable. The topics covered include complex differentiability, the Cauchy−Riemann equations
and analytic functions; functions defined by power series; path integrals in the complex domain; the index
of a closed curve; Cauchy’s Integral Theorem, Cauchy’s Integral Formula and Taylor Series; singularities
and Laurent Series; the Residue Theorem and Rouch’e’s Theorem; evaluation of integrals of real valued
functions via complex methods; Open Mapping Theorem, Maximum Modulus Theorem, Schwarz’s
Lemma.
Course Code: MATH3006A
Course Description: Group Theory III
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 7
This course focuses on elementary group theory and provides the students with insight into the structure of
an algebraic system. The course introduces many diverse groups through which the properties of groups
may be viewed. This course consists of the theory of groups, subgroups, cyclic groups, normal subgroups,
quotient groups and direct product groups, homomorphisms and isomorphism theorems, group action on
sets, orbits stabilisers and conjugacy, Lagrange and Cauchy theorems, simplicity and An and the Sylow
Theorems.
Course Code: MATH3009A
Course Description: Rings and Fields III
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 7
This course focuses on elementary ring and field theory and builds on the theory of groups providing
the students with another example of the structure of an algebraic system. The course introduces many
diverse rings and fields through which the properties of rings and fields may be viewed. This course
consists of the theory of rings, subrings, ideals, factor rings, homomorphisms; integral domains, Euclidean
domains, principal ideal domains, unique factorisation domains, Eisenstein’s criterion, Gauss’ lemma and
field extensions.
229
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: MATH3010A

Course Description: Topology III
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 7
This course provides an introduction to the theory of topological spaces. Contents covered include basic
definitions (topological spaces, subspaces, closed sets); bases for topologies; closure, limit points and
convergence; continuous maps and homeomorphisms; the Hausdorff condition and other separation
axioms; connectedness and path connectedness; compactness.
Course Code: MATH3031A
Course Description: Differential Geometry III
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 7
This course provides students with an introduction to the theory of differentiable manifolds and calculus
on them. Contents include differential forms; oriented manifolds; vector fields and differential forms on
manifolds; integration of differential forms over oriented manifolds; and the generalised Stoke’s Theorem.
Course Code: MATH3033A (MATH3039A PT)
Course Description: Mathematical Methods (Industrial)
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 7
This course covers mathematical methods in Industrial Engineering, including a basic understanding of
Laplace transformations; linear programming including the simplex method, duality, sensitivity analysis
and the branch and bound algorithm; game theory topics such as the Prisoner’s dilemma; Markov Chains
topics such as steady-state probabilities and ergodic chains.
Course Code: MATH3047A
Course Description: Advanced Real Analysis III
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 7
This course further developing students’ understanding of analytical properties of real functions and
analysis of metric spaces. Topics include limit superior and limit inferior; applications to convergence
of series; differentiability of functions of several variables; the Implicit and Inverse Function Theorems;
completeness and compactness in metric spaces; uniform convergence in metric spaces; Fourier Series
and the Weierstrass Approximation Theorem; and an introduction to Lebesgue integration.
Course Code: MATH3048A
Course Description: Real Analysis III
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 7
This course includes the following topics: Riemann sums; refinements; Riemann integrals; metric spaces;
completeness; open and closed sets; power series; existence and uniqueness of solutions to ordinary
differential equations; improper integrals and fixed-point theorems.
Course Code: MATH3049A
Course Description: Positive Linear Systems III
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces the mathematical theories and foundation of modern economics. Topics covered
include equilibrium in linear economic models; Hawkins−Simon condition; outputs and prices;
profit rate; matrices and linear mappings, convergence in Rn; The Frobenius Theorem; Non-negativity
constraints; Non- negative Eigenvalue problem; irreducible matrices; product planning in activity analysis;
convex sets; and Koopman’s postulates.

230
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: MATH4016A

Course Description: Algebra IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course consists of a selection form the following topics:
Rings and Modules: This course is an introduction to the theory of associative rings and their modules.
Review the fundamental concepts of algebras. Topics covered include the complete ring of quotients
of commutative rings, prime ideas and prime ideal spaces, primitive rings and radicals and completely
reducible rings and modules. Artinian and Noetherian rings and idempotents. Injective and projective
modules. Introduction to homological algebra.
Automorphisms Galois Theory: This course introduces the study of field extensions. The main idea of
Galois Theory is to consider the relation of the group of permutations of the roots of a polynomial to the
algebraic structure of its splitting field. The course includes the Fundamental Theorem of Galois Theory,
composite extensions and simple extensions, the Galois group of polynomials, solvability and radical
extensions leading to the result on the insolvability of the quintic.
Finite Dimensional Vector Spaces: The purpose of this course is to treat linear transformations on finite
dimensional vector spaces by simple geometric notions common to many parts of mathematics and in
a language that is used in the theory of integral equations and Hilbert Theory. The course builds on
the elementary notions of vectors spaces over fields and introduces dual spaces, quotient spaces and
the direct sum of vector spaces. Central to the development is the introduction of bilinear forms and
inner products and the Riesz Representation Theorem with the ideas of adjoint and self−adjoint linear
transformations. The course includes a survey of orthogonal projections, eigenvalues and the Spectral
Decomposition Theorem.
Course Code: MATH4017A
Course Description: Asymptotics/Approximation Theory IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course is a continuation of the Honours Topic Combinatorics.
This course includes a selection from the following topics: General principles of enumeration; symbolic
computer algebra with Mathematica; methods of asymptotic enumeration. This last topic includes;
asymptotics of sums; asymptotics of recurrence relations; Mellin transforms; Rice’s method; singularity
analysis; saddle point method; and limiting distributions.
Course Code: MATH4018A
Course Description: Calculus of Variations IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course deals with the Invariance approach to the analysis of variational differential equations as
introduced by Sophus Lie.
The course comprises of:
Differential Geometric Preliminaries (Manifolds, Groups, Lie Groups, Lie group transformations);Lie
point symmetries of ordinary differential equations (methods and applications);Calculus of Variations
(Introduction and definitions, Euler Lagrange equations, Inverse problems, conservation laws); Noether
symmetries;Noether’s theorem (conservation laws);Association between symmetries and first integrals;
Symmetries of PDEs; and Conservation laws of variational PDEs.
Course Code: MATH4019A
Course Description: Combinatorics IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8

231
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course introduces the candidate to the fundamental concepts of enumerative combinatorics.
This course consists of a selection from the following topics:
permutations and combinations; binomial coefficients; Stirling numbers and combinatorial identities;
the principle of inclusion and exclusion; recurrence relations; ordinary and exponential generating
functions; the exponential formula and trees; Lagrange inversion;the symbolic method of enumeration;
discrete probability; bivariate generating functions and combinatorial parameters; and Polya’s Theory of
Counting.
Course Code: MATH4020A
Course Description: Complex Analysis IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course is an advanced course in complex analysis which presents properties of analytic functions,
in particular relating to zeros and poles of analytic functions. The results emphasise the rich structure of
analytic functions. The course content includes: Möbius transformations; Montel’s theorem; Riemann
mapping theorem; infinite products of analytic functions; approximation of analytic functions; analytic
continuation; harmonic functions; entire functions of finite order; the range of analytic functions.
Course Code: MATH4021A
Course Description: Functional Analysis IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces the candidate to key concepts in functional analysis. It is a foundational course
and as such it requires, as a prerequisite, only knowledge of classical real analysis. The course consists of:
normed linear spaces, inner product spaces, Banach spaces and Hilbert spaces; properties and
characterisation of bounded linear operators on normed linear spaces; the principle of uniform
boundedness, the open mapping theorem, the Hahn−Banach theorem or the Hilbert space analogues
thereof in terms of orthogonality (depending on the focus for that year); the Riesz−Fischer Theorem,
duality and reflexivity; spectral theory of compact operator; and bounded self−adjoint operators.
Course Code: MATH4022A
Course Description: Geometry and Algebraic Topology IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course is an introduction to algebraic topology with geometric applications. It is aimed at honours
candidates who have some knowledge of basic topology and differential geometry, such as what is
provided by the third−year courses MATH3010A and MATH3031A offered at Wits. Topics covered
include the fundamental group, covering spaces, homology and cohomology groups, as well as geometric
applications, such as de Rham cohomology, the classification of closed surfaces, and the Jordan Curve
Theorem.
Course Code: MATH4023A
Course Description: Graph Theory IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of Graph Theory. The course covers elements of
topological graph theory, graph colourings, graph polynomials, connectivity, and embeddings in graphs.
The Major part of the course is devoted to some or all of the following parts:
Basic Graph Theory. Basic concepts and results in graph theory and introduction to open problems.
Traversals (Eulerian graphs, Hamiltonian graphs), connectivity and planarity. Research in graph theory
on these topics.

232
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Graph Colouring, specifically vertex colourings and map colourings.

Topological Graph Theory. Fundamental concepts of the relationship between graph theory and Knot
theory. Some knot invariants calculated via the corresponding graphs: pathwidth, component number,
the Kauffman polynomial, the Jones polynomial and the Alexander polynomial.
Graph Polynomials. Fundamental concepts of graph colouring and graph operations. Graph polynomials
namely chromatic polynomial, the Tutte polynomial, the Martin polynomial and Penrose polynomial.
Course Code: MATH4024A
Course Description: Number Theory IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course focuses on the mainstream and advanced concepts and trends in Elementary, Analytic
andAlgebraic theory of Numbers. The course is made up of three independent parts of which only one
component is offered in a given year.
Elementary Number Theory. The first part explores the essential and advanced properties of the positive
integers. The content consists of the topics: infinitude of primes; primes numbers of different kinds;
solution of Diophantine equations and congruences; arithmetic functions; Euler function, quadratic
residues; irrational numbers and continued fractions; decimal expansions of real numbers. Analytic
Number Theory. The second part investigates the application of methods of mathematical analysis in the
solution of problems about integers. The content consists of the topics: algebraic properties of arithmetical
functions; pseudo−convergence; average values; densities; the zeta function; the nth prime; Prime
Number Theorem; Dirichlet characters; Ramanujan expansions; orders of magnitude.
Algebraic Number Theory. The third part explores the interplay of abstract algebraic theory and the
properties of integers and rational numbers. The content consists of the topics: ring localisations; integral
elements; prime and maximal ideals; Dedekind domains; unique factorisation of ideals; algebraic number
fields; integral bases; discriminants; norms; class number.
Course Code: MATH4025A
Course Description: Measure Theory IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This is a foundational course in measure theory and as such it requires as a prerequisite only knowledge
of classical real analysis. The topics covered in the course are: Algebras and sigma algebras of sets,
definition and properties of measures, completions of measures, the monotone class theorem and the
Caratheodory construction of measures, properties of measurable functions, construction of the Lebesgue
integral, Fatou’s Lemma, the Lebesgue monotone convergence and dominate convergence theorem,
the space of Lebesgue integrable functions, signed measures and the Hahn−Jodan decomposition, the
Radon−Nikodym−Lebesgue decomposition.
Course Code: MATH4026A
Course Description: Research Project: Mathematics IV
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 8
This course consists of a research project on a pure mathematics topic which is carried out under standard
exploratory, investigative and analytical principles under supervision by a supervisor. The stages consist
of Topic selection, Proposal Construction, Approval of Proposal, Project Work, Project Report Writing
and Report Submission.
Course Code: MATH4027A
Course Description: Topology IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8

233
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course is the branch of mathematics concerned with the properties of space that are preserved
under continuous deformations. It may be considered as a modern geometry. This course introduces the
candidate with the fundamental concepts of a topological space and a continuous mapping, with basic
constructions and results. The list of presented topics includes cardinal invariants of spaces, separation
axioms, compact spaces, Urysohn’s lemma which says that any two disjoint closed subsets of a normal
space can be separated by a continuous function, and Tychonoff theorem which says that the product of
compact spaces is compact.
Course Code: MATH4028A
Course Description: Mathematical Logic IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces the field of Mathematical Logic. It consists of propositional logic, first-order logic
and non-classical logic. The course explores the syntax, semantics and proof systems for each logic
considered, pursuing these themes up to and including soundness and completeness theorems and the
characterisation of expressivity in terms of model-theoretic invariance results.
Course Code: MATH7021A
Course Description: Measure Theory
NQF Credits: 22 NQF Level: 9
This is a foundational course in measure theory and as such it requires as a prerequisite only knowledge
of classical real analysis.
The course comprises:
algebras and sigma algebras of sets; definition and properties of measures; completions of measures;
the monotone class theorem and the Caratheodory construction of measures; properties of measurable
functions; construction of the Lebesgue integral; Fatou’s Lemma, the Lebesgue monotone convergence
and dominate convergence theorem; the space of Lebesgue integrable functions; signed measures and the
Hahn−Jodan decomposition; the Radon−Nikodym−Lebesgue decomposition; and compulsory project
in this field of study.
Course Code: MATH7022A
Course Description: Topology
NQF Credits: 23 NQF Level: 9
This course comprises of:
General Topology: Axiom of Choice, cardinal arithmetic, a topological space, a continuous mapping,
cardinal functions, separation axioms, Urysohn’s lemma, compact spaces, Tychonoff theorem;
Algebraic Topology: Homology and Cohomology, Winding Numbers, Covering spaces, topology of
surfaces, de Rham cohomology of surfaces, the Mayer−Vietoris sequence, classification of compact
surfaces, Riemannian surfaces; and
Differential Geometry: Manifolds, vector bundles, differential forms, integration of differential forms,
introduction to Stokes’ theorem. Introduction to Riemannian geometry (connections, curvature, covariant
differentiation).
A compulsory project in this field of study.
Course Code: MATH7023A
Course Description: Algebra
NQF Credits: 22 NQF Level: 9
The course comprises a selection from the following topics:
Rings and Modules
This course is an introduction to the theory of associative rings and their modules. Review the fundamental
concepts of algebras.

234
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Topics covered include the complete ring of quotients of commutative rings, prime ideals and prime ideal
spaces, primitive rings and radicals and completely reducible rings and modules. Artinian and Noetherian
rings and idempotents, injective and projective modules, an introduction to homological algebra.
Automorphisms and Galois Theory
This course introduces the study of field extensions. The main idea of Galois Theory is to consider the
relation of the group of permutations of the roots of a polynomial to the algebraic structure of its splitting
field. The course includes the Fundamental Theorem of Galois Theory, composite extensions and simple
extensions, the Galois group of polynomials, solvability and radical extensions leading to the result on the
insolvability of the quintic. Finite dimensional Vector Spaces.
The purpose of this course is to treat linear transformations on finite dimensional vector spaces by simple
geometric notions common to many parts of mathematics and in a language that is used in the theory of
integral equations and Hilbert Theory. The course builds on t`he elementary notions of vectors spaces
over fields and introduces dual spaces, quotient spaces and the direct sum of vector spaces. Central to
the development is the introduction of bilinear forms and inner products and the Riesz Representation
Theorem with the ideas of adjoint and self−adjoint linear transformations. The course includes a survey
of orthogonal projections, eigenvalues and the Spectral Decomposition Theorem.
Algebra project (compulsory) in one of the above areas.
Course Code: MATH7024A
Course Description: Functional Analysis
NQF Credits: 23 NQF Level: 9
This is a foundational course in functional analysis and as such it requires as a prerequisite only knowledge
of classical real analysis.
This course comprises:
Normed linear spaces, inner product spaces, Banach spaces & Hilbert spaces; properties and
characterisation of bounded linear operators on normed linear spaces; the principle of uniform
boundedness, the open mapping theorem, the Hahn−Banach theorem or the Hilbert space analogues
thereof in terms of orthogonality, depending on the focus for that year; the Riesz−Fischer Theorem,
duality and reflexivity; spectral theory of compact operators; bounded self−adjoint operators; and
a compulsory project in this field of study.
Course Code: MATH7025A
Course Description: Research Report: Mathematics
NQF Credits: 90 NQF Level: 9
This course consists of a research report on a pure mathematics topic which is carried out under standard
exploratory, investigative and analytical principles. The stages consist of Topic selection, Proposal
Construction, Approval of Proposal, Project Work, Project Report Writing and Report Submission. The
report should not exceed 35 printed pages on A4 sized paper. The following items are recommended for
the proposal:
title; aim; problem statement; research questions; methodology; contents; literature review; further work
or results; and references
School of Mechanical; Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering (Faculty of Engineering and the
Built Environment)
Course Code: MECN2006A
Course Description: Thermodynamics I
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course introduces the student to fundamental concepts of classical thermodynamics including
relationships among the properties of matter and the laws governing the transformation of energy into
various forms. Central to this course is developing an understanding of the law of conservation of energy
(First Law of Thermodynamics) and the law of degradation of energy (Second Law of Thermodynamics).

235
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

The course further grounds the student in the application of thermodynamic principles and the use of
property relations in the analysis of thermodynamic processes; cycles and systems. The course consists of:
Introductory concepts and definitions; energy and the First Law of thermodynamics; properties of a pure;
simple compressible substance; control volume energy analysis; the Second Law of thermodynamics;
entropy; thermodynamic relations.
Course Code: MECN2010A
Course Description: Introduction to Materials Science and Engineering
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course provides students with a fundamental scientific background to materials behaviour against
which rational choices of types of materials for particular applications may be made. It aims to give
students an understanding of how material properties impose limitations on the behaviour of engineering
components. The course covers: Classification of materials; materials design and selection; atomic
structure and bonding; crystal structures; defects in atomic and ionic arrangements; diffusion; mechanical
properties; failure of materials; strain hardening and annealing; solidification; solid solutions; dispersion
strengthening and eutectic phase diagrams; phase transformations and heat treatments; steels and cast
irons; nonferrous alloys; ceramic materials; polymers.
Course Code: MECN2011A
Course Description: Applied Mechanics A
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 6
This course focusses on the analysis of forces applied to structures and machines in equilibrium; and to
understand the behaviour of physical bodies when subjected to forces and displacements. This course
is made up of mechanics of solids and statics. The mechanics of solids section involves deriving and
applying: the flexure formula in beams; the torsional formula in circular shafts and the transformation
of two-dimensional stress elements (Mohr’s circle). The mechanics of solids section further covers:
solving statically indeterminate problems (applied to beams; axial loads and torsion); determining the
stresses and strains associated with thermal loading; and solving combined loading problems. The statics
section involves applying equations of equilibrium to two-dimensional frames and machines and three-
dimensional space trusses.
Course Code: MECN2012A
Course Description: Computing Skills and Software Development
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 6
This course introduces students to key concepts in programming logic and the development of programs
using high-level languages and common applications. These concepts are explored using examples in
engineering science including data management. The course consists of: History and Fundamentals:
Basic history of computing; number systems; logical and boolean operators; algorithms; generic program
structure; design; and flowcharting.
Programming (modern high-level language MatLab or equivalent): Algorithms; sequence; branching;
and looping; functions and scripts; data structures; plotting; file handling. Program creation; testing and
debugging. Integration of objects and/or modules into higher level programs.
Computer Software: spreadsheets (e.g. Microsoft Excel; including macros) and document preparation
(LaTeX).
Practical exercises: applications of programming and spreadsheets in analysis of simple engineering
systems.

236
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

School of Molecular and Cell Biology

Course Code: MCBG2038A
Course Description: Molecular and Cell Biology IIA: Molecular Processes
NQF Credits: 48 NQF Level: 6
Restricted course
This course consists of two components, Biological Chemistry & Macromolecules, and Genes & Genomes.
It provides a thorough overview of chemical structures and reactions of functional groups leading to the
study of macromolecules from an organic chemistry perspective. The course introduces students to the
interplay between DNA, RNA and proteins, as fundamentals to the study of molecular biology. The impact
of genome architecture and epigenetics, on DNA transmission, inheritance of genetic traits, transcription
and translation will be explored, including relevant statistical analysis such as for population genetics.
Students acquainted with wet lab methods and bioinformatics tools for DNA analysis and manipulation
and for investigating protein structure and function.
Course Code: MCBG2039A
Course Description: Molecular and Cell Biology IIB: Cells and Organisms
NQF Credits: 48 NQF Level: 6
This course covers molecular and cell biology at the cellular and organismal levels. Students are introduced
to key concepts in cell biology by looking at cell structure, signalling and interactions. Students use
thermodynamics and enzyme kinetics to describe the fundamental pathways of intermediary metabolism
and further apply these concepts to learning how dysregulated cellular processes can cause disease, and
how cells interact to produce immune responses in human immunology. The course also focuses on the
diversity of micro- organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, their ecology and their interaction with
their hosts. Students are equipped with fundamental laboratory skills in cell biology and microbiology.
Course Code: MCBG2037A
Course Description: Molecular and Cell Biology IIC: Applications
NQF Credits: 48 NQF Level: 6
This course explores the theory and practical techniques behind the latest research within four broad topic
areas. Molecular Basis of Disease investigates the molecular underpinnings and therapeutic approaches
of diseases such as cancer and inherited disorders, and focuses on modes of inheritance, epigenetics and
gene-environment interactions. Drug Discovery looks at the processes and principles behind identification
of drug targets and drug discovery, mechanisms of action and side effects, trials and commercialisation.
Current Topics in Microbiology considers the role of viruses, bacteria and fungi in the environment,
human health and agricultural biotechnology. Genetic Innovations studies genetics and genomics in
forensic science, disease diagnosis, pharmacogenomics and personalised medicine, and considers genetic
manipulation for the improvement of human health and the environment.
Course Code: MCBG3004A
Course Description: Biochemistry and Cell Biology III
NQF Credits: 72 NQF Level: 7
This course comprises: Protein Biochemistry and Biotechnology III (MCBG3005A); Enzymology III
(MCBG3008A ); Advanced Cell Biology III (MCBG3010A); Advanced Immunology (MCBG3037A). For
an overview of these courses refer to the relevant syllabus section.
Course Code: MCBG3033A
Course Description: Applied Bioinformatics III
NQF Credits: 72 NQF Level: 7

237
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course comprises Introduction to Bioinformatics III (36 credits) plus a further 36 credits from any
other MCBG III short course/s that do NOT form part of the other MCBG III major. These option courses
must fit into available slots in the student’s timetable. The overall aim of the course is for students to
understand the utility of bioinformatics in the scientific field. Students learn to select, describe and
use basic bioinformatics tools and how to interpret computational results. Students also develop an
appreciation of the breadth and shortcomings of available computational approaches. More specifically
the course includes the history and application of bioinformatics; the major bioinformatics databases and
portals; searching, local and global alignment; BLAST; multiple sequence alignment techniquesand tools;
an introduction and overview of phylogenetics techniques; visualisation techniques; pattern matching
techniques and applications; gene expression: Microarray data analysis, protein analysis and proteomics,
functional genomics and genome analysis. Students should develop the ability to identify the appropriate
bioinformatics tool for the task at hand; explain the underlying theory behind these tools; demonstrate
the utility of different computational approaches; compare and contrast databases and portals; assess the
limitations of algorithms and tools; evaluate results of bioinformatics experiments.
Course Code: MCBG3035A
Course Description: Microbiology and Biotechnology III
NQF Credits: 72 NQF Level: 7
This course is comprised of the following compulsory components:
Advanced Bacteriology III (24A); Advanced Virology III (18A); Plant and Invertebrate Pathology III (27A);
Microbial Food Security III (21A); Biotechnology of Fungi III (22A) and Bioengineering and Biotechnology
(32A). For an overview of these courses refer to the relevant syllabus section.
Course Code: MCBG3036A
Course Description: Genomes and Genomics III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course focuses on the role of Genomes and Genomics in modern science. It provides a thorough
overview of genome architecture and function, from genome structure to central dogma, and examines
the role of genomics in the analysis of genomes, with a focus on human and other mammalian genomes.
It explores the theory behind, and the impact of, new technologies, such as next-generation sequencing
and transcriptomics, and looks at how these are applied to analyse genomes, for example in disease
diagnosis and treatment, and introduces wet-lab methods and bioinformatics tools for genome analysis
and the various genomic technologies used to investigate the structure and function of genomes.
Course Code: MCBG3037A
Course Description: Advanced Immunology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course explores advanced topics in Immunology. It provides an overview of the function and
regulation of innate and adaptive immunology in humans and presents a selection of recent developments
and advanced applications of immunology in various fields including infectious and non-infectious
diseases such as immunotherapy and other innovations. It also introduces the fields of vaccinology,
including vaccine design and evaluation, wet-lab methods and various techniques used to investigate the
function, development and regulation of the immune response.
Course Code: MCBG3034A
Course Description: Genetics and Developmental Biology III
NQF Credits: 72 NQF Level: 7
This course comprises the following compulsory components:
Genomes and Genomics (MCBG3036A); Population Genetics III (MCBG3029A); Gene Regulation in
Eukaryotes III (MCBG3012A) and Advanced Developmental Biology III (MCBG3030A). For an overview
of these courses refer to the relevant syllabus section.

238
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: MCBG3005A

Course Description: Protein Biochemistry and Biotechnology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course provides the students with an in depth appreciation for protein structure and stability. It
focusses on interpretation of data and skills both in the wet lab and in silico. The outline of the course
includes: An overview of properties and functions of amino acids, peptide and proteins; molecular forces;
Protein primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structures. Protein structure determination methods;
Protein folding, dynamics and conformational stability. Protein structure-function relationships and motifs.
In vitro mutagenesis and protein engineering. Protein Biotechnology, the large-scale production of native
and recombinant proteins, and the utilisation of proteins in medicine and industry.
Course Code: MCBG3008A
Course Description: Enzymology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course focusses on the study of enzymes and provides the student with an introduction to enzymology.
This is achieved by means of lectures and computer-based enzymology laboratory sessions (using alkaline
phosphatase as a model enzyme). The course is designed to equip the student with a fundamental
understanding of enzymology in the following areas: enzyme techniques; chemical kinetics; mechanisms
of enzyme catalysis; enzyme regulation and application of enzymes in biotechnology.
Course Code: MCBG3010A
Course Description: Advanced Cell Biology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course aims to demonstrate how the contemporary field of cell biology has developed through
the integration of structural, and biochemical studies that have most recently been revolutionised by
the understanding at the molecular level of gene structure and function. The discussion leads to an
understanding of how cells contain highly organised biochemical systems that lead ultimately to the
formation of the fundamental molecular components of all living organisms. The course explores the
interrelationship of molecules central to the establishment of cellular life and thus provides a detailed
understanding of the signals and constraints responsible for the regulation of cell proliferation. Exploring
the concepts underlying how cells are continually replaced from undifferentiated self-renewing stem cells
informs an in-depth interrogation of how differentiated cells maintain their specialised character, and
cancer cells proliferate in defiance of normal controls.
Course Code: MCBG3012A
Course Description: Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course focuses on the mechanisms that contribute to regulating gene expression in eukaryotes.
The material covered starts at the level of DNA structure, which includes looking at the contribution of
epigenetic modifications. This is followed by transcription initiation with an examination of the components
responsible for modifying gene expression, such as DNA promoter elements and transcription factors.
Then, the mechanisms involved in RNA processing are discussed with a focus on their influence on
protein expression. Finally, examples of signalling cascades that modify gene regulation and expression
are used to highlight various cellular processes, and includes examples from both normal cell function
and disease.
Course Code: MCBG3018A
Course Description: Advanced Virology III
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 7

239
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course covers the general principles of virus evolution and the molecular basis for virus diversity.
The topic is designed to introduce students to exciting concepts such as quasi species and RNA viruses,
and genetic bottlenecks in virus evolution. The purpose and outcome of this course is to provide students
with a theoretical understanding of concepts such as virus fitness and robustness and virus adaptation by
manipulation of host gene expression. The course also aims to examine the evolution of emerging viral
diseases using topical examples (which may change) pertinent to both local and global contexts, such as
HIV in humans and Gemini viruses in plants.
Course Code: MCBG3027A
Course Description: Plant and Invertebrate Pathology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces students to the key group of insect and plant pathogens. In addition to reviewing
insect defences to pathogens, the methods of infection, disease development and transmission of the
different groups of insect pathogens are studied. The course covers the principles of insect biocontrol.
Plant pathology topics include disease identification (as part of practicals) and the molecular basis of
susceptibility and resistance of plant hosts. Plant pathogens and pests cause considerable crop losses
world−wide. The outcomes are an understanding of plant and insect pathogens and their interactions
with their hosts.
Course Code: MCBG3021A
Course Description: Microbial Food Security III
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 7
This course details the role of food as a vehicle of a wide range of microbial pathogens and their toxins.
Modern concepts in food preservation and food safety and quality management are reviewed. The
concept of hurdle technology and its application in food preservation is illustrated. Modern approaches to
achieving food safety and stability by applying hygiene management, the Hazard Analysis Critical Control
Point (HACCP) system and quantitative microbial risk assessment are explained and illustrated. Methods
for the identification and characterization of food-borne pathogens will be explained and practically
illustrated.
Course Code: MCBG3022A
Course Description: Biotechnology of Fungi III
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 7
This course provides an overview of the biotechnological applications of fungi. Areas under review include
agriculture, alternative energy, bioremediation, food production and medical applications. Practical
sessions are designed to visually illustrate the degradation of textile pollutants and the accumulation of
heavy metals by fungi, all applications in the biotechnological field of bioremediation (myco-remediation).
Special attention is also given to the evolution and subsequent industrial production of specific fungal
products, such as the well-known antibiotic penicillin. Upon completion of this course, students will have
a good overview of fungal biotechnology while also being able to discuss current applications in specific
fields.
Course Code: MCBG3024A
Course Description: Advanced Bacteriology III
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 7
This course is designed to provide students with an overview of the unique characteristics of bacteria and
their interactions with other organisms in the environment. The course reviews bacterial metabolism and
growth, bacterial attachment to surfaces and the formation and characteristics of bacterial biofilms.
The course also explores bacterial infections of mammalian hosts, pathogenesis and virulence factors. Key
concepts relating to interbacterial communication and coordinated population responses are reviewed.

240
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: MCBG3027A

Course Description: Plant and Invertebrate Pathology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
The course introduces students to the key group of insect and plant pathogens, which cause considerable
crop losses world-wide. In addition to reviewing insect defenses to pathogens, the methods of infection,
disease development and transmission of the different groups of insect pathogens are studied. The course
also covers the principles of insect biocontrol. Plant pathology topics include disease identification (as
part of practicals) and the molecular basis of susceptibility and resistance of plant hosts. The outcomes are
an understanding of plant and insect pathogens and their interactions with their hosts.
Course Code: MCBG3029A
Course Description: Population Genetics III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course is a general introduction to the field of population genetics, which has become an integral
component of genomics, medical genetics, forensics, conservation biology and bioinformatics. Particular
topics to be dealt with in detail include processes and factors that affect eh frequencies of specific alleles,
haplotypes and genotypes in a population. Quantitative genetic variation, heritability, polygenic traits
and selection is discussed. The course explores molecular genetic techniques to detect different kinds of
genetic variation. Evolutionary genetics including human.
Course Code: MCBG3030A
Course Description: Advanced Developmental Biology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course introduce students to the exciting field of modern Developmental Biology. The course
encompasses exploration of the morphological, molecular and genetic processes that are responsible for
vertebrate embryogenesis, as well as how these processes are altered during evolution or in congenital
disease. Formation of several vertebrate anatomical structures (e.g. limbs, reproductive system) is
discussed in depth. Additionally, students are provided with an overview of the exciting fields of aging
and regenerative medicine.
Course Code: MCBG3031A
Course Description: Introduction to Bioinformatics
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 7
The overall aim of the course is for students to understand the utility of bioinformatics in the scientific field.
Students learn to select, describe and use basic bioinformatics tools and how to interpret computational
results. Students develop an appreciation of the breadth and shortcomings of available computational
approaches.
More specifically the course includes the history and application of bioinformatics; the major
bioinformatics databases and portals: searching, local and global alignment; BLAST; multiple sequence
alignment techniques and tools; an introduction and overview of phylogenetics techniques; visualisation
techniques; pattern matching techniques and applications; gene expression: Microarray data analysis,
protein analysis and proteomics, functional genomics and genome analysis. Students should develop the
ability to identify the appropriate bioinformatics tool for the task at hand; explain the underlying theory
behind these tools; demonstrate the utility of different computational approaches; compare and contrast
databases and portals; assess the limitations of algorithms and tools; evaluate results of bioinformatics
experiments.
Course Code: MCBG3032A
Course Description: Bioengineering and Biotechnology
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7

241
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course introduces the student to the key concepts underlying selected topics in Bioengineeering
and Biotechnology. The course involves the critical analysis of the design, development, operation and
optimization of industrial bioprocesses for the production of various high value medicinal, industrial
and food products using a variety of cellular production hosts as well as cell-free systems. The theory
and practice of rational design (genome editing and synthetic biology) and directed evolution for the
bioengineering of organisms is investigated. The course comprises of lectures, laboratory based practicals
and computer lab practicals. The outcomes are an understanding of how bioengineering and biotechnology
are applied to heal, fuel and feed the world.
Course Code: MCBG4031A
Course Description: Research Project in Genetics and Developmental Biology
NQF Credits: 60 NQF Level: 8
This course constitutes the research component in Genetics and Developmental Biology. Candidates are
grounded in the research process, from conceptualisation and design of the project to its execution and
dissemination and discussion of its findings. The programme enables candidates to become independent
researchers and to develop professional attitudes and skills.
Course Code: MCBG4027A
Course Description: Current Topics in Molecular and Cell Biology
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 8
This course/unit consists of a number of current topics in the field of molecular and cell biology of which
the candidate chooses two to provide the theoretical component for one of four Honours programmes
offered by the School of Molecular and Cell Biology. This course provides specialised knowledge to
consolidate and deepen the candidate’s expertise in the discipline.
Course Code: MCBG4028A
Course Description: Laboratory Techniques in Molecular and Cell Biology
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 8
This nine-week laboratory-based course trains the candidates in the most widely used techniques and
analytical tools in the field of molecular and cell biology. The techniques covered include preparations
of buffer, solutions and culture media, chromatography, polymerase chain reaction and cloning,
spectroscopic methods, gel electrophoresis and Western blotting, microarrays, tissue culture and cell
biology techniques, centrifugation, crystallization and a range of bioinformatics and in silico biology tools
and techniques.
Course Code: MCBG4032A
Course Description: Research Project in Microbiology and Biotechnology
NQF Credits: 60 NQF Level: 8
This course constitutes the research component in Microbiology and Biotechnology. Candidates are
grounded in the research process, from conceptualisation and design of the project to its execution and
dissemination and discussion of its findings. The programme enables candidates to become independent
researchers and to develop professional attitudes and skills.
Course Code: MCBG4029A
Course Description: Research Project in Biochemistry and Cell Biology
NQF Credits: 60 NQF Level: 8
This course constitutes the research component in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. Candidates are
grounded in the research process, from conceptualisation and design of the project to its execution and
dissemination and discussion of its findings. The programme enables candidates to become independent
researchers and to develop professional attitudes and skills.

242
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: MCBG4030A

Course Description: Research Project in Applied Bioinformatics
NQF Credits: 60 NQF Level: 8
The course constitutes the research component in Bioinformatics. Candidates are grounded in the
research process, from conceptualisation and design of the project to its execution and dissemination and
discussion of the findings. The programme enables candidates to become independent researchers and to
develop professional attitudes and skills.
School of Physics
Course Code: PHYS1034A (PHYS1035A PT)
Course Description: Applied Physics
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 5
This course gives a student a solid grounding in the basic techniques and concepts of statics in Engineering
Physics. The topics covered include force systems; equilibrium and distributed forces. The engineering
mathematical modelling component of the course provides students with the basic skills required to
build mathematical descriptions of simple real world situations, with the emphasis on systems requiring
differential equations or difference equations to describe them. The topics covered include ordinary
differential equations and continuous and discrete mathematical models. Problem solving skills are
enhanced in this course, developing the intellectual self-reliance of the students.
Course Code: PHYS1032A (PHYS1037A PT)
Course Description: Engineering Physics 1A
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 5
This course provides the student with a solid grounding in the basic techniques and concepts of physics.
There is both a theoretical component (covered in lectures and tutorials), and a practical component
(covered in the laboratory sessions), to the course. The topics covered include foundations of physics;
mechanics; fluids and statistical physics.
Course Code: PHYS1033A (PHYS1038A PT)
Course Description: Engineering Physics 1B
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 5
This course provides the student with a solid grounding in the basic techniques and concepts of physics.
There is both a theoretical component (covered in lectures and tutorials), and a practical component
(covered in the laboratory sessions), to the course. Topics covered include waves; electricity and
magnetism and optics.
Course Code: PHYS1000A
Course Description: Physics I (Major)
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 5
This course provides the student with a solid grounding in the basic techniques and concepts of physics.
The course consists of a theoretical component (covered in lectures and tutorials) and a practical
component (covered in the laboratory sessions). Topics covered include:
foundations of physics; mechanics; waves; fluids; thermal physics; electricity and magnetism; and optics.
Course Code: PHYS1001A
Course Description: Physics I (Auxiliary)
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 5

243
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course is designed to equip students with the fundamental understanding of the following topics:
Dimensional analysis and scaling; vectors; classical mechanics; elasticity; fluids; gases, thermal physics;
waves and sound; electricity and magnetism; geometrical and physical optics; polarisation; atomic; and
nuclear physics.
A selection of set experiments is covered in the laboratory component of the course.
Course Code: PHYS1026A
Course Description: Introduction to Astronomy
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 5
This course gives an overview of modern astronomy. It consists of a selection of topics. A historical review
of the accumulation of astronomical knowledge is given, starting from the ancient geo−centric world view
to the big−bang cosmology and the currently accepted view of an expanding Universe. The techniques
of modern telescopes are introduced. The course familiarises students with the necessary background of
stars and their evolution; planetary systems and galaxies within the cosmological framework. The aim
of this course is to provide students with current knowledge of the Universe and basic insights into the
mathematical description of various phenomena.
Course Code: PHYS1027A
Course Description: Modern Astrophysics
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 5
This course covers three major topics in astrophysics, which uses all aspects of physics and chemistry to
model and explain astrophysical phenomena, in detail. These are gravitation; electromagnetic radiation
and cosmic rays. Key concepts include: how structure formation in the Universe is driven by gravitation;
how electromagnetic radiation is the main messenger of celestial objects and events and a major participant
in shaping them; how the formation of stars and galaxies would be impossible without the dissipation of
gravitational energy via electromagnetic radiation and how cosmic rays provide an additional source of
information about astrophysical processes. Illustrative examples of astrophysical processes provide the
student with an arsenal of tools than can be applied to a variety of related problems.
Course Code: PHYS1031A
Course Description: Applied Physics I
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 5
This course gives a student a solid grounding in the basic techniques and concepts of statics in Engineering
Physics. The topics covered include force systems; equilibrium and distributed forces. The engineering
mathematical modelling component of the course provides students with the basic skills required to
build mathematical descriptions of simple real world situations, with the emphasis on systems requiring
differential equations or difference equations to describe them. The topics covered include ordinary
differential equations and continuous and discrete mathematical models. Problem solving skills are
enhanced in this course, developing the intellectual self-reliance of the students.
Course Code: PHYS2001A
Course Description: Physics IIA
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 6
The following components are covered: Modern Physics and Classical Mechanics. Students are required
to complete practical work in set experiments related to modern physics concepts. The modern physics
section comprises of the following three components: a) introduction to atomic physics (concept of
quantisation through the black body radiation and photoelectric effect and the Bohr atomic model); b)
introduction to special theory of relativity and c) basic introduction to quantum mechanics (Schrodinger
equation; particle in a box; barrier penetration and quantum tunnelling). The classical mechanics section
includes the following: a) revision of Newtonian mechanics; b) oscillatory motion; c) central forces and
celestial mechanics; non−inertial reference frames and d) an introduction to Lagrangian and Hamiltonian
mechanics.

244
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: PHYS2002A

Course Description: Physics IIB
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 6
This course covers the following components:
Thermal Physics and Electricity and Magnetism. Students are required to complete practical work in
electronics. The thermal physics section begins with a short review of the relevant material covered in the
1st Year Physics Major course, and then proceeds to introduce the laws of thermodynamics; the
thermodynamic potentials and the Maxwell relations.
The module concludes with a discussion of phase equilibrium and phase changes. The electricity and
magnetism section begins with the development of mathematical background needed for the course,
including vector calculus. Electrostatics is then developed, including specialised techniques to treat
Laplace’s equation. After developing electrostatics in matter, magnetostatics is studied. The course
concludes by developing Maxwell’s equations.
Course Code: PHYS2011A
Course Description: Introduction to Reactor Physics II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course introduces the student to basic concepts of nuclear reactors. The course focuses on the
following topics: introduction to nuclear energy; nuclear fusion and fission; uranium enrichment; types
of nuclear power reactors; neutron moderation; neutron life cycle; neutron transport; reactor control and
nuclear security.
Course Code: PHYS2012A
Course Description: Basic Nuclear Physics II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course focuses on the following: basic concepts including nuclear properties; nuclear reactions;
radioactive decay of nuclei; nuclear models and simulation using the software code (SRIM).
Course Code: PHYS2015A
Course Description: Modern Radio and Gamma-ray Astronomy II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course focuses on modern techniques of radio and gamma−ray astronomy and provides a
theoretically-based understanding of the fundamental observations in these fields. It consists of a
historical overview of the two fields, together with a basic description of the physical processes involved
in emission, propagation and detection of the respective radiations. It covers the principles underlying
modern radio and gamma−ray telescopes, with a particular emphasis on interferometric (radio) and
stereoscopic (gamma−ray) systems consisting of many interconnected telescopes.
Course Code: PHYS2016A
Course Description: Relativity: The Basis of Cosmology and Astrophysics II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6
This course provides a working knowledge of the special theory of relativity and also explains the need
for a general theory. It introduces the concept of space−time together with the mathematics needed for its
description, develops the theory of kinematics and dynamics in relativistic form and introduces the law of
the conservation of four−momentum and the relativistic form of Newton’s Second Law. It further explains
why gravity cannot be incorporated into special relativity and indicates some of the modifications that
need to be made to obtain a relativistic theory of gravity, introducing the principle of equivalence and
using it to explain important phenomena such as the gravitational red−shift; the bending of light by
gravitational fields and gravitational waves.

245
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: PHYS3000A

Course Description: Quantum Mechanics III
NQF Credits: 11 NQF Level: 7
This course provides the student with an introduction to fundamental concepts in quantum mechanics.
The course explores the basic formalism of quantum mechanics, the Schrödinger equation and its
application to simple systems and angular momentum.
Course Code: PHYS3001A
Course Description: Applications of Quantum Mechanics III
NQF Credits: 11 NQF Level: 7
This course focuses on applying the laws of quantum mechanics. The course introduces students to
atomic, nuclear and condensed matter systems of fundamental importance. In order to analyse these
systems, the course introduces students to perturbation theory and the variational principle, two important
approximation methods.
Course Code: PHYS3002A
Course Description: Statistical Physics III
NQF Credits: 11 NQF Level: 7
This course provides students with the tools to understand thermal phenomena from a fundamental
perspective. The course begins with a short crash course in statistics (counting and probability) and then
proceeds to show how a statistical analysis leads to the neat solution of several complex classical and
quantum mechanical systems. The course builds on the foundations laid during the second year Thermal
Physics course, and provides a fundamental description of the thermodynamic quantities (like entropy)
introduced in PHYS2002.
Course Code: PHYS3003A
Course Description: Relativity: Waves and Modern Optics III
NQF Credits: 11 NQF Level: 7
This course expands on prior coursework in geometric optics and introduces the concepts of waves and
their properties, before focusing on the wave nature of light; the propagation of light using physical optics
arguments and the polarisation properties of light.
The course takes a modern view of optics, introducing new concepts in diffraction and interference,
coherence, the creation of coherent light from lasers and digital holography as a modern optical tool.
Course Code: PHYS3004A
Course Description: Introduction to Geophysics
NQF Credits: 11 NQF Level: 7
This course focuses on the fundamentals of geophysics and how physics principles can apply to key
concepts such gravity and the shape of the earth, tides and tidal potential, gravity in the interior of the
Earth, how the structure of the Earth’s interior can be determined using seismic sources, processing of
geophysical data, image processing and signal processing and mineral and energy exploration.
Course Code: PHYS3006A
Course Description: Advanced Experimental Physics and Project
NQF Credits: 28 NQF Level: 7
This course provides students with an introduction to advanced level Experimental Physics and
an overview of the research interests of academics within the School of Physics. During the course,
students cover an experimental programme comprising an introduction to electronics and a suite of set
experiments. One third of the course consists of a selected, supervised Experimental Major Project or
a Theoretical/ Computational Physics Major Project. Students provide both a written report and an oral
report on the work undertaken during the Major Project.
246
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: PHYS3007A

Course Description: Relativity: The Basis of Cosmology and Astrophysics
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course gives students an understanding and a working knowledge of the special theory of relativity.
It also explains the need for a general theory. It is a necessary prerequisite for several courses at Honours
level, including Electrodynamics, General Relativity and Cosmology. The course first introduces the
concept of space−time together with the mathematics needed for its description. It then develops the
theory of kinematics and dynamics in relativistic form and introduces the law of the conservation of
four−momentum and the relativistic form of Newton’s Second Law. It ends with a discussion of why
gravity cannot be incorporated into special relativity and indicates some of the modifications that need to
be made to obtain a relativistic theory of gravity. In this context, it introduces the principle of equivalence
and uses it to explain important phenomena such as the gravitational red−shift; the bending of light by
gravitational fields and gravitational waves.
Course Code: PHYS3010A
Course Description: Advanced Astrophysics III
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces the three topics fundamental to astrophysics namely, astrophysical fluid dynamics;
thermodynamics and radiative processes. In many astrophysical systems, the mean free path of its
constituents is small compared with the size of the system. These systems can be modelled as fluid. Such
systems are thermodynamic in nature which can absorb, store, transport and expel energy. Astrophysical
thermodynamics studies the laws and processes that govern the transport of energy in astrophysical
systems. Radiation is an important mechanism for the transport of energy through both matter and empty
space. The theory of radiative processes studies the laws and mechanisms responsible for the generation
of radiation, its interaction with matter and the transport of energy.
Course Code: PHYS3011A
Course Description: Cosmology: The Origin and Evolution of the Universe III
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces the concepts of modern cosmology, providing insight into the dynamics of
the Universe, its physical description and observational manifestations. It begins with a survey of the
basic observations which have led to our current view of the universe, including the Big Bang Theory
and the expansion of the universe, and discusses the thermal history of the Universe and Big Bang
nucleosynthesis. It also introduces the concept of inflation as a resolution of the homogeneity, flatness and
magnetic monopole problem. The course emphasises the dynamic nature of the theory by investigating
the evolution of the large scale structure of the Universe and presents the essential observations for
determining the Cosmological Parameters.
Course Code: PHYS4011A
Course Description: Quantum Mechanics
NQF Credits: 13 NQF Level: 8
This course is the basis of non−classical physics and is essential to all candidates of physics. The course
builds on the undergraduate courses ensuring that the candidates have all the essential tools to be
considered competent in the course.
Course Code: PHYS4012A
Course Description: Statistical Physics
NQF Credits: 13 NQF Level: 8

247
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course is a subtopic in physics that finds application in almost all fields of physics. Knowledge of
statistical physics is essential to all candidates of physics. At the honours level the statistical physics course
builds on the knowledge candidates have from undergraduate courses in thermal physics and statistical
physics. It covers revision of thermodynamics and re−examines the foundations of statistical physics.
The formalism of statistical physics is then developed, including micro canonical, canonical and grand
canonical formulations. The course concludes with a brief introduction to critical exponents. Concepts are
illustrated with examples and assignments are used to consolidate understanding.
Course Code: PHYS4013A
Course Description: The Physics of Nano systems
NQF Credits: 13 NQF Level: 8
This course gives a survey of the basic physical aspects and important technological applications of
nanosized solid and biological systems. After some general introduction demonstrating the utility of
shrinking technologies towards the nanoscale, the course develops appropriate quantum mechanical
and semi−classical pictures to describe physics at the nanoscale. The candidates are familiarised with
the general toolset available to manipulate nano systems and they learn how the materials properties
are changing by going from the macroscale, to the microscale and to the nanoscale. The course also
describes possible future technologies like quantum computing and nano−optics, which are based on
nanotechnology and which do not have an analogue among existing technologies.
Course Code: PHYS4014A
Course Description: Nuclear Physics I
NQF Credits: 13 NQF Level: 8
The main content of this course includes nuclear properties, interactions between nucleons, fundamentals
of nuclear decay and radioactivity, the nuclear models describing the structure and organisation of the
nucleus and the principles of operation of nuclear accelerators and detectors.
Course Code: PHYS4015A
Course Description: Electrodynamics
NQF Credits: 13 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces the candidates to Maxwell’s equations, carefully explaining the physical meaning
of the various fields and their sources. It then examines in general densities, currents and conservation
laws, and shows how the laws of conservation of energy, momentum and angular momentum are
expressed in electromagnetism.
The course then introduces the concept of electromagnetic potentials and gauge transformations and
deduces the equations that govern the potentials in different gauges. Next, some general solutions to the
wave equation are considered, covering free−space and waveguided modes. The course then introduces
concepts from special relativity and formulates the principal equations and results of electrodynamics
covariantly in spacetime. The course concludes with a selection of special topics, for example, vector
beams, orbital angular momentum and plasmonics.
Course Code: PHYS4016A
Course Description: Solid State Physics I
NQF Credits: 13 NQF Level: 8
This course gives an overview of modern solid state physics. It contains all the fundamental concepts of
solid state physics like crystalline and non−crystalline.
This course introduces the underlying principles and laws of classical fluid dynamics. Fluid dynamics is
a general topic of very wide applicability, able to describe all systems in which the mean free path of the
constituents is much smaller than the characteristic size of the system.

248
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

It is thus able to describe not only familiar fluids such as gases and liquids, but also more exotic systems such
as stars, nebulae, globular clusters, galaxies, the interstellar and intergalactic media and the distribution
of galaxies in the cosmos. This course introduces the principles of conservation of mass, momentum and
energy for a continuum. It uses these concepts and principles to construct and apply the Euler equations
for a variety of astrophysical systems.
Course Code: PHYS4017A
Course Description: Solid State Physics II
NQF Credits: 13 NQF Level: 8
This course builds on the material covered in the Honours Solid State I course. In the course the concept
of quasi-particles is introduced as bridge between the non- interacting particle picture used in Solid State I
and the interacting many-body nature of real materials. A pedestrian introduction to concepts in quantum
field theory related to the solid state is given and many-body perturbation theory is discussed. Density
functional theory, an approach that is very successful in describing properties of materials numerically,
is reviewed. The conventional Bardeen-Cooper-Schriefer theory of super-conductivity is introduced and
discussed. Optional topics in many body related phenomena can be included in the course.
Course Code: PHYS4019A
Course Description: Mathematical Methods for Physics
NQF Credits: 13 NQF Level: 8
This course focuses on the needs of a theoretical physicist who must have fluency in the methods of
mathematics. This is not a formal mathematics course as the emphasis is on the utilisation of mathematics
to address problems in physics. The importance of the course is on methods in geometry, algebra (including
group and representation theory), analysis, differential geometry, differential equations, topology, and
special functions. Some emphasis is placed on algorithms, numerical solutions and programming.
Course Code: PHYS4020A
Course Description: Astrophysical Fluid Mechanics
NQF Credits: 13 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces the underlying principles and laws of classical fluid dynamics. Fluid dynamics is
a general topic of very wide applicability, able to describe all systems in which the mean free path of the
constituents is much smaller than the characteristic size of the system. It is thus able to describe not only
familiar fluids such as gases and liquids, but also more exotic systems such as stars, nebulae, globular
clusters, galaxies, the interstellar and intergalactic media and the distribution of galaxies in the cosmos.
This course introduces the principles of conservation of mass, momentum and energy for a continuum. It
uses these concepts and principles to construct and apply the Euler equations for a variety of astrophysical
systems.
Course Code: PHYS4021A
Course Description: General Relativity I
NQF Credits: 13 NQF Level: 8
This course provides the candidate with an introduction to the Einstein’s general theory of relativity which
is currently our best theory of gravity. After a review of flat space, the course explores tensors, static black
holes, differential geometry and the Einstein equation. In addition some optional topics are covered which
could include gravity waves, cosmology, rotating black holes, the Einstein−Hilbert action and more
advanced differential geometry.
Course Code: PHYS4022A
Course Description: Experimental Physics Techniques I
NQF Credits: 13 NQF Level: 8

249
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This optional course in Experimental Physics Techniques builds on the foundations laid in the experimental
and theoretical courses in the three undergraduate years, and compulsory modules taken in the first
semester of the Physics Honours programme. The module introduces candidates to the experimental
techniques employed in experimental physics at WITS. Emphasis is placed on the background necessary
to understand the fundamental aspects of these techniques, while making use of recent publications
originating from research done in the School of Physics. Topics covered include optical spectroscopic
techniques, hyperfine spectroscopic techniques, magneto−transport techniques and high energy
experimental particle physics.
Course Code: PHYS4023A
Course Description: Introduction to Cosmology I
NQF Credits: 13 NQF Level: 8
This course covers topics that include: Hubble’s law; the large−scale structure of spacetime; the
Friedmann−Robertson−Walker Universe; equations of state; dark energy; dark matter; the age of the
Universe; the acceleration parameter; the hot Big Bang; the cosmic microwave background; Big Bang
nucleosynthesis; inflation; structure formation; the future history of the Universe and observational
cosmology.
Course Code: PHYS4024A
Course Description: Introduction to Computational Materials Science I
NQF Credits: 13 NQF Level: 8
This course focuses on computational approaches and techniques that have developed to a point where
some properties of materials can be predicted accurately. The introduction to the materials science
course covers first principles techniques used to calculate electronic structure, phonons, displacive phase
transition, excitation energies and optical properties.
Course Code: PHYS4025A
Course Description: Introduction to the Standard Model I
NQF Credits:13 NQF Level: 8
This course reviews the relevant theory and history in the construction of the Lagrangian for the Standard
Model of particle physics. That is, the interactions and dynamics of the fundamental particles of natures
(including scalar, fermion and spin−1 boson fields) are developed, along with a study of symmetries,
including symmetry breaking, the Goldstone theorem and the Higgs mechanism. The course concludes
with a study of electroweak symmetry breaking and a calculation of the tree−level Higgs, W and Z
masses.
Course Code: PHYS4026A
Course Description: Nuclear Physics II
NQF Credits: 13 NQF Level: 8
This optional course in Nuclear Physics builds on the foundation core course Nuclear Physics I which
addressed the basic properties of the atomic nucleus. Scattering experiments are required in order to
investigate nuclear properties requiring a number of different probes ranging from photons to heavy−
ions. Details of the dynamics of the scattering process are presented from which the physical properties
of the interacting nuclear systems can be extracted. The determination of nuclear properties is illustrated
through computer modelling assignments.
Course Code: PHYS4027A
Course Description: Physical cosmology
NQF Credits: 13 NQF Level: 8

250
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course consists of an astrophysics study of cosmic sources which is an essential ingredient for
the study of cosmology and of the physics of the Universe. Knowledge of the physics of Cosmology is
essential to all candidates that want to address a postgraduate career in astrophysics, radio astronomy
and high−energy astronomy. At the honours level the Physical Cosmology course provides up−to−date
information on this matter for candidates with general physics background. It covers fundamentals of
cosmology, structure formation models, detailed description of emission mechanisms, fundamentals of
astro−particle physics and modern observational techniques in radio, gamma−ray and multi− frequency
astronomy. The course concludes with an outline of the most recent challenges in astrophysics and
cosmology. Concepts are illustrated with examples and exercises are used to consolidate understanding.
Course Code: PHYS4028A
Course Description: Introduction to Quantum Field Theory
NQF Credits: 13 NQF Level: 8
This course based on Quantum Field Theory is a framework in physics that finds application in almost
every field in physics. Any candidate in physics should have some exposure to the ideas and methods of
quantum field theory. The course starts by quantising the free scalar field, following an intuitive approach.
This result is then reproduced, first by using standard canonical quantisation and then by using the path
integral formulation. Wick’s theorem is derived using both formulations. Interacting theories are then
studied and the Feynman rules are introduced. The usual UV infinities that plague perturbative treatments
of quantum field theory are exhibited and the renormalisation procedure is explained. Renormalised
perturbation theory is used to renormalise the theory to one loop. Regularisation methods are introduced
to accomplish this. The same problem is studied, using Wilson’s renormalisation group formalism. The
course ends with a derivation of the Callan−Symanzik equation as well as a computation of one loop
anomalous dimensions and beta functions.
Course Code: PHYS4029A
Course Description: Introduction to Experimental Particle Physics
NQF Credits: 13 NQF Level: 8
This course starting from basic concepts of particle physics, builds up to how an experimental analysis
is performed. This is achieved by covering the workings of accelerators and detectors, examining what
comes out of collisions and end with an introduction to event generators and analysis software used in
actual research in the field.
Course Code: PHYS5023A
Course Description: Radiation Protection 11: Training the trainers
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 8
This course focuses on the training needs, being a lecturer, setting up a training course and a practical
exercise.
Course Code: PHYS5024A
Course Description: Radiation Protection 10: Intervention in Situations of Chronic and Emergency
Exposure
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course is design to equip the candidate with the general principles and types of events, basic concepts
for emergency response, basic concepts for emergency preparedness for a nuclear accident or radiological
emergency, developing a national capability for response to a nuclear accident or radiological emergency,
overview of assessment and response in a radiological emergency, overview of assessment and response
in a nuclear reactor emergency, monitoring in a nuclear accident or radiological emergency, medical
management of radiation injuries, communication with the public, international co−operation and a
practical exercise.

251
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: PHYS5025A

Course Description: Radiation Protection 9: Exposure to the Public due to Practices
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course explores the sources of exposure of the public, responsibilities and organisation, safe transport
of radioactive material, safety of radioactive waste management, environmental dose assessment, source
and environmental monitoring, consumer products and a practical exercise.
Course Code: PHYS5026A
Course Description: Radiation Protection 8: Medical Exposures in Diagnostic Radiology,
Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 8
This course provides the candidate with the scope and responsibilities, justification of medical exposures,
optimisation of protection for medical exposures, quality assurance, accidental exposures in medical
applications and a practical exercise.
Course Code: PHYS5027A
Course Description: Radiation Protection 7: Protection against occupational exposure
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 8
This course covers organisation and management, methods of protection and the safe use of radiation
sources – optimisation, individual and workplace monitoring, health surveillance, potential exposures,
protection against occupational exposure in industrial radiography, protection against occupational
exposure in industrial irradiators and accelerators, protection against occupational exposure in the use
of nuclear gauges, protection against occupational exposure in the use of tracers, protection against
occupational exposure in well logging devices, protection against occupational exposure in radioisotope
production plants, protection against occupational exposure in diagnostic radiology, protection against
occupational exposure in nuclear medicine, protection against occupational exposure in radiotherapy,
protection against occupational exposure in nuclear installations and protection against occupational
exposure in mining and processing of raw materials.
Course Code: PHYS5028A
Course Description: Radiation Protection 6: Assessment of External and Internal Exposures
NQF Credits: 13 NQF Level: 8
This course consists of the assessment of occupational exposure due to external sources of radiation and
the assessment of occupational exposure due to intakes of radionuclides.
Course Code: PHYS5029A
Course Description: Radiation Protection 5: Regulatory control
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course provides the candidate with the legal framework for radiation protection and the safe use of
radiation sources, the regulatory system, the assessment of effectiveness of the regulatory programmes
and a practical exercise.
Course Code: PHYS5030A
Course Description: Radiation Protection 4: Principles of radiation protection and the international
framework
NQF Credits: 5 NQF Level: 8
This course focuses on the conceptual framework, the role of international organisations in radiation
protection, the development of safety culture and a practical exercise.

252
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: PHYS5031A

Course Description: Radiation Protection 3: Biological effects of ionising radiation
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 8
This course consists of the effects of radiation at the molecular and cellular level, deterministic effects,
stochastic somatic effects, stochastic hereditary effects, effects on the embryo and foetus, epidemiological
studies and issues, the concept of radiation detriment and a practical exercise.
Course Code: PHYS5032A
Course Description: Radiation Protection 2: Quantities and measurements
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 8
This course provides the candidate with information on quantities and courses, dosimetric calculations
and measurements, principles of radiation detection and measurement and a practical exercise.
Course Code: PHYS5033A
Course Description: Radiation Protection 1: Review of Fundamentals
NQF Credits: 0 NQF Level: 8
This course consists of basic physics and mathematics used in radiation protection, interaction of radiation
with matter, sources of radiation and includes a practical exercise.
Course Code: PHYS7052A
Course Description: Advanced Brachytherapy
NQF Credits: 8 NQF Level: 9
This course presents an overview of the current status of techniques and technologies in the field of
brachytherapy.
Course Code: PHYS7053A
Course Description: Advanced Dosimetry
NQF Credits: 19 NQF Level: 9
This course consists of an overview of the current status of dosimetry techniques and technologies in the
field of metrology related to clinical dosimetry.
Course Code: PHYS7054A
Course Description: Dosimetry
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course covers the following topics: Historical exposure based calibrations and equipment, application
of Bragg−Gray Cavity Theory to radiotherapy modalities, Air KERMA and absorbed dose calibrations of
medical radiation sources (diagnostic and therapeutic). The course includes instrumentation and standards
– reference and field apparatus, dose calibration reference conditions, uncertainties in dosimetry and
familiarity with International Codes of Practice in Dosimetry.
Course Code: PHYS7055A
Course Description: Dosimetry Standards, Uncertainties and Traceability
NQF Credits: 8 NQF Level: 9
This course provides an overview of the current status of dosimetry standards in the field of metrology
(traceability, transfer and uncertainty).

253
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: PHYS7056A

Course Description: Medical Physics of Imaging
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 9
This course covers an overview of imaging as applied to diagnosis in the nuclear medicine and radiology
disciplines. The use of non−ionising radiation modalities in radiology is also covered.
Course Code: PHYS7057A
Course Description: Medical Physics of Radiation Oncology
NQF Credits: 11 NQF Level: 9
This course focuses on the interaction of radiation oncology sources with matter and materials of
relevance to radiation oncology, characterisation of radiation fields, relative and absolute dosimetry. The
following topics are included: fundamentals of imaging and treatment planning in radiation oncology and
brachytherapy (high and low dose rate) principles.
Course Code: PHYS7058A
Course Description: Radiation Physics for Medical Physicists
NQF Credits: 7 NQF Level: 9
This course provides an overview of the fundamental radiation physics that informs the medical physics
application in the clinical environment.
Course Code: PHYS7059A
Course Description: Advanced Radiation Oncology
NQF Credits: 17 NQF Level: 9
This course gives an overview of the current status of techniques and technologies in the field of radiation
oncology.
Course Code: PHYS7060A
Course Description: Clinical Dosimetry in Radiotherapy
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 9
This course provides an overview of the current status of clinical non−reference dosimetry as applied to
radiotherapy practice.
Course Code: PHYS7061A
Course Description: Radiation Protection and Control
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 9
This course provides the candidate with an overview of the philosophical basis of radiation protection, and
be able to implement radiation protection programmes in the radiation medicine environment through
interpretation and application of regulatory requirements.
Course Code: PHYS7062A
Course Description: Radiobiology for Medical Physicists
NQF Credits: 3 NQF Level: 9
This course gives an overview of radiobiological terminology and principles as applied to radiation
medicine, and radiation protection and control. The course provides an understanding of the interaction
of radiation at the cellular level leading to a biological and/or clinical effect.

254
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: PHYS7063A

Course Description: Accuracy in Radiotherapy Medical Physics
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 9
This course focuses on an overview of the factors affecting the accuracy and uncertainty of the radiotherapy
process.
Course Code: PHYS7064A
Course Description: Advanced General Relativity
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 9
This course is centred on General Relativity, which is a theory of gravitation regarded as one of the greatest
intellectual achievements of the 20th century. This course is concerned with a study of several key topics
in advanced general relativity. It is assumed that candidates have already some basic understanding of
general relativity. This course introduces the candidate to topics such as: Black holes (Schwarzschild,
Reissner−Nordstrom, Kerr and Penrose diagrams), the Cauchy problem in general relativity, linearised
field equations and gravitational waves and conservation laws and variational principles.
Course Code: PHYS7065A
Course Description: Cataclysmic Variables
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 9
This course focuses on interacting binary stars which are double stars that transfer mass from one
component to the other. Often the transfer creates an accretion disc around the accreting star. In most of
the interesting interacting binaries the accretor is degenerate i.e. a white dwarf, a neutron star, or a black
hole. Accretion discs also occur in the early stages of star formation, and around black holes in the centres
of galaxies. This course looks at the physical mechanisms that are important in the class of interacting
binaries known as Cataclysmic Variable Stars, which include the Novae.
Course Code: PHYS7066A
Course Description: Computational Astrophysics
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 9
This course details the use of computers which has contributed profoundly to our current understanding
of the Universe in many ways. Today, data acquisition (observation), data analysis and theoretical
modelling are heavily computerised research fields. The goal of this course is to provide an overview
of computational techniques in modern astrophysics. In particular, numerical simulations and analysis
techniques as well as basic image manipulation algorithms are discussed and corresponding programming
examples are worked through. The programming language is Python.
Course Code: PHYS7067A
Course Description: Extragalactic Astronomy
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 9
This course provides an advanced discussion of extragalactic astronomy and concentrates on the
properties of normal and active galaxies in the local Universe and in the early Universe. There is a strong
emphasis on reading current and topical papers (published in the astrophysical journals), deconstruction
of the methods used and analysis of the results. For the purpose of the exercises, the methods learned in
lectures and through the reading material related to the latest data from international databases (e.g. NASA
Extragalactic Database) is utilised.
Course Code: PHYS7068A
Course Description: High Energy Astrophysics and Pulsars
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 9

255
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course focuses on the Universe which is not only visible through radio, optical and X−ray “eyes”,
but also through gamma−ray “eyes”. In fact, the gamma−ray spectral range alone covers more decades
in energy or frequency compared to the eleven decades in energy covered between radio waves
and hard X−rays alone. There are several ways to probe high−energy processes: through the direct
measurement of high−energy particles, or cosmic rays, and the direct measurement of non−thermal
emission in the radio, optical, X−rays up to the gamma−ray range. In the case of pulsars, we find that
this emission is associated with rapidly rotating neutron stars, which accelerate charged particles as a
result of the dynamo processes. Particle acceleration occurs in our galaxy, as well as in extragalactic
objects. This course covers the fundamental principles of this process in a few types of cosmic sources.
Those accelerated particles, which escape from a source, finally contribute to the bulk of cosmic
rays in our galaxy, and some of these particles are detectable at Earth. The second part of the course
concentrates on neutron stars and pulsars: Emphasis is given in their properties, observable phenomena,
their gamma−ray emission.
Course Code: PHYS7069A
Course Description: Observational Cosmology
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 9
This course provides a preparation for research in observational cosmology and the testing of theoretical
models of the early and late universe. The emphasis is on building experience in cutting edge techniques
needed for research on the key topics of cosmology in the coming decade. A secondary emphasis is on
familiarising the candidates with the use of the Southern African Facilities (SALT, KAT/SKA and H.E.S.S.)
effectively for cosmology. Tutorials focus on modelling and data analysis.
Course Code: PHYS7070A
Course Description: Plasma Physics
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 9
This course deals with plasmas which are ubiquitous in the universe and thus an understanding of plasma
behaviour is essential for astrophysics. This course provides a basic introduction to a range of plasma
phenomena. Applications to natural plasmas are given with a view to providing the necessary foundation
for the modelling of astrophysical phenomena.
Course Code: PHYS7071A
Course Description: Stellar Structure and Evolution
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 9
This course focuses on the physics of stellar structure which is still an on−going and exciting research
area. One of the most interesting recent discoveries is the apparent solution to the solar neutrino problem,
long thought to indicate inadequacies in stellar structure theory. Now indications are that the solar
neutrino problem was a problem of particle physics. In this course candidates go through the physics of
the structure of atmosphere, envelope and core of stars. Attempts are made throughout the course to relate
theory to observations. Stellar evolution is covered towards the end of course.
Course Code: PHYS7072A
Course Description: Theoretical Cosmology
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 9
This course provides details of Cosmology which is the study of the origin, current state, and future of our
universe. Although this task is far from complete, the last decade has seen remarkable progress towards
answering many of the fundamental questions about the nature and evolution of the universe. It is a
uniquely stimulating discipline, drawing on just about every branch of physics and astronomy.
This course aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to modern cosmology giving an account of the
key topics which shape the subject today. The course provides candidates with a physical and intuitive
understanding of the subject, together with the basic tools needed to enter a research programme in
cosmology.

256
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: PHYS7073A

Course Description: Time Series and Data Analysis
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 9
This course focuses on the periodic signals from astrophysical sources which comprise a wealth of
information. However, due to intrinsic or measurement related conditions the periodicity is often
not obvious. It requires sophisticated analysis tools. This course focuses on statistical analysis methods of
time series. It discusses mathematical and numerical means to extract and study periodicity in a time series.
Course Code: PHYS7074A
Course Description: Astrophysics Research Report
NQF Credits: 90 NQF Level: 9
This course consists of an investigation of an approved research topic on which a Research Report must
be presented for formal assessment. The Research Report shall demonstrate the successful completion
of a programme of training in research methods, a thorough understanding of the scientific principles
underlying the research and an appropriate acquaintance with the relevant literature
School of Physiology (Faculty of Health Sciences)
Course Code: PHYS7075A
Course Description: Review of Fundamentals
NQF Credits: 0 NQF Level: 9
This course consists of physics and mathematics used in radiation protection, radioactive processes,
nuclear reactions and statistical methods and includes a practical exercise.
Course Code: PHYS7076A
Course Description: Quantities and Measurements
NQF Credits: 11 NQF Level: 9
This course consists of radiometric, dosimetric and operational quantities and and their calculations and
measurements, the principles of radiation detection and measurement, and a includes a practical exercise.
Course Code: PHYS7077A
Course Description: Biological Effects of Ionising Radiation
NQF Credits: 7 NQF Level: 9
This course consists of the effects of radiation at the molecular and cellular level and, tissue reactions
that can result in stochastic and deterministic health effects, epidemiological models used to estimate risk
coefficients for stochastic effect and includes a practical exercise.
Course Code: PHYS7078A
Course Description: International System of Radiation Protection and the Regulatory Framework
NQF Credits: 13 NQF Level: 9
This course covers the role played by international organisations in radiation protection and the
international system of radiation protection including international standards, the legal and statutory
framework, regulatory control measures as well as safety culture and radiation protection competency
building and covers the role of international organisations and the associated international framework for
radiation protection together with the associated international standards and includes practical exercises.
Course Code: PHYS7079A
Course Description: Assessment of External and Internal Exposures (non-Medical)
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 9

257
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course explores the measurement, monitoring, calculation and interpretation of doses to individuals
due to external and internal sources exposure to radiation and the design of individual and workplace
monitoring programmes and includes a practical exercise.
Course Code: PHYS7080A
Course Description: Planned Exposures: Generic Requirements
NQF Credits: 4 NQF Level: 9
This course covers the generic requirements for radiation protection with respect to planned exposure
situations for all categories of exposure including occupational, public and medical exposure and
includes practical exercises.
Course Code: PHYS7081A
Course Description: Planned Exposures: Applications in the Nuclear Industry
NQF Credits: 10 NQF Level: 9
This course covers the practical application of radiation protection principles and concepts in planned
exposure situations in the nuclear industry covering; nuclear reactors, nuclear fuel cycle facilities,
transport of nuclear fuel cycle components and nuclear-industry radioactive waste management.
Course Code: PHYS7082A
Course Description: Planned Exposures: Applications in Mining and Industry
NQF Credits: 9 NQF Level: 9
This course covers the practical application of radiation protection principles and concepts in planned
exposure situations in mining and industry including: industrial radiography, industrial irradiators and
accelerators, nuclear gauges and well logging sources, use of tracers, radioisotope production plants,
mining and processing and transport of raw materials, management of NORM and TENORM and
consumer products.
Course Code: PHYS7083A
Course Description: Planned Exposures: Applications in Medicine
NQF Credits: 8 NQF Level: 9
This course covers the practical application of radiation protection principles and concepts in planned
exposure situations in medical applications including: general considerations, Diagnostic Radiology and
Image Guided interventional Procedures; Nuclear Medicine: diagnosis and therapy; Radiation Therapy
and include practical exercises.
Course Code: PHYS7084A
Course Description: Emergency Exposures and Emergency Preparedness and Response
NQF Credits: 7 NQF Level: 9
This course covers the practical application of radiation protection principles and concepts in emergency
exposure situations and the associated preparedness and response planning and covers: basic requirements
and principles, the planning basis for emergency exposure situations, protection strategies for emergency
exposure situations, protection of the public and workers, emergency management systems and
operations, radiological assessment, medical response in emergency exposure situations, instruction and
communications with the public in a nuclear or radiological emergency, plans and procedures training
and exercises and international arrangements.
Course Code: PHYS7085A
Course Description: Existing Exposure Situations
NQF Credits: 4 NQF Level: 9

258
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course covers the practical application of radiation protection principles and concepts in existing
exposure situations, their causes, their mitigation and associated exposure requirements application
including: basic requirements and principles, remediation of areas contaminated by residual radioactive
material; exposure to radon, exposure to radionuclides in commodities, cosmic radiation and include
practical exercises.
Course Code: PHYS7086A
Course Description: Training the Trainers
NQF Credits: 7 NQF Level: 9
The course covers training needs, organising and implementing training, development of didactic skills
and includes a practical exercise.
Course Code: PHSL2000A
Course Description: Physiology II
NQF Credits: 48 NQF Level: 6
This course aims to provide a broad introduction to mammalian physiological principals and processes.
The course consists of a number of sections that examine different physiological systems such as blood
and other body fluids, excitable tissue and neuromuscular physiology, autonomic nervous system, the
cardiovascular and respiratory systems, renal function, acid-base balance, central and sensory nervous
system, the gastro-intestinal tract, nutrition, endocrines, exercise and energetics and temperature regulation.
(Physiology II is a full course offered at 2nd year of study and is a prerequisite for PHSL3002/3006 offered
in the 3rd year of study.)
Course Code: PHSL3002A
Course Description: Applied and Experimental Physiology III
NQF Credits: 72 NQF Level: 7
This course focuses primarily on human physiology from the perspective of obtaining and interpreting
experimental data, with a view to understanding physiological mechanisms. The course builds on 2nd
year knowledge obtained from PHSL 2000. PHSL 3002 consists of various modules and a research project
which is carried out in the 4th teaching block. The modules taught are: experimental physiology and
statistics, introduction to research methods, body fluid balance physiology, respiratory physiology, acid-
base balance, cardiovascular physiology, molecular physiology, exercise physiology, central nervous
system physiology, gastrointestinal physiology and nutritional disorders and temperature regulation.
Course Code: PHSL3006A
Course Description: Human Physiology III
NQF Credits: 72 NQF Level: 7
This course focuses on the analysis of physiological data from the perspective of understanding the
processes underlying abnormal human physiology. The course builds on 2nd year knowledge obtained
from PHSL 2000. PHSL 3006 consists of a data set assignment (carried out in the 4th teaching block) and
various modules. The modules taught are: introduction to research methods, experimental physiology
and statistics, respiratory physiology, body fluid balance physiology, acid-base balance physiology,
cardiovascular physiology, molecular physiology, exercise physiology, central nervous system physiology,
gastrointestinal physiology and nutritional disorders, temperature regulation, and pregnancy and neonatal
physiology.

259
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Department of Psychology (Faculty of Humanities)

Course Code: PSYC1009A/PSYC1010A
Course Description: Psychology I
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 5
This course provides the student with a general overview of the discipline, emphasising both the
complexity and diversity inherent in the study of human behaviour. The course covers different perspectives,
basic terminology, concepts and methods within the discipline and consists of the following topics: the
biological bases of behaviour, cognition, human development, personality and social psychology.
Course Code: PSYC2005A/PSYC2012A
Course Description: Psychological Research Design and Analysis IIA
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 6
This course introduces the student to conducting and analysing scientific research in psychology. The
course consists of an introduction to a variety of research designs, an analysis of issues such as reliability
and validity,, and different methods of organisation and analysis of data. Also included is an introduction
to probability theory, statistical tests and psychometrics.
Course Code: PSYC2006A/PSYC2013A
Course Description: Psychological Research Design and Analysis IIB
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 6
This course is designed to equip students with an advanced level of understanding of qualitative and
quantitative psychological research. The course consists of an introduction to multivariate research design
and statistical analyses, theoretical and practical aspects of psychological assessment and qualitative
research methods and techniques of data analysis.
Course Code: PSYC2020A/PSYC2021A
Course Description: Psychology II
NQF Credits: 48 NQF Level: 6
This course expands on the content introduced in first year and equips the student with a critical foundation
in core theories of cognition, social cognition and social psychology. The course covers both “normal”
and “abnormal” personality and human development by exploring key theories of attention, perception,
memory, thought, language, knowledge representation, problem solving and decision making as well as
key theories and research on social thinking, social influence, intergroup relations and social identity.
Course Code: PSYC3017A
Course Description: Psychotherapeutic Interventions III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course provides a detailed study of psychological healing interventions in Western, African, and
Asian traditions. The course covers the history, efficacy and contemporary critiques of psychotherapy.
Course Code: PSYC3013A/PSYC3028A
Course Description: Cognitive Neuropsychology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course expands on the first year Psychology course by examining the structure and function of the
normal human nervous system and the neuro-cognitive consequences of brain disorders. The course
consists of topics that have particular relevance for the Neuropsychologist in South Africa, including:
traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, HIV-AIDS, and developmental difficulties related to birth, early
childhood, age- related cognitive decline and dementia.

260
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: PSYC3001A/PSYC3024A

Course Description: Abnormal Psychology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces the student to psychological abnormality. The course consists of four themes:
the nature of abnormality and the criteria for identifying abnormal functioning; historical and current
approaches to abnormality; the different approaches to abnormal behaviour such as the traditional
approaches, psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioural schools; and specific forms of abnormality, their
symptoms, and interventions for their treatment.
Course Code: PSYC3015A/PSYC3032A
Course Description: Health Psychology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces students to Health Psychology, which is a relatively new but fast growing field.
The course consists of an analysis of the debates surrounding the complex relationships between mind
and body; the contribution of Health Psychology to the study and treatment of illness; prevention, early
intervention and management of chronic conditions such as HIV/AIDS, Diabetes, Stroke, Cancer, Chronic
pain and Stress.
Course Code: PSYC3019A
Course Description: Critical Social Psychology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces students to critical approaches to social psychology and includes content not
generally covered in mainstream pscychology. The course consists of alternative approaches to the study
of social psychological phnomena, including feminist, Foucaultian and postcolonial approaches. Other
topics include: space, discourse, ideology, media, racism, sexism, xenophobia, whiteness, masculinity,
genocide, prejudice and discrimination.
Course Code: PSYC3018A
Course Description: Child and Adolescent Psychology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course provides students with a basic knowledge of: the key social, emotional and physical
developmental trends during childhood and adolescence; the psychosocial challenges of childhood and
adolescence in contemporary society, including family life and education; abnormality and pathology in
children, and interventions appropriate to children and adolescents.
Course Code: PSYC3016A
Course Description: Community Psychology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course provides a critical introduction to the concepts, methods and applications of Community
Psychology. The course content consists of various theoretical frameworks used to understand the
interdependence of human behaviour and the different contexts in which such behaviour occurs; the
different paradigms and methods of research used in community settings and the critical role of the
community psychologist in community development.
Course Code: PSYC3020A
Course Description: Organisational Behaviour III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces students to some of the core concepts concerned with the behaviour of people in
organisations and the dynamics between people and organisations including employee needs, employee
attitudes and employee values. The course consists of topics such as approaches to organisations, work
motivation, leadership, organisational change and development and organisational culture.
261
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: PSYC3021A/PSYC3030A

Course Description: Employee Well-being III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course provides students with knowledge of key theories and approaches to the issue of employee-
well-being. The course includes the following topics: work stress and its impact on the individual and
the organisation; job satisfaction; career development/individual development within the work context;
workplace safety and health; and work-family conflict and balance.
Course Code: PSYC3022A
Course Description: Employment Relations III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course focuses on the study of groups and group dynamics in an organisational setting, emphasising
social psychological theories within the South African context. The course content consists of theories of
groups and group behaviour, as well as the interface between individual and group functioning; issues
of power, conflict and justice; applications of theory to labour relations, unions and unionisation, union-
management relations (including the role of the state within a tripartite framework); industrial action and
group behaviour.
Course Code: PSYC3023A/PSYC3031A
Course Description: Organisational Effectiveness III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course examines the human-organisation interactions important in effective organisational
functioning. The course content includes: defining the work and organisational environment; components
of the person-environment fit (including job analysis, recruitment, selection, job design and the impact
of alternative work schedules); human performance appraisal systems and their consequences (e.g.
training and development); and human-machine interactions (including systems and the socio-technical
environment).
Course Code: PSYC3033A
Course Description: Select Topic in Psychology III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course provides the student with an in-depth analysis of an advanced topic in the theory and research
in psychology.
Course Code: PSYC3034A
Course Description: Cognitive Studies III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course provides the student with an in -depth examination of an advanced topic in the theory and
research of cognition.
Course Code: PSYC4044A
Course Description: Research Essay
NQF Credits: 30 NQF Level: 8
This course requires candidates to complete a research essay on an approved topic, which is supervised
by staff members in the department. The course consists of regular research seminars and the execution of
a research essay following a structured, goal-setting approach.
Course Code: PSYC4045A
Course Description: Research Methods in Psychology
NQF Credits: 23 NQF Level: 8

262
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This compulsory course focuses on the theory and practical use of research methods and analytic
techniques in Psychology. The module integrates qualitative and quantitative research designs, the
interpretation and critical analysis of a range of paradigms, methodologies, and practices in psychological
research. Special emphasis is on the criteria of evaluation of research. The course also provides practical
experience in computer-based analysis software for statistics and for qualitative analyses.
Course Code: PSYC4007A
Course Description: Cognitive Neuroscience
NQF Credits: 23 NQF Level: 8
This course integrates the perspectives of the different disciplines concerned with aspects of the structure
and functioning of the brain and the nervous system, including: neurology, neuropsychology,
neurophysiology cognitive psychology, cognitive neuropsychology and cognitive science. The course
consists of the study of selected areas of human behaviour from an integrated perspective, uniting
neuropsychology and cognitive psychology.
Course Code: PSYC4009A
Course Description: Community Psychology
NQF Credits: 23 NQF Level: 8
This course explores an approach to psychology that locates the individual and psychological problems
within a community or social context. The course examines the applied preventative interventions that are
most successful with larger groups or populations as well as a range of theoretical models emerging from
community psychology as a sub-discipline.
Course Code: PSYC4016A
Course Description: Group Processes in Organisations
NQF Credits: 23 NQF Level: 8
This course provides the candidate with a detailed analysis of group processes in organisations. The course
comprises four components: The Nature and Functions of Groups examines different group types and
their roles in organisations, differences between teams and groups, different stages of group functioning,
and important organisational groups in South Africa (including unions); Group Dynamics covers conflict,
power and justice in groups, and group decision-making; Management of Group Functioning examines
diversity in groups, leaders and groups, and the impact of the environment on group functioning;
Assessment & Intervention in Group Functioning explores different methods and tools for assessing group
functioning and group effectiveness, and group interventions such as team building and diversity
management strategies.
Course Code: PSYC4019A
Course Description: Individual Well-being and Effectiveness at Work
NQF Credits: 23 NQF Level: 8
This course provides a detailed exploration of individual well-being and work effectiveness. The course
consists of two components:
Individual Well-being at Work, focusing on issues related to the psychological health and well-being of
individuals in the South African workplace, stress, emotion and emotional work, life stages at work, well-
being assessment and diagnosis, and person-environment fit.
Individual Effectiveness at Work, dealing with issues concerned with an individual’s psychological
effectiveness in the workplace, including work, job and organisation design, job satisfaction, work
motivation, and training and development.
Course Code: PSYC4053A
Course Description: Theoretical Foundations of Organisational Psychology
NQF Credits: 23 NQF Level: 8

263
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course focuses on the theoretical foundations of organisational psychology.

The course comprises of two interlinked components. The first component introduces candidates
to a range of theories relevant to the study and practice of organisational psychology such as clinical
psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, organisational behaviour, organisational theory and
management science. In the second component candidates will be required to apply their knowledge
of these theories to understanding different approaches to organisations, organisational assessment,
research, practices and interventions.
Course Code: PSYC4058A
Course Description: Developmental Psychology
NQF Credits: 23 NQF Level: 8
This course critically examines theory as it applies to the developmental context of contemporary South
African society, by focusing on constructionist and socio-cultural theorists such as Vygotsky, Piaget and
Bronfenbrenner, as well as psychodynamic theorists including Freud, Klein and Winnicott. The course
consists of themes such as orphans & vulnerable children (OVC); the legacy of apartheid; parenting; socio-
economic status; violence and trauma; child abuse & neglect.
Course Code: PSYC4072A
Course Description: Everyday Life and Social Interaction
NQF Credits: 23 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces candidates to a theoretical framework and analytic approach for studying everyday
life and social interactions. The course consists of materials (both classical and contemporary) from the
phenomenological, ethnomethodological, conversation analytic and discursive psychological traditions.
It includes examination of a number of fundamental social scientific issues including:
Everyday (and scientific) practical reasoning.
The nature of intersubjectivity.
Theories of social action.
The social constitution of knowledge, and 5) structures of social interaction.
Course Code: PSYC4074A
Course Description: Gender in Psychology
NQF Credits: 23 NQF Level: 8
This course focuses on the construction of gender from various theoretical positions and introduces
candidates to a solid theoretical awareness of the nature of gender identity, sexuality and various forms
of gender difference. The course consists of a focus on the underlying epistemologies and tenets of
theoretical models; their points of contestation and convergence; areas of exclusion and admittance; as
well as the consequences of these for a fuller understanding of knowledge production in gender studies.
The content focuses on how gender is present in multiple aspects of human functioning and society, with
particular focus on the role of gender within sociohistorical contexts such as health, violence, family,
education, crime and mass media.
Course Code: PSYC4075A
Course Description: Educational Psychology in the South African Context
NQF Credits: 23 NQF Level: 8
This course consists of a selection of topics on educational psychology in the South African ciontext. The
course consists of two components:
1. Learning and development, which examines the provision of education for candidates with
individual differences and barriers to learning in the context of psycho-educational support services;
the Eco-systemic framework ; ways in which teachers in inclusive classrooms can be supported to
enhance candidates’ development and learning; the role of the educational psychologist in
establishing and contributing to collaborative partnerships to enhance the accommodation of
children with barriers to learning.

264
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

2. Accommodating diversity, which examines exemplary methods in the teaching of literacy and
numeracy and methods to support teachers in designing the teaching of maths and reading / writing
to suit individual needs in inclusive classrooms, including methods of metacognition.
Course Code: PSYC4057A
Course Description: Health Psychology
NQF Credits: 23 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces postgraduate candidates to the contribution of the specialized field of health
psychology in health management. The course covers health research, health-seeking behaviour, and
adherence to medical advice, stress, chronic illness (i.e. cardiovascular disease and HIV and AIDS),
gender-based violence, substance abuse, pain management and the role of exercise.
Course Code: PSYC4026A
Course Description: Mind, Brain and Behaviour
NQF Credits: 23 NQF Level: 8
This course explores a range of debates and theories in psychology and neuroscience, critically examining
the current and future prospects of psychology in an increasingly interdisciplinary (and especially
neuroscientific) era. The course consists of core topics including evolutionary psychology and its impact
on and relevance to contemporary psychology; the importance (and problems) of studying consciousness
in psychology and neuroscience; and the complex interplay between mind, language and society.
Course Code: PSYC4073A
Course Description: Narratives of Youth and Identity
NQF Credits: 23 NQF Level: 8
This course explores narrative approaches to understanding personhood, particularly focusing on the
construction of youth identities or subjectivities. The course raises questions about the ways in which the
stories (or texts) that we tell about our lives and those of others may work to construct particular histories
and future possibilities. Contemporary critiques of these approaches are also addressed, asserting the
importance of material conditions, practice and embodiment in the making of subjectivity.
Course Code: PSYC4029A
Course Description: Personality and Psychopathology
NQF Credits: 23 NQF Level: 8
This course critically examines description, classification, etiological theories and intervention strategies
for a range of psychological problems. The course consists of definitions of pathology and abnormality,
specifically in relation to theories of normal and abnormal personality development and dominant
taxonomies of mental and psychiatric illnesses - most notably the DSM system of classification.
Course Code: PSYC4032A
Course Description: Psychoanalytic Theory
NQF Credits: 23 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces candidates to psychoanalytic thinking and spans classical psychoanalysis, through
object relations theory to intersubjective psychoanalysis. The course consists of the psychoanalytic theory
of normal and abnormal psychological functioning and the application of theory to practice (with
particular reference to both clinical and group settings within the South African context and in relation to
key social issues.
Course Code: PSYC4034A
Course Description: Psychological Assessment
NQF Credits: 23 NQF Level: 8

265
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course focuses on the core theoretical issues of psychological assessment particularly in the South
African Context. The course consists of the nature and use of psychological assessments; measurement
integrity (e.g. different forms of assessment reliability, content validity, construct validity, criterion validity,
predictive validity, and item analysis); types of assessments and their relationship to psychological theory
(e.g. assessing intelligence, assessing personality, computerised assessment, dynamic assessments;
assessment practices (e.g. applicable norm groups, cross-cultural issues, appropriateness of assessments,
etc.), ethics in assessment, and the development of questionnaires and scales.
Course Code: PSYC4035A
Course Description: Psychological Interventions
NQF Credits: 23 NQF Level: 8
This course provides candidates with a historical and contemporary view of several leading contemporary
psychotherapeutic modalities. The course consists of the major schools of psychotherapy for example:
Psychoanalytic, Person Centred, Jungian, Feminist, Systemic, Cognitive-Behavioural and Narrative
psychotherapy, as well as a consideration of African indigenous healing modalities. Theories of
psychotherapeutic cure and the evidence for them is explored and evaluated, as well critiques of
psychotherapy. Candidates gain theoretical knowledge about principles and techniques of psychotherapy/
counselling practice.
Course Code: PSYC4042A
Course Description: Qualitative Programme and Evaluation Techniques
NQF Credits: 23 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces candidates to the central paradigms in qualitative and programme evaluation
research. The course consists of basic and advanced principles of qualitative and multi-method design and
data collection; techniques that derive from ethnographic, participatory action research, empowerment-
based and social construction approaches.
Course Code: PSYC4046A
Course Description: Social Psychology: Intergroup Relations
NQF Credits: 23 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces candidates to intergroup relations, focusing on processes specific to social groups
and their interactions with each other. The course consists of the following:
1. Ways of understanding prejudice asymmetries between social groups, and intergroup conflict.
2. The consequences and manifestations of prejudice.
3. Ways of reducing conflict and prejudice.
Classical and contemporary theories of intergroup relations and the research underpinning these are also
explored.
Course Code: PSYC4070A
Course Description: Educational Psychology in the South African Context
NQF Credits: 23 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces candidates to educational psychology in the South African context, the realities of
the system and the impact on practice.

266
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

School of Statistics and Actuarial Science

Course Code: STAT1002A
Course Description: Actuarial Science I
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 5
This course introduces students to the fields of the mathematics of finance and actuarial demography.
Topics include: the theory of interest; simple and compound, effective and nominal rates of interest;
discounting and the rate of discount; equations of value; annuity theory; analysis of the annuity; sinking
funds; the force of interest; fixed interest securities; life table theory; elementary demography; an
introduction to the principles on insurance and pensions.
Course Code: STAT1003A
Course Description: Mathematical Statistics I
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 5
This course introduces students to the field of mathematical statistics. Topics include: An introduction
to exploratory data analysis which covers descriptions of types of data, descriptive statistical techniques
with computer based assignments in R. An introduction to Probability and Probability Distributions that
includes set theory; counting methods; permutations and combinations; probability theory; basic concepts;
estimating probabilities using simulations in R; Bayes theorem; distribution theory: discrete and continuous
random variables and probability distributions; binominal, poisson, geometric, hypergeometric, normal
and exponential distribution; random generation of distributions in R; joint probability distributions
(discrete case), simulations of probabilistic scenarios, law of large numbers. An introduction to inference
that includes parameter estimation, confidence intervals and sample size effects on parameter estimation.
Correlation and regression; least squares fitting of lines, with computer based assignments in R.
Course Code: STAT2005A
Course Description: Mathematical Statistics II
NQF Credits: 48 NQF Level: 6
Probability; conditional probability; Bayes theorem; random variables; distributions and their properties;
generating functions; bivariate distributions; marginal and conditional distributions; transformations of
random variables; order statistics; introduction to sampling; introduction to sums of random variables
and sampling distributions. Sums of random variables; sampling distributions; law of large numbers;
Chebychev’s inequality; Central Limit Theorem; point estimation; interval estimation; hypothesis
testing; ANOVA; Chi−squared tests; sufficient statistics; theory of hypothesis testing; Monte Carlo
simulation; review of matrix theory; multivariate normal distribution; introduction to multiple regression.
Course Code: STAT2008A
Course Description: Actuarial Science II
NQF Credits: 48 NQF Level: 6
The course will consist of the following material: Further theory of finance; valuation of securities; capital
gains tax; consumer credit; stochastic interest rate models; yield curves; theory of immunisation; loan
schedules; types of investments; forward contracts; term structure of interest rates; log-normal distribution;
net present value; internal rate of return; inflation adjustments. Single Life Contingencies: Introduction
to annuities and assurances on one life; reserving; cashflow emergence. practical computing skills;
spreadsheet skills; presentation skills; actuarial report writing skills; concept of business materiality and
commercial relevance; capital projects; environmental impact assessments; business risk management.
Business applications and an overview of all the areas of both traditional actuarial practice and newer
fields like banking and enterprise risk management.
Course Code: STAT2013A (STAT2014A PT)
Course Description: Basic Statistics for the Natural Sciences II
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 6

267
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Students work through an elementary coverage of common statistical methods applied in the Natural
Sciences. These include descriptive statistics (graphical as well as numeral summaries), simple random
sampling, basic probability concepts, key probability distributions, correlation, simple linear regression,
basic inferential statistics - both parametric and non-parametric tests. The above concepts are reinforced
and applied with the use of a statistical software. On completion of this course, the student should be
able to identify, and distinguish between, different statistical techniques; select an appropriate statistical
test required to analyse data and; analyse data and correctly interpret the result obtained from the analysis
Course Code: STAT2012A
Course Description: Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
NQF Credits: 8 NQF Level: 6
This course introduces the student to mathematical statistics and is comprised of the following topics:
Descriptive Statistics; Permutations & Combinations; Probability; Discrete & Continuous Random
Variable; Sampling & Distributions & Tests of Hypothesis about a Mean; Correlation & Regression.
Course Code: STAT3010A
Course Description: Life Contingencies III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course extends the coverage of life insurance mathematics in Actuarial Science II. This course
covers the valuation of life insurance and annuity contracts that offer level, increasing or decreasing
benefits at either a simple or compound rate. It extends to cover the pricing of and reserving for life
insurance contracts and annuities in terms of calculating gross or net premiums, payable annually or more
frequently, and the corresponding policy values and reserves. Reserves are determined on a prospective
and retrospective basis. Valuing, pricing and reserving are extended to policies that cover two or more
lives and two or more decrements. All of the principles are combined into profit testing of contracts
by applying discounted cash flow techniques. The course also covers heterogeneity in populations and
techniques to summarise and standardize population data.
Course Code: STAT3015A
Course Description: Actuarial Economics III
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 7
This course provides an understanding of the following fields: the application of expected utility theory
to financial problems; the application of stochastic dominance to asset selection problems; measures of
investment risk; the assumptions of mean–variance portfolio theory and its principal results; the properties
of single- and multiple-factor models of asset returns; the incorporation of liabilities into portfolio selection
models and the process of asset–liability modelling; equilibrium models of returns on capital assets,
including the principal results and assumptions and limitations of such models; the various forms of the
efficient markets hypothesis and the evidence for and against them; stochastic models of the behaviour
of security prices and the estimation of parameters for asset-pricing models; models of the term structure
of interest rates; the properties of option prices, factors affecting such prices, and the upper and lower
bounds of such prices; numerical procedures used in derivative pricing; Black-Scholes analysis and
arbitrage-free pricing.
Course Code: STAT3021A
Course Description: Computers and Communications for Actuaries III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course covers the use of computers in actuarial work. Both scientific and commercial applications
are covered. In addition, it covers basic communication and presentation skills required to present
actuarial results obtained to relevant audiences.

268
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: STAT3030A

Course Description: Actuarial Reserving Techniques III
NQF Credits: 14 NQF Level: 7
This course covers the theory and application of survival modelling using estimation procedures for
lifetime distributions and transition intensities. Topics include: mortality projections and the application of
graduation and graduation tests, the theory and application of probability of ruin in finite and infinite time,
using the Poisson Process, the application of run-off triangles using the Chain-ladder, the Average Cost per
Claim and Bornhuetter-Ferguson methods, as well as simulation techniques to value benefit guarantees.
Course Code: STAT3031A
Course Description: Multivariate Data Analysis III
NQF Credits: 14 NQF Level: 7
This course covers the inherent attributes of multivariate data analysis by using statistical predictive and
dimension reduction techniques. These techniques include studying the multivariate normal distribution,
copulas and other related distributions, regression techniques and modelling inferences, such as
hypothesis testing, confidence regions and multivariate analysis of variance and covariance of samples,
dimension reduction techniques, principal component analysis, factor analysis, correspondence analysis,
multidimensional scaling, cluster analysis, discriminant analysis and canonical correlation analysis. The
course focusses on the theoretical overview of these methods and the practical use and interpretation
using statistical packages.
Course Code: STAT3032A
Course Description: Risk Theory III
NQF Credits: 14 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces the nature of general insurance risks, which serve as the primary motivation for the
consideration of various types of statistical techniques and models. These techniques and models include: loss
distributions, which are used to describe the amounts of individual claims arising from a portfolio of general
insurance policies, extreme value distributions, which are used for modelling low probability/high impact
events; and risk models (in the form of compound distributions), which consider the amounts of individual
claims and the total number of claims jointly so as to model the aggregate claims of general insurance policies.
Course Code: STAT3033A
Course Description: Statistical Elements of Machine Learning III
NQF Credits: 14 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces students to how statistical and actuarial applications use machine learning methods
to solve problems. It discusses the relationship between statistical, actuarial and high level machine
learning concepts. key supervised and unsupervised statistical learning and machine learning techniques
in modelling continuous and categorical responses (regression and a variety of classification methods) as
well as the differences between generative and discriminative models. Appropriate statistical packages
will be used to complement the link between theoretical statistical machine learning and applications to
statistical modelling, actuarial underwriting, pricing and other parts of insurance risk management.
Course Code: STAT3034A
Course Description: Stochastic Processes III
NQF Credits: 14 NQF Level: 7
This course is a study of discrete time Markov chains and continuous time Markov jump processes,
including properties of states such as recurrence, transience and periodicity. It studies classic problems
such as the gambler’s ruin problem and asymmetric random walks, as well as the Poisson process.

269
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: STAT3035A

Course Description: Survival Analysis III
NQF Credits: 14 NQF Level: 7
This course introduces the problem of censoring in lifetime data and the implications on modelling and
analysis of such data. The Kaplan-Meier estimator for the survivor function and the Nelson-Aalen estimator
integrated hazard are derived and applied to lifetime data. It describes and applies the proportional
hazards model and defines and implements several methods for checking the fit of survival models to
lifetime data. It further formulates models for describing lifetimes subject to multiple states. It explains and
incorporates the concepts of frailty and cure in the context of survival analysis.
Course Code: STAT3036A
Course Description: Time Series III
NQF Credits: 14 NQF Level: 7
This course covers the theory and application of exponential smoothing and Box Jenkins time series
methods. These include model building and model checks, of both integrated time series, e.g. ARCH &
GARCH models and co-integrated time series. The course also covers special non-stationary and non-
linear time series models and an introduction to spectral analysis: time series in the frequency domain.
Statistical packages will be used to apply these methods.
Course Code: STAT3037A
Course Description: Introduction to Spatial Statistics III
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 7
This course provides an overview of basic theory and applications of spatial statistics. It focuses on the
ecological applications of spatial autocorrelation and autoregression. It also introduces key concepts of
graphical methods, Stochastic processes, the spatial weights matrix, global measures of spatial association
and local measures of spatial associations as well as the performance of spatial statistical analysis using
Geographic Information Mapping Services (GIS) software and R.
Course Code: STAT4092A
Course Description: Actuarial Liability Management
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 8
The aim of this course is to provide candidates with the ability to apply a wide range of actuarial concepts
to simple traditional and non−traditional situations. It includes: Professionalism; Stakeholders; general
environment; risk management; provisioning; project planning; input validation; determining and
reporting of results; capital and capital management; mergers and acquisitions; experience monitoring.
Course Code: STAT4093A
Course Description: Actuarial Marketing and Product Development
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course aims to provide candidates with an understanding of the financial risks facing individuals
and how insurance and retirement funds assist in managing these risks. On completion of the course
candidates should also be able to make a contribution to the design and pricing of insurance policies and
retirement fund benefits. Topics covered include: the general commercial and economic environment
including tax, regulation, public relations and compliance, the lifecycle, benefit providers, an overview
of benefit funds, an overview of general insurance, life risk and investments products, the product design
process, marketing theory, distribution, selling and incentives, contract design, Pricing methodology
and techniques, assumption setting and sourcing statistics, expenses, macro pricing, claims processes,
reinsurance, persistency and discontinuance.

270
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: STAT4094A

Course Description: Investment and Asset Management
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
The aim of this course is to provide candidates with the ability to apply the principles of actuarial
planning and control to the appraisal of investments, and to the selection and management of investments
appropriate to the needs of investors.
Topics covered include: economic and other influences on investment markets, the relationship between
returns on asset classes, money markets, bond markets, property markets, equity markets, futures and
options, collective investment schemes, overseas markets, valuation of individual investments, valuation
of asset classes and portfolios, investment strategies for institutions and individuals, developing an
investment strategy, capital project appraisal, capital management, accounting and disclosure.
Course Code: STAT4095A
Course Description: Research Project: Actuarial Science
NQF Credits: 35 NQF Level: 8
This course provides grounding in the collaborative and independent research skills required for Actuarial
practice, including the skills required to explain Actuarial concepts intelligibly both to peers and to other
candidates.
Course Code: STAT4096A
Course Description: Actuarial Practice in Retirement Funds
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 8
This course teaches candidates the specialist technical concepts needed for the design and management
of pensions and other benefits. Topics covered include: principal terms, providers of benefits, meeting
the needs of stakeholders, the environment in which benefits are offered, alternative systems of benefit
provision, scheme design, risks and uncertainties, financing benefits, sponsor covenant, investments,
actuarial valuations, models for benefit valuation and population projection, funding methods, valuation
assumptions and data, discontinuance, the need for valuation in defined benefit, defined contribution and
social security schemes, options and guarantees, asset−liability matching, insurance, sources of surplus
and analysis of experience.
Course Code: STAT4097A
Course Description: Actuarial Practice in Life Assurance
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 8
This course aims to provide candidates with a practical understanding of the actuarial work involved
in Life Assurance companies and covers the main aspects of the F102 course for the examinations of
the Actuarial Society of South Africa. Topics covered include: the general commercial and economic
environment, life assurance products, health and care products, risks and data management, reinsurance
and underwriting, methods of distributing profits, management of unit−linked life assurance contracts,
product design, models in life assurance, surrender values and alterations, cost of guarantees and options,
supervisory reserves, earnings statements, investments, monitoring experience and setting assumptions.
Course Code: STAT4098A
Course Description: Actuarial Practice in Health Care
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 8
This course aims to provide candidates with a practical understanding of the actuarial work involved
in Health Care and covers the main aspects of the F101 course for the examinations of the Actuarial
Society of South Africa. Topics covered include: the general commercial and economic environment,
state provision, health care products, product design, risk management, setting assumptions, models and
pricing, reserves, investments, reinsurance, monitoring experience.

271
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: STAT4099A

Course Description: Actuarial Practice in General Insurance
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 8
This course aims to provide candidates with a practical understanding of the process of General Insurance
together with an understanding of the actuarial work involved in a General Insurance Company. It covers
all aspects of the F103 course for the Actuarial Society of South African examinations. Topics covered
include: the general commercial and economic environment, accounting principles and methods, the
interpretation of accounts, general insurance products, reinsurance, risk management, the purpose and
methodology of reserving, rating methodologies and practicalities, investment principles including asset−
liability matching, data, capital models, monitoring experience.
Course Code: STAT4100A
Course Description: Actuarial Financial Theory and Application
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 8
This course aims to provide candidates with a practical understanding of the actuarial work involved
in finance and investments and covers the main aspects of the F105 course for the examinations of
the Actuarial Society of South Africa. Topics covered include: the general commercial and economic
environment, the regulation of financial services, applications of the legislative and regulatory framework,
derivatives, specialist asset classes, the theory of finance, fundamental share analysis, valuation of
investments, industry classification, investment indices, performance measurement, overall risk control,
actuarial techniques, portfolio management and taxation.
Course Code: STAT4101A
Course Description: Advanced Distribution Theory
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course covers the development and underlying theory of special distributions, inequalities and either
quadratic forms or systems of distributions.
Topics included are :Transformations and special distributions: General and Orthogonal transformations
(including Helmert). Non−central t, x2, F. Dirichlet distributions. Asymptotic distributions of Order
Statistics (–/\–s, Weibull, Fréchet, Gumbel; Extreme order statistics, Mills Ratio). Moment inequalities:
Markov, Chebychev, Kolmogorov, Jensen, Cauchy−Schwartz, Holder, Minkowski, rth root of the rth
absolute moment, Bonferroni.Convex Ordering. Quadratic forms: Idempotent Matrices (Properties and
more on non−central x2). Mgf and cumulants of Q.F. conditions for QF~x2 (λ). Independence of QFs
(and linear functions and QFs). Simultaneous Orthogonal Diagonalization. Cochran’s Theorem (and
simple applications to ANOVA). Systems of Distributions: Pearson, Gram−Charler, Johnson systems of
distributions.
Course Code: STAT4102A
Course Description: Applied Sampling
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course covers both theoretical and practical aspects of Survey Sampling and includes: questionnaire
design and piloting; definition of types of sampling (simple random, stratified, systematic, cluster, double,
snowball, convenience, complex) and their advantages and disadvantages in theory and practice;
proportional vs disproportional allocation for stratified sampling and reasons for their choice; sample size
calculation; in general and for different methods, including optimal allocation; estimation of means, totals
and proportions, and the variances of the estimators; margin of error tables and nomograms; weighting
of surveys; cell weighting vs raking; household vs personal weights; design effects: calculation and
implementation of: cost vs efficiency; dealing with missing values; using complete data, imputation via
means and regression; an introduction to data fusion: criteria for fusing of data sets, methods of performing
data fusion (donor to recipient, one to one, many to one, many to many, transportation algorithm, once−
off fusion, customised fusion) and of assessing the quality of the fusion.

272
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: STAT4103A

Course Description: Biostatistics
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course provides a background into the basic methodology of the area:
Definitions of population and community; Rates and proportions: numerators and denominators.
Estimation of totals vs proportions. Prevalence versus incidence. Cohorts vs parallel groups vs longitudinal
studies. Odds ratios, relative risk, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV. ROC curves. Topics from:
Experimental design: review of 1, 2 and multi factor analyses, analysis of covariance, randomised blocks,
BIBD, crossover and other designs. Linear mixed models. Repeated measures analysis including AUC.
Nonparametric survival analysis including left, right and interval censored models. Mantel−Haentzel and
other tests. Applications of logistic regression. Inter−rater comparison including intra class correlation
analysis and kappa coefficients, sample size calculations. Growth curves. Meta analysis. Introduction to
epidemiology.
Course Code: STAT4104A
Course Description: Extreme Value Theory
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course provides the candidate with an understanding of the modelling and analysis of data concerning
the extremes of a distribution, and includes the following topics: Introduction to and examples of extreme
value data. Review of the asymptotic likelihood theory required for the analysis of extreme values and of
the relevant model diagnostic plots. Distributions of extreme values: Gumbel, Fréchet and Weibull. The
Generalised extreme value (GEV) distribution. Inference for the GEV distribution. Threshold data and the
Generalised Pareto (GP) distribution for modeling threshold excesses. Inference for the GP distribution.
Modeling and analysis of extremes of stationary (dependent) series. Extremes of non−stationary series.
Course Code: STAT4106A
Course Description: Point Processes
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces candidates to point processes. In operations research, point processes are tools for
stochastically modelling flows of customers arriving at a service station (queueing theory). In particular,
in insurance, point processes are used to mathematically model claim number processes. In the natural
sciences, point processes are used to quantify and predict the number of randomly occurring events such
as births, deaths, natural disasters, cosmic particles.
Course Code: STAT4107A
Course Description: Spatial Statistics
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course provides the candidate with an understanding of the modelling and analysis of data which
are spatially distributed, and in which the correlation between two observations is a function of the
distance between them. Topics covered include: Introduction to spatial random variables and spatial
data. Definition of the variogram and its properties. Models for the variogram and its estimation, either
nonparametrically or via maximum likelihood. Spatial prediction and kriging. Simple and ordinary kriging.
Change of support and block kriging. Co−kriging and universal kriging.
Course Code: STAT4108A
Course Description: Statistical Aspects of Data Mining
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 8

273
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course introduces candidates to the statistical aspects of data mining. Data mining refers to a family
of techniques used to detect interesting relationships/knowledge in data in the form of pattern recognition,
statistical and machine learning (supervised and unsupervised), data science and data analysis/analytics.
The main topics covered include Data pre−processing, Resampling methods (k−fold, CV, LOOCV,
Bootstrap, etc.), Classification and Prediction (Regression, Bayes, LDA, QDA, etc.), Clustering (K−nearest
neighbours, K−means, PAM, Hierarchical, etc.), Associations and Rule Generation (Basket analysis, etc.),
Model Evaluation, Support Vector Machines, Artificial Neural Networks and Tree−Based Methods as
well as tree induction and rule learning. More recent developments, including Ensemble Methods or
Committee Machines (Bagging, Boosting, etc.) and Big Data, are introduced. The course also provides
the practical background required to apply these techniques to practical problems using training and
validation data subsets, to evaluate the models using R/other software, and to interpret and present the
results.
Course Code: STAT4109A
Course Description: Stochastic Processes with Applications in Finance
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course covers stochastic processes used to model the development in time of share prices, credits,
interest rates, exchange rates and so on. The course includes: basic definitions and concepts from the
theory of stochastic processes; martingales and the optional stopping theorem; derivation of characteristic
properties of Wiener processes and their transformations, and the suitability of Wiener processes for
modelling finance parameters Wiener processes as a martingale and the application of the optional
stopping theorem in solving finance related problems; exact derivation of the Balck− Scholes−Merton−
formula; solution of some optimum option pricing problems.
Course Code: STAT4110A
Course Description: Operations Research Techniques
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course provides an introduction to the algorithms and techniques behind supply chain optimisation.
This includes the mathematical background as well the practical application of these techniques. Topics
covered include Forecasting, Transportation systems, Transportation models and algorithms; Genetic
algorithms and simulated annealing, Inventory management systems and algorithms, Continuous and
discrete point location algorithms, Supply chain models, Neural networks for the optimisation of supply
chains; Manufacturing systems, Manufacturing scheduling models, Material handling models and
algorithms, Warehousing systems.
This topic deals with those point processes that have proved to be most adequate for modelling these and
other phenomena: homogeneous and non−homogeneous Poisson processes, mixed Poisson processes,
renewal processes, and Pólya−Lundberg processes. To be able to take into account the cost and other
superimposed aspects, the corresponding compound (aggregate, cumulative) processes are discussed as
well. As a special application, exact and approximate formulas for the actuarial risk are given.
Course Code: STAT4111A
Course Description: Reliability and Maintenance Theory
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces candidates to reliability and maintenance theory. Reliability and safety analysis
as well as maintenance planning play an important role in engineering, but increasingly also in banking
and communication. The first part of the course deals with the key problem of reliability theory, namely
with the investigation of the mutual relationship between reliability criteria of a system and reliability
criteria of its subsystems within the framework of binary monotone systems. The second part of the course
introduces non parametric classes of probability distributions and their relationship to modelling the wear
and tear of technical systems.

274
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: STAT4112A

Course Description: Research Project: Operations Research
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 8
This course provides grounding in the collaborative and independent research skills required for
operations research practice, including the skills required to explain statistics and operations research
methods intelligibly both to peers and to other student.
Course Code: STAT4113A
Course Description: Research Project: Mathematical Statistics
NQF Credits: 36 NQF Level: 8
This course provides grounding in the collaborative and independent research skills required for statistical
practice, including the skills required to explain statistical methods intelligibly both to peers and to other
students.
Course Code: STAT4116A
Course Description: Operations Research Techniques IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course covers an introduction to the algorithms and techniques used in Operations Research. The
first part of the course covers model building, linear programming encompassing simplex method, pitfalls
of the simplex method, revised simplex algorithm, dual theorem and complementary slackness theorem.
The second part of the course covers integer programming which encompasses the branch and bound
algorithm, cutting plane algorithm, and knapsack problem. The last part of the course covers manufacturing
scheduling models, transportation systems, continuous and discrete point location algorithms, network
models, deterministic and probalistic Inventory models and associated algorithms and material handling
models and algorithms. Throughout the course, use of statistical software is explored.
Course Code: STAT4117A
Course Description: Advanced Multivariate Methods IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course covers pre-analysis data screening which include methods of handling missing data, effects of
outliers, assessment of adequacy of fit between data and assumptions of specific multivariate techniques
and sensitivity analysis. Methods of finding structure in the data and modeling underlying latent variables
forms the basis of the second part of the course. In particular, the following topics will be covered:
review of matrix algebra for multivariate statistics, multivariate regression, Hotelling’s T2, multivariate
analysis of variance, profile analysis, repeated measures analysis of variance, discriminate analysis, finite
mixture modeling, biplots, distance metrics and general measures of similarity, advanced clustering
methods, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling.
Course Code: STAT4118A
Course Description: Advanced Probability Theory IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course provides an overview of measure theoretic probability theory as follows: First, the concept
of probability as measure and random variables is introduced, after which integration is reviewed and
expectation defined. Second, norms on the spaces of functions are defined, and various inequalities
involving norms will be proved. Third, the completeness of Lp will be proved, and the concept of
orthogonal projection outlined. Fourth, various modes of convergence in L1 will be reviewed and
compared. Fifth, Gaussian random variables will be defined and various properties established. Sixth,
sums of independent random variables will be considered and laws of large numbers proved. Seventh,
conditional expectation will be defined and properties studied. Eighth, martingales will be defined and
particular results established.

275
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: STAT4119A

Course Description: Advanced Statistical ELements of Machine Learning IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course covers the more advanced statistical fundamentals of machine learning as frameworks for
prediction and estimation as an extension of the introduction that is given in the third year course in
Statistical elements of machine learning III. Topics covered include advanced supervised and unsupervised
learning methods; evaluating learning techniques, bias/variance trade off, regularisation; generalisation;
performance measures; empirical risk minimisation; modern classification; regression; clustering analysis,
dimensionality reduction; advanced neural networks; deep learning; Bayesian machine learning; nearest
neighbour methods; tree based methods and ensemble methods. The course includes both statistical
theory and practical application of statistical learning covered with computer-based lab assignments.
Course Code: STAT4120A
Course Description: Bayesian Methods IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course covers various Bayesian modelling and computation techniques. The course comprises
the following sections. First, a brief introduction/revision of the basics of Bayesian inference. Second,
Bayesian methods applied to graphical models and how to perform inference on such models, as well
as an overview of the concept of belief propagation. Third, a review of Bayesian methods applied to
hierarchical models. Fourth, the application of Monte Carlo methods to various statistical techniques.
Fifth, the fundamentals of and all necessary prerequisites for Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC). Sixth,
an overview of selected MCMC algorithms. Seventh, the Expectation-Maximisation algorithm, and various
examples of its use.
Course Code: STAT4121A
Course Description: Biostatistics IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course covers the following; Types of clinical trials and their designs, ethical considerations and
sample size determination. Types of bioassays, dose-response relationships, quantitative and quantal
responses, Feiler’s theorem for fiducial limit estimation, probit and logit models for quantal assays,
estimation of effective dose levels from tolerance distributions and calibration curves. Advanced
survival models including net survival analysis and cure, dynamic transition modelling. Statistical
Genetics: Introduction to genetics; gene mapping, sequence data, population genetics and coalescent
theory, phylogeny reconstruction, pedigree analysis, familial aggregation, segregation and linkage and
association. Role of genetic factors in human diseases and analysis of complex and quantitative traits.
Course Code: STAT4122A
Course Description: Advanced Time Series IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course deals with advanced time series models, beyond the traditional Box-Jenkins methodology.
Topics covered include long memory, multivariate time series and non-stationary and/or non-linear
time series models. For the first part the theory of long range dependence is introduced and applied.
For the second part the theory required for the analysis of multivariate time series is developed and
applied. Finally, non-stationary and/or non-linear time series models will be studied. Non-linear models
to be studied including the Product Autoregressive model, the Fractional Autogressive model, Markov
Switching models, Time-varying coefficient models and Smooth Transition Autoregressive models.
Course Code: STAT4123A
Course Description: Modern Non-Parametric Methods IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8

276
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course teaches modern, computationally based methods for exploring and drawing inferences from
data by giving the theoretical and practical (applications) of non-parametric methods. In particular the
following will be discussed; statistical functionals such as CDF estimation, resampling methods such as
bootstrapping, jackknifing and cross-validation, smoothing methods, non-parametric regression, density
estimation (kernel, loess, spline, etc), minimax theory (a set of techniques for finding the minimum, worst
case behaviour of a procedure), orthogonal function methods and adaptive methods.
Course Code: STAT4124A
Course Description: Statistical Information Theory and Coding IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course deals with quantifying the information contained in data (messages) to be transmitted and in
encoding data. Both aspects are the subject of information theory. In the present connected world with
huge amounts of digital information to be transmitted all the time and in all directions, encoding has to be
done as efficiently as possible with regard to reducing transmission time and storage space. Information
theory is a key tool in achieving this goal. The course highlights the fundamental role of the statistical
concept of entropy in information theory and presents some of the most efficient coding schemes. Since
channels for transmission of information are usually subject to noise, errors may occur. Hence, reliable
transmission requires encoding schemes which allow for error detection and error correction. This is the
core subject of coding theory. Another reason for encoding is secrecy (But this is the subject of cryptology
and is not considered in this course). The mathematical statistics basis of this course is probability theory,
discrete random variables, homogeneous Markov chains, and matrix calculus.
Course Code: STAT4125A
Course Description: Statistical Methods for Reliability Analysis IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course introduces candidates to the basic concepts of reliability models, statistical inference for
various probability models and methods used in life testing and reliability assessment. The mutual
relationship between reliability criteria of a system and reliability criteria of its subsystems within the
framework of binary monotone systems forms the first part of the course. The second part of the course
introduces parametric classes of lifetime distributions, including their extension to specialised models,
namely competing risks and models with covariates. Nonparametric classes of probability distributions
are also introduced and their relationship to modelling the wear and tear of technical systems. The
adequacy of the fitted models will also be assessed.
Course Code: STAT4126A
Course Description: Statistical Simulations IV
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 8
This course includes: Optimisation techniques; data visualisation; (pseudo)-random number and variable
generation and generators; simulation of data, discrete events and other processes, based on underlying
probability distributions and model assumptions; resampling methods (bootstrapping, the statistical
jackknife and cross-validation), importance sampling and accept-reject methods; sequential Monte Carlo;
Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations; the Metropolis-Hastings algorithm, Gibbs sampling
and simulated annealing; use of simulation software, best practice for statistical algorithms; algorithmic
complexity and the Landau-Bachmann notation in the context of statistical computing; numerical
algorithms and numerical methods.
Course Code: STAT4127A
Course Description: Actuarial Practice in Banking IV
NQF Credits: 24 NQF Level: 8
This course covers the theory of the key principles and regulations of banking, banking risks and the
application of actuarial techniques to the quantification of the main risks in banking, namely: capital risk,
liquidity risk, credit risk, market risk and operational risk.

277
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: STAT5004A

Course Description: Extreme value theory
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course provides successful candidates with an understanding of the modelling and analysis of
extreme values and the ability to apply this theory to the analysis of extreme value data. It covers the
Generalised Extreme Value distribution for modelling extremes of independent series and the Generalised
Pareto distribution for threshold excesses of such series, as well as their extension to stationary and non−
stationary series. Furthermore candidates cover, by self−study, two advanced aspects of extreme value
theory, namely the Point Processes, Characterisation of extremes, which provides a unifying theoretical
framework for modelling extreme values, and the analysis of Multivariate Extreme value data. Candidates
also have to complete a major project in which they either research some advanced aspect or perform an
extensive analysis of an extreme value dataset.
Course Code: STAT5032A
Course Description: Copulas & dependence
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course provides successful candidates with an understanding of correlations and dependence, which
are some of the key assumptions made in understanding a portfolio of risks. Basic correlation structures
are illustrated and their pitfalls discussed. Various methods of introducing dependence between risks
are investigated, with the ultimate goal being the combining marginal distributions through the use of a
copula. Different types of copula are studied, and they are fitted to data.
Course Code: STAT5033A
Course Description: Multivariate models and financial time series
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course provides an introduction to the class of multivariate models and financial time series.
Multivariate models are used widely in the financial sector in order to describe the co−movement across
a number of random variables. Risk measures used to quantify the level of risk at certain percentiles
depend heavily on the assumed elliptical nature of the underlying distributions, which are also examined.
Financial time series are examined in order to enable advanced analysis of market variables, which are
crucial in understanding volatility. These are extended to multivariate cases.
Course Code: STAT5034A
Course Description: Risk measurement and assessment and application of Enterprise Risk
Management (ERM)
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course explores risk measurement and assessment, the key quantitative components of a risk
management process. These components are a critical feature of a functional ERM implementation, which
are tested using applied methods. Risk measures and the meaning of capital requirements are examined.
Stress and scenario tests have a role to play alongside stochastic methods, and their use are analysed.
Risk types and their meanings are explored, as the allocation of enterprise−wide capital for performance
measurement.
Course Code: STAT5035A
Course Description: King IV corporate governance in South Africa and ERM case studies
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
This course explores the King IV code of corporate governance. The code is ‘best practice’ and provides
for certain structures which are intended to improve the functioning of a company, and which would
serve to reduce the risk that operations break down. The risk management function has to report to the
Board and its sub−committees, in order to ensure the correct identification and processing of risks in the
organisation.

278
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

The audit and compliance functions are also required (indeed, by regulation as well) to participate in
the identification and mitigation of risks. Cases of insolvency such as Equitable Life and Fedsure Life
are examined in order to identify the operational failures which could have been avoided through the
effective use of ERM.
Course Code: STAT5036A
Course Description: Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) concept and framework
NQF Credits: 20 NQF Level: 8
The aim of the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) course is to instil in candidates the key principles
underlying the implementation and application of ERM within an organisation, whether life assurance
companies, general insurance companies, mutuals, retirement funds, or other corporate entities,
including governance and process as well as quantitative methods of risk management and modelling.
The candidate should gain the ability to apply the knowledge and understanding of ERM practices to any
type of organization.
Course Code: STAT7000A
Course Description: Dynamic Programming
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This theoretical short course with practical overtones covers the following topics with particular emphasis
on stochastic application to: dynamic programming (DP) solutions to path problems, including those with
stochastic elements, feedback control and adaptive control (learning); solving standard problems by DP
including: equipment replacement with stochastic costs; Bayesian approach to quality control; simple
resource allocation; theory and solution of problems with linear dynamics and quadratic criteria including
stochastic errors; different approaches to inventory models; Markov decision processes; sensitivity analysis
to DP solutions.
Course Code: STAT7003A
Course Description: Non−Parametric Methods
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course covers various themes under the following three headings: nonparametric tests of hypotheses;
nonparametric model building; nonparametric estimation.
Course Code: STAT7004A
Course Description: Reliability and Maintenance Theory
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course comprises the following:
Parametric and nonparametric classes of life− and repair− time distributions, binary and multivalued
coherent systems, reliability analysis of stochastic networks, in particular of communication networks;
Software reliability.
Renewal and regenerative stochastic processes, cumulative stochastic processes, Poisson processes; age
dependent maintenance policies, repair limit maintenance policies.
Course Code: STAT7006A
Course Description: Spatial Statistics
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course comprises the following: Geostatistical methods (spatial correlation, variogram estimation,
spatial prediction and kriging). Spatial image analysis (remotely sensed data, contextual classification).
Special topics for spatial data.

279
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Course Code: STAT7030A

Course Description: Advanced Sampling
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course provides the theoretical background of and investigates issues in the application of: Calibration
weighting methods, and the comparison to standard methods of cell and rim weighting; Methods of
estimation: design−based, model−based and model−assisted.
Data fusion: methods of combining data sets, ranging from multiple imputation, to single fusion, to
customised fusion; comparison of the methods as to advantages and disadvantages; comparison of these
types of fusions, and of assessing the quality of the fusion.
Candidates are required to apply one of more of their classes of techniques to data sets, and to provide a
seminar and project report on their analyses, including additional literature studied.
Course Code: STAT7031A
Course Description: Advanced Selected Topic in Mathematical Statistics
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course provides an understanding of a selected field of current statistical research.
Course Code: STAT7032A
Course Description: Biostatistics
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course introduces candidates to the field of biostatistics It covers the following topics: Definition
of a population and community. Rates and proportions: numerators and denominators. Estimation of
totals vs proportions. Prevalence versus incidence. Cohorts vs parallel groups vs longitudinal studies.
Experimental design: review of 1, 2 and multi factor analyses, analysis of covariance, randomised blocks,
BIBD, crossover and other designs. Linear mixed models. Repeated measures analysis including AUC.
Odds ratios, relative risk, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV. ROC curves. Survival analysis including left,
right and interval censored models. Mantel Haentzel and other tests. Introduction to epidemiology.
Inter−rater comparison including intra class correlation analysis and kappa coefficients, Sample size
calculations. Applications of logistic regression. Growth curves. Meta analysis. A project must be completed
encompassing an in−depth study of the theoretical aspects, and the application of the methodology to
one of: linear mixed models, analysis of repeated measures, epidemiology, growth curves, meta analysis.
Course Code: STAT7033A
Course Description: Extreme Value Theory
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course provides successful candidates with an understanding of the modelling and analysis of
extreme values and the ability to apply this theory to the analysis of extreme value data. It covers the
Generalised Extreme Value distribution for modelling extremes of independent series and the Generalised
Pareto distribution for threshold excesses of such series, as well as their extension to stationary and non−
stationary series. Furthermore candidates cover, by self−study, two advanced aspects of extreme value
theory, namely the Point Processes, Characterisation of extremes, which provides a unifying theoretical
framework for modelling extreme values, and the analysis of Multivariate Extreme value data. Candidates
also have to complete a major project in which they either research some advanced aspect or perform an
extensive analysis of an extreme value dataset.
Course Code: STAT7035A
Course Description: Operations Research
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9

280
 2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

This course provides an introduction to the algorithms and techniques behind supply chain optimisation.
This includes the mathematical background as well the practical application of these techniques. Topics
covered include Forecasting, Transportation systems, Transportation models and algorithms; Genetic
algorithms and simulated annealing, Inventory management systems and algorithms, Continuous and
discrete point location algorithms, Supply chain models, Neural networks for the optimisation of supply
chains; Manufacturing systems, Manufacturing scheduling models, Material handling models and
algorithms, Warehousing systems. An in−depth study of the theoretical grounding of methods involved
in, and application of, one of the following topics: transportation systems/models, inventory management
systems, supply chain models, manufacturing systems, warehousing systems.
Course Code: STAT7036A
Course Description: Point Processes
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course deals with those point processes that have proved to be most adequate for modelling queueing
theory, claim number processes, the number of randomly occurring events such as births, natural disasters,
cosmic particles and other phenomena. It covers homogeneous and non−homogeneous Poisson processes,
mixed Poisson processes, renewal processes, and Pólya−Lundberg processes and the corresponding
compound (aggregate, cumulative) processes are discussed as well. As a special application, exact and
approximative formulas for the actuarial risk are given. A project must be completed in one the following
fields: Generalised Poisson processes, marked point processes, cumulative processes, level crossing of
cumulative processes, Lundberg− approximations, stochastic order, applications in operations research
and actuarial risk analysis. This requires theoretical work is required (study of research publications,
monographs and textbooks), and solution of numerical problems to illustrate the theory.
Course Code: STAT7037A
Course Description: Stochastic Processes with Applications in Finance
NQF Credits: 15 NQF Level: 9
This course deals with basic definitions and concepts of stochastic processes; stochastic models for claim
arrival and claim number processes in risk theory; the ruin problem; Martingales and Weiner processes
as stochastic models for share prices, rendits etc.; examples of optimum option pricing. In addition
candidates have to do a project in one of the following fields (based on measure theory): 1) martingales,
filtration, application of the stopping theorem to determine ruin probabilities). 2) Wiener processes (based
on measure theory): level crossing problems, transforms of Wiener processes and their role in finance,
critical evaluation of these transforms, discussion of option pricing models, generalisations of the Black−
Scholes−Merton−formula, substitutes for the Wiener process in finance applications. This requires
theoretical work (study of research publications, monographs and textbooks) and the solution of numerical
problems to illustrate the theory.
Course Code: STAT7038A
Course Description: Data Mining Theory & Application
NQF Credits: 30 NQF Level: 9
This course introduces candidates to the statistical aspects of data mining. Data mining refers to a family
of techniques used to detect interesting relationships/knowledge in data in the form of pattern recognition,
statistical and machine learning (supervised and unsupervised), data science and data analysis/analytics.
The main topics covered include Data pre−processing, Resampling methods (k−fold, CV, LOOCV,
Bootstrap, etc.), Classification and Prediction (Regression, Bayes, LDA, QDA, etc.), Clustering (K−nearest
neighbours, K−means, PAM, Hierarchical, etc.), Associations and Rule Generation (Basket analysis, etc.),
Model Evaluation, Support Vector Machines, Artificial Neural Networks and Tree−Based Methods as
well as tree induction and rule learning. More recent developments, including Ensemble Methods or

281
2023 Syllabuses for the Faculty of Science

Committee Machines (Bagging, Boosting, etc.) and Big Data, are introduced. The course also provides
the practical background required to apply these techniques to practical problems using training and
validation data subsets, to evaluate the models using R/other software, and to interpret and present the
results. The course also covers issues around the convergence of algorithms and their implementation and
application as well as model checking, evaluation and comparisons. Candidates are required to apply
these techniques in an in−depth study of a modelling technique or techniques to a substantial set of data,
and provide a literature review of these techniques.
Course Code: STAT7063A
Course Description: Statistical Research Design and Analysis
NQF Credits: 18 NQF Level: 9
The aim of this course is to introduce participants to the statistical way of thinking, and to provide sufficient
background to statistical terminology and procedures that many research projects may be tackled without
recourse to expert statisticians. On completion of the course, participants should be able to: understand
the theory behind the statistical techniques and the relevant assumptions. Perform basic calculations and
utilising the most appropriate statistical technique.
Course Code: STAT7064A
Course Description: Statistical Research Design and Analysis Project
NQF Credits: 12 NQF Level: 9
This project requires participants to be able to: phrase the aims of a study in such a way that one can
collect data and analyse it in order to fulfil those aims; identify what issues are important in designing a
study; design a study; identify the most appropriate statistical methods to apply to the data to answer the
questions posed, and to check the relevant assumptions of those methods; consolidate the results obtained
from different statistical analyses in terms of the aims of the study, and to identify any problems with the
study; recognise situations beyond their expertise, for which expert help is necessary; and identify and
understand in broad terms the important statistical issues and problems addressed in the literature of their
research area.

282