Course structure and the structure of an academic year

The academic year is divided into two semesters (halves), each of which is terminated by a
series of exams (June for the first semester and November for the second semester).

The science faculty offers courses with a range of different structures and purposes and it is
important to understand the differences:

1. Pairs of semester-courses. Most courses in the faculty are found in semester-long

pairs of courses that can been aggregated together if is one is failed but not too
badly. Here, the full course covers an academic year but it is made up of two
separate semesters. An example would be first year Chemistry made up of CHE 101
and CHE 102. Or, first year Geography made up of EAR 101 and GOG 102. These
courses are the basic building blocks of your degree and IMPORTANTLY, DO lead to
higher level (second and third year) study in the subject. Exams are written at the
end of BOTH semesters and a pass earns National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
credits. If one semester is passed and the other failed but not too badly such that the
average is 50% or more, this is known as an aggregated pass. In this case NQF
credits for each semester are earned by the student. In some cases (BUT NOT ALL)
it is possible to do just one of the semesters, and so a student may do EAR 101 but
not GOG 102 or MAM 101 and not MAM 102. NOTE however that it is rarely
possible to do the second semester without having done the first.
2. Single semester, stand-alone courses. These courses are one semester in length, DO
NOT lead to higher level study and are typically designed to provide ancillary or
supporting knowledge and skills. They may be taught in either semester. Examples
would include the Introduction to ICT course (CSC 1L1), the electronics course (PHY
1E2), the statistics course (STA 1C2) and MAT 1S1. Exams are written at the end of
the semester and a pass earns NQF credits. Please note that these courses have
code with a letter in the middle “1C1”, “1S1”, “1E2” etc.

Stand-alone courses that are taught in the second semester (STA 1C2, PHY 1E2,
CSC 112 and ECO 102) have no prerequisites. However, ECO 102 normally forms
part of a whole year's study of Economics. Note that this is different from the
situation with the second semester of a year-long course (for example GOG 102)
for which there is a prerequisite (EAR 101).

3. Year-long courses. Here, the full course covers a full academic year without being
broken into semesters and include the extended studies subjects such as MAT 1F,
ISCM 1F and CSC 1S. Many subjects within the Humanities fall into this category
too.
4. Not all subjects are taught in all three years and some are taught in second and
third year only. So, for example, Chemistry, Geography, Human Kinetics &
Ergonomics and others are taught in all three years, while Ichthyology and
Microbiology and others are taught in second and third year.

10
How to understand course codes
All courses are identified by a code that comprises three letters, a space and three numbers
or letters. The three letters indicate the subject (BOT, botany; CHE, chemistry; MIC,
microbiology and so on). The three numbers indicate the year and semester (101, first year
and first semester; 102, first year and second semester; 302, third year and second
semester and so on). In the case of year-long courses there is a number and a letter such as
MAT 1F and in stand-alone semester-courses the middle letter denotes the targeted
audience. For example, MAT 1S1 is a single-semester course in mathematics at the first
year level, aimed at “S”cience students and held in the first semester. Another example is
STA 1C2, a first-year level semester-long course in Statistics offered for “C” commerce
students in the second semester.

NQF levels and credits

The Higher Education Qualifications Framework, part of the National Qualifications
Framework (NQF), provides higher education institutions in South Africa with a single
coherent nationally co-ordinated higher education system with a key objective to enable the
description of certificates, diplomas and degrees so that students can transfer between
programmes and higher education institutions. Part of this systems is to give qualifications
different academic levels. For example, your National Senior Certificate is an NQF level 4
qualification. By the time you graduate with a Bachelor’s degree you would have passed
through levels 5 and 6 with third year majors being at the NQF level 7. An Honours degree
is at the NQF level 8, a Master’s degree at level 9, and a doctorate at level 10.

Each qualification requires a minimum amount to time to complete it and this time is
converted into NQF credit values. A Bachelor’s degree takes a minimum of three years to
complete at 1200 hours per year (30 weeks at 40 hours per week). An NQF credit is then
10 hours of work. This time is further divided into academic levels of progressive higher
levels of study. Therefore, each full year-long course at the first year is worth 300 hours or
30 NQF credits, while this doubles to 600 hrs or 60 credits in third year. The number of
courses however decrease as you specialise so you are required to take the equivalent of
four year-courses in first year and two in your third year.

NOTE:
If you are not working at least 40 hours per week for every academic week of the year you
will most probably fail some or all of your courses. The hours worked include a substantial
amount of self-study, which increases with each academic year. It is strongly
recommended to exceed the minimum of 40 hours per week and extend it to 50 hours
instead – this is 10 hours of solid academic work from Monday to Friday.

11
Science subjects
The following subjects are offered by departments within the Faculty of Science. Course-
specific details can be found in the departmental entries. Normally, some subjects are
offered in the first semester (S1), second semester (S2) or are offered throughout the year
(Y). Subminimum requirements for supplementary examinations and aggregation of two
semester-courses are also provided.

Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology

Subject NQF NQF Supplementary Aggregation
Subject name
code Mnemonic Semester level Credits subminimum subminimum
Biochemistry
5004201 BCH 201 S1 6 20
201
Biochemistry
5004202 BCH 202 S2 6 20
202
Biochemistry
5004301 BCH 301 S1 7 30
301
Biochemistry No
5004302 BCH 302 S2 7 30
302 supplementary
40%
Microbiology examinations
5601201 MIC 201 S1 6 20 offered
201
Microbiology
5601202 MIC 202 S2 6 20
202
Microbiology
5601301 MIC 301 S1 7 30
301
Microbiology
5601302 MIC 302 S2 7 30
302
Department of Botany
6002102 BOT 102 Botany 102 S2 5 15 45%
6002201 BOT 201 Botany 201 S1 6 20
No
6002202 BOT 202 Botany 202 S2 6 20 supplementary 45%
6002301 BOT 301 Botany 301 S1 7 30 examinations
offered
6002302 BOT 302 Botany 302 S2 7 30
Department of Chemistry
5001101 CHE 101 Chemistry 101 S1 5 15 40% Theory
45% with at
5001102 CHE 102 Chemistry 102 S2 5 15 examination
least 40% for
50011R1 CHE 1R1 Chemistry 1R1 S2 5 15 the theory
examination
50011R2 CHE 1R2 Chemistry 1R2 S1 5 15
5001201 CHE 201 Chemistry 201 S1 6 20 No
supplementary
5001202 CHE 202 Chemistry 202 S2 6 20 examinations
40%
5001301 CHE 301 Chemistry 301 S1 7 30 offered

5001302 CHE 302 Chemistry 302 S2 7 30

12
Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching & Learning
Computer Skills
51011B0 CSC 1S Y 5 15
for Science No
Introduction to supplementary
None
Scientific examinations
6601100 ISCM 1F 30 offered
Concepts & Y 5
Methods
Department of Computer Science
Introduction to
5101101 CSC 1L1 S1 5 15
ICT
None
Problem Solving 35%
5101112 CSC 112 S2 5 15
with Computers
Computer
51011P3 CSC 101 S1 5 15
Science 101
40%
Computer
51011P4 CSC 102 S2 5 15
Science 102
Computer
5101201 CSC 101 S1 6 20
Science 201
40%
Computer No
5101202 CSC 202 S2 6 20
Science 202 supplementary
Computer examinations
5101301 CSC 301 S2 7 30 offered
Science 301
Computer
5101302 CSC 302 S1 7 30
Science 302
Department of Environmental Science
ENV Environmental
2602201 S1 6 20
201 Science 201
ENV Environmental
2602202 S2 6 20
202 Science 202
No supplementary
ENV Environmental examinations
2602301 S1 7 30 40%
301 Science 301 offered
ENV Environmental
2602302 S2 7 30
302 Science 302
Department of Geography
EAR
26011G1 Earth Science 101 S1 5 15
101 35% 40%
GOG
2601102 Geography 102 S2 5 15
102
GOG
2601201 Geography 201 S1 6 20
201
GOG
2601202 Geography 202 S2 6 20 No supplementary
202
examinations
GOG 40%
2601301 Geography 301 S1 7 30 offered
301
GOG
2601302 Geography 302 S2 7 30
302

13
Department of Geology
GLG
5201102 Geology 102 S2 5 15 35% 45%
102
GLG
5201201 Geology 201 S1 6 20
201
GLG
5201202 Geology 202 S2 6 20 No supplementary
202
examinations
GLG 40%
5201301 Geology 301 S1 7 30 offered
301
GLG
5201302 Geology 302 S2 7 30
302
Department of Human Kinetics & Ergonomics
HKE Human Kinetics &
2207101 S1 5 15
101 Ergonomics 101
HKE Human Kinetics & 40%
2207102 S2 5 15
102 Ergonomics 102
HKE Human Kinetics &
2207201 S1 6 20
201 Ergonomics 201
HKE Human Kinetics &
2207202 S2 6 20
202 Ergonomics 202
No supplementary
HKE Human Kinetics & 40%
2207301 S1 7 30 examinations
301 Ergonomics 301 offered
HKE Human Kinetics &
2207302 S2 7 30
302 Ergonomics 302
Department of Ichthyology & Fisheries Science
ICH
6201201 Ichthyology 201 S1 6 20
201
ICH
6201202 Ichthyology 202 S2 6 20 No supplementary
202
examinations
ICH offered 40%
6201301 Ichthyology 301 S1 7 30
301
ICH
6201302 Ichthyology 302 S2 7 30
302
Department of Mathematics
Theory of Finance
54011T0 TOF 1F Y 5 15 None None
Foundation
TOF Theory of Finance
54010Z0 S1 5 15 40% None
1C1 for Commerce
MAT Mathematics for
540101S S1 5 15 40% None
1S1 Science
Mathematics
54011L1 MAT 1F Y 5 15 45% None
Foundation
MAM
540101A Mathematics 101 S1 5 15
101
40% 40%
MAM
540101B Mathematics 102 S2 5 15
102

14
 Mathematics and
MAM
5401203 Applied S1 6 20
201
Mathematics 201 No supplementary
Mathematics and examinations
MAM 40%
5401204 Applied S2 6 20 offered
202
Mathematics 202
MAT Mathematics 311
5401311 S1 7 18
311 Algebra
MAT Mathematics 311
5401313 S1 7 18
313 Real Analysis
Mathematics 311
MAT
5401315 Topics in S2 7 18
315
Mathematics
Mathematics MAM
MAM 40% but
5401316 311 Complex S2 7 18
311 50% is
Analysis
required for
Applied two of the
MAP No supplementary
5411311 Mathematics 311 S1 7 18 four
311 examinations
Numerical Analysis prescribed
offered
subjects for
Applied MAT 3 or
MAP
5411312 Mathematics 311 S2 7 18 MAP 3
312
Dynamical Systems
Applied
MAP Mathematics 311
5411314 S1 7 18
314 Partial Diff
Equations
Department of Physics & Electronics
PHY
57011Z1 Elementary Physics S1 5 15 40% None
1E1
PHY
5701Z2 Electronics Literacy S2 5 15 45% None
1E2
PHY
5701101 Physics 101 S1 5 15 40% 40%
101
PHY
5701102 Physics 102 S2 5 15 45% 45%
102
PHY
5701201 Physics 201 S1 6 20 40%
101
PHY
5701202 Physics 202 S2 6 20 No supplementary 45%
202
examinations
PHY offered
5701301 Physics 301 S1 7 30 40%
301
PHY
5701302 Physics 302 S2 7 30 45%
302

15
Department of Statistics
STA Statistics for
55041D0 S2 5 15 35% None
1C2 Commerce
STA Statistics for
7001121 S1 5 15 45% None
1P1 Pharmacy
STA Statistics for
5504101 S1 5 15 35% None
1S1 Science
MST Mathematical
5504102 S2 5 15 45% None
102 Statistics 102
MST Mathematical
5501201 S1 6 20
201 Statistics 201
MST Mathematical
5501202 S2 6 20
202 Statistics 202
No supplementary
MST Mathematical examinations
5501301 S1 7 30
301 Statistics 301 offered 40%
MST Mathematical
5501302 S2 7 30
302 Statistics 302
Department of Zoology & Entomology
CEL
5902101 Cell Biology 101 S1 5 15 35%
101
ZOO
5801101 Zoology 102 S2 5 15 45%
102
ZOO
5801201 Zoology 201 S1 6 20
201
ZOO
5801202 Zoology 202 S2 6 20
202
ZOO
5801301 Zoology 301 S1 7 30
301
ZOO
5801301 Zoology 302 S2 7 30
302 45%
No supplementary
ENT examinations
6101201 Entomology 201 S1 6 20
201 offered
ENT
6101202 Entomology 202 S2 6 20
202
ENT
6101301 Entomology 301 S1 7 30
201
ENT
6101302 Entomology 302 S2 7 30
302

Non-science subjects
Non-science subjects comprise all other undergraduate subjects currently offered in the
Faculties of Commerce, Humanities and Law.

16
Table of major science subjects, showing corresponding first year courses and prerequisites that should be taken in first year.
+ = prerequisite MUST be passed before progressing to the next year.
Corresponding first Corequisites (normally taken in first year but required before degree will be awarded)
Major subject 2nd year 3rd year
year course (School maths requirement if relevant)
Applied Mathematics MAM 101 + MAM 102 MAM 2 MAP 3 None (Must have Maths at >60% on NSC or equivalent)
Applied Statistics MAM 101 + MAM 102
MST 2 AST 3 None (Must have Maths at >60% on NSC or equivalent)
+ MST 102
Biochemistry CHE 101 + CHE 102 BCH 2 BCH 3 None
Botany CEL 101 + BOT 102 BOT 2 BOT 3 CHE 1, ZOO 102
Chemistry CHE 101 + CHE 102 CHE 2 CHE 3 MAM 1, or MAM 101 / MAT 1S1 + STA 1S1/STA 1C2/102
Computer Science CSC 101 + CSC 102 CSC 2 CSC 3 MAM 101, MAM 101 or MAM 1 (Must have Maths at >60% on NSC or equivalent)
Economics ECO 101 + ECO 102 ECO 2 ECO 3 None
Entomology CEL 101 + ZOO 102 ENT 2 ENT 3 CHE 1, BOT 102
Environmental Science EAR 101 + GOG 102 ENV 2 ENV 3 ONE of BOT 1, GLG 1, ZOO 1, ANT 1, ECO 1 (must be passed BEFORE starting ENV 2)
Geography EAR 101 + GOG 102 GOG 2 GOG 3 None
Geology EAR 101 + GLG 102 GLG 2 GLG 3 CHE 101 + 1 other from CHE 102, MAM 101 or PHY 101, MAT 1S1, STA 1S1, STA 1C2
Human Kinetics &
HKE 101 + HKE 102 HKE 2 HKE 3 None
Ergonomics
CHE 1, BOT 102 plus MAM 1 or MAM 101, MAT 1S1, TOF1 and one from STA 1S1, 102,
Ichthyology CEL 101 + ZOO 102 ICH 2 ICH 3
1C2, CSC 101, 102, 112
Information Systems CSC 112 INF 2 INF 3 None
Mathematics MAM 101 + MAM 102 MAM 2 MAT 3 None (Must have Maths at >60% on NSC or equivalent)
MAM 101 + MAM 102
Mathematical Statistics MST 2 MST 3 None (Must have Maths at >60% on NSC or equivalent)
MST 102
CHE 1 + CEL 101 (or
Microbiology MIC 2 MIC 3 None
BOT 1 or ZOO 1)
Physics PHY 101 + PHY 102 PHY 2 PHY 3 MAM 1 and MAM 2 (taken in 2nd year) (Must have Maths at >60% on NSC or equivalent)
Zoology CEL 101 + ZOO 102 ZOO 2 ZOO 3 CHE 1, BOT 102

17
Table of some major non-science subjects, showing corresponding first year courses and prerequisites that are normally taken in
first year.
Speak to the Dean if you plan to take a different non-science subject as your second major.

Major subject Corresponding first year course 2nd year 3rd year Required ancillary (normally taken in first year)
Anthropology ANT 1 ANT 2 ANT 3 none
Journalism JRN 1 (2 semester course) JRN 2 JRN 3 none
Legal Theory Law 1 (2 semester course) LAW 2 LAW 3 none
Management MAN 101 + MAN 102 MAN 2 MAN 3 ACC 1, ECO 1 and MAM 1 or TOF 1C1 & STA 1C2
MUS 1 MUS 2 MUS 3
Music (in various
ETH 1 ETH 2 ETH 3 None
forms)
IMS 1 IMS 2 IMS 3
Psychology PSY 101 and PSY 102 PSY 2 PSY 3 None
Organizational ORG ORG PSY
PSY 101 and PSY 102 None
Psychology PSY 2 3

18
Timetabling
Page 20 summarises the timetable of Science subjects and the most common non-Science
subjects taken by Science students in their degrees, either as major subjects or subjects that
build towards a strong multidisciplinary degree.

There are 16 possible major subjects offered by the faculty and over a dozen more offered by
departments from the Faculties of Law and Humanities. However, there are unfortunately only
6 lecture slots per day because afternoons are reserved for practicals. Therefore, the timetable
will not permit certain combinations of subjects. Most of these combinations don’t make
sense anyway.

Note: when planning your curriculum always keep an eye on the timetable.

19
Timetable
See https://scifac.ru.ac.za/wwwtime/timetable.php for the online version

All courses in each row happen at the same time and WILL clash, while different academic
years are in the three columns.

Group 1 Some or all of periods 1 2 3 4 5

Earth Science 101 (Sem 1) Chinese 2 Accounting 3

CSC 112 (Sem 2) Biochemistry 2 Chemistry 3
Geography 102(Sem 2) * Economics 2 Environmental Science 3
Legal Theory 1 Entomology 2 Mathematical Statistics 3
* isiXhosa 1N Geology 2 English 3
Computer Science 101 & 102 * Information Systems 201/202 Sociology 3
* Psychology 1 Anthropology 2 Indus. & Economic Sociology 3
* Commercial Law 1 Philosophy 2
Drama 1
* Management 1
Group 2 –Some or all of periods 2 3 4 5 1

Cell Biology 101 Pharm. Anat. & Phys. 2 Computer Science 3

CSC 112 Accounting 2 Chinese 3
* Economics 1 Chemistry 2 * Economics 3
English 1 Environmental Science 2 Geography 3
Zoology 102 Mathematical Statistics 2 Legal Theory 3
* Sociology 1 Journalism 2 Microbiology 3
Drama 3
Ichthyology 3
isiXhosa 3
Group 3 – Some or all of periods 3 4 5 1 2

Botany 102 Computer Science 2 Organizational Psychology 3

BSc1 augmented Geography 2 Maths 3
Human Kinetics & Ergonomics 1 Legal Theory 2 Psychology 3
Maths 1S1 Microbiology 2 Zoology 3
Maths 1F Drama 2 * Economics 3
Physics 1 Ichthyology 2 CSC 303
* Stats 1C2 isiXhosa 2
* Theory of Finance (TOF 1C1)
Linguistics 1
* Sociology 1
Accounting 1
Group 4 – Some or all of periods 4 5 1 2 3

* isiXhosa 1N
Introduction to ICT (CSC 1L1) * Economics 2 Botany 3
Anthropology 1 * Information Systems 201 Human Kinetics & Ergonomics 3
Geology 102 Organizational Psychology 2 Management 3
Physics 1E Maths & Applied maths 2 Physics 3
Statistics 101 & 102 Psychology 2 Linguistics 3
* Statistics 1C2 Zoology 2
* Theory of Finance (TOF 1C1) Chinese 2
Accounting 112

20
Group 5 – Some or all of periods 5 1 2 3 4
* Economics 1 Management 2 Applied Mathematics 3
Chemistry 1 Botany 2 Biochemistry 3
Journalism 1 Human Kinetics & Ergon 2 Entomology 3
* Management 1 Physics 2 Geology 3
German 1 Linguistics 2 Information Systems 3
Chinese 1 Sociology 2 Philosophy 3
Philosophy 1 Industrial Sociology 2 French 3
Latin 1 Anthropology 3
Group 6 - Some or all of periods 6 6 6 6 6

Maths 1, Commercial Law 1

Afternoon lectures

* Psychology 1; Journalism 1; French 1; History 1; English 2; Classical Civilization 1

*Indicates subjects with alternative lecture slots

21
THE STRUCTURE OF A CURRICULUM IN THE SCIENCE FACULTY

Important general ideas

The structure of your BSc is mainly governed by your choice of what are called the major
subjects (the subjects that you plan to take in your second and third years) and, we expect
you to have some idea of what these will be by the time you arrive at the university. We
encourage you to build your degree on your academic strengths and interests, and in such a
way that you will develop a real passion for what you are doing, and also have your eyes
opened to all sorts of possibilities that you might have originally dismissed.

It is important to stress here, and it will be repeated later, that while we encourage you to
develop your curriculum based on your planned major subjects this does not mean that you
cannot change your mind. If you select your first year subjects carefully, they will give you
access to many different subjects in second and third year and a change of direction will be
possible.

The curriculum structure varies depending on the degree (BSc or BScS) and the selected
major subjects and these differences are described below.

(A) The classic BSc over 3 years

In the classic BSc, both major subjects are science subjects and the degree is taken over a
minimum of three years. To complete a Bachelor’s degree you will require 360 NQF credits
of which at least 120 credits must be at the NQF level 7 (third year level). These are your
two majors.

In the first year you will take 8 semester courses, at least 6 of which should belong to year-
long courses will make up 120 NQF credits. The remaining 2 semester courses may be
ancillary courses such as STA 1S1 or CSC 1L1 but may also be part of a year-long course.
The selection of subjects to take at first year level may seem intimidating and further
guidance is given a little later in this handbook.

In your second year you will take six semester-courses which will typically be three, year-long
second year courses at the NQF level 6 such as MAM 2, HKE 2, BOT 2 and so on. These will
count 120 NQF credits.

In your third year, you will take just your two major subjects (MAT 3, HKE 3), each
comprising two semesters of work (for example MAT 301 and MAT 302) and these will count
120 NQF credits.

Two examples of the classic BSc are shown below.

The first is for someone with an interest in the biological and earth sciences. The superscripts
refer to the lecture periods such that you can see that no courses clash.

22
 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 NQF credits

Year 1 CEL 1012 ZOO 1022 CSC 1L14 BOT 1023 CHE 1015 CHE 1025 EAR 1011 GOG 1021 (120)
(15) (15) (15) (15) (15) (15) (15) (15)

Year 2 ZOO 2014 ZOO 2024 ENT 2011 ENT 2021 CHE 2012 CHE 2022 (120)
(20) (20) (20) (20) (20) (20)

Year 3 ZOO 3013 ZOO 3023 ENT 3015 ENT 3025

(30) (30) (30) (30) (120)

NOTE:
1. CEL 101 is a common first semester for Zoology 1 and Botany 1.
2. EAR 101 is a common first semester for Geography 1 and Geology 1.
3. CHE 1 is required to major in ZOO and ENT.
4. BOT 102 is required to major in ZOO and ENT.
5. CSC 1L1 is a computer literacy course taught in the first semester.
6. ZOO 102 is taught in the second semester.

In this example, the same first year subjects could have been followed at second year level by
botany 2, microbiology 2, biochemistry 2, ichthyology 2, geography 2 or environmental
science 2. With the chosen second year subjects, you could take any combination of zoology,
entomology and chemistry at third year level.

This second example is for someone with an interest in the mathematical, statistical and
physical sciences. The superscripts refer to the lecture periods such that you can see that no
courses clash.
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 NQF
credits

Year 1 MAM 1016 MAM 1026 STA 1S14 MST 1024 PHY 1013 PHY 1023 CSC 1011 CSC 1021
(15) (15) (15) (15) (15) (15) (15) (15) (120)

Year 2 MAM 2014 MAM 2024 MST 2012 MST 2022 PHY 2015 PHY 2025
(20) (20) (20) (20) (20) (20) (120)

Year 3 MAT 3013 MAT 3023 MST 3011 MST 3021

(30) (30) (30) (30) (120)

NOTE:
1. The same first year subjects could have been followed at second year by Computer Science 2,
Information Systems 2.
2. MAM 2 (Maths & Applied Maths 2) is required to major in Physics
3. MAM 1 (MAM 101 & MAM 102) and MST 102 are the required first year courses for MST 3

NOTE: An important point from both examples is to select first year subjects so as to give
as much choice as possible going into second year.

(B) The classic BSc but over 4 years – Rhodes’ “flexible” BSc
Some students do not complete their degrees within the minimum three-year period. Indeed,
it is the policy of the Science Faculty to encourage some students with low final school exam
scores, or those who do very badly in June exams, to take their degrees over four years. When
a degree is structured over four years, the aim is to spend two years obtaining 180 NQF
credits for first year level subjects, followed by a third year studying the major subjects at the
second year level, and the fourth year completing the major subjects at the third year level.

23
Our ability to offer carefully structured flexible curricula has been increased by the
appointment of staff who now provide additional support (augmentation) in CEL 101, EAR
101 and CHE 101.

Students with an interest in any of the biological, earth and chemical sciences and who are
put into a flexible, four-year degree will take three courses in the first semester, with
additional support. If these are passed in June, an additional course could be added and the
degree completed in three years. If a course is failed in June, then the degree will be spread
over four years.
First Semester

CEL 101 EAR 101 CHE 101

Augmented Augmented

PASS ALL June exams FAIL one or more June exams

Second Semester Second Semester

ZOO 102 BOT 102 CHE 102 GOG 102 CHE 1R1 ZOO 102 GOG 102

Should complete in 3 years Should complete in 4 years

These curricula must be developed in conjunction with the Dean.

(C) The BSc with a non-science major

So far we have discussed degrees in which both major subjects are sciences. It is possible in
a BSc to have ONE major as a non-science subject, but in such cases the degree must still
comprise at least 360 semester credits. Semester courses offered by the Faculty of Science
are worth 20 NQF credits each while in other faculties they are 15 credits each. In this
degree an additional 15 credit course is required so that there are 125 NQF credits in year 2.

Here are just two examples, both involving a non-science subject as one of the majors. A
degree majoring in Legal Theory and Biochemistry might be planned over three years as
follows:
Semester 1 Semester Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 NQF
2 1 credits

Year 1 LAW 11 (30) CHE 1015 CHE 1025 CEL 1012 ZOO 1022 5 PHY 1E14 BOT 1023
(15) (15) (15) (15) (15) (15) (120)

Year 2 LAW 23 (30) BCH 2011 BCH 2021 CHE 2012 CHE 2022 STA 1S14
(20) (20) (20) (20) (15) (125)

Year 3 LAW 32 (60) BCH 3015 BCH 3025

(30) (30) (120)

NOTE: CHE 1 is the prerequisite for BCH 2

24
 Semester 1 Semester Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 NQF
2 1 credits

Year 1 PSY 1011 PSY 1021 HKE 1013 HKE 1023 CEL 1012 ZOO 1022 5 CHE 1015 CHE 1025
(15) (15) (15) (15) (15) (15) (15) (15) (120)

Year 2 PSY 2014 PSY 2024 HKE 2015 HKE 2025 BOT 2013 BOT 2023 CSC 1121,2
(15) (15) (20) (20) (20) (20) (15) (125)

Year 3 PSY 3013 PSY 3023 HKE 3014 HKE 3024

(30) (20) (30) (30) (120)

NOTE: Psychology 1 is taught twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
The morning lecture clashes with Geography 1 (EAR 101 and GOG 102) which means that
the afternoon lectures have to be used which then clash with pracs. Consequently, students
who wish to take Psychology 1 MAY NOT do so in combination with Geography 1.

(D) The BSc(InfSys) degree (BScS)

This degree is unique to Rhodes and is intended for students who wish to become computer
specialists in technical, commercial or industrial environments. The normal degree structure
consists of at least 370 NQF credits spread over three years. The curriculum is more
restricted than for an ordinary BSc, and include combinations of subjects which cannot be
taken in an ordinary BSc. The following semester-courses are always needed:

First and second years

1. Computer Science (CSC 101+102, CSC 201+202)

2. Introduction to Information Systems (CSC 112)
3. Information Systems (INF 201+202)
4. Economics or Management (ECO 101+102 or MAN 101+102)
5. Accounting (ACC 101 + ACC 102 or ACC 112)
6. Statistics (STA 1C2 or STA 1S1 or MST 102, or MST 201+202 if MST 102)
7. Mathematics (MAM 101 or MAM 101 & MAM 102 or MAT 1S1)
8. Electronics Literacy (PHY 1E2).

The curriculum for the first 3 years for is as follows and sums to 370 credits:
Semester 1 Semester Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester Semester 1 Semester 2
2 2

Year CSC 1011 CSC ACC 1013 ACC MAN 1011,5 MAN 1021,5 ECO 1012,5 ECO MAM 1016 CSC 1121,2
1 (15) 1021 (15) 102/1123 (15) (15) (15) 1022,5 (15) (15)
(15) (15) (15)

Year CSC 2013 CSC INF 2011,4 INF 2021 STA 1S14 PHY 1E24
2 (20) 2023 (15) (15) (15) (15)
(20)

Year CSC 3012 CSC INF 3015 INF 3025

3 (30) 3022 (30) (30)
(30)

Students are required to obtain at least 8 of these 10 semester-courses in their first year, and
may be required to transfer to another degree if they do not do so. In addition, students who
do not obtain at least 60% for CSC 102 will be advised to change to a BCom degree and not
to attempt to major in Computer Science.

25
Third year BSc(InfSys)

Computer Science 3 is a compulsory major subject. The other major subject is usually
Information Systems 3, but may also be one of Accounting, Applied Statistics, Economics,
Mathematical Statistics, Management, or Mathematics, depending on the subject choices
made in second year. In the example given above only INF 3 is possible.

NOTE: CSC may be taken as a major subject in an ordinary BSc for students who do not
have an interest in the commerce subjects that are required in the BSc(S).

(E) The BScF

Students accepted into the Extended Studies Programme take a fixed set of courses in their
first year before moving into the remainder of the degree in their second year. These courses
are Computer Skills 1S, Mathematics 1F, and Introduction to Science Concepts and Methods
(ISCM). Students who pass them all satisfactorily will earn 60 NQF credits towards the 360
NQF credit BSc degree. In second year (BScF2) students will register for six semester courses,
all of which must be part of year long courses. Where augmented versions of a course are
offered, these MUST be taken by BScF2 students.

An example of a 390 NQF credit BScF curriculum with all Science subjects from years 2
onwards. While it is possible to not take BOT 202 to make the degree a 370 credit degree it
is advised to have a 3rd second year subject for its flexibility in majors in the third year. The
additional work in your third year will be worth it later.
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 NQF credits

Year 1 MAT 1F3 (15) CSC 1S1 and 2 (15) ISCM 1F4 and 5 (30) (60)

Year 2 EAR 1011 (15) GOG 1021 (15) CEL 1012 (15) BOT 1023 (15) CHE 1015 (15) CHE 1025 (15) (90)

Year 3 GOG 2013 (20) GOG 2023 (20) ENV 2012 (20) ENV 2022 (20) BOT 2015 (20) BOT 2025 (20) (120)

Year 4 GOG 3012 (20) GOG 3022 (30) ENV 3011 (30) ENV 3021 (30) (120)

An example of a 370 NQF credit BScF curriculum with a non-Science major from years 2
onwards because second-year non-Science semester-courses are only 15 NQF credits
requiring an extra 15 NQF Science semester course. The degree now totals 365 NQF credits.
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 NQF credits

Year 1 MAT 1F3 (15) CSC 1S1 and 2 (15) ISCM 1F4 and 5 (30) (60)

Year 2 PSY 1011 (15) PSY 1021 (15) HKE 1013 (15) HKE 1023 (15) CEL 1012 (15) ZOO 1022 (15) (90)

Year 3 PSY 2014 (15) PSY 2024 (15) HKE 2015 (20) HKE 2025 (20) EAR 1011 (15) GOG 1011 (15) (100)

Year 4 PSY 3013 (20) PSY 3023 (30) HKE 3014 (30) HKE 3024 (30) (120)

You have now seen the basic structure of the various degrees awarded by the Science
Faculty. The exact details of which subjects you can take and which ancillary subjects are
required are governed by a set of rules with which you must be familiar. These are covered in
the next section.

26
YOUR OWN DEGREE STRUCTURE IN DETAIL

(A) The classic BSc degree

(3 year degree, 360 NQF credits with all Science subjects)
Your subjects will fit into the classic 3 year BSc grid a copy of which is below. Additional
blanks are on page 35.

Blank curriculum template for classic BSc

Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 NQF credits

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

The key steps in developing your curriculum for a classic BSc are as follows:

1. Identify your likely major subjects. Major subjects are chosen primarily according to
your personal and career interests. Note that while we ask you to choose major
subjects now, there will always be room for a change of choice IF you select courses
carefully. For this reason, your first-year courses should normally all be ones that
can lead to potential major subjects.

A wide choice of combinations is allowed in choosing the two major subjects for the
degree. However, not all combinations are possible - some are ruled out because of
timetable clashes. Check for clashes using the online clash checker
(http://scifac.ru.ac.za/wwwtime/timetable.php).

2. If your majors are taught over three years, you will be able to enter the same subject
into the blank grid for all three years. If it is taught over two years, enter the subject
onto the grid for years two and three.

3. If your subject/s are taught over two years, there will be at least one required subject
at first year level. Find out what this is (see table on Page 15) and enter it on the grid.
For example, to take Entomology 2, you must pass first-year biology (CEL 101, ZOO
102 and BOT 102) and Chemistry 1 (CHE 101 and CHE 102).

No matter whether your majors are taught over two or three years, it is likely that
there will be other required ancillary subjects (= prerequisites) that must be taken.
For example, to major in Zoology you must pass Chemistry 1; to major in Physics, you
must pass Maths 1 and Maths & Applied Maths 2. Find out what these required
subjects are (see table on page 18) and enter them onto the grid. Note that in some
cases, these must be passed BEFORE PROGRESSING TO THE NEXT LEVEL. In other
cases, they must be COMPLETED BEFORE THE DEGREE IS AWARDED.

4. The choice of major subjects with their ancillary subjects will determine at least eight,
usually twelve, and frequently more of the semester-courses, courses and subjects
needed to make up the curriculum for your degree. The remaining subjects should be
chosen to support this choice. A sensible first-year curriculum will leave options for
some changes of direction at the end of first (or even second) year. A bad choice, or
one that tries to go for "soft options", can lead to wasted fees and frustration later on.

27
Select courses to give as much flexibility as possible going into second and third year.

5. It is possible to include up to 60 NQF credits (not your major subjects) in the classic
BSc from those offered by a single non-Science department. The restriction to a
single department from Group B is significant - it means, for example, that you cannot
obtain credits in a mixture of uncorrelated courses from among the many that are on
offer in various Faculties. But it does mean that you can take, for example, two years
of Anthropology in a BSc majoring in Environmental Science and Geography.

(B) The classic BSc over 4 years

(for students with low school leaving points or those who do badly in June of year 1)
If you have been registered for this degree, make a point of discussing your curriculum with
the Dean BEFORE the day of curriculum approval. You will be governed by the same rules
discussed for the classic BSc, the major difference being that you will undertake a reduced
load in your first year.

You will take 3 courses in your first semester and then depending on results in June, either
increase or reduce the load for the second semester. For the purpose of planning, identify
three year long courses and enter them into the first year of the grid.

You will then take second year subjects in your third year and complete the degree in your
fourth year.
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 NQF
credits

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

(C) The BSc degree with a non-science major

(3 year degree, one Science major and one non-Science major)
In this case, your entire degree must be made up of at least 360 NQF ss.

Apart from the semester-courses needed to obtain the one non-Science major subject, you
may not count other non-Science courses, with two exceptions:

1. If the non-Science major has a prerequisite among the subjects in that group,
credit may be obtained for that ancillary (this happens, for example, in the case of
a Management major, which requires that a student also gets credits for
Accounting 1; Economics 1 and MAM 1 or TOF 1C1 and STA 1C2).

2. If you major in Music, Ethnomusicology or Instrumental Music Studies you are

allowed to obtain 150 NQF credits offered in the Department of Music.

The key steps to develop a curriculum for this degree are very similar to those outlined above
BUT you will use a slightly different grid (see example below and page 26).

28
 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 NQF credits

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Note the following additional rules

Psychology 1 may be taken in a BSc only if you really intend to major in the subject. This is
because there are enormous numbers of BA and BSocSci students taking Psychology as
essential parts of their degrees, and so the number of places in Psychology available to BSc
students is severely limited.

Psychology 1 is taught twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. The
morning lecture clashes with Geography 1 (EAR 101 and GOG 102) which means that the
afternoon lectures have to be used which then clash with practicals. Consequently,
students who wish to take Psychology 1 MAY NOT do so in combination with Geography 1.

The university timetable is drawn up to try to allow the most commonly occurring subject
combinations. In practice this means that BSc students who wish to major in a Group B
subject might find that it is very difficult to arrange their curricula to fit into the minimum
three year period.

29
(D) The BSc(InfSys) degree
The structure of this degree has been fully described in the previous section and there is very
little flexibility in terms of subject choice.

The following tables will help you plan your curriculum.

Table showing some suggested supporting courses. Note these are NOT required subjects.

Major Subject Useful complementary first year courses

Applied Mathematics Computer Science, Physics
Applies Statistics Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science
Biochemistry Computer Science
Botany Geography, Zoology
Computer Science Physics, Statistics, Mathematics (MAT 1C1 is required)
Environmental Science Broad range selected from Chemistry, Botany, Geography,
Geology, Zoology, Statistics, Economics
Geography Botany, Zoology, Economics, Geology, Information Systems
Geology Physics, Mathematics, French 1, Zoology
Human Kinetics & Ergonomics Chemistry, Zoology, Statistics
Ichthyology Botany, Geography, Zoology, Entomology
Mathematical Statistics Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics
Physics Computer Science, Chemistry, Statistics
Zoology Entomology, Botany, Statistics, Ichthyology

Other constraints
Some subjects overlap and you are not allowed to obtain credit in more than one of them:

Computer Science 101 CSC 1L1

Computer Science 1S CSC 1L1
CSC 1L1 CSC 112
Applied Statistics 3 Mathematical Statistics 3
Physics 101 Physics 1E1
Psychology 2 Organizational Psychology 2
Psychology 3 Organizational Psychology 3
Statistics 101 Statistics 1D
Maths 1 Maths 1S1*
Maths 1F Maths 1S1

*A student who already has a credits for MAM 1 may not get credits for MAT 1S1. A student with MAT 1S1
may then enrol for MAM 1 and obtain its credits.

30
Practical exercise - plan your degree
Armed with the information from the preceding sections, you should now be able to draw up your
own three- or four-year curriculum.

Firstly, a summary of some VERY important general principles:

 Build your curriculum around your planned majors.

 Select a group of first year subjects that allows maximum choice in second year and which
allows for a change in planned majors.
 At least six of your eight first year semesters should belong to year-long courses.
 Select ancillaries that support your planned majors and avoid easy options.
 In the 4-year BSc, you will take only three semester courses in the first semester and either
three or four in the second. Assume that you will be successful in June and plan now for
three year long courses plus an additional course for the second semester.
 Unless you plan to major in a non-Science subject, you should not consider taking a subject
from this group in your first year, because this restricts the options that can be taken in
second year, and can lead to problems later on. An exception to this would be IF the non-
Science subject is a sensible ancillary to your majors.

1. Now, select the CORRECT blank template (see pages 39-42 of this handbook).

2. Fill in your major subjects in the last row (Year 3). Then fill in the corresponding second year
subjects in Year 2 and the corresponding first year subjects in the row marked Year 1. IF
your major is a two year subject then you must ensure that you include the required subjects
in first year to get into the second year. i.e. CHE 1 for BCH 2.

3. Find out what the prerequisites are for your major subjects (see Table on pages 17 and 18)
and fill these in on your template.

By following the above three steps, you will have filled in more than half of the semester-courses
required. There will probably be two to four blank semesters in first year and two in second year.

 Now choose other subjects that will complement those already chosen, so as to make up the
required NQF credits for the degree. Remember to select first year semesters that give
maximum options going into second year AND take three second year subjects in Year 2.

Now review what you have done and check for the following:

i. Are there any clashes? Use the timetables (page 21; or use the timetable checker at
http://scifac.ru.ac.za/wwwtime/timetable.php) to make sure that these combinations of
subjects will be possible. If not, either choose other major subjects, or come to discuss the
problem with the Dean. We will not allow students with clashes to register.
ii. Do you have at least three year-long courses in first year?
iii. Have you chosen sensible ancillaries?
iv. Does your curriculum allow room for change?
v. Of the 360 NQF credits required for a degree, 200 must be "non-initial" (that is, second or
third year semester-credits), and at least 90 must be at the first year level. The others may
be first, second or third year level semester-courses. However, you are strongly advised to
include 6 second year semester-courses wherever possible.

31
 vi. If you have included non-Science subject, are they all from the same department and are
there no more than 60 NQF credits?
vii. If one of your majors is a non-Science major, will you have at least 360 NQF credits after
three years?
viii. If one of your majors is a non-Science subject, are all of your other semester-courses Science
subjects?
ix. If your degree is BSc (Inf Sys) have you included all the required semester-courses?

An important consideration if you wish to practice as a registered Natural Scientist

If you wish to follow certain scientific careers in South Africa, you should be aware that some of
these may require you to be registered as a "Professional Natural Scientist" with a body known as the
South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions. Registration is effectively only possible if at
least 50% of your BSc curriculum consists of "natural sciences". In order to qualify for Professional
Registration under current legislation (SACNASP) affecting all practising and consulting natural
scientists, students are encouraged to include at least two of the following subjects in their first year:
chemistry, physics, mathematics and/or a biological science.

For most students this will not be a problem but a first year of Geography, Economics, Anthropology
and Computer Science, followed by Majors in Geography, Environmental Science and Anthropology
may be problematic. If in doubt, speak to the Dean.

32
 SPECIMEN CURRICULA

This section gives some further examples of curricula. It must be stressed that these are not the only
ones possible!

The first few curricula should appeal to biologists and life scientists. Here, for example, is a classic
biological one combining Botany and Zoology
Year 1 Biology Zoology Physics Botany Chemistry Geography GOG 102
CEL 101 ZOO 102 PHY 1E1 BOT 102 CHE 101 CHE 102 EAR 101
Year 2 Zoology Botany
ZOO 201 ZOO 202 BOT 201 BOT 202 ENT 201 ENT 202
Year 3 Zoology Botany ← Major subjects
ZOO 301 ZOO 302 BOT 301 BOT 302

Very often biologists specialise. Here is a curriculum with the aim of specializing in the study of
insects (Entomology). Note that the choice of second year subjects allows for a change of direction
when the majors are finally chosen
Biology Zoology Statistics Botany Chemistry Geography GOG
Year 1 CEL 101 ZOO 102 STA 1S1 BOT 102 CHE 101 CHE 102 EAR 101 102

Year 2 Zoology Entomology Microbiology

ZOO 201 ZOO 202 ENT 201 ENT 202 MIC 201 MIC 202
Year 3 Zoology Entomology ← Major subjects - could also be ZOO+MIC or
ZOO 301 ZOO 302 ENT 301 ENT 302 MIC+ENT

The next one shows a possible combination of Microbiology and Biochemistry, a strong combination
for those interested in Biotechnology. (Biotechnology as a subject is only offered at the Honours,
Masters or PhD level, after a BSc degree has been obtained with Biochemistry and/or Microbiology.)
As you can see, the second year has prepared the student for a wider choice of majors if so desired:
Year 1 Chemistry Statistics Botany Biology Zoology Comp Sci
CHE 101 CHE 102 STA 1S1 BOT 102 CEL 101 ZOO 102 CSC 101 CSC 102
Year 2 Biochemistry Microbiology Zoology
BCH 201 BCH 202 MIC 201 MIC 202 ZOO 201 ZOO 202
Year 3 Biochemistry Microbiology ← Major subjects – could also be ZOO+BCH or
BCH 301 BCH 302 MIC 301 MIC 302 ZOO+MIC

Another biological speciality would be to study marine life, and fishes in particular (Ichthyology).
Here's one possible degree curriculum planned with this in mind:
Year 1 Maths Zoology Chemistry Biology Botany Statistics
MAT 1S1 ZOO 102 CHE 101 CHE 102 CEL 101 BOT 102 STA 1S1 MST 102
Year 2 Zoology Ichthyology Botany
ZOO 201 ZOO 202 ICH201 ICH 202 BOT 102 BOT 202
Year 3 Zoology Ichthyology ← Major subjects – could also be ZOO+BOT or
ZOO 301 ZOO 302 ICH 301 ICH 302 ICH-BOT

33
 But perhaps one would like to pursue Ichthyology with an eye on Environmental Science as an
alternative?
Year 1 Biology Zoology Geography Chemistry Maths Botany
CEL 101 ZOO 102 EAR 101 GOG 102 CHE 101 CHE 102 MAT 1S1 BOT 102
Year 2 Zoology Ichthyology Environmental Science Comp Sci
ZOO 201 ZOO 202 ICH 201 ICH 202 ENV 201 ENV 202 CSC 101
Year 3 Zoology Ichthyology ← Major subjects – could also be ZOO+ENV or
ZOO 301 ZOO 302 ICH3 01 ICH 302 ICH+ENV

A common theme in the previous curricula is that Chemistry has formed a part of all of them - it is
impossible to study life sciences without a good background in Chemistry. A strong combination is to
specialise in both Chemistry and Biochemistry. A major in Chemistry is best supported by courses in
Physics and Maths as well:
Year 1 Biology Zoology Chemistry Physics Mathematics
CEL 101 ZOO 102 CHE 101 CHE 102 PHY 1E1 PHY 1E2 MAM MAM 102
101
Year 2 Biochemistry Chemistry Microbiology
BCH 201 BCH 202 CHE 201 CHE 202 MIC 301 MIC 202
Year 3 Biochemistry Chemistry ← Major subjects – could also be MIC+BCH or
BCH 301 BCH 302 CHE 301 CHE 302 CHE+MIC

Here's a curriculum that is a classic combination of Physics and Chemistry. Physical Science is
highly quantitative, so this curriculum has computational and mathematical back up as well.
Year 1 Physics Chemistry Mathematics Computer Science
PHY 101 PHY 102 CHE 101 CHE 102 MAM 101 MAM 102 CSC 101 CSC 102
Year 2 Physics Chemistry Maths &Applied Maths
PHY 201 PHY 202 CHE 201 CHE 202 MAM 201 MAM 202
Year 3 Physics Chemistry ← Major subjects – could also be PHY+MAP or
PHY 301 PHY 302 CHE 301 CHE 302 CHE + MAP or MAT

Students with an interest in astrophysics should consider a curriculum such as this.

Year 1 Physics Statistics Mathematics Computer Science
PHY 101 PHY 102 STA 1S1 MST 102 MAM 101 MAM 102 CSC 101 CSC 102
Year 2 Physics Maths &Applied Maths
PHY 201 PHY 202 CSC 201 CSC 202 MAM 201 MAM 202
Year 3 Physics ← Other Major subjects – could be CSC or applied
PHY 301 PHY 302 MAT 301 MAT 302 maths

Physics can also be combined with Geology, leading to a career as a Geophysicist.

Year 1 Physics Geology Chemistry Mathematics
PHY 101 PHY 102 EAR 101 GLG 102 CHE 101 CHE 102 MAM 101 MAM 102
Year 2 Physics Geology Maths & Applied maths
PHY 201 PHY 202 GLG 201 GLG 202 MAM 201 MAM 202
Year 3 Physics Geology ← Major subjects – could also be PHY+MAT or
PHY 301 PHY 302 GLG 301 GLG 302 GLG+MAT

34
 Of course Geology can also be sensibly combined with Geography.
Year 1 Geography Statistics Geology Chemistry Economics
EAR 101 GOG 102 STA 1S1 GLG 102 CHE 101 CHE 102 ECO 101 ECO 102
Year 2 Geography Geology Chemistry
GOG 201 GOG 202 GLG 201 GLG 202 CHE 201 CHE 202
Year 3 Geography Geology GLG 302 ← Major subjects
GOG 301 GOG 302 GLG 301

Finally, Geology and Economics can be taken together to give a good foundation for those wishing to
become mineral economists.
Year 1 Economics Geology Chemistry Mathematics
ECO 101 ECO 102 EAR 101 GLG 102 CHE 101 CHE 102 MAM 101 MAM 102
Year 2 Economics Geology Chemistry
ECO 201 ECO 202 GLG 201 GLG 202 CHE 201 CHE 202
Year 3 Economics Geology
ECO 301 ECO 302 GLG 301 GLG 302 ← Major subjects

Economics might also combine profitably with Geography and Environmental Science, leading,
perhaps, to a more "people" oriented degree than the last one.
Year 1 Economics Geography Biology Botany Anthropology
ECO 101 ECO 102 EAR 101 GOG 102 CEL 101 BOT 102 ANT 1 – all year
Year 2 Economics Geography Environmental Science
ECO 201 ECO 202 GOG 201 GOG 202 ENV 201 ENV 202
Year 3 Economics Geography ← Major subjects – could also be ECO+ENV or
ECO 301 ECO 302 GOG 301 GOG 302 GOG+ENV

Here is a curriculum that shows a combination of Geography and Environmental Science.

Year 1 Geography Anthropology 1 Biology Botany Chemistry
EAR 101 GOG 102 ANT 1 – all year CEL 101 BOT 102 CHE 101 CHE 102
Year 2 Geography Botany
GOG 201 GOG 202 ENV 201 ENV 202 BOT 201 BOT 202
Year 3 Geography ← Major subjects – could also be ENV+BOT
GOG 301 GOG 302 ENV 301 ENV 302 or GOG + BOT
Other Environmental Science curricula can be viewed on the programme's web page:
http://www.ru.ac.za/environmentalscience/studying/

Computer Science (CSC) is a popular and challenging subject. Here is a very strong combination for
the technically oriented, who might wish to become experts in computers and in electronics.
Year 1 Physics Mathematics 1 Statistics Electr.
PHY 101 PHY 102 CSC 101 CSC 102 MAM 101 MAM 102 STA 1S1 PHY 1E2
Year 2 Physics Maths &Applied Maths
PHY 201 PHY 202 CSC 201 CSC 202 MAM 201 MAM 202
Year 3 Physics ← Major subjects – could also be PHY+MAP or
PHY 301 PHY 302 CSC 301 CSC 302 MAP+CSC

35
 There will be many career openings for people with expertise in computing and also in statistics. The
following curriculum attempts to provide that.
Year 1 Computer Sci. Statistics Physics Mathematics 1
CSC 101 CSC 102 STA 1S1 MST 102 PHY 101 PHY 102 MAM 101 MAM 102
Year 2 Computer Sci. Math. Stats Information Systems
CSC 201 CSC 202 MST 201 MST 202 INF 201 INF 202
Year 3 Computer Sci. Mathematical Statistics ← Major subjects
CSC 301 CSC 302 MST 301 MST 302

Another burgeoning field is that of Bioinformatics. The curriculum below prepares students for
careers in the bioinformatics sector, and provides a suitable foundation for the course work MSc in
Bioinformatics that is offered at Rhodes.
Year 1 Chemistry Comp. Science Mathematics Statistics Biology
CHE 101 CHE CSC 101 CSC 102 MAM 101 MAM 102 STA 1S1 MST 102 CEL 101
102
Year 2 Biochemistry Comp. Science Maths or Math Stats 2
BCH 201 BCH 202 CSC 201 CSC 202 MAM 2 or MST 2
Year 3 Biochemistry Comp. Science Microbiology ← Major subjects – could also be
BCH 301 BCH 302 CSC 301 CSC 302 MIC 202 BCH+MST or BCH+MAT

Of course, you might be less interested in computers and programming than in more fundamental
aspects of mathematics and statistics - in which case majors in these subjects would go well
together.
Year 1 Mathematics 1 Statistics Computer Science Physics
MAM 101 MAM 102 STA 1S1 MST 102 CSC 101 CSC 102 PHY 101 PHY 102
Year 2 Maths & Applied maths Mathematical Statistics Information Systems
MAM 201 MAM 202 MST 201 MST 202 INF 201 INF 202
Year 3 Mathematics Mathematical Statistics ← Major subjects
MAT 301 MAT 302 MST 301 MST 302

It is possible to do a BSc with an enormous amount of mathematical content (and some Physics,
which is closely related to Applied Mathematics). Here's how.
Year 1 Mathematics Statistics Physics Computer Science
MAT 1C1 MAT 1C2 STA 101 STA 102 PHY 101 PHY 102 CSC 101 CSC 102
Year 2 Maths & Applied maths Mathematical Statistics Physics 2
MAM 201 MAM 202 MST 201 MST 202 PHY 201 PHY 202
Year 3 Applied Mathematics Math 3 ← Major subjects
MAP 301 MAP 302 MAT 301 MAT 302

Some people prefer working with people or animals to working with machines or mathematics.
Perhaps your interest is in Human Kinetics and Ergonomics - to study how the body functions.
Year 1 Biology Zoology Human Kinetics & Ergo. Chemistry
CEL 101 ZOO 102 HKE 101 HKE 102 CHE 101 CHE 102 PHY 1E1 STA 1C2
Year 2 Zoology Human Kinetics & Ergo.
ZOO 201 ZOO 202 HKE 201 HKE 202 EAR 101 BOT 102 GOG 102
Year 3 Zoology Human Kinetics & Ergo. ← Major subjects
ZOO 301 ZOO 302 HKE 301 HKE 302

36
 Human Kinetics and Ergonomics is quite often combined with Psychology. Here is a curriculum that
does just that. Because Psychology is a non-Science subject and additional 15 NQF credits are
required to total at least 360 NQF credits.
Year 1 Psychology Human Kinetics & Ergo. Biology Zoology Chemistry
PSY 1 all year HKE 101 HKE 102 CEL 101 ZOO 102 CHE 101 CHE 102
Year 2 Psychology Human Kinetics & Ergo. Biochemistry 2 Statistics
PSY 2 – all year HKE 201 HKE 202 BCH 201 BCH 202 STA 101
Year 3 Psychology Human Kinetics & Ergo. ← Major Subjects
PSY 3 – all yer HKE 301 HKE 302

Another non-science subject that many scientists find very appealing is Music, and in recent years
there have been quite a number of students who have combined Music with Physics, Maths and/or
Computer Science. Here's one way in which it might be done - but remember that Music could be
combined with other sciences too. Instrumental Studies 1 is a practically based course given in the
Department of Music and Musicology, which includes the study of a major instrument, a minor
instrument or ensemble, and the musical literature of the major instrument. Note that a maximum of
150 NQF credits in music are allowed in a BSc.
Year 1 Music Computer Science Physics Mathematics
MUS 1 – all year CSC 101 CSC 102 PHY 101 PHY 102 MAM 101 MAM 102
Year 2 Music Computer Science Physics Instrumental Studies – all
MUS 2 – all year CSC 201 CSC 202 PHY 201 PHY 202 year
Year 3 Music Computer Science ← Major subjects
MUS 3 – all year CSC 301 CSC 302

In recent times several students have combined Legal Theory with Science, rather than only with
Humanities or Commerce, and gone on to acquire the initials "BSc LLB" after their names before
following specialised careers in Law. Here is a curriculum that might appeal to those who wish to
become experts in Environmental Law. Law 1 clashes with Geography 1 so students can take
Geography 1 in their second year instead.
Year 1 Legal Theory 1 Biology Zoology Physics Botany Chemistry
Introduction Foundation CEL 101 ZOO 102 PHY 1E1 BOT 102 CHE 101 CHE 102
Year 2 Legal Theory 2 Environmental Science Botany Geography
Various courses ENV 201 ENV 202 BOT 201 BOT 202 EAR 101 GOG 102
Year 3 Legal Theory 2 Environmental Science ← Major subjects – could also be LAW + BOT
Various courses ENV 301 ENV 302

The BSc (InfSys) degrees rather more prescribed in what one can and cannot take. How a
curriculum might be planned is best understood with reference to the following examples. The first
shows a classic three year BSc (InfSys) with the standard Computer Science major combined with
the very popular Information Systems major.
Year 1 Computer Science Accounting MAM 101 Management Economics
CSC 101 CSC 102 ACC 101 ACC 102 CSC 112 MAN 101 MAN 102 ECO 101 &
ECO 102
Year 2 Computer Science Info. Systems Statistics Electronics
CSC 201 CSC 202 INF 201 INF 202 STA 1S1 PHY 1E2
Year 3 Computer Science Info. Systems ← Major subjects
CSC 301 CSC 302 INF 301 INF 302

37
 The second shows that the second major in the BSc (InfSys) degree can be Accounting - provided
that the student elects to take Accounting in the first two years of study:
Year 1 Computer Science Accounting Management Economics
CSC 101 CSC 102 ACC 101 ACC MAM 101 CSC 112 MAN 101 MAN ECO 101
102 102 ECO 102
Year 2 Computer Science Accounting Statistics Electronics Information
CSC 201 CSC 202 ACC 201 ACC STA 1S1 PHY 1E2 Systems
202 INF 201 INF 202
Year 3 Computer Science Accounting ← Major subjects
CSC 301 CSC 302 Acc. 3 all year

NOTE: additional courses must be taken to allow a second major other than INF.

38
BLANK TEMPLATES TO PLAN YOUR CURRICULUM

Three year Classic BSc degree (360 NQF credits with three second-year courses)
Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2
Year 1

Year 2

Year 3 ← Major subjects

Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3 ← Major subjects

Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3 ← Major subjects

The BSc with a non-science major

(it has the extra NQF credits in either first or second-year level semester-courses)
Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2
Year 1

Year 2

Year 3 ← Major subjects

Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3 ← Major subjects

39
Three year BSc (InfSys) degree

Note:
In BScS, the second major is often INF 3 but may be one of a number of other subjects. If you plan
to have for example ACC 3 as a major this subject must obviously be included in your second year.
This is likely to require that you include additional courses in second year.

Year 1 CSC CSC ACC ACC ECO ECO MAN MAN MAM CSC 112
101 102 101 102 101 102 101 102 101

Year 2 CSC CSC INF INF STA 1S1 PHY

201 202 201 202 1E2

Year 3 CSC CSC ← Major subjects

301 302

Year 1 CSC CSC ACC ACC ECO ECO MAN MAN MAM CSC
101 102 101 102 101 102 101 102 101 112

Year 2 CSC CSC ACC ACC STA PHY

201 202 201 202 1S1 1E2

Year 3 CSC CSC ACC ← Major subjects

301 302 3

Year 1 CSC CSC ACC ACC ECO ECO MAN MAN MAM
101 102 101 102 101 102 101 102 101

Year 2 CSC CSC INF INF

201 202 201 202

Year 3 CSC CSC ← Major subjects

301 302

40
Four year BSc degree (3 full subjects in first year)
For students with low entry points. Make a point of discussing this with the Dean.
You will take two years to complete a full first year (at least 150 credits)
You may be able to complete three majors over four years
If you do well in June of year one you may be able to complete the degree in 3 years.
Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 2
Year 1 extra

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4 ← Major subjects

Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 2

Year 1 extra

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4 ← Major subjects

Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 2

Year 1 extra

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4 ← Major subjects

BSc (F)
Planning chart for Extended Studies Programme Students (4 years)
Year 1 Intro. to Science Concepts & Computer Skills 1S Mathematics 1F
Methods
Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2
Year 2

Year 3

Year 4 ← Major subjects

Note year 2 of BScF should be three full year subjects (i.e. CHE 1, GOG 1, ZOO 1, MAT 1 etc) and
NOT a set of single semester courses

41
Year 1 Intro. to Science Concepts & Computer Skills 1S Mathematics 1F
Methods
Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2
Year 2

Year 3

Year 4 ← Major subjects

Year 1 Intro. to Science Concepts & Computer Skills 1S Mathematics 1F

Methods
Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2 Sem 1 Sem 2
Year 2

Year 3

Year 4 ← Major subjects

42
CURRICULUM APPROVAL

First year students

Guidance is available from Monday 4th February through to Thursday 7th February as an integral
part of Orientation Week. All first-time students are required to take advantage of this guidance.
Details of when and where the sessions are held can be found in the Orientation Week Handbook,
and will be clarified as the week proceeds.

The formal curriculum approval for students who are enrolled for Science degrees follows their
administrative registration, and takes place as follows:

Please take careful note of these times and come to sign up at the correct time. Regardless of what
your friends or others may tell you, ALL first year Science undergraduate students are required to
have their curriculum approved by the Dean in person. You cannot take a short cut because you
might have filled in a preregistration form.

Place: Eden Grove BLUE Lecture Theatre

Times: First year students: Friday 8th February 09h00 - 13h00

At curriculum approval you must:

 Collect a form from the assistants containing your previous academic record. In the case of
first year students this will simply record your NSC levels.
 Present your student identity card as proof that you have paid your fees, completed your
administrative registration, and been accepted at the University.
 Check your proposed curriculum with one of the staff on duty at the computers and seek
guidance on any aspects of this that are still causing you concern. Your courses will be
entered on the student record system.
 Have your proposed curriculum approved by the Dean or Deputy Dean.

After curriculum approval is complete you should familiarize yourself with the details of when and
where your first class meetings will be held. Make a point of visiting the departments in which you
will be studying, if you have not already done so. Make sure that you look at the course notice
boards. Take note of important information on them, such as pertain to venues, textbooks, and the
need to sign up with each department. Although, technically, all curriculum approval is centralized,
some departments also require you to hand in your name to a Departmental Secretary or to a Course
Coordinator.

The first class meetings in all (and especially in first year) subjects start on Monday 10th February.
Find out where they are held and make sure that you are there!

Returning second year and third year students

Students who have correctly completed the pre-registration form will have their Registration
Confirmation Form which will be handed to you when you get your new student card, marked as
curriculum approved. If this applies to you, you do not need to see the Dean at Curriculum
Approval.

43
However, if your form is not marked curriculum approved, OR if you wish to change a subject then
you MUST attend Curriculum approval at the times indicated below.

Second year students: Saturday 8th February 09h00 - 13h00

Third year students: Friday 7th February 13h00 - 17h00

Arrangements for practical classes, tutorials and lectures

It is important to note that as an individual student, you CANNOT decide on which day you will do
a particular practical, or which of alternate lecture slots you should attend. This will be done for
you during the first part of the first week of term.

The information collected at curriculum approval will be used as input to allocate students not just to
practicals but also to lecture slots and possibly even tutorials. This exercise is only completed early
the following week. You should watch Departmental notice boards keenly for details of your
particular allocations. The information will also be posted on the Faculty web site: follow the link
from the home page at http://www.ru.ac.za/facultyofscience/.

First year practical classes start in the second week after registration, which is on Monday 17th
February. Do not make any assumptions as to what your practical timetable will be - it can only be
drawn up when the final numbers of students in each subject are known, and all the combinations of
subjects taken (hence the timetable varies from year to year).

Practicals for second and third year students will start in the first week.

Changes in registration
Frequently students change their mind about the courses that they wish to take, or wish to change
degree or even Faculty. You are encouraged to think very carefully about your curriculum before
curriculum approval, so as to minimize disruption, confusion, and, most importantly, the problems
that could arise if you miss the all important first few classes in any subject. If you find that you do
need to make a change, please note that:

Changes made during first two weeks should be approved and discussed with the Dean in person.
Science students may not change curricula by logging onto ROSS or by visiting the Student
Bureau.

Changes that involve starting a new first-semester course will NOT be allowed after 5pm February
21st. Changes that involve starting a new second-semester course may be made at any time before
the second week of the second semester. However, you may drop a course at any time up until the
last day of lectures in the relevant semester but this is done after consultation with the Dean.

Dropping a course should be regarded as a fairly drastic thing to do; please consult the Dean or
Deputy Dean, and your Head of Department about this! In the Faculty of Science, dropping a course
or changing your curriculum in any way can only be done by visiting the Dean or Deputy Dean in
person - not by using ROSS or sending e-mail to people, or by visiting the Student Bureau.

44
LECTURES, PRACTICALS, TUTORIALS, SEMINARS, TESTS, EXAMINATIONS

Courses in the University, and in particular in the Faculty of Science, are given through a mixture of
the following:

Lectures
Most science courses have one lecture each day, which you are expected to attend. The lecture is
the main vehicle used to put across course material. It takes a variety of forms depending on class
size, the level of the course and the preference of the lecturer. It may be a formal address on an
aspect of the subject or it may be a much more interactive discussion in which you the student are
expected to participate. Material covered in lectures is seldom "revised", as it would be at school.
Students are well advised to take notes of what is said, so that they can study these after the lecture
is over.

Self study
It is very unlikely that you will gain a full understanding of the subject from just the lectures. It is
VERY LIKELY that you will have to do some home work of one sort or another. This may be
prescribed by the lecturer or may take the form of self initiated study in which you (alone or with a
group of friends) revises the work covered.

Practicals
Virtually all Science departments stress the value and necessity of conducting experiments in
laboratory situations. For these the class may be divided into smaller groups, because few
departments have a single laboratory large enough to house the entire class, or the funds to provide
equipment for all the members to use simultaneously. Once the experiments have been done,
students are usually expected to prepare reports on their findings. These are then assessed, and the
marks form part of the student's class record for the year.

You are strongly urged to attend and to complete all your practical assignments. Not only is this
compulsory for the purposes of earning a "DP certificate" - but often the most valuable learning
experiences occur in the labs, where you get to know the staff and fellow students far better than in
formal lectures.

Tutorials
A lecture tends to be characterized by the lecturer doing all the talking, although most lecturers
welcome questions during or after a lecture, provided that these are relevant to the material being
discussed. In tutorials, on the other hand, the class is usually divided into smaller groups, each one
under the supervision of a staff member or senior graduate student. Problems are usually posed
some time before the tutorial commences; students are expected to have tried to solve them before
the group meets, and the tutorial then takes the form of a discussion of the problems, with every
member of the group encouraged to participate. Not all departments have tutorials

On-line material
An increasing number of courses provide access to learning material using on-line computer systems
(RU-Connected).

45
Seminars
A seminar is also less formal than a lecture. It is often conducted by one of the members of the
group discussing a particular topic that he or she has prepared. The other members of the group are
then invited to discuss the presentation - they will not, usually, have done as much preparation of
their own beforehand.

Tests
Departments hold regular tests to allow staff and students to measure their progress and
understanding. Marks for tests usually form a component of the student's overall assessment for
credit (class record), and attendance at tests is compulsory.

Test marks
Test marks will be kept by departments but also in the Dean’s office. Expect the Dean to contact you
if you fail tests in several subjects.

Examinations
The most crucial part of the assessment of a student is, of course, done through formal
examinations. These are held in June and November, and it is impossible to obtain the credits for a
course unless you write them.

Final assessment
The final mark that you achieve will be a combination of your class record mark and you exam
marks. The way these marks are combined will vary between departments and you will hear about
this in lectures.

Most courses in the Faculty of Science involve four or five lectures per week, with possibly one or
two tutorial periods, and in many cases one practical session. First year courses are limited to one
practical session, four lectures and one tutorial or test per week.

ACADEMIC STATUS, EXCLUSIONS AND PROBATION

Read these very important rules carefully as they will affect some of you in a negative way.

Academic Status
A BSc (all BSc degrees) student is classified as a "first year student" until six semester-courses (90
NQF credits) are obtained, and is classified as a "third year student" only when registered for at least
one third-year course - which is possible only after at least ten semester-courses have been gained,
the equivalent to at least 150 NQF credits.

You will NOT be allowed to start on a second-year course unless you have obtained at least six first-
year semester-courses. Every year a small group of students appeal loudly against this rule (which
does not apply in all faculties), but experience has shown that students who cannot obtain six
semester-courses in their first year will simply be incapable of completing second year courses. In
addition, timetable complications inevitably arise, and the degree structure ends up in a serious
mess.

46
You should also note that a major subject cannot be taken along with more than two other courses.
Some students who have done poorly think that they can mop up an enormous number of
outstanding semester-credits in their final year, but, again, experience has shown that attempts to do
so always end in complete disaster, and so there is now a strict ruling against allowing a student to
become overloaded. You can take a maximum of 6 semester courses in your final year.

Exclusions
The University has a rule that is applied to students whose academic results are unsatisfactory,
whereby they may be "excluded", and prevented from registering at Rhodes in a subsequent year.
This is the rule known as "G.7", and in the case of the Science Faculty, it specifies that:

 You must have four semester-courses, or 60 NQF credits, by the end of your first year of study;
 You must have eight semester-credits, or 120 NQF credits, by the end of your second year of
study;
 You must have twelve semester-courses by the end of your third year of study, and
of these, four at least must be second-year or third-year credits equivalent to at least 190 NQF
credits;
 Besides this, you must make "satisfactory progress", which typically means that you
should pass at least half of your courses each year - so passing four semester courses well in
your first year and then failing everything in second year means that you will have a
total of eight semester-courses by the end of second year, but will not have made
satisfactory progress.
 You may not take longer than five years to complete the degree.
 If you are enrolled on the Extended Studies Programme, at the end of the Foundation year of
study you must have passed all courses with an average of 60% in the courses read in order to
qualify for entry into mainstream courses in the following year.
 Students who perform very badly in June of year 1 may be advised to withdraw.

How are exclusions decided?

After the examinations have been marked, the situations of students who do not satisfy Rule G.7 are
considered very carefully by the Dean and the Deputy Deans. They look at as many factors as they
can - such as how they had performed in previous examinations, whether they were carrying full
loads of courses, whether advice had been given to such students earlier about reducing courses,
whether this advice had been taken, or whether they had earned all their DP certificates.

At the end of the year, the Dean and Deputy Dean submit recommendations on each student to a
special meeting of the Faculty Board for their comment and approval. At the meeting, members of
staff often ask for other factors to be considered - perhaps drawing attention to students who have
performed badly because of having problems or illnesses earlier in the year.

Exclusion from the University is a last resort for the Dean and such decisions are NOT taken lightly.

If you repeatedly perform badly - in particular, if you fail to meet Rule G.7 at the end of your
second or third year at Rhodes University, or if you have been excluded or on probation before -
you will be treated with less sympathy.

47
Appeals against exclusion
If you are excluded, an exclusion letter will be sent to you by the Registrar. You then have the right
to appeal against your exclusion, in writing, either on the prescribed form or by completing and
submitting a web-based form, to the Registrar who will then discuss the case with the Dean, who,
in turn, may recommend to the Registrar that you be readmitted "on probation". Since the cases
have been very carefully considered by the Dean (and by the Board in December), the decision to
exclude is usually, but not always, upheld. If you can provide a good motivation, the request may
succeed, but in our experience, the motivations put forward are usually very weak. Attention is
drawn to the need to appeal in writing - verbal and telephonic appeals are unacceptable.

Academic Probation
If you have fared poorly in June or November such that you have just satisfied the G7 rules, the
Dean will place you on academic probation to achieve a minimum academic level in the following
semester or academic year. Failure to meet these terms could lead to more drastic measures by the
Dean including Academic Exclusion.

MORE RULES AND LEGALESE

This section attempts to summarize the various rules that apply to obtaining credits for Science
degrees.

* Assessment
At the discretion of the Department, an undergraduate student's performance is assessed either:

 entirely at the end of the academic year (no examples in the Science Faculty but this may
apply to you if you chose a subject from the Humanities Faculty);
 50% in June and 50% in November (aggregated 2-semester year-long courses; e.g. CEL 101
& BOT 102; HKE 201 & HKE 202; applies to most courses in the Science Faculty); or
 entirely in June or November, when the course is finished (1-credit single semester courses;
e.g. CSC 1L1 or CSC 112; MAT 1S1)

"Assessment" here means the incorporation of class and practical records, as well as written
examinations. The implication is that departments will, where applicable, compute a composite
mark at the end of each semester. This form of continual assessment requires you to work
consistently through the year. Do this well and you increase your chance of getting a good final
mark. Where assessment is subject to external examination, June assessments should be regarded
as provisional, since external examiners usually perform all their duties at the end of the year.

Passing
Passing any course requires that you score an overall mark of at least 50%. Passes are graded into
Class 1, 2A, 2B or 3, which equate to marks of at least 75%, 70%, 60% or 50% respectively.

We stress that marks for practical and tutorial work tests and essays often count directly towards a
student's result for a course as a whole. Details of contributions of class record to examination
results, and of the number of examinations for each course are usually posted on Departmental
notice boards or supplied to students in course handouts.

48
Aggregated passes
In all subjects offered at a given level as a pair of semester-long courses, if both semester-courses
are not obtained, an aggregate of 50% in the pair may still be deemed equivalent to passing a full 2-
semester "aggregate pass" for that subject. Credit for an aggregate pass also requires that you have
met any adequate performance subminima imposed for each constituent. If you do not obtain
passes in both components, but meet the requirements of an aggregate pass, you will have your
academic transcript amended to show that an aggregated continuing course (ACR) or aggregated
non- continuing course (NCR) has been achieved in the appropriate subject, as the case may be.
However, note that credit will not be given for an aggregate course in addition to passing one or
more of its semester-course components, and that if you do not achieve an aggregate pass, a pass in
any semester-course you have passed can still count towards the degree.

* Aggregated pass can only be given for components of a subject taken within a single academic
year, and the calculation of aggregated pass will normally take place in December. This means that
such passed will be based on the marks scored in June and November (or November and November
if a supplementary for a June examination is written in November). You will not normally be able to
get aggregated credit by combining marks for EAR 101 taken in different years, for example.

* Aggregate course pass can only be given for two semester- courses offered within a single subject,
except in Botany 1 (which is composed of an aggregate of semester-courses in Cell Biology and
Botany), Zoology 1 (which is composed of an aggregate of semester-courses in Cell Biology and
Zoology), Geography 1 (which is composed of an aggregate of semester-courses in Earth Science and
Geography) and Geology 1 (which is composed of an aggregate of semester-courses in Earth Science
and Geology).

DP certificates
In most departments there is a minimum attendance and performance requirement, certainly for
practical work, often including attending and writing all tests and essays. Before you are allowed to
write the examination in a course, you must earn a DP ("Duly Performed") certificate. Such
certificates are never actually issued in paper form, as it happens, so don't ask to see one! "Losing a
DP" is the term given to being forbidden from continuing in a course, or from writing the
examination, usually because you have not attended classes satisfactorily, or have done particularly
badly in tests and assignments. This is viewed in a very serious light by the Board of the Faculty
when considering your progress through the system. All Departments are free to set their own
attendance and other requirements in this regard. A list of these should be issued to students in the
Department, or published on the departmental notice boards. Make sure that you understand these
requirements, and make sure that you satisfy them, so as to prevent a lot of anguish and
heartache later in the year.

Adequate performance
For any credit bearing course, the department offering it, and other departments requiring it, may
publish a subminimum mark, which, if achieved, constitutes "adequate performance" in the course
for the purposes of registration prerequisite requirements for later courses in such departments.

Such marks may vary between semesters, but will not normally be lower than 40% in the case of
non-initial courses, or 35% in initial courses. Where departments impose such subminima on
courses in their own subjects - for example where registration for GOG 202 requires adequate
performance in GOG 201 - care is taken to set these at realistic levels, especially in the case of non-
initial courses, where supplementaries are not normally offered.

49
Prerequisites and registrations
At the discretion of a Department, prerequisite requirements may be imposed before you may
register for a particular course. Similarly, such requirements may be imposed before you finally pass
a given course.

Requirements will usually be stricter than registration requirements, which might stipulate "adequate
performance" in an ancillary subject (or even at a lower level in the same subject) rather than
passing at 50%.

At the start of the year you would normally register for both components of a semesterised subject,
unless you make it clear that you intend taking only one of the semester courses to obtain a single
semester-credit, or to complete the outstanding component of a semesterised subject.

You may be allowed to register at any time until the end of the second week of the second semester
for semester-courses held in the second semester in subjects for which you have not previously been
registered (provided that you will meet the registration requirements for such courses). Such
registrations will be at the discretion of the Dean, in consultation with the Head of the Department
concerned. Note that there are only a few such courses.

Deregistration after July

If you fail to perform adequately in the first semester of a subject, you will probably have your
registration for any second semester component of that subject cancelled. For subjects that are not
semesterised, this is taken to mean cancelling registration for the course as a whole that is, "losing a
DP in June".

These decisions may sometimes be reversed, on appeal through the Head of Department to the
Dean, who remains the final arbiter; the intention being to allow for an assessment of "overall
performance" before a decision is reached.

Concessions
As already noted, some subjects have strict rules about prerequisite ancillaries, and failure in an
ancillary can in some cases hold up a student's major subject(s) for a year. In some cases relaxations
of these rules are allowed, with the special permission of the Board of the Faculty, if the Heads of
the Departments involved are willing to support the application. The onus is on the student to apply.
This is done by discussing the matter with the Dean of Science at curriculum approval.

If you are repeating a course, you may find that the department will excuse you from attending some
(or all) of the lectures and practicals. This is known as "getting an extended DP", but this practice is
not recommended.

Supplementary examinations and rewrites

The pass mark for all courses in Science is 50%. Students who earn marks between 35% and 49%
in first year subjects in June or between 45% and 49% in November are often (but not
automatically) recommended by their Departments to be allowed to write a re-write examination in
August (for courses narrowly failed in June) or a supplementary (Supp) exam in January (for courses
narrowly failed in November), before the next year begins. The June qualifying mark is often lower
than the November mark to accommodate students who might still be adjusting to the University
environment in their first semester. Occasionally the November qualifying mark is set below the
norm of 45%, although it is usually above the June level. The marks required to earn a re-write or a
supp differ between departments; see tables on pages 12-16.

50
Sometimes an aggregate mark of 48% or 49% in both components of a first or second year course
will earn you a "non-continuing pass". In such cases, credit will be given, but you may not proceed to
the next level course in that particular subject unless you reattend and pass the course, or, in some
first year subjects, write a supplementary examination. In first year, such supplementaries are
automatic - provided that subminima have been met, and that the examination has already been set
for other candidates who qualified for supplementary or aegrotat examinations.

* You do not have the right to "appeal" for the award of supplementary examinations.

* Recommending that a supplementary examination be awarded is done, in the first instance, by the
Department.

* Supplementary examinations are not simply awarded automatically once you have an aggregate
or component mark of at least 45% (sometimes subminima have not been attained, for example).

Subminima
The final mark is often comprised of the class record, a practical exam and a theory exam. Some
departments apply a subminimum mark (for example it may be 35%) to one or more of these
components and if this subminimum is not met the student fails and may not even earn a re-write or
supp. So, for example, it may be possible to get a final mark of 50% but fail the theory exam with
less than 35%. In such a case the record would show % FSM and the student would not get a
credit.

* Candidates who fail in June, but who score a mark that would allow them to obtain an aggregate
pass if the second semester course is passed well enough, may sometimes choose either to write the
re-write paper in that subject in November, or to take a chance of obtaining an aggregate pass.

* The Faculty Board has discretion over the final award of supplementary examinations. No
restrictions are usually placed on the number of supplementary examinations that you will be
allowed to write for first semester initial courses. For second semester courses and non-initial
courses (where such supplementary exams may occasionally be offered) you must have obtained
at least four semester-courses by November of your first year to qualify for any supplementaries for
November examinations.

* In the Faculty of Science, supplementary examinations are not awarded to students who have
been excluded.

* Supplementary examinations are almost never recommended for second and third year subjects in
any Faculty.

* Note that Supps are not normally awarded in the Humanities Faculty. This may affect you if you
take a subject from the Humanities.

Rewriting to improve marks

Students in first-semester first year courses who pass in June but who wish to try to improve their
mark - perhaps to qualify for scholarships - have been permitted to write the August re-write paper
for this purpose. You are free to re-attend a course and rewrite a subsequent "ordinary" examination.
Some potential Honours students have been known to take this approach.

51
Aegrotat examinations
If you are unable to attend an examination because of genuine ill-health, or for some other valid
reason, such as the death of a member of your family, then you may be allowed to write another
(equivalent) examination at a later time, known as an aegrotat examination. Applications to sit such
examinations must be made in writing and before the examination to the Student Bureau, and must
be supported by doctor's certificates or other proof that the request is genuine.

ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

What is a "semester"?
The academic year is divided into two semesters. The first semester starts in February and ends with
the examinations in June; the second semester starts in July and ends with the examinations in
November.

What is a "dawnie" or "dawn patrol"?

The lectures that start at 07h45 each morning have been known by these terms to generations of
Rhodes students. In fact, even in midwinter, 07h45 is quite a long time after sunrise, but tradition is
Very Important!

What is "leave of absence"?

Many departments have strict rules about attending classes and handing in assignments. If you are
ill, or have to be away from the University for any genuine reason, and so find yourself missing
classes, you should apply for leave of absence from the head of each department in which you are
studying. This is done on a standard form available from:

https://www.ru.ac.za/media/rhodesuniversity/content/registrar/documents/forms/LeaveofAbsenceApplicationForm.pdf

It is VERY IMPORTANT that when applying for an LOA, you follow the rules and ensure that your
application is supported as required and submitted in good time.

What is an "extended DP"?

Sometimes a student who has failed a course is allowed to rewrite the examinations in the course in
the following year, without actually attending all the lectures and practicals for a second time. This is
known as "writing on an extended DP". Permission to do so is usually given only to students who
cannot afford to attend the University again, perhaps because they have started a job before
completing their degree properly. Applications for extended DPs must be made within two weeks of
the start of a course. It is our experience that attempts to complete courses in this way are, sadly,
usually unsuccessful.

What is an "academic transcript"?

This is a summary of the courses that a student has studied, and of the marks earned for each of
these courses. If you need one, enquire at the Student Bureau.

52
What is a "subminimum"?
Several departments assess students by adding together results from several tests, examinations,
practicals and so on. It may not be sufficient simply to gain an overall average mark of 50% to pass
- sometimes minimum marks must be obtained in some or all of the component parts of the
assessment.

What do the symbols on my transcript/ result sheet mean?

Symbol Meaning
Pass
1 75-100%
2A 70-74%
2B 60-69%
3 50-59%
P Pass (supp was passed)
3NC 3rd class pass with no right to continue with this subject
ACR Aggregate pass for two semesters in the same subject
NCR Aggregate pass but with NO right to continue with this subject
Fail
F1 45-49%
F2 30-44%
F3 0-29%
F1S/F2S Fail but with a re-write in bruary of the following year
F1N/F2N Fail but with re-write in November of the same year.
FSM Failed to meet a sub-minimum; no credit awarded
Other
CR Credits from another university in SA
CRX Credits earned while on exchange as part of a recognised exchange programme
CRT Credits on the basis of prior learning
DPR DP refused and NOT allowed to write exam
DPP DP refused for plagiarism
DNW Absent from exam with no reason provided
AEG Absent from exam with permission on medical or compassionate grounds.
Allowed to write a supplementary exam in either November or January/February
PND Pending – results not available for this course.

What does it mean to "obtain a distinction"?

If a student obtains a first class pass (75% or better, averaged over the various components) in a
major subject, or for an Honours degree, then he or she is said to have earned a distinction in that
subject, and the degree certificate records this.

What is a "merit bursary” or Fee Rebate?

If you obtain first class passes in all of your subjects you will get a 50% rebate on academic fees for
your second year. This reduces to a 25% rebate if firsts are in three of four subjects and 12.5% for
firsts in two of four subjects.

If the average mark for all your Rhodes exams in any year is 90% or greater (student taking a normal
undergraduate lecture load), you will automatically get a full academic fee rebate.

53
What is "plagiarism"?
(This section is closely based on a document issued to students in the Department of Psychology,
and their permission to incorporate it is gratefully acknowledged. Read the full University policy on
plagiarism at:
http://www.ru.ac.za/media/rhodesuniversity/content/institutionalplanning/documents/Plagiarism.pdf

Plagiarism refers to the (unacceptable) practice of presenting as your own work material which has
been written by someone else. Any use of material that is derived from the work of another person
constitutes plagiarism, unless the source is clearly acknowledged. You will be guilty of plagiarism if,
for example, you hand in an assignment under your own name which, either in part or as a whole,

*is copied from a document downloaded from a website;

*is copied from a published article or book chapter;
*is copied from an essay, computer program or practical report written by another student;
* has been written for you by someone else.

Of course, when you write an essay or report in an academic setting, it is normal - and often
necessary - to draw on material written by other people, to the point where many students think that
there is no harm in copying sentences from books and articles when composing essays and practical
reports. However, in terms of the definition above, the use of even one sentence without
acknowledgement constitutes plagiarism and is not acceptable. Thus it is important that you
acknowledge the fact whenever you draw on other people's work. There are standard procedures for
doing this - for example by citing a reference and providing details of the source in a reference list at
the end of the assignment. You are expected to do this even where you do not quote directly from
your source but merely express in your own words ideas or arguments which you have taken from
that source. In addition, where you quote verbatim from a published source, you must put inverted
commas round the quoted material and provide a page number. The only situation in which these
rules do not apply strictly is in examinations written without access to books and other reference
materials.

As a University student you are being trained to understand and observe the highest standards of
ethics, integrity and professional practice in the writing of essays and reports. The University and its
constituent Departments expects these high standards to be observed as a matter of course.
Accordingly, Senate has adopted an overall policy towards the handling of plagiarism. In terms of
this policy:

* Departments are encouraged to address the matter in their teaching and to train students in the
correct procedures for acknowledging the sources of material used for assignments.
* Higher standards are expected as students progress through the University. The highest standards
are expected of all post-graduates.

* Cases of plagiarism must be addressed by disciplinary procedures within the Department and at
University level.

To implement this policy, a Department will (typically) have a Disciplinary Committee to deal with
the problem of plagiarism. Where staff have evidence that students have plagiarized work, the
matter will normally be referred to this Disciplinary Committee. Where the Committee concludes that
plagiarism has occurred, it will make a ruling as to what disciplinary steps are appropriate. In terms
of the Senate guidelines, these steps may range from giving a warning (for first time and minor
offences), to imposing a mark penalty, and, in more serious cases, to withdrawing the student's DP.

54
In the case of second time alleged offenders in first year, or for any really serious cases, the
Disciplinary Committee is required to refer the offence to a select subcommittee. After considering
the evidence of the staff and the student, this Committee, in cases where guilt is established, will
normally withdraw the DP of the offender for the subject in question, but might impose an even
greater penalty such as a fine, rustication or even expulsion from the University.

You have been warned! Plagiarism is taken very seriously - don't do it!

Can I take more than the standard number of courses for a degree?
The simple answer is yes, although usually it is only above average students that do so. There are
restrictions on the total number of courses that may be taken in a year - ten semester-courses in the
case of a first year student, and six semester-courses in the case of a final year student. (In both
cases this represents one more "subject" than the normal load). Provided that these restrictions are
met, there is no extra charge for taking an extra course within a given year.

Do I need to be concerned about the Natural Science Professions Act?

In a recent letter to the Registrar we were told that "professional registration of natural scientists has
now been in existence for approximately two decades. The South African Council for Natural
Scientific Professions (SACNASP) was established by an Act of Parliament and is responsible for the
registration of all Professional Natural Scientists. In terms of Sections 18(2) and 20(1) of the Act,
professional registration for all practising and consulting natural scientists is compulsory.
Unregistered persons may not perform work identified for registered persons in Schedule 1 of the
Act."

Quite what this means in practice is uncertain in a country with as severe skills shortages as ours,
but in principle you might find that you are barred from certain jobs, in which a BSc or Honours is
needed, if your degree does not pass the criteria of this body. You can find out more about SACNASP
from our Faculty website, or from http://www.sacnasp.org.za/

What is the difference between doing a BSc (InfSys) degree and a BCom majoring in
Information Systems?
The BSc (InfSys) degree affords the best opportunity to major in both Computer Science and
Information Systems, and provide a student with the most intensive preparation for a general career
in Information Technology in both technical and management components. The BCom degree
provides considerably less technical content, but more "commercial" background in Management and
Accounting and Law.

Can I try to get into the Pharmacy Faculty by doing an appropriate first year
curriculum, and then transferring from Science to Pharmacy?
No, not easily. If you are determined to try, you will need to register for the following: CEL 101,
ZOO 102, CHE 101 & 102, MAT 1S1, In addition, register for a subject such as CSC 1L1 in the first
semester. To complete the second semester, include BOT 102 and perhaps STA 1C2. If you pass all
of these subjects well, it may be possible for you to move to a BPharm year 1.

55
What if I want to take a combination of subjects that results in timetable clashes?
The lecture timetable has been carefully designed so that most subjects either clash "every time" or
"not at all". For example, if you try to take Geography and Computer Science, you will find that the
first year lectures clash exactly, so do the second year ones, and so do the third year ones. If you are
taking some science subjects and some non-science subjects, you may find fewer clashes, but it is
preferable to choose subjects that do not clash at all. Indeed, the Dean will not allow you to register
for courses that clash more than once a week. If you really want to pursue curricula that result in
serious clashes, then you will be advised to spend at least one extra year over the degree so as to
find an arrangement that avoids clashes.

If I fail an exam, can I ask for my papers to be marked again?

No, but you can arrange to get a copy of your script from the Registrar.

What are my options if I fail very badly in the June examinations?

Unfortunately, every year a small but significant number of students fail so badly in June that there
is no chance they can complete the year in November. Such students are dealt with as follows:

If the performance is very poor then they will be advised (not required) to withdraw. In addition, all
such students will be required to meet with the Dean in the first week of term 3 and a revised
curriculum will be developed.

Where can I consult old examination papers to help me prepare for examinations?
The library carries a collection of papers going back over the last three years, and many departments
have more extensive archives; some old examination papers are now also available for perusal on the
WWW at http://www.ru.ac.za/library. Remember that courses evolve over time - what may appear a
fiendishly difficult question in an old paper may really be the effect of having attended a course that
no longer covers that particular topic at all!

What is the earliest stage at which I may take second and third year courses?
Other Faculties have different rules, but Science students are not permitted to take any second year
level courses until they have obtained at least six semester-courses of first year level courses, and
they are not allowed to take any third year courses until they have obtained at least ten semester-
courses. And, fairly obviously, one cannot take any second or third year level course without having
obtained the prerequisite first or second year level courses in that subject.

I studied at another university before coming to Rhodes, and passed some courses
there. Can I get credits for them towards my Rhodes degree?
Most departments at Rhodes are prepared to recommend that a student get credits for at least some
first year courses passed elsewhere, provided that the course is also offered at Rhodes, and is
deemed to cover essentially the same material as the Rhodes course, and at the same sort of level.
You are unlikely to be granted a credits in Astronomy or Archaeology, for example, but you might
well be allowed to count a UNISA or UCT credits in Chemistry or Mathematics. Finally, for a Rhodes
degree to be earned, at least half of the semester-courses (including the major subjects) must have
been earned at Rhodes University.

56
How do I find out what textbooks I shall need?
Most departments issue a list of these, display a list on their notice board, or announce them during
the first lectures of a course. Don't rely on what other students tell you - the advice may be out of
date, since textbooks change from year to year.

Where do I buy textbooks?

The best-known bookseller in Grahamstown that carries stocks of new Rhodes textbooks is Van
Schaik Bookstore, just down the High Street from the Drostdy Arch. Sometimes you can buy
second-hand textbooks from students who took the course in previous years, or from other
booksellers like Fables, but do make sure that you get up-to-date books and editions!

Do I need to have my own computer to do a BSc (and in particular to do Computer

Science or Information Systems)?
While it is useful to have your own one, it is not necessary. Rhodes has particularly good computer
facilities, available to students around the clock. If you do acquire your own computer, try to make
sure that it is compatible with one on campus.

Do I have to pay extra to use the computer facilities?

Students registered for Computer Science and Information Systems pay a small additional levy to
provide funds to keep their laboratories at the cutting edge. The levy simply forms an extra part of
their student fee for the year. While access to computers, to e-mail, to the World Wide Web, and to
the news groups is free to all students, you will have to pay a small amount per page to use laser
printers if you want to produce high quality printouts of essays. (Contact the Student Bureau for
details of how to debit this to your student account.)

How do I get to start using the university's computers?

Almost immediately you complete your registration you will become a registered user of the systems,
and be issued with an email address and a password.

Can I get help in learning to use a computer?

Introduction to ICT (CSC 1L1) is an in-depth literacy course that many students find useful - and it
earns them credits.

Are there any restrictions on what I may do on the university's computers?

Naturally there are. You may not, for example, raid the files of other students, send obscene
messages to the VC or even to the Dean, pretend to be anybody but yourself, make money by
running systems on the university computers, or play games on the machines. These conditions are
all explained in detail at http://www.ru.ac.za/aup.

I hear I can connect my own computer to the network. How do I do this?

The University offers a service called Student Networking details of which can be found at
http://www.ru.ac.za/studentnetworking.

57
Still feeling lost?

I am having trouble adjusting to University life. Who can help me?

The Dean, Deputy Deans and Faculty Administrative Officer are all available to discuss problems
with you. They are equipped to help with academic problems and although not trained counsellors,
can listen to other problems. In addition for career guidance, see the Career Advisor. If you are
having social or personal problems, make an appointment to see your warden, or the counsellors in
the Counselling Centre. The SRC (Students' Representative Council) publishes an extremely valuable
"Student Services Booklet" detailing where to find help on travel, medical care, psychological
problems, financial aid, legal problems, security, and harassment. If you haven't yet done so, get a
copy and use it!

58
USEFUL CONTACT ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Dean of Science: Professor Tony Booth, Schönland Building, Botany Department

Phone: (046) 603-7232 e-mail: dean.science @ru.ac.za

Deputy Dean of Science: Professor Jo Dames, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology; e-mail:
[email protected]

Deputy Dean of Science: Mrs Joyce Sewry, Department of Chemistry; e-mail: [email protected]

Faculty Administrative Officer: Ms Lusanda Klaas, Schönland Building, Botany Department

Phone: (046) 603-7232 e-mail: [email protected]

Science Extended Studies Programme Coordinator: Dr Karen Ellery: ADC

Phone: (046) 603-8864 FAX: (046) 622-8587 e-mail: [email protected]

Manager, Academic Administration: Contact Registrar's Division

Phone: (046) 603-8219 FAX: (046) 603-8127 e-mail: [email protected]

Registrar: Dr Adele Moodly, Registrar's Division

Phone: (046) 603-8101 FAX: (046) 603-8127 e-mail: [email protected]

Admissions Officer: Mrs Desiree Wicks, Registrar's Division

Phone: (046) 603-8276 FAX: (046) 603-8300 e-mail: [email protected]

Counselling Centre: Ms Christine Lewis. 046 603-7070; http://www.ru.ac.za/counsellingcentre

e-mail: [email protected]

Financial Aid Administrator, Registrar's Division

Phone: (046) 603-8248 FAX: (046) 603-8300 e-mail: [email protected]

Student Careers Adviser: Ms Christine Lewis, Careers Centre

Phone: (046) 603-8180 FAX: (046) 603-8197 e-mail: [email protected]

Director: Student Affairs: Ms Nomangwane Mrwetyana, Phone: (046) 603-8181 email:

[email protected]

SciFest: http://www.scifest.org.za

If you have Internet access: visit the University Home Page: http://www.ru.ac.za

Visit the Science Faculty WWW Home Pages at: http://www.ru.ac.za/facultyofscience

For further information on any particular subject, please write a letter or email to "The Dean of
Science" or to "The Head of Department" of that subject, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140.

59
SCIFEST 2020 - THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FESTIVAL

http://www.scifest.org.za/
As Science students at Rhodes University you are indeed fortunate. Not only do you have the
privilege of going to hear some of the best lecturers in the country every day as you take our degree
courses, you have the opportunity once a year of spending a week listening to some of the best
lecturers in the world!

The Science Festival, which is now in its 24nd year, is a week-long, spectacular collection of
lectures, demonstrations, workshops, exhibitions, quizzes, films, sunset shows and much more will
take place on your doorstep in March. Many of the events are held on campus or in the Museums
near Eden Grove; many others are held in the Settlers' Monument.

While it may be difficult to fit in lectures or a visit to the Monument around your other study
commitments, we strongly encourage you to try and get to one or two of the special lectures.

With more than 500 events there is something of interest for everyone. More importantly, all these
folk share the ability to explain what they do, and are fired up with enthusiasm to encourage us all
to take a new look at the world around us.

You can find out more about SciFest 2020 from many sources - watch out for the posters that will
soon start to appear, and look for the press releases in our local papers and the (free) Festival
newspaper, SciCue, produced by our Journalism department.

Don't miss SciFest!

60
SUMMARY OF SUBJECTS OFFERED AS MAJORS IN THE BSC AND BSC (INFSYS) DEGREES

This summary is intended to give the essence of the relationships between courses offered at various levels in the subjects that can be taken for the BSc and BScS degrees.
Where an aggregated course can be obtained by achieving an average mark of at least 50% in the two related semester-courses, this is shown in the row denoted
Aggregated, and the subminima that must be obtained in each component are shown in the row marked Agg sub-min. The sub-minimum needed before the Department
will recommend that a student may write a supplementary examination is shown in the row marked Supp sub-min. The row marked Prerequisite shows what other courses
offered in the same department must have been passed before you may register for a particular course. Other (ancillary) prerequisites may be found summarized on page
17.

NOTE: FULL DETAILS OF ALL SUBMINIMA AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS, INCLUDING SUBMINIMA FOR INDIVIDUAL PAPERS CAN BE FOUND IN THE CALENDAR
WHICH CONTAINS THE OFFICIAL SET OF RULES. ONCE YOU HAVE REGISTERED FOR SUBJECTS YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO MAKE YOURSELF FAMILIAR WITH
ALL THE RULES.

Accounting
is a subject in which two semester-courses at each level are needed to continue to the next level. Both parts of the first year course must be passed
before you may proceed to second year, and both parts of the second year course must be passed before you may proceed to third year. Accounting 3
is not semesterised. Accounting 112 is an alternative to Accounting 102 for students who do not wish to continue to Accounting 2.
Accounting 1 Accounting 2 Accounting 3 Accounting 1F/1G
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Full year course Year 1 Year 2
Courses ACC 101 ACC 102/112 ACC 201 ACC 202 ACC 3 not semesterized Sem 1
Aggregated ACC 1 ACC 2 No ACC 1F ACC 1G
Aggregated sub-minimum 40% 40% 45% 45% N/A ACC 1F + ACC 1G = ACC
Supplementary sub-minimum 35% 45% 45% 45% 45% 1
Prerequisite ACC 101 35% ACC 101 50% ACC 201 35% ACC 201 50%
ACC 102 50% ACC 202 50% 45% 45%
ACR ACC 1 ACR ACC2 ACC 1F 50%

61
Biochemistry
is a subject in which two semester- courses at one level are needed before you may continue to the next level. Credit in Chemistry 1 is required before
you may register for Biochemistry 2.
Biochemistry 2 Biochemistry 3
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2
Courses BCH 201 BCH 202 BCH 301 BCH 302
Aggregated BCH 2 BCH 3
Aggregated sub-minimum 40% 40% 40% 40%
Supplementary sub-minimum No supps No supps No supps No supps
Prerequisite BCH 201 40% BCH 2 50% BCH 301 40%

Botany
is a subject in which two semester- courses at one level are needed before you may continue to the next level. Prerequisites for majoring in Botany are
Cell Biology 101, Botany 102, Zoology 102 and Chemistry 1. Cell Biology 101 and Botany 102 (or an aggregate credit for Botany 1) are required
before you may register for Botany 2. Students are required to obtain at least 40% for their theory examinations in order to obtain credit for Bot 201,
202, 301 or 302. CEL 101 acts as the first semester course for Botany 1 and for Zoology 1. Students who take both Botany 1 and Zoology 1 can
earn only 45 NQF credits from the combination CEL 101 + BOT 102 + ZOO 102; such students are required to take extra NQF credits in another
subject to make up the total needed for a degree.
Botany 1 Botany 2 Botany 3
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2
Courses CEL 101 BOT 102 BOT 201 BOT 202 BOT 301 BOT 302
Aggregated BOT 1 BOT 2 BOT 3
Aggregated sub-minimum 45% 45% 45% 45% 45% 45%
Supplementary sub-minimum 35% 45% No supps No supps No supps No supps
Prerequisite CEL 101 35% CEL 101 50% BOT 201 40% BOT 2 50% BOT 301
BOT 102 50% 40%
ACR BOT 1

62
Chemistry
is a subject in which two semester- courses at one level are needed before you may continue to the next level. Students who get from 20% to 39% in
THEORY for June in their first year are transferred to Chem 1R1, rewrite Chem 1R1 in November and, if successful, continue with Chem 1R2 in the
first semester of the next year to write Chem 1R2 in June. Those failing Chem 1R2 in June move into Chem 102 in July. Two ancillary semester-
courses, normally comprised of one full first year course in any of Physics, Maths, Computer Science or Statistics is required for a student to major in
Chemistry.
Chemistry 1 Chemistry 2 Chemistry 3 Chemistry 1R
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2
Courses CHE 101 CHE 102 CHE 201 CHE 202 CHE 301 CHE 302 CHE 1R2 CHE 1R1
Aggregated CHE 1 CHE 2 CHE 3 No No
Aggregated sub-minimum 40% theory & 40% theory & 40% theory 40% theory 40% theory 40% theory
45% CHE 101 45% CHE 102
Supplementary sub-minimum 40% theory 40% theory No supps No supps No supps No supps No supps No supps
Prerequisite CHE 101 theory CHE 1 50% CHE 1 50% CHE 2 50% CHE 2 50% CHE 1R1 CHE 101 20%
paper 40 % 50%

Computer Science
is a subject in which two semester- courses at one level are needed before you may continue to the next level. One of MAM 101 or MAM 1 or MAT
1S1 or STA 1S1 or STA 1C2 or MST 102 is required for a student to major in Computer Science. CSC 303 is an optional extra semester courses, it
does not replace either CSC 301 or CSC 302.
Computer Science 1 Computer Science 2 Computer Science 3 Introduction to CSC 112 CSC 303
ICT
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester Op. extra
Courses CSC 101 CSC 102 CSC 201 CSC 202 CSC 301 CSC 302 CSC 1L 2
Aggregated CSC 1 (NCR) CSC 2 CSC 3 No CSC112 CSC 303
Aggregated sub-minimum 40% 40% 40% 40% 40% 40% N/A No No
Supplementary sub-minimum 40% 40% No supps No supps No supps No supps 35% N/A N/A
Prerequisite CSC 101 40% CSC 101 50% CSC 201 CSC 2 50% CSC 2 50% 35% No supps
in same year CSC 102 50% 40% CSC 201
OR credit for Must be in
CSC 101 3rd year

63
Economics
is a subject in which the equivalent of two semester- courses at one level are needed before you may continue to the next level. Economics 3 is
subdivided further; students have to register for a choice of topics.
Economics 1 Economics 2 Economics 3
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1
Courses ECO 101 ECO 102 ECO 202 ECO 201 Semester 2
Aggregated ECO 1 ECO 2 Choice of 4 topics
Aggregated sub-minimum 40% 40% 45% 45% ECO 3
Supplementary sub-minimum 35% 45% 45% 45% No module under 40%
Prerequisite ECO 1 50% 45% 45%
ECO 2 50% ECO 2
50%

Entomology
is a subject in which two semester- courses at one level are needed before you may continue to the next level. Prerequisites for majoring in
Entomology are Cell Biology 101, Botany 102, Zoology 102 and Chemistry 1. Cell Biology 101 and Zoology 102 (or an aggregate credit for Zoology
1) are required before you may register for Entomology 2.
Entomology 2 Entomology 3
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2
Courses ENT 202 ENT 201 ENT 302 ENT 301
Aggregated ENT 2 ENT 3
Aggregated sub-minimum 45% 45% 45% 45%
Supplementary sub-minimum No supps No supps No supps No supps
Prerequisite CEL 101 50% ENT 202 40% ENT 2 50% ENT 302 45%
ZOO 102 50%
ACR ZOO 1

64
Environmental Science
is a two-year major subject. Geography 1 and either Anthropology 1, Botany 1, Economics 1, Geology 1 or Zoology 1 are required before a student
may start ENV 2. For each semester, there is a subminimum mark of 35% for the both the class record and for each exam. Students getting less
than 35% will get an FSM, will not earn any NQF credits and will not be able to aggregate with a mark for the other semester.
Environmental Science 2 Environmental Science 3
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2
Courses ENV 201 ENV 202 ENV 301 ENV 302
Aggregated ENV 2 ENV 2 ENV 3 ENV 3
Aggregated sub-minimum 40% 40% 40% 40%
Supplementary sub-minimum No supps No supps No supps No supps
Prerequisite See above ENV 201 40% ENV 2 ENV 301 40%

Geography
is a subject in which NQF credits in part of a year are needed before you may continue to the matching part in the next level. Both second year
semesters are normally needed before you may enrol for Geography 3 as a major subject. For each semester, there is an overall subminimum AND
subminima for the class record and the exams which is the same as the overall subminimum. Students getting less than 40% in either of the exams
OR the class record will get an FSM irrespective of the final mark, will not earn any NQF credits, will not be able to aggregate with a mark for the
other semester and will not get a supp.

EAR 101 acts as the first semester course for Geography 1 and for Geology 1.
Geography 1 Geography 2 Geography 3
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2
Courses EAR 101 GOG 102 GOG 201 GOG 202 GOG 301 GOG 302
Aggregated GOG 1 GOG 2 GOG 3
Aggregated sub-minimum 40% 40% 40% 40% 45% 45%
Supplementary sub-minimum 35% 40% No supps No supps No supps No supps
Prerequisite EAR 101 35% EAR101 50% EAR 101 50% GOG 201 50% GOG 201 50%
OR, a pass in GOG 102 50% GOG102 50% GOG 202 50% GOG 202 50%
matric (OR GOG 1 (OR GOG1
geography or 60%) 60%)
equivalent

65
Geology
is a subject in which NQF credits in only part of a year (but preferably both) are needed before you may continue to the next level. Chemistry 101 and
one other semester credit in Chemistry, Maths or Physics is required for a student to major in Geology. Students are ENCOURAGED to take a full
year of Chemistry 1 in their first year.
Geology 1 Geology 2 Geology 3
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2
Courses EAR 101 GLG 102 GLG 201 GLG 202 GLG 301 GLG 302
Aggregated GLG 1 GLG 2 GLG 3
Aggregated sub-minimum 40% 40% 40% 40% 40% 40%
Supplementary sub-minimum 35% 45% No supps No supps No supps No supps
Prerequisite EAR 101 35% and GLG 1 50% GLG 201 GLG 2 OR credit in either GLG 201 GLG 301
met the Has at least or 202 and adequate performance
subminimum attended CHE 101 in the other AND credit in at least
requirements for CHE 101 and/or CHE 102 or a
both theory and credit in maths or physics.
practical papers

Human Kinetics and Ergonomics

is a subject in which two semester-courses at one level are needed before you may continue to the next level.
Human Kinetics & Ergonomics 1 Human Kinetics & Ergonomics 2 Human Kinetics & Ergonomics 3
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2
Courses HKE 101 HKE 102 HKE 201 HKE 202 HKE 301 HKE 302
Aggregated HKE 1 HKE 2 HKE 3
Aggregated sub-minimum 40% 40% 40% 40% 40% 40%
Supplementary sub-minimum 40% 40% No supps No supps No supps No supps
Prerequisite HKE 101 40% HKE 1 50% HKE 201 40% HKE 2 50%

66
Ichthyology
is a subject in which two semester-courses at one level are needed before you may continue to the next level. Prerequisites for majoring in Ichthyology
are Cell Biology 101, Zoology 101, Botany 102, Chemistry 1 and two semester courses of Maths, Theory of Finance, Computer Science (not CSC 1L)
or Statistics. Cell Biology 101 and Zoology 101 (or an aggregate credit for Zoology 1) are required before you may register for Ichthyology 2.
Ichthyology 2 Ichthyology 3
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2
Courses ICH 201 ICH 202 ICH 301 ICH 302
Aggregated ICH 2 ICH 3
Aggregated sub-minimum 40% 40% 40% 40%
Supplementary sub-minimum No supps No supps No supps No supps
Prerequisite CEL 101 50% ICH 201 40% ICH 201 50% ICH 301 40%
ZOO 102 50% ICH 202 50%
ACR ZOO 1

Information Systems
is a subject in which both semester- courses at one level are needed before you may continue to the next level. Introduction to Information Systems
(CSC 112) is required before you may register for Information Systems 2. Aggregated passes require an overall subminimum of 45% in the course
failed, with further subminima of 40% for each of theory and practicals. INF 203 is an alternative to INF 202 that can be taken by BCom students,
but not by BSc students.
Information Systems 2 Information Systems 3
Semester 1 Semester Semester 1 Semester 2
Courses 2 INF 301 INF 302
Aggregated INF 201 INF 202 INF 3
Aggregated sub-minimum INF 2 40% both theory & pracs
Supplementary sub-minimum 40% both theory & pracs No supps No supps
Prerequisite No supps No supps INF 201 50% INF 301 INF 202
CSC 112 and INF 201 50% or
40% INF 2 ACR
Must be in
2nd year

67
Journalism
is not semesterised. Journalism 1, 2 and 3 are 2-credit courses.

Legal Theory
Legal Theory 1 consists of two one-semester courses, Introduction to Law (first semester) and Foundations of Law (second semester). Legal Theory 2
consists of four one semester courses (Legal Interpretation and Constitutional Law A in the first semester, and Constitutional Law B and Customary
Law in the second semester). There are six one semester courses in Legal Theory 3 (Law of Persons, Law of Property A and Law of Contract A in the
first semester, and Law of Life Partnerships, Law of Property B and Law of Contract B in the second).

Management
is a subject in which both semester-courses at one level are needed before you may continue to the next level. Both parts of the first year course must
be passed before you may proceed to second year, and all parts of the second year course must be passed before you may proceed to third year. You
must have Accounting 1 to proceed with MAN 2, and ECO 1, MAM 1 or TOF 1C1 and STA 1C2 to proceed with MAN 3.

(NOTE: the prerequisites required to major in MAN makes it difficult to include as a major subject in a BSc)
Management 1 Management 2 Management 3
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2
Courses MAN 101 MAN 102 MAN 212+214 MAN MAN MAN
Aggregated MAN 1 MAN 2 211+213 311+313 314+312
Aggregated sub-minimum 45% 45% 40%/45%* MAN 3 MAN3
Supplementary sub-minimum 35% 45% 45% 40%/45%* 40%/45%* 40%/45%*
Prerequisite MAN 101 MAN 1 50% 45% 45% 45%
35% in that ACC1 MAN 1 50% MAN 2 50%
year ACC 1 ECO1, MAT1
OR TOF 1C1
AND STA 1C2

Aggregation of modular papers is permitted for MAN2 and MAN3 provided that the papers constituting the semester for each year are read in the
same year and that a subminimum of 45% is obtained for at least two papers with credits being obtained for the remaining two papers; OR that a
sub-minimum of 40% is obtained for one paper with credits obtained for the remaining three papers.

68
Mathematics
is a subject in which two semester-credits at one level are needed before you may continue to the next level. Students who perform poorly in the first
semester of MAM 1 may be required to attend a remedial programme that will help them improve their performance. Mathematics 1F is an Extended
Studies Programme course open to students who have taken mathematical literacy on the NSC or Standard Grade maths at matric level. MAM 1 is
the prerequisite for MAM 2.

NOTE: Normally, students who have taken Mathematical Literacy on the NSC will not be allowed to register for Maths 1 or MAT 1S1 BUT can take
MAT 1F

Maths & Applied Maths 1 Maths & Applied Maths 2 Maths 3 Applied maths 3
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2
Courses MAM 101 MAM 102 MAM 201 MAM 202 MAT 301 MAT 302 MAP 301 MAP 302
Aggregated MAM 1 MAM 2 MAT 3 MAP 3
Aggregated sub-minimum 40% 40% 40% 40% 40% 40% 40% 40%
Supplementary sub-minimum 40% 40% No supps No supps No supps No supps No supps No supps
Prerequisite See note MAM 101 MAM 1 55% MAM 201 MAM 2 50% MAM 2 50% MAM 2 50% MAM 2 50%
above 40% 40%
Maths 1F Single Service Courses
Full year course Semester 1 Semester 1
Courses MAT 1F MAT 1S1 TOF 1C1
Aggregated No No
Aggregated sub-minimum N/A No N/A
Supplementary sub-minimum 45% 40% 35%
Prerequisite See note above See note
above

NOTE: The third year maths modules now have individual codes. It is essential that students register correctly for the modules of
their choice.

69
Microbiology
is a subject in which two semester-courses at one level are needed before you may continue to the next level. Chemistry 1, and Cell Biology 101 (or
an aggregate pass in BOT 1 or ZOO 1) are required before you may register for Microbiology 2.
Microbiology 2 Microbiology 3
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2
Courses MIC 201 MIC 202 MIC 301 MIC 302
Aggregated MIC 2 MIC 3
Aggregated sub-minimum 40% 40% 40% 40%
Supplementary sub-minimum No supps No supps No supps No supps
Prerequisite CEL 101 50% MIC 201 MIC 2 50% MIC 301 40%
or 40%
ACR BOT 1/ZOO 1

Music
Except for Ethnomusicology 1 and Music, Health and the Brain (MHB), courses are not semesterised. Various options are available at each level in
Music, Ethnomusicology, and Instrumental Music Studies. These options will be explained to students on registration.

Physics
is a subject in which two semester- courses at one level are needed before you may continue to the next level. A prerequisite to register for Physics 2
is Mathematics 1. To major in Physics with Electronics you are required to obtain Maths & Applied Maths 2, including the modules in Advanced
Calculus and Linear Algebra. Physics 1E1 (Elementary Physics for Pharmacy) and 1E2 (Electronics Literacy) can be taken as independent courses.
Physics 1 Physics 2 Physics 3 Physics 1E
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2
Courses PHY 101 PHY 102 PHY 201 PHY 202 PHY 301 PHY 302 PHY 1E1 PHY 1E2
Aggregated PHY 1 PHY 2 PHY 3
Aggregated sub-minimum 40% 45% 40% 45% 40% 45% 40% 45%
Supplementary sub-minimum 40% 45% No supps No supps No supps No supps 40% 45%
Prerequisite PHY 101 40% or PHY 1 50% PHY 201 50% PHY 2 50% PHY 301 40%
PHY 1E1 70%

70
Psychology / Organizational Psychology
Psychology 1 is a semesterized course; neither are Psychology 2, Psychology 3, Organizational Psychology 2 or Organizational Psychology 3.
Organizational Psychology 2 and 3 are two-semester courses, which have Psychology 1 as a prerequisite.

Statistics (Mathematical Statistics)

is a subject in which three semester- courses at one level are needed before you may continue to the next level. Mathematics and Applied
Mathematics 1 and Mathematical Statistics 102 are required for a student to major in Mathematical Statistics or Applied Statistics. Grade 12
Mathematics is required before you may register for first year Statistics courses. Note that Maths 1 and MST 102 are prerequisites for MST 201 and
not STA 1S1 or STA 1C2.
Statistics for Science and
Commerce
Courses Semester 1 Semester 2
Aggregated STA 1S1 STA 1C2
Aggregated sub-minimum N/A N/A
Supplementary sub-minimum
Prerequisite 35% 45%
Maths Stats 1 Maths Stats 2 Maths Stats 3 Applied Stats 3 (not in 2020)
Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2
Courses MST 102 MST 201 MST 202 MST 301 MST 302 AST 301 AST 302
Aggregated MST 2 MST 3 AST 3
Aggregated sub-minimum 40% 40% 40% 40% 40% 40% 40%
Supplementary sub-minimum 45% No supps No supps No supps No supps No supps No supps
Prerequisite See note MST 201 MST 2 >60% MST 301 MST 2 50% MST 301 35%
above 35% and see note 35%
above

NOTE. Students must pass MST 2 with an aggregate mark of 60% or more to enter MST 3.

71
Zoology
is a subject in which two semester- courses at one level are needed before you may continue to the next level. Prerequisites for majoring in Zoology
are Cell Biology 101, Botany 102, Zoology 102 and Chemistry 1. Cell Biology 101 and Zoology 102 (or an aggregate credit for Zoology 1) are
required before you may register for Zoology 2.
Zoology 1 Zoology 2 Zoology 3
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2
Courses CEL 101 ZOO 102 ZOO 201 ZOO 202 ZOO 301 ZOO 302
Aggregated ZOO 1 ZOO 2 ZOO 3
Aggregated sub-minimum 45% 45% 45% 45% 45% 45%
Supplementary sub-minimum 35% 45% No supps No supps NO supps No supps
Prerequisite CEL 101 35% CEL 101 50% ZOO 201 40% ZOO 2 50% ZOO 301 40%
ZOO 102 50%
ACR ZOO 1

72