Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Mathematics

Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification is to equip a student with further scientific knowledge with the emphasis on Numerical Analysis, Partial Differential Equations, Control Theory and Optimization and Mathematical Modelling. Expertise knowledge at the forefront of the field will enable innovative problem-solving from a value-driven perspective, continued personal intellectual development, value-added economic activity, and rewarding contributions to the community.

Students will be equipped to understand the complexities of various research methods, methodologies, and skills to select, apply and transfer appropriate procedures, processes, and techniques to solve unfamiliar and abstract problems. The qualification will also equip students with the tools necessary for them to enter a path to be professional academic scientists in their particular disciplines, namely (industrial) applied mathematicians and teachers following careers at institutions like the CSIR, MRC, MINTEK, ESKOM, SASOL, SABS, DENEL, AECI, Mittal Steel SA, NECSA, Mining (e.g., gold, platinum, coal, etc.), Financial institutions (e.g., ABSA, SANLAM, OLD MUTUAL, etc.), SABC, and Higher educational institutions.

Concerning information, the students will learn to critically review the information gathering process and to synthesize data and develop creative responses to problems and issues. Most South African Universities insist on a BSc Honours level qualification as the minimum entry level for further postgraduate study; therefore, a further purpose of the qualification is to stimulate and prepare students for further academic study and research by the provision of the required knowledge, skills, and insight to develop as researchers on a high academic level.

Rationale:

It is widely accepted that South Africa has a shortage of well-trained, critically thinking scientists in the fields of the natural sciences, capable of proceeding towards independent, high-quality research. This qualification is aimed at providing South Africa with significant numbers of graduates in the natural sciences who are able to undertake advanced research under the guidance of an expert through the acquisition of the necessary research skills and tools in the specific field of Applied Mathematics. These young scientists will ensure the broadening of the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity.

The second rationale of this qualification is to provide students with the necessary knowledge, specific skills, applied competence, and professional attitude in the field of Applied Mathematics to utilize the opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, and rewarding contributions to society.