Purpose and Rationale

Purpose and Rationale of the Qualification

The Bachelor's Degree in Mathematical Sciences aims to achieve the following objectives:

Broad Knowledge: Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of mathematical sciences, equipping them with the necessary skills to pursue research in this field.
Specialised Study: Offer specialised study options to prepare students for further education at the Master's Degree level, allowing them to delve deeper into specific areas of interest within the mathematical sciences.
National Resource: Contribute to the development of a highly skilled workforce by increasing the number of individuals with a higher qualification in the mathematical sciences, addressing the national scarcity of such expertise.
Comprehensive Education: Provide students not pursuing further studies with a well-rounded education in mathematical sciences that is applicable in both societal and professional settings, enabling them to succeed in various roles in society and the workplace.

Outcomes

Understand the place and the importance of the sciences in human endeavour.

Understand the level of expertise that has been achieved by completing the present program of study.

Know about and be able to expertly utilise the sources of knowledge.

Be able to communicate about scientific matters both in writing and verbally in a precise and coherent way.

Realise the importance of understanding the problems to which the expertise is to be applied.

Have a basic knowledge of the philosophy and ethics of science.

Have some experience of working in a small team. General outcomes:

Have an in-depth knowledge of the nature of the mathematical sciences, especially their dependence on logical deduction and proof.

Have learned to appreciate and to practice precision and economy of expression and thought, which are hallmarks of the mathematical sciences.

Have a broad and relatively deep knowledge of one of the mathematical sciences, including recent developments, to the point where research could begin.

Have acquired skill and facility in following complex formal arguments, and be able to devise intermediate level proofs and arguments independently.

Be familiar with and have considerable experience in applications of the mathematical sciences in a variety of fields, ranging from the natural through the engineering to the economic sciences.

Have acquired modelling skills which can be applied in a variety of complex situations.

Have learned to understand complex systems and the process of building complex systems. Specific outcomes: The Bachelor of Science Honours (BSc Hons) in Actuarial Science graduate will have:

Demonstrated understanding at an advanced level of the concepts, principles and practice of life and short term assurance, pension funds, institutional investments and actuarial statistics. The BSc Hons in Applied Mathematics graduate will have:

Demonstrated acquisition of advanced mathematical skills (both theoretical and computational) that will enable the student of model, analyse and solve typical problems that appear in industry, research, or the academic environment. The BSc Hons in Computer Science graduate will have:

Demonstrated the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge and expertise to either carry on with a Master's Degree in Computer Science, or to follow a career in Information Technology in business or industry. The BSc Hons in Mathematical Statistics Graduate will have:

Demonstrated understanding at an advanced level of the probabilistic and stochastic nature of many real-world systems, and mastered various procedures for dealing with the uncertainty in modelling such systems. The BSc Hons in Mathematical Statistics (Actuarial) graduate will have:

Demonstrated understanding at an advanced level of the concepts, principles and practice of life and short term assurance, pension funds, institutional investments and actuarial statistics.

Mastered advanced level higher mathematics, including analysis and algebra.

Acquired familiarity with computer packages to assist in modelling various practical scenarios. The BSc Hons in Numerical Mathematics graduate will have:

Mastered advanced level numerical analysis techniques.

Acquired modelling and computational skills using computer packages. The BSc Hons in Operational analysis graduate will have:

Demonstrated understanding at an advanced level of operational research principles and procedures, including mathematical programming, stochastic processes, simulation, inventory control and production management. The BSc Hons in Physical and Mathematical Analysis graduate will have:

A generalist knowledge of theoretical foundation of numerical and algorithmic techniques.

First experiences in applying thee in academic and industrial environments.

Taken first steps in working in an interdisciplinary team.

Acquired skills needed in the technical and scientific job market.

Built a platform on which either industrial or academic careers can be developed.

Assessment Criteria

Integrated Assessment Criteria:

Assessment Standard and Level: The assessment used must meet the standard and level of achievement for Level 7.
Comprehensive Battery of Assignments:
- Assignments
- Exercises
- Seminars
- Projects
- Class debates and discussions
- Written tasks
- Written tests
- Written examinations
Demonstration of Outcomes:
- The assessment methods used should demonstrate the existence and assess the quality of all outcomes.
Integrated Assessment:
- The assessments for the honours degree are considered integrated assessments for the entire study.
- Knowledge and expertise from previous years are essential for successful study at any level.
Major Project Requirement:
- Completion of at least one major project, either practical or theoretical in nature.
- Projects can be done individually or in small teams.
- Presentation of both written and oral reports on the project work is mandatory.

Qualification Details

Type

Honours Degree

NQF Level

Min. Credits

120

SAQA Source

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Bachelor of Science Honours in Mathematics