Faculty of Science Dean: Prof L Warnich BScHons, PhD (Stellenbosch) CALENDAR 2015 PART 5
CALENDAR 1. Amendments, Liability and Accuracy 1.1. In this publication any expression signifying one of the genders includes the other gender equally, unless inconsistent with the context. 1.2. The University reserves the right to amend the Calendar parts at any time. 1.3. The Council and Senate of the University accept no liability for any inaccuracies there may be in the Calendar parts. 1.4. Every reasonable care has been taken, however, to ensure that the relevant information to hand as at the time of going to press is given fully and accurately in the Calendar parts. 2. Where do I find the printed versions of the Calendar parts? 2.1. The printed versions of the Calendar parts can be obtained at the Help Desk in the Admin A Building. 2.2. Afrikaans (Part 1 to 12) and English copies of the individual parts are available. 3. Where do I find the electronic versions of the Calendar parts? 3.1. The electronic versions of the Calendar parts can be obtained at www.sun.ac.za/calendar. 4. The division of the Calendar 4.1. The Calendar is divided into 13 parts. 4.2. Part 1, 2 and 3 of the Calendar contains general information applicable to all students. Students are urged to take note especially of the content of the provisions in Part 1 of the Calendar applicable to them. 4.3. Part 4 to 13 of the Calendar are the faculty Calendar parts. Part Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Calendar General Bursaries and Loans Student Fees Arts and Social Sciences Science Education AgriSciences Law Theology Economic and Management Sciences Engineering Medicine and Health Sciences Military Science
Table of Contents How to use this Calendar Part... 1 General Information... 4 1. The Faculty of Science... 4 1.1 History, structure and mission... 4 1.2 Teaching, research and service-rendering... 5 2. How to communicate with the Faculty... 5 3. How to communicate with the University... 7 4. Language Policy and Plan... 7 4.1 The Faculty s implementation of the SU language policy... 8 5. Information for Students... 9 5.1 Qualifications offered... 9 5.1.1 Structure of the BSc degree... 9 5.1.2 Three-year BSc degrees... 9 5.2 Provisions relating to examinations and promotions... 10 5.2.1 Students with credits in arrears... 11 5.2.2 Standing rules for Dean's Concession Examinations (DCEs)... 11 Undergraduate Programmes... 12 Admission Requirements for the BSc... 12 Admission Requirements for the BSc (Extended Degree Programmes)... 13 Summary of undergraduate programmes and Admission requirements per programme... 14 First-year Curricula for the BSc Programmes... 16 First-year Curriculum for BSc (Extended Degree Programmes)... 17 Programme Curricula for BSc... 18 1. Programmes in the Biological Sciences... 18 1.1 Biodiversity and Ecology... 18 1.2 Molecular Biology and Biotechnology... 19 1.3 Human Life Sciences... 21 1.3.1 Stream: Biology... 21 1.3.2 Stream: Biology with Psychology... 22 1.4 Sport Science... 23 2. Programmes in the Physical Sciences... 25 2.1 Chemistry... 25 2.1.1 Stream: Chemistry and Polymer Science... 25 2.1.2 Stream: Chemical Biology... 27 2.1.3 Stream: Textile and Polymer Science... 28 2.2 Physics... 30 2.2.1 Streams: Laser Physics (Physical), Nuclear Physics, Radiation and Health Physics... 30 2.2.2 Stream: Laser Physics (Biological)... 32 2.2.3 Stream: Theoretical Physics... 34 2.3 Earth Science... 35 2.4 Geo-Informatics... 37 3. Programme in the Mathematical Sciences... 38 3.1 Mathematical Sciences... 38
3.1.1 Stream: Financial Mathematics... 38 3.1.2 Stream: Computer Science... 40 3.1.3 Stream: Applied Mathematics... 43 3.1.4 Stream: Mathematics... 45 3.1.5 Stream: Mathematical Statistics... 48 3.1.6 Stream: Operations Research... 50 3.1.7.1 Stream: Biomathematics, Option 1: Molecular Biology... 53 3.1.7.2 Stream: Biomathematics, Option 2: Ecology... 54 Postgraduate Programmes... 56 Summary of Postgraduate Programmes... 56 BSc with Honours General Information... 57 MSc General Information... 58 PhD General Information... 59 DSc General Information... 59 Interruption of Master's and Doctoral Studies... 60 Conversion from Master's to Doctorate... 61 Postgraduate Programmes per Department... 62 DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY... 62 BScHons in Biochemistry... 62 MSc in Biochemistry... 62 PhD in Biochemistry... 63 DSc in Biochemistry... 63 DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY AND ZOOLOGY... 63 BScHons in Biodiversity and Ecology... 63 MSc in Botany... 65 PhD in Botany... 65 DSc in Botany... 65 MSc in Zoology... 66 PhD in Zoology... 66 DSc in Zoology... 66 DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND POLYMER SCIENCE... 66 BScHons in Chemistry... 66 MSc in Chemistry... 68 PhD in Chemistry... 68 DSc in Chemistry... 68 BScHons in Polymer Science... 68 MSc in Polymer Science... 70 PhD in Polymer Science... 70 DSc in Polymer Science... 71 DEPARTMENT OF EARTH SCIENCES... 71 BScHons in Earth Sciences... 71 MSc in Geology... 73 PhD in Geology... 73 DSc in Geology... 74 DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES... 74 BScHons in Mathematics... 74 MSc in Mathematics... 77
PhD in Mathematics... 77 DSc in Mathematics... 77 BScHons in Applied Mathematics... 78 MSc in Applied Mathematics... 79 PhD in Applied Mathematics... 79 DSc in Applied Mathematics... 79 BScHons in Computer Science... 79 MSc in Computer Science... 82 PhD in Computer Science... 83 DSc in Computer Science... 83 MSc (Mathematical Sciences) (AIMS)... 83 DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY... 85 BScHons in Microbiology... 85 MSc in Microbiology... 86 PhD in Microbiology... 86 DSc in Microbiology... 87 DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS... 87 BScHons in Physics... 87 MSc in Physics... 93 PhD in Physics... 93 DSc in Physics... 94 BScHons in Physical and Mathematical Analysis... 94 MSc in Physical and Mathematical Analysis... 95 PhD in Physical and Mathematical Analysis... 96 DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL SCIENCES... 96 BScHons (Physiological Sciences)... 96 MSc (Physiological Sciences)... 98 PhD (Physiological Sciences)... 99 DSc (Physiological Sciences)... 99 MSc in Exercise Science... 99 POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES IN OTHER FACULTIES... 101 FACULTY OF AGRISCIENCES... 101 MSc in Entomology... 101 PhD and DSc in Entomology... 101 BScHons in Genetics... 101 MSc in Genetics... 103 PhD in Genetics... 103 DSc in Genetics... 103 BScHons in Plant Biotechnology... 104 MSc in Plant Biotechnology... 106 PhD in Plant Biotechnology... 106 BScHons in Applied Plant Physiology... 107 BScHons in Plant Pathology... 107 BScHons in Wine Biotechnology... 109 MScAgric and MSc in Wine Biotechnology... 111 PhD and DSc in Wine Biotechnology... 111
FACULTY OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES... 111 BScHons in GeoInformatics... 111 MSc in GeoInformatics... 113 MSc in Geography and Environmental Studies... 114 PhD in Geography and Environmental Studies... 115 BScHons in Psychology... 116 MSc in Psychology... 118 PhD in Psychology... 118 MSc in Clinical Psychology and Community Counselling... 119 FACULTY OF ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES... 120 BScHons in Operations Research... 120 MCom and MSc in Operations Research Full Thesis option... 122 MCom and MSc in Operations Research Coursework and Assignment option... 122 MCom and MSc in Operations Research Coursework and Thesis option... 123 PhD in Operations Research... 124 BComHons and BScHons in Mathematical Statistics... 124 MCom and MSc in Mathematical Statistics Coursework and Thesis option (879)... 125 MCom and MSc in Mathematical Statistics Coursework and Assignment option (889)... 127 PhD in Mathematical Statistics... 128 FACULTY OF EDUCATION... 128 BScHons in Biokinetics... 129 BScHons in Sport Science (Performance Sport)... 130 BScHons in Sport Science (Kinderkinetics)... 131 MSc (Sport Science)... 132 Subjects, modules and module contents for undergraduate programmes... 133 Abbreviation and numbering system... 133 DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY... 136 DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY AND ZOOLOGY... 138 DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY AND POLYMER SCIENCE... 143 DEPARTMENT OF EARTH SCIENCES... 147 DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES... 151 Division: Mathematics... 151 Division: Applied Mathematics... 158 Division: Computer Science... 161 DEPARTMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY... 166 DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS... 167 DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL SCIENCES... 171 FACULTY OF AGRISCIENCES... 172 Department of Conservation Ecology and Entomology... 172 Department of Genetics... 172 Department of Soil Science... 175 FACULTY OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES... 175 Department of General Linguistics... 175 Department of Geography and Environmental Studies... 176 Department of Information Science... 179 Department of Music... 180
Department of Philosophy... 180 Department of Psychology... 181 FACULTY OF ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES... 182 School of Accounting... 182 Department of Business Management... 183 Department of Economics... 183 Department of Logistics... 184 Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science... 186 FACULTY OF EDUCATION... 191 Department of Sport Science... 191 FACULTY OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES... 194 Biomedical Sciences Division, Anatomy and Histology... 194 STUDENT AND ACADEMIC SUPPORT... 195 SU Language Centre... 195 Research and Service Bodies... 197 Alphabetical list of Undergraduate Subjects and Postgraduate Programmes... 202
How to use this Calendar Part Readers of the Calendar Part The information in this Calendar Part is intended for the following groups of readers: Prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students who are looking for information about the programmes of study offered by the Faculty Registered undergraduate and postgraduate students of Stellenbosch University who are looking for more information about the curriculums (combinations of subjects and modules) of specific programmes of study, as well as for other information related to their studies Teaching, administrative and management staff of Stellenbosch University who are required to keep abreast of the information contained herein to be able to fulfil their various functions. Any person who are not in one of the abovementioned groups, but who wish to use this Calendar Part as a source of information for any reason, is of course also more than welcome to do so. How to locate information Following are guidelines for finding information in the different chapters in this Calendar Part. Consult the table of contents for the page numbers of the chapters referred to below. Prospective undergraduate students Undergraduate Programmes chapter o Information on undergraduate programmes of study that are offered; o the minimum admission requirements for the different programmes of study; and o the subjects and modules that must be taken for the different programmes of study each year, with choices where applicable. Subjects, Modules and Module Contents chapter o An explanation of subjects as distinct from modules; o definitions of the language specifications of modules; o definitions of prerequisite pass, prerequisite and corequisite modules; and o an explanation of the different digits used for the numbering of modules in the Undergraduate Programmes chapter. General Information chapter o Information about the Language Policy of the University and the Faculty; o information about the process of enrolment management, which entails selection for admission to programmes of study; and o information about communication with the University, which includes an explanation of the concept student number and indicates applicable options for enquiries along with their contact details. 1
Index o An index of undergraduate subjects that can be taken in programmes of study of the Faculty (as these subjects appear in the Subjects, Modules and Module Contents chapter), appears in the back of this Calendar Part. Prospective postgraduate students Postgraduate Programmes chapter o Information on postgraduate programmes of study that are offered; o the minimum admission requirements for the different programmes of study; o information about specific closing dates for applications, and other relevant information, for example selection; and o the subjects and modules that must be taken for the different programmes of study each year, with choices where applicable. General Information chapter o Information about the Language Policy of the University and the Faculty; and o information about communication with the University, which includes an explanation of the concept student number and indicates applicable options for enquiries along with their contact details. Index o An index of postgraduate programmes of study appears in the back of this Calendar Part. Registered undergraduate students Undergraduate Programmes chapter o Information on undergraduate programmes of study that are offered; and o the subjects and modules that must be taken for the different programmes of study each year, with choices where applicable. Subjects, Modules and Module Contents chapter o An explanation of subjects as distinct from modules; o an explanation of the different digits used for the numbering of modules in the Undergraduate Programmes chapter; o the abbreviations and definitions used for the teaching loads of individual modules; o an indication at each module of what its teaching load is; o definitions of the language specifications of modules, as well as an indication at each module of what its language specification is; o the definitions of prerequisite pass, prerequisite and corequisite modules, as well as an indication at each module of which of the requisites apply to it, if any; and o the way in which individual modules are assessed, especially where a module is subject to continuous or flexible assessment. General Information chapter o The Faculty s policy on the granting of Dean s Concession Examinations to final-year students; 2
o o Index o information about the Language Policy of the University and the Faculty; and information about communication with the University, as well as applicable options for enquiries along with their contact details. An index of undergraduate subjects that can be taken in programmes of study of the Faculty (as these subjects appear in the Subjects, Modules and Module Contents chapter), appears in the back of this Calendar Part. Registered postgraduate students Postgraduate Programmes chapter o Information on postgraduate programmes of study that are offered; and o the subjects and modules that must be taken for the different programmes of study each year, with choices where applicable. Index o An index of postgraduate programmes of study appears in the back of this Calendar Part. Teaching, administrative and management staff Most of the information in this Calendar Part may be of value in the execution of your various duties. 3
General Information 1. THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE The Faculty of Science dates back to the first days of Stellenbosch University. Over the past decades it became a national and international role player in basic and applied research. Many of our teaching staff excel on international level or have been awarded with national accolades. They also play a leading role within their professional communities, i.e. in a management capacity in professional societies or by being involved in editorial work for various leading journals. 1.1 History, structure and mission This Faculty is the second oldest at the University. Its roots can be traced back to 1866, when courses in Mathematics and Physical Sciences were already part of the training offered at the former Stellenbossche Gymnasium. Since the independence of Stellenbosch University in 1918 and the establishment of the Faculty of Mathematics and Physical Science (in 1957 it was renamed the Faculty of Science) in the same year, a BSc degree has been offered. Since 2000 our study programmes are compiled in line with the Higher Education Criteria and Guidelines and structured in such a way that a student may obtain a BSc degree, an honours degree (BScHons), a master's degree (MSc) or a doctoral degree (PhD or DSc). The eight departments in the Faculty of Science are: Biochemistry; Botany and Zoology; Chemistry and Polymer Science; Earth Sciences; Mathematical Sciences (Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Computer Science); Microbiology; Physics; and Physiological Sciences. BSc degrees are offered with majors from these departments, as well as with majors from other faculties. These include Genetics, Operations Research, Psychology, Sport Science and Mathematical Statistics. In addition, service courses in Science are offered to students in the Faculties of AgriSciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and Health Sciences. The Faculty is housed in a number of buildings on the main campus, where teaching and postgraduate research are supported by ultra-modern technology and highly qualified and experienced staff. Scientists from the Faculty use advanced research equipment with success in their work. The equipment, which is managed by the University's Central Analytical Facility, includes a DNA sequencing unit, an amino acid analysis unit and a high resolution mass spectrometry unit. Extensive financial support from industry and other organisations makes it possible for research bodies to play a leading role with regard to basic and applied sciences on an international level. It also empowers the Faculty to support South African and international postgraduate students. In line with Stellenbosch University s Vision 2030 and the National Development Plan, the Faculty of Science is committed to positioning the University as a research-focused academic institution of excellence and a respected knowledge partner. Through quality research outputs the Faculty contributes towards building the scientific, technological and intellectual capacity of Africa, and is playing an active role in South Africa s development. The Faculty endeavours to make a substantial contribution to the National Development Plan s vision to increase the number of PhD graduates from the current 28 to 100 per million per year by 2030. 4
1.2 Teaching, research and service-rendering Teaching focuses on giving all students the opportunity to develop their full potential by using the most suitable methods of teaching and by cultivating a sound scientific attitude in students. The ideal is to shape graduates who are competitive and much sought after in the work environment and who can also function as independent thinkers. To ensure the undergraduate success rate, we established initiatives such as differentiated tutor support (to cater for struggling and outstanding students), parallel-medium instruction and interpreting services. Other initiatives, such as the increased integration of Information and Communication Technology into teaching and learning, were facilitated through a Teaching and learning Forum established by the vice-dean, Prof Ingrid Rewitzky, in 2012. The Faculty focuses increasingly on equipping students with the scientific, language and electronic communication skills needed to hold their own in a challenging national, as well as international environment. Various medals are awarded annually to students in the Faculty for outstanding academic achievement. For a complete list of medals visit http://www.sun.ac.za/science. Good teaching and quality research go hand in hand. Research is supported by the various centres, facilities and institutes under the auspices of departments in the Faculty of Science. In the various research fields it focuses on, the Faculty strives for a healthy balance between basic and applied research, taking into consideration the needs of the South African community at large. A multidisciplinary approach on national and international levels and across subject, faculty and other boundaries is advocated. Research is strengthened by the eight research chairs in the Faculty and focus on Mathematical and Theoretical Physical Biosciences; Nano-structured Functional Materials; Advanced Macromolecular Architectures; Experimental Petrology; Photonics Ultrafast and Ultraintense Laser Science; Energy Research: Biofuels and other clean alternative fuels; Mechanistic modelling of Health and Epidemiology; and Wastewater Management. In addition to a focus on excellent teaching and research, the Faculty strives to render service to the community by promoting science education at school-level. The Faculty also makes knowledge available to the community on both a formal and an informal basis through community interaction programmes, while the needs of and problems experienced by the wider community are considered when research topics are decided on. 2. HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE FACULTY 2.1 Contact details of the Faculty of Science For specific queries related to the Science Faculty, use the following contact details: Postal address: Faculty of Science Stellenbosch University Private Bag X1 MATIELAND 7602 5
Physical address of Dean's Office: 2nd floor, AI Perold Building Telephone number Fax number E-mail address Dean Prof L Warnich 021 808 3071 021 808 3680 lw@sun.ac.za Dean's Office Ms S Els 021 808 3072 021 808 3680 se@sun.ac.za Director: Faculty Management Ms M van den Worm 021 808 3760 021 808 3680 mvdworm@sun.ac.za Academic Coordinator Ms W Wagener 021 808 3063 021 808 3680 ww@sun.ac.za NARGA: Manager Ms I de Kock 021 808 2682 021 808 3680 idk@sun.ac.za Media and Marketing Ms WE Fourie-Basson 021 808 2684 021 808 3680 science@sun.ac.za Ms JM Schoeman 021 808 2684 021 808 3680 science2@sun.ac.za Faculty Secretary (Enquiries about academic issues) Mr BP Abels 021 808 4832 021 808 3822 bpa@sun.ac.za Faculty Officer (Enquiries about academic issues) Ms CS Fransman 021 808 2504 021 808 3822 cfransman@sun.ac.za For more information about the Faculty of Science visit: http://www.sun.ac.za/science 2.2 Departments Earth Sciences Tel: 021 808 3219; Fax: 021 808 3129; lcon@sun.ac.za; http://www.sun.ac.za/geo Biochemistry 021 808 5862; biochair@sun.ac.za; http://www.sun.ac.za/biochem Botany and Zoology 021 808 3236; botzoo@sun.ac.za; http://www.sun.ac.za/botzoo Chemistry and Polymer Science 021 808 2344; ec@sun.ac.za; http://www.sun.ac.za/chemistry Mathematical Sciences (Mathematics, Applied Mathematics and Computer Science) 021 808 3279; la2@sun.ac.za; 021 808 4215; mvann@sun.ac.za; 021 808 4232; duplessisha@sun.ac.za; http://math.sun.ac.za Microbiology 021 808 5847; wendyw@sun.ac.za; http://academic.sun.ac.za/microbiology Physics 021 808 3391; physoffice@sun.ac.za; http://www.sun.ac.za/physics Physiological Sciences 021 808 3146; gas@sun.ac.za; http://academic.sun.ac.za/physiosciences 6
Society for Science students Students in the Faculty of Science have their own society, the Science Society, which operates under the auspices of the Science Student Committee. All students who are registered for programmes in the Faculty of Science automatically belong to this society. For more information, visit http://www.sun.ac.za/nsk 3. HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE UNIVERSITY 3.1 Use of student number In dealing with new formal applications for admission, the University assigns a student number to each applicant. This student number serves as the unique identification of the person concerned and has the purpose of making future communication easier. Once you have been informed of your student number you must please quote it in all future correspondence with the University. 3.2 Send correspondence to the following addresses Correspondence on academic matters i.e. study-related matters, bursaries, loans, etc. should be directed to: The Registrar Stellenbosch University Private Bag X1 MATIELAND 7602 Correspondence on matters relating to finance and services, including services at University residences, should be directed to: The Chief Operating Officer Stellenbosch University Private Bag X1 MATIELAND 7602 University website: http://www.sun.ac.za 4. LANGUAGE POLICY AND PLAN The official Language Policy and Language Plan of Stellenbosch University were approved by the Council of the University in 2002. The full version, with supplementary documents, is available at http://www.sun.ac.za/language. The University is committed to the use and sustained development of Afrikaans as an academic language in a multilingual context. Language is used at the University in a manner that is directed towards its engagement with knowledge in a diverse society. The University acknowledges the special status of Afrikaans as an academic language and accepts the responsibility to promote it. At the same time, it takes account of the status of English as an international language of communication and of isixhosa as an emerging academic language. The institutional language of the University is, by default, Afrikaans, while English is also used, depending on the circumstances, as an internal language of 7
communication. All three languages are used, where possible, for external communication. The Language Plan distinguishes between the implementation of the policy in learning and teaching situations and in the support services and management. An explanation of the different language specifications used, as well as the language specifications for specific modules, is given in the section Subjects, Modules and Module Content in this Calendar Part. The default language of meetings of statutory decision-making bodies is Afrikaans. In cases where people who cannot understand Afrikaans are involved, either English becomes the language of the meeting, or an interpreter s service must be made available, and agendas and discussion documents with an executive summary in English, or documentation written completely in English and Afrikaans, must be provided. 4.1 The Faculty s implementation of the SU language policy The Faculty offers first-year modules in both Afrikaans and English respectively (Parallel medium A and E option). In exceptional cases where class size does not allow for parallel classes, provision will be made for real-time interpreting in order to give both Afrikaansand English-speaking students the opportunity of education in their academic language of preference. Due to limited facilities and timetable restrictions it is not feasible to have separate practical sessions for the two language groups. Therefore the practical sessions are seen as opportunities where students are exposed to an informal multilanguage environment. However, real-time interpreting will be used if needed. The teaching model of preference for second- and third-year students in the Faculty entails to a large extent independent learning and discussion groups led by lecturers, where students have the opportunity to partake in their academic language of preference (English and/or Afrikaans). The language option from the second year onwards is therefore mostly bilingual (T option) with the availability of real-time interpreting in certain key modules if needed. Individual support is provided, if needed, for students to master academic language proficiency in both Afrikaans and English. Therefore there is no discontinuity with regard to language usage between undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and learning. A growing number of national and international students join the Faculty of Science on postgraduate level. This tendency specifically involves the various research strengths. Therefore structured postgraduate modules are mainly taught in English. Students, however have the choice to use Afrikaans as language of preference for assessment purposes. Students are encouraged to present their research projects, theses and dissertations in English as these have to be submitted to an external examiner. The latter is usually an international expert who will not be able to assess the work should it be presented in Afrikaans. The abstract must be presented in both Afrikaans and English. With the implementation of the Faculty of Science s Language Plan it is thus expected that: Complex concepts be orally communicated to students in their home language as far as possible or, if a student s home language is not Afrikaans or English, in one of these two languages according to the student s academic language of preference. This will promote optimal learning and will ultimately lead to academic success. Where class groups can not be divided according to language preference, real-time interpreting may be used to provide for this option. 8
A lecturer explains complex concepts in his home language as far as possible or, if a lecturer s home language is not Afrikaans or English, in one of these two languages according to the lecturer s academic language of preference. This will promote optimal learning for students as lecturers can therefore formulate concepts accurately. Real-time interpreting may be used when class groups are not divided according to preferred academic language. In the various learning setups outside the lecture hall, such as tutorials, practicals, final-year theses/dissertations and discussion groups, one-on-one communication is used to a great extent. This will be in Afrikaans or English, depending on the student s academic language preference and the language proficiency of the lecturer. 5. INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS 5.1 Qualifications offered The Faculty of Science offers the following qualifications, with the minimum years of study as indicated, listed below: BSc 3 years BScHons 1 year MSc (Mathematical Sciences) (AIMS) 3 semesters MSc 1 or 2 years PhD 2 years DSc 1 or 3 years 5.1.1 Structure of the BSc degree The BSc degree programme extends over three academic years. A student who has already passed acknowledged subjects at another university, after attaining matriculation exemption, shall complete subjects in at least two academic years at this University before a BSc degree can be conferred upon him, provided that at least half of the total amount of credits, including all final-year credits prescribed for the proposed degree, be obtained at this University. Modules in Computer Literacy do not fall within this stipulation and shall be taken at this University unless similar modules have been passed at another institution and are acknowledged. The abovementioned stipulations are also applicable to students who want to take a BSc programme and are already in possession of another degree of this University. Please note: For admission to undergraduate programmes a student has to comply with general admission requirements, as well as with specific admission requirements per programme. For more information refer to the section Undergraduate Programmes. A limited number of students can be selected annually for admission to the Extended Degree Programmes. For more information refer to the section Undergraduate Programmes. 5.1.2 Three-year BSc degrees A BSc degree programme of three years comprises at least 24 standard semester modules (named standard modules) of 16 credits each, plus the modules that include the compulsory generic skills (such as Computer Skills 171, 272 and Scientific Communication Skills 172). At least 18, but preferably more, of these standard modules shall be from the core subjects of the Science and Mathematics streams. These are modules of the Faculty of Science offered by the departments of the Biological Sciences, the 9
grouping of the Physical Sciences (Chemistry, Physics and Earth Sciences) and the grouping of the Mathematical Sciences (Computer Science, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics and Operations Research). The Faculty Board of Science shall approve acknowledged equivalent modules. The following rules with regards to module combinations (plus the modules that include the compulsory generic skills) for the three-year BSc degree apply: First year: At least 8 standard modules at first-year level. Second year: At least 8 standard modules with at least 6 at second-year level. Third year: At least 8 standard modules with at least 6 at third-year level, of which at least 4 are from the core subjects, with the remaining 2 standard modules which might be at second-year level. All three-year BSc programmes shall contain at least 1 standard module in Mathematics and at least 2 standard modules (preferably more) in the core subjects outside the major stream (namely Biological, Physical or Mathematical). The current approved first-year curricula meet these stipulations. For programme compilation, a major is defined as follows: A number of acknowledged coherent modules with a total value of at least 64 credits at final-year level, that may be comprised from different departments and that will lead to specified postgraduate studies. Please note: The BSc degree can be followed-up with an honours degree in a specific subject discipline. After this a MSc and then a PhD (both being more research focused) can follow. For more information refer to the section Postgraduate Programmes. 5.2 Provisions relating to examinations and promotions The complete provisions relating to examinations and promotions applicable to programmes and modules are contained in Part 1 (General) of the University Calendar. Students are expected to familiarise themselves with these provisions. Apart from the abovementioned provisions, the following regulations are applicable to the Faculty of Science: Students taking a degree programme in the Faculty of Science shall not be allowed to register for any other degree programme in any other faculty. All class marks between 35 and 50 shall be allocated in multiples of 5; below 35 and above 50 the actual mark may be allocated. Students are permitted to take modules from different years of study in the same year provided that there are no clashes in the times of the classes or in the test and examination timetables. No student shall be permitted to attend any class or write any test or examination in a subject that has, or in subjects that have, timetable clashes. A student may take a module from a specific year of study provided that, at most, the following number of credits is in arrears: half of the credits of a single preceding year of the subject; or sixteen (16) credits from a combination of two or more preceding years of the subject, with the proviso that this regulation is subject to the applicable corequisite, prerequisite and prerequisite pass requirements, and dependent on the class, test and examinations timetables concerned. All test and examination answer sheets shall be answered in ink. 10
A student who, for one year, followed the first year of any programme in the Faculty shall be readmitted as a student to the programme only if he obtained at least a 0,50 HEMIS credit for this year in terms of the required modules of the first year. 5.2.1 Students with credits in arrears Students in their second year of study, who are credits in arrears due to unsuccessful studies in their first year, shall be allowed to add a maximum of sixteen credits per semester to the normal credit load of their programme. Thus an upper limit is put on the additional number of credits that may be taken in the non-final years of study in order to make up credits in arrears. 5.2.2 Standing rules for Dean's Concession Examinations (DCEs) An undergraduate, final-year student, who, when he has taken all the examinations and when all final marks are available, is a maximum of two modules with a total credit value of no more than 32 credits in arrears for his degree, or such credit value in arrears for his degree as the individual faculties permit in highly exceptional cases (in other words, he has taken the examination in the modules concerned and failed), may subject to the provisions of paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 below be admitted to a Dean's Concession Examination (DCE) as a concession by the Dean, in consultation with the academic department(s) concerned. Such students shall be identified by the faculty secretary, who shall furnish the departments concerned with their names via the Dean's office. The onus shall be on the students concerned to communicate with the faculty secretary in good time (not later than 15 January) about their admission to the DCE. The DCE shall be taken at a scheduled time during the last week of January or the first week of February. If the student fails the module in the DCE, no further DCE shall be granted. DCEs in modules subject to continuous assessment shall be taken at the same time as referred to in paragraph 2 above, subject to the procedures laid down in paragraph 2 above. DCEs are conducted departmentally. Students who have been granted a DCE shall ascertain from the department concerned when and where the DCE in question is to be written. They shall ensure that they present themselves at such time and place. DCEs shall be granted only with the approval of the Dean. No student shall be granted a DCE, under any circumstances, by any department. It shall not be competent for any teacher to give an undertaking to a student in this matter. Admission to a Dean's Concession Examination in a module is subject to the rules of the faculty offering the module. For the rules governing Dean's Concession Examinations in modules not offered by the Faculty of Science, consult the relevant faculty's part of the Calendar or the faculty secretary. 11
Undergraduate Programmes ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BSc For university admission, a prospective student is required to be in possession of a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or school-leaving certificate from the Independent Examination Board (IEB) as certified by Umalusi, with admission to bachelor's degree studies (which requires a performance level of at least 4 (50-59%) in each of four designated university admission subjects), or an exemption certificate issued by the South African Matriculation Board to students with other school qualifications For admission to the BSc degree programmes and modules in the Faculty of Science, the following admission requirements apply: An average performance level of 65% in the NSC or the IEB's school-leaving certificate (excluding Life Orientation), or other school qualification. A performance level of 70% (6) for Mathematics (for degree programmes in the Physical and Mathematical Sciences or if Mathematics 114, 144 and Physics 114, 144 are taken) OR 60% (5) (for degree programmes in the Biological Sciences or if Mathematics (Bio) 124 and Physics (Bio) 134, 154 are taken). A performance level of 50% (4) for Physical Sciences (excluding degree programme in the Mathematical Sciences where students do not take Chemistry or Physics). Afrikaans or English (Home Language or First Additional Language) 50% (4). One other designated university admission subject (4). The prospective student is also required to take the National Benchmark Tests (NBT), including the Mathematics component (MAT) of the tests. Admission is subject to the availability of places per programme or programme fields of study, and a selection process is followed in order to obtain enrolment targets. Meeting the minimum admission requirements of the programme applied for does not guarantee selection. The selection policy and procedures are available online at www.maties.com. Physical Sciences is required as a school subject for all prospective students who wish to register for programmes in the Biological Sciences or the Physical Sciences, or who wish to take any modules in Chemistry or Physics. Any student who wishes to take Mathematics 114 and/or 144 or Physics 114 and/or 144 have to comply with the Mathematics admission requirements as set for the programme in the Mathematical Sciences. Furthermore, it is required that prospective students meet the subject-specific admission requirements, as set for the specific programme or stream in a programme to be taken (see tables below). Life Sciences as a school subject is recommended for prospective students who wish to register for programmes in the Biological Sciences. Prospective students who are already in possession of a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an Independent Examination Board (IEB) school-leaving certificate, as certified by Umalusi, when they apply The application of a prospective student, who applies within one year after obtaining the NSC or IEB school-leaving certificate, will be considered if the admission requirements of the year in which the certificate was obtained, were met. All applications will further be considered in accordance with the selection process. 12
Applications of prospective students who do not meet the admission requirements, but who are busy improving on their NSC or IEB final examination results during the year of application, will be put on a waiting list until the improved examination results are known. Prospective students with a school qualification other than the NSC or IEB schoolleaving certificate Prospective students, who offer school qualifications other than the NSC or IEB schoolleaving certificate, have to ensure that exemption certificates are issued by the South African Matriculation Board. If Physical Sciences are set as admission requirement, the prospective students have to offer both Physics and Chemistry as school subjects. Please note: Students who aim to register for programmes in the Biological Sciences must take note of the fact that they may be required to work with animal- and human-biological material, which in the case of animals may also include primary-sample collection. ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BSc (EXTENDED DEGREE PROGRAMMES) This programme offers alternative access to the broad natural sciences (Programmes in Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences and Mathematical Sciences). Minimum admission requirements for the extended degree programme are: An average performance level of 55% in the NSC, excluding Life Orientation. For programmes in the Physical or Mathematical Sciences: one symbol lower than the admission requirement for the mainstream degree programme, thus either a performance level of 60% (5) for Mathematics or performance level of 40% (3) for Physical Sciences. OR For programmes in the Biological Sciences: one symbol lower than the admission requirement for the mainstream degree programme, thus a performance level of 50% (4) for Mathematics and a performance level of 40% (3) for Physical Sciences. Afrikaans or English (Home Language or First Additional Language) 50% (4). Physical Sciences as school subject is required for all candidates who want to be considered for the extended degree programme. Students apply according to the process set out in Part 1 (General) of the Calendar. A limited number of students will be selected for this programme and preference will be given to students from previously disadvantaged communities. The selection policy and procedures are available online at www.maties.com. The duration of this programme is at most one year longer than the mainstream degree programme. During the first year the students' knowledge bases are strengthened and their skills developed in preparing them for entering the mainstream modules from the second year. Because of the nature of this programme, class attendance is compulsory and students must pass all modules in Year 1 to proceed to their next year of study. Modules from this year cannot be repeated in the next year of study. Therefore students will not be readmitted to the extended degree programme if they fail a module or modules and/or as a result of poor class attendance. After successful completion of this degree programme, students will receive a degree certificate of the University that is exactly the same as those received by the mainstream students. Only the routes differ, not the destinations. 13
SUMMARY OF UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES AND ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS PER PROGRAMME The curricula (combination(s) of subjects) that can be taken to obtain a degree (the BSc Degree) are represented in terms of (a) programme(s). A programme can be composed of a number of prescribed curricula, where each specific curriculum is known as a stream. The programmes and streams in the table below can be taken for the BSc degree with majors in the Biological Sciences or Physical Sciences or Mathematical Sciences in the Faculty of Science. The first-year curriculum of each programme and stream is set out in the tables below. The combinations of subject-specific admission requirements applicable to a specific programme or stream are also indicated. 1. BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES Programmes, streams in programmes and first-year curriculum (curr) 1.1 Biodiversity and Ecology (Curr 1) 1.2 Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (Curr 1, or adapted curr 3) 1.3 Human Life Sciences 1.3.1 Stream: Biology (Curr 1, or adapted curr 3) 1.3.2 Stream: Biology with Psychology (Curr 2) 1.4 Sport Science (Curr specific to programme) Admission requirements Afrikaans or English (Home Language or First Additional Language) 4 Physical Sciences 4 If Mathematics 114, 144 and Physics 114, 144 are taken: Mathematics 6 If Mathematics (Bio) 124 and Physics (Bio) 134, 154 are taken: Mathematics 5 2. PHYSICAL SCIENCES Programmes, streams in programmes and first-year curriculum (curr) 2.1 Chemistry 2.1.1 Stream: Chemistry and Polymer Science (Curr 3, or 4, or 5, or 6) 2.1.2 Stream: Chemical Biology (Curr 3) 2.1.3 Stream: Textile and Polymer Science (Curr 3, or 4, or 5, or 6) 2.2 Physics 2.2.1 Streams: Laser Physics (Physical), Nuclear Physics, Radiation and Health Physics (Curr 5, or 6, or 7) Admission requirements Afrikaans or English (Home Language or First Additional Language) 4 Physical Sciences 4 Mathematics 6 14
2.2.2 Stream: Laser Physics (Biological) (Curr 3) 2.2.3 Stream: Theoretical Physics (Curr 7) 2.3 Earth Science (Curr specific to programme) 2.4 Geo-Informatics (Curr specific to programme) Afrikaans or English (Home Language or First Additional Language) 4 Physical Sciences 4 Mathematics 6 Afrikaans or English (Home Language or First Additional Language) 4 Physical Sciences 4 If Mathematics 114, 144 and Physics 114, 144 are taken: Mathematics 6 If Mathematics (Bio) 124 and Physics (Bio) 134, 154 are taken: Mathematics 5 3. MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES Programme, streams in programme and first-year curriculum (curr) 3.1 Mathematical Sciences 3.1.1 Stream: Financial Mathematics (Curr specific to programme) 3.1.2 Stream: Computer Science (Curr specific to programme) 3.1.3 Stream: Applied Mathematics (Curr specific to programme) 3.1.4 Stream: Mathematics (Curr specific to programme) 3.1.5 Stream: Mathematical Statistics (Curr specific to programme) 3.1.6 Stream: Operations Research (Curr specific to programme) 3.1.7. Stream: Biomathematics 3.1.7.1 Option 1: Molecular Biology) (Curr specific to programme) 3.1.7.2 Option 2: Ecology (Curr specific to programme) Admission requirements Afrikaans or English (Home Language or First Additional Language) 4 Mathematics 6 A 4 in any other subject from the designated list for university admission. OR If Physics or Chemistry is taken: Physical Sciences 4 Afrikaans or English (Home Language or First Additional Language) 4 Physical Sciences 4 Mathematics 6 15
FIRST-YEAR CURRICULA FOR THE BSc PROGRAMMES Notes The following first-year curricula are prescribed for the BSc programmes, unless the firstyear curriculum is indicated at the specific programme curriculum. First-year curricula are numbered from 1 to 7. These numbers are used in the programme curricula to indicate which specific first-year curriculum is required to take a specific programme curriculum. Compulsory Modules Curriculum 1 (credits = 140) Biology 124(16), 144(16), 154(16) Chemistry 124(16), 144(16) Computer Skills 171(4) Mathematics (Bio) 124(16) Physics (Bio) 134(16), 154(16) Scientific Communication Skills 172(8) Curriculum 2 (credits = 148) Biology 124(16), 154(16) Chemistry 124(16), 144(16) Computer Skills 171(4) Mathematics (Bio) 124(16) Physics (Bio) 134(16), 154(16) Psychology 114(12), 144(12) Scientific Communication Skills 172(8) Curriculum 3 (credits = 140) Biology 124(16), 144(16) or 154(16) Chemistry 124(16), 144(16) Computer Skills 171(4) Mathematics 114(16), 144(16) Physics 114(16), 144(16) Scientific Communication Skills 172(8) Curriculum 4 (credits = 140) Chemistry 124(16), 144(16) Computer Skills 171(4) Geo-Environmental Science 124(16), 154(16) Mathematics 114(16), 144(16) Physics 114(16), 144(16) Scientific Communication Skills 172(8) 16
Curriculum 5 (credits = 140) Chemistry 124(16), 144(16) Computer Skills 171(4) Computer Science 114(16), 144(16) Mathematics 114(16), 144(16) Physics 114(16), 144(16) Scientific Communication Skills 172(8) Curriculum 6 (credits = 140) Applied Mathematics 144(16) Chemistry 124(16), 144(16) Computer Skills 171(4) Mathematics 114(16), 144(16) Physics 114(16), 144(16) Probability Theory and Statistics 114(16) Scientific Communication Skills 172(8) Curriculum 7 (credits = 140 Applied Mathematics 144(16) Computer Skills 171(4) Computer Science 114(16), 144(16) Mathematics 114(16), 144(16) Physics 114(16), 144(16) Probability Theory and Statistics 114(16) Scientific Communication Skills 172(8) FIRST-YEAR CURRICULUM FOR BSc (EXTENDED DEGREE PROGRAMMES) Year 1 (146 credits) Compulsory Modules Chemistry 176(32) Physics 176(32) Computer Skills 176(8) University Practice in the Natural Sciences 176(8) Scientific Communication Skills 116(12), 146(6) and Mathematics (Bio) 176(32) or Mathematics 186(32) and Biology 146(16) or Computer Science 146(16) 17
Year 2, 3, and 4 Students choose curriculums from Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 as per programmes in Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences. PROGRAMME CURRICULA FOR BSc To obtain a BSc degree, a specific programme, or one of the streams of a programme, must be chosen and prescribed curriculum (subjects and modules) of the chosen programme or stream must be taken and passed. Before making a final choice of elective modules (subjects), every student should closely consult the relevant timetables. Should it then become apparent that two modules fall in the same time slot on a particular timetable, the University will not allow registration as a student in both of them for the same year/semester since they will be an inadmissible combination. The following programme curricula can be taken for the BSc degree: 1. PROGRAMMES IN THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES 1.1 Biodiversity and Ecology Specific Admission Requirements Afrikaans or English (Home Language or First Additional Language) 4 Physical Sciences 4 Mathematics 5 1st year (140 credits) Compulsory Modules Curriculum 1 Biology 124(16), 144(16), 154(16) Chemistry 124(16), 144(16) Computer Skills 171(4) Mathematics (Bio) 124(16) Physics (Bio) 134(16), 154(16) Scientific Communication Skills 172(8) 2nd year (128 credits) Compulsory Modules (credits = 96) Biodiversity and Ecology 212(16), 214(16), 224(16), 244(16), 254(16), 264(16) plus Elective Modules (credits = 32) Biochemistry 214(16), 244(16) Genetics 214(16), 244(16) 18