University of Pretoria Yearbook 2017

BSc Computer Science (12134001)

Duration of study 3 years
Total credits 472

Admission requirements
● The following persons will be considered for admission: a candidate who is in possession of a certificate that is
deemed by the University to be equivalent to the required Grade 12 certificate with university endorsement; a
candidate who is a graduate from another tertiary institution or has been granted the status of a graduate of
such an institution; and a candidate who is a graduate of another faculty at the University of Pretoria.
● Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.
● Grade 11 results are used in the provisional admission of prospective students.
● A valid qualification with admission to degree studies is required.
● Minimum subject and achievement requirements, as set out below, are required. On first-year level a student
has a choice between Afrikaans and English as language medium. In certain cases, tuition may be presented in
English only, for example in electives, where the lecturer may not speak Afrikaans or in cases where it is not
economically or practically viable.
● Should a candidate obtain an APS of 26 to 29, consideration for admission will be based on the results of the
NBT, provided the quotas regarding student numbers have not been reached.

Minimum requirements
Achievement level
Afrikaans or English Mathematics
APS
NSC/IEB HIGCSE AS-Level A-Level NSC/IEB HIGCSE AS-Level A-Level
30
(26-29
5 3 C C 5 3 C C admission
based on the
NBT)

Additional requirements
Please note that additional admission requirements may result from certain electivess.
Candidates who do not comply with these requirements are advised to register for BSc IT, depending on whether
they comply with the admission requirements the programme.

Promotion to next study year

General

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a. A student must pass all the modules of the first year of study, before he or she is permitted to register for
any module of the third year of study. Module prerequisites remain applicable. Exceptions to this rule will be
considered by the relevant Head of Department and the Dean.
b. A student must pass all the modules of the second year of study, before he or she is permitted to register for
any module of the fourth year of study (in the case of a four-year degree). Module prerequisites remain
applicable. Exceptions to this rule will be considered by the relevant Head of Department and the Dean.
c. A new first-year student, who has failed in all the prescribed modules of the programme at the end of the first
semester, will not be permitted to proceed to the second semester in the School of Information Technology.
d. A student who has not passed at least 70% of the credits of the current year of study after the November
examinations will not be re-admitted to the School of Information Technology.
e. Students who fail a module for a second time, forfeit the privilege of registering for any modules of an
advanced year of study.
f. Students whose academic progress is not acceptable can be suspended from further studies.

Procedure: Exclusion from and re-admission to further studies in the School of Information
Technology
a. A student who is excluded from further studies in terms of the stipulations of the abovementioned regulations
will be notified in writing by the Dean or admissions committee of the School of Information Technology at
the end of the relevant semester.
b. A student who has been excluded from further studies may apply in writing to the admissions committee of
the School of Information Technology on level 6 in the Engineering building I for re-admission.
c. Written applications for re-admission to the second semester must be submitted at least 7 days before
lectures resume for the second semester.
d. Written applications for re-admission to the new academic year must be submitted before 12 January.
e. Late applications will be accepted only in exceptional circumstances after approval by the Dean.
f. Should a student not be re-admitted to further studies by the admissions committee of the School of
Information Technology, he/she will be informed in writing.
g. A student who is not re-admitted by the admissions committee of the School of Information Technology has
the right to appeal to the Appeals Committee: Admissions in the Administration building, room 3-13.
h. Any decision taken by the Appeals Committee: Admissions is final.
i. Should the student be re-admitted by the Admissions Committee, strict conditions will be set which the
student must comply with in order to proceed with his/her studies.
j. A student, who is repeating his or her year, may be permitted by the Dean, on recommendation of the
relevant head(s) of department, to register for modules of the following year of study in addition to the
outstanding modules he or she has failed, providing that he or she complies with the prerequisites of these
modules and no timetable clashes occur. In no semester may the total credits for which a student registers,
exceed the normal number of credits per semester by more than 16 credits, except with special permission
from the relevant Head of Department.

Pass with distinction

A degree (undergraduate) in the School of IT is conferred with distinction on a student who did not
repeat any module of his/her final year, obtained a weighted average of at least 75% in all the
prescribed modules for the final year, provided that a subminimum of 65% is obtained in each of these
modules and provided that the degree is completed in the prescribed minimum period of time. Ad hoc
cases will be considered by the Dean, in consultation with the head of the relevant department.

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Curriculum: Year 1
Minimum credits: 174

Students wishing to continue with Mathematics or Mathematical Statistics on year level 2 or 3 need to take
WTW114, WTW124 & WTW162. Students not wishing to continue with Mathematics or Mathematical Statisctics
on year level 2 or 3, need to take WTW134, WTW146, WTW148.

Fundamental modules
Academic information management 101 (AIM 101)
Module credits 6.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Faculty of Humanities
Service modules Faculty of Law
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Faculty of Theology
Faculty of Veterinary Science
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Contact time 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Information Science
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Find, evaluate, process, manage and present information resources for academic purposes using appropriate
technology. Apply effective search strategies in different technological environments. Demonstrate the ethical
and fair use of information resources. Integrate 21st-century communications into the management of academic
information.

Academic literacy for Information Technology 121 (ALL 121)

Module credits 6.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Contact time 1 web-based period per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Unit for Academic Literacy
Period of presentation Semester 2

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Module content
By the end of this module students should be able to cope more confidently and competently with the reading,
writing and critical thinking demands that are characteristic of the field of Information Technology.

Academic orientation 112 (UPO 112)

Module credits 0.00
Language of tuition Afrikaans and English is used in one class
Academic organisation EBIT Dean's Office
Period of presentation Year

Core modules
Program design: Introduction 110 (COS 110)
Module credits 16.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites COS 132 , COS 151 and Maths level 5
Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 1 practical per week, 3 lectures per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Computer Science
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
The focus is on object-oriented (OO) programming. Concepts including inheritance and multiple inheritance,
polymorphism, operator overloading, memory management (static and dynamic binding), interfaces,
encapsulation, reuse, etc. will be covered in the module. The module teaches sound program design with the
emphasis on modular code, leading to well structured, robust and documented programs. A modern OO
programming language is used as the vehicle to develop these skills. The module will introduce the student to
basic data structures, lists, stacks and queues.

Introduction to computer science 151 (COS 151)

Module credits 8.00
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites APS of 30 and level 5 (60-69%) Mathematics.
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Afrikaans and English is used in one class
Academic organisation Computer Science
Period of presentation Semester 1

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Module content
This module introduces concepts and terminology related to the computer science discipline. General topics
covered include the history of computing, machine level representation of data, Boolean logic and gates, basic
computer systems organisation, algorithms and complexity and automata theory. The module also introduces
some of the subdisciplines of computer science, such as computer networks, database systems, compilers,
information security and intelligent systems. The module also focues on modelling of algorithms.

Calculus 114 (WTW 114)

Module credits 16.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Faculty of Humanities
Prerequisites Refer to Regulation 1.2. Mathematics 60% Grade 12.
Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Mathematics and Applied Maths
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
*This module serves as preparation for students majoring in Mathematics (including all students who intend to
enrol for WTW 218 and WTW 220). Students will not be credited for more than one of the following modules for
their degree: WTW 114, WTW 158, WTW 134, WTW 165.
Functions, limits and continuity. Differential calculus of single variable functions, rate of change, graph
sketching, applications. The mean value theorem, the rule of L'Hospital. Definite and indefinite integrals,
evaluating definite integrals using anti-derivatives, the substitution rule.

Discrete structures 115 (WTW 115)

Module credits 8.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Education
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Refer to Regulation 1.2: A candidate must have passed Mathematics with at least
Prerequisites
50% in the Grade 12 examination
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 tutorial per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Mathematics and Applied Maths
Period of presentation Semester 1

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Module content
Propositional logic: truth tables, logical equivalence, implication, arguments. Mathematical induction and well-
ordering principle. Introduction to set theory. Counting techniques: elementary probability, multiplication and
addition rules, permutations and combinations, binomial theorem, inclusion-exclusion rule.

Mathematics 134 (WTW 134)

Module credits 16.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Education
Faculty of Veterinary Science
Refer to Regulation 1.2: At least 50% for Mathematics in the Grade 12
Prerequisites
examination .
Contact time 4 lectures per week, 1 tutorial per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Mathematics and Applied Maths
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
*Students will not be credited for more than one of the following modules for their degree: WTW 134, WTW 165,
WTW 114, WTW 158. WTW 134 does not lead to admission to Mathematics at 200 level and is intended for
students who require Mathematics at 100 level only. WTW 134 is offered as WTW 165 in the second semester
only to students who have applied in the first semester of the current year for the approximately 65 MBChB, or
the 5-6 BChD places becoming available in the second semester and who were therefore enrolled for MGW 112
in the first semester of the current year.
Functions, derivatives, interpretation of the derivative, rules of differentiation, applications of differentiation,
integration, interpretation of the definite integral, applications of integration. Matrices, solutions of systems of
equations. All topics are studied in the context of applications.

Mathematical modelling 152 (WTW 152)

Module credits 8.00
Service modules Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Prerequisites Refer to Regulation 1.2
Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Mathematics and Applied Maths
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Introduction to the modelling of dynamical processes using difference equations. Curve fitting. Introduction to
linear programming. Matlab programming. Applications to real-life situations in, among others, finance,
economics and ecology.

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Dynamical processes 162 (WTW 162)
Module credits 8.00
Prerequisites WTW 114 GS
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 tutorial per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Mathematics and Applied Maths
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
*Students will not be credited for more than one of the following modules for their degree: WTW 162 and WTW
264.
Introduction to the modelling of dynamical processes using elementary differential equations. Solution methods
for first order differential equations and analysis of properties of solutions (graphs). Applications to real life
situations.

Imperative programming 132 (COS 132)

Module credits 16.00
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Service modules
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites APS of 30 and level 5 (60-69%) Mathematics
Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 1 practical per week, 3 lectures per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Computer Science
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
This module introduces imperative computer programming, which is a fundamental building block of computer
science. The process of constructing a program for solving a given problem, of editing it, compiling (both
manually and automatically), running and debugging it, is covered from the beginning. The aim is to master the
elements of a programming language and be able to put them together in order to construct programs using
types, control structures, arrays, functions and libraries. An introduction to object orientation will be given. After
completing this module, the student should understand the fundamental elements of a program, the importance
of good program design and user-friendly interfaces. Students should be able to conduct basic program analysis
and write complete elementary programs.

Mathematics 124 (WTW 124)

Module credits 16.00
Prerequisites WTW 114
Contact time 4 lectures per week, 1 tutorial per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English

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Academic organisation Mathematics and Applied Maths
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
*Students will not be credited for more than one of the following modules for their degree:
WTW 124, WTW 146, WTW 148 and WTW 164. This module serves as preparation for students majoring in
Mathematics (including all students who intend to enrol for WTW 218, WTW 211 and WTW 220).
The vector space Rn, vector algebra with applications to lines and planes, matrix algebra, systems of linear
equations, determinants. Complex numbers and factorisation of polynomials. Integration techniques and
applications of integration. The formal definition of a limit. The fundamental theorem of Calculus and
applications. Vector functions, polar curves and quadratic curves.

Linear algebra 146 (WTW 146)

Module credits 8.00
Service modules Faculty of Education
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 tutorial per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Mathematics and Applied Maths
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
*Students will not be credited for more than one of the following modules for their degree:
WTW 124, WTW 146 and WTW 164. The module WTW 146 is designed for students who require Mathematics at
100 level only and does not lead to admission to Mathematics at 200 level.
Vector algebra, lines and planes, matrix algebra, solution of systems of equations, determinants. Complex
numbers and polynomial equations. All topics are studied in the context of applications.

Calculus 148 (WTW 148)

Module credits 8.00
Service modules Faculty of Education
Prerequisites WTW 114 GS or WTW 134
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 tutorial per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Mathematics and Applied Maths
Period of presentation Semester 2

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Module content
*Students will not be credited for more than one of the following modules for their degree:
WTW 124, WTW 148 and WTW 164. The module WTW 148 is designed for students who require Mathematics at
100 level only and does not lead to admission to Mathematics at 200 level.
Integration techniques. Modelling with differential equations. Functions of several variables, partial derivatives,
optimisation. Numerical techniques. All topics are studied in the context of applications.

Operating systems 122 (COS 122)

Module credits 16.00
Prerequisites COS 132
Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 3 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Computer Science
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Fundamental concepts of modern operating systems in terms of their structure and the mechanisms they use
are studied in this module. After completing this module, students will have gained, as outcomes, knowledge of
real time, multimedia and multiple processor systems, as these will be defined and analysed. In addition,
students will have gained knowledge on modern design issues of process management, deadlock and
concurrency control, memory management, input/output management, file systems and operating system
security. In order to experience a hands-on approach to the knowledge students would have gained from
studying the abovementioned concepts, students will have produced a number of practical implementations of
these concepts using the Windows and Linux operating systems.

Elective modules
Plant biology 161 (BOT 161)
Module credits 8.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules
Faculty of Education
Prerequisites MLB 111 GS
Contact time fortnightly practicals, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Plant and Soil Sciences
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Basic plant structure and function; introductory plant taxonomy and plant systematics; principles of plant
molecular biology and biotechnology; adaptation of plants to stress; medicinal compounds from plants; basic
principles of plant ecology and their application in natural resource management.

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General chemistry 117 (CMY 117)
Module credits 16.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Veterinary Science
Final Grade 12 marks of at least 60% for Mathematics and 60% for Physical
Prerequisites
Sciences.
Contact time 1 practical per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Chemistry
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
General introduction to inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry. Atomic structure and periodicity. Molecular
structure and chemical bonding using the VSEOR model. Nomenclature of inorganic ions and compounds.
Classification of reactions: precipitation, acid-base, redox reactions and gas-forming reactions. Mole concept and
stoichiometric calculations concerning chemical formulas and chemical reactions. Principles of reactivity: energy
and chemical reactions. Physical behaviour gases, liquids, solids and solutions and the role of intermolecular
forces. Rate of reactions: Introduction to chemical kinetics.

General chemistry 127 (CMY 127)

Module credits 16.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Veterinary Science
Natural and Agricultural Sciences students: CMY 117 GS or CMY 154 GS Health
Prerequisites
Sciences students: none
Contact time 1 practical per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Chemistry
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Theory: General physical-analytical chemistry: Chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, buffers, solubility
equilibrium, entropy and free energy, electrochemistry. Organic chemistry: Structure (bonding), nomenclature,
isomerism, introductory stereochemistry, introduction to chemical reactions and chemical properties of organic
compounds and biological compounds, i.e. carbohydrates and aminoacids. Practical: Molecular structure (model
building), synthesis and properties of simple organic compounds.

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Philosophy 110 (FIL 110)
Module credits 12.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules
Faculty of Law
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Contact time 3 lectures per week, 1 discussion class per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Philosophy
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Introduction to Philosophy
The two semester modules at first-year level introduce students to the four main subfields of Philosophy, namely
epistemology and metaphysics, ethics and political philosophy. This module introduces students to two of these
subfields. Students must contact the Department of Philosophy to ascertain which two subfields are covered in
each semester as the choice may change from time to time due to availability of teaching staff. Students will
become acquainted with the nature of philosophical reflection by exploring a number of classical philosophical
themes in each subfield. Throughout the module there is an emphasis on developing those critical thinking,
reading and writing skills that are required in Philosophy, while students become acquainted with the power of
critique as critical judgment and discernment.

Philosophy 120 (FIL 120)

Module credits 12.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules
Faculty of Law
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Contact time 1 discussion class per week, 3 lectures per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Philosophy
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Introduction to Philosophy
The two semester modules at first-year level introduce students to the four main subfields of Philosophy, namely
epistemology and metaphysics, ethics and political philosophy. This module introduces students to two of these
subfields. Students must contact the Department of Philosophy to ascertain which two subfields are covered in
each semester as the choice may change from time to time due to availability of teaching staff. Students will
become acquainted with the nature of philosophical reflection by exploring a number of classical philosophical
themes in each subfield. Throughout the module there is an emphasis on developing those critical thinking,
reading and writing skills that are required in Philosophy, while students become acquainted with the power of
critique as critical judgment and discernment.

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Financial accounting 111 (FRK 111)
Module credits 10.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Law
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Contact time 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Accounting
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
The nature and function of accounting; the development of accounting; financial position; financial result; the
recording process; processing of accounting data; treatment of VAT; elementary income statement and balance
sheet; flow of documents; accounting systems; introduction to internal control and internal control measures;
bank reconciliations; control accounts; adjustments; financial statements of a sole proprietorship; the accounting
framework.

Historical geology 161 (GLY 161)

Module credits 8.00
Service modules Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Refer to Regulation 1.2: A candidate must have passed Mathematics with at least
Prerequisites
60% in the Grade 12 examination
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Geology
Period of presentation Quarter 4
Module content
Principles of stratigraphy and stratigraphic nomenclature; geological dating and international and South African
time scales; Africa framework and tectonic elements of South Africa; introduction to depositional environments.
Overview of the historical geology of South Africa, from the Archaean to the present: major stratigraphic units,
intrusions and tectonicmetamorphic events - their rock types, fossil contents, genesis and economic
commodities. Principles of palaeontology and short description of major fossil groups: fossil forms, ecology and
geological meaning. Geological maps and profiles; rock samples.

Informatics 112 (INF 112)

Module credits 10.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Education
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

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 Refer to Regulation 1.2(e): A candidate must have passed Mathematics with at
Prerequisites least 4 (50-59%) in the Grade 12 examination; or STK 113 60%, STK 123 60% or
STK 110
Contact time 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Informatics
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Introduction to information systems, information systems in organisations, hardware: input, processing, output,
software: systems and application software, organisation of data and information, telecommunications and
networks, the Internet and Intranet. Transaction processing systems, management information systems,
decision support systems, information systems in business and society, systems analysis, systems design,
implementation, maintenance and revision.

Informatics 154 (INF 154)

Module credits 10.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Education
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Refer to Regulation 1.2(f): A candidate must have passed Mathematics with at
Prerequisites
least 4 (50-59%) in the Grade 12 examination
Contact time 2 practicals per week, 1 lecture per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Informatics
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Introduction to programming.

Informatics 164 (INF 164)

Module credits 10.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Education
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
INF 154; Regulation 1.2(f): A candidate must have passed Mathematics with at
Prerequisites least 4 (50-59%) in the Grade 12 examination; AIM 101 or AIM 102 or AIM 111
and AIM 121
Contact time 1 lecture per week, 2 practicals per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Informatics

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Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Advanced programming, use of a computer-aided software engineering tool.

Criminology 110 (KRM 110)

Module credits 12.00
Service modules Faculty of Law
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Contact time 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Social Work and Criminology
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Part 1: Fundamental criminology
Introduction to criminology, definition of crime, crime tendencies, classical and positivistic explanations of crime.
Part 2: Violent crime
A brief analysis of causes, consequences and mechanisms to prevent and reduce violent crime within a South
African context. Define violent crime in terms of interpersonal violence, homicide, violent crimes within the
criminal justice system and property-related violent crimes.

Criminology 120 (KRM 120)

Module credits 12.00
Service modules Faculty of Law
Prerequisites KRM 110
Contact time 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Social Work and Criminology
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Part 1: Penology
In Penology attention is given to the criminal justice system to emphasise the importance of using an integrated
approach in the handling of offenders. The impact of overpopulation in prisons is critically evaluated. Attention
is also given to awaiting trial offenders, the importance of community-based sentences as well as the re-
integration of offenders in the community.
Part 2: Crime prevention and control
Responsibilities of the police and the community in crime prevention and control. Primary, secondary and
tertiary crime prevention, crime prevention and reduction strategies in South Africa.

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Introduction to microbiology 161 (MBY 161)
Module credits 8.00
Service modules Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Prerequisites MLB 111 GS
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Microbiology and Plant Path
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
The module will introduce the student to the field of Microbiology. Basic Microbiological aspects that will be
covered include introduction into the diversity of the microbial world (bacteria, archaea, eukaryotic
microorganisms and viruses), basic principles of cell structure and function, microbial nutrition and microbial
growth and growth control. Applications in Microbiology will be illustrated by specific examples i.e.
bioremediation, animal-microbial symbiosis, plant-microbial symbiosis and the use of microorganisms in
industrial microbiology. Wastewater treatment, microbial diseases and food will be introduced using specific
examples.

Molecular and cell biology 111 (MLB 111)

Module credits 16.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Veterinary Science
Refer to Regulation 1.2: A candidate who has passed Mathematics with at least
Prerequisites
50% in the Grade 12 examination
Contact time 4 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Genetics
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Introductory study of the ultra structure, function and composition of representative cells and cell components.
General principles of cell metabolism, molecular genetics, cell growth, cell division and differentiation.

Psychology 110 (SLK 110)

Module credits 12.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

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Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Contact time 2 discussion classes per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Psychology
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
This module is a general orientation to Psychology. An introduction is given to various theoretical approaches in
Psychology, and the development of Psychology as a science is discussed. Selected themes from everyday life
are explored and integrated with psychological principles. This module focuses on major personality theories. An
introduction is given to various paradigmatic approaches in Psychology.

Psychology 120 (SLK 120)

Module credits 12.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 2 discussion classes per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Psychology
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
This module introduces the student to a basic knowledge and understanding of the biological basis of human
behaviour. The module addresses the key concepts and terminology related to the biological subsystem, the
rules and principles guiding biological psychology, and identification of the interrelatedness of different
biological systems and subsystems. In this module various cognitive processes are studied, including perception,
memory, thinking, intelligence and creativity. Illustrations are given of various thinking processes, such as
problem solving, critical, analytic and integrative thinking.

Statistics 110 (STK 110)

Module credits 13.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
At least 5 (60-69%) in Mathematics in the Grade 12 examination. Candidates who
Prerequisites
do not qualify for STK 110 must register for STK 113 and STK 123
Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 1 practical per week, 3 lectures per week

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Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Statistics
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Descriptive statistics:
Sampling and the collection of data; frequency distributions and graphical representations. Descriptive
measures of location and dispersion.
Probability and inference:
Introductory probability theory and theoretical distributions. Sampling distributions. Estimation theory and
hypothesis testing of sampling averages and proportions (one and two-sample cases). Identification, use,
evaluation and interpretation of statistical computer packages and statistical techniques.

Statistics 120 (STK 120)

Module credits 13.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Faculty of Education
Service modules
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
STK 110 GS or both STK 113 GS and STK 123 GS or both WST 133 and WST 143 or
Prerequisites
STK 133 and STK 143
Contact time 1 practical per week, 1 tutorial per week, 3 lectures per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Statistics
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Multivariate statistics:
Analysis of variance, categorical data analysis, distribution-free methods, curve fitting, regression and
correlation, the analysis of time series and indices.
Statistical and economic applications of quantitative techniques:
Systems of linear equations: drafting, matrices, solving and application. Optimisation; linear functions (two and
more independent variables), non-linear functions (one and two independent variables). Marginal and total
functions. Stochastic and deterministic variables in statistical and economic context: producers' and consumers'
surplus, distribution functions, probability distributions, probability density functions. Identification, use,
evaluation, interpretation of statistical computer packages and statistical techniques.
This module is also presented as an anti-semester bilingual module.

Mathematical statistics 111 (WST 111)

Module credits 16.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

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Prerequisites At least 5 (60-69%) in Mathematics in the Grade 12 examination
Contact time 4 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Statistics
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Characterisation of a set of measurements: Graphical and numerical methods. Random sampling. Probability
theory. Discrete and continuous random variables. Probability distributions. Generating functions and moments.

Mathematical statistics 121 (WST 121)

Module credits 16.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites WST 111 GS or WST 133, 143 and 153
Contact time 1 practical per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Statistics
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Sampling distributions and the central limit theorem. Statistical inference: Point and interval estimation.
Hypothesis testing with applications in one and two-sample cases. Introductory methods for: Linear regression
and correlation, analysis of variance, categorical data analysis and non-parametric statistics. Identification, use,
evaluation and interpretation of statistical computer packages and statistical techniques.

Financial accounting 122 (FRK 122)

Module credits 12.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Law
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites FRK 111 GS or FRK 133, FRK 143
Contact time 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Accounting
Period of presentation Semester 2

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Module content
Budgeting, payroll accounting, taxation – income tax and an introduction to other types of taxes, credit and the
new Credit Act, insurance, accounting for inventories (focus on inventory and the accounting entries, not
calculations), interpretation of financial statements.

Introduction to geology 155 (GLY 155)

Module credits 16.00
Service modules Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Refer to Regulation 1.2: A candidate must have passed Mathematics with at least
Prerequisites
60% in the Grade 12 examination
Contact time 4 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Geology
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Solar system; structure of solid matter; minerals and rocks; introduction to symmetry and crystallography;
important minerals and solid solutions; rock cycle; classification of rocks. External geological processes (gravity,
water, wind, sea, ice) and their products (including geomorphology). Internal structure of the earth. The dynamic
earth – volcanism, earthquakes, mountain building – the theory of plate tectonics. Geological processes
(magmatism, metamorphism, sedimentology, structural geology) in a plate tectonic context. Geological maps
and mineral and rock specimens.

First course in physics 114 (PHY 114)

Module credits 16.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules
Faculty of Education
Refer to Regulation 1.2: A candidate must have passed Mathematics and Physical
Prerequisites
Science with at least 60% in the Grade 12 examination
Contact time 4 lectures per week, 1 discussion class per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Physics
Period of presentation Semester 1

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Module content
SI-units. Significant figures. Waves: intensity, superposition, interference, standing waves, resonance, beats,
Doppler. Geometrical optics: Reflection, refraction, mirrors, thin lenses, instruments. Physical optics: Young-
interference, coherence, diffraction, polarisation. Hydrostatics and dynamics: density, pressure, Archimedes’
principle, continuity, Bernoulli. Heat: temperature, specific heat, expansion, heat transfer. Vectors. Kinematics of
a point: Relative, projectile, and circular motion. Dynamics: Newton’s laws, friction. Work: point masses, gasses
(ideal gas law), gravitation, spring, power. Kinetic energy: Conservative forces, gravitation, spring. Conservation
of energy. Conservation of momentum. Impulse and collisions. System of particles: Centre of mass, Newton’s
laws. Rotation: torque, conservation of angular momentum, equilibrium, centre of gravity.

First course in physics 124 (PHY 124)

Module credits 16.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules
Faculty of Education
Prerequisites WTW 114 GS and PHY 114 GS
Contact time 4 lectures per week, 1 discussion class per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Physics
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Simple harmonic motion and pendulums. Coulomb’s law. Electric field: dipoles, Gauss’ law.Electric potential.
Capacitance. Electric currents: resistance, resistivity, Ohm’s law, energy, power, emf, RC-circuits. Magnetic
Field: Hall-effect, Bio-Savart. Faraday’s and Lenz’s laws. Oscillations: LR-circuits. Alternating current: RLC-
circuits, power, transformers. Introductory concepts to modern physics. Nuclear physics: Radioactivity.

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Curriculum: Year 2
Minimum credits: 124

Fundamental modules
Community-based project 202 (JCP 202)
Module credits 8.00
Service modules Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Contact time 1 other contact session per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Informatics
Period of presentation Year
Module content
This project-orientated module is a form of applied learning which is directed at specific community needs and is
integrated into all undergraduate academic programmes offered by the Faculty of Engineering, Built
Environment and Information Technology.
The main objectives with the module are as follows:
(1) The execution of a community-related project aimed at achieving a beneficial impact on a chosen section of
society, preferably but not exclusively, by engagement with a section of society which is different from the
student's own background.
(2) The development of an awareness of personal, social and cultural values, an attitude to be of service, and an
understanding of social issues, for the purpose of being a responsible professional.
(3) The development of important multidisciplinary and life skills, such as communication, interpersonal and
leadership skills.
Assessment in this module will include all or most of the following components: evaluation and approval of the
project proposal, assessment of oral and/or written progress reports, peer assessment in the event of team
projects, written report-back by those at which the project was aimed at, and final assessment on grounds of the
submission of a portfolio and a written report.

Core modules
Data structures and algorithms 212 (COS 212)
Module credits 16.00
Service modules Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Prerequisites COS 110
Contact time 1 practical per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English

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Academic organisation Computer Science
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Data abstraction is a fundamental concept in the design and implementation of correct and efficient software. In
prior modules, students are introduced to the basic data structures of lists, stacks and queues. This module
continues with advanced data structures such as trees, hash tables, heaps and graphs, and goes into depth with
the algorithms needed to manipulate them efficiently. Classical algorithms for sorting, searching, traversing,
packing and game playing are included, with an emphasis on comparative implementations and efficiency. At
the end of this module, students will be able to identify and recognise all the classical data structures;
implement them in different ways; know how to measure the efficiency of implementations and algorithms; and
have further developed their programming skills, especially with recursion and polymorphism.

Software modelling 214 (COS 214)

Module credits 16.00
Prerequisites COS 212
Contact time 1 practical per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Computer Science
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
The module will introduce the concepts of model-driven analysis and design as a mechanism to develop and
evaluate complex software systems. Systems will be decomposed into known entities, such as design patterns,
classes, relationships, execution loops and process flow, in order to model the semantic aspects of the system in
terms of structure and behaviour. An appropriate tool will be used to support the software modelling. The role of
the software model in the enterprise will be highlighted. Students who successfully complete this module will be
able to concep-tualise and analyse problems and abstract a solution.

Netcentric computer systems 216 (COS 216)

Module credits 16.00
Prerequisites COS 110
Contact time 1 practical per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Computer Science
Period of presentation Semester 1

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Module content
This module will introduce the student to netcentric systems by focusing on the development of systems for the
web, mobile devices and the cloud. To lay the foundation on which the rest of the module can follow, traditional
web-based programming languages such as HTML5, JavaScript, CSS and Python will be covered differentiating
between client-side and server-side computation. Persistence of web-based data will be included for both client
and server-based computation. These technologies will be extended and applied to mobile platforms where the
availability of a connection, location-services and mobile device limitations play a role. For cloud platforms,
aspects relating to task partitioning, security, virtualisation, cloud storage and access to the shared data stores,
data synchronisation, partitioning and replication are considered. In order to practically demonstrate that a
student has reached these outcomes, students will be required to use, integrate and maintain the necessary
software and hardware by completing a number of smaller practical assignments where after integrating all
these technologies into a comprehensive and practical programming project is required.

Introduction to database systems 221 (COS 221)

Module credits 16.00
Prerequisites COS 110
Contact time 1 practical per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Computer Science
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
This module will expose students to the evolution of databases systems. They will be able to model data
conceptually, in terms of models such as conceptual, relational, object oriented, graph-based and network and
the mapping between models, in particular between the conceptual and relational model. Foundational concepts
relating to the relational model will be considered, such as: entity and referential integrity, relational algebra and
calculus, functional dependency, normals forms, Indexing of database systems and transaction processing will
also form an integral part of the curriculum. The physical data representation of the databases system both in
memory and within the file system of the operating system will be considered.

Concurrent systems 226 (COS 226)

Module credits 16.00
Prerequisites COS 122 and COS 212
Contact time 1 practical per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Computer Science
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Computer science courses mostly deal with sequential programs. This module looks at the fundamentals of
concurrency; what it means, how it can be exploited, and what facilities are available to determine program
correctness. Concurrent systems are designed, analysed and implemented.

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Computer organisation and architecture 284 (COS 284)
Module credits 16.00
Prerequisites COS 212 GS
Contact time 4 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Computer Science
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
This module provides the foundations on which other modules build by enabling a deeper understanding of how
software interacts with hardware. It will teach the design and operation of modern digital computers by studying
each of the components that make up a digital computer and the interaction between these components.
Specific areas of interest, but not limited to, are: representation of data on the machine-level; organisation of
the machine on the assembly level; the architecture and organisation of memory; inter- and intra-component
interfacing and communication; data paths and control; and parallelism. Topic-level detail and learning
outcomes for each of these areas are given by the first 6 units of ‘Architecture and Organisation’ knowledge
area as specified by the ACM/IEEE Computer Science Curriculum 2013.
The concepts presented in the theory lectures will be reinforced during the practical sessions by requiring design
and implementation of the concepts in simulators and assembly language using an open source operating
system.

Discrete structures 285 (WTW 285)

Module credits 12.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules
Faculty of Education
Prerequisites WTW 115
Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Mathematics and Applied Maths
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Setting up and solving recurrence relations. Equivalence and partial order relations. Graphs: paths, cycles, trees,
isomorphism. Graph algorithms: Kruskal, Prim, Fleury. Finite state automata.

Theoretical computer science 210 (COS 210)

Module credits 8.00
Prerequisites COS 110 and COS 151
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English

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Academic organisation Computer Science
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
This module introduces students to a framework for investigating both computability and complexity of
problems. Topics include, but are not limited to: finite-state machines, regular expressions and their application
in a language such as awk, the Halting problem, context-free grammars, P vs NP problem, NP-complete class,
reduction techniques, regular languages, DFAs and NFAs, Lattices, Church-Turing thesis.

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Curriculum: Final year
Minimum credits: 144

Core modules
Software engineering 301 (COS 301)
Module credits 27.00
Prerequisites COS 212 and COS 214
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Computer Science
Period of presentation Year
Module content
The module exposes students to problems associated with software development on an industrial scale. Overall
goals of the module are: to become familiar with the latest trends in software engineering; to understand the
software engineering process and to appreciate its complexity; to be exposed to a variety of methodologies for
tackling different stages of the software lifecycle; to understand and apply the concepts of systems
administration and maintenance; to complete the development of a fairly large object orientation-based
software product. The focus of the module is on a project that lasts the whole year. The project is completed in
groups of approximately four (4) students and teaches students to take responsibility for a variety of roles within
a group, and to understand the different requirements for these; to experience the advantages and problems of
working in a group; professionalism with regards to particularly colleagues and clients.
After the successful completion of this module, the student will be able to: understand the psychology of a
client; work in groups; and have an appreciation for planning, designing, implementing and maintaining large
projects. These qualities should place the students in a position in which they are able to handle software
development in the corporate environment.

Computer networks 332 (COS 332)

Module credits 18.00
Prerequisites COS 216
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Computer Science
Period of presentation Semester 1

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Module content
The objective of this module is to acquaint the student with the terminology of communication systems and to
establish a thorough understanding of exactly how data is transferred in such communication networks, as well
as applications that can be found in such environments. The study material includes: concepts and terminology,
the hierarchy of protocols according to the OSI and TCP/IP models, protocols on the data level, physical level and
network level as well as higher level protocols. The practical component of the module involves programming
TCP/IP sockets using a high level language. The emphasis throughout is on the technical aspects underlying the
operation of networks, rather than the application of networks.

Programming languages 333 (COS 333)

Module credits 18.00
Prerequisites COS 110
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Computer Science
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Programming languages are the backbone for software development. Each language has its own different
syntax and semantics, but there are many common concepts that can be studied and then illustrated through
the languages. The module concentrates on issues of object orientation, including delegation, iteration and
polymorphism. It surveys how languages provide the basic building blocks for data and control, as well as
exception handling and concurrency. At the end of the module, students will be able to appreciate the rich
history behind programming languages, leading to independent principles that evolve over time. They will be
skilled at using a variety of programming languages, including new paradigms such as functional, logical and
scripting, and will know how to learn a new language with ease. From this experience, they will be able to apply
evaluation criteria for choosing an appropriate programming language in a given scenario.

Compiler construction 341 (COS 341)

Module credits 18.00
Prerequisites COS 211 and COS 212
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Computer Science
Period of presentation Semester 1

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Module content
This module will introduce the student to the fundamentals of compiler construction. These include: the
structural difference between a high-level and a von-Neumann language, the meaning of syntax and semantics
and what semantics-preserving correctness means; the concepts of regular expressions, finite automata,
context-free grammars in the context of programming languages; the need to construct parse-trees for given
programmes; the application of data structures and algorithms for the purpose of code-analysis, code-
optimisation and register-allocation; and the limits of code-analysis in terms of undecideability and the halting
problem.
After successful completion of the module, the student will have an understanding of the importance of
compilers and will understand how to implement a compiler, in terms of its components, the scanner, parser,
type checker and code-generator for a given grammar.

Computer security and ethics 330 (COS 330)

Module credits 18.00
Prerequisites COS 110
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Computer Science
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
This module develops an appreciation of the fundamentals and design principles for information assurance and
security. Students will develop a clear understanding of the basic information security services and mechanisms,
enabling them to design and evaluate the integration of solutions into the user application environment.
Emphasis will be placed on services such as authorisation and confidentiality. Students will acquire knowledge
and skills of Security Models such as the Bell-LaPadula, Harrison-Ruzzo Ullman and Chinese Wall Model. Students
will develop a detailed understanding of the confidentiality service by focusing on cryptology and the practical
implementation thereof. The student will be introduced to professional and philosophical ethics. At the end of
the module students will be able to engage in a debate regarding the impact (local and global) of computers on
individuals, organisations and society. The professionalism of IT staff will be discussed against national and
international codes of practices such as those of the CSSA, ACM and IEEE.

Elective modules
Physical chemistry 382 (CMY 382)
Module credits 18.00
Service modules Faculty of Education
Prerequisites CMY 282, CMY 283, CMY 284 and CMY 285
Contact time 2 practicals per week, 4 lectures per week, 1 discussion class per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Chemistry

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Period of presentation Quarter 4
Module content
Theory: Molecular quantum mechanics. Introduction: Shortcomings of classical physics, dynamics of microscopic
systems, quantum mechanical principles, translational, vibrational and rotational movement. Atomic structure
and spectra: Atomic hydrogen, multiple electron systems, spectra of complex atoms, molecular structure, the
hydrogen molecule ion, diatomic and polyatomic molecules, structure and properties of molecules. Molecules in
motion: Viscosity, diffusion, mobility. Surface chemistry: Physisorption and chemisorption, adsorption isotherms,
surface tension, heterogeneous catalytic rate reactions, capillarity.

Analytical chemistry 383 (CMY 383)

Module credits 18.00
Service modules Faculty of Education
Prerequisites CMY 282, CMY 283, CMY 284 and CMY 285
Contact time 1 discussion class per week, 2 practicals per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Chemistry
Period of presentation Quarter 1
Module content
Theory: Separation methods: Extraction, multiple extraction, chromatographic systems. Spectroscopy:
Construction of instruments, atomic absorption and atomic emission spectrometry, surface analysis techniques.
Mass spectrometry. Instrumental electrochemistry.

Organic chemistry 384 (CMY 384)

Module credits 18.00
Service modules Faculty of Education
Prerequisites CMY 282, CMY 283, CMY 284 and CMY 285
Contact time 2 practicals per week, 1 discussion class per week, 4 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Chemistry
Period of presentation Quarter 3
Module content
Theory: NMR spectroscopy: applications. Aromatic chemistry, Synthetic methodology in organic chemistry.
Carbon-carbon bond formation: alkylation at nucleophilic carbon sites, aldol and related condensations, Wittig
and related reactions, acylation of carbanions (Claisen condensation).

Artificial intelligence 314 (COS 314)

Module credits 18.00
Prerequisites COS 110

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Contact time 1 practical per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Computer Science
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
The main objective of this module is to introduce a selection of topics from artificial intelligence (AI), and to
provide the student with the background to implement AI techniques for solving complex problems.
This module will cover topics from classical AI, as well as more recent AI paradigms. These topics include: search
methods, game playing, knowledge representation and reasoning, machine learning, neural networks, genetic
algorithms, artificial life, planning methods, and intelligent agents. In the practical part of this module, students
will get experience in implementing
(1) game trees and evolving game-playing agents;
(2) a neural network and applying it to solve a real-world problem; and
(3) a genetic algorithm and applying it to solve a real-world problem.

Database systems 326 (COS 326)

Module credits 18.00
Prerequisites COS 221
Contact time 1 lecture per week, 2 practicals per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Computer Science
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
This module builds on a prior introductory module on database technology and provides more advanced
theoretical and practical study material for managing large volumes of data, for example, noSQL database
systems and MapReduce. The module will consider file system models, for example Hadoop, relevant for big
data storage, manipulation at scale, mining and visualisation. Basic knowledge of parallel decomposition
concepts will be included.

Computer graphics 344 (COS 344)

Module credits 18.00
Prerequisites COS 110 and WTW 124 or WTW 146
Contact time 1 practical per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Computer Science
Period of presentation Semester 1

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Module content
The aim of this module is to acquire a sound knowledge of the basic theory of interactive computer graphics and
basic computer graphics programming techniques. The theory will cover graphics systems and models, graphics
programming, input and interaction, geometric objects and transformations, viewing in 3D, shading, rendering
techniques, and introduce advanced concepts, such as object-oriented computer graphics and discrete
techniques. The module includes a practical component that enables students to apply and test their knowledge
in computer graphics. The OpenGL graphics library and the C programming language will be used for this
purpose.

Information science: Information organisation 310 (INL 310)

Module credits 30.00
Service modules Faculty of Humanities
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Contact time 3 practicals per week, 3 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Information Science
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Information Organisation. The module is concerned with the organisation of information in the digital
environment focusing on the structure and use of document management and workflow systems, as well as
distribution channels and virtual environments. The characteristics and application of the internet, intranets, as
well as portals and applications use, are considered.

Information science: Information and knowledge management 320 (INL 320)

Module credits 30.00
Service modules Faculty of Humanities
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Contact time 3 practicals per week, 3 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Information Science
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Information and Knowledge Management. This module focuses on information and knowledge management at
an operational level and introduces information and knowledge management at a corporate strategic level. It
deals with the management of information and knowledge, which enables the organisation to be competitive. In
this module the focus is on four aspects, namely: the 21st century organisation, the external and internal
stakeholders that have an interest in information products, as well as the infrastructure that should be in place
in organisations to manage information products. The module concludes with a few topics relating to information
management at a corporate strategic level.

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Information science: Digital repositories 340 (INL 340)
Module credits 30.00
Service modules Faculty of Humanities
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Contact time 3 lectures per week, 3 practicals per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Information Science
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
This module deals with the construction and management of digital repositories. It also addresses the
characteristics of the digital repository in a rapidly changing technological world and a challenging information
society. Core aspects include: system design, relationships to hybrid libraries, digital collections and rights
management, standards, virtual referencing and the development and evaluation of digital repositories.

Information science: Socio-political aspects of information in global context 360 (INL 360)
Module credits 30.00
Service modules Faculty of Humanities
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Contact time 3 practicals per week, 3 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Information Science
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
This module examines aspects of the information and knowledge society within local, regional and international
contexts. A special focus of the module is the interaction and exchange of data, information and knowledge from
communities' local knowledge system with data, information and knowledge from the global knowledge system.
The module discusses the growth and role of information and communication technologies (ICTs), and their
implications for development.

Information science 370 (INL 370)

Module credits 15.00
Prerequisites INL 210, 220 and INL 310 or registered for INL 310
Contact time 1 lecture per week, 2 practicals per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Information Science
Period of presentation Year

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Module content
Experiential learning project. This module takes the form of a project and experiential training in co-operation
with industry.

Statistical mechanics, solid state physics and modelling 364 (PHY 364)
Module credits 36.00
Service modules Faculty of Education
Prerequisites PHY 356 and WTW 211 and WTW 218 and WTW 220 GS and WTW 248 GS
Contact time 2 discussion classes per week, 4 lectures per week, 2 practicals per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Physics
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Statistical mechanics (28 lectures)
Isolated systems in thermodynamical equilibrium. Systems in equilibrium with a heat bath: the canonical
ensemble, Gibbs' entropic formula, classical statistical mechanics, energy equipartition theorem,
thermodynamic potentials, paramagnetism.
The classical limit of perfect gases: non-distinguishable character of quantum particles, the equation of state of
the classical ideal gas. Quantum perfect gases: Black body radiation, the grand canonical ensemble, Fermi-Dirac
distribution, the free electron gas in metals, the Bose-Einstein distribution, Bose-Einstein condensation.
Solid state physics (28 lectures)
Crystal structures, the reciprocal lattice, x-ray diffraction, lattice vibration, the Debye model, characteristics of
solids, the free electron model, Pauli paramagnetism, electronic heat capacity, the relaxation time, electrical
conduction, the classical Hall effect, thermal conduction in metals, failures of the free electron model, the
independent electron model, band theory of solids.
Computational Physics and modelling. Assessment will be done through a portfolio of project reports. The topics
for the projects will be selected from various sub-disciplines of Physics.

Stochastic processes 312 (WST 312)

Module credits 18.00
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Service modules
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites WST 211, WST 221, WTW 211 GS and WTW 218 GS
Contact time 1 practical per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Statistics
Period of presentation Semester 1

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Module content
Definition of a stochastic process. Stationarity. Covariance stationary. Markov property. Random walk. Brownian
motion. Markov chains. Chapman-Kolmogorov equations. Recurrent and transient states. First passage time.
Occupation times. Markov jump processes. Poisson process. Birth and death processes. Structures of processes.
Structure of the time-homogeneous Markov jump process. Applications in insurance. Practical statistical
modelling, analysis and simulation using statistical computer packages and the interpretation of the output.

Time-series analysis 321 (WST 321)

Module credits 18.00
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Service modules
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites WST 211, WST 221, WST 311 GS, WTW 211 GS and WTW 218 GS
Contact time 1 practical per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Afrikaans and English is used in one class
Academic organisation Statistics
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Stationary and non-stationary univariate time-series. Properties of autoregressive moving average (ARMA) and
autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) processes. Identification, estimation and diagnostic testing
of a time-series model. Forecasting. Multivariate time-series. Practical statistical modelling and analysis using
statistical computer packages.

Actuarial statistics 322 (WST 322)

Module credits 18.00
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Service modules
Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Prerequisites WST 211, WST 221, WTW 211 GS and WTW 218 GS
Contact time 1 practical per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Statistics
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Decision theory. Loss distributions. Reinsurance. Risk models. Ruin theory. Credibility theory. Methods to
forecast future claim numbers and amounts. Practical statistical modelling and analysis using statistical
computer packages.

Financial engineering 354 (WTW 354)

Module credits 18.00

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 Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Prerequisites WST 211, WTW 211 and WTW 218
Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Afrikaans and English is used in one class
Academic organisation Mathematics and Applied Maths
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Mean variance portfolio theory. Market equilibrium models such as the capital asset pricing model. Factor
models and arbitrage pricing theory. Measures of investment risk. Efficient market hypothesis. Stochastic
models of security prices

Algebra 381 (WTW 381)

Module credits 18.00
Faculty of Education
Service modules Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Faculty of Humanities
Prerequisites WTW 114 and WTW 211
Contact time 1 tutorial per week, 2 lectures per week
Language of tuition Afrikaans and English is used in one class
Academic organisation Mathematics and Applied Maths
Period of presentation Semester 1
Module content
Group theory: Definition, examples, elementary properties, subgroups, permutation groups, isomorphism, order,
cyclic groups, homomorphisms, factor groups. Ring theory: Definition, examples, elementary properties, ideals,
homomorphisms, factor rings, polynomial rings, factorisation of polynomials. Field extensions, applications to
straight-edge and compass constructions.

Numerical analysis 383 (WTW 383)

Module credits 18.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
Faculty of Humanities
Prerequisites WTW 114, WTW 124 and WTW 211
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Afrikaans and English is used in one class
Academic organisation Mathematics and Applied Maths
Period of presentation Semester 2

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Module content
Direct methods for the numerical solution of systems of linear equations, pivoting strategies. Iterative methods
for solving systems of linear equations and eigenvalue problems. Iterative methods for solving systems of
nonlinear equations. Introduction to optimization. Algorithms for the considered numerical methods are derived
and implemented in computer programmes. Complexity of computation is investigated. Error estimates and
convergence results are proved.

Geometry 389 (WTW 389)

Module credits 18.00
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Service modules Faculty of Education
Faculty of Humanities
Prerequisites WTW 211
Contact time 2 lectures per week, 1 tutorial per week
Language of tuition Afrikaans and English is used in one class
Academic organisation Mathematics and Applied Maths
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
Axiomatic development of neutral, Euclidean and hyperbolic geometry. Using models of geometries to show that
the parallel postulate is independent of the other postulates of Euclid.

Electronics, electromagnetism and quantum mechanics 356 (PHY 356)

Module credits 36.00
Service modules Faculty of Education
PHY 255 GS and PHY 263 GS and WTW 211 GS and WTW 218 GS and WTW 220
Prerequisites
GS and WTW 248 GS
Contact time 2 discussion classes per week, 4 lectures per week, 1 practical per week
Language of tuition Module is presented in English
Academic organisation Physics
Period of presentation Semester 1

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Module content
Electronics (14 lectures)
Thévenin and Norton equivalent circuits, superposition principle, RC, LC and LRC circuits. Semiconductor diode.
Bipolar transistor. Operational amplifiers. Computer controlled instrumentation.
Electromagnetism (21 lectures)
Electrostatics: Coulomb’s law, divergence and curl of E, Gauss’ law, Laplace’s equation, image charge problems,
multipole expansion.
Magnetostatics: Lorenz force, Biot-Savart law, divergence and curl of magnetic field strength, Ampère’s law,
magnetic vector potential, multipole expansion, boundary conditions.
Electrodynamics: Electromotive force, electromagnetic induction, Maxwell’s equations, wave equation.
Electric and magnetic fields in matter: Polarisation, electric displacement and Gauss’s law in dielectrics, linear
dielectrics. Magnetisation (diamagnets, paramagnets, ferromagnets), auxiliary field H and Ampère’s law in
magnetised materials, linear and nonlinear media.
Quantum mechanics (28 lectures)
The Schrödinger equation, the statistical interpretation of the wave function, momentum, the uncertainty
principle, the time-independent Schrödinger equation, stationary states, the infinite square well potential, the
harmonic oscillator, the free particle, the Delta-Function potential, the finite square well potential, Hilbert
spaces, observables, eigen functions of a Hermitian operator, Dirac notation, the Schrödinger equation in
spherical coordinates, the hydrogen atom, angular momentum spin.

Information science: Competitive intelligence 380 (INL 380)

Module credits 30.00
Service modules Faculty of Humanities
Prerequisites No prerequisites.
Contact time 3 lectures per week, 3 practicals per week
Language of tuition Separate classes for Afrikaans and English
Academic organisation Information Science
Period of presentation Semester 2
Module content
This module provides an overview of Competitive Intelligence (CI) and focuses on the needs for CI in
organisations. The ways in which organisations compete and the benefits that CI can bring to these
organisations will also be covered. The growing need for CI among South African organisations will also be
examined. Practical examples and case studies will be used to highlight the value of CI in organisations.

The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The
General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to
familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section.
Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

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