Maths, Stats and Information Technology University of KwaZulu-Natal

Maths, Stats and Information Technology

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School of Mathematics, Statistics & Information Technology
Courses:

 

Mathematics | Statistics | Computer Science | Information Systems

Programmes are offered in the above disciplines as well as the following:


Mathematics:

Applied Mathematics:

Jump to On-line Faculty Handbook Applied Mathematics Entry

Summary of Programme:
To provide students with the opportunity to acquire:
Advanced knowledge in Modern Applied Mathematics; strong quantitative problem-solving skills; an appreciation of the wide range of applications of modern Applied Mathematics; skills in reporting project results both orally and by writing.

Course Description:

SECOND YEAR:

First Semester
MATH215 - DISCRETE MATHEMATICS
This module is the continuation of the Discrete Mathematics section of MATH110. The study of basic theories with applications of discrete mathematics is continued.

MATH255 - OPERATIONS RESEARCH MODELLING
To teach students to formulate real problems as mathematical models; to interpret the solution in terms of the real world; to formulate and test policies for managing dynamic systems; to communicate results through report-writing.

Second Semester
MATH232 - VECTOR CALCULUS
To give students a solid foundation in the theory and methods required in Applied Mathematics.

MATH242 - DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
To give students a solid foundation in the basic theory of differential equations and skills in solving differential equations.

 

THIRD YEAR:

First Semester
MATH353 - DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
To acquire knowledge of the underlying mathematical theory needed to analyse dynamic systems and to acquire the skills to master the solution techniques used to solve differential equations.

MATH361 - OPERATIONS RESEARCH METHODS
To acquire knowledge of the theory behind optimisation algorithms; to acquire the skills in sloving optimisation problems.

Second Semester
MATH370 - OPTIMISATION (2002)
To acquire knowledge of the theory underpinning the algorithms used to solve nonlinear programming problems and to acquire the skills to master the computational algorithms required to solve nonlinear programming problems.

MATH371 - NUMERICAL METHODS (2003)
To give students a solid foundation in the theory and techniques of numerical methods and skills in solving mathematical problems numerically.

AND ONE OF:
MATH322 - NETWORKS AND GRAPH THEORY
MATH330 - COMPLEX ANALYSIS
STAT322 - STOCHASTIC PROCESSES
To expose the student to a range of application of stochastic processes and to provide the student with the necessary techniques for recognizing and solving problems in this area.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
First year Mathematics and Second year Mathematics

 

Pure Mathematics

Jump to On-line Faculty Handbook Mathematics Entry

Summary of Programme:
In the first two years students will have exposure to both Pure Mathematics and to the techniques required by applied mathematicians, statisticians, computer and other scientists. The final two years of the programme are devoted to advanced courses in Pure Mathematics. The programme gives students the opportunity to study in depth topics in Pure Mathematics.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

FIRST YEAR:

First Semester
MATH110 - DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS & DISCRETE MATHEMATICS:
To introduce and develop the Differential and Integral Calculus as well as the fundamentals of proof technique, rudimentary logic and Discrete Mathematics.

Second Semester
MATH120 - INTEGRAL CALCULUS & LINEAR ALGEBRA:
To develop further the Integral Calculus and to introduce elementary Linear Algebra.

 

SECOND YEAR:

First Semester
MATH211 - INTRODUCTION TO ALGEBRA & NUMBER THEORY
This module discusses basic theories from Modern Algebra and Number Theory, which are fundamental in various parts of Mathematics and Computer Science.

MATH213 - ADVANCED CALCULUS
This module gives a coherent treatment of basic theories and problem solving techniques from Multivariable Calculus, which is fundamental to Mathematics and Applied Sciences.

Second Semester
MATH222 - INTRODUCTION TO REAL ANALYSIS
This is an introductory single module on Real Analysis. Basic topics, which are fundamental in further real analysis and in other parts of Mathematics are discussed.

MATH224 - LINEAR ALGEBRA
This module gives a coherent treatment of basic theories and problem solving techniques from Linear Algebra and its applications, which are fundamental to Mathematics and the Applied Sciences.

 

THIRD YEAR:

First Semester
MATH310 - REAL ANALYSIS
To introduce and develop in a mathematically rigorous manner, the Riemann integral, sequences and series of functions, and metric spaces.

MATH353 - DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
To acquire knowledge of the underlying mathematical theory needed to analyse dynamic systems and to acquire the skills to master the solution techniques used to solve differential equations.

Second Semester
MATH340 - ALBEGRAIC STRUCTURES
This module investigates properties of groups, rings, polynomial rings and fields. These structures are fundamental to Modern Algebra. The module seeks to develop an ability to handle abstract ideas. It is suitable for every serious undergraduate mathematics student, particularly future graduate students and secondary school teachers.

MATH322 - NETWORKS AND GRAPH THEORY
To explore proof techniques and algorithms and to acquire problem solving skills in discrete mathematics.

MATH330 - COMPLEX ANALYSIS
This module discusses basic theories and techniques from Complex Analysis, including methods of solving classical problems relevant to Applied Sciences.

Note: MATH310 and MATH340 are compulsory.  At least two from MATH322, MATH330 and MATH353 should be completed.

Operations Research

Summary of Programme:
To provide students with a broad understanding of the theory underpinning Operations Research; necessary skills for the application of Operations Research in industry, commerce and natural resource management; skills in reporting projects results both orally and in writing.

Course Description:

First Year:
First year mathematics, first year Statistics, plus two other first year subjects.

 

Second Year:
Second year Mathematics, second year Applied Mathematics, second year Statistics plus one other second year subject.

 

Third Year:
Selection from third year Applied Mathematics (MATH351, MATH361, MATH370 (2002), MATH371 (2003), selection from third year Statistics:

STAT311 - PROBABILITY THEORY
To expose the student to a range of applications of probability theory and to provide the student with the necessary techniques for recognizing and solving problems in probability.

STAT322 - STOCHASTIC PROCESSES
To expose the student to a range of application of stochastic processes and to provide the student with the necessary techniques for recognizing and solving problems in this area.

STAT325 - STATISTICAL MODELLING FOR FINANCE
To expose the student to a range of statistical models which are used in finance and elsewhere.

and courses from third year Biometry

BMET314 - MULTIPLE REGRESSION ANALYSIS
To provide students in Agriculture, the Life Sciences and Statistics with an overview of multivariate regression methods, including logistic regression.

BMET316 - MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS
To teach students to use multivariate analysis.

 

Mathematical Sciences
4 Streams:

Applied Mathematics
Computer Science
Mathematics
Statistics

This structured programme provides an opportunity for students to acquire a broad background in mathematical sciences comprising Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Mathematics and Computer Science, as well as advanced skills in a least one of these. In addition, they acquire familiarity with notation and language of mathematical sciences and the foundation for further study in one of these.


Statistics & Biometry:

Statistics & Biometry

Jump to On-line Faculty Handbook Statistics Entry
Jump to On-line Faculty Handbook Biometry Entry


Summary of Programme:
The undergraduate courses offered in Statistics and Biometry consist of both theory and applied components. Students who complete these courses are capable of conducting statistical analysis of any data using either Minitab or Genstat software. The modules offered at honours level are meant to enhance students’ ability to design, analyse and interpret statistical results in a professional manner. Our Honours’ programme prepares students for further studies, namely M.Sc. and Ph.D. levels and encourages them to work independently.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

FIRST YEAR:


First Semester
STAT110 - INTRODUCTION TO STATISTICS
To introduce the student to basic statistical theory and methods, and in particular to equip the student with the knowledge to apply these ideas to statistical problem solving.

Second Semester
STAT120 - STATISTICAL METHODS
To expand the student’s knowledge of basic statistical theory and methods, to introduce the student to a wide range of statistical techniques and to reinforce the student’s ability to solve statistical problems.

 

SECOND YEAR:
First Semester
STAT210 - PROBABILITY THEORY
To introduce the student to the elements of probability theory.

STAT213 - SAMPLE SURVEY METHODS
To equip the student with the tools to design and effectively analyze the results of a sample drawn from a finite population.

Second Semester
STAT220 - STATISTICAL INFERENCE
To introduce the student to the elements of statistical inference.

 

THIRD YEAR:


First Semester
STAT311 - PROBABILITY THEORY
To expose the student to a range of applications of probability theory and to provide the student with the necessary techniques for recognizing and solving problems in probability.

BMET314 - MULTIPLE REGRESSION ANALYSIS
To provide students in Agriculture, the Life Sciences and Statistics with an overview of multivariate regression methods, including logistic regression.

BMET316 - MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS
To teach students to use multivariate analysis.

Second Semester
STAT322 - STOCHASTIC PROCESSES
To expose the student to a range of application of stochastic processes and to provide the student with the necessary techniques for recognizing and solving problems in this area.

STAT325 - STATISTICAL MODELLING FOR FINANCE
To expose the student to a range of statistical models which are used in finance and elsewhere.

SERVICE COURSES OFFERED IN EACH YEAR

First Semester:
STAT101 - BASIC STATISTICS
To introduce the student to the basic concepts of Statistics and how these may be applied in problem solving.

BMET210 - INTRODUCTION TO BIOMETRY
To provide students in Agriculture and the Life Sciences with the skills necessary to adequately analyze and summarize various types of data using appropriate statistical methods.

BMET314 - INTRODUCTION TO MULTIPLE REGRESSION
BMET316 - APPLIED MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS

Second Semester:
BMET222 - DESIGN AND REGRESSION
To introduce students in Agriculture and the Life Sciences to the concepts of efficient experimental design through blocking and treatment selection. To introduce students to statistical modelling through multiple linear regression methods.


Computer Science:

Jump to On-line Faculty Handbook Computer Science Entry

Summary of Programme:
Computer Science is concerned with the study of problem solving with computers.
It is a field that tries to deal with questions like:

  • How can we use computers to solve certain problems?
  • What makes some problem solutions better than others?
  • How do we verify that we have a correct solution to a problem?
  • What problems can and can't be solved by a computer?


Problems that we'd like to solve using computers come in various shapes and sizes, from developing a simple calculator to interacting with a web-server on the other side of the world. To instruct a computer to solve a problem we must program a solution using a programming language like C++, Java, Visual Basic or Perl. Learning how to program effectively takes time and dedication and will be a major part of what you learn in Computer Science.

Description of Courses:
First Year

CSCI131 Introduction to Computer Science
This module first introduces the student to the computer as a tool for the study of Computer Science. This is followed by an introduction to Computer Science as an academic discipline in terms of the formal structures of Computer Science and the algorithmic process.

CSCI141 Programming and Structures
In order to solve problems using a computer, programs invariably have to be written. This requires the use of a programming language. This module introduces Computer Science students to the programming language that will primarily be using to write programs to solve problems. It introduces a programming methodology, programming structures and the elaborates on the algorithmic process introduced in the previous module.

Second Year

CSCI215 Computer Organization and Architecture
To provide students with an understanding of the architecture of a computer and its low level operations.

CSCI223 Algorithmics
Elaborates on the basic algorithms used in Computer Science and the data structures associated with them. It also introduces techniques that can be used to formally analyze algorithms and comines this with empirical techniques to asses the space and time complexity associated with algorithms and data structures.

CSCI224 Distributed Computing
To be able to design effective distributed computing systems.


Third Year

CSCI313 Computability and Automata
A study of the theory of computation formally covering the computation process, computable objects, decidability and effective enumeration and universal machines.

CSCI315 Operating Systems
Deals with the major components of modern operating systems of operating systems and how they interface with the management of computing resources in a net-centric computing environment.

CSCI323 Intelligent Systems
An introduction to artificial intelligence challenge that examines the logical foundations of artificial intelligence and knowledge representation. Also examines various models used to solve the problems of artificial intelligence programming languages that support artificial intelligence concepts.

CSCI325 Software Design
Examines various programming and program design paradigms. Also deals with aspects that control the programming process such as quality assurance and testing, formal techniques for requirements and specification, programming tools, environments and integration techniques.

Honours

The year spent doing Computer Science honours will have doubled your university exposure to Computer Science by the time you have completed the course. You will spend the year working in the Computer Science community and benefit enormously from the experience. The modules on offer are:



Information Systems:

Jump to On-line Faculty Handbook Business Information Systems Entry

Summary of Programme:
This programme aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge, tools and values to act as change agents in the technological field. First and second year courses focus on the principles of end-user computing, hardware, software, data communications, types of information systems and programming. Third year courses detail the rigorous process of documenting the user requirements of an information system, designing a system and the ensuing programming and database implementation issues. Honours courses explore aspects of Information Systems in greater depth.

Description of Courses:

First Year

BISS111
End User Computing: Essential computing concepts and software package skills are covered.

BISS121 Business Information Systems Fundamentals: Covers the nature and use of Information Technology in organisations from the perspective of Systems theory. The process of Systems Analysis is investigated and students are introduced to business problem solving, programming and web page design.

Second Year

BISS213 Systems Analysis Fundamentals Introduction to the fundamentals of systems theory, systems analysis and design.

BISS221 Business Programming and Data Structures: Equips students with skills in programming, focusing on business-oriented problems. Detailed familiarity with a current programming language is complemented with data structures and algorithm development.


Third Year

BISS313 Advanced Systems Analysis and Design: Detailed study of the process of determining user requirements and designing an appropriate Information System to meet the identified needs. Tools and techniques of documenting systems are complemented by consideration of soft issues such as communication, group dynamics and interviewing skills.

BISS312 Information Management: Detailed study of current design and implementation techniques and concepts within a database environment.

BISS321 Commercial Software Development: Extensive physical design, programming, testing and implementation of an Information System in an object-oriented, client-server environment. This course is a logical continuation of BISS313.

BISS322 Information Systems Management: Successful IS products and projects require careful management at various levels. Resource, project and change management strategies and skills are covered in addition to cost analysis and presentation techniques.

Honours

Honours courses explore aspects of Information Systems in greater depth. Topics include:
BISS750 Software Engineering
BISS760 Decision Support Technology
ENTR701 Entreneurship
BISS712 Business Reengineering
BISS780 Managing IS Resources
BISS781 Contemporary Topics in Information Systems
BISS790 Research Project


 
 
   
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School of Mathematics, Statistics and Information Technology
University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville
Pietermaritzburg, 3209 South Africa
Tel: (+27) 33 2605704
Fax: (+27) 33 2605648
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