Science Faculty Handbook UCT

UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
2023
Postal Address: University of Cape Town

Private Bag X3
7701 RONDEBOSCH
Dean's & Faculty Chris Hani Building, Level 6
Offices: University Avenue North Road
Upper Campus
Office Hours: Mondays to Fridays: 08h30 - 16h30
Telephones: Dean's Office (021) 650 2711

Faculty Office (021) 650 2712
Accounts and Fees (021) 650 4076/2134
Admissions (021) 650 2128
Internet: UCT's Home Page http://www.uct.ac.za
Science
Home Page http://www.science.uct.ac.za
Dean's Office
Faculty Office [email protected]
International Academic Programmes
Office [email protected]
The Admissions Office and Student Records Office are located in the Masingene Building, Middle
Campus, and are open from 08h30 to 16h30. The Cashier's Office is located in Kramer Building,
Middle Campus, and is open from 09h00 to 15h30.
This handbook is part of a series that consists of
Book 1: Undergraduate Prospectus

Book 2: Authorities and information of record
Book 3: General Rules and Policies
Book 4: Academic Calendar and Meetings
Book 5: Student Support and Services
Book 6-11: Handbooks of the Faculties of Commerce, Engineering & the Built Environment,
Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, Science
Book 12: Student Fees
Book 13: Bursary and Loan Opportunities for Undergraduate Study
Book 14: Financial assistance for Postgraduate Study and Postdoctoral Research
SCIENCE FACULTY GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT
In keeping with UCT policy, the Science Faculty is dedicated to providing an environment that is
inclusive and free of discrimination, violence, bullying and harassment for everyone, regardless of
gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, country of origin, physical appearance, age, mental or
physical health, HIV-status, political opinion or religion. We do not tolerate discrimination, violence,
bullying and harassment, in any form, towards our academic and PASS staff, postdocs, students or
visitors.
All communication should be professional and appropriate. This applies to general conduct in the
Faculty, but also presentations and posters at conferences and in meetings, in laboratories, and in the
field. Sexist, racist, and other exclusionary imagery and language – including “jokes” – are not
appropriate and will not be tolerated.
Violations of this code may be reported to staff within individual departments, and/or the Faculty,
and/or the UCT Office for Inclusivity and Change, which could lead to possible disciplinary actions.
In those cases the UCT Office for Inclusivity and Change (OIC) will hear both parties involved on the
shortest possible notice. Based on the outcome, further actions may be taken.
UCT Transformation plans and policies, including a statement of values, plans and policies around
employment equity, anti-discrimination and inclusivity, can be found here:
https://www.uct.ac.za/main/explore-uct/transformation/plans-policies
The Science Faculty is mindful of the wide range of cultural backgrounds and expectations held by
our academic and PASS staff, postdocs, students and visitors. Anyone who is uncertain about what is
deemed appropriate behaviour should visit the above website and the resources and links therein.
The University has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information in its handbooks.
However, we reserve the right at any time, if circumstances dictate (for example, if there are not
sufficient students registered), to
(i) make alterations or changes to any of the published details of the opportunities on offer; or
(ii) add to or withdraw any of the opportunities on offer.
Our students are given every assurance that changes to opportunities will only be made under
compelling circumstances and students will be fully informed as soon as possible.
CONTENTS
Guide to the Use of this Handbook ................................................................................................... 5
General Information .......................................................................................................................... 6
Officers in the Faculty ................................................................................................................... 6
Senior Student Advisors in the Faculty ......................................................................................... 7
Student Advisors in the Faculty ..................................................................................................... 7
Departments in the Faculty ............................................................................................................ 8
Administrative offices dealing with student matters...................................................................... 9
Faculty Student Councils ............................................................................................................... 9
Term dates for 2023 ....................................................................................................................... 9
Explanatory Notes on Course Codes ............................................................................................. 9
Essential Terminology ................................................................................................................. 10
Degrees Offered in the Faculty ........................................................................................................ 12
Rules for the degree of Bachelor of Science ................................................................................ 12
Rules for the degree of Bachelor of Science Honours (BSc Hons) ............................................. 35
Rules for the degree of Master of Philosophy/Science ................................................................ 38
Rules for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) ................................................................... 51
Rules for the degree of Doctor of Science ................................................................................... 52
Departments in the Faculty ............................................................................................................. 54
Department of Archaeology......................................................................................................... 54
Department of Astronomy ........................................................................................................... 60
Department of Biological Sciences.............................................................................................. 67
Department of Chemistry............................................................................................................. 84
Department of Computer Science ................................................................................................ 94
Department of Environmental and Geographical Science ......................................................... 119
Department of Geological Sciences ........................................................................................... 143
Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics ............................................................ 150
Department of Molecular and Cell Biology............................................................................... 170
Department of Oceanography .................................................................................................... 177
Department of Physics ............................................................................................................... 182
Department of Statistical Sciences ............................................................................................ 191
Courses Offered by Departments in Other Faculties Towards Science Degrees ...................... 215
College of Accounting ............................................................................................................... 215
Finance and Tax ......................................................................................................................... 215
Information Systems .................................................................................................................. 216
Electrical Engineering ............................................................................................................... 218
Human Biology .......................................................................................................................... 220
Integrative Biomedical Sciences ................................................................................................ 223
Public Law ................................................................................................................................. 224
Inter-faculty Units .......................................................................................................................... 225
African Centre for Cities (ACC) ................................................................................................ 225
African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI)................................................................ 226
Electron Microscope Unit .......................................................................................................... 227
Marine and Antarctic Research Centre for Innovation and Sustainability (MARIS) ................ 228
Schedule of Courses ........................................................................................................................ 230
Courses by lecture period .............................................................................................................. 236
Additional Information .................................................................................................................. 241
Distinguished Teachers in the Faculty ....................................................................................... 241
UCT Book Award ...................................................................................................................... 242
Prizes ......................................................................................................................................... 242
Scholarships ............................................................................................................................... 243
Class Medals .............................................................................................................................. 243
Dean’s Merit List ....................................................................................................................... 243
Minimum requirements for admission to an undergraduate degree ........................................... 244
Non-Science electives in the Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree ............................................... 244
GENERAL INFORMATION 5
GUIDE TO THE USE OF THIS HANDBOOK

The following is a general overview of the structure of this Handbook for the guidance of users. The
contents are organised in a number of different sections (see below) each of which has a particular
focus. The sections are interlinked by cross-references where relevant.
(a) General Information: This section includes information on the offices and staff in the
Faculty with whom students may interact in the course of their studies, as well as
explanatory notes on the course code system, terminology, term dates, etc.
(b) Degrees: This section lists the qualifications offered by the Faculty, as well as defining the
rules for each of the various degrees. These rules should be read in conjunction with the
general University rules in the General Rules & Policies Handbook (Handbook 3). Students
are expected to acquaint themselves with the rules in both Handbooks and to check
annually whether the rules or curriculum requirements have changed since the last edition.
The compulsory courses to be included in the curriculum of each undergraduate major
offered in the Faculty are listed in this section.
The areas of study or disciplines for postgraduate studies are included in the postgraduate
degrees section.
(c) Departments and Courses Offered: This section contains entries for each department in the
Faculty. Each section lists members of staff, the research areas and units and details of the
courses offered and administered by each department. The detailed course information
must be read together with the curriculum and degree information as noted above in section
(b).
(d) Schedule of Courses: The full list of undergraduate courses offered by the Faculty is set
out in this section in alpha-numeric order (i.e. based on the course code prefix) and includes
lecture, practical and tutorial times together with course entry requirements for some
courses.
Another list groups courses by the semester and lecture period in which it is offered.
(e) Additional Information: This section is at the back of this Handbook and includes lists of
staff who are Fellows and Distinguished Teachers in the Faculty, as well as the various
student prizes, class medals and scholarships awarded on academic merit and contains
information on the criteria for the Dean's Merit List.
6 GENERAL INFORMATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
Officers in the Faculty
Dean of the Faculty of Science: Chris Hani Building
Professor M F Ramutsindela, MA UNIN PhD London [email protected]
Deputy Dean, Transformation: Rm 4.13 HW Pearson Building

Associate Professor S Chimphango, [email protected]
MSc Malawi PhD Cape Town
Deputy Dean, Undergraduate Studies: Rm 3.18.2 HW Pearson Building

Professor A M Muasya, MPhil Moi PhD Reading [email protected]
Deputy Dean, Postgraduate Studies & Research: Rm M324.1 Maths Building

Associate Professor H Skokos, BSc PhD Athens [email protected]
Personal Assistant to the Dean: Chris Hani Building

E Taladia [email protected]
Faculty Manager (Academic): Chris Hani Building

K T Wienand, MSc Adv Cert HE Management Cape [email protected]
Town
Deputy Faculty Manager (Academic): Chris Hani Building

A Rooks-Smith, BA PGCE PG Dipl Educ Cape Town [email protected]
Senior Administrative Officer, Undergraduate: Chris Hani Building

T Mohamed, BSc BCom (Hons) UWC [email protected]
Administrative Officer: Chris Hani Building

P Beziek, Cert Bus Admin Stell [email protected]
Administrative Officer, Postgraduate: Chris Hani Building

A Shaik, BSc Cape Town [email protected]
Administrative Assistant, Postgraduate: Chris Hani Building

C Mazivila, PG Dipl HE VUT BSc Hons UFS [email protected]
Senior Secretary/Receptionist: Chris Hani Building

T Pretorius, Nat.Dipl Bus Man False Bay College [email protected]
Administrative Officer: Chris Hani Building

S Smith, BCom Hons UWC [email protected]
Faculty Communications & Marketing Manager: Chris Hani Building

K Wilson, BA HDE Cape Town [email protected]
Faculty Manager (Finance): Chris Hani Building

F Moodley, BCom Unisa PG Dipl Bus Man UKZN [email protected]
Assistant Faculty Manager (Finance): Chris Hani Building

S Champion, Nat.Dipl Fin Inf Sys CPUT [email protected]
Senior Faculty Finance Officer: Chris Hani Building

M Galsoolker, BEcon UWC [email protected]
Senior Faculty Finance Officer: Chris Hani Building

N Tinzi, BTech CPUT [email protected]
Faculty Finance Officer: Chris Hani Building

L George, Nat.Dipl Management CPUT [email protected]
Human Resource Practitioner: Chris Hani Building

F Parker-Dawood, BCom UWC BCom Hons [email protected]
Industrial & Organisational Psychology Unisa
Student Academic Support:

To be advised
Senior Student Advisors in the Faculty

Computer Science
Mr A Safla Rm 307 Computer Science Building
[email protected]
Statistics
Dr B Erni Rm 6.64 PD Hahn Building
[email protected]
Biology, Earth & Environmental Sciences

Dr A Sloan Rm 301 Geological Sciences Building
[email protected]
Chemical, Molecular & Cellular Sciences
Dr P Meyers Rm 202 Molecular Biology Building
[email protected]
Mathematics, Physics & Astronomy
Dr S Wheaton Rm 4T4 RW James Building
[email protected]
Extended Degree Programme (EDP)

Dr C Edmonds-Smith Rm 6.08 PD Hahn Building
[email protected]
Student Advisors in the Faculty

Computer Science
Associate Professor S Berman Rm 310 Computer Science Building
[email protected]
Dr J Chavula Rm 305 Computer Science Building
[email protected]
Associate Professor M Densmore (July- Rm 316 Computer Science Building
December) [email protected]
Associate Professor P Marais (January-June) Rm. 309 Computer Science Building
[email protected]
Statistics
Dr S Er Rm 5.55 PD Hahn Building
[email protected]
Dr J Nyirenda Rm 6.68 PD Hahn Building
[email protected]
Biology, Earth & Environmental Sciences

Associate Professor B Abiodun Rm 4.10 Environmental & Geographical
Sciences Building
[email protected]
Dr J Bishop (July-December) Rm 3.22 HW Pearson Building
[email protected]
Associate Professor S Chimphango Rm 4.13 HW Pearson Building
[email protected]
Chemical, Molecular & Cellular Sciences

Dr F Dube Rm 227B Molecular Biology Building
[email protected]
Dr R Hurdayal Rm 402 Molecular Biology Building
[email protected]
Dr S Ngubane Rm 6.13 PD Hahn Building
[email protected]
Professor G Smith Rm 7.08 PD Hahn Building
[email protected]
Mathematics, Physics & Astronomy

Dr E Fredericks Rm M3.10.1 Mathematics Building
[email protected]
Dr T Salagaram Rm 5.13 RW James Building
[email protected]
Mr T van Heerden Rm M1.01.6 Mathematics Building
[email protected]
Departments in the Faculty

Department: Location: Telephone:
Archaeology Beattie Building (021) 650 2353
Astronomy R W James Building (021) 650 5830
Biological Sciences H W Pearson Building &
J Day Building (021) 650 3603
Chemistry P D Hahn Building (021) 650 2525
Computer Science Computer Science Building (021) 650 2663
Environmental & Geographical Science EGS Building (021) 650 2874
Geological Sciences Geological Sciences Building (021) 650 2931
Human Biology (Faculty of Health Anatomy Building, Health Sciences (021) 406 6235
Sciences) campus
Mathematics & Applied Mathematics Mathematics Building (021) 650 3191
Molecular & Cell Biology Molecular Biology Building (021) 650 3270
Oceanography R W James Building (021) 650 3277
Physics R W James Building (021) 650 3326
Statistical Sciences P D Hahn Building (021) 650 3219
Administrative offices dealing with student matters
Query: Whom to approach: Telephone:

Academic transcripts/degree Student Records Office, Masingene (021) 650 3595
certificates, deferred examinations Building, Middle Campus
Admission queries, curriculum matters, Academic Administration, Science (021) 650 2712
registration issues Faculty Office, Level 6, Chris Hani
Building
Fee problems/accounts Central Fees Office, Kramer Law (021) 650 2142
Building
Fee payments Cashier’s Office, Kramer Law (021) 650
Building 2207/2146
(09h30 to 15h30)
Financial assistance Student Financial Aid Office, (021) 650 2125
Kramer Law Building
Computer laboratory queries P D Hahn extension, Scilab D (021) 650 4772
Faculty Student Councils

The Science Students' Council (SSC) and the Science Postgraduate Students’ Council (SPGSC) form
an important part of the Governance and Committee structures in the Faculty of Science (see booklet
"Faculty of Science, Governance and Committees").
Undergraduates:
The Science Students' Council (SSC) is elected annually by the undergraduate students in the Faculty
of Science. The SSC office is located in the PD Hahn Building, Level 6, Room 6.76.1 and may be
contacted via email: [email protected].
Postgraduates:
The Science Postgraduate Students’ Council (SPGSC) is elected by the postgraduate students in the
Faculty of Science. The SPSC represents the postgraduate students on the executive committee of the
University Postgraduate Students’ Council. The Chairperson of the SPGSC may be contacted via
email: [email protected].
The Postgraduate Centre is housed in the Otto Beit Building, Upper Campus. This state-of-the-art
facility houses the executive committee of the Postgraduate Students Council (PSC) as well as the
Postgraduate Funding Office. The centre is equipped with IT facilities and includes a seminar room.
This facility is open to all Master’s and Doctoral students as well as postdoctoral research fellows.
Postgraduates are encouraged to make full use of this centre, in particular, the Funding Office, which
administers all postgraduate bursaries and scholarships. The Postgraduate Centre may be contacted at
[email protected].
Term dates for 2023

Please refer to the website: http://www.staff.uct.ac.za/staff/calendar/terms
Explanatory Notes on Course Codes

The curriculum for the Bachelor’s degree in the Faculty of Science is based on a semester system,
where a semester course is equivalent to a half-year of academic study. Courses for the Bachelor’s
degree may be completed in one semester (i.e. a "half-course") or over two semesters (ie. a "full-
course"). In this respect, the following codes are used:
F first-semester half-course
S second-semester half-course
H half-course taught over the whole year*

W full-course taught over the whole year
X special allocation
Z any other combination
* H courses in the EDP may be of the "intensive type" ie: half credit but full contact time over the
whole year.
Summer/Winter Term courses:
P November
– December
L June
–
July
CEM1000W Chemistry 1000

CEM designates a Chemistry course
1 designates a first-year course
000 serves to distinguish this from other first-year Chemistry
courses
W designates a full-course taught over the whole year
BIO3002F Marine Ecosystems

BIO designates a Biology course
3 designates a third-year course
002 serves to distinguish this from other third-year Biology
courses
F designates a first-semester course.
NOTE: second-year and third-year courses are usually regarded as 'senior courses' in terms of
meeting the curriculum requirements for the Bachelor’s degree in the Faculty of Science.
Essential Terminology
Pre-requisite courses
Most courses at UCT (except some first-year courses) require prior knowledge either in the same
discipline or in other disciplines. The courses which are required to be completed prior to taking
another course are called pre-requisites. The concepts and knowledge learnt in these previous courses
needs to be applied in the later course; i.e. a pre-requisite is the foundation upon which the later course
is built. Pre-requisite rules will be applied consistently because not to do so will jeopardise your
chances of success.
Co-requisite courses
Some courses have particular courses as co-requisites, which means that students need to register for
two or more courses at the same time. Where a course has a co-requisite of another course, it implies
that the courses integrate closely with each other, and it is essential to learn and apply the concepts in
both courses at the same time.
Classification of results - Refer to General Rules G26

DP (Duly Performed certificate) and DPR (Duly Performed certificate Refused) - Refer to General
Rules GB9
Academic departments at UCT support continuous learning and assessment. This means that you will
be required to engage with the coursework and perform consistently well from the beginning of the
course. This will earn you the right to attempt the final assessment – the examination. Earning this
right is called being given a DP (Duly Performed Certificate). If you have not attended lectures,
practicals and tutorials, or missed a test without being excused, or do not achieve the sub-minimum
mark (see below) for the coursework, you will be refused this Duly Performed certificate (DPR) and
you will not be eligible to sit the examination. Check the DP requirements carefully in each course to
make sure that you comply.
Sub-minimum
Many courses will require you to achieve a sub-minimum mark in your coursework and/or the final
examination. This means that if you do not achieve this sub-minimum mark you will not be awarded
a DP (if you fail to meet the sub-minimum in your coursework) or a F (Fail) if you do not get the sub-
minimum in the final examination. Check the rules for your course in the Faculty Handbook to see
whether there is a sub-minimum.
Progression status
At the end of every year, after the November examination period, the Faculty Examinations
Committee (FEC) provides every student in the faculty with a progression status which is reflected on
the student’s academic transcript. The purpose of this code is to describe accurately the student’s
academic status in the faculty.
One of the following descriptions will appear on the transcript:

· Academically eligible to continue - may return the next year
· Concession (FEC) to continue - may return the next year, but with specific conditions
· Concession (FEC) to change field/specialisation/degree within Faculty - may return the next
year but in a
different field of study
· Status pending FEC decision - status dependent on further information and final decision
· Academically not eligible to continue - may not return the next year
· Status pending: continue if SUPP/DE exams passed - may return conditional on passing
SUPP/DE
· Qualifies for award of degree/diploma - have met all the requirements for the award of degree
· Qualification depends on supp/DE results - award of degree conditional on passing SUPP/DE
Supplementary examinations
Refer to this Handbook Rule FB4.1-4.2 and General Rules G23
Deferred examinations
Refer to General Rules G27 & 28
12 DEGREES OFFERED IN THE FACULTY
DEGREES OFFERED IN THE FACULTY

This is to confirm that by virtue of inclusion on the Institution's DHET approved Programme and
Qualification Mix (PQM), all qualifications listed below are accredited by the Council on
Higher Education's permanent sub-committee - the Higher Education Quality Committee. Where
a SAQA ID is not listed, the qualification is awaiting the issue of this number. The higher
education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification sub
Framework and thus all institutions are awaiting the finalisation of the process and completion of
the awarding of SAQA ID's.
Please consult Handbook 2 or the HEQsF Programme and Qualification Mix (PQM) on the
Institutional Planning Department's website, as approved by the Department of Higher Education
and Training, for a list of all UCT's accredited qualifications.
i) Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree [SAQA ID 117697]

ii) Bachelor of Science Honours (BSc Hons) degree [SAQA ID 116322]
iii) Master of Science (MSc) degree [SAQA ID 116422]
iv) Master of Philosophy (MPhil) degree
v) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree
vi) Doctor of Science (DSc) degree [SAQA ID 19751]
Rules for Degrees in the Faculty

The following rules are specific to the Faculty of Science. They must be read in conjunction with the
general University rules (G and GB) for degrees and diplomas in Book 3 of this series.
General Rules for Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree

FB1 Except by permission of Senate, all students registered in the Faculty of Science will
be subject to the general rules of either the BSc degree or the BSc Extended Degree
Programme, and the associated curricular rules for majors.
Duration of the Bachelor of Science degree

FB2.1 The curriculum for the Bachelor of Science degree shall extend over not less than
three academic years of study.
FB2.2 The curriculum which includes the Extended Degree Programme for Science (EDP)
will usually extend over four academic years of study.
FB2.3 Continuation on the three year BSc degree curriculum, or placement on the EDP, will
be based on level of performance in a set of tests at the end of the first quarter,
together with other information such as the NBT and NSC results, and one-on-one
consultations with Student Academic Advisors.
NOTE: At the discretion of the Dean, the Faculty may admit candidates for the BSc degree who, due
to special circumstances, are unable to study on a full-time basis. Students would complete the degree
over an extended period of time by taking a reduced number of courses each year, but would attend
normal lectures and practicals as scheduled in the University timetable. All enquiries should be
directed to the Faculty Manager (Academic).
DEGREES OFFERED IN THE FACULTY 13
Restriction on registration and examination

FB3 A student shall not register for more than:
(a) the equivalent of four half-courses in each semester in the first academic year
of study;
(b) the equivalent of three half-courses in each semester in any other year of
study.
This restriction also applies to the number of courses for which a student may be
examined.
Policy
Permission of Senate to waive these restrictions will only be considered under the
following circumstances:
(a) where a student registering for the first time for the first year of a BSc degree
has achieved outstanding results in all NSC subjects;
(b) where a student who has been registered for the BSc degree for at least one
semester has obtained an average of 50% or more in all courses written in
the most recent set of ordinary examinations and/or tests, (i.e. in June or
November)
Note: Waivers to students who satisfy either of the above will depend on an assessment by a Student
Adviser or Deputy Dean, on the merits of each individual case.
Supplementary examinations
First-year students
FB4.1 The Senate may permit a first-year student who has registered for a Bachelor’s degree
in the Faculty of Science, and who has failed the ordinary examination in one or more
courses, to write supplementary examinations in a maximum of three full-year
courses or the equivalent.
Policy and guidelines:

(a) A supplementary examination may (not will) be awarded to a student who
has obtained marks from 45% to 49% in a first-year course in any Science
Faculty department.
(b) A supplementary examination may be awarded to a student who has obtained
marks from 40% to 49% in first-year courses in Mathematics, except for
MAM1008S, MAM1031F, MAM1032S, MAM1033F, MAM1034S,
MAM1019H, MAM1043H, MAM1044H and all MAM courses offered to
other faculties, where the conditions in (a) above apply.
(c) A department (other than Mathematics - see (b)) may recommend the award
of a supplementary examination to a student who has obtained marks from
40% to 44% in a first-year course provided that the Head of the Department
submits a written recommendation and motivation to reach the Dean before
the meeting of the Faculty Examinations Committee.
(d) Where a student is awarded supplementary examinations in more than three
full-year courses or the equivalent, the student must choose which
supplementary examinations to write in terms of the restriction detailed in
FB4.1 above.
Students other than first-year students
FB4.2 The Senate may permit a student other than a first-year student to write
supplementary examinations in a maximum of two full-year courses or the
equivalent, only one of which may be a third-year course.
Policy and guidelines:

(a) Departments will act according to guidelines (a), (b) and (c) listed under
FB4.1 in respect of first-year courses.
(b) A supplementary examination in a senior course may be awarded if the mark
obtained is at least 45% and if the department concerned recommends it.
(c) A finalist who has obtained marks from 40% to 44% in any course, which is
the only credit outstanding for the award of the degree, may be awarded a
supplementary examination if the department concerned recommends it.
(d) Where a student is awarded supplementary examinations in more than two
full-year courses or the equivalent, or more than one full-year third-year
course or the equivalent, the student must choose which supplementary
examinations to write in terms of the restriction detailed in FB4.2 above.
FB4.3 The decision on whether or not to award a supplementary examination, in accordance

with the policies outlined above, shall be taken by the Senate on the recommendation
of the Head of the Department concerned and be based on the student's academic
performance in the course concerned, except that the Senate may decide to award, or
refuse to award, a supplementary examination in a course or courses taking account
of the student's overall academic record.
Refusal of readmission to the Faculty and related matters (for

students first registered from 2023)
Bachelor of Science degree (SB001)
FB5.1 Except by permission of Senate, a student who has registered for the Bachelor of
Science degree (SB001), shall not be permitted to reregister in the Faculty unless the
student has completed at least 2 full courses (or the equivalent) in the preceding year
of study, and the following number of full courses (or the equivalent) overall:
(a) by the end of the first year of registration, the equivalent of 2 full-year
SCIENCE courses;
(b) By the end of the second year of registration, the equivalent of 4 full-year
courses, including all the first-year courses required for two majors;
(c) by the end of the third year of registration, the equivalent of 6 full-year
courses including all the courses required to be able to complete the degree
in one further year;
(d) by the end of the fourth year of registration, students are expected to complete
all the requirements of the degree.
Extended Degree Programme (EDP) (SB016)
FB5.2 Except by permission of Senate, a student who is registered on the EDP (SB016)
shall not be permitted to reregister in the Faculty unless the student has completed at
least 2 full courses (or the equivalent) in the preceding year of study (unless that was
the first year of registration), and the following number of full courses (or the
equivalent) overall:
(a) by the end of the first year of registration, the equivalent of 1½ full-year
SCIENCE courses;
(b) by the end of the second year of registration, the equivalent of 3 full-year
courses, including all the first-year courses required for one SCIENCE major;
(c) by the end of the third year of registration, the equivalent of 5 full-year
courses, of which at least the equivalent of 1 full-year course shall be at senior
level;
(d) by the end of the fourth year of registration, the equivalent of 7 full-year
courses, including all the courses required to be able to complete the degree
in one further year;
(e) by the end of the fifth year of registration, students are expected to complete
FB5.3 In addition to the readmission requirements listed in FB5.1 and FB5.2 above, the
fulfilment of other specific requirements may be required by individual majors. These
requirements will be communicated to students.
General
FB5.4 Except by permission of Senate, where the academic circumstances of a student do

not permit the application of Rules FB5.1-FB5.3, a student shall be required to
complete the equivalent of two full-year courses per year of study.
FB5.5 In special cases, or in the case of undergraduates transferring from other faculties or
other universities, the Senate may impose probationary academic requirements which
must be fulfilled before the student shall be permitted to renew registration in the
Faculty in the following year.
FB5.6 A student who fails to complete the University examination in a course after two
years of study may, at the discretion of Senate, be excluded from further attendance
of such a course.
FB5.7 Except by permission of Senate, a student who has been refused permission to
reregister in another faculty may not register in the Faculty of Science.
FB5.8 Re-registration in the Faculty does not imply a right to register for senior courses in
subjects for which the student has completed prerequisite courses.
Refusal of readmission to the Faculty and related matters (for

students first registered before 2023)
Bachelor of Science degree
FB5.1 Except by permission of Senate, a student who has registered for the Bachelor of
Science degree, shall not be permitted to reregister in the Faculty unless the student
has completed:
(a) by the end of the first year of registration, one and a half courses or the
equivalent, specific to a major;
(b) by the end of the second year of registration, three and a half courses or the
equivalent, including all required first-year courses;
(c) by the end of the third year of registration, five and a half courses or
equivalent, including one and a half senior courses;
(d) by the end of the fourth year of registration, seven and a half courses,
including the equivalent of three full-year senior courses;
Extended Degree Programme (EDP)
FB5.2 Except by permission of Senate, a student who is registered on the EDP shall not be
permitted to reregister in the Faculty unless the student has completed:
(a) by the end of the first year of registration, one full-year course, or the
equivalent in half courses;
(b) by the end of the second year of registration, three full-year courses or the
equivalent, including two and a half courses specific to the majors;
(c) by the end of the third year of registration, five full-year courses or the
equivalent, of which at least one shall be a senior course;
(d) by the end of the fourth year of registration, seven full-year courses, of which
at least two and a half shall be senior courses.
FB5.3 In addition to the readmission requirements listed in FB5.1 and FB5.2 above, the
fulfilment of other specific requirements may be required by individual majors. These
requirements will be communicated to students.
General
FB5.4 Except by permission of Senate, where the academic circumstances of a student do

not permit the application of Rules FB5.1-FB5.3, a student shall be required to
complete the equivalent of two full-year courses per year of study.
FB5.5 In special cases, or in the case of undergraduates transferring from other faculties or
other universities, the Senate may impose probationary academic requirements which
must be fulfilled before the student shall be permitted to renew registration in the
Faculty in the following year.
FB5.6 A student who fails to complete the University examination in a course after two
years of study may, at the discretion of Senate, be excluded from further attendance
of such a course.
FB5.7 Except by permission of Senate, a student who has been refused permission to
reregister in another faculty may not register in the Faculty of Science.
FB5.8 Re-registration in the Faculty does not imply a right to register for senior courses in
subjects for which the student has completed prerequisite courses.
Transfer from other faculties into the Faculty of Science

FB6 Except by permission of Senate, a student who, after a year or more in another
faculty, wishes to register in the Faculty of Science, shall, as a minimum:
(a) satisfy the normal school-leaving subject entry requirements for admission
to the BSc degree, and
(b) have complied with the provisions of Rule FB5.1-FB5.3 as appropriate, as
applicable mutatis mutandis.
Curricula rules for the Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree

All bachelor degree curricula in the Faculty of Science include courses carefully selected to provide
adequate foundation for and depth in the major disciplines, as well as providing generic skills to
function as a graduate. All curricula therefore require students to achieve skills in numeracy, computer
literacy, problem solving and communication in the context of their majors.
Students must choose one or more majors, with curricula including compulsory courses as outlined
under rules FB7.6 and FB7.7 below. The general rules governing BSc curricula are rules FB7.1 to
FB7.5 which stipulate the minimum number of courses required, and the range of choices possible.
All curricula can lead to postgraduate study.
Total number of courses
FB7.1 The curriculum shall include the equivalent of at least nine full-year courses of which
at least six full-year courses must be Science courses. A maximum of three full-year
courses or the equivalent may be counted from other faculties.
Number of senior courses
FB7.2 The curriculum shall include the equivalent of at least four full-year senior courses
or the equivalent, of which at least three shall be Science courses, and the equivalent
of two full-year courses shall be third-year (level 7) courses. This applies even where
the curriculum includes only one major.
Mathematics
FB7.3 The curriculum shall include at least a half Science course in Mathematics (18 NQF
credits, level 5) plus a half Science course in Statistics (18 NQF credits, level 5), or
a full Science course in Mathematics (36 NQF credits, level 5).
Elective courses
FB7.4 Any course in the Faculty of Science may be taken as an elective. Courses from other
Faculties may also be taken as electives, but subject to the following constraints and
approval by a Student Adviser or Deputy Dean:
• Only courses with a NQF credit value of 18 or more will be counted (a first
year half course in the Science Faculty has a NQF credit value of 18).
• If the equivalent of two or less full Science courses are replaced by courses
from another faculty, any courses not specifically excluded by Science
Faculty rules can be chosen (Refer to “Non-Science electives in the Bachelor
of Science (BSc) degree” at the back of this book).
• If more than two full year Science courses are replaced with electives from
another faculty, then the further electives must form part of a hierarchical
sequence linked to those already completed.
• Courses taught by the Faculty of Science for other faculties are not available
for students registered in Science. However, students transferring into
Science from other faculties may be able to count such courses towards their
Science curriculum, with the credit weighting, equivalence and conditions
established by the Departments concerned.
NOTE: Refer to “Non-Science electives in the Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree” at the back of this
book for details on non-Science courses that do or do not carry credit in the Science curriculum.
FB7.5 In order to satisfy the requirement of competencies including numeracy, computer

literacy, problem solving and communication or as a measure of integrated
assessment, a Student Adviser may add one or more compulsory courses to a
curriculum.
Major(s)
FB7.6 The curriculum shall include at least one major from the following list:
Applied Mathematics Environmental & Geographical Science
Applied Statistics Genetics
Archaeology Geology
Astrophysics Human Anatomy & Physiology
Biochemistry Marine Biology
Biology Mathematical Statistics
Business Computing* Mathematics
Chemistry Ocean & Atmosphere Science
Computer Science Physics
Computer Engineering* Quantitative Biology
* These majors may only be taken in conjunction with a major in Computer Science.
NOTE: Acceptance into the Science Faculty does not guarantee acceptance into your chosen major.
Formal acceptance for specific majors only takes place at the start of the second year on registration
for the second year level courses. A number of majors (currently Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics,
Geology and Human Anatomy & Physiology) have limits on the number of students accepted into
second year level courses. Selection criteria, based on academic performance in first year courses,
are outlined to students during the first year of study. Students will be advised in their first year to
take courses which could lead to several majors. Students are encouraged to consult timeously with
the relevant Department or Student Adviser regarding possible restrictions.
NQF credit requirements for the Bachelor of Science (BSc)

degree
FB7.7 Read in conjunction with rule FB7.1-FB7.6.
All courses have been assigned a credit value and level, according to the Higher
Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF).
The standard BSc degree requires:

(a) a total of 420 NQF credits (nine full-year courses). A minimum of 396
NQF credits will be accepted where the second major or suite of
hierarchical courses includes at least one senior full course from
another Faculty
(b) a minimum of 276 NQF credits from Science courses (the equivalent
of six full-year courses)
(c) a minimum of 120 NQF credits at level 7
(d) two majors, or a curriculum leading to only one major provided it
includes at least 120 NQF credits at level 7.
A third-year half course may be counted toward more than one major. However,
the curriculum must contain at least two distinct third-year (level 7) semester
courses recognised by the Faculty for each major.
FB7.8 Compulsory courses to be completed for each Science major:
NOTE 1: The compulsory courses listed below are the minimum which a student must complete for
the major, in addition to those listed in FB7.3. Courses deemed by the Faculty as equivalent can be
substituted as appropriate, for example: MAM1005H + MAM1006H is deemed equivalent to
(MAM1031F + MAM1032S) or (MAM1033F + MAM1034S) or (MAM1000W); CEM1009H +
CEM1010H is deemed equivalent to CEM1000W, etc.
NOTE 2: All courses taught in other Faculties that are required/compulsory for a major in the Science
Faculty will be counted as Science courses for the purpose of rules FB7.1 and FB7.2. For example,
the specific EEE courses listed as compulsory for the major in Computer Engineering, the specific
HUB courses listed as compulsory for the major in Human Anatomy & Physiology, the specific INF
courses listed as compulsory for the major in Business Computing.
Major in Applied Mathematics

[MAM01]
Students who major in Applied Mathematics and wish to progress to Applied Mathematics Honours
are strongly recommended to complete the project course MAM3055Z: Project in Applied
Mathematics
First Year Core Courses

Code Course NQF Credits NQF Level
Either ...........................................................................................................
MAM1000W Mathematics 1000.......................................................................... 36 5
or both ...........................................................................................................
MAM1031F Mathematics 1031.......................................................................... 18 5
and ...........................................................................................................
MAM1032S Mathematics 1032.......................................................................... 18 5
MAM1043H Modelling & Applied Computing .................................................. 18 5
MAM1044H Dynamics ....................................................................................... 18 5
Second Year Core Courses

MAM2046W Applied Mathematics 2046 ............................................................ 48 6
Third Year Core Courses

MAM3040W Applied Mathematics 3040 ............................................................ 72 7
Major in Applied Statistics

[STA01]
Students who major in Applied Statistics and wish to progress to Statistics Honours must complete
one semester of Computer Science 1

Either .........................................................................................................
MAM1004F* Mathematics 1004 ......................................................................... 18 5
and .........................................................................................................
MAM1008S Introduction to Discrete Mathematics ........................................... 18 5
or .........................................................................................................
MAM1000W Mathematics 1000 or equivalent.................................................... 36 5
STA1007S Introductory Statistics for Scientists .............................................. 18 5
or .........................................................................................................
STA1000F/S/P/L Introductory Statistics .................................................................... 18 5
Note: *MAM1004F/S can be replaced by MAM1031F

STA2007F/S/H Study Design & Data Analysis for Scientists ................................ 24 6
or .........................................................................................................
STA2020F/S Applied Statistics ........................................................................... 24 6
STA2030S Statistical Theory ........................................................................... 24 6

STA3022F Applied Multivariate Data Analysis .............................................. 36 7
or .........................................................................................................
STA3036S Operational Research Techniques ................................................. 36 7
STA3030F Statistical Inference & Modelling ................................................. 36 7
Major in Archaeology
[AGE01]

GEO1009F Intro to Earth and Environmental Sciences....................................18 5
AGE1002S The Human Planet: Prehistory to Present ......................................18 5
Either .........................................................................................................
MAM1000W Mathematics 1000 ..........................................................................36 5
or both ...........................................................................................................
MAM1031F Mathematics 1031 ..........................................................................18 5
and ...........................................................................................................
MAM1032S Mathematics 1032 ..........................................................................18 5
or .........................................................................................................
*MAM1004F Mathematics 1004 ..........................................................................18 5
and one of: .........................................................................................................
STA1000F/S Introductory Statistics ...................................................................18 5
or ...........................................................................................................
STA1007S Introductory Statistics for Scientists ..............................................18 5

AGE2011S Human Evolution .......................................................................... 24 6
AGE2012F The First People ............................................................................ 24 6

AGE3013H Archaeology in Practice ................................................................ 36 7
One of: .........................................................................................................
AGE3011F The Roots of Recent African Identities ......................................... 36 7
AGE3012S Global Diasporas & the Archaeology of the Historical Past ......... 36 7
Major in Astrophysics
[AST02]
Either ..........................................................................................................
MAM1000W Mathematics 1000 ......................................................................... 36 5
or both ..........................................................................................................
MAM1031F Mathematics 1031 ......................................................................... 18 5
and ..........................................................................................................
MAM1032S Mathematics 1032 ......................................................................... 18 5
PHY1004W Matter & Interactions .................................................................... 36 5
Recommended: ........................................................................................................
AST1000F/S Introduction to Astronomy ............................................................ 18 5

AST2002H Astrophysics .................................................................................. 24 6
AST2003H Astronomical Techniques .............................................................. 24 6
or .........................................................................................................
MAM2004H Mathematics 2004.......................................................................... 24 6
and ...........................................................................................................
MAM2047H Applied Mathematics 2047 ............................................................ 24 6
PHY2004W Intermediate Physics ...................................................................... 48 6

AST3002F Stellar Astrophysics....................................................................... 36 7
AST3003S Galactic & Extragalactic Astrophysics.......................................... 36 7
Major in Biochemistry
[MCB01]
This major has limits on the number of students accepted into second year level courses
BIO1000F Cell Biology ................................................................................... 18 5
BIO1004S Biological Diversity ....................................................................... 18 5
CEM1000W Chemistry 1000 .............................................................................. 36 5
MAM1004F Mathematics 1004 .......................................................................... 18 5
or .........................................................................................................
or .........................................................................................................
STA1000F/S Introductory Statistics .................................................................... 18 5

MCB2020F Biological Information Transfer .................................................... 24
6
MCB2021F Molecular Bioscience .................................................................... 24 6
MCB2022S Metabolism and Bioengineering .................................................... 24 6

MCB3012Z Research Project in Molecular and Cell Biology ............................ 0 7
MCB3024S Defence & Disease ........................................................................ 36 7
MCB3025F Structural and Chemical Biology .................................................. 36 7
Major in Biology
[BIO12]
Students who major in Biology and wish to progress to Biological Sciences or Marine Biology
Honours must complete STA2007

BIO1000F Cell Biology .................................................................................. 18 5
BIO1004S Biological Diversity ...................................................................... 18 5
CEM1000W Chemistry 1000 ............................................................................. 36 5
Either ........................................................................................................
or ..........................................................................................................
STA1007S Introductory Statistics for Scientists ............................................. 18 5

BIO2014F Principles of Ecology & Evolution ............................................... 24 6
Two of: .........................................................................................................
BIO2015F Vertebrate Diversity & Functional Biology .................................. 24 6
BIO2016S Invertebrate Diversity & Functional Biology ................................ 24 6
BIO2017S Plant Diversity & Functional Biology ........................................... 24 6
...........................................................................................................

Recommended:
STA2007F/H/S Study Design & Data Analysis for Scientists…………………24 6

Two of: ...........................................................................................................
BIO3013F Global Change Ecology................................................................. 36 7
BIO3014S Conservation: Genes, Populations & Biodiversity ........................ 36 7
BIO3018F Ecology & Evolution ..................................................................... 36 7
BIO3019S Quantitative Biology ..................................................................... 36 7
Major in Business Computing

[CSC02]
Must be taken concurrently with a Computer Science major

CSC1015F/S Computer Science 1015 ................................................................. 18 5
CSC1016S Computer Science 1016 ................................................................. 18 5
or .........................................................................................................
or both ...........................................................................................................
and ...........................................................................................................
ACC1006F/S Financial Accounting ..................................................................... 18 5
or .........................................................................................................
FTX1005F/S Managerial Finance ....................................................................... 18 5

INF2009F Systems Analysis........................................................................... 18 6
INF2006F Business Intelligence Analysis ........................................................ 6 6
INF2011S System Design and Development.................................................. 18 7

INF3011F I.T. Project Management ............................................................... 18 7
INF3012S BPM and Enterprise Systems ........................................................ 18 7
INF3014F Electronic Commerce .................................................................... 18 7
Major in Chemistry
[CEM01]

CEM1000W Chemistry 1000.............................................................................. 36 5
Either ...........................................................................................................
or both ...........................................................................................................

MAM1031F Mathematics 1031 ..........................................................................18 5
and ...........................................................................................................
Either .........................................................................................................
PHY1004W Matter and Interactions ..................................................................36 5
or both .........................................................................................................
PHY1031F General Physics A ..........................................................................18 5
and .........................................................................................................
PHY1032S General Physics B ..........................................................................18 5

CEM2005W Intermediate Chemistry ................................................................. 48 6

CEM3005W Chemistry 3005 ............................................................................. 72 7
Major in Computer Engineering

[CSC03]
Must be taken concurrently with a Computer Science major.

CSC1015F/S Computer Science 1015................................................................. 18 5
CSC1016S Computer Science 1016................................................................. 18 5
Either ...........................................................................................................
MAM1000W Mathematics .................................................................................. 36 5
or both ...........................................................................................................
and .........................................................................................................
Either .........................................................................................................
*PHY1004W Matter and Interactions .................................................................. 36 5
or both .........................................................................................................
*PHY1031F General Physics A ......................................................................... 18 5
and .........................................................................................................
*PHY1032S General Physics B ......................................................................... 18 5
Note: *PHY and MAM courses are not requirements of the major but pre-requisites of EEE2041F

EEE2041F Introduction to Electrical Engineering & Power Utilisation ......... 16 6
EEE2042S Introduction to Analogue & Digital Electronics .............................. 8 6
EEE2050F Embedded Systems 1 for Science Students ................................... 18 6

CSC3022F C++ and Machine Learning ........................................................... 36 7
EEE3095S Embedded Systems II for Science Students .................................. 18 7
Major in Computer Science

[CSC05]
CSC1015F/S Computer Science 1015 ................................................................. 18 5
CSC1016S Computer Science 1016 ................................................................. 18 5
or .........................................................................................................
or both ...........................................................................................................
and ...........................................................................................................

CSC2001F Computer Science 2001 ................................................................ 24 6
CSC2002S Computer Science 2002 ................................................................ 24 6
CSC2004Z Programming Assessment ............................................................... 0 6
INF2009F Systems Analysis .......................................................................... 18 6

CSC3002F Computer Science 3002 ................................................................ 36 7
CSC3003S Computer Science 3003 ................................................................ 36 7
Major in Environmental & Geographical Science

[EGS02]

EGS1003S Geography, Development & Environment.................................... 18 5
GEO1009F Intro to Earth and Environmental Sciences ................................... 18 5
Either .........................................................................................................
or both ...........................................................................................................
and ...........................................................................................................
or .........................................................................................................
*MAM1004F Mathematics 1004 ......................................................................... 18 5
and one of: .........................................................................................................
STA1000F/S Introductory Statistics ................................................................... 18 5
or ...........................................................................................................

EGS2013F The Physical Environment ............................................................ 24 6
EGS2015S Society & Space ............................................................................ 24 6

Two of: ...........................................................................................................
EGS3012S Atmospheric Sciences.................................................................... 36 7
EGS3021F Sustainability & Environment ....................................................... 36 7
EGS3022S Geographic Thought ...................................................................... 36 7
EGS3023F Anthropocene Environments In Perspective ................................. 36 7
Major in Genetics
[MCB04]
This major has limits on the number of students accepted into second year level courses

BIO1000F Cell Biology ................................................................................... 18 5
BIO1004S Biological Diversity ....................................................................... 18 5
CEM1000W Chemistry 1000 .............................................................................. 36 5
or ...........................................................................................................
or .........................................................................................................
STA1000F/S Introductory Statistics .................................................................... 18 5

MCB2020F Biological Information transfer ..................................................... 24 6
MCB2021F Molecular Bioscience .................................................................... 24 6
MCB2023S Functional Genetics ....................................................................... 24 6

MCB3012Z Research Project in Molecular & Cell Biology ............................... 0 7
MCB3023S Molecular Evolutionary Genetics & Development ....................... 36 7
MCB3026F Molecular Genetics & Genomics .................................................. 36 7
Major in Geology
[GEO02]
This major has limits on the number of students accepted into second year level courses.

GEO1009F Intro to Earth and Environmental Sciences ................................... 18 5
GEO1006S Intro to Minerals, Rocks & Structure ............................................ 18 5
CEM1000W Chemistry 1000 ............................................................................. 36 5
Either .........................................................................................................
or both ...........................................................................................................
and ...........................................................................................................
or .........................................................................................................

and one of: the STA courses ...............................................................................
STA1000F/S Introductory Statistics / ................................................................ 18 5
or ...........................................................................................................
PHY1031F General Physics A ......................................................................... 18 5

GEO2001F Mineralogy & Crystallography ......................................................24 6
GEO2004S Physical Geology ...........................................................................24 6
GEO2005X* Field Geology and Geological Mapping ........................................24 6

GEO3005F Petrology & Structural Geology ....................................................36 7
GEO3001S Stratigraphy & Economic Geology ................................................36 7
GEO2005X* Field Geology and Geological Mapping ........................................24 6
* fieldwork half-course to be taken over second and third years of study
Major in Human Anatomy & Physiology

[HUB17]
This major has limits on the number of students accepted into second year level courses.

CEM1000W Chemistry 1000 ............................................................................. 36 5
Either ........................................................................................................
or both ..........................................................................................................
and ..........................................................................................................
or ..........................................................................................................
and ........................................................................................................
Recommended: 1000-level Physics ...........................................................................

HUB2019F Integrated Anat & Physio Sciences A ........................................... 24 6
HUB2021S Integrated Anat & Physio Sciences B ........................................... 24 6

HUB3006F Applied Human Biology................................................................ 36 7
HUB3007S Human Neurosciences ................................................................... 36 7
Major in Marine Biology

[BIO05]
Students who major in Marine Biology and wish to progress to Biology or Marine Biology Honours
must complete STA2007S

CEM1000W Chemistry 1000 ............................................................................. 36 5
Either ........................................................................................................
or ........................................................................................................

SEA2004F Principles of Oceanography .......................................................... 24 6
One of: ...........................................................................................................
Recommended: .........................................................................................................
STA2007F/H/S Study Design & Data Analysis for Scientists ................................ 24 6

BIO3002F Marine Ecosystems ........................................................................ 36 7
BIO3017S Marine Resources .......................................................................... 36 7
Major in Mathematical Statistics

[STA02]
Students who major in Mathematical Statistics and wish to progress to Statistics Honours must
complete one semester of Computer Science 1.

Either ...........................................................................................................
or both ...........................................................................................................
MAM1031F Mathematics 1031 .........................................................................18 5
and ...........................................................................................................
STA1006S Mathematical Statistics I ................................................................18 5

STA2004F Statistical Theory & Inference ...................................................... 24 6
STA2005S Linear Models ............................................................................... 24 6

STA3041F Markov Processes & Time Series ................................................. 36 7
STA3043S Statistical Modelling, Machine Learning and Bayesian Analysis . 36 7
Major in Mathematics
[MAM02]
Students who major in Mathematics and wish to progress to Mathematics Honours are strongly
recommended to complete the project course MAM3006Z: Project in Mathematics.

Either ...........................................................................................................
or both ...........................................................................................................
and ...........................................................................................................
MAM1019H Fundamentals of Mathematics ....................................................... 18 5


Major in Ocean & Atmosphere Science

[SEA03]

GEO1009F Intro to Earth & Environmental Sciences ..................................... 18 5
or .........................................................................................................
CEM1000W Chemistry 1000 ............................................................................. 36 5
Either .........................................................................................................
or both ...........................................................................................................
and ...........................................................................................................
or .........................................................................................................
and one of: .........................................................................................................
STA1000F/S Introductory Statistics ................................................................... 18 5

or .........................................................................................................
PHY1031F General Physics A (or equivalent) ................................................. 18 5

SEA2004F Principles of Oceanography .......................................................... 24 6
SEA2005S Marine Systems ............................................................................. 24 6

SEA3004F Ocean & Atmosphere Dynamics................................................... 36 7
EGS3012S Atmospheric Science..................................................................... 36 7
Major in Physics
[PHY01]
Either ...........................................................................................................
or both ...........................................................................................................
and ...........................................................................................................
PHY1004W Matter and Interactions.................................................................. 36 5
Recommended: .........................................................................................................
MAM1043H Modelling & Applied Computing ................................................. 18 5
and .........................................................................................................
MAM1044H Dynamics....................................................................................... 18 5

or ...........................................................................................................
MAM2047H Applied Mathematics 2047 ............................................................24 6
and ...........................................................................................................
MAM2004H Mathematics 2004 ..........................................................................24 6
PHY2004W Intermediate Physics ......................................................................48 6

PHY3004W Advanced Physics.......................................................................... 72 7
Major in Quantitative Biology

[BIO13]

STA100xF/S Any 1000-level Science STA course ............................................ 18 5
Either .........................................................................................................
and .........................................................................................................
or
or both ...........................................................................................................
and ...........................................................................................................

One of: ...........................................................................................................
Either ...........................................................................................................
*MAM2046W Applied Mathematics 2046 ........................................................... 48 6
or ...........................................................................................................
*STA20xxF/S/H Any 2000-level Science STA course............................................. 24 6

BIO3019S Quantitative Biology ..................................................................... 36 7
Either ...........................................................................................................
*MAM3040W Applied Mathematics 3040 ........................................................... 72 7
or ...........................................................................................................
*STA30xxF/S Any 3000-level Science STA course............................................. 36 7
* Note: Registration for these courses is conditional on pre-requisites having been met, and this
should be checked.
Distinction
The Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree may be awarded with distinction, and with distinction in one
or more majors.
Changes to distinction rules where curricula contain 2020 PA/F course results
For the purposes of awarding a distinction in a major where a student has PA for a required 2000-
level course, an appropriate 1000-level course/s listed below may be substituted. Note: where marks
do exist for the 2000-level courses, these will take precedence over 1000-level courses in awarding
the distinction.
Rules for distinction in a major

FB8.1 (a) In order to obtain a distinction in a major, a student will be required
to obtain first class passes in the courses listed below, except as
specified in (b) and (c):
Applied BIO1000F and BIO1004S (BIO2010F; any
Biology: one of BIO2011S, BIO2012S, BIO2013F),
plus BIO3013F, BIO3014S
Applied MAM1043H and MAM1044H
Mathematics: (MAM2046W (or two of MAM2047H,
MAM2048H and MAM2043S)) and
MAM3040W
Applied STA1000F/S or STA1007S and one of
Statistics: MAM1004F, MAM1008S, MAM1000W,
(STA2007H/STA2020S, STA2030S,)
STA3030F, STA3022F/STA3036S
Archaeology: AGE1002S and one of GEO1009F or
AGE1004S. Two senior half-courses in
Archaeology
Astrophysics: MAM1000W or PHY1004W, (AST2002H,
AST2003H,) AST3002F, AST3003S
Biochemistry: (BIO1000F and BIO1004S) or
CEM1000W; (MCB2021F, MCB2022S,)
MCB3024S, MCB3025F
Biology: BIO1000F and BIO1004S (BIO2014F, any
one of BIO2015F, BIO2016S and
BIO2017S); any two of BIO3013F,
BIO3014S, BIO3018F and BIO3019S
Business CSC1015F, CSC1016S (INF2009F,
Computing: INF2011S); any two of INF3011F,
INF3012S and INF3014F
Ecology & BIO1000F and BIO1004S (BIO2010F; any
Evolution: one of BIO2011S, BIO2012S, BIO2013F,)
plus BIO3015F, BIO3016S
Chemistry: CEM1000W, (CEM2005W), CEM3005W
Computer CSC1015F, CSC1016S, (EEE2049W,
Engineering: EEE2050F), EEE3095S, CSC3022F
Computer CSC1015F, CSC1016S, (CSC2001F,
Science: CSC2002S), CSC3002F, CSC3003S
Environmental EGS1003S, GEO1009F, (EGS2013F and
& Geographical EGS2015S); any two of EGS3012S,
Science: EGS3020F, EGS3021F, EGS3022S,
EGS3023F
Genetics: (BIO1000F and BIO1004S) or CEM1000W
(MCB2020F, MCB2023S), MCB3023S,
MCB3026F
Geology: GEO1009F, GEO1006S, (GEO2001F,
GEO2004S), GEO3005F, GEO3001S
Human (BIO100F and BIO1004S) or CEM1000W
Anatomy & (HUB2019F, HUB2021S), HUB3006F,
Physiology: HUB3007S
Marine Biology: BIO1000F and BIO1004S, (Any one of

BIO2014F, BIO2015F, BIO2016S and
BIO2017S; SEA2004F,) BIO3002F,
BIO3017S
Mathematics: (MAM1000W, MAM1019H,
MAM2000W), MAM3000W
Mathematical STA1006S, MAM1000W, (STA2004F,
Statistics: STA2005S), STA3041F, STA3043S
Ocean & Two of (GEO1009F, BIO1004S and
Atmosphere PHY1031F) or CEM1000W, (SEA2004F,
Science: SEA2005S), SEA3004F, EGS3012S
Physics: PHY1004W, (PHY2004W), PHY3004W
Quantitative BIO1000F or BIO1004S and one of
Biology: required 1000-level STA or MAM courses
(Any one of BIO2014F, BIO2015F,
BIO2016S and BIO2017S; STA20xxF/S or
MAM2046W;) BIO3019S; STA30xxF/S or
MAM3040W
(b) If a student obtains a first and an upper second class in two half-
courses at second-year level listed in (a) above, the marks obtained
in these half-courses shall be averaged. If this average is 75% or
more the student will be regarded, for this purpose only, as having
obtained first class passes in both these half-courses. The same
applies at the third-year level.
(c) In special cases the Board of the Faculty may replace a first class in
one of the courses listed above by a first class pass in a cognate
course (which has not been used for distinction in that cognate
subject).
Rules for distinction in the BSc degree as a whole

FB8.2 To obtain a distinction in the degree as a whole, a student must
(a) obtain a distinction in at least one major (rule FB8.1); and
For 2021 (i.e. students with 2nd year PA/F results in 2020:
(b) obtain first class passes in at least four courses (or the equivalent in
half-courses), including at least 2 senior courses, or obtain first class
passes in at least two first-year courses and an aggregate of at least
75% for two third-year courses obtained in a minimum period. (The
minimum period will usually be three years).
For 2022 (i.e. students with 2nd year PA/F results in 2020:
(b) obtain first class passes in at least four senior courses (or the
equivalent in half-courses), or obtain an aggregate of at least 75%
for two second-year courses, and two third-year courses obtained in
a minimum period. (The minimum period will usually be three
years).
Rules for distinction in a major (prior to 2020)

FB8.1 (a) In order to obtain a distinction in a major, a student will be required
to obtain first class passes in the courses listed below, except as
specified in (b) and (c):
Applied BIO2010F; any one of BIO2011S,

Biology: BIO2012S, BIO2013F, plus BIO3013F,
BIO3014S
Applied MAM2046W (or two of MAM2047H,
Mathematics: MAM2048H and MAM2043S) and
MAM3040W
Applied STA2007H/STA2020S,
Statistics: STA2030S,STA3030F,
STA3022F/STA3036S
Archaeology: Four senior half-courses in Archaeology
Astrophysics: AST2002H, AST2003H, AST3002F,
AST3003S
Biochemistry: MCB2021F, MCB2022S, MCB3024S,
MCB3025F
Biology: BIO2014F, any one of BIO2015F,
BIO2016S and BIO2017S; any two of
BIO3013F, BIO3014S, BIO3018F and
BIO3019S
Business INF2009F, INF2011S; any two of
Computing: INF3011F, INF3012S and INF3014F
Ecology & BIO2010F; any one of BIO2011S,
Evolution: BIO2012S, BIO2013F, plus BIO3015F,
BIO3016S
Chemistry: CEM2005W, CEM3005W
Computer EEE2049W, EEE2050F, EEE3095S,
Engineering: CSC3022F
Computer CSC2001F, CSC2002S, CSC3002F,
Science: CSC3003S
Environmental EGS2013F and EGS2015S; any two of
& Geographical EGS3012S, EGS3020F, EGS3021F,
Science: EGS3022S, EGS3023F
Genetics: MCB2020F, MCB2023S, MCB3023S,
MCB3026F
Geology: GEO2001F, GEO2004S, GEO3005F,
GEO3001S
Human HUB2019F, HUB2021S, HUB3006F,
Anatomy & HUB3007S
Physiology:
Marine Biology: Any one of BIO2014F, BIO2015F,
BIO2016S and BIO2017S; SEA2004F,
BIO3002F, BIO3017S
Mathematics: MAM2000W, MAM3000W
Mathematical STA2004F, STA2005S, STA3041F,
Statistics: STA3043S
Ocean & SEA2004F, SEA2005S, SEA3004F,
Atmosphere EGS3012S
Science:
Physics: PHY2004W, PHY3004W
Quantitative Any one of BIO2014F, BIO2015F,
Biology: BIO2016S and BIO2017S; STA20xxF/S or
MAM2046W; BIO3019S; STA30xxF/S or
MAM3040W
(b) If a student obtains a first and an upper second class in two half-
courses at second-year level listed in (a) above, the marks obtained
in these half-courses shall be averaged. If this average is 75% or
more the student will be regarded, for this purpose only, as having
obtained first class passes in both these half-courses. The same
applies at the third-year level.
(c) In special cases the Board of the Faculty may replace a first class in
one of the courses listed above by a first class pass in a cognate
course (which has not been used for distinction in that cognate
subject).
Rules for distinction in the BSc degree as a whole

FB8.2 To obtain a distinction in the degree as a whole, a student must
(a) obtain a distinction in at least one major (rule
FB8.1); and
(b) obtain first class passes in at least six courses (or
the equivalent in half-courses), including at least
four senior courses or obtain an aggregate of at
least 75% for each of four first-year courses, three
second-year courses and two third-year courses
obtained in a minimum period. (The minimum
period will usually be three years).
In applying the rules above, only passes at the first attempt are taken into account, i.e. ordinary
examinations in June or December and/or deferred examinations will be taken into account, but not
any supplementary examinations.
Rules for the degree of Bachelor of Science Honours (BSc

Hons)
Admission
FH1 A person shall not be admitted as a candidate for the degree unless they
(a) are a graduate of the Faculty of Science who has been awarded a Bachelor’s
degree in the discipline in which they propose to proceed to Honours, or have
subsequently met the conditions which would have enabled them to be
awarded the degree in the Faculty with that subject as a discipline; or
(b) are a graduate of any other faculty in the University who has completed
courses and fulfilled conditions accepted by Senate as equivalent to those
required under (a) above; or
(c) are a graduate of any other university recognised by Senate for such purposes
who has completed courses and has fulfilled conditions accepted by Senate
as equivalent to those required under (a) above.
Duration
FH2.1 Subject to the provisions of rule GH3 the BSc Hons is offered over a period of not
less than one academic year. Normally, candidates are required to complete the
programme within one academic year.
FH2.2 In exceptional circumstances, where an application for the BSc Hons degree does not
have an adequate undergraduate academic background, they may, with permission of
the Head of Department, register as an occasional student to complete preparatory

courses. On satisfactory completion of such courses, a candidate may be permitted to
enrol on the Honours course.
NOTE: Students following rule FH2.2 are required to apply for admission to the Honours programme
for the following year.
FH2.3 In exceptional circumstances, the Senate may admit a suitably qualified student as a
part-time candidate for the Honours degree. Any such candidate shall be required to
complete the programme within two academic years.
The Bachelor of Science Honours degree (BSc Hons) has a total NQF credit value of 160 at HEQSF
level 8.
This degree may be conferred in any one of the following specialisations:
Qualification Degree and Plan Code Specialisations
BSc Hons SH001MAM01 Applied Mathematics
BSc Hons SH001AGE01 Archaeology
BSc Hons SH001AGE02 Archaeology & Environmental Science
BSc Hons SH001AST03 Astrophysics & Space Science
BSc Hons SH001EGS07 Atmospheric Science
BSc Hons SH001BIO07 Biological Sciences
BSc Hons SH001CEM01 Chemistry
BSc Hons SH001CSC05 Computer Science
BSc Hons SH001EGS02 Environmental & Geographical Science
BSc Hons SH001GEO01 Geochemistry
BSc Hons SH001GEO02 Geology
BSc Hons SH001CSC06 Information Technology
BSc Hons SH001BIO05 Marine Biology
BSc Hons SH001MAM02 Mathematics
BSc Hons SH001MCB02 Molecular & Cell Biology
BSc Hons SH001SEA03 Ocean & Atmosphere Science
BSc Hons SH001PHY01 Physics
BSc Hons SH001STA04 Statistical Sciences
Refer to the appropriate Department sections in this handbook for detailed course outlines.
Restriction on registration
FH4 A student may not take any course(s) other than those prescribed by the Honours
programme for which they are registered.
Award of the degree
FH5 The degree of BSc Hons may be conferred

(a) after the successful completion of a programme of formal training and
supervised research, the latter comprising a minimum of 30 NQF credits
out of a total of 160 credits; and
(b) subject to both the research project and the balance of the course (class
work plus examination) being passed separately with a minimum of
50%.
Curriculum structure for the Bachelor of Science Honours,

specialising in Computer Science and the Bachelor of
Science Honours, specialising in Information Technology
[CSC05 & CSC06]
Prescribed curriculum
The curriculum comprises three compulsory core courses, at least five elective courses and a research
project.
Compulsory (core) courses:

CSC4019Z Research and Innovation ............................................................... 16 8
CSC4020Z Functional Programming ............................................................... 12 8
CSC4021Z Compilers 1 ................................................................................... 12 8
CSC4002W Computer Science Honours Project .............................................. 60 8
CSC4018W Information Technology Honours Project ..................................... 60 8
*CSC06 students register for CSC4018W instead of CSC4002W
Students must choose 48 credits of elective courses from the remaining Computer Science courses at
the Honours level; or electives from other departments (with prior approval of the Honours convener).
Elective courses:
CSC4007Z Selected Honours module in Computer Science ........................... 12 8
CSC4010Z Advanced Topics in Computer Science Honours 2 ....................... 12 8
CSC4022Z Compilers 2 ................................................................................... 12 8
CSC4023Z Big Data Management and Analysis ............................................. 12 8
CSC4024Z Human Computer Interaction ........................................................ 12 8
CSC4025Z Artificial Intelligence .................................................................... 12 8
CSC4026Z Network and Internetwork Security .............................................. 12 8
CSC4027Z Computer Game Design ................................................................ 12 8
CSC4028Z High Performance Computing ...................................................... 12 8
CSC4029Z Introduction to Computer Graphics ............................................... 12 8
STA4026S Analytics ....................................................................................... 18 8
The handbook outlining the current year’s Honours programme is available from the Department
(http://www.cs.uct.ac.za).
Rules for the degree of Master of Philosophy/Science

(To be read with General Rules on Master Degrees (G and GM) in Book 3 of this series).
Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

The degree will normally be awarded for work on inter-faculty topics or where a student holds an
undergraduate or Honours degree other than in Science.
Admission
FM1 A person shall not be admitted as a candidate for the degree unless they
(a) hold an Honours degree or four year equivalent of the University or of any
other university recognised by Senate for the purpose; or
(b) are a graduate of the University or of any other university recognised by
Senate for the purpose, who has shown by examination or publication or a
record of appropriate training that they have reached the current level in the
subject or discipline equivalent to an Honours degree; or
(c) have in any other manner attained a level of competence which in the opinion
of Senate is adequate for the purpose of admission to the degree.
Master of Science (MSc)

Admission
FM2 A person shall not be admitted as a candidate for the degree unless they are
(a) an Honours graduate in the Faculty of Science, or a graduate of another
faculty or another university who holds a degree recognised by the
Senate as being equivalent to an Honours degree in the Faculty of
Science; or
(b) a graduate of the University, or of any other institution recognised by
the Senate for the purpose, who has shown by examination or
publication or a record of appropriate training, that they have reached a
level in the subject or cognate subject equivalent to an Honours degree
in Science.
Guidelines for applicants

Prospective candidates should contact a member of the academic staff under whose supervision they
would like to pursue a dissertation. Alternatively, applicants could approach the Head of Department
that best suits their research interests and request contact with prospective supervisors. The Dean
(through the Head) is responsible for the final acceptance of the candidate, and appointment or
approval of the supervisor(s). The candidate will then be required to complete a memorandum of
understanding (MoU), between them and their supervisor(s) for approval by the Dean (through the
Head). Candidates may be required, after consultation with the prospective supervisor(s), to draw up
a more detailed project proposal. This may then be inspected by a departmental board or panel
appointed by the Head, before the candidate may proceed with their research.
FM3 The Master of Philosophy degree (MPhil) has a total NQF credit value of 180 at
HEQSF level 9. This degree may be offered as a full research dissertation of 180
NQF credits; or as a coursework and minor dissertation of 90 NQF credits each; or
as a coursework and minor dissertation of 120 NQF credits coursework and 60 NQF
credits minor dissertation.
The Master of Science degree (MSc) has a total NQF credit value of 180 at HEQSF
level 9. This degree may be offered as a full research dissertation of 180 NQF credits,
or as a coursework and minor dissertation of 90 NQF credits each; or as a coursework

and minor dissertation of 120 NQF credits coursework and 60 NQF credits minor
dissertation.
The degree may be conferred in any one of the following specialisations:

Qualification Degree and Plan Code Specialisations
MSc/MPhil SM001/2 MAM01 Applied Mathematics
MSc/MPhil SM001/2 AGE01 Archaeology
MSc/MPhil SM001/2 AST01 Astronomy
MSc/MPhil SM001/2 BIO07 Biological Sciences
MSc/MPhil SM001/2 CEM01 Chemistry
MSc/MPhil SM001/2 CSC05 Computer Science
MSc/MPhil SM001/2 CEM03 Computational Science
MSc/MPhil SM001/2 BIO09 Conservation Biology
MSc/MPhil SM001/2 EGS02 Environmental & Geographical Science
MSc/MPhil SM001/2 GEO01 Geochemistry
MSc/MPhil SM001/2 GEO02 Geology
MSc/MPhil SM001/2 STA02 Mathematical Statistics
MSc/MPhil SM001/2 MAM02 Mathematics
MSc/MPhil SM001/2 MCB02 Molecular & Cell Biology
MSc/MPhil SM001/2 SEA03 Ocean & Atmosphere Science
MSc/MPhil SM001/2 STA03 Operational Research
MSc/MPhil SM001/2 SEA05 Physical Oceanography
MSc/MPhil SM001/2 PHY01 Physics
MSc/MPhil SM001/2 STA09 Statistical Ecology
MSc/MPhil SM001/2 PHY02 Theoretical Physics
MSc/MPhil SM001/2 CEM02 Tertiary Chemistry Education
MSc/MPhil SM001/2 PHY03 Tertiary Physics Education
MSc/MPhil SM004/5 STA08 Advanced Analytics
MSc/MPhil SM004/5 BIO11 Applied Ocean Sciences (Marine Biology)
MSc/MPhil SM004/5 SEA07 Applied Ocean Sciences (Operational Oceanography)
MSc/MPhil S/M004/5 CSC08 Artificial Intelligence
MSc/MPhil SM004/5 AST03 Astrophysics & Space Science
MSc/MPhil SM004/5 STA10 Biostatistics
MSc/MPhil SM004/5 EGS06 Climate Change & Sustainable Development
MSc/MPhil SM004/5 CSC05 Computer Science
MSc/MPhil SM004/5 BIO09 Conservation Biology
MSc/MPhil SM004/5 STA11 Data Science
MSc/MPhil SM004/5 EGS05 Environment, Society & Sustainability
MSc/MPhil SM004/5 CSC06 Information Technology
MSc/MPhil SM004/5 SEA06 Ocean & Climate Science
MSc/MPhil SM007/8 STA11 Data Science
MSc/MPhil SM009 MAM06 Mathematical Sciences
Refer to the appropriate Department sections in this handbook for detailed course outlines.
NOTE: SM001/SM002 refers to the MSc/MPhil by full research dissertation (180 NQF credit
dissertation).
SM004/SM005 refers to the MSc/MPhil by coursework and minor dissertation (90 NQF
credit coursework, 90 NQF credit dissertation).
SM007/SM008/SM009 refers to the MSc/MPhil by coursework and minor dissertation
(120 NQF credit coursework, 60 NQF credit dissertation).
Students undertaking any Master’s degree by coursework and minor dissertation will register for a 90
NQF credit coursework component followed by a 90 NQF credit minor dissertation component; or a
120 NQF credit coursework component followed by a 60 NQF credit dissertation component.
NOTE: For the coursework component of the Master’s degree, where the same course is offered for
both the Honours (HEQSF level 8, 4000 level) and Master’s (HEQSF level 9, 5000 level) degrees,
students must register for the course appropriate to their current qualification level. Students who have
completed the 4000-level version of a course are excluded from enrolling on the 5000-level version
of the same course and vice versa.
Curriculum structure for the Master of Science/Master of

Philosophy by coursework and minor dissertation,
specialising in Computer Science
[CSC05]
The curriculum comprises one compulsory course, at least six elective courses and a minor
dissertation.
Compulsory courses:
CSC5020Z Research Methods in Computer Science ....................................... 18 9
CSC5002W Computer Science Minor Dissertation .......................................... 90 9
the Master's level; or electives from other departments (with prior approval of the convener).
Elective courses:
CSC5021Z Computational Geometry for 3D Printing ..................................... 12 9
CSC5022Z Distributed Scientific Computing .................................................. 12 9
CSC5023Z Meta-Heuristics ............................................................................. 12 9
CSC5024Z Information Retrieval .................................................................... 12 9
CSC5025Z Intelligent Systems ........................................................................ 12 9
CSC5026Z Introduction to ICT for Development ............................................ 12 9
CSC5027Z Logics for Artificial Intelligence ................................................... 12 9
CSC5028Z Ontology Engineering ................................................................... 12 9
CSC5029Z Introduction to image processing and computer vision ................. 12 9
CSC5030Z Advanced Topics in Computer Science Masters 1 ........................ 12 9
CSC5032Z Network and Internet Systems....................................................... 12 9
CSC5033Z Human Computer Interaction ........................................................ 12 9
CSC5034Z Machine Learning.......................................................................... 12 9
CSC5035Z Natural Language Processing ........................................................ 12 9
CSC5036Z Virtual Reality ............................................................................... 12 9

CSC5038Z Artificial Life ................................................................................ 12 9
With prior approval of the course convener, students may also take: CSC5012Z MIT Human
Computer Interaction (12 credits); CSC5007Z Database Systems (12 credits); and/or CSC5008Z Data
Visualization (12 credits).
The handbook outlining the current year’s Master's programme is available from the Department
(http://www.sit.uct.ac.za/).

specialising in Information Technology
[CSC06]
The curriculum comprises eight compulsory courses and a minor dissertation.
The coursework component (CSC5007Z–CSC5017Z) covers the basic information technology

curriculum and is offered online, with no lectures, although students will be required to be in Cape
Town for exams. Normally these are completed in one year (four per semester), but students working
full-time are advised to take only four modules per year.
Compulsory courses:
CSC5007Z Database Systems .......................................................................... 12 9
CSC5010Z MIT: Computer Networks ............................................................. 12 9
CSC5011Z MIT: Object-Orientated Programming in Python ......................... 12 9
CSC5012Z MIT: Human Computer Interaction .............................................. 12 9
CSC5014Z MIT: Social Issues & Professional Practices ................................ 12 9
CSC5015Z MIT: Software Engineering .......................................................... 12 9
CSC5016Z MIT: Web Programming ............................................................... 12 9
CSC5017Z MIT: Research Methods ................................................................ 12 9
CSC5004W Information Technology Minor Dissertation ................................ 90 9
The handbook outlining the current year’s Master’s programme is available from the
Department (http://www.sit.uct.ac.za/).
Curriculum structure for the Master of Science by

coursework and minor dissertation, specialising in Artificial
Intelligence (AI)
[CSC08]
The curriculum comprises one compulsory course, at least six elective courses and an AI dissertation
(minor dissertation in a research area broadly related to AI).
Compulsory courses:
CSC5020Z Research Methods in Computer Science ....................................... 18 9
CSC5037W Artificial Intelligence Minor Dissertation ..................................... 90 9
the Master's level; or other electives from Computer Science and other departments (with prior
approval of the course convener).
Elective courses:
CSC5023Z Meta-Heuristics ............................................................................. 12 9
CSC5025Z Intelligent Systems ........................................................................ 12 9
CSC5027Z Logics for rtificial Intelligence ...................................................... 12 9
CSC5028Z Ontology Engineering.................................................................... 12 9
CSC5029Z Introduction to Image Processing and Computer Vision ............... 12 9
CSC5034Z Machine Learning .......................................................................... 12 9
CSC5035Z Natural Language Processing ........................................................ 12 9
CSC5036Z Virtual Reality ............................................................................... 12 9
CSC5038Z Artificial Life ................................................................................. 12 9
CSC5034Z is a first semester module that is offered as an introductory Machine Learning module and
will be recommended for those who have not done CSC3022F or equivalent.
The handbook outlining the current year’s Master's programme is available from the Department
(http://www.sit.uct.ac.za/).

specialising in Advanced Analytics
[STA08]
Entry Requirements: A honours degree in Statistics or a four-year Bachelor’s degree that includes a
substantial research component equivalent to the UCT honours degree in Statistical Sciences with a
mark of at least 65% in the 4th year of study at first attempt.
The curriculum comprises three compulsory core courses, elective courses and a minor dissertation.
Compulsory courses:
STA5071Z Simulation and Optimisation ......................................................... 15 9
STA5090Z Advanced Topics Regression ........................................................ 15 9
STA5069Z Multivariate Statistics .................................................................... 15 9
Students will choose elective courses to bring the total number of coursework credits to a minimum
of 90 NQF credits. Students may choose to take electives from other departments with prior approval
of the Programme Convener.
Elective courses:
STA5086Z Advanced Portfolio Theory ........................................................... 15 9
STA5068Z Machine Learning .......................................................................... 15 9
STA5061Z Bayesian Decision Modelling ........................................................ 15 9
STA5063Z Design of Clinical Trials ................................................................ 15 9
STA5064Z Ecological Statistics ....................................................................... 15 9
STA5066Z Mathematical Modelling for Infectious Diseases .......................... 15 9
STA5067Z Longitudinal Data Analysis ........................................................... 15 9

STA5072Z Survival Analysis .......................................................................... 15 9
STA5091Z Data Analysis for High Frequency Trading .................................. 15 9
CSC5008Z Visualization.................................................................................. 12 9
IBS5004Z Bioinformatics for high-throughput biology ................................. 15 9
The minor dissertation component (90 NQF credits) is a research project based on a selected research
topic.
Minor dissertation
STA5004W Advanced Analytics Minor dissertation ........................................ 90 9
Progression Rules:
Students are required to pass modules adding up to 90 credits to qualify for the course work component
of the degree.
All core courses must be passed.
Students are allowed to repeat a failed module once.
Students should pass at least 3 modules in their first year of registration to be allowed to continue with
the degree.
Students may not progress to elective modules unless they have passed at least 3 core modules.
By the end of their second year of registration, students should have passed at least 4 modules to be
allowed to continue with the degree.
Students may take a maximum of three years to complete their coursework requirement.
Students may register for the dissertation components of the degree if they have passed 3 modules.
They may, however, not submit their dissertations for examination before they have passed all
required modules.
Distinction Rules:
Unless otherwise specified, the degree will be awarded with distinction if the candidate obtains: 75%
or higher in the credit-weighted average of coursework marks; marks of 75% or higher for at least 4
modules taken in Statistical Sciences; and a mark of 75% or higher in the dissertation.

specialising in Biostatistics
[STA10]
The Biostatistics specialization trains students in the more advanced statistical methodology needed
for the analysis of data from the Health and Biological Sciences.
Entry Requirements: A mark of at least 65% for an honours degree in Statistics equivalent to the UCT
honours degree in Statistical Sciences or a mark of at least 65% for an honours degree in a Biological
or Medical discipline that involved a substantial component of quantitative training, as assessed by
Head of Statistical Sciences Department, plus successful completion of pre-courses including,
introductory calculus, linear algebra and statistical inference, and R programming, as deemed
necessary.
The curriculum comprises four compulsory core courses, elective courses and a minor dissertation.
Compulsory courses:
STA5063Z Design of Clinical Trials ............................................................... 15 9

STA5069Z Multivariate Statistics .................................................................... 15 9
STA5072Z Survival Analysis ........................................................................... 15 9
Students will choose elective courses to bring the total number of coursework credits to a minimum
of 90 NQF credits. Students may choose to take electives from other departments with prior approval
of the Programme Convener.
Elective courses:
STA5061Z Bayesian Decision Modelling ........................................................ 15 9
STA5064Z Ecological Statistics ....................................................................... 15 9
STA5066Z Mathematical Modelling for Infectious Diseases .......................... 15 9
STA5068Z Machine Learning .......................................................................... 15 9
STA5071Z Simulation and Optimisation ......................................................... 15 9
STA5090Z Advanced Topics in Regression .................................................... 15 9
IBS5004Z Bioinformatics for high-throughput biology.................................. 15 9
Students who do not hold a qualification in Statistics at the Honours level will be required to take pre-
courses (STA5014Z) before being allowed to register for the degree. These could include Introductory
Calculus, Matrix Methods, Introductory Inference and R-programming. They will also be allowed to
take honours level courses up to 30 credits.
The minor dissertation component (90 NQF credits) is a research project based on a selected research
topic.
Minor dissertation
STA5058W Biostatistics Minor dissertation ..................................................... 90 9
Progression Rules:
Students are required to pass modules adding up to 90 credits to qualify for the course work component
of the degree.
Students are allowed to repeat a failed module once.
Students should pass at least 3 modules in their first year of registration to be allowed to continue with
the degree.
Students may not progress to elective modules unless they have passed at least 3 core modules.
By the end of their second year of registration, students should have passed at least 4 modules to be
Students may register for the dissertation components of the degree if they have passed 3 modules.
required modules.
Distinction Rules:
modules taken in Statistical Sciences; and a mark of 75% or higher in the dissertation.

specialising in Data Science
[STA11]
Refer to page 46 for details on this, which are included under the section on interdisciplinary
programmes.
The Faculty offers the following interdisciplinary Master’s

programmes. The details of the structure of these curricula
are given below.
specialising in Climate Change & Sustainable Development
[EGS06]
The interdisciplinary Master’s course with a specialisation in Climate Change & Sustainable
Development, offered by the African Climate & Development Initiative (ACDI), has the
following curriculum structure:
The curriculum comprises two compulsory core courses, at least two elective courses and a minor
dissertation.
Compulsory courses:
EGS5031F Introduction to Climate Change & Sustainable Development ...... 23 9
EGS5032F/S Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation .................................... 23 9
(Refer to the Department of Environmental & Geographical Sciences section in this handbook for
detailed course outlines).
Students will choose at least two elective courses, totalling a minimum of 45 NQF credits, chosen
from a range of courses which offer the student the opportunity to explore new areas, or look at climate
and development through existing disciplinary backgrounds.
Elective courses (A partial list includes):

BIO5003Z Biodiversity and climate change ................................................... 15 9
EGS5016F Capital, Politics and Nature ........................................................... 23 9
EGS5023F Research Methods for Natural Scientists ...................................... 23 9
EGS5024F Managing Complex Human Ecological Systems .......................... 23 9
EGS5030S Climate Modelling ........................................................................ 23 9
EGS5038F Climate Change and Predictability ................................................ 23 9
EGS5039F Urban Food Security ..................................................................... 23 9
EGS5040F Topics in Human and Environment Interaction ............................ 23 9
EGS5043F Living with Global Change ........................................................... 23 9
EGS5045F Geomorphology............................................................................. 23 9

EGS5046F Water Resource Management........................................................ 23 9
MEC5075Z New and Renewable Technologies................................................ 20 9
MEC5088Z Energy, Poverty & Development................................................... 20 9
PBL5045S Environmental Law for Non-Lawyers ........................................... 15 9
PBL5046S Climate, Law and Governance ...................................................... 15 9
(Details of these courses are available from the ACDI handbook or the relevant Faculty handbook.
Additional elective options exist and may be added or withdrawn according to circumstances each
year).
NOTE: The code EGS5012W represents the overall coursework component; the overall coursework
result will be reflected against this code.
The minor dissertation component (90 NQF credits) is based on a three- to six-month research project,
to be submitted at the end of January, with the possibility of extension to June. The choice of project
and electives will be determined by prior qualification. Students may register for a minor dissertation
in a range of departments across the University, including Biological Sciences, Environmental &
Geographical Science, Geological Sciences, Oceanography, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical
Engineering, Economics, Sociology, Law [Refer to relevant Faculty Handbooks]. Students registering
for the dissertation component in a Faculty other than the host Faculty (which administers the course)
will be subject to the examination criteria of that Faculty.
Minor dissertation options include:

EGS5029H Minor Dissertation (Science) ........................................................ 90 9
GEO5005H Minor Dissertation (Science) ........................................................ 90 9
END5069W Minor Dissertation (Engineering & Built Environment) .............. 90 9

specialising in Data Science
[STA11]
The interdisciplinary Master’s course with a specialisation in Data Science, is offered in collaboration
with the Departments of Statistical Sciences, Computer Science, Astronomy, the Computation
Biology Group (Faculty of Health Sciences) and the departments of Finance and Tax, Information
Systems, Economics and AIFMRM (Commerce Faculty).
Entry requirements: A mark of at least 65% for a HEQSF level 8 qualification (equivalent in standard
to that of a UCT degree) in any discipline that included a substantial research component and at least
a first year Statistics course and a first year Computing Course. Students may be required to register
for and pass STA1000P (the summer term offering of STA1000) before being allowed to register for
the degree. Academic transcripts of applicants will be assessed by a selection committee made up of
representatives from the participating departments. Applicants may be called for an interview to
assess whether they meet entrance requirements.
The degree has two structures. Student can elect to register for core courses adding to 66 credits, and
either elective courses adding to at least 24 credits and a minor dissertation counting 90 credits, or
elective courses adding to at least 66 credits and a minor dissertation counting 60 credits.
Compulsory courses:
List from which core courses should be selected subject to meeting entrance requirements and consent
of Program convener:
CSC5008Z Visualization ................................................................................. 12 9
CSC5011Z MIT: Programming in Python ....................................................... 12 9
STA5075Z Statistical and High Performance Computing ............................... 12 9
STA5076Z Supervised Learning ...................................................................... 18 9
STA5077Z Unsupervised Learning ................................................................. 12 9
STA5092Z Exploratory Data Analysis ............................................................ 12 9
STA5073Z Data Science for Industry .............................................................. 15 9
STA5069Z Multivariate Analysis .................................................................... 15 9
Elective courses:
Students will choose a minimum of 4 elective courses to bring the total number of elective coursework
credits to a minimum of 54 NQF credits. Available electives will depend on staff availability and not
all electives will be offered each year. Students may choose to take electives from the list of core
courses above, or from the list of elective courses below subject to satisfying the entrance requirements
for the chosen courses and consent of course and program convener, or from courses from other
departments subject to consent of the programme and course conveners.

AST5004Z Data Science for Astronomy ......................................................... 12 9
PHY5007Z Data Science for Particle Physics .................................................. 12 9
IBS5004Z Bioinformatics for high-throughput biology ................................. 15 9
STA5061Z Bayesian Decision Modelling ....................................................... 15 9
STA5074Z Decision Modelling for Prescriptive Analytics ............................. 12 9
STA5091Z Data Analysis for High Frequency Trading .................................. 15 9
STA5090Z Advanced Regression .................................................................... 15 9
STA5068Z Machine Learning ......................................................................... 15 9
STA5086Z Advanced Portfolio Theory ........................................................... 15 9
STA5071Z Simulation & Optimization ........................................................... 15 9
STA5072Z Survival Analysis .......................................................................... 15 9
FTX5040F South African Financial Markets .................................................. 15 9
FTX5051S Risk Management of Financial Instruments .................................. 15 9
FTX5028W Topics in Financial Management .................................................. 30 9
FTX5043F Capital Markets and Financial Instruments ................................... 30 9
FTX5044H Empirical Finance ......................................................................... 30 9
ECO5037S Fintech and Cryptocurrencies........................................................ 24 9
INF5006S Financial Systems Design ............................................................. 15 9
ECO5069S Applied Time Series Analysis ....................................................... 30 9
ECO5070S Microeconomics ............................................................................ 30 9
ECO5046F Advanced Econometrics ................................................................ 30 9
The minor dissertation component (90 or 60 NQF credits) is a research project based on a selected
research topic. Students may register for a minor dissertation from the available options listed below.
Students registering for the dissertation component in a Faculty other than the host Faculty (which
administers the course) will be subject to the examination criteria of that Faculty.
Minor dissertation options include:


AST5005W Data Science in Astronomy ........................................................... 90 9
IBS5005W Data Science in Bioinformatics ..................................................... 90 9
CSC5009W Data Science in Computer Science ................................................ 90 9
PHY5008W Data Science in Physics ................................................................. 90 9
STA5079W Data Science in Statistical Sciences .............................................. 90 9
FTX5003W Minor Dissertation in Finance ....................................................... 90 9
INF5005W Minor Dissertation in IS ................................................................ 90 9
FTX5029W Minor Dissertation in Financial Management ............................... 60 9
ECO5023W Minor Dissertation ......................................................................... 60 9
STA5093W Data Science Minor Dissertation ................................................... 60 9
Progression Rules:
Students are required to pass courses adding up to 90/120 credits to qualify for the course work
component of the degree.
Students are allowed to repeat a failed course once.
Students should pass at least 3 courses in their first year of registration to be allowed to continue with
the degree.
Students may not progress to elective courses unless they have passed at least 3 core courses.
By the end of their second year of registration, students should have passed at least 4 courses to be
Students may register for the dissertation components of the degree if they have passed 3 courses.
required courses.
Distinction Rules:
modules in Statistical Sciences or Computer Science; and a mark of 75% or higher in the dissertation.
Rules for the degree of Master of Philosophy/Science continued
Registration and candidacy
FM4 A candidate for the degree shall register for not less than one academic year. Except
by permission of Senate, full-time students are required to complete the requirements
for the degree within two years. In exercising its discretion, Senate may take into
account the nature of the research project undertaken.
Part-time studies
FM5 On the recommendation of the Head of Department, Senate may permit a candidate
who is unable to complete the course within the minimum period, to complete the
course part-time over a period of at least two years or more.
NOTE: No reduction in fees is made for part-time Master’s degree students.
Recognition of attendance at another institution
FM6 The Senate may accept, in lieu of, part or all of the required periods of attendance at
other approved laboratories or institutions with facilities for the purpose of the
proposed study, provided that supervision of the candidate by an approved officer of
the University of Cape Town is assured.
Guidelines for candidates

Prior to registration the candidate must complete the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to be
agreed in the first year of registration by both supervisor(s) and candidate, clarifying issues relating
to respective roles and responsibilities, frequency of access to supervisor, sabbatical leave planned by
supervisor, timing of annual leave by supervisor and student, expected working hours for student,
timeframes, funding (if appropriate) and intellectual property. It is essential that students and
supervisors apply their minds carefully to proposed timelines, skills, equipment and resources required
to achieve the goals stated in the research proposal. The MoU is subject to approval by the Head of
Department and Dean. Before the start of the second and subsequent years of registration, a Progress
& Planned Activity (PPA) form needs to be completed and agreed by both the candidate and
supervisor(s). This process represents an annual review of progress and should be seen as an extension
to the initial MoU. If in the opinion of the supervisor, adequate progress is not being made the PPA
form should clearly lay down criteria (such as submission dates and milestones) against which further
progress shall be measured.
In November of each year supervisors are required to provide the Faculty Examinations Committee
(FEC) with a statement as to the progress (satisfactory or unsatisfactory) of their Master’s and PhD
students. Progress is relative to the stated objectives within the MoU or PPA and takes into
consideration factors that may have impeded progress that are not within the control of either the
student or supervisor. In all cases where progress is considered to be unsatisfactory, despite mitigating
factors, the student will be given a chance to respond and appeal against the supervisor’s statement.
The FEC will deliberate on the report submitted by the supervisor together with the response from the
student, as well as the MoU or PPA.
If the appeal is upheld, the student will be allowed to reregister and will be assigned a progress of
‘FEC concession to continue’. A new PPA form will be required to be completed with the supervisor,
before registration, in which the objectives for the following year are clearly stipulated.
If the student’s ‘unsatisfactory’ progress is upheld by the FEC, the student will be coded ‘academically
ineligible to continue’ and may not reregister. Appeals against this decision can be submitted to
the Vice Chancellor’s nominee via the Deputy Registrar by research students, or to the Faculty
Readmission Appeals Committee (RAC) by students registered for the coursework component of a
Master’s degree.
The student may decide not to continue with their studies in which case they must complete a
‘Cancellation of Registration’ form and submit it to the Faculty Office for processing.
In select circumstances, the FEC may award a probation period to a student until reregistration
commences. The student will be assigned a 'status pending final FEC decision’. The student will be
informed of this decision in writing and will be required to immediately meet with the supervisor(s)
and prepare a new PPA form within a specified period. Here the student and supervisor must devise a
new work schedule for the stated period during which clear objectives must be agreed upon for
reassessment of progress. At the end of this probation period the supervisor will again be required to
provide the FEC with a statement as to the progress (satisfactory or unsatisfactory) of the student.
Should the progress during this “pending” period be satisfactory, the student will be assigned the
progress of ‘FEC concession to continue’ and will be allowed to reregister for that year. If progress is
again considered to be unsatisfactory and the FEC supports this decision, then the student will be
coded as ‘academically ineligible to continue’ and will not be permitted to register. Students have the
right to appeal this decision if there are relevant extenuating circumstances that might have impeded
progress. Appeals against this decision can be submitted to the Vice Chancellor’s nominee via the
Deputy Registrar by research students, or to the Faculty Readmission Appeals Committee (RAC) by
students registered for the coursework component of a Master’s degree.
In appropriate cases, the supervisor(s) and Head may propose to Faculty that a candidate's registration
be converted to a PhD. This should take place at the end of the first year/beginning of the second year
of MSc/MPhil registration.
The dissertation
FM7.1 The dissertation shall demonstrate the successful completion of a programme of

training in research methods, a thorough understanding of the scientific principles
underlying the research project and an appropriate acquaintance with the relevant
literature. It shall be clearly presented and conform to the standards laid down from
time to time by the department and the Faculty (refer also to Faculty Postgraduate
Student Information Handbook).
FM7.2 (a) The dissertation shall be accompanied by a written undertaking by the

candidate, empowering the University to reproduce for the purpose of
research the whole or any part of the dissertation.
(b) A publication may not, without the prior permission of the Senate, contain a
statement that the published material was, or is to be, submitted in fulfilment
or part fulfilment of a Master’s degree.
FM7.3 A candidate required to submit a dissertation shall:

(a) Inform the Head of Department and Faculty Office of his or her intention to
submit the dissertation for examination within 6-8 weeks of the intended
submission date.
(b) Submit for examination a digital copy in the format specified. It is
recommended that the dissertation be submitted for examination five months
before the graduation ceremony to allow time for the examination process to
run its course. The University does not however undertake to reach a decision
on the award of the degree by any specific date. Should an examiner/s request
a hard copy, the candidate will be asked to provide this to the Faculty Office.
(c) Submit a digital copy of the final corrected version of the dissertation in the
format specified, for the Library.
NOTE: Depending on the date of submission, certain fee rebates may apply. See Book 12, Student
Fees, for details.
Guidelines for candidates

The dissertation will usually consist of a detailed report on the conduct of, and analysis of the results
of, a research project performed under the close guidance of a suitably qualified supervisor(s). It is
not essential for the Master’s degree that the dissertation constitutes a distinct contribution to
knowledge in the subject, nor that the research project(s) undertaken necessarily be original. The
degree is usually regarded as a training course to equip the candidate with the skills necessary either
for employment in a given field, or for further, independent research for the degree of PhD in the same
or related subject area. The course of training provided, and the research project(s) undertaken, will
usually be less rigorous, and require less independent thought, than would study for a PhD.
Length of Master’s dissertation
A Master’s dissertation, submitted in fulfilment of the degree, should not exceed 30 000 words
(appendices excluded). Any request to deviate from these limits must be discussed with the supervisor
and forwarded with the supervisor’s comments to the Dean for consideration and possible approval.
Minor dissertations completed as part of a Master’s by coursework and minor dissertation should be
shorter than full dissertations; on the order of 50 pages or 17, 000 – 25,000 words. For further details,
refer to the “Faculty Postgraduate Student Information Handbook”, section 12, Submission of a
dissertation/thesis.
A candidate who contemplates including published papers in their dissertation must accept that
approval to do so is not automatic. For further information, refer to the Guidelines for the inclusion of
publications in the PhD thesis, available from the Faculty Office. The rules for publishing papers in a
PhD thesis will also apply to all Master’s dissertations. If a candidate contemplates doing this, they
must note this in their MoU with their supervisor each year. In addition, the candidate and supervisor
are advised to seek the advice of the Faculty’s Higher Degrees Committee about their plan to do so at
an early stage. A request to include publications in a dissertation should generally include the
following:
1. Title of dissertation.
2. A brief overview of the dissertation structure (it must include a general introduction and a discussion
chapter that pulls the various chapters in the dissertation together).
3. A list of publications that will be included as self-standing chapters, with the authors, title and
journal information, together with a comment on the student’s contribution to each article.
4. Declaration from each co-author and supervisor(s) that they agree that the article may be included
in the dissertation, and what their individual contributions were.
5. Declaration from any student co-author that the work will not be used for their higher degree
purposes.
Award of the degree
FM8.1 The degree of MSc/MPhil may be conferred

(a) after acceptance by the Faculty of a dissertation constituting a detailed report
on a research project performed under the guidance of an approved
supervisor (Master’s by dissertation only). The dissertation must be
presented for formal examination;
or
(b) after a programme of advanced formal training and supervised research, for
which a minor dissertation would be a partial requirement (Master’s by
coursework and minor dissertation). The coursework and minor dissertation
must each be passed separately for the award of the degree. The minor
dissertation must be presented for formal examination.
FM8.2 The degree may be awarded with distinction. In the case of a Master’s by coursework
and minor dissertation, a distinction must be obtained in both components for the
award of the degree with distinction. Where this is not achieved, a distinction may be
awarded and recorded in one of the components.
Where the coursework requires registration for individual courses, the following
distinction rules apply: Unless otherwise specified, the Master’s degree will be
awarded with distinction if the candidate obtains: 75% or higher in the credit-
weighted average of coursework marks; marks of 75% or higher in at least 75% of
the coursework credits; and a mark of 75% or higher in the dissertation.
FM8.3 Supplementary examinations are not awarded to candidates for the degree of Master.
Rules for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Admission
The entrance requirement to the PhD is a Master’s degree or equivalent. Prospective candidates
wishing to register for a PhD should have a discussion with a prospective supervisor and Head of
Department in the appropriate field of study prior to applying formally to the University. It is
sometimes possible to upgrade to a PhD after completing the first year of Master’s research.
The thesis
Where a candidate intends to submit their thesis for examination, they must inform the Doctoral
Degrees Board (DDB) Office in writing of their intention to do so 6-8 weeks prior to the intended
submission date. It is recommended that the thesis be submitted for examination five months before
the graduation ceremony to allow time for the examination process to run its course. The
University does not, however, undertake to reach a decision on the award of the degree by any
specific date.
Length of the PhD thesis

The Senate has approved a recommendation from the DDB that a doctoral thesis should not exceed
80 000 words (rule GP6.8; this excludes appendices and illustrations). Any request to deviate from
these limits must be discussed with the supervisor and forwarded with the supervisor's comments via
the Dean to the DDB for approval. For further details, refer to the “Faculty Postgraduate Student
Information Handbook”, section 12, Submission of a dissertation/thesis.
A candidate who contemplates including published papers in their thesis must accept that approval to
do so is not automatic. For further information, refer to the Guidelines for the inclusion of publications
in the PhD thesis, available from the DDB or Faculty Office. If a candidate contemplates doing this,
they must note this in their MoU with their supervisor each year. In addition, the candidate and
supervisor are advised to seek the advice of the Faculty’s Higher Degrees Committee about their plan
to do so at an early stage. While the Faculty committee will not be able to give a binding answer, it
will be able to indicate to the candidate and their supervisor whether:
• It is likely to support the proposal. Where published papers are included, the thesis must nonetheless
show acceptable academic style, scholarly content and coherence as a connected account with a
satisfactory introduction, statement of thesis and conclusion.
• It is unlikely to support submission according to the plan outlined. A binding decision can only be
given by the DDB. It is accepted that this may not be possible until sometime into the work.
A request to include publications in a thesis should generally include the following:

1. Title of thesis.
2. A brief overview of the thesis structure (it must include a general introduction and a discussion
chapter that pulls the various chapters in the thesis together).
3. A list of publications that will be included as self-standing chapters, with the authors, title and
journal information, together with a comment on the student’s contribution to each article.
4. Declaration from each co-author and supervisor(s) that they agree that the article may be included
in the thesis, and what their individual contributions were.
5. Declaration from any student co-author that the work will not be used for their higher degree
purposes.
Rules for the degree of Doctor of Science

FD1 The degree of Doctor of Science is a senior degree and is awarded for substantial and
original contributions to knowledge in a field of scientific endeavour. Such
contribution will normally be the result of work carried out and published over a
period of years and will be such as to have established the candidate's position as a
leading authority in the field(s) in which they have worked. Candidates will
ordinarily be senior scientists with a PhD, post-doctoral experience, and a track
record of at least ten years as a leading researcher.
FD2 A candidate for the degree must be a graduate of:

(a) the University (only in exceptional cases will candidates who do not have a
PhD be considered); or
(b) a university recognised by the Senate for the purpose (only in exceptional
cases will candidates who do not have a PhD be considered) who has or has
had established research or teaching associations with the University.
FD3 A candidate for the degree of Doctor of Science

(a) must submit published work, which must constitute a substantial, original and
important contribution to learning in some branch of science;
(b) may submit other published or unpublished work as collateral testimony of
their fitness for the degree;
(c) must submit a formal application and register for the degree, should the
Faculty Committee of Assessors accept the nomination.
FD4 (a) The examination will consist primarily of an assessment of the work
submitted by the candidate, but a candidate shall, if required by Senate,
present themself for an oral examination on the subject of the work
presented.
(b) No work will be accepted which has already been accepted by another
university for the purpose of obtaining a degree.
FD5 A candidate must submit the publications they wish to be assessed for examination
or as collateral testimony. If, at the date of its presentation, any portion of the work
submitted has not been published, or is not being published, in a manner satisfactory
to the University, the candidate must grant the University in writing a free licence to
reproduce the work in whole or in part for the purpose of research. The University
may waive the right so granted if the candidate subsequently makes arrangements for
publication in a manner satisfactory to the University.
NOTES:
1. The DSc is the highest and most prestigious degree awarded in the Faculty of Science; it is
of higher status than the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree and is awarded very rarely. In
these respects, the DSc at UCT is based on the DSc tradition followed by many universities
in the United Kingdom. (Some universities confer the DSc degree for a thesis on research
done under supervision; such a DSc is the equivalent of a PhD. UCT does not.)
2. The DSc at UCT is awarded on the basis of published research work in a specific scientific
field in which the supplicant has been active and productive for at least ten years.
3. Examiners for the DSc will be asked to consider whether the work submitted for the DSc
constitutes a substantial, original and important contribution to learning in some branch of
science in the sense that
(a) it is likely to be regarded as 'benchmark' research in the relevant field now and in
years to come, and
(b) it demonstrates that the candidate has achieved a leadership role (internationally)
in that field of scientific research and will be reminded that the emphasis in
assessing the work of a DSc candidate must be on originality, substance and
excellence.
54 DEPARTMENTS IN THE FACULTY
DEPARTMENTS IN THE FACULTY

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY
The Department is housed in the Beattie Building, 5 University Avenue
Telephone (021) 650-2353 Fax (021) 650-2352
The Departmental abbreviation for Archaeology is AGE.
Associate Professor and Head of Department:

D D Stynder, MA PhD Cape Town
Professor and South African Research Chair in Stable Isotopes in Archaeology and
Paleo-environmental Studies:
J C Sealy, MSc PhD Cape Town
Senior Scholars:
S L Hall, MA Witwatersrand DPhil Stell
J E Parkington, MA PhD Cantab
Emeritus Professor:
N J van der Merwe, MA PhD Yale
Professor:
R R Ackermann, MA Arizona PhD Wash U St Louis
Emeritus Associate Professor:
A B Smith, PhD Berkeley
Senior Lecturers:
V J Hare, MSc PhD Oxford
Y Sahle, MA Addis Ababa PhD Cape Town
Lecturer:
V Lupuwana, MA PhD Cape Town
Research Officer:
J Luyt, MSc PhD Cape Town
Chief Scientific Officer:
L Hutten, BSc Hons MSc Pret
Administrative Officer:
L J Cable
Laboratory Assistant:
M Januarie
Departmental Assistant:
M Kanye
RESEARCH IN ARCHAEOLOGY
The Department of Archaeology investigates how people have changed through time, in order to gain
insight into why we are the way we are today. We study the cultural and biological records of the past
and present in order to do this. South Africa is endowed with a rich and unique archaeological, fossil
and ethnographic record, giving us considerable advantage in this respect. Within this broad theme,
our researchers are especially interested in the dynamics of human change over the Quaternary Period,
and indeed change, process, innovation, complexity, and adaptation are core ideas that thread
throughout all of our work. This time period spans a large part of our evolutionary history, and
incorporates the record of early ape-like hominins, the first members of our genus Homo, modern
human origins, hunter-gatherer societies, farming communities, and colonists. Our specific areas of
focus include but are not limited to: technological change and innovation; study of past diets and
environments; understanding and reconstructing palaeoecology, the dynamics of complex social
landscapes; evolutionary process and the shaping of diversity.
DEPARTMENTS IN THE FACULTY 55
Undergraduate Courses
Lectures are usually held four times a week, but the fifth day may also be used and should therefore
be kept free.
First-Year Courses
AGE1002S THE HUMAN PLANET: PREHISTORY TO PRESENT

18 NQF credits at NQF level 5
Convener: Dr V J Hare
Course entry requirements: None
Course outline:
This aim of this course is to introduce the study of archaeology, and the study of human origins.
Archaeology is defined as the study of the human past through material culture. Over the second
semester, this course presents an overview of prehistory leading up to the modern day, as well as the
broader climatic, geographic, ecological, social, and cultural contexts which made modern humans.
In particular, it looks at the past through the lens of what people leave behind - the archaeological
record.
What you can expect to take away from this course:
•A broad understanding of the timescales of human prehistory, and our interactions with the Earth
System, from the Early Pleistocene through to the Historical period, and the emergence of present day
societies (the "Anthropocene").
•An understanding of current concepts in archaeological thought, and the complexities of relationships
between archaeologists, science, and society today.
•Familiarity with the foundational skills and terminology necessary for present-day archaeological
research and investigation.
This broad course is suitable for all undergraduate students in the sciences and humanities; but
particularly for those wishing to major in Archaeology, Environmental & Geographical Science, or
cognate subjects.
Lecture times: Monday - Thursday, 5th period
DP requirements: Attendance at lectures and tutorials and completion of assignments.
Assessment: Assignments and class tests count 50% towards the final mark and one 3-hour
examination written in November counts 50%. A sub-minimum of 40% is required for the
examination.
AGE1005L TOWARDS A DECOLONISED SCIENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA

(offered during winter term)
Convener: Professor R Ackermann
Course outline:
This course addresses some key topics relevant to the decolonization of science in South Africa.
Course objectives are as follows: (1) to contrast the science behind human diversity (e.g. skin colour
variation, sex) with socially-constructed categories (e.g. race, gender binary); (2) to demonstrate how
the history of racism and gender bias has limited the focus of scientific enquiry; (3) to highlight the
importance of diversity and diverse voices in the production of scientific knowledge, (4) to show how
African voices in particular have shaped and are continuing to shape the trajectory of science. The
approach is a blended learning environment which combines online lectures, tutorials, tasks, and
assessments. Guests both within UCT and from further afield will be brought in to supplement material
through lectures, interviews and/or short case studies.
Assessment: Class participation (workshops/tutorials and online discussions) 20%, online tests 20%,
final exam 30%, final project 30%. NOTE: The allocation of 30% to the final exam breaks with the
traditional 50% threshold. Given the format and intense interactive nature of the courses, the decision
has been made that a large component of student assessment should be a course project which allows
them to engage with and reflect on their changing understanding of decolonisation and race in the
course. This project will be equal weight to the exam, and will be externally examined.
Second-Year Courses
AGE2011S HUMAN EVOLUTION

Convener: Professor R Ackermann
Course entry requirements: Any first-year Science course, or any first-year Humanities course from
a related discipline such as Social Anthropology, Historical Studies, Sociology, etc or by permission
of the Head of Department.
Course outline:
In AGE2011S we examine the record of primate and human evolution, showing how fossil skeletons
and artefacts are interpreted in terms of human behaviour and evolutionary processes. We also
consider genetic and other comparative evidence that are increasingly providing insight into the origin
of our lineage. We answer questions such as: Why did our ancestors evolve in Africa? How did we
evolve such large and complex brains? What advantage does bipedalism provide? When do humans
begin to make tools? Why is human skin colour so variable? What makes humans unique? The
syllabus for AGE2011S includes practical sessions for the study of primate and human, fossil and
recent skeletal material and the artefacts associated with our ancestors.
Lecture times: Monday - Thursday, 3rd period, Practicals: One 2-hour practical per week, at times
to be arranged
DP requirements: Attendance at lectures and practicals and completion of assignments.
Assessment: Essays and tests count 50%; one 3-hour examination in October/November counts 50%.
A sub-minimum of 40% is required for the examination.
AGE2012F THE FIRST PEOPLE

Convener: Dr Y Sahle
Course entry requirements: Any first-year Science course; or any one of AXL1400F (was
SAN1015F,) or AGE1002S or equivalent first-year semesters; or AGE2011S; or any first-year
Humanities course from cognate disciplines such as Anthropology, Historical Studies, Sociology; or
by permission of the Head of Department.
Course outline:
All humans living today have a common African origin. The first humans were hunter-gatherers, as
were their descendants. Indeed, our ancestors were hunter-gatherers for at least 99% of our
evolutionary history, which means that our physical, psychological and social selves have been shaped
by this way of life. We learn about the origin and evolution of our hunter-gatherer ancestors from
genetic, fossil, archaeological and ethnographic evidence. Studies of Khoesan peoples of southern
Africa have contributed significantly to our understanding of such societies. In this course we focus
on the hunter-gatherer way of life over the past few hundreds of thousands of years. Specific topics
covered include modern human origins, the Middle and Later Stone Age, ethnographic studies of
Khoesan, the origins of pastoralism, coastal vs. arid environment adaptations, rock art and symbolic
interpretation, genetics and biology, revisionism, and contemporary socio-politics and identity. In the
weekly practical sessions, students will conduct hands-on, problem-solving exercises with
archaeological materials.
Lecture times: Monday - Thursday, 3rd period, Practicals: One 2-hour practical per week, at times
to be arranged
DP requirements: Attendance at lectures and practicals, completion of assignments and participation
in a one-day museum trip.
Assessment: Assignments and practical tests count 50% towards the final mark and one 3-hour
examination written in June counts 50%. A sub-minimum of 40% is required for the examination.
Third-Year Courses
AGE3006H DIRECTED READING & RESEARCH

Course entry requirements: Only for students specialising in Archaeology, with permission of the
Head of Department.
Course outline:
A flexible intensive study course in a specific area customised to the needs of individual students.
Lecture times: By arrangement
DP requirements: Completion of assignments.
Assessment: Essays and tests count 20%; a long paper counts 40%; one 3-hour examination in
November counts 40%.
AGE3011F THE ROOTS OF RECENT AFRICAN IDENTITIES

Convener: Dr R Nyamushosho
Course entry requirements: AGE2011S or AGE2012F, or by permission of the Head of Department.
Course outline:
In this course we explore the history of Africa’s people over the past 2000 years with special reference
to southern Africa. Why are southern African populations so diverse? What lies behind the linguistic
map that we see today? What social, technological and palaeoenvironmental systems shaped the
evolution of societies? Did Africa have any civilisations? Who did Africa interact with? We discuss
the archaeological record of artefacts, settlement systems, food waste, environmental contexts and
human skeletons. We deploy historical, material science, molecular science, anthropological and
palaeoclimatic techniques to explore this rich and diverse heritage of the last two thousand years.
Lecture times: Monday - Thursday, 4th period, Practicals: One 2-hour practical per week, at times to
be arranged
DP requirements: Attendance at lectures and practicals, completion of assignments.
Assessment: Assignments and class tests count 50% towards the final mark and one 3-hour
examination written in June counts 50%. A sub-minimum of 40% is required for the examination.
AGE3012S GLOBAL DIASPORAS & THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE

HISTORICAL PAST
Convener: Dr V Lupuwana
Course entry requirements: AGE2011S or AGE2012F, or by permission of the Head of Department.
Course outline:
Over the last thousand years, southern Africa has been connected to the world in a number of ways.
From the 16th century the European push to open trade routes to the east increasingly disrupted earlier
interactions between the southern African interior and the wider Indian Ocean region that had been in
place from the 1st millennium AD. The European diaspora into southern Africa created new orders of
power, control and trade that had massive impacts on indigenous societies who were subjected to
slavery, genocide and eventually apartheid. In this course we look at these interactions and
transformations from both foreign and local viewpoints, in which the idea of frontier is a central theme.
The focus is on archaeological evidence and the contribution it makes to understanding the texture of
life on frontiers and the new identities that frontiers created. In doing this the relationship between
archaeological evidence, written sources and oral history is critically addressed, particularly in the
search for perspectives that address cultural change and continuity at the local scale.
Lecture times: Monday - Thursday, 4th period, Practicals: One 2-hour practical per week, at times to
be arranged
DP requirements: Attendance at lectures and practicals, completion of assignments.
Assessment: Assignments and class tests count 50% towards the final mark and one 3-hour exam
written in November counts 50%. A sub-minimum of 40% is required for the examination.
AGE3013H ARCHAEOLOGY IN PRACTICE

Please note that this course requires you to make yourselves available for field excursions during the
first (March/April) and second (June/July) vacations of the academic year. While the majority of field
excursions are likely to be day trips, there will be a four-week residential field-school during the
second vacation. It is mandatory to participate fully in all field excursions.
Convener: Associate Professor D Stynder
Course entry requirements: AGE2011S and AGE2012F, or by permission of the Head of
Department.
Course outline:
The course will run throughout the academic year. The lecture programme (campus and field) will be
flexible and a schedule will be decided upon in consultation with participating students. The
curriculum covers training in site location, excavation, field note taking, stratigraphic observation, site
survey, use of GPS and total station, photography, rock art recording, processing of field observations,
spread sheet use, preliminary conservation and accessioning of materials, preliminary analyses and
report writing.
DP requirements: Participation in all field excursions and completion of all assignments.
Assessment: Assignments 30%; Research paper 20%; Practical examination 25%; Theory
examination 25%.
Postgraduate Courses
AGE4000W ARCHAEOLOGY HONOURS
Since the code AGE4000W will not carry a NQF credit value, students will be concurrently registered
for AGE4003W (coursework component of 112 NQF credits) and AGE4004W (research project of 48
NQF credits).
160 NQF credits at NQF level 8; the combined credit value of both components.
Course entry requirements: A BSc degree majoring in Archaeology and an acceptable academic
record. Students applying for admission to the Honours programme in Archaeology must satisfy the
Head of Department that they have adequate fieldwork experience.
Course outline:
The purpose of the Honours programme in Archaeology is to look in depth at current issues in the
discipline, both internationally and in southern Africa. Those taking part are expected to become fully
involved in the academic life of the Department, attending such seminars as may be given by staff
members, research students and visitors. In addition, they must participate in the structured
programme of lectures and tutorials, and write a research dissertation. The dissertation is a central part
of the Honours programme. Each student must prepare a project proposal, worked out with a
supervisor and approved by the Head of Department. In addition, students must take part in one open
seminar, where they present their project to the Department. All students are required to participate in
two weeks of fieldwork.
Assessment: On average the course work component counts 70% (this includes 50% from final
examinations) and the research project counts 30%. A sub-minimum of 50% is required for the
research project. These component parts of the course will be combined in a final overall mark which
will be reflected against the course code AGE4000W, with PA (pass) entered against the coursework
and project codes; each of these components must be passed separately for the award of the degree.
AGE4001W ARCHAEOLOGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE HONOURS

Since the code AGE4001W will not carry a NQF credit value, students will be concurrently registered
for AGE4005W (coursework component of 112 NQF credits) and AGE4006W (research project of 48
NQF credits).
Course entry requirements: A BSc degree with majors in both Archaeology and Environmental &
Geographical Science. Acceptance will be at the discretion of the Head of Department.
Course outline:
Using the resources of both the Departments of Archaeology and Environmental & Geographical
Science, this Honours programme focuses on the palaeoenvironmental context in which humans lived
during the long course of the Quaternary. Course requirements include modules from both
Archaeology and from Environmental & Geographical Science and a research project (48 credits).
Assessment: On average the course work component counts 70% (this includes 50% from final
examinations) and the research project counts 30%. A sub-minimum of 50% is required for the
research project. These component parts of the course will be combined in a final overall mark which
will be reflected against the course code AGE4001W, with PA (pass) entered against the coursework
AGE5000W ARCHAEOLOGY DISSERTATION

Course outline:
See also AGE5006W, Faculty of Humanities Handbook.
This course consists of an investigation of an approved topic chosen for intensive study by the
candidate (student), culminating in the submission of a dissertation. The dissertation shall demonstrate
the successful completion of a programme of training in research methods, a thorough understanding
of the scientific principles underlying the research and an appropriate acquaintance with the relevant
literature. It must be clearly presented and conform to the standards of the department and faculty.
The dissertation will usually consist of a report detailing the conduct, and analysis of the results of,
research performed under the close guidance of a suitably qualified supervisor/s. The dissertation
should be well-conceived and acknowledge earlier research in the field. It should demonstrate the
ability to undertake a substantial and informed piece of research, and to collect, organise and analyse
material.
AGE6000W ARCHAEOLOGY THESIS

Course outline:
The PhD is a research degree on an advanced topic under supervision which can be taken in any of
the departments in the Faculty. Examination is by thesis alone. A candidate shall undertake doctoral
research and advanced study under the guidance of a supervisor/s appointed by Senate. The thesis
must constitute a substantial contribution to knowledge in the chosen subject, must show evidence of
original investigation and give a full statement of the literature on the subject. The PhD degree
demands that the candidate is able to conduct independent research on his/her own initiative. Through
the thesis the candidate must be able to demonstrate that he/she is at the academic forefront in the
topic selected, that the work is original and that it advances our knowledge in the relevant field.
Candidates are referred to the rules for this degree as set out in Book 3, General Rules and Policies.
DEPARTMENT OF ASTRONOMY
The Department is housed in the RW James Building, 9 University Avenue
Telephone (021) 650-5830; website http://www.ast.uct.ac.za
The Departmental abbreviation for Astronomy is AST.
Professor and Head of Department:

P A Woudt, MSc Groningen PhD Cape Town MASSAf
SKA South African Research Chair in Multi-wavelength Extragalactic Astronomy:
D J Pisano III, MSc PhD Madison
SALT South African Research Chair in Fast Transients and Gravitational Wave
Counterparts:
P J Groot, MSc PhD Amsterdam
UCT-UWC-SARAO Chair in Radio Astronomy:
R Taylor, MSc PhD Vancouver
Adjunct Professor and SAAO National Facilities South African Research Chair:
M Bershady, MSc PhD Chicago
Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Natural Philosophy:
B Warner, BSc Hons PhD DSc London MA DSc Oxon DSc (h.c) Cape Town Hon FRSSAf Hon Fell
UCL
Emeritus Professor:
R C Kraan-Korteweg, Diplom (MSc) Basle PhD Phil II Basle FRSSAf, MASSAf
Honorary Professors:
W J G de Blok, MSc PhD Groningen
P Väisänen, MSc PhD Helsinki
P A Whitelock, DIC PhD London Hon FRAS FRSSAf MASSAf
SKA Visiting Professor:
R Fender, PhD OU Milton Keynes
Professor:
T H Jarrett, PhD Amherst
Associate Professor:
S-L Blyth, MSc PhD Cape Town
Adjunct Associate Professors:
V McBride, MSc Cape Town PhD Soton
S Mohamed, DPhil Oxon
Senior Lecturer:
L Marchetti, MSc PhD Padova
Lecturers:
J Delhaize, PhD Perth
I Monageng, MSc PhD Cape Town
Adjunct Lecturer:
B Frank, PhD Cape Town
Honorary Research Associate:
D A H Buckley, MSc Canterbury PhD Canberra
Honorary Research Affiliate:
M Geyer, MSc Stell DPhil Oxford
Computer System Manager:
S Funani
Technical Officer:
B Yotti
C Marsh
NASSP Administrator:
R Fagodien
Administrative Assistant:
R Daniels
INTER-UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE FOR DATA INTENSIVE ASTRONOMY (IDIA)

The Institute, hosted in the Department of Astronomy, is a partnership between the University of
Cape Town, the University of the Western Cape, the University of Pretoria and the South African
Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO). It involves researchers in astronomy, physics, statistics and
computer science at the four partner institutes and the UCT eResearch Centre. The Institute also
houses the UCT-IDIA Visualisation Lab.
Director:
R Taylor (UCT/UWC), MSc PhD Vancouver
Associate Directors:
B Frank (SARAO/UCT), PhD Cape Town
C Odman (UWC), PhD Cantab
R Simmonds (UCT CSC), PhD Bath
Operations Manager:
J Smith, MSc Cape Town
Project Manager:
K Kirkham, MSc York MPhil Cape Town
Senior Visualisation Developer:
A Comrie, PhD Cape Town
Visualisation Developer:
A Pinska, MSc Cape Town
Senior Data Scientist:
D Aikema, PhD Calgary
Senior Technical Specialists:
J-E Avenant
M Currin
Senior Technical Specialist Bioinformatics Support:
D Kennedy
Astronomy Support:
J Collier, PhD Sydney
Junior Astronomy Support:
O H Moloko
Senior Systems Administrator:
R Hall (UWC), MSc Cape Town
Administrative Manager:
N Walker
The overarching goal of IDIA is to build within the South African university research community the
capacity and expertise in data intensive research to enable global leadership on MeerKAT large survey
science projects and large projects on other SKA pathfinder telescopes, leading to leadership on SKA
phase 1 Key Science programs. One of the first elements to reach this goal was for IDIA to set up a
data-intensive research cloud facility to service its scientific community. Currently, IDIA is the
primary platform to service five out of eight MeerKAT large survey projects.
For more information on IDIA and its activities, see https://www.idia.ac.za

RESEARCH IN ASTRONOMY
Research at the Astronomy Department covers a number of distinct themes, ranging from Galactic
Composition and Stellar Evolution (Professor Whitelock and Adjunct Associate Professor Mohamed)
and Accretion Physics in Compact Stellar Binaries (Professors Woudt, Groot, Warner and Fender,
Adjunct Associate Professor McBride and Dr Monageng) to Neutral Hydrogen and Dark Matter
Content of Nearby Galaxies (Professors Jarrett, de Blok, Pisano, Associate Professor Blyth and Dr
Delhaize), Star Formation and Galaxy Evolution (Professors Kraan-Korteweg, Bershady, Pisano,
Vaisanen, Associate Professor Blyth and Drs Delhaize and Marchetti ), Large-Scale Structures of
Galaxies and the Zone of Avoidance (Professors Kraan-Korteweg and Jarrett and Associate Professor
Blyth), and Cosmic Magnetism (Professor Taylor). The department hosts numerous postdoctoral
fellows working in these research themes: Drs Cavallaro, Kurapati, Khangale, Krishnan, Makwela,
Sekhar and Zabel.
In each of these thematic areas, expertise exists in the department across a range of ground- and space-
based observational techniques in X-ray, optical, infrared and radio astronomy, with the additional
expertise in developing optical astronomical instrumentation. Besides leading many research projects
on SALT, members of the Department of Astronomy lead four of the eight MeerKAT Large Survey
Projects.
First-Year Courses
AST1000S INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY

Two practical sessions are held in the Planetarium of Iziko Museums of Cape Town, plus one evening
trip to the South African Astronomical Observatory, Cape Town, by arrangement.
Convener: Associate Professor S-L Blyth
Course entry requirements: None
Course outline:
The course introduces students to the subject of Astronomy and our place in the universe from the
small scales of the Earth-Sun-Moon system to the large scales of distant galaxies. It aims to provide
insight into how we study astrophysical objects via EM radiation and telescopes (theory) as well as
providing a high-level overview of objects in the universe, moving outwards from our solar system,
to stars and stellar remnants, our galaxy and others, dark matter and cosmology, and the study of the
universe at the largest scales. The course is open to all interested students as well as providing a solid
introduction to those wishing to continue in astrophysics.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 5th period. Practicals: One compulsory practical or tutorial per
week, Wednesday, 14h00 -16h00.
DP requirements: Satisfactory attendance at lectures and compulsory attendance at Wednesday
afternoon sessions and submission of bi-weekly problem sets; class record of at least 35%.
Assessment: Class record: 50%, June examination 2 hours: 50%. Sub-minimum: 40% for final
examination.
Second-Year Courses
AST2002H ASTROPHYSICS
One fieldtrip to the South African Astronomical Observatory, Sutherland.
Convener: Dr L Marchetti
Course entry requirements: PHY1004W, MAM1000W or both MAM1031F & MAM1032S (or
equivalent).
Course outline:
This course presents an introduction to the theoretical aspects of modern astrophysics. The key
objective is to illustrate the application of physical laws in an astronomical context and to explain how
we know what we do about the universe and its constituents. Subject matter broached includes:
Celestial mechanics; radiation laws; blackbody radiation, Planck function and approximations;
magnitudes; the hydrogen atom; stellar spectroscopy; stellar evolution and remnants; special
relativity; the Earth-Moon system; the Solar system; extrasolar planets; stellar motions; the Milky
Way and other galaxies; the extragalactic distance scale; large scale structure; Newtonian cosmology.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 2nd period, Term 2 and 4, Tutorials: 10 Compulsory
tutorial/practical sessions over the year, Wednesday, 14h00 - 17h00.
DP requirements: Satisfactory attendance at lectures and tutorials; class mark of at least 35%.
Assessment: Three class tests count 25%; 6 compulsory tutorials/practicals including a virtual
observatory project, an essay and one presentation count 20%. Regular quizzes count 5%. One 2-hour
final examination in November counts for 50%; subminimum requirement of 40% for final
examination.
AST2003H ASTRONOMICAL TECHNIQUES

One observational radio astronomy project and one observational optical astronomy project, by
arrangement. One fieldtrip to South African Astronomical Observatory, Sutherland.
Convener: Professor P A Woudt
Course entry requirements: PHY1004W and MAM1000W or both MAM1031F & MAM1032S (or
equivalent) (pre-requisites), or PHY1023H and MAM1005H (pre-requisites) and PHY1004W and
MAM1006H (co-requisites)
Course outline:
This course combines a large practical component (radio and optical astronomy practicals) with
theoretical background in astronomical techniques, instrumentation and data analysis. The techniques,
instrumentation and data analysis section includes: Positional astronomy: time systems, spherical
astronomy, co-ordinate systems and conversions, astrometry; Detection systems: interaction of
radiation and matter, ultraviolet and optical detectors; Optics and telescope design; Multi-wavelength
astronomy: infrared, ultraviolet, x-ray and gamma–ray astronomy, fundamentals of radio astronomy;
Observational techniques: photometry and spectroscopy; Orthodox statistics: probability
distributions, Chi-squared distribution, propagation of errors; Stochastic processes and noise: photon
noise.
Lecture times: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 2nd period, Term 1 and 3, Tutorials: Five over the
year, Wednesday, 14h00 - 17h00, by arrangement.
DP requirements: Satisfactory attendance at lectures and tutorials. Attendance at all fieldwork
practicals. Class record of at least 35%.
Assessment: Two class tests 15%; 5 tutorials over the year in which students will learn astronomical
data analysis and statistical techniques count 10%. One 2-hour theoretical examination counts 25%;
two projects count 40% and presentation counts 10%.
Third-Year Courses
AST3002F STELLAR ASTROPHYSICS

Two evening observing sessions at the UCT teaching observatory, by prior arrangement.
Convener: Dr I Monageng
Course entry requirements: AST2002H and AST2003H (or AST2002S), PHY2004W,
MAM2000W (or MAM2004H and MAM2047H).
Course outline:
This course introduces fundamental concepts such as radiative transfer and opacity to explain the
observed spectroscopic and photometric signatures of stars. Students will interpret the observed
intrinsic properties of stars through a theoretical understanding of the energy production inside stars
and the propagation of the electromagnetic radiation from the stellar core through its interior to the
stellar surface, from where the radiation escapes unhindered. The life cycle of stars is considered in
great detail, from the collapse of an interstellar gas cloud to the end products of stellar evolution: white
dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes. This course includes an observational component in which the
students use the modern teaching observatory on campus to derive fundamental properties of stars and
stellar systems.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 2nd period, Practicals: One practical or tutorial per week,
Wednesday, 14h00 - 17h00.
DP requirements: Satisfactory attendance at lectures and tutorials; class record of at least 35%.
Assessment: Class record 50% (this includes two class tests, tutorials, and practicals); one 2-hour
final examination 50%; subminimum requirement of 40% for final examination.
AST3003S GALACTIC & EXTRAGALACTIC ASTROPHYSICS

One observing trip to Sutherland in the semester break is compulsory.
Convener: Dr J Delhaize
Course entry requirements: AST2002H and AST2003H (or AST2002S), PHY2004W,
MAM2000W (or MAM2004H and MAM2047H).
Course outline:
The aim of this course is to provide a broad introduction to galactic & extragalactic astrophysics and
cosmology. Topics will include the Milky Way and normal galaxies, supermassive black holes, active
galaxies, clusters of galaxies, and cosmology and the origin of structure in the universe. Current hot
topics in the area are also discussed in lectures from time to time and students are encouraged to keep
abreast of the latest developments. A further aim is to develop observing data reduction skills. Students
will therefore participate in a fieldtrip to the South African Astronomical Observatory in Sutherland,
where they will obtain their own spectroscopic data and will be taught how to do the data reduction
and analysis.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 2nd period, Practicals: One practical or tutorial per week,
Wednesday, 14h00 - 17h00.
DP requirements: Satisfactory attendance at lectures and tutorials; class record of at least 35%.
Assessment: Class record 50% (this includes two class tests, tutorials, and practicals); one 2-hour
final examination 50%; subminimum requirement of 40% for final examination.
AST4007W ASTROPHYSICS & SPACE SCIENCE HONOURS
Since the code AST4007W will not carry a NQF credit value, students will be concurrently registered
for AST4008W (coursework component of 128 NQF credits) and AST4009W (research project of 32
NQF credits).
Convener: To be advised
Course entry requirements: AST3002F and AST3003S or PHY3004W or MAM3040W or
equivalent. Candidates with an Engineering background will also be considered. Enrolments are
limited to 20 students. Candidates must satisfy the Steering Committee that they have sufficient
background in Mathematics and Physics. Admission is subject to the approval of the Steering
Committee and an application must be made before 30th September of the preceding year. Late
applications will also be considered.
Course outline:
The Honours course in Astrophysics & Space Science consists of courses presented by distinguished
South African researchers from research institutions participating in NASSP. There is a theory
component which includes courses in spectroscopy, electrodynamics, general relativity, general
astrophysics, galaxies, computational physics, astrophysical fluid dynamics and computational
methods, as well as an observational techniques component which includes optical and infrared
astronomy and radio astronomy. In addition students will complete a mini research project as well as
a main research project and go on a number of fieldtrips to the national facilities.
DP requirements: Satisfactory lecture attendance (minimum 50%); class record of at least 40%.
Assessment: The assessment of the coursework is based on the class records and examinations for
each of the modules. In general they are made up from tests, oral presentations, projects and a final
examination. Examinations count 40%, class record 40% and research project 20% of the final result.
The project component must be passed at 50%. These component parts of the course will be combined
in a final overall mark which will be reflected against the course code AST4007W, with PA (pass)
entered against the coursework and project codes; each of these components must be passed separately
for the award of the degree.
AST5000W ASTRONOMY DISSERTATION

Course outline:
material. General rules for this degree may be found at the front of the handbook.
AST5001W ASTROPHYSICS & SPACE SCIENCE MINOR DISSERTATION

(National Astrophysics & Space Science Programme (NASSP))
Course entry requirements: AST5003F
Course outline:
This course consists of an investigation of an approved research topic on which a minor dissertation
must be presented for formal assessment. The minor dissertation shall demonstrate the successful
completion of a programme of training in research methods, a thorough understanding of the scientific
principles underlying the research and an appropriate acquaintance with the relevant literature.
Assessment: The minor dissertation must be presented for formal examination. The coursework and
minor dissertation each count 50% towards the degree; each must be passed separately for the award
of the degree.
AST5003F ASTROPHYSICS & SPACE SCIENCE COURSEWORK

(National Astrophysics & Space Science Programme (NASSP). All students on the National
Astrophysics & Space Science Programme (NASSP) will enrol (and pay fees) for the coursework
component (AST5003F) at the start of their first year of registration. Those who choose to remain at
UCT to complete the minor dissertation component (AST5001W, MAM5005W or PHY5003W) will be
required to enrol (and pay fees) for the minor dissertation component in July. Where the minor
dissertation is not submitted by the February deadline of the subsequent year, the student will be
required to enrol (and pay fees) for the minor dissertation component in the subsequent year/s.
Course entry requirements: This course is open to Honours graduates in Astronomy and Space
Science (AST4007W), Physics (PHY4000W, PHY4001W, PHY4002W) or equivalent, and
Engineering. Entrance is subject to a minimum pass mark of 60% in the Honours degree.
Course outline:
This course consists of a selection of advanced topics presented by distinguished South African
researchers from research institutions participating in NASSP. The courses vary from year to year but
usually include cataclysmic variables, extragalactic astronomy, space technology, hot topics in
cosmology, advanced general relativity, high energy astrophysics, observational cosmology,
geomagnetism and aeronomy, plasma physics and magnetohydrodynamics.
Assessment: On average, examinations of individual modules count 60% of the final result, and
marked practical work counts 40%.
AST5004Z DATA SCIENCE FOR ASTRONOMY

Convener: Dr J Collier
Course entry requirements: Core modules of the Master's in Data Science course.
Course outline:
This course introduces students to various aspects of data intensive astrophysics, ranging from data
visualisation and complex databases, to advanced statistical tools for astronomical data analysis and
computational astrophysics. At the core of this module are examples in modern data-intensive
astrophysics derived from the global data challenges around MeerKAT, the Square Kilometre Array
(SKA), associated projects in radio astronomy, and other large multi-wavelength surveys. Students
will be introduced to the use of Bayesian statistics in astronomy, the complexity of visualising large
data cubes, optimising database operations in the presence of multi-dimensional data, data mining and
discovery tools, and the role of large-scale simulations to interpret the significance of astronomical
observations.
DP requirements: 50% average for the two projects.
Assessment: Two projects: 25% each. Practical 'take-home' data science examination: 50%. A sub-
minimum of 50% for each of the projects, and examination component will be required.
AST5005W DATA SCIENCE MINOR DISSERTATION

Convener: Dr S Er
Course entry requirements: Successful completion of the coursework component of the Masters
course in Data Science.
Course outline:
The research component of the degree is based on a 90 credit dissertation. The topic of the research
will be based on an analysis of large data sets from Astronomy.
of the degree.
AST6000W ASTRONOMY THESIS

Course outline:
DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

The Department is housed in the John Day Building, 20 University Avenue
Telephone (021) 650-3603/4 Fax (021) 650-3301 and the H W Pearson Building, 8 University
Avenue.
The FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology may be reached on telephone (021) 650-3291/2896
The Plant Conservation Unit may be reached on telephone (021) 650-2440
The Departmental abbreviation for Biological Sciences is BIO.

G A Verboom, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
Leslie Hill Professor of Plant Conservation:
M T Hoffman, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
Pola Pasvolsky Chair of Conservation Biology:
C Spottiswoode, BSc Hons Cape Town PhD Cantab
H W Pearson Honorary A/Professor of Botany:
A G Rebelo, MSc PhD Cape Town
Professors:
A Chinsamy-Turan, BSc Hons PhD Witwatersrand
M D Cramer, MSc Witwatersrand PhD Cape Town
L Gillson, MSc Imperial DPhil Oxon
T A Hedderson, MSc Memorial PhD Reading
A M Muasya, MPhil Moi PhD Reading
M J O’Riain, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
A G West, MSc Cape Town PhD Utah
Principal Research Officer:
L Shannon, BSc Hons MSc PhD Cape Town
Senior Scholars:
J J Bolton, BSc Hons PhD Liverpool
G M Branch, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town FRSSAf
G Gäde, MSc PhD rer nat. Habil Műnster Germany
C L Griffiths, BSc Hons Soton PhD Cape Town
L G Underhill, MSc PhD Cape Town
Emeritus Professors:
W J Bond, BSc Hons Exeter MSc Cape Town PhD UCLA
T M Crowe, MSc Chicago PhD Cape Town
J Midgley, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
W R Siegfried, PhD Cape Town
Honorary Professor:
D H M Cumming, BSc Hons PhD Rhodes
Associate Professors:
A D Amar, BSc Hons Newcastle PhD Aberdeen
C Attwood, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
S B M Chimphango, MSc Malawi PhD Cape Town
D Pillay, BSc Hons PhD UKZN
R L Thomson, MSc PhD Oulu
South African Research Chair in Marine Ecology & Fisheries:
A Jarre, MSc Kiel PhD Bremen
Emeritus Associate Professors:
J A Day, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
E C February, BA Hons PhD Cape Town
J H Hoffmann, MSc PhD Rhodes
J U M Jarvis, MSc Cape Town PhD East Africa FRSSAf
M D Picker, BSc Hons PhD Witwatersrand
Honorary Associate Professors:

R J Anderson, BSc Hons Witwatersrand PhD Cape Town
S E Kerwath, MSc Erlangen PhD Rhodes
Senior Lecturers:
J M Bishop, BSc Hons King’s College London PhD Cape Town
G N Bronner, MSc PhD Natal
S J Cunningham, BSc Victoria PhD Massey
J A Slingsby, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
Lecturers:
C Janion-Scheepers, MSc PhD Stell
N Karenyi, MSc Cape Town PhD NMMU
C A Ngcamphalala, MSc PhD Pret
M M Reddy, PhD Cape Town
K Vaaltyn, MSc PhD Rhodes
Honorary Research Associates:
L J Atkinson, PhD Cape Town
N G Bergh, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
P J Carrick, PhD Cantab
M Cyrus, PhD Cape Town
H Dallas, PhD Cape Town
R Govender, PhD Witwatersrand
H J Hawkins, BSc Hons MSc Cape Town PhD Germany
J A Huggett, PhD Cape Town
K Hutchings, PhD Cape Town
C Klak, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
K Ludynia, PhD Germany
C L Lyons, PhD Stellenbosch
B M Macey, PhD Cape Town
H G Marco, PhD Cape Town
L Mattio, BSc Hons Napier MSc PhD Marseille
J M Olbers, PhD Cape Town
H D Oschadleus, PhD Cape Town
D Parker, PhD Rhodes
M Pfaff, PhD Cape Town
G C Pitcher, PhD Cape Town
M D Rothman, PhD Cape Town
T Samaai, PhD UWC
C Savage, BSc Hons Cape Town PhD Stockholm
A L Skowno, PhD Rhodes
C H Stirton, PhD Cape Town
C D van der Lingen, PhD Cape Town
H Van der Merwe, PhD Pret
S van Noort, PhD Rhodes
H M S M Verheye, PhD Cape Town
Honorary Research Affiliates:
O E Curtis-Scott, PhD Cape Town
D A Zhigila, PhD Cape Town
Postdoctoral Fellows:
E Bornman, PhD NMMU
M Brink-Hull, PhD Stell
A W Cardoso, PhD Oxford
N R Dames, PhD Cape Town
J J Van Blerk, PhD Cape Town
J E M van der Wal, PhD St Andrews
Director: Organisation for Tropical Studies South Africa Programmes

L Kruger, MSc PhD Cape Town
Principal Scientific Officer:
D Hattas, B Tech Cape Tech MSc UWC PhD Cape Town
Principal Technical Officers:
P Müller
A Plos, BSc Cape Town
L V Phigeland, BSc Cape Town
Chief Technical Officer:
D I Barnes, BA Cape Town BPhil Stell
Departmental Administrative Manager:
C Khai
Administrative Assistants:
S Abrahams
N Jodamus
Procurement Officer:
A Stain
Senior Secretary:
R Rayner
Lab Assistant:
B Tom
Departmental Assistants:
I Gongota
F Stellenboom
Assistant Technical Officer:
C Hartnick
BOLUS HERBARIUM
Director:
G A Verboom, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
Keeper:
A M Muasya, MPhil Moi PhD Reading
Curator/Principal Scientific Officer:
C Klak, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
Scientific Officer:
D Philips, MSc UKZN
Principal Library Assistant:
J Lucas
Herbarium Operations Assistant:
C J Christians
THE FITZPATRICK INSTITUTE OF AFRICAN ORNITHOLOGY

Professor and Director:
---
Pola Pasvolsky Chair of Conservation Biology:
C Spottiswoode, BSc Hons Cape Town PhD Cantab
T M Crowe, MSc Chicago PhD Cape Town
W R Siegfried, PhD Cape Town
Honorary Professor:
D H M Cumming, BSc Hons PhD Rhodes
A D Amar, BSc Hons Newcastle PhD Aberdeen
R L Thomson, MSc PhD Oulu

Senior Lecturer:
S J Cunningham, BSc Victoria BSc Hons PhD Massey
P Barnard, MSc Witwatersrand PhD Uppsala
R Covas, MSc Lisbon PhD Cape Town
G S Cumming, PhD Oxford
T Flower, PhD Cantab
W Foden, PhD Witwatersrand
D Grémillet, PhD Kiel
A Makhado, PhD Cape Town
P O Farrell, PhD Cape Town
A R Ridley, PhD Cantab
A Santangeli, PhD Helsinki
C L Seymour, PhD Cape Town
R Simmons, MSc Acadia PhD Witwatersrand
R Wanless, PhD Cape Town
D Bolopo, PhD Valladolid Spain
A McInnes, PhD Cape Town
M Murgatroyd, PhD Cape Town
Research Affiliates:
D Allan, MSc Cape Town
B Ashton, PhD Western Australia
R C K Bowie, MSc PhD Cape Town
R S Boyes, PhD UKZN
C Cohen, PhD Cape Town
T Cook, PhD La Rochelle
W R J Dean, MSc Natal PhD Cape Town
C Doutrelant, PhD Montpellier
R Flood, PhD London
G Jamie, PhD Cambridge
A Jenkins, PhD Cape Town
M G W Jones, PhD Cape Town
G Joseph, PhD Cape Town
A T K Lee, PhD Manchester
I T Little, PhD Cape Town
K Maciejewski, PhD NMU
R O Martin, PhD Sheffield
A McKechnie, PhD Natal
M Melo, MSc Cape Town PhD Edinburgh
A Milewski, MSc Cape Town PhD Murdoch
M S L Mills, MSc Cape Town
S J Milton, PhD Cape Town
R Navarro, PhD, Cape Town
L Pichegru, PhD Strasbourg
P Pistorius, PhD NMMU
S Rahlao, PhD Stell
C Reynolds, PhD Cape Town
Y Ropert-Coudert, PhD Tokyo
J M Shaw, PhD Cape Town
R Sherley, PhD Cape Town
A Steinfurth, MSc Goettingen PhD Kiel
P Sumasgutner, PhD Vienna
G Tate, PhD Cape Town

J K Turpie, PhD Cape Town
J Walton
Principal Technical Officer:
---
Senior Scientific Officer:
M Brooks, Nat Dipl Conservation Cape Tech
Librarian:
J Dunlop, Hons LibSci Cape Town MInfoTech Pret
H Buchanan, BA HDip Lib Cape Town
A Links
PLANT CONSERVATION UNIT

Professor and Director and Leslie Hill Chair of Plant Conservation:
M T Hoffman, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
Professor and Deputy Director:
L Gillson, BA Oxon MSc Imperial DPhil Oxon
P J Carrick, PhD Cambridge
R Rohde, PhD Edinburgh
H van der Merwe, PhD Pretoria
Research Assistants:
H Petersen, MSc Cape Town
S Mtolo, B.Lib Zululand
J Lot
INSTITUTE FOR COMMUNITIES AND WILDLIFE IN AFRICA

M J O’Riain, PhD Cape Town
Professor and Co-Director:
N Nattrass, PhD Oxford
Senior Lecturers:
J M Bishop, BSc Hons King’s College London PhD Cape Town
G Bronner, MSc PhD Natal
G Balme, PhD UKZN
A Kock, PhD Cape Town
N Le Roex, PhD Stell
N C Okes, PhD Cape Town
SEAWEED RESEARCH UNIT

DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY, FISHERIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT (DFFE)
Oceanographic Researcher and Head:
M D Rothman, BSc Hons UWC MSc PhD Cape Town
Principal Oceanographic Research Assistants:
C J T Boothroyd
F A Kemp
RESEARCH IN THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

The mission of the Department of Biological Sciences is to conduct high quality teaching and research
in the biodiversity, conservation, ecology, ecophysiology, evolution, and systematics of terrestrial and
aquatic life. Courses offered are designed to reflect these research interests and train students in the
major areas of ecology and evolution, applied biology and marine biology.
Ecophysiology: Associate Professor SBM Chimphango (nitrogen fixation and agriculture), Professor
MD Cramer (carbon-nitrogen interactions, nutritional physiology), Emeritus Associate Professor EC
February (plant water relations, anthropogenic impacts), Professor AG West (impacts of climate
change, drought), Emeritus Professor G Gäde (invertebrates, neuropeptides), Dr C Janion-Scheepers
(invertebrate thermal physiology).
Evolution and Systematics: Dr JM Bishop (conservation genetics, evolutionary genetics,
phylogeography), Dr G Bronner (micromammal systematics, conservation biology), Professor A
Chinsamy-Turan (palaeobiology, vertebrate bone & teeth histology), Professor TA Hedderson
(molecular ecology, bryophytes), Professor AM Muasya (wetlands and Cyperaceae, Fabaceae,
rhizobia) and Professor GA Verboom (evolutionary ecology, speciation, Cape flora), Dr C Janion-
Scheepers (invertebrate DNA barcoding).
Ecology and Behaviour: Emeritus Associate Professor JA Day (fresh water ecology & conservation),
Emeritus Associate Professor EC February (savannas, Cape flora), Professor L Gillson (long-term
ecology, conservation), Emeritus Associate Professor JH Hoffmann (bio-control, plant-insect
interactions), Professor MT Hoffman (historical ecology, rangelands), Emeritus Professor JJ Midgley
(ecosystem dynamics, plant-animal interactions), Professor MJ O’Riain (behavioural ecology, human-
wildlife conflict solutions), Emeritus Professor LG Underhill (applications of statistics in the
biological sciences, particularly ornithology and ecology), Emeritus Associate Professor JUM Jarvis
(small mammal biology, mole-rats), Dr C Janion-Scheepers (invertebrates, bio-indicators).
Marine Biology: Associate Professor CG Attwood (marine protected areas, line fish population
biology), Emeritus Professor CL Griffiths (coastal ecology, taxonomy), Associate Professor A Jarre
(SARChI Chair; ecosystem modelling, ecosystem approach to fisheries management), Associate
Professor D Pillay (estuarine and intertidal ecology),), Emeritus Professor GM Branch (rocky shore
& coastal ecology).
Ornithology: Associate Professor AD Amar (conservation and raptor biology), Dr SJ Cunningham
(ecophysiology, climate change, chemo-tactile reception, Professor C Spottiswoode (evolution,
ecology and conservation), Associate Professor RL Thomson (behavioural ecology).
The department is also home to the following research entities:

The Bolus Herbarium: Taxonomy of the Cape Flora (Curator: Dr C Klak)
The Institute for Communities and Wildlife in Africa (Director: Professor MJ O’Riain)
The FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology)
Marine and Antarctic Research centre for Innovation and Sustainability (Director: Professor M Vichi)
The Plant Conservation Unit: Plant conservation, palaeoecology and historical ecology (Director:
Professor MT Hoffman, Leslie Hill Chair of Plant Conservation)
The Seaweed Research Unit of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (Head: Dr MD
Rothman)
First-Year Courses
BIO1000F CELL BIOLOGY

Convener: Professor A G West
Course entry requirements: Admission will be restricted to students who have passed either NSC
Physical Science or Life Science with at least 60%. NOTE: Preference will be given to students
registered in the Science Faculty. Students registered for this course will be assessed in week 5; if it
is judged that they are not coping with the level and pace of the course, and would benefit from an
opportunity to strengthen foundational concepts and learn new material at a slower pace, they will
be required to transfer to BIO1000H from week 7.
Course outline:
Basic biological principles and processes at a cellular level provide an essential grounding for future
study in the life sciences. The structure and function of cell components is introduced, followed by an
introduction to chemistry, including the structure and functions of biological macro-molecules. Cell
division and the role of genetics in inheritance and the control of biological systems is then considered.
This leads into an introduction to membrane physiology, metabolism and its regulation. Cellular
processes that are considered in detail include the functioning of photosynthesis and cellular
respiration, and how these relate to organismal physiology. Cellular communication and the immune
system of animals complete the organismal physiology.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 5th period, Tutorials: One per week, by arrangement, Practicals:
One afternoon per week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, 14h00 - 17h00. Attendance is
compulsory for all lectures and practicals.
DP requirements: Completion of at least 80% of deliverables (tests, practicals, tutorials), including
at least one class test and at least one practical test; attendance of practicals; minimum of 40% for the
class record.
Assessment: Class record counts 40% (three class tests count 27%; two practical tests count 5%; and
a practical book mark counts 8%). One 2-hour examination paper (Theory) written in June counts
40%; a subminimum of 40% is required for this paper. One 1.5-hour examination paper (Practical) in
June counts 20%.
BIO1000H CELL BIOLOGY

Convener: Dr M Vaaltyn
Course entry requirements: Admission will be restricted to students who have passed either NSC
Physical Science or Life Science with at least 60%. The permission of the Dean or Head of Department
is required prior to registration for this course. NOTES: 1) Preference will be given to students
registered in the Science Faculty. 2) This course only begins in week 7 and is intended for students
who have been advised to transfer to this course after initially registering for BIO1000F (see entry
forBIO1000F). 3) The course places an emphasis on the strengthening of foundational concepts and
skills, the carefully-paced introduction of new material, and the development of sound approaches to
effective learning. 4) BIO1000H is equivalent to BIO1000F in level, credit value towards the degree
and as prerequisite for certain other courses.
Course outline:
Basic biological principles and processes at a cellular level provide an essential grounding for future
study in the life sciences. The structure and function of cell components is introduced, followed by an
introduction to chemistry, including the structure and functions of biological macro-molecules. Cell
division and the role of genetics in inheritance and the control of biological systems is then considered.
This leads into an introduction to membrane physiology, metabolism and its regulation. Cellular
processes that are considered in detail include the functioning of photosynthesis and cellular
respiration, and how these relate to organismal physiology. Cellular communication and the immune
system of animals complete the organismal physiology.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 2nd period, Tutorials: One per week, by arrangement, Practicals:
One afternoon per week, Friday, 14h00 - 17h00. Attendance is compulsory for all lectures and
practicals.
DP requirements: Completion of at least 80% of deliverables (tests, practicals, tutorials), including
at least one class test and at least one practical test; attendance of practicals; minimum of 40% for the
class record.
Assessment: Class record counts 40% (three class tests count 27%; two practical tests count 5%; and
a practical book mark counts 8%). One 2-hour examination paper (Theory) written in November
counts 40%; a subminimum of 40% is required for this paper. One 1.5-hour examination paper
(Practical) in November counts 20%.
BIO1004S BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

Preference will be given to students registered in the Science Faculty. Fieldwork: A compulsory one-
day excursion will be held over a weekend.
Convener: Professor A Chinsamy-Turan
Course entry requirements: A pass at 60% in NSC Life Sciences or Physical Sciences or by
permission of the Head of Department.
Course outline:
This course aims to illustrate the diversity and complexity of living organisms, from viruses to
humans. Topics include: evolution as a means of interpreting change with time; modern theories on
the mechanisms of evolution; the origin of species, including humans; structure and functioning of the
simplest microbial life forms; structure and life cycles of fungi; the evolution of aquatic and terrestrial
plants; the diversity and adaptations of invertebrate animals; the development and adaptations of
chordate groups; primate diversity and evolution; conservation and biodiversity issues in relation to
South African biomes and global change. The course includes a strong practical component which
further examines biodiversity and related concepts.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 5th period, Tutorials: One per week, by arrangement, Practicals:
one practical per week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, 14h00 - 17h00.
Attendance is compulsory for all lectures and practicals.
DP requirements: Completion of at least 80% of deliverables (tests, practicals, tutorials, field trip
report), including at least one class test, the practical test, and the field trip report; attendance of
practicals and field trip; minimum average of 50% for practicals; minimum of 40% for the class
record.
Assessment: Coursework 40%. Theory test 1 (4%), theory test 2 (10%), practical test (10%),
practicals (10%), field trip report (group mark, 6%). Examinations 60%. One 2-hour theory
examination written in November counts 40% (subminimum of 40% applies); one 1.5-hour practical
examination written in November counts 20%.
Second-Year Courses
BIO2014F PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION

Includes a compulsory weekend field camp.
Convener: Dr C Janion-Scheepers
Course entry requirements: BIO1000F/H, BIO1004F/S, DP in STA1007S
Course outline:
This course begins with an exploration of the mechanisms by which populations evolve and ultimately
give rise to the entities that we term species. Building on this, it then explores the nature of the
genealogical relationships between species (phylogeny), and the manner in which these are estimated
in practice. The focus then shifts to abiotic and biotic controls on the distribution of species and higher
taxa in nature, as viewed through the lens of niche theory, as well as constraints on the adaptability of
populations or species to changing selective conditions. Finally, the course explores life history
variation amongst organisms, including the factors that regulate its evolution and its demographic
consequences. The latter provides context for a brief introduction to population ecology. Lectures
provide theoretical background, while practicals and the compulsory field trip provide hands-on
experience of material taught in lectures, as well as training in basic research techniques.
Lecture times: Monday-Friday, 2nd period, Practicals: One per week, Monday, 14h00-
17h00. Attendance is compulsory for all lectures and practicals.
DP requirements: Completion of at least 70% of deliverables (tests, practicals, field trip report),
including at least one class test and the field trip report; attendance of practicals and field trip;
minimum of 40% for the class record.
Assessment: A 3-hour examination, written in June, with a subminimum of 40%, counts 40% of the
course mark. The class record, which counts for the balance, is made up as follows: practicals count
20%, the field camp report counts 20% and two class tests count 20%.
BIO2015F VERTEBRATE DIVERSITY & FUNCTIONAL BIOLOGY

Includes a compulsory field camp.
Convener: Professor M J O’Riain
Course entry requirements: BIO1000F/H, BIO1004S
Course outline:
This course begins with an overview of the evolution, characteristics, diversity, morphology, and life
histories of the different craniate classes, paying particular attention to adaptations underlying the
success of the vertebrates. Distinctive or advanced biological features of each group are highlighted,
and their ecological/economic importance briefly considered. The rest of the course comprises
integrative, cross-taxonomic modules on the functional biology of vertebrates, notably locomotion,
sensory systems, metabolism, homeostasis and behaviour. The course includes a strong practical
component to demonstrate the links between form and function; as well as a compulsory 4-day field
camp during which students will be trained in methods for studying the diversity, ecology and
behaviour of selected vertebrate groups.
Lecture times: Monday – Friday, 3rd period, Practicals: One per week, Wednesday, 14h00-
DP requirements: Completion of at least 70% of deliverables (tests, practicals, project report),
including at least one class test and the project report; attendance of practicals; minimum of 40% for
the class record
Assessment: A 3-hour theory examination written in June, with subminimum of 40%, will count 50%
of the course mark. Coursework marks will be allocated as follows: practical classes (eight
deliverables) count 15%, project report based on field camp data counts 15%, two class tests together
count 20%.
BIO2016S INVERTEBRATE DIVERSITY & FUNCTIONAL BIOLOGY

Includes a compulsory five-day field camp.
Convener: Associate Professor D Pillay
Course outline:
The course exposes students to the diversity of invertebrates and their functional biologies. Topics
will be presented within an evolutionary framework to emphasise past and contemporary selective
pressures driving diversification. Students will be exposed to key topics in functional biology across
the major invertebrate groups and will include cellular to organism level processes. The course begins
with an introduction to the evolution of the invertebrates and the major phyla. This leads to an
exploration of invertebrate functional biology, with an emphasis on key adaptations across the
aquatic–terrestrial gradient. Lectures, practicals and field trips will expose students to contemporary
philosophical, methodological and conceptual approaches used in the field of invertebrate functional
biology and diversity.
Lecture times: Monday – Friday, 3rd period, Practicals: One per week, Wednesdays, 14h00-
minimum of 40% for the class record.
Assessment: A 3-hour examination, written in November, with a subminimum of 40%, counts for
50% of the course mark. Coursework marks will be allocated as follows: practicals count 15%, the
field camp report counts 15% and two class tests count 20%.
BIO2017S PLANT DIVERSITY AND FUNCTIONAL BIOLOGY

Includes a compulsory four-day field camp.
Convener: Associate Professor S B M Chimphango
Course outline:
The course begins with a discussion on the nature and origin of plants that includes an overview of
major autotrophic eukaryote lineages. The benefits and challenges of life in water and on land are also
presented. Diversity and evolution of life histories and reproductive systems in plants and
consequences of the diversity of major plant lineages are studied. The functional biology of the major
organs of the plant including roots, stems and leaves in relation to strategies for resource acquisition
and utilisation, mineral nutrition, plant water relations and carbon metabolism are considered. This
entails studying variations in root, stem and leaf morphologies in various plant lineages and unique
terrestrial and aquatic environments and their function in water, nutrients, and carbon metabolism.
There is a strong focus on African plants, and a particular emphasis on the Cape Floristic region. The
course practicals are compulsory and complements the theory with hands-on experience on working
with different lineages of plants, data collection and analysis from scientific studies and experiments,
and scientific writing. A compulsory 4-day field camp is undertaken for students to study the
relationship between ecology and plant morphology, function, and diversity.
Lecture times: Monday – Friday, 2nd period, Practicals: One per week, Thursdays, 14h00-
minimum of 40% for the class record
Assessment: A 3 hour examination written in November, with a subminimum of 40%, counts 50% of
the course. Coursework marks will be allocated as follows: Practical classes count 20%, project based
on field camp counts 10%, two class tests count 20%.
Third-Year Courses
BIO3002F MARINE ECOSYSTEMS

Includes a compulsory three-day field camp during first semester
Convener: Dr N Karenyi
Course entry requirements: BIO2014F (or at least 45% and permission to write a supplementary),
SEA2004F (or concurrent registration for SEA2004F).
Course outline:
The course aims to develop and promote skills in the marine sciences in South Africa, making students
familiar with global marine ecosystem structure and functioning, but with an emphasis on South
African systems. Lectures, tutorials, and practicals will be aimed at developing interpretative and
integrative skills built during previous courses (e.g., SEA2004F; BIO2014F; BIO1004S; BIO1000F),
which cover large amounts of more basic information. A further important aim will be to develop
numerical and written skills, as well as introducing students to modern research techniques and
approaches.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 1st period, Practicals: One per week, Wednesday, 14h00 - 17h00.
including at least one class test and the project report; attendance of practicals and field trip; minimum
of 40% for the class record.
Assessment: A 3-hour examination written in June, with a sub-minimum of 40% will count for 50%
of the course. The class record will count 50% of the course mark, allocated as follows: practical
classes (assessed weekly) count 15%; assignments count 20%; class tests count 15%.
BIO3013F GLOBAL CHANGE ECOLOGY

Convener: Professor M T Hoffman
Course entry requirements: BIO1000F/H, BIO1004F/S; approved 2000-level semester Science
course.
Course outline:
How are organisms and ecosystems affected by the drivers of global environmental change? In this
course we briefly explore the drivers of global change, both natural (e.g. Milankovitch cycles, tectonic
drift) and anthropogenic (e.g. greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, land-use change), and then
examine how these drivers influence (and are influenced by) terrestrial and marine biological systems.
We cover a variety of topics, ranging from organismal and physiological responses to global change,
biodiversity, global biogeochemical cycles, ecological function and ecosystem services. While the
majority of the class is focussed on contemporary global change, this is contextualized relative to
palaeohistorical environmental change. The course provides an integrated knowledge of contemporary
environmental issues related to global change (e.g. carbon sequestration, climate change mitigation,
land-use change) and its implications for biodiversity, ecosystem services and human wellbeing).
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 2nd period, Practicals: One per week, Monday, 14h00 - 17h00.
the class record.
Assessment: A 3-hour examination written in June, with a sub-minimum of 40%, will count for 50%
of the course. Coursework marks will be allocated as follows: Practical classes (assessed weekly)
count 15%; research project counts 20%; class tests count 15%.
BIO3014S CONSERVATION: GENES, POPULATION & BIODIVERSITY

Convener: Professor L Gillson
Course entry requirements: BIO2014F (or at least 45% and permission to write a supplementary).
Course outline:
This course introduces students to the science and practice of conservation biology, beginning with
an overview of conservation issues, the value of biodiversity, extinction risks and the history and
philosophy of conservation. The conservation of biodiversity is explored at multiple levels, including
the diversity of genes, species, populations and ecosystems. At the species and population levels, we
consider the role of life history and behaviour in the management of populations in the real world.
The conservation and management of ecosystems is considered in terms of important processes, such
as disturbance, re-wilding and threats by alien species. This course includes consideration of
conservation, society, landscapes and ecosystem services. Issues to be considered here include
incentives, access, who benefits from conservation, legal aspects and management policies.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 2nd period, Tutorials, by arrangement, Practicals: One per week,
Monday, 14h00 - 17h00. Attendance is compulsory for all lectures and practicals.
the class record.
Assessment: A 3-hour examination written in November, with a sub-minimum of 40%, will count for
50% of the course. Coursework marks will be allocated as follows: Practical classes (assessed weekly)
count 20%; project work counts 15%; two class tests count 15%.
BIO3017S MARINE RESOURCES

Convener: Associate Professor C G Attwood
Course entry requirements: BIO2014F (or at least 45% and permission to write a supplementary);
BIO3002F is recommended.
Course outline:
This course covers the science that supports renewable marine resource management. Topics include
the diversity and life-history strategies of living marine resources, the diversity of fish and fisheries,
surplus production, ecological responses to exploitation, monitoring and assessment techniques,
regulatory strategies, resource economics, diversity and principles of marine aquaculture, and marine
conservation.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 3rd period, Tutorials: By arrangement, Practicals: One per week,
Thursday, 14h00 - 17h00. Attendance is compulsory for all lectures and practicals.
the class record
Assessment: A 3-hour examination written in November, with a sub-minimum of 40%, will count for
50% of the course. Coursework marks will be allocated as follows: Practical classes count 10%;
project work counts 20%; two essays count 20%.
BIO3018F ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION

This course is a residential two-week field course, occurring before term starts. During term time
tutorials and various assignments need to be completed.
Convener: Dr J Slingsby
Course entry requirements: BIO2014F (or at least 45% and permission to write a supplementary).
Course outline:
Ecological and evolutionary processes together determine patterns of biodiversity. This African-
centric ecology and evolution course utilises regional examples within the global context to illustrate
plant and animal ecology and evolution. The course starts with community assembly and the
mechanisms (e.g., functional traits) that contribute to species coexistence (e.g., niche construction)
and turnover (competition/facilitation for resources) between communities and the results of this (e.g.,
succession and alternate states). The role of disturbance (e.g., fire, herbivory, predation) in structuring
communities and the roles of adaptation versus exaptation are then considered. Alien invasions are
considered in the context of the supposed “empty niche” and as current examples of dispersalism and
mechanisms (e.g., traits) of coexistence and competition. This is followed by behavioural ecology,
focusing on how competition and cooperation between and within species affects evolutionary fitness.
This leads into analytical biogeography, considering the distribution of species and how this was
established (i.e., vicariance versus dispersalism) before discussing the evolution and coexistence of
species regionally and globally. The course is based on a two-week fieldtrip before the semester starts,
with assignment hand-ins and tutorials during the semester.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 5th period, -Tutorials: By arrangement in 5th period, Practicals: One
per week, Tuesday, 14h00 - 17h00. Attendance is compulsory for all lectures and practicals.
DP requirements: Completion of at least 70% of deliverables (tests, practicals, field trip seminar),
including the class test and the field trip seminar; attendance of two-week field trip and subsequent
practicals; minimum of 40% for the class record.
Assessment: An examination, written in June, with a subminimum of 40%, counts for 50% of the
course mark. The class record, which counts for the balance, is made up as follows: practicals 30%,
field-camp seminar 10%, class test 10%.
BIO3019S QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY

Convener: Professor T A Hedderson
Course entry requirements: BIO2014F (or at least 45% and permission to write a supplementary),
approved 2000-level Science STA or MAM course.
Course outline:
In an era of "big data", the ability to work with large amounts of numerical data is an important skill.
Biological systems are notoriously complex across all levels of organisation and are often difficult to
manipulate experimentally on meaningful temporal and spatial scales. Mathematical models provide
a means of gaining insight into such systems, allowing us to disentangle complicated processes, focus
on variables of interest to a particular research question, test alternative hypotheses, make predictions,
and help present ideas in an unambiguous fashion. This course deals with the use, interpretation, and
limits of modelling approaches in biology. In a series of modules exploring processes ranging from
the behaviour of genes to understanding global scale distributions of species and communities,
students will gain experience in question formulation, model development and parameterisation,
interpretation of results, and model critique.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 5th period, Tutorials: By arrangement, Practicals: One per week,
Tuesday, 14h00 - 17h00. Attendance is compulsory for all lectures and practicals.
the class record.
Assessment: A 3-hour examination written in November, with a subminium of 40%, will count 50%
of the course. The class record, which counts for the balance, is made up as follows: practicals and
project work count 35%, two class tests count 15%.
BIO4000W BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES HONOURS
Since the code BIO4000W will not carry a NQF credit value, students will be concurrently registered
for BIO4002W (coursework component of 88 NQF credits) and BIO4003W (research project of 72
NQF credits).
Convener: Professor A M Muasya
Course entry requirements: A BSc degree in Biology, with a pass in STA2007 F/S/H or an
equivalent 2000-level semester statistics course. Students lacking this statistical prerequisite will be
required to register concurrently for STA5014Z. Acceptance will be at the discretion of the Head of
Department who will consider quality of final year results, material covered in the undergraduate
curriculum, and also possibly referees’ reports. Enrolments are limited to 20.
Course outline:
The Honours course is designed to enrich the student's appreciation of theory through advanced
coursework, essay writing, seminars, discussion groups and fieldwork. In addition to compulsory
coursework modules, students are required to choose eight elective modules and complete an original
research project.
DP requirements: Attendance of field camp and all lectures are required for the DP. The non-project
component of the course carries a sub-minimum of 50% and the project component a sub-minimum
of 50%.
Assessment: Two 3-hour examinations written in November count 20%; project and research seminar
count 40%; compulsory coursework counts 20%; elective coursework counts 20%. These component
parts of the course will be combined in a final overall mark which will be reflected against the course
code BIO4000W, with PA (pass) entered against the coursework and project codes; each of these
components must be passed separately for the award of the degree.
BIO4001W MARINE BIOLOGY HONOURS

Since the code BIO4001W will not carry a NQF credit value, students will be concurrently registered
for BIO4004W (coursework component of 88 NQF credits) and BIO4005W (research project of 72
NQF credits).
Convener: Professor A M Muasya
Course entry requirements: A BSc degree in Marine Biology, with a pass in STA2007 F/S/H or an
equivalent 2000-level semester statistics course. Students lacking this statistical prerequisite will be
required to register concurrently for STA5014Z. Enrolments are limited to 12. Acceptance will be at
the discretion of the Head of Department who will consider quality of final year results, material
covered in the undergraduate curriculum, and also possibly referees’ reports.
Course outline:
The Honours course is designed to enrich the student’s appreciation of theory through advanced
coursework, essay writing, seminars, discussion groups and fieldwork. In addition to compulsory
coursework modules, students are required to choose eight elective modules, at least four of which
must be marine topics, and complete an original research project.
DP requirements: Attendance of field camp and all lectures are required for the DP. The non-project
component of the course carries a sub-minimum of 50% and the project component a sub-minimum
of 50%.
Assessment: Two 3-hour examinations written in November count 20%; project and research seminar
count 40%; compulsory coursework counts 20%; elective coursework counts 20%. These component
parts of the course will be combined in a final overall mark which will be reflected against the course
code BIO4001W, with PA (pass) entered against the coursework and project codes; each of these
BIO5007H CONSERVATION BIOLOGY COURSEWORK

Students will enrol (and pay fees) for both courses BIO5007H and BIO5008W in their first year of
registration; where the minor dissertation is not submitted by the February deadline of the subsequent
year, the student will be required to enrol (and pay fees) for the minor dissertation component in the
subsequent year/s. A handbook of postgraduate studies is available from the Percy Fitzpatrick
Institute's website: www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za.
Convener: Dr S J Cunningham
Course entry requirements: A relevant honours degree or equivalent: students with an honours
degree from another discipline may be required to register for an MPhil in Conservation Biology.
Course outline:
This course deals with the conservation and biologically sustainable use of biodiversity. It provides
the education and training necessary to identify threatened species, ecosystems and ecological
processes, and to develop appropriate measures to reduce the effects of threats to biodiversity. This
course is intended for students concerned with both the theory and practise of conservation. The
coursework consists of a series of compulsory modules that run from January to August and cover a
range of fields of conservation biology: biodiversity basics, philosophy of science and conservation
ethics, population ecology and viability analysis, conservation genetics, community ecology,
ecosystem/aquatic ecology, invasive species, landscape ecology, GIS and conservation planning,
climate change and conservation, resource economics, societies and natural resources, conservation
leadership.
Assessment: Each student receives a mark for each of the modules, and the modules are examined in
groups during 'open-book' examinations.
BIO5008W CONSERVATION BIOLOGY MINOR DISSERTATION

Students will enrol (and pay fees) for both courses BIO5007H and BIO5008W in their first year of
registration; where the minor dissertation is not submitted by the February deadline of the subsequent
year, the student will be required to enrol (and pay fees) for the minor dissertation component in the
subsequent year/s. Those students already in possession of a Master's degree, or in exceptional cases
those who wish to upgrade to a PhD, may expand a project in accordance with the normal pursuit of
that degree at UCT.
Convener: Dr S J Cunningham
Course entry requirements: BIO5007H
Course outline:
The research component must be submitted as a minor dissertation for formal examination. It should
be completed by mid-February following first registration.
of the degree.
BIO5009W CONSERVATION BIOLOGY DISSERTATION

Course outline:
material. General rules for this degree may be found at the front of this handbook.
BIO5010W BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES DISSERTATION

Course outline:
BIO5012W APPLIED OCEAN SCIENCES COURSEWORK

Students will enrol (and pay fees) for the coursework codes BIO5012W, BIO5013F,
BIO5014F/SEA5011F and STA5014Z, as well as the minor dissertation course BIO5015W in their
first year of registration; where the minor dissertation is not submitted by the February deadline of
the subsequent year, the student will be required to enrol (and pay fees) for the minor dissertation
component in the subsequent year/s. Enrolments are limited to 16 (8 per stream).
Convener: Professor M Vichi and a co-convener from BIO to be advised
Course entry requirements: A relevant Honours degree (or equivalent). Students with backgrounds
in scientific and engineering disciplines are encouraged to apply.
Co-requisites: The relevant dissertation code from those proposed in the handbook.
Course outline:
This course is convened between the Departments of Biological Sciences and Oceanography. The
code BIO5012W represents the overall coursework component and will reflect the overall coursework
result. This full-time master with coursework and minor dissertation is offered over 13 months,
beginning in January each year. It provides interdisciplinary vocational training in applied aspects of
oceanography and marine biology for future ocean professionals. The course is designed for both
recent graduates as well as those with several years’ work experience and who wish to gain skills to
operate in the ocean services sector, focusing on operational and conservational activities, food, water
quality and recreation preservation and other aspects of the Blue Economy. The curriculum offers a
choice of two streams: Applied Marine Biology (BIO5014F) and Operational Oceanography
(SEA5011F), with a common course in Foundations of Applied Ocean Sciences (BIO5013F) and
Statistical Methods (STA5014Z). In addition, students will choose at least two elective courses,
chosen from a range of modules offered in both disciplinary streams. The list and details of the offered
courses will be available at registration. Students can choose to register for the minor dissertation in a
number of disciplines.
Assessment: Students must pass all coursework components with a subminimum of 40% for the
fundamental course BIO5013F and the disciplinary courses (BIO5014F and SEA5011F); an aggregate
coursework mark of 50% is required. A composite grade of the performance on the coursework
component as a whole will be reflected against the assessment course code BIO5012W. The minor
dissertation component is 50% of the degree. The choice of project for the minor dissertation will be
determined by prior qualification with the course conveners and supervisors from other Departments.
Students may register for a minor dissertation in a range of Departments across the University.
BIO5013F FUNDAMENTALS OF APPLIED OCEAN SCIENCES

Convener: Professor M Vichi and a representative from BIO to be advised
Co-requisites: STA5014Z and BIO5014F or SEA5011F depending on the chosen stream. A minor
dissertation code chosen from the ones described in the handbook.
Course outline:
The course is composed of the following modules covering the foundational aspects of applied ocean
sciences: 1) Introduction to Applied Ocean Sciences, which combines introduction to system-based
marine sciences, basics of ecological and physical oceanography, ocean governance and project
management; 2) Statistical Methods (STA5014Z), which provides an intermediate introduction to
statistics and experimental design; 3) Scientific Computing and Data Management, which introduces
to scientific programming and data analysis for the ocean sciences.
Assessment: Every module is assessed independently either with a class test or individual project
assignments. The syllabus and the relative weight for each module are described in a handbook that
will be made available on the BIO5012W website (hosted by the Marine and Antarctic Research
Centre for Innovation and Sustainability).
BIO5014F APPLIED MARINE BIOLOGY

Co-requisites: This course is a component of the Applied Ocean Sciences Master's coursework (refer
to BIO5012W). Co-requisites are BIO5012W, BIO5013F, STA5014Z and minor dissertation code
chosen from the ones listed in the BIO5012W handbook. Changes in the dissertation code are allowed
according to the student background and prior to consultation with the course conveners.
Course outline:
The course in Applied Marine Biology focuses on conservation, ecosystem-based management,
sustainable utilization and alternative livelihoods such as aquaculture.
BIO5015W APPLIED OCEAN SCIENCES MINOR DISSERTATION

Students will enrol (and pay fees) for coursework codes BIO5012W, BIO5013F,
BIO5014F/SEA5011F and STA5014Z together with BIO5015W in their first year of registration;
where the minor dissertation is not submitted by the February deadline of the subsequent year, the
student will be required to enrol (and pay fees) for the minor dissertation component in the subsequent
year/s.
Co-requisites: BIO5012W, BIO5013F, BIO5014F/SEA5011F, STA5014Z
Course outline:
The minor dissertation, which forms 50% of the overall degree, is based on a six-month supervised
research project. The choice of project will be determined by the student's prior qualification and in
agreement with the course conveners and supervisors. The dissertation should be submitted by mid-
February of the following year.
of the degree.
BIO6002W CONSERVATION BIOLOGY THESIS

Course outline:
BIO6003W BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES THESIS

Course outline:
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
The Department is housed in the P D Hahn Building, 28 Chemistry Mall
Telephone (021) 650-2324
The Departmental abbreviation for Chemistry is CEM.

M A Jardine, MSc PhD Cape Town
Mally Professor of Organic Chemistry:
---
Jamison Professor of Inorganic Chemistry:
---
Professor of Physical Chemistry:
S A Bourne, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town CChem FRSC FSACI
Professor and South African Research Chair in Drug Discovery:
K Chibale, BScEd Zambia PhD Cantab FRSC FRSSAf
Senior Scholars:
M R Caira, MSc PhD Cape Town Dr Hon Causa Univ Med Pharm 'Iuliu Hatieganu' Romania
G E Jackson, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town CChem FRSC MSACI
L R Nassimbeni, MSc Rhodes PhD Cape Town CChem FRSC FRSSAf FSACI
A L Rodgers, MSc PhD Cape Town
J R Bull, MSc Natal DPhil Oxon CChem FRSC FRSSAf Hon MSACI
R Hunter, BSc Hons PhD London DIC
Professors:
K J Naidoo, MSc Cape Town PhD Michigan
G S Smith, BSc Natal MSc PhD UWC MSACI MRSC
N Ravenscroft, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town MSACI
C G L Veale, BPharm Rhodes MSc Edinburgh PhD Rhodes MSACI MRSC
B Davidowitz, MSc PhD Cape Town MSACI
D W Gammon, BSc Hons PhD HDE Cape Town MSACI
A T Hutton, MSc PhD Cape Town CChem MRSC MSACI
Senior Lecturers:
S Ngubane, BSc Hons Cape Town PhD Houston
C L Oliver, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town MSACI
W Petersen, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
G A Venter, MSc PhD Stell MSACI
S Wilson, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
Lecturers:
S Douman, BSc Hons MSc UWC PhD Dublin
C Edmonds-Smith, BSc Hons Cape Town MSc ARU PhD Cape Town
M W Mogodi, BSc Hons PhD Witwatersrand
Laboratory Health, Safety and Infrastructure Specialist:
M Muller, MBA UFS
Principal Scientific Officers:
D Jappie-Mohamed, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town MSACI
C Lawrence-Naidoo, MSc Cape Town
Chief Scientific Officers:
A Gamieldien, BSc Hons HDE UWC
R Mohunlal, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
M Rylands, BSc Hons Phd Cape Town
H Su, MSc PhD Cape Town

L Rylands, BSc Hons MSc Cape Town
Scientific Officer:
---
P D de Kock, BEng MEng Stell
---
Senior Technical Officers:
Y Ely
M A Makuebu, BEng NUL MScEng Wits
Assistant Technical Officer:
F Majola, NDipl ElectEng CPUT
Departmental Administrative Manager:
D C Brooks
C Losper
M Mayiya
J Polzin, BMus HDE(PG)Sec Cape Town
Senior Secretary:
L Lalbahadur, BPaed UDW BEd Hons Unisa
Laboratory Assistants:
E Delport
F Esau
N Ngqanya
J Paulse
K M Sigam
C M Stanley
Workshop Assistant:
T Kamaldien
DRUG DISCOVERY & DEVELOPMENT CENTRE (H3D)

Director:
K Chibale, BScEd Zambia PhD Cantab FRSC FRSSAf
Chief Research Officer:
S R Ghorpade, MPharm Mumbai PhD NCL
Senior Research Officer:
V Singh, MSc CSJMU India PhD CSIR-CDRI/Lucknow India
Research Officers:
L B Arendse, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
K Wicht,MSc PhD Cape Town
Junior Research Officer:
J Woodland, MSc PhD Cape Town
Chief Investigator:
D Taylor, BSc(Med) Hons PhD(Med) Cape Town
Senior Investigators:
G A Boyle, BSc Hons Natal MSc PhD UKZN
J Dam, PhD Witwatersrand
R K Gessner, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
L Gibhard, MSc PhD North West
P Govender, MSc PhD Cape Town
A Horatscheck, Dipl Humboldt PhD Freie Berlin
A Nchinda, MSc Yaounde I PhD Rhodes
M Njoroge, PhD Cape Town
C Soares de Melo, BSc Cape Town BSc Hons Stell MSc Cape Town PhD Nijmegan
Investigators:
N Cardoso, PhD Witwatersrand
R Cozett, PhD Cape Town
G Dziwornu, BSc Ghana PhD Cape Town
L P Khonde, MSc PhD Cape Town
C Oosthuizen, BSc Hons MSc PhD Pret
N Peton, BSc Hons UWC PhD Cape Town
D Seanego, BSc Hons Unisa PhD Witwatersrand
S Samanta, BSc Hons Jadavpur India PhD Institute of Tech Kanpur
L Taleli, BSc Lesotho MSc PhD Stell
Senior Research Scientists:
N N Barnes, Nat. Dipl Anal Chem CPUT
Z Ngqumba, MSc CPUT
T Ntsabo, BTech: Biotech BTech Quality CPUT
R Olckers, MSc Stell
W Olifant, BSc UWC BSc Hons Stell
A Sayed, MSc CPUT
N Salomane, BSc Hons UFS MSc UJ
Research Scientists:
K Jackson, MSc Cape Town
R Klintworth, BSc Hons PhD Witswatersrand
M Mbaba
R Tshinavhe, BSc Hons MSc UJ
V Verhoog
A Zulu, BSc Hons Fort Hare, MSc PhD Rhodes
Senior Laboratory Administrator:
D van Rooyen, BSc Hons UWC
Laboratory Assistants:
V Stuurman
E Matundu
Sample Clerk:
T Mngxekeza
Data Specialist
B Grey
Head of Research Operations and Business Development:
S Winks, BSc Hons Cape Town PhD Witwatersrand MBA MANCOSA
Senior Finance Officer:
A Banderker, BCom Cape Town BCom Hons UKZN CA(SA)
Project & Research Operations Manager:
J Akester, BSc Hons MSc Cape Town
---
S Naicker
SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING RESEARCH UNIT (SCRU)

Director:
K J Naidoo, MSc Cape Town PhD Michigan
Academic Staff:
G A Venter, MSc PhD Stell MSACI
S Winberg, MSc UTK PhD Cape Town
L A Dreyer
CENTRE FOR SUPRAMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY RESEARCH (CSCR)

Director:
S A Bourne, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town CChem FRSC FSACI
Academic Staff:
M W Mogodi, BSc Hons PhD Witwatersrand
C L Oliver, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town MSACI
Senior Research Scholars:
M R Caira, MSc PhD Cape Town Dr Hons Causa Univ Med Pharm ‘Iuliu Hatieganu’ Romania
L R Nassimbeni, MSc Rhodes PhD Cape Town CChem FRSC FRSSAf FSACI
RESEARCH IN CHEMISTRY
The research activities of the Department reflect the wide range and scope of the traditional sub-
disciplines of inorganic, organic and physical chemistry, sustained by analytical, spectroscopic and
computational methodology. The Department has active research groups with strengths in catalysis,
bioinorganic, biophysical and bioanalytical chemistry, synthetic chemistry, medicinal chemistry,
supramolecular chemistry, scientific computing and chemical glycobiology. Programmes are devoted
to fundamental and applied chemical research, and to interdisciplinary studies in which chemistry
plays a key role. Synthetic studies are carried out in organic, organometallic and co-ordination
chemistry, in order to develop and apply new methodology, and to prepare biologically active
compounds, novel catalysts and components of new materials. These studies also provide tools for
analytical and separation science, and models for advanced structural and conformational work.
Molecular structure determination with the aid of spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction techniques are
two areas of specialisation in the Department. Computational chemistry is a leading area of
specialisation supported by several state of the art clusters. Computer code development and
modelling applications of biological and industrial problems play a key role in many of the
Department’s research programmes. There is also an active research thrust in the area of chemistry
education, with a particular focus on student learning in tertiary level chemistry courses.
The Department of Chemistry is home to four UCT-accredited research units:

The Centre for Supramolecular Chemistry Research, CSCR (Dir. Professor Mino Caira) studies the
physical chemistry of supramolecular systems. Research projects include the synthesis and
characterization of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and large metal-containing supramolecular
assemblies with the potential for guest uptake (gas storage, molecular sensing), the study of
selectivity in organic host-guest systems, and the beneficiation of pharmaceutically relevant
materials through the investigation of their polymorphs, solvates, cyclodextrin inclusion complexes
and cocrystals. Solid phases are studied using powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction, thermal
analysis (including TGA and DSC) and spectroscopy (FTIR and solid-state NMR techniques). The
thermodynamics of inclusion and complexation processes in solution are investigated by high-
resolution NMR spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry.
The MRC/UCT Drug Discovery & Development Research Unit (Dir. Professor Kelly Chibale). The
mandate of this unit includes the development of infrastructural and operational systems for new
drug discovery and development, with special reference to natural product-guided medicinal
chemistry, as well as biological screening platforms against communicable and non-communicable
diseases.
H3D Drug Discovery and Development Centre (Dir. Professor Kelly Chibale) aims to bridge the
gap between basic and clinical studies, training a new generation of African scientists with key skills
required for drug discovery and development – integrating medicinal chemistry, biology,
pharmacology as well as drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK) studies as reflected in the
processes of Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion (ADME). H3D also focuses on
beneficiation of clinically used drugs, including generic medicines. Drug beneficiation, amongst
other things, involves selection of the optimum form of a solid drug candidate for pharmaceutical
development and (re)formulation.
The Scientific Computing Research Unit, SCRU (Dir. Professor Kevin J. Naidoo) develops state-of-
the-art high performance computing (HPC) software as well as providing a modelling and
informatics platform for applications in chemistry and chemical biology. SCRU’s research activities
include the development of software acceleration for life science applications. This aspect of the
research is supported by hardware giant Nvidia Corporation. SCRU’s specialised HPC facility
houses South Africa’s most sophisticated scientific computing servers and GPU clusters designed
for chemical and chemical biology applications. The specific objectives of the unit are to trace gene-
to-glycan biochemical schemes important in glycobiology as well as model enzyme-catalysed
chemical reactions and ionic liquids.
The research enterprise of the Department of Chemistry is significantly enhanced by the
appointment of two of its permanent staff members to DST/NRF South African National Research
Chairs - Professor Kevin Naidoo in Scientific Computing and Professor Kelly Chibale in Drug
Discovery. These highly prestigious appointments have raised the Department’s international
research profile significantly and contribute substantially to its research outputs.
Further information may be found on the Department’s website at http://www.chemistry.uct.ac.za
Supplementary examinations:
For all undergraduate Chemistry courses, borderline candidates may not necessarily be awarded a
supplementary examination to be written in January/February of the following year. As an alternative,
the Department reserves the right to apply rule G21 which implies that a further test, which may be
oral or written, may take place before the date of the Faculty Examinations Committee. Students are
accordingly warned that they may be expected to make themselves available for such further testing.
First-Year Courses
CEM1000W is the first-year full qualifying course for entrance to second-year courses in the Faculty
of Science and in Chemical Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment.
CEM1009H and CEM1010H are half courses taken by students who transfer to the Extended Degree
Programme, and completion of both courses is equivalent to the full course CEM1000W. The
Department also offers CEM1008F: Chemistry for Engineers and CEM1011F: Chemistry for Medical
Students, which is repeated as CEM1111S and CEM1011X as part of the Faculty of Health Sciences
Intervention Programme. Details of these courses can be found in the relevant faculty student
handbooks.
First-Year Courses
CEM1000W CHEMISTRY 1000

NOTES: Preference will be given to students registered in the Science Faculty. Students registered
for this course will be assessed in week 5; if it is judged that they are not coping with the level and
pace of the course, and would benefit from an opportunity to strengthen foundational concepts and
learn new material at a slower pace, they will be required to transfer to CEM1009H from week 7.
Convener: Professor G S Smith
Course entry requirements: Students wishing to register for CEM1000W will normally be expected
to have passed NSC Physical Science with at least 60% and NSC Mathematics with at least 70%.
Course outline:
This course lays the foundation of chemistry in its context as a central science for scientists and
engineers working in the chemical, biological or earth sciences or in chemical engineering.
Fundamental concepts in chemistry are covered to illustrate their application to understanding the
molecular nature of the world around us. Topics include microscopic and macroscopic concepts,
atomic structure, chemical bonding and molecular structure, the chemistry of the elements and
inorganic chemistry, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, solubility, phases of matter,
thermochemistry and thermodynamics, colligative properties, oxidation and reduction,
electrochemistry and chemical kinetics. The course continues with an introduction to the language of
organic chemistry, including structure and reactivity in organic chemistry, describing and predicting
organic reactivity and the properties and reactivity of biologically important molecules. Practicals aim
to develop essential manipulative and technical laboratory skills, as well as to draw links to
interpreting the physical world in terms of its molecular nature. A blended approach to learning may
be used where academic activities will be delivered online and face-to-face, if feasible. This will be
at the discretion of the course convener.
Lecture times: Monday to Wednesday and Friday, 2nd or 4th period. Tutorials: Thursday 2nd or 4th
period. Practicals: Tuesday, Thursday or Friday, 14h00 - 17h00.
DP requirements: Attendance and completion of practicals, tests and tutorial exercises, and at least
35% for the class record.
Assessment: Class record (comprising tests, tutorials and practicals) counts 50%; one 3-hour
examination written in November counts 50%. A subminimum of 40% is required in the final
examination.
CEM1009H CHEMISTRY 1009

NOTES: 1) Preference will be given to students registered in the Science Faculty. 2) This course only
begins in week 7 and is intended for students who have been advised to transfer to this course after
initially registering for CEM1000W (see entry for CEM1000W). 3) The course places an emphasis on
the strengthening of foundational concepts and skills, the carefully-paced introduction of new
material, and the development of sound approaches to effective learning. 4) CEM1009H +
CEM1010H is equivalent to CEM1000W in level, credit value towards the degree and as prerequisite
for certain other courses.
Convener: Dr C Edmonds-Smith
Course entry requirements: Admission will be restricted to students who have passed NSC Physical
Science with at least 60%. The permission of the Dean or Head of Department is required prior to
registration for this course.
Course outline:
This course lays the foundation of chemistry in its context as a central science for scientists working
in the chemical, biological or earth sciences. Fundamental concepts in chemistry are covered to
illustrate their application to understanding the molecular nature of the world around us. Topics
include microscopic and macroscopic concepts, atomic structure, chemical bonding and molecular
structure, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, solubility, phases of matter, thermochemistry,
osmosis and chemical kinetics. The course continues with an introduction to the language of organic
chemistry, including naming of compounds, identification of functional groups and isomers. Practicals
are designed to develop essential manipulative and technical laboratory skills, to take measurements
and handle data, as well as to draw links to interpreting the physical world in terms of its molecular
nature.
Lecture times: Wednesday - Friday, 4th period. Tutorials: Monday and Tuesday, 4th period.
Practicals: Wednesday, 14h00 - 17h00.
DP requirements: Attendance and completion of practicals, tests and tutorial exercises and at least
examination.
CEM1010H CHEMISTRY 1010

NOTES: 1) This course follows on from CEM1009H and also places an emphasis on the strengthening
of foundational concepts and skills, the carefully-paced introduction of new material, and the
development of sound approaches to effective learning. 2) CEM1009H + CEM1010H is equivalent to
CEM1000W in level, credit value towards the degree and as prerequisite for certain other courses.
Convener: Dr W Mogodi
Course entry requirements: CEM1009H
Course outline:
Topics covered at a more advanced level include microscopic and macroscopic concepts, atomic
structure, chemical bonding and molecular structure, the chemistry of the elements and inorganic
chemistry, chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, solubility, vapour pressure and phase diagrams,
thermodynamics, colligative properties, oxidation and reduction, electrochemistry and chemical
kinetics. The course includes an introduction to the language of organic chemistry, structure and
reactivity in organic chemistry, describing and predicting organic reactivity and the properties and
reactivity of biologically important molecules. Practicals aim to develop essential manipulative and
technical laboratory skills, as well as to draw links to interpreting the physical world in terms of its
molecular nature.
Lecture times: Monday - Wednesday and Friday, 5th period, Terms 1 - 3, 4th period, Term 4.
Tutorials: Thursday, 5th period, Terms 1 - 3, 4th period, Term 4. Practicals: Tuesday, 14h00 - 17h00.
DP requirements: Attendance and completion of practicals, tests and tutorial exercises and at least
examination.
Second-Year Courses
CEM2005W is required for students proceeding to a major in Chemistry.
CEM2005W INTERMEDIATE CHEMISTRY

Convener: Dr G A Venter
Course entry requirements: For Science students: CEM1000W (or equivalent), 1000-level full
course in Physics, 1000-level full or semester course in Mathematics. Concurrent registration for
STA1000F/S (or equivalent) is highly recommended. For Chemical Engineering students:
CEM1000W (or equivalent), PHY1012F/S, MAM1020F/S, CHE1005W
Course outline:
This course develops the foundations of a major in Chemistry at an intermediate level and allows
continuation to third-year Chemistry for the completion of a major in Chemistry. The theory
component features a set of intermediate topics, and the laboratory component develops both
experimental and interpretative skills. The course includes the following topics: spectroscopy and
modern analytical tools, introduction to inorganic chemistry, organic structure and reactivity,
thermodynamics, thermodynamics of solutions, phase equilibria, chemical reaction kinetics and
equilibria, reactions of organic molecules (patterns, predictions and preparation of new products),
introduction to coordination chemistry, structures and energetics of inorganic solids and
electrochemistry. The practical course covers the same topics and aims to develop manipulative and
technical laboratory skills including the application of modern analytical methods to the elucidation
of chemical structures.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 3rd period. Tutorials by arrangement. Practicals, EBE: Tuesday,
14h00 - 17h00; Science: Thursday, 14h00 - 17h00.
DP requirements: Attendance and completion of practicals, tests and tutorial exercises; at least 40%
average for practical exams.
Assessment: The class record (comprising tests and practicals) counts 50%; one 3-hour examination
written in November counts 50%. The class record consists of class tests (25%), tutorials (5%)
practical reports (10%) and practical exams (10%). A subminimum of 40% is required in the final
examination.
Third-Year Courses
CEM3005W is the required course for students completing a major in Chemistry.
CEM3005W CHEMISTRY 3005

Convener: Dr W Petersen
Course entry requirements: CEM2005W, 1000-level full course in Mathematics; completion of or
concurrent registration for STA1000F/S is highly recommended.
Course outline:
This final course for the Chemistry major aims to develop understanding and integrated knowledge of
the core disciplines in Chemistry. Lecture material includes topics in wave mechanics and
spectroscopy, adsorption and heterogeneous catalysis, solid-state chemistry and X-ray
crystallography, dynamics, inorganic reaction mechanisms, organometallic chemistry, further topics
in organic structure and reactivity, organic synthesis and organic dynamic stereochemistry. The
practical course covers the same topics and aims to develop integrative and interpretive skills. A
further aim is to develop skills in writing within the discipline, as well as introducing students to
modern research methods.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 3rd period. Practicals: Wednesday and Friday, 14h00 - 17h00.
DP requirements: Attendance and completion of practicals, tests and tutorial exercises, and at least
Assessment: Class record (comprising tests, writing project and practicals) counts 50% and two 3-
hour examinations written in November count 50% towards the final mark. A subminimum aggregate
of 40% for two papers is required in the final examination.
CEM4000W CHEMISTRY HONOURS
Since the code CEM4000W will not carry a NQF credit value, students will be concurrently registered
for CEM4001W (coursework component of 94 NQF credits) and CEM4002W (research project of 66
NQF credits). Entrance is limited to 18 students.
Convener: Dr S Ngubane
Course entry requirements: A BSc degree (or equivalent) with a major in Chemistry at a sufficiently
high standard to satisfy the Head of Department. Entrance to the Honours course is competitive and
applications are considered individually, taking into consideration the entire academic record. Priority
will be given to UCT graduates, who require 60% or higher in CEM3005W as the normal minimum
prerequisite for admission. Applicants from other universities must satisfy the Honours steering
committee that they have covered the same topics at the equivalent level.
Course outline:
The Honours course is designed to enrich understanding of chemical theory, while developing skills
in the modern research techniques and approaches required of the professional chemist. The course
has several components:
Modern instrumental methods are taught through experiential workshops and lectures covering topics
in NMR spectroscopy, X-ray methods of analysis, Introduction to molecular modelling and separation
methods.
The core lecture course provides the conceptual tools required in modern inorganic, organic and
physical chemistry. Topics covered include inorganic spectroscopy, organometallic chemistry,
bioinorganic chemistry and catalysis (inorganic chemistry), Stereochemistry and FMO theory, p-block
synthetic methodology, green chemistry and natural products (organic chemistry), as well as statistical
thermodynamics, quantum chemistry, solid-state chemistry and group theory (physical chemistry).
A 4-week extended practical covering aspects of synthesis, spectroscopy and analysis is carried out in
the first semester alongside the core course. A workshop on scientific writing is carried out during this
period. In the second semester, after submission of a research proposal, the student engages in 10
weeks of full-time research work which culminates in the presentation of a short dissertation, research
poster and an oral presentation to the Department. Training in oral communication is provided during
this period.
Lecture times: By arrangement. Lectures, tutorials and practicals start at the end of January. Lectures
and tutorials are daily in the first four periods and at other times arranged. The extended practical
work occupies one afternoon per week during the first semester and all day, all week during the second
semester.
Assessment: Examinations count 33%, coursework 26% and the Honours research project 41%. To
pass the Honours course candidates must obtain an overall average of 50%, an average of 45% for the
Core Course written examinations with a subminimum of 33% on each individual paper of the Core
Course examinations. In addition, candidates must attain at least 50% for the research project, 45%
for the Modern Instrumental Methods and Group Theory module, complete all practical work, tutorial
assignments, generic skills course and any other compulsory activities. These component parts of the
course will be combined in a final overall mark which will be reflected against the course code
CEM4000W, with PA (pass) entered against the coursework and project codes; each of these
CEM5000W CHEMISTRY DISSERTATION

Course outline:
The dissertation will usually consist of a report detailing the conduct, and analysis of the results of
CEM5002W COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE DISSERTATION

Course outline:
The academic disciplines of chemistry, chemical biology and biophysics have a critical dependence
on computer simulation and large scale data analysis to understand observed phenomena and advance
the frontiers of disciplinary knowledge. This course aims to prepare students to undertake research in
computational science as applied to chemistry, chemical biology, biophysics and chemical physics.
The two streams of focus are computation and informatics. The course will commence with project
assignment followed by a combination of in-house and online short training (non-credit) courses in:
Scientific Computing, High Performance Computing, Computational Methods for Data Analysis,
Data Management, R Programming, Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Mechanics. The above short
training courses are designed to prepare students to successfully complete a computational science
project and dissertation.
CEM5004W TERTIARY CHEMISTRY EDUCATION DISSERTATION

Course outline:

The dissertation will usually consist of a report detailing the conduct and analysis of the results of
CEM6000W CHEMISTRY THESIS

Course outline:
Candidates for the PhD degree must submit a thesis on an approved research topic, and are referred
to Book 3, General Rules and Policies, in which the rules for the degree are set out.
CEM6001W TERTIARY CHEMISTRY EDUCATION THESIS

Course outline:
CEM6002W COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE THESIS

Course outline:
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

The Department is housed in the Computer Science Building, 18 University Avenue
Telephone (021) 650-2663
The Departmental abbreviation for Computer Science is CSC.
The Department of Computer Science forms part of the School of IT.

The School focuses on leveraging the excellent research and teaching of both departments to provide
students with the relevant knowledge and skills to contribute to the international and South African
Information Technology Communities.
The capstone Honours degrees in the School are accredited by the British Computer Society, providing
students with an internationally recognized certification.
For further detail and degree options, see www.sit.uct.ac.za

H Suleman, MSc UDW PhD Virginia Tech
Professors:
J E Gain, MSc Rhodes PhD Cantab
M Kuttel, MSc PhD Cape Town
T A Meyer, MSc RAU PhD Unisa
R Simmonds, BSc PhD Bath
Adjunct Professor:
A C M Hutchison, MSc HDE (PG) Sec Cape Town PhD Zurich
Honorary Professor:
I J Varzinczak PhD Université Paul Sabatier
S Berman, BSc Rhodes MSc PhD Cape Town
M Densmore, BA Cornell MSc UCL PhD Berkeley
M Keet, BSc Hons OU MSc Wageningen MA Limerick PhD Bozen-Bolzano
P C Marais, MSc Cape Town DPhil Oxon
D Moodley, MSc UNP PhD UKZN
G Nitschke, BSc Hons Curtin PhD VU Amsterdam
Senior Lecturers:
J Chavula, MSc Lancaster PhD Cape Town
A Safla, MSc UKZN
G Stewart, BSc Hons Cape Town
Adjunct Senior Lecturers:
G Casini PhD Pisa
B DeRenzi, BS UC Santa Barbara MSc PhD University of Washington
D Johnson, BEng Cape Town MEng Pret PhD Santa Barbara
Lecturer:
J M Buys, MSc Stell DPhil Oxon
Adjunct Lecturer:
M Molapo, MSc PhD Cape Town
Computer System Managers:
C Balfour, BSocSc Cape Town BA (SS) Hons Unisa
S Chetty, IT Management Cert Cape Town
Chief Scientific Officer
S Jamieson, MSc London
L Poulo, MSc Cape Town
T Jenneker
P Lucas
Senior Secretary:
J Christians
B J Sam
RESEARCH IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

Research in the Department is organised into well-equipped laboratories funded by international,
governmental and industrial sponsors. More information can be obtained on the Departmental Web
pages or by writing to the department.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE RESEARCH UNIT AND CENTRE FOR ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE RESEARCH (Co-Director: Professor Tommie Meyer, Co-Director: Associate
Professor Deshen Moodley). The Artificial Intelligence Research Unit (AIRU) is an accredited
research unit in the Department of Computer Science. Through its two research focus areas,
Knowledge Representation and Reasoning, and Adaptive and Cognitive Systems, AIRU aims to
harness blue sky research to explore innovative applications of Artificial Intelligence that can serve
to advance social and economic development in South Africa and Africa. AIRU also hosts the Centre
for Artificial Intelligence Research (CAIR). CAIR is a national distributed research centre with
research groupings across eight South African universities. CAIR conducts research in both the
foundational and applied aspects of Artificial Intelligence.
COLLABORATIVE VISUAL COMPUTING (Co-ordinator: Professor James Gain). Topics of
research include: Collaborative Virtual Environments; Usability and Human-Computer Interaction;
Computer Graphics; Computer vision and machine learning for 2D/3D scene analysis; and Virtual
Reality. Special interests within the CVC lab include Virtual Environments, Modelling and Procedural
Graphics.
DIGITAL LIBRARIES (Co-ordinator: Professor Hussein Suleman). Research areas covered within
digital libraries include information retrieval; ontologies; natural language processing and generation;
digital archives and repositories; interoperability and protocols and cultural heritage preservation.
EVOLUTIONARY MACHINE LEARNING (Co-ordinator: Associate Professor Geoff Nitschke).
The main focus of the research group is to devise new methods using algorithmic techniques from a
broad range of biologically inspired machine learning sub-fields such as evolutionary computation
and artificial neural networks as well as statistical machine learning and apply such methods to adapt
artificial brains on various experimental platforms, including: evolutionary-robotic, artificial life and
agent-based systems.
HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING (Co-ordinator: Professor Michelle Kuttel). This laboratory
investigates aspects of high-performance computing, including: parallel algorithms; multi-core and
GPU programming; computational science; and scientific visualisation.
HUMAN-COMPUTER INTERACTION (Co-ordinator: Associate Professor Melissa Densmore).
This laboratory takes a community-centred approach to the design and deployment of systems.
Domains of research include design for mothers, design for community-health workers, local content
creation for communities, media-based peer health education, and co-design across borders, with a
focus on the role of HCI in making effective, usable and sustainable systems to address problems of
inequality and social justice.
KNOWLEDGE ENGINEERING (Co-ordinator: Associate Professor Maria Keet). The aim of the
team's activities is to contribute computing theory, methods, and techniques to the knowledge
society. The scope of the KEEN team is knowledge engineering in its broad sense. This includes
ontology engineering, the Semantic Web, intelligent (logic-based, ontology-driven) conceptual
modelling, and natural language generation.
NATURAL LANGUAGE PROCESSING (Co-ordinator: Dr Jan Buys). This research group
investigates aspects of natural language processing through the development of data-driven machine
learning methods. Research topics include: methods for automatic text generation, language modelling
and machine translation; supervised and unsupervised models for discovering linguistic structure in
text; and developing datasets and NLP models for low-resource languages, with a particular focus on
African and South African languages.
NETWORK AND INFORMATION SECURITY (Co-ordinator: Professor Andrew Hutchison). This
group aims to design and implement network security protocols to address problems of security in
web services, cloud computing environments and enterprise environments; research includes goal-
oriented protocol design and identity management.
NETWORKING FOR DEVELOPMENT (Co-ordinators: Dr Josiah Chavula and Dr David L
Johnson). The Net4D laboratory focuses on the design and implementation of network infrastructure
suitable for developing regions, as well as methods for sharing information in resource-scarce areas
using alternative technologies. Main areas of research include Network Measurements, Wireless
Community Networks, Localised Cloud Services, Software Defined Networking (SDN), and AI-
driven network engineering. Our work involves a mix of creating solutions using network theory and
systems, combined with trial networks that provide tangible measurable results.
Credit will not be given for CSC1015F/S and CSC1016S together with CSC1010H and CSC1011H.
First-Year Courses
CSC1010H COMPUTER SCIENCE 1010

NOTE: This course only begins in week 7 and is intended for students who have been advised to
transfer to this course after initially registering for CSC1015F (see entry for CSC1015F). The course
places an emphasis on the strengthening of foundational concepts and skills, the carefully-paced
introduction of new material, and the development of sound approaches to effective learning.
CSC1010H is equivalent to CSC1015F in level, credit value towards the degree and as prerequisite
for certain other courses.
Convener: G Stewart
Course entry requirements: The permission of the Dean or Head of Department is required prior to
registration for this course.
Course outline:
This course is an introduction to problem solving, algorithm development and programming in the
Python language. It includes fundamental programming constructs and abstractions, sorting and
searching techniques, and machine representations of data. The practical component covers
input/output, conditionals, loops, strings, functions, arrays, lists, dictionaries, recursion, text files and
exceptions in Python. Students are taught testing and debugging, as well as sorting and searching
algorithms, algorithm complexity and equivalence classes. Number systems, binary arithmetic,
boolean algebra and logic gates are also introduced
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 5th period, Tutorials: One per week, replacing one lecture,
Practicals: One per week, Thursday, 14h00 - 17h30
DP requirements: Minimum of 45% aggregate in practical work.
Assessment: Theory tests count 15%; practical tests and practical assignments count 25%; one 2-hour
examination written in November counts 60%. Subminima: 45% for practicals, 45% on weighted
average of theory tests and examination.
CSC1011H COMPUTER SCIENCE 1011

NOTE: 1) This course follows on from CSC1010H and also places an emphasis on the strengthening
of foundational concepts and skills, the carefully-paced introduction of new material, and the
development of sound approaches to effective learning. 2) CSC1011H is equivalent to CSC1016S in
level, credit value towards the degree and as prerequisite for certain other courses.
Convener: G Stewart
Course entry requirements: CSC1010H
Course outline:
The first half of the course aims to further develop problem solving and programming in Python. The
second half focuses on object-oriented design and programming in Java, as well as introducing
important considerations relating to ethical and professional issues. The latter introduces students to
ethical issues such as property rights, freedom of expression and privacy, and concepts such as free
and open source software, ICT for Development, and Professional Codes of Conduct. The Java
component of the course covers object-oriented design techniques and UML class diagrams, as well
as elementary data structures such as lists, stacks and queues. The practical component includes use
of inheritance, polymorphism, interfaces, generics and GUI programming in Java.
Lecture times: Monday - Thursday, 4th period, Tutorials: One per week, replacing one lecture,
Practicals: One per week, Monday, 14h00 - 16h00
examination written in November counts 50%. Subminima: 45% for practicals, 45% on weighted
average of theory tests and examination.
CSC1015F/S COMPUTER SCIENCE 1015

Convener: A Safla
Course entry requirements: At least 70% for NSC Mathematics. Students registered for this course
will be assessed in week 5; if it is judged that they are not coping with the level and pace of the course,
and would benefit from an opportunity to strengthen foundational concepts and learn new material at
a slower pace, they will be required to transfer to CSC1010H from week 7.
Course outline:
This course is an introduction to problem solving, algorithm development and programming in the
Python language. It includes fundamental programming constructs and abstractions, sorting and
searching techniques, and machine representations of data. The practical component covers
input/output, conditionals, loops, strings, functions, arrays, lists, dictionaries, recursion, text files and
exceptions in Python. Students are taught testing and debugging, as well as sorting and searching
algorithms, algorithm complexity and equivalence classes. Number systems, binary arithmetic,
Boolean algebra and logic gates are also introduced. The course is offered in a blended-learning
format. Students are provided with a set of video lectures that they can watch multiple times. Student
contact time is in a tutorial/practical format aimed at reinforcing the principles introduced in the online
lectures and giving students time to do exercises under the supervision of tutors.
Lecture times: 4th or 5th period once per week, Tutorials: One per week, replacing one lecture,
Practicals: One per week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday 14h00 - 16h00 or 16h00 - 18h00
Assessment: Theory tests 15%; practical tests and practical assignments 25%; June examination 2
hours 60%. Subminima: 45% for practicals, 45% on weighted average of theory tests and examination.
CSC1016S COMPUTER SCIENCE 1016

Convener: A Safla
Course entry requirements: CSC1015F (At least 45% for CSC1015F or at least 70% for CSC1017F)
Course outline:
This course builds on the foundation of CSC1015F/CSC1010H, with a focus on object-oriented design
and programming in Java, as well as introducing important considerations relating to ethical and
professional issues. The latter introduces students to ethical issues such as property rights, freedom of
expression and privacy, and concepts such as free and open source software, ICT for Development,
and Professional Codes of Conduct. The Java component of the course covers object-oriented design
techniques and UML class diagrams, as well as elementary data structures such as lists, stacks and
queues. The practical component includes use of inheritance, polymorphism, interfaces, generics and
GUI programming in Java.
Lecture times: 4th or 5th period daily, Tutorials: One per week, replacing one lecture, Practicals: One
per week, Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, 14h00 - 16h00 or 16h00 - 18h00
exam written in November counts 60%. Subminima: 45% for practicals and 45% on weighted average
of theory tests and examination.
Second-Year Courses
CSC2001F COMPUTER SCIENCE 2001

Each student registered for this course is required to have a laptop for use during class sessions as
well as after hours. The minimum specifications of the laptop are available
at www.cs.uct.ac.za/teaching. (A tablet or “netbook” will not be suitable). The course convener will
provide details of additional software (open source) required.
Convener: Associate Professor S Berman
Course entry requirements: (CSC1015F and CSC1016S) or (CSC1010H and CSC1011H)
Course outline:
This course builds on the first year Computer Science foundation with an emphasis on data storage
and manipulation. The course covers abstract data types and assertions, recursive algorithms, tree
structures such as AVL and B-trees, graph traversals, minimum spanning trees, sets, hashing and
priority queues. An introduction to conceptual modelling, database design and relational database
manipulation is included. Practical programming in Java in a Unix environment is an important part
of the course
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 2nd period, Four or five lectures per week, Practicals: One 4-hour
practical per week, Monday - Friday, 14h00 - 18h00
Assessment: Tests count for 16.7%; practicals count 33.3%; one 3-hour paper written in June counts
50%. Subminima: 45% on weighted average of theory tests and examination.

Convener: Professor M Kuttel
Course entry requirements: CSC2001F (At least 45% for CSC2001F)
Course outline:
The goal of this course is to complete the basic education of a Computer Scientist. Topics include:
mobile application development and interface design, an introduction to computer architecture and
concurrent programming. Practical work in Java and in assembler programming are included.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 2nd period, Four lectures per week, Practicals: One 4-hour practical
per week, Monday - Friday, 14h00 - 18h00
Assessment: Tests count for 16.7%; practicals and practical test count 33.3%; one 3-hour paper
written in November counts 50%. Subminima: 45% on weighted average of theory tests and
examination.
CSC2004Z PROGRAMMING ASSESSMENT

This is a required course for all students majoring in Computer Science and/or who wish to continue
to any third year courses in Computer Science. It should be taken in the second year of study and will
demonstrate competency in programming, which is assumed in all third year courses. It is a
compulsory course in the Computer Science major CSC05.
Convener: Professor J Gain
Course entry requirements: (CSC1015F and CSC1016S) or (CSC1010H and CSC1011H)
Course outline:
All students who take advanced courses in Computer Science need to build on a foundation of strong
programming skills. The aim of this course is to assess and confirm mastery in fundamental
programming skills before students can proceed to advanced courses.
Lecture times: None
DP requirements: None
Assessment: Practical programming examination counts for 100%
CSC2005Z INDEPENDENT RESEARCH IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

Convener: Professor H Suleman
Course entry requirements: Academically strong students may apply for entrance. Selection will be
made on the basis of marks for CSC1015F, CSC1016S and CSC2001F. The number of places will be
limited depending on the availability of supervisors, and the final decision will be at the discretion of
the Head of Department.
Course outline:
This course allows students to pursue a course of independent research in one of the areas of
specialisation of the department, as listed on the department's website, under the direct supervision of
one of the staff members. Students will learn research methods in Computer Science and apply these
in a suitable project. They will also learn about research writing (proposal and report).
Students will complete a research project and document this in a research report (mini-dissertation).
An intermediate deliverable will be a project proposal and presentation to staff.
Lecture times: Meetings with supervisor, by arrangement
Assessment: Proposal 20%, Final research report 80%
Third-Year Courses
CSC3002F COMPUTER SCIENCE 3002

Convener: Associate Professor P Marais
Course entry requirements: CSC2001F, CSC2002S and ((MAM1004F+MAM1008S) or
(MAM1000W) or (both MAM1031F & MAM1032S (or equivalent)). CSC2004Z is required if
CSC2002S was passed after 2017.
Course outline:
The course provides an introduction to the two topics (1) structure and organization of operating
systems and (2) a basic knowledge of computer networks that will take the student through the various
logical layers of the ISO OSI layers, focusing on the Internet Protocol suite.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 2nd period, Practicals: Two 4-hour practicals per week, Monday -
Friday, 14h00 - 18h00
Assessment: Tests count 15%; practical work counts 35%; one 3-hour paper written in June counts
50%. Subminima: 45% for practicals; 45% on weighted average of theory tests and examinations.

(MAM1000W) or (both MAM1031F & MAM1032S (or equivalent)), and either INF2009F or
permission from the Head of Department to do compensation work to a satisfactory standard.
CSC2004Z is required if CSC2002S was passed after 2017.
Course outline:
This is a course on two advanced topics: (1) advanced software design is about turning requirements
into effective and efficient implementations in a systematic manner; and (2) the algorithms module
expands on a topic central to computing. This module describes how algorithms are categorised, and
shows interesting algorithms in each category and analyses their complexity. It also touches on Turing
machines and the limits of computation.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 2nd period, Practicals: Two 4-hour practicals per week, Monday -
Friday, 14h00 - 18h00
Assessment: Tests count 15%; practical work counts 35%; one 3-hour paper written in November
counts 50%. Subminima: 45% for practicals, 45% on weighted average of theory tests and 35% for
the algorithms module (comprising Theory of Algorithms and Theory of Computation) in the final
examination.
CSC3022F C++ AND MACHINE LEARNING

Convener: Associate Professor G Nitschke
(MAM1000W) or (both MAM1031F & MAM1032S (or equivalent)). CSC2004Z is required if
CSC2002S was passed after 2017.
Course outline:
This course introduces the C++ programming language, followed by an exploration of topics in
machine learning. Students are exposed to different aspects of C++ including templates and functional
programming and an in-depth study of the C++ memory model. A basic introduction to a widely used
Python ML framework is then provided. A number of machine learning algorithms are introduced and
students implement a subset of these using the Python framework.. By the end of the course, students
should understand how to write efficient object-oriented programs in C++, and also be familiar with
major categories of learning algorithms, and be able to select and implement the most appropriate
algorithm for a given problem in Python.
Lecture times: Monday – Friday, 3rd period, Practicals: Two 4-hour practicals per week, by
arrangement
Assessment: Tests count 16.7%; practical work counts 33.3%; examinations count 50%. Subminima:
45% for practicals, 45% weighted average of theory tests and examinations.
Honours
The Department offers 2 Honours streams: BSc Hons specialising in Computer Science (CS) and BSc
Hons specialising in Information Technology (IT).
Programme Convener: Dr J Buys

Entry requirements – BSc Hons (CS): A BSc degree majoring in Computer Science from UCT,
with an average of at least 60% in both CSC3002F and CSC3003S, or permission from the Head of
Department.
Entry requirements – BSc Hons (IT): A Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with a
major in Computer Science or related field. Students must have an average of at least 60% in the
major. Acceptance will be at the discretion of the Head of Department, who will consider quality of
final year results and material covered in the undergraduate curriculum.
Degree Rules and Structure: See General Rules for Honours Degrees in the front section of this
book.
Laptop Requirement: Each student registered for Honours is required to have a laptop for use during
class sessions as well as after hours. The minimum specifications of the laptop are available
at www.cs.uct.ac.za/teaching. (A tablet or “netbook” will not be suitable). The handbook outlining the
current year’s programme is available from the Department (and at http://www.cs.uct.ac.za).
Progression: While it is expected that all students will complete the degree in a single academic year,
students may be allowed to complete missing credits in a second year, with permission from the Dean.
CSC4002W COMPUTER SCIENCE HONOURS PROJECT

Convener: Dr J Buys
Course entry requirements: BSc degree with a major in Computer Science from UCT. An overall
pass for the coursework component of this degree.
Course outline:
This course is the compulsory research project component of a Computer Science Honours degree.
The research project comprises a large project run over the course of the year under academic
supervision, with a final mini-dissertation and other project deliverables.
CSC4007Z SELECTED HONOURS MODULE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

This course will not be offered every year.
Convener: Dr J Buys
Course entry requirements: Permission from the course convener.
Course outline:
This course introduces advanced and cutting edge topics in Computer Science as they emerge with
new areas of investigation or practice.
Assessment: Exam: 50% and Coursework: 50%
CSC4010Z ADVANCED TOPICS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE HONOURS 2

Convener: Dr J Buys
Course entry requirements: Permission from the course convener.
Course outline:
The course aims to introduce students to advanced and cutting edge topics in Computer Science as
they emerge as new areas of investigation or practice, and expose students to new research
specialisations in the department. Students will obtain an advanced theoretical understanding of the
topic and the ability to apply practically skills learnt related to this specific topic.
CSC4018W INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY HONOURS PROJECT

Convener: Dr J Buys
Course entry requirements: BSc degree with a major in Computer Science. An overall pass for the
coursework component of this degree.
Course outline:
This course is the compulsory research project component of a Computer Science Honours degree.
The research project comprises a large project run over the course of the year under academic
supervision, with a final mini-dissertation and other project deliverables.
CSC4019Z RESEARCH & INNOVATION

Convener: Dr J Chavula
Course entry requirements: Admission to BSc Hons specialising in Computer Science or
Information Technology.
Course outline:
This course introduces students to knowledge essential for computer professionals and researchers.
The course develops communication and writing skills and introduces basic research methodology.
The first module of the course focusses on Professional Communications in general, including written
and visual communication.
A second component teaches entrepreneurship as New Venture Planning: a critical element of
economic development. This module introduces students to the ideas, theories and concepts associated
with entrepreneurial ventures, with a focus on the elements needed to develop a viable business plan.
A third module teaches scientific writing and research methods for statistical analysis and evaluation
of data.
Assessment: The practical aspects of the work will be evaluated through: a series of 4 NVP
assignments (10%/15%/35%/40%), culminating in a business plan; Professional Communications
course (25%); and a submitted literature review for the project (35%) and the project proposal (40%).
NVP and PCU+RM are equally weighted.
CSC4020Z FUNCTIONAL PROGRAMMING

Course outline:
This course will expose students to the alternative functional programming paradigm, its theoretical
underpinnings in the lambda calculus and its practical implementation in specific languages. Students'
theoretical understanding of computability will be expanded from the introduction in the
undergraduate theory of algorithms module where a Turing machine approach was used. Students will
be introduced to the notion of “functions as rules”.
Students will also learn how to use functional programming as a practical programming skill. Topics
include side effect free programming and its benefits; first-class functions and higher-order functions;
partial application and defining higher-order operations on aggregates, especially map, reduce/fold,
and filter. Important new functional programming concepts including lazy evaluation and monads.
Assessment: Final examination: 50%; Practical assignments: 50%
CSC4021Z COMPILERS 1
Course outline:
This course will introduce students to the inner mechanics of a modern programming language
compiler or interpreter. Students will appreciate why programming languages are designed in
particular ways and they will learn how to develop compilers and compiler-related tools. Course
content will include: language classes, formal grammars, recursive descent parsing, tokenisers,
parsing, and abstract syntax trees.
CSC4022Z COMPILERS 2
Course outline:
This course will introduce students to the inner mechanics of a modern programming language
compiler or interpreter. Students will appreciate why programming languages are designed in
particular ways and they will learn how to develop compilers and compiler-related tools. Course
content will include: semantic analysis, activation records, intermediate code, optimisations, basic
block analysis, instruction selection, liveness analysis and register allocation.
CSC4023Z BIG DATA MANAGEMENT & ANALYSIS

Information Technology. A basic understanding of databases, similar to the CSC2001F database
material, is expected.
Course outline:
This course will enable students to understand the challenges of designing and implementing database
applications at very large scale. They will know the approaches taken by big data technologies such
as relational databases, NoSQL, Hadoop and data mining tools, and have practice in applying this
knowledge.
The focus of this course is on systems designed for big data storage and analysis. Topics covered
include NoSQL, Hadoop, HBase, HIVE, YARN and Apache Spark, as well as an introduction to data
mining techniques and tools. The course concludes with a series of short presentations on new
developments in database technology such as spatial, temporal, mobile, multimedia, text and social
network data management.
CSC4024Z HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION

Convener: Associate Professor M Densmore
Course outline:
This course will introduce you to basic concepts and practice around user-centred design of digital
systems.
This course covers how to design and evaluate interactive systems for real users both in the developed
and developing worlds. We will look at both theory and practice of designing digital systems.
Topics include the design cycle, sketching and storyboarding, task analysis, contextual inquiry,
conceptual models, usability inspection, human information processing, experience design, and
qualitative and quantitative study design and evaluation. We may also invite guest speakers from
industry and research to talk about their own experiences with user-centred design.
Assessment: Participation: 5% (measured by participation in user studies, in-class activities, in-class
discussion/presentations, and pre-class quizzes online) Individual Practical Assessments: 15%. Group
Project Assessments: 30% Final Exam: 50%
CSC4025Z ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Convener: Dr J Buys
Course outline:
This course will expose students to foundational concepts and computational techniques in modern
Artificial Intelligence and their theoretical underpinnings in logic, search, optimisation and
mathematical statistics. Students will also learn how to select and implement these techniques to solve
various real world problems. Core topics will include: problem solving, knowledge representation and
reasoning, machine learning and dealing with uncertainty, with selected topics from: planning, agents
and natural language processing.
CSC4026Z NETWORK & INTERNETWORK SECURITY

Information Technology. Computer Networking at third year level.
Course outline:
The objective of this course is to introduce cryptographic techniques and protocols for secure
exchange of information on networks and internetworks, and to examine the deployment of these in
emerging technologies.
The course will cover risk issues (ISO27000; PoPI act); security services; conventional encryption
(classical encryption techniques, DES/AES, key distribution, key generation); public-key encryption
(RSA algorithm, key management, certification hierarchies); authentication & digital signatures;
authentication and key exchange (Kerberos, Diffie-Hellman); electronic messaging security (S-
MIME/PGP/WhatsApp); HTTP security (S-HTTP, SSL, capabilities); secure electronic commerce
(SET); web application security (OWASP); web-services security (WS-Security, SAML); cloud
computing security (public vs private clouds); critical infrastructure security (Stuxnet etc); Security
Information & Event Management (SIEM) and next generation Security Operation Centres.
CSC4027Z COMPUTER GAME DESIGN

Information Technology. Computer Graphics at third year level.
Course outline:
This course will introduce students to the techniques and technologies used in designing and
programming computer games and related applications.
This course introduces high-level game programming concepts and practical game construction. By
the end of the course, students will be able to design and implement simple 2D and 3D games. The
course content include: appropriate terminology, methods, and tools for computer game development
are introduced; fundamental algorithms for 2D game development; design and development of simple
3D and networked games; uncertainty and constantly changing gaming environments; and techniques
for multiuser and distributed games.
This is a practical course: students collaborate with designers and artists to produce a full games that
builds on concepts covered in lectures.
CSC4028Z HIGH-PERFORMANCE COMPUTING

Convener: Professor M M Kuttel
Course outline:
High performance computing is high-speed computing - the use of parallel processing to run
application programs efficiently, reliably and fast. It is an interdisciplinary field, encompassing
computer architecture, programming languages, system software and benchmarking, as well as subject
domains such as Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Finance etc. In this course, we cover the following
topics. An introduction to and motivation for high performance computing (HPC), including typical
applications; HPC architectures with a focus on current supercomputer design; programming
interfaces for paralllel computing (OpenMP and MPI); parallel libraries; parallel algorithms; bench
marking, profiling and debugging. We then examine case studies of papers from the annual
SuperComputing conference.
Assessment: Final examination: 50%; Coursework: 50%; Subminima of 45% for both exam and the
assignments.
CSC4029Z INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER GRAPHICS


Course outline:
This course will expose students to the foundational theory of 3D computer graphics and provide a
short introduction to OpenGL and GLSL shader programming. Theory will encompass the formal
description of 3D models and how these can be lit and rendered to produce a desired representation
of a 3D scene. On the practical side, a series of short assignments will introduce basic OpenGL and
shader programming and allow students to apply the theory they have learned.
Topics include: the rendering pipeline and rasterization; 3D mesh model representation;
homogeneous coordinates; modelling and viewing transformations; shading, lighting and texturing;
GLSL shader programming; OpenGL/WebGL programming; advanced rendering - ray-tracing.
DP requirements: 40% in the practical assignments for the course.
Assessment: Assignment (40%), Exam (60%)
STA4026S ANALYTICS
Convener: S Britz
Course entry requirements: Undergraduate degree that included a substantial degree of training in
quantitative subjects and programming, as assessed by the course convener.
Course outline:
This course will cover computationally-intensive statistical methods for analysing datasets of various
sizes. The course will cover three broad sections: (1) Parallel and high-performance computing in R,
(2) Supervised Learning and (3) Unsupervised Learning.
In the first section, students will learn how to use R to analyse large datasets on multiple computer
processors, and UCT's own HPC cluster. The second section will expose students to machine learning
techniques that are used to infer a regression or classification rule based on labelled training data,
including regression and classification trees, bagging and random forests, boosting, neural networks.
The last section will cover statistical methods for classifying observations into groups where the group
memberships of the training data are not known in advance, including self-organising maps,
association rule mining and cluster analysis.
DP requirements: Satisfactory completion of assignments
Assessment: Assignments and Computer-based Exam
Master's specialising in Computer Science by Dissertation
CSC5000W COMPUTER SCIENCE DISSERTATION

Course entry requirements: Computer Science Honours from UCT prior to 2018, or permission
from the Head of Department in exceptional cases. In the normal case, students will be expected to
register for Master’s specialising in Computer Science, by coursework and minor dissertation.
Course outline:
material. General rules for this degree may be found in the front of the handbook. Students will be
expected to attend a research methods course in the first year.
Master's specialising in Computer Science or Artificial Intelligence, by Coursework

and Minor dissertation
The Department offers 2 Master's streams: MSc specialising in Computer Science

(CS) and MSc specialising in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Programme Convener: Professor J Gain

Course structure: See General rules for Master's Degrees in the front section of this book.
Progression: In any given year, students must either be registered for or have passed at least six of
the elective courses. Students get two attempts to pass each course. Should a student fail any course
on the second attempt, they will not be allowed to continue with the degree. This applies to the
Research Methods course as well. Students should pass a minimum of two elective courses per year.
With the course convener’s permission, students who have passed the Research Methods course as
well as four of the six elective courses may be permitted to register for CSC5002W/CSC5037W.
Students are not eligible to register for CSC5002W/CSC5037W until they have completed the
Research Methods course and at least four (out of six) elective courses.
CSC5002W COMPUTER SCIENCE MINOR DISSERTATION

Course entry requirements: Completion of all coursework, or permission of the convener.
Course outline:
Upon successful completion of the coursework, students will be required to register for this minor
dissertation component and complete a suitable research project under supervision of an appropriate
computer science academic staff member. The research component will expose the student to research
methodology, experimental design, data analysis techniques, and dissertation writing skills. Students
should be in a position to submit the final dissertation by the end of the year.
of the degree.
CSC5037W ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE MINOR DISSERTATION

Course entry requirements: Completion of all coursework, or permission of the convener.
Course outline:
Upon successful completion of the coursework component, students will be required to register for
this minor dissertation component in Artificial Intelligence and complete a suitable research project
on a topic within the broad area of Artificial Intelligence under supervision of an appropriate computer
science academic staff member. The research component will expose the student to research
methodology, experimental design, data analysis techniques, and dissertation writing skills. Students
should be in a position to submit the final dissertation by the end of the year.
of the degree.
CSC5008Z DATA VISUALISATION

Convener: Professor M M Kuttel
Course entry requirements: Admission into the Master's degree specialising in Computer Science,
or permission from the course convener.
Course outline:
Visualisation is the graphical representation of data with the goal of improving comprehension,
communication, hypothesis generation and decision making. This course aims to teach the principles
of effective visualisation of large, multidimensional data sets. We cover the field of visual thinking,
outlining current understanding of human perception and demonstrating how we can use this
knowledge to create more effective data visualisations.
DP requirements: 40% for assignment component.
Assessment: Students will be assessed with assignments (50%) and an exam (50%). A sub-minimum
of 40% will be required for each of the assignment and exam components of the course.
CSC5020Z RESEARCH METHODS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

Course outline:
The objective of the Research Methods course is to introduce students to a suite of research methods
from the perspective of Computer Science, that will prepare them for the minor dissertation
component of the degree. More specifically, the aim is to ensure that students are able to write an
appropriate research proposal, and have a good understanding of what it means to conduct research
within Computer Science.
Course content includes: An introduction to finding and reading research papers; Literature reviews;
Writing research proposals; Problem statements, research questions, and hypotheses; Types of
research within Computer Science; Research Ethics within Computer Science; Scientific and technical
writing; Qualitative and quantitative research methods; Research statistics; Research planning and
grant writing; Academic career planning.
Assessment: A submitted literature review (50%) and research proposal (50%).
CSC5021Z COMPUTATIONAL GEOMETRY FOR 3D PRINTING

or permission from the course convener. Computer Graphics at third-year level.
Course outline:
The objective is to master surface and volumetric modelling concepts applicable to 3D printing.
The use of 3D printers for rapid prototyping is becoming increasingly prevalent. However, the process
used by most current 3D printers of depositing thin layers of semi-molten material, which is known
as Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM), is not without limitations. Factors such as material thickness
and support structures need to be considered. This course will cover the theoretical concepts required
for creating geometric models suitable for 3D printing. From a practical perspective, students will
code modelling software, then design and ultimately print a 3D model.
Topics covered include: Geometry and Topology for Computer Graphics; 3D Printing Concepts:
Printing Hardware, Overhang Support, Applications; Volumetric Concepts: Voxels, Computational
Solid Geometry, Isosurface Extraction; Surface Concepts: Parametric Surfaces, Mesh Smoothing,
Free-Form Deformation.
Assessment: Exam: open book, 2 hours, 40%. Practical assessments 50%; Final printed show piece,
10%
CSC5022Z DISTRIBUTED SCIENTIFIC COMPUTING

Convener: Professor R Simmonds
or permission from the course convener. A basic understanding of computer networking and software
systems.
Course outline:
The objective is to provide an understanding of the basic components used to build Grid and Cloud
computing systems, with a focus on how these can support Scientific Computing.
This course gives an overview of the components that make up Grid and Cloud computing
environments. These include the components used to build distributed data and computing grids and
the various “as a Service” systems referred to as Cloud computing. It also looks at how these are used
for a range of activities, including supporting large scale Scientific Computing.
CSC5023Z META-HEURISTICS
This course may not be offered every year.
Course entry requirements: Admission into the Master's degree specialising in Computer Science
or Artificial Intelligence, or permission from the course convener. A basic understanding of genetics
and evolution is useful, but not required.
Course outline:
Meta-heuristics are a sub-field of biologically inspired artificial intelligence and general algorithmic
frameworks that can be applied to different optimisation problems with relative few modifications to
adapt them to a specific problem. This course examines the theory and application of several different
meta-heuristic methods, including: iterated local search, tabu search, evolutionary algorithms, ant
colony optimisation, simulated annealing, and particle swarm optimisation. Course objectives include:
gaining an understanding of the algorithmic theory and implementation of various meta-heuristic
algorithms, identifying meta-heuristics suitable for solving different types of problems, and how to
apply (implement) such meta-heuristics to various optimisation, machine learning, and design tasks.
Assessment: Exam: 50%; Practical assignments: 50%.
CSC5024Z INFORMATION RETRIEVAL

Convener: Professor H Suleman
or permission from the course convener. Basic understanding of XML data is required. Some
background on statistics and linear algebra will be useful.
Course outline:
The objective is to understand how search engines work at an algorithmic level. Learn how to build
and incorporate basic and specialized search engines into your own projects.
Course content includes: Introduction to Information Retrieval (IR); Models of Basic IR (Boolean,
Vector, Probabilistic); IR evaluation and testbeds; Stemming, Stopping, Relevance Feedback; Models
of Web and linked-data retrieval (Pagerank, HITS); Latent Semantic Analysis and Clustering;
Multimedia IR; Cross-lingual and multilingual IR; and IR in Practice (CMSes, digital libraries, Web,
social media, etc.).
Selected topics will be included from: Distributed and Federated IR; Recommender Systems; Natural
Language Processing for IR; Sentiment Analysis; Opinion Retrieval; and Text Summarization.
Assessment: Exam (take-home): 40%; Assignments: 40%; Class participation: 20%
CSC5025Z INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS

Convener: Associate Professor D Moodley
or Artificial Intelligence, or permission from the course convener. A strong mathematics background.
Course outline:
This Computer Science masters course provides an introduction to designing and implementing
intelligent systems, using selected Artificial Intelligence techniques. The course will introduce you to
at least two widely used Artificial Intelligence approaches, including machine learning and Bayesian
Artificial Intelligence. You will learn these techniques from a Computer Science perspective,
specifically how to design real world intelligent systems that incorporate such AI techniques.
Assessment: 2 hour open book exam: 50%, Practical assignments: 50%
CSC5026Z INTRODUCTION TO ICT FOR DEVELOPMENT

Course outline:
The goal is for you to understand basic ideas underlying ICT4D and how they are used in practice.
You will learn about and critically evaluate ICT4D projects. You will learn how to design and evaluate
development-oriented computing projects.
Course Content: Introduction to key terminology around socio-economic development; Key concepts
in ICT4D (e.g. social inclusion, after access); Case studies in specific domains, including healthcare,
agriculture, mobile money, education, etc.; Critical evaluation of ICT4D projects.
Assessment: Practical assignments: 80%; Case Study Presentation: 10%; Class Participation: 10%
CSC5027Z LOGICS FOR ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Convener: Professor T A Meyer
or Artificial Intelligence, or permission from the course convener. Familiarity with basic discrete
mathematics is highly recommended.
Course outline:
This course will introduce students to logics used in the area of Knowledge Representation - a subarea
of Artificial Intelligence.
Logic plays a central role in many areas of Artificial Intelligence. This course will introduce students
to Description Logics, a family of logics frequently used in the area of Knowledge Representation and
Reasoning. Description Logics are frequently used to represent formal ontologies.
Topics covered include the following: The Description Logic ALC; Reasoning in Description Logics
with Tableaux Algorithms; Reasoning in the EL family of Description Logics; and Query Answering.
Assessment: Exam: open book, 3 hours, 50%; Assignments: 50%.
CSC5028Z ONTOLOGY ENGINEERING

Convener: Associate Professor M Keet
or Artificial Intelligence, or permission from the course convener. Experience in modelling (ER, UML
Class diagrams) and some familiarity with logic will be helpful.
Course outline:
The principal aim of this module is to provide the participant with an overview of ontology
engineering—including language features, automated reasoning, and top-down and bottom-up
ontology development—and a main application field being the Semantic Web.
Course Content: Ontologies are used in a wide range of applications, such as data integration,
recommender systems, e-learning, semantic scientific workflows, and natural language processing.
While some of these applications pass the revue, the main focus of the course is on the ontologies.
The topics covered include the following:
Logic foundations for ontologies: Languages (Description Logics, OWL); and Automated reasoning
(class and instance classification, satisfiability and ontology consistency checking).
Ontology development: Ontology engineering, top-down - foundational ontologies, ontology design
patterns; Ontology engineering, bottom-up - exploiting legacy material, such as relational databases,
thesauri, text; and Methodologies for ontology development and maintenance, methods to enhance
ontology quality and to automate some aspect of the methodology.
Assessment: Exam (closed-book but with some material provided) - 50%, assignments - 50%.
CSC5029Z INTRODUCTION TO IMAGE PROCESSING AND COMPUTER

VISION
or Artificial Intelligence, or permission from the course convener.
Course outline:
To introduce students to basic concepts in computer vision and image processing, oriented towards
solving real world, practical image analysis problems. The student will be introduced to basic concepts
from digital signal processing, and a foundation built that will allow understanding of how more
sophisticated schemes such as image analysis/segmentation which can be used to describe image and
volumetric data at a higher, more useful, levels of abstraction. Case studies and papers will be
examined which relate this to real-world problems.
A number of lectures (as indicated below) will be presented by the course convener, interspersed with
paper/review sessions in which topical papers are discussed and followed up by review questions.
Topic will include: Basic Signal processing; Image Transforms & Operations; Feature Detection;
Object Descriptions; Basic Segmentation & Registration; Fundamental Segmentation techniques;
Machine Learning & GAs in Cvision; Case Study; and Paper Reviews.
Assessment: Exam: Open Book; 2 hours. Class Record: Practical 60%, Review Questions 40%. Final
Mark: Exam 40%, Class Record 60%.
CSC5030Z ADVANCED TOPICS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE MASTER'S 1

Course outline:
This course introduces advanced and cutting edge topics in Computer Science as they emerge with
new areas of investigation or practice.
CSC5031Z ADVANCED TOPICS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE MASTER'S 2

Course outline:
To introduce advanced and cutting edge topics in Computer Science as they emerge as new areas of
investigation or practice.
CSC5032Z NETWORKS & INTERNET SYSTEMS

Convener: Dr J Chavula
or permission from the course convener. Working knowledge of computer networks.
Course outline:
The objective is to gain advanced understanding of techniques for traffic engineering and quality of
service in the Internet architecture. The course focuses on advanced topics in internetworking, traffic
engineering, and mechanisms for measuring performance and Quality of Service (QoS) for network
services and the Internet.
Course content includes: New Network and Transport Protocols (IPv6, Mobile IP, IP Multicast,
Multipath TCP, QUIC); Routing and Traffic Engineering (Interdomain Routing and Traffic
Engineering with Border Gateway Protocol); Traffic Engineering with Overlay Networking
(MPLS/GMPL, Location/Identifier Separation Protocols, Software Defined Networking and Network
Function Virtualization); Internet Measurements (Quality of Service and Quality of Experience (QoS
and QoE), IP Traffic Monitoring and Analysis)
Selected reading/discussion topics will be included from: Cloud Infrastructure; Content Delivery
Networks; Internet Access in the Developing World, Community Networks; ICT4D, Online Data
Protection and Online Censorship.
Assessment: Assignments: 40%. Discussion sessions: 15%. Active Participation in Class: 5%. Final
Exam : 40%
CSC5033Z HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION

Course outline:
This course will introduce you to basic concepts and practice around user-centred design of digital
systems.
This course covers how to design and evaluate interactive systems for real users both in the developed
and developing worlds. We will look at both theory and practice of designing digital systems.
Topics include the design cycle, sketching and storyboarding, task analysis, contextual inquiry,
conceptual models, usability inspection, human information processing, experience design, and
qualitative and quantitative study design and evaluation. We will also invite guest speakers from
industry and research to talk about their own experiences with user-centred design.
The course will contain additional practical work to distinguish it from the honours level module on
Human Computer Interaction (CSC4024Z).
Assessment: Participation: 10% (measured by participation in user studies, in-class activities, in-class
discussion/presentations, and pre-class quizzes on Vula) Individual Practical Assessments: 20%.
Group Project Assessments: 40% Final Exam : 30%
CSC5034Z MACHINE LEARNING

Course entry requirements: Admission into the Master's degree specialising in Artificial
Intelligence, or permission from the course convener.
Course outline:
This course will expose students to foundational concepts and computational techniques in Machine
Learning and underlying theory and concepts related to formulating and implementing machine
learning algorithms to solve a wide range of problems. Students will also learn how to implement a
broad range of classical to biologically inspired machine learning algorithms with realworld
applications. Core topics include supervised and unsupervised learning such as: concept learning,
clustering, artificial neural networks and reinforcement learning.
Assessment: Practical work counts 50%; examination counts 50%.
CSC5035Z NATURAL LANGUAGE PROCESSING

Convener: Dr J Buys
Course outline:
The course will introduce students to fundamental concepts and current approaches in Natural
Language Processing. Course content includes: Text preprocessing; Naive Bayes and logistic
regression for text classification; Word vectors and distributional semantics; n-gram language models;
Sequence labelling with hidden Markov Models; Syntactic parsing; Recurrent neural networks for
sequence processing; Encoder-decoder neural networks; Transformers neural networks and contextual
embeddings. A selection of Natural Language Processing applications included from: Sentiment
analysis, Parts-of-Speech tagging, Named Entity Recognition, machine translation, information
extraction and question answering.
Assessment: Exam (take-home): 50%; Assignments: 50%.
CSC5036Z VIRTUAL REALITY

Course outline:
Virtual Reality (VR) involves the creation of a digital replacement for the senses (sight, hearing, smell,
taste, touch) using devices, such as head-mounted displays and haptic feedback, in such a way that
users perceives themselves to be immersed in an alternate or augmented reality. VR has applications
in games, simulation and training. This course will introduce the theoretical underpinnings and
practical skills necessary for creating virtual environments. Topics covered include the following:
Interaction in VR, navigation and locomotion in VR, simulator sickness, immersion and presence,
designing VR Environments with Unity, non-visual modalities (binaural output, virtual flavour,
haptics).
Assessment: Exam: open book, 24 hours, 50%; Assignments: 50%.
CSC5038Z ARTIFICIAL LIFE

Course outline:
Artificial life is a multi-disciplinary field of study (drawing from computer science, artificial
intelligence, complex systems, evolutionary biology and chemistry), wherein researchers examine
living systems, their adaptive processes and evolution, through the use of computer simulations,
robotics, and biochemistry. In Artificial Intelligence (AI), researchers ponder the nature of
intelligence by trying to build intelligent systems from scratch, and in Artificial Life (ALIFE),
researchers investigate the nature of “life” by trying to build artificial living systems from scratch.
This course examines the origins of ALIFE, Cybernetics and AI: simulation and synthesis of life-like
systems, self-reproducing artificial evolution systems of digital organisms, cellular automata, swarm
intelligence and stigmergy, as well as nature-inspired computation such as automated product design
and evolutionary art. Course objectives include gaining an understanding of the theory and application
of several selected topics via the implementation and analysis of various artificial life systems.
Assessment: Exam: 50%; Practical Work: 50%.
Master's specialising in Information Technology by Coursework and Minor

dissertation
Programme Convener: Associate Professor M Densmore

Entry requirements: The Masters in Information Technology by Coursework and Dissertation is a
conversion course designed for those with a degree in a non-IT field to attain a strong background and
a qualification in Information Technology. This course follows a Bachelor Honours or equivalent in
any non-IT degree. All admissions decisions are at the discretion of the university.
Course structure: See General Rules for Master's Degrees in the front section of this book.
Progression: Students should pass a minimum of three courses each year. Should a student fail any
course on the second attempt, they will not be allowed to continue with their studies. Students are
eligible to register for CSC5004W once they have passed 7 of the 8 courses.

Course entry requirements: CSC5005H and CSC5006H or (CSC5007Z, CSC5010Z, CSC5011Z,
CSC5012Z, CSC5014Z, CSC5015Z, CSC5016Z and CSC5017Z) or permission from the convener.
Course outline:
Upon successful completion of the coursework component (Two block modules (CSC5005H and
CSC5006H) or all eight individual modules (CSC5007Z, CSC5010Z, CSC5011Z, CSC5012Z,
CSC5014Z, CSC5015Z, CSC5016Z and CSC5017Z)), students will be required to register for this
minor dissertation course and complete a one year research project under supervision of an appropriate
computer science academic staff member.
of the degree.
CSC5005H INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COURSEWORK PART 1

Not offered to new students after 2017.
Course entry requirements: An Honours degree or 4-year equivalent plus access to the Internet.
Course outline:
CSC5005H and CSC5006H together constitute the coursework component. CSC5005H comprises 4
modules selected from the following: Object-oriented programming; Human-Computer Interaction;
Databases; Networks; Web Programming; Software Engineering; Cyberlaw and Ethics; Research
Methods. CSC5006H comprises the remaining 4 modules, i.e. excluding modules for which credit
was received in CSC5005H. All study is via on-line self-study materials.
DP requirements: A subminimum of 40% average for the assignments of at least 3 modules and an
average of at least 40% in the mid-year examinations.
Assessment: In CSC5005H and CSC5006H assignments count 30% and the examination 70%. A
subminimum of 40% for examinations is required in each of CSC5005H and CSC5006H. A module
can be repeated once only; two unsuccessful attempts constitute a fail. A student who accumulates
two failed modules will not be permitted to continue. To pass each course an overall average of at
least 50% is required.
CSC5006H INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COURSEWORK PART 2

Not offered to new students after 2017.
Course entry requirements: An Honours degree or 4-year equivalent plus access to the Internet.
Course outline:
CSC5005H and CSC5006H together constitute the coursework component. CSC5005H comprises 4
modules selected from the following: Object-oriented programming; Human-Computer Interaction;
Databases; Networks; Web Programming; Software Engineering; Cyberlaw and Ethics; Research
Methods. CSC5006H comprises the remaining 4 modules, i.e. excluding modules for which credit
was received in CSC5005H. All study is via on-line self-study materials.
DP requirements: A subminimum of 40% average for the assignment of at least 3 modules and an
average of at least 40% in the mid-year examinations.
Assessment: In CSC5005H and CSC5006H assignments count 30% and the examination 70%. A
subminimum of 40% for examinations is required in each of CSC5005H and CSC5006H. A module
can be repeated once only; two unsuccessful attempts constitute a fail. A student who accumulates
two failed modules will not be permitted to continue. To pass each course an overall average of at
least 50% is required.

Course entry requirements: Admission into the Master’s degree specialising in IT, or permission
from the course convener.
Course outline:
In the course, a framework for describing the operation of computer networks is developed. Within
this framework, we start with the operation of local-area networks, packet-switched networks and the
Internet. After this, the module moves to the uses made of these networks, concentrating on business
applications. The effect on organisations of introducing such networked applications is also examined.
Assessment: Final examination: 70%; Practical assignments: 30%. A sub-minimum of 40% will be
required for each of the assignment and exam components of the course.
CSC5011Z MIT: OBJECT-ORIENTED PROGRAMMING IN PYTHON

Course entry requirements: Admission into the Master's degree specialising in IT, or permission
from the course convener.
Course outline:
The underlying aim of all courses is to develop a foundation in key topics related to the application of
computer hardware and software in solving practical problems. This is a basic introduction to object-
oriented programming in a modern language, namely, Python. Python is becoming increasingly
popular as an effective means of introducing programming concepts to those who are new to
programming. Students will be taught how to create simple applications in the Python language.
CSC5012Z MIT: HUMAN COMPUTER INTERACTION

Course entry requirements: Admission into the Master's degree specialising in IT, or
permission from the course convener.
Course outline:
Introduction to the discipline of human-computer interaction. This module covers how knowledge
from fields such as psychology and graphic design can be used to increase the usability of computer
software.
CSC5014Z MIT: SOCIAL ISSUES & PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES

Course outline:
The underlying aim of all courses is to develop a foundation in key topics related to the application of
computer hardware and software in solving practical problems. SIPP introduces important
considerations relating to ethical and professional issues. It introduces students to ethical issues such
as property rights, freedom of expression and privacy, and concepts such as free and open source
software, ICT for Development, and Professional Codes of Conduct. It also equips students with tools
for critical reasoning in order to construct and analyse ICT policy arguments and evaluate the ethical
components in ICT case studies.
CSC5015Z MIT: SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

Course outline:
This module aims to introduce a range of techniques within both structured and object-oriented
methods, in order to enable you to analyse and design well engineered software solutions. You will
be introduced to the practical use of CASE tools in modelling and documenting analysis and design
specifications. Different life cycle models will also be discussed.
CSC5016Z MIT: WEB PROGRAMMING

Course outline:
This course introduces students to the technology underlying the modern Internet. This includes: the
systems used to encode information and how the information is architected; the use of Javascript as a
dynamic execution model; modern information encoding approaches such as XML; and the creation
of Web applications.
CSC5017Z MIT: RESEARCH METHODS

Course outline:
This module is intended to provide students with the insight and techniques required to allow them to
write a successful postgraduate research project - the final module leading to the Master's Degree.
Topics to be covered include: Introduction to IT Research; Ethics in Research; Conducting a Literature
Review; Finding a Research Question/Goal; Project Management; Research Proposals;
Experimentation; Prototypes; Case Studies; Surveys; Conducting Observations; Testing in IT
Research; Modelling; Usability Analysis; Introduction to Statistics; The Writing Process; Research
Presentations; and The Masters/PhD Thesis.
Master's specialising in Data Science

For details of this course, refer to the Department of Statistical Sciences. The curriculum structure is
outlined in the front section of this book.
CSC5007Z DATABASE SYSTEMS

Course entry requirements: Acceptance into the Master's degree, specialising in Data Science or
Course outline:
This course will introduce students with little or no prior experience to the three cornerstone database
technologies for big data, namely relational, NoSQL and Hadoop ecosystems. The course aims to give
students an understanding of how data is organised and manipulated at large scale, and practical
experience of the design and development of such databases using open source infrastructure. The
relational part will cover conceptual, logical and physical database design, including ER modelling
and normalisation theory, as well as SQL coding and best practices for performance enhancement.
NoSQL databases were developed for big data and semi-structured data applications where relational
systems are too inefficient; all four types of NoSQL architecture will be introduced. Distributed data
processing is key in manipulating large data sets effectively. The final section of the course will teach
the popular Hadoop technologies for distributed data processing, such as MapReduce programming
and the execution model of Apache Spark. The course will be presented in an online format.
CSC5009W DATA SCIENCE MINOR DISSERTATION

Course entry requirements: Successful completion of the coursework component of the Master's
specialising in Data Science.
Course outline:
will be based on an analysis of large data sets from Physics, Astronomy, Medicine, Finance or other
areas of application using methodology learnt in coursework component of degree. Alternatively, the
dissertation component may focus on methodological developments in Computer Sciences required
for the analysis of large amount of data.
PhD
CSC6000W COMPUTER SCIENCE THESIS

Students will be expected to attend a research methods course in the first year.
Course outline:
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND

GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCE
The Department is housed in the Environment & Geographical Science Building, South Lane
Telephone (021) 650-2874 Fax (021) 650-3456
The Departmental abbreviation for Environmental & Geographical Science is EGS.

F D Eckardt, BSc Hons KCL MSc Cranfield DPhil Oxon
South African Research Chair in Climate Change:
B C Hewitson, BSc Cape Town MSc PhD Penn State
Professor and South African Research Chair in Environmental and Social Dimensions of the
Bio-economy:
R P Wynberg, BSc Hons MSc MPhil Cape Town PhD Strathclyde
Professors:
M New, BSc Hons Cape Town MPhil PhD Cantab
M R Sowman, MSc PhD Cape Town
R F Fuggle, BSc Hons UED Natal MSc Louisiana PhD McGill
S Parnell, BA Hons HDE PG MA PhD Witwatersrand
Emeritus Professor and Senior Research Scholar:
M E Meadows, BSc Hons Sussex PhD Cantab FRSSG FRSSAf
Honorary Professors:
B Chase, BA Portland MSc Sheffield DPhil Oxon
W J Gutowski, BSc Yale PhD MIT
B J Abiodun, MTech FUTA Lic Uppsala PhD FUTA
P Anderson, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
Z Patel, BSc Hons MSc Natal PhD Cantab
G Ziervogel, BSc Hons Rhodes DPhil Oxon
Honorary Associate Professor:
S Lwasa, MSc Netherlands Masters PhD Uganda
Senior Lecturers:
J Battersby, BSc Hons London MA Newcastle DPhil Oxon
S Daya, BA Hons Cape Town MA PhD Durham
P Mbatha, BSocSc Hons UKZNMSocSc PhD Cape Town
K J Winter, BA Hons Cape Town MA London PhD Cape Town
Lecturers:
S Scheba, MPhil Cape Town PhD Manchester
J R von Holdt, BSc Unisa MPhil PhD Cape Town
Researcher:
M J van Niekerk
D Fig, BA Cape Town BSc Hons PhD LSE
R Hill, BSc Civil Eng PhD Cape Town
Honorary Research Affiliate:
E W Bergh, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
Chief Science Officer:
C Jack, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
S Adams
F Hartley
Finance Officer:
---
Senior Secretary:
---Technical Assistant:
S Hess
CLIMATE SYSTEM ANALYSIS GROUP

Director:
B C Hewitson, BSc Cape Town MSc PhD Penn State
Deputy Director:
C Jack, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
Researchers:
O Crespo, MSc Montpellier PhD Toulouse
P Johnston, BSc Hons HDE Stell MSc PhD Cape Town
C Lennard, BSc Hons MSc PhD Cape Town
A McClure, BSc Hons MSc Rhodes
I Pinto, Licenciatura Maputo MSc PhD Cape Town
M Tadross, BSc Hons Newcastle PhD Cantab
P Wolski, MSc Krakow PhD Amsterdam
Research Support:
R Duffet, BSc MSc Cape Town
S Govender, BSc Unisa MSc UFS
P Kloppers, BSc Hons MSc Cape Town
P Mukwenha, Bsc Hons MSU Zimbabwe
M Rustin-Nefdt, BCom Unisa
L Van Aardenne, BSc Hons MSc Cape Town
RESEARCH IN ENVIRONMENTAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCE

Research in Environmental and Geographical Science embraces a variety of topics that are listed
below. More detailed information can be obtained by writing to the Department of Environmental and
Geographical Science or by consulting the departmental website, www.egs.uct.ac.za.
The Department undertakes research into numerous aspects of society and the environment but is
particularly involved in studies of environmental change, human-environment interactions, and the
politics of sustainability. There is an active graduate programme. The department offers Masters and
PhD programmes by research dissertation as well as Masters by coursework and research in
Environment, Society and Sustainability, and in African Climate and Development.
Of major interest is the identification and evaluation of environmental problems, along with the
assessment of environmental impacts. The department is active in projects which involve assessing
the impact of development projects on the biophysical and social environment. The Department is
involved in ongoing research and teaching centred on the governance of social-ecological systems,
including a specific focus on marine and coastal environments and their interface with communities.
An active research programme considers the social and environmental dimensions of the bio-
economy.
The problem of urbanization in Africa provides a focus for staff engaged in an analysis of the process
in both contemporary and historical contexts. Biogeographical research is also pursued by staff and
research students. The ways in which environmental change and human activities have shaped the
landscape and vegetation patterns of southern Africa are interpreted through palaeoecological, remote
sensing and geomorphological studies. Research in climatology focuses on Southern Hemisphere
climate variability, regional implications of global climate change, climate modelling, precipitation
controls, satellite climatology, and mesoscale meteorology.
Fieldwork
All students attending courses in Environmental & Geographical Science are required to take part
in fieldwork arranged during the year.
First-Year Courses
EGS1003S GEOGRAPHY, DEVELOPMENT & ENVIRONMENT

There is a compulsory fieldwork component involving half-day field excursions.
Convener: Dr P Mbatha
Course entry requirements: At least 50% for NSC Geography or GEO1009F
Course outline:
The course introduces students to development, sustainability and environment debates in geography,
by exploring different landscapes at different scales and levels, focusing on the historical roots and
spatial patterns that underpin development.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 2nd period
DP requirements: Attendance and satisfactory completion of tutorial assignments; students must
attain an average mark of not less than 40% for the coursework component.
Assessment: Essays, a class test and tutorial work count 50%; one 2-hour theory examination written
in November counts 50% (subminimum of 40% required).
GEO1009F GEOSYSTEMS: AN INTRODUCTION TO EARTH &

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
This course is presented jointly by the Departments of Archaeology, Environmental & Geographical
Science and Geological Sciences, but administered by Geological Sciences. Students are required to
attend three half-day excursions in the Cape Peninsula.
Convener: Professor E M Bordy
Course entry requirements: At least 50% for NSC Geography or at least 60% for NSC Physical
Science or Life Sciences. NOTE: Preference will be given to students registered in the Science
Faculty.
Course outline:
This course aims to develop a broad understanding of how the Earth works. Over its >4.5 billion-year-
long history, the Earth has been shaped by chemical, physical and biological processes. The course
shows why decoding the rock record of deep-time events is critical for explaining past, present and
future environmental changes and the distribution of natural resources. The Earth has also sustained
life in the last >3.5 billion years. Our species, Homo sapiens, is a relatively recent arrival, yet it had
the greatest impact on our planet. The course reviews human evolution and how we became the
dominant cause of environmental change on our planet. The course also introduces environmental
science and examines contemporary linkages between climate, hydrology and critical surface zone
processes within the context of human impact. Together they control the state of the environment and
determine the resilience, vulnerability and risks for life on Earth.
DP requirements: An average of 30% on all marked classwork and tests.
Assessment: Marked classwork and class tests count 50%; June examination 3 hours counts 50%. A
Subminimum of 40% is required in the theory examination paper. Supplementary examinations for
GEO1009F will be written in July.
Second-Year Courses
EGS2013F THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Convener: Associate Professor F Eckardt
Course entry requirements: GEO1009F
Course outline:
The course focuses on contemporary Atmosphere-Earth surface interactions, in particular the role of
precipitation and water from a global to a regional scale and examines temporal dynamics, driven by
natural process as well as anthropogenic pressures. It covers in detail global circulation patterns,
climate variability, soil formation, polar response to climate change, informants of regional biome
formation, tropical deforestation, and desertification and earth observation technology. It is expected
that students will enhance their understanding of Earth system dynamics, systems interactions and
develop an appreciation for scales both temporal and spatial. Students are also expected to put the
local context into a regional setting and make linkages to the larger global picture.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 5th period
DP requirements: Satisfactory completion of practicals and all written assignments, including
projects, fieldwork reports, practicals, essays and class tests. Students must attain an average mark of
not less than 40% for the coursework.
Assessment: Project, essays, class tests and practical assignments including fieldwork report count
50%; one 3-hour examination written in June count 50% (subminimum of 40% required).
EGS2015S SOCIETY & SPACE

Convener: Dr S Scheba
Course entry requirements: For BSc: EGS1003S; For BA or BSocSc: EGS1003S or Social Science
Foundation course and two full first year Humanities courses, or equivalent.
Course outline:
Spatial thinking sits at the core of Geographical scholarship, and space and human societies are always
mutually constitutive. This course explores how geographers have theorised space and place as central
to understanding historical processes, social relations and cultural practices. Focusing particularly on
Africa and other regions of the global South, the course covers foundational Human Geography
concepts including modernity, landscape, memory, heritage, identity and inclusion. Through
theoretical work and field-based experiential learning, we examine how space and place both shape
and are shaped by a range of power dynamics.
DP requirements: Attendance and satisfactory completion of practical including fieldwork and
tutorial assignments; students must attain an average mark of not less than 40% for the coursework.
Assessment: Essays, a class test, practical assignments based on compulsory fieldwork and tutorial
work count 50%; one 2-hour theory examination written in November counts 50% (subminimum of
40% required).
Third-Year Courses
EGS3012S ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE

Convener: Associate Professor B J Abiodun
Course entry requirements: GEO1009F or equivalent, EGS2013F or SEA2004F (or SEA2002S or
SEA2003F) or any approved 2000-level Science course, and or any approved 1000-level Physics or
Mathematics course.
Course outline:
This course aims to provide a thorough understanding of the physical processes that control the Earth's
atmosphere. It covers the following topics: atmospheric energy balance, thermodynamics, dynamics,
and general circulation; tropical and mid-latitude weather producing systems; weather and climate
extreme events (e.g. heat-waves, drought, and floods) in Africa; climate variability and change;
atmospheric boundary layer turbulence, chemistry, and pollution. The lectures are complemented with
field measurements and laboratory practicals to demonstrate basic data analysis techniques employed
in atmospheric sciences.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 1st period
DP requirements: Satisfactory completion of practicals and all written assignments, including essays,
project reports and class tests.
Assessment: Essays and tests count 20%; project reports and practicals count 20%; one 3-hour
examination in November counts 60% (subminimum of 40% required).
EGS3021F SUSTAINABILITY & ENVIRONMENT

There is a compulsory fieldwork component involving a half-day field excursion.
Convener: Professor M Sowman
Course entry requirements: EGS2013F, EGS2015S
Course outline:
The course critically engages with current debates and discourses in the fields of sustainability,
vulnerability and environmental management, including examination of key concepts such as
integration, systems-thinking, complexity, equity, vulnerability, risk, resilience, adaptation and
mitigation. Approaches and methods for analysing environmental problems and integrating risk
reduction as well as sustainability principles and practices into policy, programme, plan and project
cycle processes are investigated and applied in different contexts.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 3rd period
DP requirements: Attendance and satisfactory completion of practicals (including fieldwork), other
assignments and tests; students must attain an average mark of not less than 40% for the coursework.
Assessment: Practical reports (including fieldwork), class tests and other assignments count 50%; one
3-hour June examination counts 50% (subminimum of 40% required).
EGS3022S GEOGRAPHIC THOUGHT

Convener: Associate Professor Z Patel
Course entry requirements: EGS2015S
Course outline:
The course focuses on debates in classical and contemporary human geography. It considers important
thematic areas in the geographical literature, such as development; spatiality; urban, political and
feminist geographies. Each thematic area explores specific debates and key author’s work in the field,
providing students with an introduction to literature, a content overview, and skills to deconstruct and
build conceptual and analytical arguments related to evidence drawn from geographical research from
around the world, other than South Africa. The course also emphasises academic reading and writing
skills taught in the practical sessions.
DP requirements: Satisfactory completion of essay and practical assignments and participation in
tutorials; students must attain an average mark of not less than 40% for the coursework
Assessment: Essay and other assignments count 70%; one 3-hour written examination in November
count 30% (subminimum of 40% required).
EGS3023F ANTHROPOCENE ENVIRONMENTS IN PERSPECTIVE

Convener: Associate Professor P Anderson
Course entry requirements: EGS2013F
Course outline:
The course deals with the dynamic physical environment including the human impact on global
environments at various spatial and temporal scales during the so-called Anthropocene. The general
aim of this course is to illustrate the nature and scale of changes that characterise the earth’s
environment, against a background of both natural and anthropogenically-induced processes. This
provides an important perspective when thinking about contemporary environments and how they
might change in the future – with obvious consequences for our own species and that of the others
with which we share the planet.
DP requirements: Satisfactory completion of practicals and all written assignments, including
fieldwork report, essays and class tests. Students must attain an average mark of not less than 40% for
the coursework.
Assessment: Field report, essays, class tests and practical assignments count 50%; one 3-hour
examination written in June count 50% (sub-minimum of 40% required).
Ancillary activities
In addition to formal courses, students undertaking postgraduate courses are required to
participate fully in other departmental activities of an academic nature. Such activities are weekly
seminars on environmental topics addressed by persons prominent in their fields, field camps and field
exercises away from Cape Town, and study tours to obtain first-hand exposure to environmental
problems and their solutions. Graduate students who, in the opinion of the Head of Department, have
not had adequate exposure to undergraduate courses with environmental content may also be required
to attend specified courses.
EGS4001W ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE HONOURS

Since the code EGS4001W will not carry a NQF credit value, students will be concurrently registered
for EGS4052W (coursework component of 120 NQF credits) and EGS4053W (research project of 40
NQF credits).
Course entry requirements: As for EGS4004W, with the additional requirement of at least a half-
course in Mathematics or a full-course in Physics, as well as a senior undergraduate course in
climatology or atmospheric science. Experience with computers is highly recommended.
Course outline:
The Atmospheric Science programme provides a 4th year of development for those interested in
following a career associated with atmospheric science and climatology, or for progression to research
in this area. The focus is on practical skills and the application of theory to the issues related to the
climate system. The programme follows the same pattern as EGS4004W, with the constraint that three
of four course modules must be from the atmospheric options, and the fourth module from one of the
Honours level physical science options in Environmental & Geographical Science or the
Oceanography department. Included in the requirements are a research project, two seminar
presentations, and course fieldwork. Students will also attend and present at the annual conference of
the South African Society for Atmospheric Scientists.
DP requirements: Students must pass at least three of their coursework electives and achieve a
composite pass on the coursework. Students must achieve a pass on their research project to proceed
to graduation in the degree.
Assessment: The examinations will follow the same structure as EGS4004W. Not all course options
have formal examinations, and a significant portion of the total coursework mark may be based on set
project tasks. Examinations on average count 50% and coursework 50% for each module. The
combined module results count 75% and the research project counts 25% of the degree as a whole.
Students must pass the project component in order to qualify. These component parts of the course
will be combined in a final overall mark which will be reflected against the course code EGS4001W,
with PA (pass) entered against the coursework and project codes; each of these components must be
passed separately for the award of the degree.
EGS4004W ENVIRONMENTAL & GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCE HONOURS

Since the code EGS4004W will not carry a NQF credit value, students will be concurrently registered
for EGS4054W (coursework component of 120 NQF credits) and EGS4055W (research project of 40
NQF credits). Entrance is limited to 30 students
Course entry requirements: A BSc degree with a major in Environmental & Geographical Science
or related field. Acceptance will be at the discretion of the Head of Department who will consider
quality of final year results, material covered in the undergraduate curriculum, and referee reports.
Preference may be given to UCT graduates who meet the course entry requirements.
Course outline:
Students complete four advanced semester modules. One of these four modules must be a research
methods module. Students complete a research methods course and then select a further three modules
from a range of advanced courses in Environmental and Geographical Science that have foundations
in one or more of the following areas of study: Human Geography, Environmental Management,
Physical Geography. Curricula must be approved by the course convener in consultation with the
Head of Department. In addition, each student completes a research project. At the discretion of the
Convener, in consultation with the Head of Department, students may take one course from outside
the Department (in addition to the methods course) towards the BSc Hons degree in Environmental &
Geographical Science.
DP requirements: Students must pass at least three of their coursework electives and achieve a
composite pass on the coursework. Students must achieve a pass on their research project to proceed
to graduation in the degree.
Assessment: Courses will be examined at the end of each semester, and the marks combined with
project, essay, fieldwork and seminar presentation marks. Examinations on average count 50% and
coursework 50% for each module. The combined module results count 75% and the research project
counts 25% of the degree as a whole. Students must pass the project component in order to qualify.
These component parts of the course will be combined in a final overall mark which will be reflected
against the course code EGS4004W, with PA (pass) entered against the coursework and project codes;
each of these components must be passed separately for the award of the degree.
EGS4023F/S RESEARCH METHODS FOR NATURAL SCIENTISTS

Course entry requirements: Acceptance for Honours or Master’s specialising in EGS.
Course outline:
The course has a dual purpose. Firstly, a series of weekly lectures and hands-on practical seminars on
the nuts and bolts of quantitative analysis. The analysis techniques investigated are (mostly) the
fundamental methods found commonly in the literature; viz: Classification, time series analysis,
EOF/PCA, non-linear analysis. In parallel to this are a series of seminars on “the Philosophy of
Science” addressing issues of values, perception, the science community, etc.
DP requirements: At least 80% attendance record and submission of all assignments.
Assessment: 100% Coursework.
EGS4024F/S MANAGING COMPLEX HUMAN ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS

Course outline:
Increasingly scholars have recognised that many of our environmental problems are complex systems
problems that require an understanding of natural, socio-economic and governance systems as well as
the interactions that occur between them. Furthermore, research suggests that conventional approaches
to managing environmental problems are not moving us in sustainable directions and hence the call
for innovative and alternative approaches to managing these complex systems. EGS 5024F introduces
graduate students to important theoretical, methodological and ethical foundations of environmental
and coastal management. The module introduces systems thinking and complexity theory and explores
tools and governance frameworks for managing complex human-ecological systems. These concepts
and theoretical ideas are then applied to cases in the coastal and small-scale fisheries arena.
Assessment: Assignments 60%; examination 40%.
EGS4030F/S CLIMATE MODELLING

Course outline:
An introduction into the development and application of climate models for exploring climate
dynamics, forecasting, and climate change. The course explores the inner workings of climate models,
the use in operational seasonal forecasting in Africa (with hands-on work with the current forecasts),
and actual running model experiments. Students are expected to have done EGS3012S or its
equivalent.
EGS4034F/S INTERROGATING SOUTHERN AFRICAN LANDSCAPES

NB: enrolment to this course is by invitation only
Convener: Dr S Daya and Professor M Meadows
Course outline:
South African landscapes have always been contested. In the contemporary moment of global
environmental crisis and deepening social inequality, it is critical that we build an interdisciplinary
understanding of the histories, legacies and transformations playing out in particular places.
Geography and allied disciplines offer many different ways of studying how the ecological and the
cultural intertwine in shaping our landscapes. In this course, through foundational theoretical
engagements and field-based activities, we explore some of the cross-cutting social, political,
economic, ecological and biophysical dynamics playing out in the context of the rapidly changing
Southern African region.
EGS4038F/S CLIMATE CHANGE AND PREDICTABILITY

Convener: Professor B Hewitson
Course outline:
The course explores the theory of climate change, and then goes into the question of predictability,
cross scale relationships and feedbacks in the climate system, the tools and techniques of prediction,
and translation of predictions into the user community including impacts and vulnerability analyses
and touching on the social dimension.
EGS4039F/S URBAN FOOD SECURITY

Convener: Associate Professor J Battersby
Course outline:
Topics include an overview of poverty and urbanization in Southern Africa; urban food security,
methods and issues; urban poverty and vulnerability debates; food security and health; managing
urban food systems (ecological, regulatory and fiscal dynamics).
EGS4040F/S SPECIAL TOPIC IN HUMAN/ENVIRONMENT INTERACTIONS

Convener: Dr S Daya
Course outline:
Issues and themes in contemporary aspects of the Human/ Environmental interface will be covered.
Specific attention will be given to profiling core debates in a specialist field of human or
environmental geography. The course will focus on using theory, but will encourage the use of case
studies. Course outcomes will emphasize the development of conceptual and analytical skills.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
EGS4041F/S APPROACHES AND ISSUES IN PHYSICAL AND

Convener: Dr S Daya
Course outline:
Issues and themes in contemporary aspects of the Physical/ Environmental interface will be covered.
Specific attention will be given to profiling core debates in a specialist field of physical or
environmental geography. The course will cover theoretical, empirical and methodological concerns
and will include a fieldwork component.
EGS4043F/S CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND TRANSFORMATION

Convener: Associate Professor G Ziervogel
Course outline:
The central question of this course is “Why does adaptation to climate change need to be understood
from a social and governance perspective?” Climate change adaptation will be explored as a means
for responding to global environmental change, at the local, national and international scale and from
the perspective of individuals, organisations and government. Coming out of the course you will
understand the complexity of adaptation and the relationship between reducing climate risk and
broader socio-economic issues, how to position adaptation to climate change in the development
context and as a means of transformation. Through the course you will develop skills to critically
assess adaptation responses in terms of potential contributions and challenges and identify how the
social and governance aspects of adaptation could be strengthened.
EGS4044F/S URBAN ECOLOGY

Course outline:
The aim of this module is to introduce students to both the theory and practice of urban ecology.
Students will be expected to engage critically with current theories and debates as presented in the
urban ecology literature. In addition to this, there will be a significant focus on practical methods and
skills. Students will be expected to interrogate the urban landscape, identify and pose relevant
ecological questions, and design and implement appropriate methods to answer these ecological
questions. Broad theoretical areas to be engaged in, all in the context of the city include: biogeography,
alien invasion, landscape fragmentation, conservation, restoration, ecosystem services, and social
ecology.
EGS4045F/S GEOMORPHOLOGY
Course outline:
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the theory of geomorphological systems and apply
this to an area or topic of their choice. The course is particularly targeted at Honours students who
have selected physical geography topics for their dissertation. It gives them the opportunity to deepen
some of their geomorphological literature relevant to their chosen project. Students are expected to
interpret landscapes, identify formative processes and events, examine environmental changes at
different spatial and temporal scales, place their area of study into the geological, Quaternary, climatic
and applied context in order to appreciate geomorphologic concepts such as systems approach,
complexity, relationships, feedbacks, thresholds, equilibrium and cycles.
EGS4046F/S WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Convener: Dr K Winter
Course outline:
The aim of the module is to develop a comprehensive understanding of issues and challenges in water
resources management at both an urban and catchment scale, and with a primary focus on the South
African context. The various themes in this module will present a fascinating interplay of tensions and
challenges that play out in geographical space and over time, and will involve the consideration of
factors such as the increasing demand that society places on scarce water resources; on efforts to meet
the basic social need for clean, potable water; on the consequences of interventions and institutional
arrangements involved in water governance; and on the role of the private sector in managing water
risk in a particular catchment. The module also emphasises the value of an integrated understanding
of theories and practices in water resources management and it does so by exploring the perspectives
and approaches of sustainability science. Key themes in the module include water quality, monitoring
and compliance; new directions in water research in South Africa; a consideration of biological
treatment of water; participation in water governance; and how corporate enterprises are becoming
leaders in water stewardship, shared water risk and value creation. These and other themes will be
discussed in interactive seminar sessions. The course includes a three-week directed reading period,
as well as a 4-day field camp.
EGS4047F/S POLICY AND GOVERNANCE

Convener: Dr Z Patel
Course outline:
This course looks at the underlying dynamics involved in the negotiation of environmental policy and
its implementation. The assumption here is that unsustainable outcomes are not a result of a lack of
will or intention, but rather due to vastly varying values, knowledge and data that are brought to bear
on decision making for the environment. The approach of this course is to challenge the ‘cultural
embeddedness’ of policy i.e. it critiques the cultural processes underlying environmental policy. A
deeper understanding of the cultural politics of environmental policy and practice will deal with the
processes through which institutions define and mediate policy outcomes; governance arrangements
for sustainable development; the roles of power, rationality, knowledge and values in achieving
environmental and social justice.
EGS4056F/S IMAGINING SOUTHERN CITIES

Convener: Drs S Daya and R Sitas
Course entry requirements: Acceptance for Honours or Master’s specialising in EGS or a cognate
discipline.
Course outline:
The global South is urbanising at roughly twice the rate of the global North, yet dominant narratives
of 'the city' continue to privilege London, Los Angeles and Paris over Lagos, Johannesburg and
Mumbai. This course explores how cities of the global South are generating new bodies of theory,
new forms of social life, and new imaginaries. It does this through novels, films and other textual and
visual representations of everyday urbanism, drawing on contemporary theory from the global South
to help make sense of these discourses. Situated in the rapidly evolving field of Urban Studies, the
course aims to open up conversations across disciplines about the cities we are in and the cities we
desire. Students will be expected to read set texts, both fictional and theoretical, and watch set films,
in preparation for classes which will take the form of weekly, student-led seminars.
EGS4057F/S URBAN POLITICAL ECOLOGY

Course outline:
This course explores urbanisation dynamics with a particular interest in examining the role of political
economic shifts, history, discourse, and new forms of techno-management in shaping the
contemporary urban environment. It does this through drawing on urban political ecology as an
interdisciplinary field of study, that provides insights into the power relations underlying unequal
access to urban space, resources and infrastructure. Situated in this rapidly evolving field of Urban
Studies, the course aims to open up conversations about the dynamics underlying unequal access to
cities as well as the possibilities that could support more just and equitable cities. Students will be
expected to read set texts, both empirical and theoretical, in preparation for classes, which take the
form of weekly, student-led seminars.
EGS4058F/S CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON THE BIO-ECONOMY

Convener: Professor R Wynberg
Course entry requirements: Acceptance for Honours or Master’s specialising in EGS or cognate
disciplines.
Course outline:
Located at the interface of fast-changing genetic and information technologies, and the juncture of a
range of social, environmental and ethical concerns, the so-called bio-economy has changed ways in
which biodiversity is used, conserved and commercialised. Although often touted as a panacea for
energy crises, livelihoods, environmental remediation and food security, critical questions have been
raised about who stands to benefit, the involvement of local communities, and economic and political
drivers behind the bio-economy "push". Using a political ecology framing, this interdisciplinary
course aims to introduce key theories that situate the bio-economy and to deepen understandings about
the nature of emerging debates. These range from contestations about genetically modified crops, and
'biopiracy' charges of patenting biodiversity and traditional knowledge, through to the potential of
agroecology as a sustainable agricultural future. The course aims to deepen critical thinking around
these questions, and to inspire a scholarship that explores possibilities for socially just and
environmentally sustainable approaches, with a particular focus on the Global South. The course
involves both theory and practice, drawing on research mostly from Sub-Saharan Africa. Students will
be expected to read set texts, to watch set videos, and to prepare seminars. The course includes several
short fieldtrips. For more information see bio-economy.org.za.
DP requirements: At least 80% attendance and submission of all assignments
Assessment: 1 exam - 40%, 1 essay (3000-4000 words) - 30%, 1 seminar presentation - 15%, 1
critique (response to a particular article, policy or media piece) - 15%.
EGS4059F/S ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH

Course outline:
This course aims to introduce students to the theory and praxis of environmental governance relevant
to global South contexts. It begins by outlining and discussing dominant historical and current
environmental governance theories, models and approaches at the global level. The course then
engages with various economic, political, historical, institutional and social drivers that influence
environmental governance processes, practices and implementation, using the global South as a lens.
It underlines symmetries and asymmetries of environmental governance by drawing on various natural
resource use and governance sectors, i.e. biodiversity conservation, mining, forestry, tourism, etc. The
course also engages the Sustainable Development Goals from a governance perspective, by critically
analysing whether or not they can realistically be in conversation with and address issues relating to
environmental governance practice in the global South.
EGS4066F/S GEOGRAPHIES OF SEXUALITIES: IDENTITY, PLACE, &

HEALTH.
Convener: A Tucker
Course outline:
This course explores and critically engages with geographical research related to sexuality, with a
particular focus on the interrelationships between identity, place and health. The course explores how
geographical thinking on sexuality – and in particular on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans (LGBT)
groups – has evolved over time, and the key relationships that have emerged between the study of
sexuality and the study of health needs and inequalities. Starting with an exploration of the historical
roots of the geographies of sexualities literature the course will go on to explore the connections such
work has had with wider post-structuralist queer theories, globalization debates, and research on
sexualities drawn from sub-Saharan Africa. The course will then situate such work in relation to the
development of work on HIV/ AIDS prevention, treatment and care, by considering how sexualities
have been variously framed, and the at times limited conceptual space for an appreciation of diverse
sexual identities. The course then draws together these various strands to consider the options and
possibilities for current HIV programming in Cape Town for LGBT groups together with a critical
examination of the epidemiological logics and conceptual challenges of the public health deployment
of ‘men who have sex with men’(MSM).
DP requirements: Class attendance (80%) and submissions of all assignments.
Assessment: 1 essay (4000-4500 words) – 35%, 1 seminar presentation – 5%, 1 24hr take-home exam
– 60%.
EGS4067F/S AIR QUALITY MONITORING, MANAGEMENT AND PREDICTION

Convener: Dr J von Holdt
Course outline:
Compromised air quality is a major environmental concern, especially in urban environments and
even more so in cities in developing parts of the world. This course explores the current state of global
air quality but with a focus on examples and case studies from the global south, particularly Africa.
We will investigate the factors and role players that have an influence on air quality, the distribution
of polluted versus clean air and the impacts on people and the environment. This module will look at
the different scales at which people are exposed to poor air quality and the data and tools we use to
study and monitor the atmosphere at these different scales and explore the potential for locally
developed interventions and solutions. We will also look at air quality management and how the
current socio-economic situation is reflected in this space with specific reference to South and
southern Africa. Students will be expected to identify an air quality issue of their choice, find and
interpret relevant literature, appropriate datasets and methods and produce results which will
culminate in a short research report with recommendations for interventions that can potentially result
in improvements in the air quality at receptor sites.
DP requirements: At least 80% class attendance and 40% minimum in assignments.
Assessment: Assignments 60%; Examination 40%
EGS5000W ENVIRONMENTAL & GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCE DISSERTATION

Convener: Dr S Daya
Course outline:
material. General rules for this degree may be found in the front of the handbook.
EGS5003W ENVIRONMENTAL & GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCE DISSERTATION

Convener: Dr S Daya
Course outline:
EGS5008H ENVIRONMENT, SOCIETY & SUSTAINABILITY COURSEWORK

Entrance is limited to 15 students.
Course entry requirements: An Honours degree (or equivalent). In special circumstances graduates
who have shown by examination, or publication, or a record of appropriate training, that they have
reached a level equivalent to an Honours degree may be considered. Since there is a limit of 12 places
in this course, admission is competitive. Selection will be at the discretion of the Head of the
Department, based on quality of qualification, experiential learning and/or referee reports. For further
details refer to the departmental website - see www.egs.uct.ac.za.
Course outline:
This interdisciplinary course is designed for students with diverse backgrounds who have an interest
in the issues pertaining to the environment, society and sustainability. This course contributes half of
the total credits for a Master’s qualification which can be awarded as an MSc or MPhil, depending on
the academic background of the student. The coursework component starts with registration in
February. Students select four coursework modules in, for example, Theory & Practice of
Environmental Management, Capital Politics & Nature, Geography of Development & Environment,
Living with Environmental Change, Urban Food Security, Cultural Geographies, Managing Complex
Human-Ecological Systems, or Geomorphology. Upon successful completion of the coursework
component, students will be required to register for the minor dissertation component (EGS5009W)
in the following year.
Assessment: Assessment for the coursework modules includes both written examinations and
coursework assignments such as essays, projects, practical assignments, etc. Examinations on average
count 50% and coursework 50% for each module. The combined module results will be reflected as a
final coursework result.
EGS5009W ENVIRONMENT, SOCIETY & SUSTAINABILITY MINOR

DISSERTATION
Course entry requirements: EGS5008H
Course outline:
Students will be required to register for this course in the first semester of the second year and
complete a suitable research proposal in consultation with an appropriate supervisor. After approval
of the proposal in the first year of registration, students will undertake a research project demonstrating
the application of theory to practical issues in the research area of environment, society and
sustainability. The work must be submitted in the form of a minor dissertation early in the second
year.
of the degree.
EGS5012W CLIMATE CHANGE AND PREDICTABILITY COURSEWORK

This course is convened by UCT’s African Climate & Development Initiative; refer to the section
“Inter-faculty Units” later in this handbook. The code EGS5012W represents the overall coursework
component; the overall coursework result will be reflected against this code. There are a range of
possible minor dissertation codes, depending on the discipline in which the student chooses to register
for the research component.
in scientific, planning, engineering, economic, educational, social and legal disciplines are encouraged
to apply.
Course outline:
This full-time taught Master’s course (MSc or MPhil) is offered over 13 months, beginning in January.
It provides interdisciplinary training in climate change and sustainable development, with a focus on
the issues of relevance to African development. The course is designed for both recent graduates as
well as those with several years’ experience and who wish to gain a broad understanding of the issues
involved in climate change and sustainable development from an African and developing world
perspective. The curriculum comprises two compulsory core courses, EGS5031F: Introduction to
Climate Change & Sustainable Development and EGS5032F/S: Climate Change Adaptation &
Mitigation (details of these courses are presented later in this section). In addition, students will choose
at least two elective courses, chosen from a range of courses which offer the student the opportunity
to explore new areas, or look at climate and development through existing disciplinary backgrounds.
A partial list and details of these courses are available from the ACDI handbook.
Assessment: To qualify for the Master’s degree, students must pass all coursework with a
subminimum of 33% for each core or elective course module; an aggregate coursework mark of 50%
is required. A composite grade of the performance on the coursework component as a whole will be
reflected against the assessment course EGS5012W. The choice of project for the minor dissertation
will be determined by prior qualification. Students may register for a minor dissertation in a range of
Departments across the University, including Biological Sciences, Environmental & Geographical
Science, Geological Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Economics,
Sociology, Law [Refer to relevant Faculty Handbooks]. Minor Dissertation options in the Science
Faculty.
EGS5023F/S RESEARCH METHODS FOR NATURAL SCIENTISTS

Course outline:
The course has a dual purpose. Firstly, a series of weekly lectures and hands-on practical seminars on
the nuts and bolts of quantitative analysis. The analysis techniques investigated are (mostly) the
fundamental methods found commonly in the literature; viz: Classification, time series analysis,
EOF/PCA, non-linear analysis. In parallel to this are a series of seminars on “the Philosophy of
Science” addressing issues of values, perception, the science community, etc. At the NQF level 9
students will do an additional grand challenge submission for their portfolio which will entail the
development of an independent research question, aim and methods, and the application of these
methods in carrying out the research.
EGS5024F/S MANAGING COMPLEX HUMAN ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS

Course outline:
Increasingly scholars have recognised that many of our environmental problems are complex systems
problems that require an understanding of natural, socio-economic and governance systems as well as
the interactions that occur between them. Furthermore, research suggests that conventional approaches
to managing environmental problems are not moving us in sustainable directions and hence the call
for innovative and alternative approaches to managing these complex systems. EGS 5024F introduces
graduate students to important theoretical, methodological and ethical foundations of environmental
and coastal management. The module introduces systems thinking and complexity theory and explores
tools and governance frameworks for managing complex human-ecological systems. These concepts
and theoretical ideas are then applied to cases in the coastal and small-scale fisheries arena. At the
NQF 9 level students will prepare an additional grand challenge. These students will be required to
review an interdisciplinary academic paper and present a seminar to the class, and written review,
providing a critique of this paper.
EGS5029H CLIMATE CHANGE MINOR DISSERTATION

Convener: Dr M Norton
Course entry requirements: EGS5012W
Course outline:
The minor dissertation is based on a three- to six-month supervised research project, to be submitted
at the end of January, with the possibility of extension to June the following year.
of the degree.
EGS5030F/S CLIMATE MODELLING

Course outline:
An introduction into the development and application of climate models for exploring climate
dynamics, forecasting, and climate change. The course explores the inner working of climate models,
the use in operational seasonal forecasting in Africa (with hands on work with the current forecasts),
and actual running model experiments. Students are expected to have done EGS3012S or its
equivalent. At the NQF level 9 students will do an additional grand challenge submission for their
portfolio which will entail the development of an independent research question, aim and methods,
and the application of these methods in carrying out the research.
EGS5031F INTRODUCTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE & SUSTAINABLE

DEVELOPMENT
Course entry requirements: Acceptance for EGS5012W or by permission of the convener
Course outline:
This course provides a broad, integrated, knowledge on key issues in climate change and sustainable
development, making students conversant across the spectrum of climate change issues and history.
Topics covered include: sustainable development; the climate system, anthropogenic forcing and
climate system response; African climate variability and change; international climate change legal
frameworks, negotiations, and politics; the economics of climate change and climate change
financing; the concept of climate compatible development. The course is lecture, seminar and group-
work based. Each section of the course will involve basic framing lectures, supported by either an
essay exercise or a group work exercise and seminar.
Assessment: Coursework 75%; Examination 25%
EGS5032F/S CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION & MITIGATION

This course will run in the second semester in 2023.
Course entry requirements: Acceptance for EGS5012W or by permission of the convener
Course outline:
This course provides in depth coverage of (i) adaptation and (ii) mitigation from both a theoretical and
practical/applied point of view. Adaptation and mitigation are the two key domains of academic and
applied learning required for students to be qualified to undertake research and be employable in the
climate change arena in the South African and developing country context. The issues are explored
from a developing country, climate compatible perspective.
Assessment: Coursework 80%; Examination 20%.
EGS5038F/S CLIMATE CHANGE & PREDICTABILITY

Convener: Professor B Hewitson
Course outline:
The course explores the theory of climate change, and then goes into the question of predictability,
cross scale relationships and feedbacks in the climate system, the tools and techniques of prediction,
and translation of predictions into the user community including impacts and vulnerability analyses
and touching on the social dimension. At the NQF 9 level students will be expected to compose reports
with a higher word count, at a higher intellectual level and with an expectation of a more
comprehensive understanding of the pertinent literature. Students at this level will be expected to
display a greater commitment and engagement in the oral components of the course.
EGS5039F/S URBAN FOOD SECURITY

Convener: Associate Professor J Battersby
disciplines.
Course outline:
Topics include an overview of poverty and urbanization in Southern Africa; urban food security,
methods and issues; urban poverty and vulnerability debates; food security and health; managing
urban food systems (ecological, regulatory and fiscal dynamics). At the NQF 9 level students will be
expected to conduct a small piece of independent fieldwork which will inform their extended essay
for the course. In this essay all students are expected to engage a current debate on food security or
food systems studies. For students at the NQF 9 level they will use a real world case study to critically
engage the theoretical literature. These students will be assessed on their ability to interpret the data
and use data to critically engage theory.
EGS5040F/S SPECIAL TOPIC IN HUMAN/ENVIRONMENT INTERACTIONS

Convener: Dr S Daya
Course outline:
Issues and themes in contemporary aspects of the Human/ Environmental interface will be covered.
Specific attention will be given to profiling core debates in a specialist field of human or
environmental geography. The course will focus on using theory, but will encourage the use of case
studies. Course outcomes will emphasize the development of conceptual and analytical skills. At the
NQF 9 level there is a strong emphasis on the development of analytical skills and students are
expected to apply these skills in the context of an appropriate theory, to a case study of their own
specialist field of human or environmental geography.
EGS5041F/S APPROACHES AND ISSUES IN PHYSICAL AND

Convener: Dr S Daya
Course outline:
Issues and themes in contemporary aspects of the Physical/ Environmental interface will be covered.
Specific attention will be given to profiling core debates in a specialist field of physical or
environmental geography. The course will cover theoretical, empirical and methodological concerns
and will include a fieldwork component. NQF 9 level there is a strong emphasis on the development
of analytical skills and students are expected to apply these skills in the context of an appropriate
theory, to a case study of their own specialist field of physical geography.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
.
EGS5043F/S CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION AND TRANSFORMATION
Convener: Associate Professor G Ziervogel
Course entry requirements: Acceptance for Master's specialising in EGS.
Course outline:
The central question of this course is “Why does adaptation to climate change need to be understood
from a social and governance perspective?” Climate change adaptation will be explored as a means
for responding to global environmental change, at the local, national and international scale and from
the perspective of individuals, organisations and government. Coming out of the course you will
understand the complexity of adaptation and the relationship between reducing climate risk and
broader socio-economic issues, how to position adaptation to climate change in the development
context and as a means of transformation. Through the course you will develop skills to critically
assess adaptation responses in terms of potential contributions and challenges and identify how the
social and governance aspects of adaptation could be strengthened. At the NQF 9 level students are
required to complete an additional written assignment on one of the seminar themes. Students at this
level are required to prepare, manage and lead a course discussion. NQF 9 level students will receive
a separate exam paper to those at the NQF 8 level.
Assessment: Coursework 60%; Examination 40%
EGS5044F/S URBAN ECOLOGY

Course outline:
The aim of this module is to introduce students to both the theory and practice of urban ecology.
Students will be expected to engage critically with current theories and debates as presented in the
urban ecology literature. In addition to this, there will be a significant focus on practical methods and
skills. Students will be expected to interrogate the urban landscape, identify and pose relevant
ecological questions, and design and implement appropriate methods to answer these ecological
questions. Broad theoretical areas to be engaged in, all in the context of the city, include:
biogeography, alien invasion, landscape fragmentation, conservation, restoration, ecosystem services,
and social ecology. At the NQF 9 level students will be expected to apply theoretical considerations
in engaging in questions that speak to more than one area of urban ecology, for example speaking
simultaneously to urban design and climate change. This expectation will be assessed in both the class
essay and in the exam. At the NQF 9 level their ability to simultaneously apply theoretical
considerations across different areas of urban ecology will be assessed throughout the course.
EGS5045F/S GEOMORPHOLOGY
Course outline:
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the theory of geomorphological systems and apply
this to an area or topic of their choice. The course is particularly targeted at Honours students who
have selected physical geography topics for their dissertation. It gives them the opportunity to deepen
some of their geomorphological literature relevant to their chosen project. Students are expected to
interpret landscapes, identify formative processes and events, examine environmental changes at
different spatial and temporal scales, place their area of study into the geological, Quaternary, climatic
and applied context in order to appreciate geomorphologic concepts such as systems approach,
complexity, relationships, feedbacks, thresholds, equilibrium and cycles.
At the NQF 9 level students will be expected to back their literature review with data analyses
including climatic or hydrological in nature and may also consider the application of GIS data and use
Remote Sensing. At the NQF 9 level converting and preparing elements of course content towards the
use for a publication would be expected.
EGS5046F/S WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Convener: Dr K Winter
Course outline:
The aim of the module is to develop a comprehensive understanding of issues and challenges in water
resources management at both an urban and catchment scale, and with a primary focus on the South
African context. The various themes in this module will present a fascinating interplay of tensions and
challenges that play out in geographical space and over time, and will involve the consideration of
factors such as the increasing demand that society places on scarce water resources; on efforts to meet
the basic social need for clean, potable water; on the consequences of interventions and institutional
arrangements involved in water governance; and on the role of the private sector in managing water
risk in a particular catchment. The module also emphasises the value of an integrated understanding
of theories and practices in water resources management and it does so by exploring the perspectives
and approaches of sustainability science. Key themes in the module include water quality, monitoring
and compliance; new directions in water research in South Africa; a consideration of biological
treatment of water; participation in water governance; and how corporate enterprises are becoming
leaders in water stewardship, shared water risk and value creation. These and other themes will be
discussed in interactive seminar sessions. The course includes a three-week directed reading period,
as well as a 4-day field camp. At the NQF 9 level students are required to complete an additional
assignment that comprises a literature review on a topic of their choice. Furthermore, students at this
level are required to prepare, manage and lead a course discussion. NQF 9 level students will receive
a separate exam paper to those at the NQF 8 level.
EGS5047F/S POLICY AND GOVERNANCE

Convener: Associate Professor Z Patel
Course outline:
This course looks at the underlying dynamics involved in the negotiation of environmental policy and
its implementation. The assumption here is that unsustainable outcomes are not a result of a lack of
will or intention, but rather due to vastly varying values, knowledge and data that are brought to bear
on decision making for the environment. The approach of this course is to challenge the ‘cultural
embeddedness’ of policy i.e. it critiques the cultural processes underlying environmental policy. A
deeper understanding of the cultural politics of environmental policy and practice will deal with the
processes through which institutions define and mediate policy outcomes; governance arrangements
for sustainable development; the roles of power, rationality, knowledge and values in achieving
environmental and social justice. At the NQF 9 level students will be expected to apply theory to
appropriate areas of application in the realm of urban environmental policy. Masters level students
will be assigned two presentations and subsequent written submissions, with an emphasis on the
application of theoretical considerations. The extended policy analysis assignment will contain
additional analytical variables to ensure a higher level of analysis.
EGS5052W APPLIED OCEAN SCIENCES MINOR DISSERTATION
Course outline:
agreement with the course conveners and supervisors. The dissertation should be submitted at the end
of January, with the possibility of extension to June of the next year.
of the degree.
EGS5056F/S IMAGINING SOUTHERN CITIES

Convener: Drs S Daya and R Sitas
disciplines.
Course outline:
The global South is urbanising at roughly twice the rate of the global North, yet dominant narratives
of 'the city' continue to privilege London, Los Angeles and Paris over Lagos, Johannesburg and
Mumbai. This course explores how cities of the global South are generating new bodies of theory,
new forms of social life, and new imaginaries. It does this through novels, films and other textual and
visual representations of everyday urbanism, drawing on contemporary theory from the global South
to help make sense of these discourses. Situated in the rapidly evolving field of Urban Studies, the
course aims to open up conversations across disciplines about the cities we are in and the cities we
desire. Students will be expected to read set texts, both fictional and theoretical, and watch set films,
in preparation for classes which will take the form of weekly, student-led seminars.
EGS5057F/S URBAN POLITICAL ECOLOGY

Course outline:
This course explores urbanisation dynamics with a particular interest in examining the role of political
economic shifts, history, discourse, and new forms of techno-management in shaping the
contemporary urban environment. It does this through drawing on urban political ecology as an
interdisciplinary field of study, that provides insights into the power relations underlying unequal
access to urban space, resources and infrastructure. Situated in this rapidly evolving field of Urban
Studies, the course aims to open up conversations about the dynamics underlying unequal access to
cities as well as the possibilities that could support more just and equitable cities. Students will be
expected to read set texts, both empirical and theoretical, in preparation for classes, which take the
form of weekly, student-led seminars.
EGS5058F/S CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON THE BIO-ECONOMY

Convener: Professor R Wynberg
disciplines.
Course outline:
Located at the interface of fast-changing genetic and information technologies, and the juncture of a
range of social, environmental and ethical concerns, the so-called bio-economy has changed
fundamentally ways in which biodiversity is used, conserved and commercialised. Although often
touted as a panacea for energy crises, livelihoods, environmental remediation and food security,
critical questions have been raised about who stands to benefit, the involvement of local communities,
and economic and political drivers behind the bio-economy "push". Using a political ecology framing,
this interdisciplinary course aims to introduce key theories that situate the bio-economy and to deepen
understandings about the nature of emerging debates. These range from contestations about
genetically modified crops, and 'biopiracy' charges of patenting biodiversity and traditional
knowledge, through to the potential of agroecology as a sustainable agricultural future. The course
aims to deepen critical thinking around these questions, and to inspire a scholarship that explores
possibilities for socially just and environmentally sustainable approaches, with a particular focus on
the Global South. The course involves both theory and practice, drawing on research mostly from
Sub-Saharan Africa. Students will be expected to read set texts, to watch set videos, and to prepare
seminars. The course includes a short fieldtrip.
DP requirements: At least 80% attendance and submission of all assignments
Assessment: 1 exam - 40%, 1 essay (4000-5000 words) - 30%, 1 seminar presentation - 15%, 1
critique (response to a particular article, policy or media piece) - 15%.
EGS5059F/S ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH

Course outline:
This course aims to introduce students to the theory and praxis of environmental governance relevant
to global South contexts. It begins by outlining and discussing dominant historical and current
environmental governance theories, models and approaches at the global level. The course then
engages with various economic, political, historical, institutional and social drivers that influence
environmental governance processes, practices and implementation, using the global South as a lens.
It underlines symmetries and asymmetries of environmental governance by drawing on various natural
resource use and governance sectors, i.e. biodiversity conservation, mining, forestry, tourism, etc. The
course also engages the Sustainable Development Goals from a governance perspective, by critically
analyzing whether or not they can realistically be in conversation with and address issues relating to
environmental governance practice in the global South.
EGS5064W THEORIES OF JUSTICE & INEQUALITY MINOR DISSERTATION

Convener: Dr S Daya
Course outline:
Students will complete a suitable research proposal in consultation with an appropriate supervisor.
After approval of the proposal, students will undertake a research project critically interrogating
established paradigms of understanding justice and inequality and/or demonstrating the application of
theory to empirical issues related to justice and inequality.
Assessment: By Faculty external examination process.
EGS5065W CITY RESEARCH STUDIO: RESEARCH PRACTICE & METHODS

Convener: Dr A Selmeczi
Course entry requirements: Acceptance into the MPhil, specialising in Urban Studies.
Course outline:
The City Research Studio is the cornerstone of this Master's course. It has been built as a learning
context in which students experiment with multiple forms of urban knowledge, expertise, and research
practice beyond the conventional classroom context. It serves two key purposes: It provides a
structured space in the degree for exploration and engagement in the City (in Cape Town primarily).
It is also a context to engage with methods, and experiment with research practice and writing.
Through an interactive pedagogical approach, it engages through practice with key debates in urban
studies.
DP requirements: Papers, journal and proposal.
Assessment: Three papers (30%), narrative and visual journal on research practice in studio (30%),
group contributions to exhibition (20%), thesis research proposal (10%), participation (10%).
EGS5066F/S GEOGRAPHIES OF SEXUALITIES: IDENTITY, PLACE, &

HEALTH
Convener: A Tucker
Course outline:
This course explores and critically engages with geographical research related to sexuality, with a
particular focus on the interrelationships between identity, place and health. The course explores how
geographical thinking on sexuality – and in particular on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans (LGBT)
groups – has evolved over time, and the key relationships that have emerged between the study of
sexuality and the study of health needs and inequalities. Starting with an exploration of the historical
roots of the geographies of sexualities literature the course will go on to explore the connections such
work has had with wider post-structuralist queer theories, globalization debates, and research on
sexualities drawn from sub-Saharan Africa. The course will then situate such work in relation to the
development of work on HIV/ AIDS prevention, treatment and care, by considering how sexualities
have been variously framed, and the at times limited conceptual space for an appreciation of diverse
sexual identities. The course then draws together these various strands to consider the options and
possibilities for current HIV programming in Cape Town for LGBT groups together with a critical
examination of the epidemiological logics and conceptual challenges of the public health deployment
of ‘men who have sex with men’(MSM).
DP requirements: Class attendance (80%) and submissions of all assignments.
Assessment: 1 essay (6000-6500 words) – 30%, 1 seminar presentation – 10%, 1 24hr take-home
exam – 60%.
EGS5067F/S AIR QUALITY MONITORING, MANAGEMENT AND PREDICTION

Convener: Dr J von Holdt
Course outline:
Compromised air quality is a major environmental concern, especially in urban environments and
even more so in cities in developing parts of the world. This course explores the current state of global
air quality but with a focus on examples and case studies from the global south, particularly Africa.
We will investigate the factors and role players that have an influence on air quality, the distribution
of polluted versus clean air and the impacts on people and the environment. This module will look at
the different scales at which people are exposed to poor air quality and the data and tools we use to
study and monitor the atmosphere at these different scales and explore the potential for locally
developed interventions and solutions. We will also look at air quality management and how the
current socio-economic situation is reflected in this space with specific reference to South and
southern Africa. Students will be expected to identify an air quality issue of their choice, find and
interpret relevant literature, appropriate datasets and methods and produce results which will
culminate in a short research report with recommendations for interventions that can potentially result
in improvements in the air quality at receptor sites.
DP requirements: At least 80% class attendance and 40% minimum in assignments.
Assessment: Literature review 10%, data analysis assignment and paper 35%, discussion piece 10%,
project poster and presentation 15%, final capstone exam 30%.
EGS6003W ENVIRONMENTAL & GEOGRAPHICAL SCIENCE THESIS

Course outline:
Prospective candidates are referred to the rules for this degree as set out in Book 3, General Rules and
Policies.
DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES

The Department is housed in the Geological Sciences Building, 13 University Avenue
Telephone (021) 650-2931 Fax (021) 650-3783
The Departmental abbreviation for Geological Sciences is GEO.

P E Janney, BSc New Hampshire PhD San Diego
Philipson Stow Professor of Mineralogy & Geology:
C Harris, MA DPhil Oxon
Chamber of Mines Professor of Geochemistry:
---
A P le Roex, BSc Stell BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
S H Richardson, BSc Hons Cape Town PhD MIT
Professor:
E M Bordy, MSc Budapest PhD Rhodes
Associate Professor:
J F A Diener, MSc Stell PhD Melbourne
J S Compton, BA San Diego PhD Harvard
D L Reid, MSc Wellington PhD Cape Town
Senior Lecturers:
G Howarth, MSc PhD Rhodes
R Pickering, MSc Witwatersrand PhD Berne
A Sloan, MSc PhD Cantab
R Tostevin, MSc Cantab PhD UCL
Chief Research Officer:
P J le Roux, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
Lecturers:
M Abrahams, BSc Hons Cape Town
D Quiros Ugalde, BSc Florida Institute of Technology PhD Cornell
A Fagereng, BSc Hons Cape Town PhD Otago
H E Frimmel, PhD Vienna
R J Gibbon, MSc PhD Witwatersrand
P H Macey, BSc Hons MSc PhD Cape Town
D C Salazar Garcia, PhD Valencia
W L Taylor, MSc PhD Rochester
D Basson
J Harrison
K Gray, MSc Cape Town
F Rawoot, BSc UWC
C E Tinguely, MSc Clermont-Ferrand
Senior Scientific Officers:
N Laidler, BSc Hons Cape Town
K Moses, MSc Pret
Senior Technical Officer:
R van der Merwe
Technical Officer:
---
N Barends
E Roos
Technical Assistants:
J van Rooyen
I Wilson
RESEARCH IN GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Research in Geological Sciences embraces a variety of topics that are listed below. More detailed
information can be obtained by writing to the Department of Geological Sciences.
The Department has research strengths in geochemistry, structural geology and tectonics, igneous and
metamorphic petrology, sedimentology, marine geology, economic geology and geophysics. General
research interests include: global tectonics and geodynamics with emphasis on Gondwana geology;
structural geology; oceanic and continental igneous processes and the geochemical evolution of the
Earth’s mantle; kimberlites and the genesis of diamonds; open and closed system behaviour during
metamorphism and related ore genesis; economic geology with emphasis on base metal deposits;
environmental geochemistry; sedimentology, sedimentary geochemistry, and sedimentary processes;
chemical stratigraphy and crisis in the geological record; marine sedimentology and geophysics. The
Department is well equipped for analytical studies with X-ray fluorescence and electron microprobe
equipment, solution and laser ablation ICP-MS and MC-ICP-MS facilities, and access to gas-source
mass spectrometers for oxygen, hydrogen and carbon stable isotope measurements. The Department
is also equipped for structural and tectonic analysis and seismic interpretation, with microcomputer
laboratories and relevant software.
Field excursions:
All students attending courses in Geology are required to take part in field excursions which take place
during the Easter and September mid-semester vacations; full daily participation is required by all
students.
NOTE: Supplementary examinations are not normally granted to students for senior courses in
Geology. Students who pass the coursework, but underperformed in the final exam may be recalled
for a re-exam immediately after the exam, but before the results are approved. Notification will be
issued by email to the UCT email account.
First-Year Courses
GEO1006S INTRODUCTION TO MINERALS, ROCKS & STRUCTURE

Convener: Dr R Tostevin
Course entry requirements: A minimum of 45% in GEO1009F
Course outline:
This course introduces students to the Geology major and covers the essentials of the discipline as
follows: crystals and minerals; igneous and metamorphic rocks; structural geology; mineral deposits
and economic geology; palaeontology; the interpretation of geological maps. A three-day field trip to
the Western Cape serves as an introduction to field geology.
DP requirements: An average of 30% in all marked classwork and tests.
Assessment: Class tests count 35%; field reports count 15%; one 2-hour theory examination written
in November counts 50%. A subminimum of 40% is required in the theory examination paper.
GEO1009F GEOSYSTEMS: AN INTRODUCTION TO EARTH &

This course is presented jointly by the Departments of Archaeology, Environmental & Geographical
Science and Geological Sciences, but administered by Geological Sciences. Students are required to
attend three half-day excursions in the Cape Peninsula.
Convener: Professor E M Bordy
Course entry requirements: At least 50% for NSC Geography or at least 60% for NSC Physical
Science or Life Sciences. NOTE: Preference will be given to students registered in the Science
Faculty.
Course outline:
This course aims to develop a broad understanding of how the Earth works. Over its >4.5 billion-year-
long history, the Earth has been shaped by chemical, physical and biological processes. The course
shows why decoding the rock record of deep-time events is critical for explaining past, present and
future environmental changes and the distribution of natural resources. The Earth has also sustained
life in the last >3.5 billion years. Our species, Homo sapiens, is a relatively recent arrival, yet it had
the greatest impact on our planet. The course reviews human evolution and how we became the
dominant cause of environmental change on our planet. The course also introduces environmental
science and examines contemporary linkages between climate, hydrology and critical surface zone
processes within the context of human impact. Together they control the state of the environment and
determine the resilience, vulnerability and risks for life on Earth.
DP requirements: An average of 30% on all marked classwork and tests.
Assessment: Marked classwork and class tests count 50%; June examination 3 hours counts 50%. A
Subminimum of 40% is required in the theory examination paper. Supplementary examinations for
GEO1009F will be written in July.
Second-Year Courses
GEO2001F MINERALOGY, CRYSTALLOGRAPHY AND PETROGRAPHY

Entrance is limited to 35 students
Convener: Professor C Harris
Course entry requirements: GEO1009F and GEO1006S, CEM1000W or equivalent.
Course outline:
This course covers the fundamentals of physical and chemical mineralogy and its application to
igneous and metamorphic rocks as a basis for senior courses in petrology. The course comprises inter-
related sections as follows: crystallography and crystal optics (including a brief introduction to X-ray
crystallography): mineralogy (the chemical, physical and optical properties of selected groups of rock-
forming minerals, and the theory and practice of identifying minerals by means of the polarising
microscope); phase diagrams (interpretation of simple phase diagrams relevant to igneous and
metamorphic rocks); classification and petrography of igneous rocks (physical processes of magma
differentiation; the relationship between chemical composition and modal mineralogy); classification
and petrography of metamorphic rocks (types of metamorphism, metamorphic textures and mineral
assemblages).
DP requirements: Attendance at 80% of practicals and an average of 30% in all marked class work
and tests.
Assessment: Marked class work, including tests, count 20%; one 2-hour practical examination in June
counts 30%; one 2-hour theory examination in June counts 50%. Subminima of 40% are required in
practical and theory examination papers.
GEO2004S PHYSICAL GEOLOGY

Convener: Dr R A Sloan
Course entry requirements: GEO2001F, PHY1031F or equivalent
Course outline:
This course builds on the previous mineralogy course and explores the physical structure of the Earth
and the physical processes involved in sedimentary rock formation and rock deformation. These
include transport and deposition of sediments; sedimentary textures and structure; siliciclastic,
carbonate, evaporitic and other sedimentary rocks; earthquakes, stress, displacement and strain; brittle
and ductile deformation; interpretation of geological maps and cross sections; introduction to tectonics
and global geophysics.
DP requirements: An average of 30% in marked class work, and attendance at 80% of practicals.
Assessment: Class tests and practicals count 25%; one 2-hour practical examination in November
counts 30%; one 2-hour theory examination in November counts 45%. Subminima of 40% are
required in practical and theory examination papers.
GEO2005X FIELD GEOLOGY & GEOLOGICAL MAPPING

Convener: Associate Professor J F Diener
Course entry requirements: GEO1006S, GEO2004S (co-requisite)
Course outline:
This is a field-based course that introduces techniques used to identify, describe and document rocks
in the field and for interpreting their inter-relationships, with the view to producing geological maps,
stratigraphic logs and structural sections. Techniques covered include: mineralogical and textural
descriptions of rocks using a hand-lens; measurement of attitude of bedding using compass and
clinometer; measurement, description and interpretation of depositional and deformational structures;
stereo plots, interpretation and use of aerial photographs; identifying contact relationships; GPS
positioning. Course material is taught over four separate field camps spread over two years of study.
Lecture times: None
DP requirements: Attendance at all field camps
Assessment: Maps and reports count 70%; three 2-hour practical examinations in June and November
count for 30%.
Third-Year Courses
GEO3001S STRATIGRAPHY & ECONOMIC GEOLOGY

Convener: Dr G Howarth
Course entry requirements: GEO2004S and DP in GEO3005F
Course outline:
This course covers the development of the oceanic and continental rock record and associated ore
deposits as follows: the principles of stratigraphy with examples drawn from the South African rock
record; the methods and procedures involved in dating rocks; the genesis of economic mineral
deposits, their microscopic textures, and their valuation and exploitation; geophysical techniques.
DP requirements: An average of 30% in all marked class work and class tests.
Assessment: Practicals and tests count 25%; one 3-hour theory examination written in November
counts 45%; two 2-hour practical examinations written in November count 30%. Subminima of 40%
required in practical and theory examination papers.
GEO3005F PETROLOGY & STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY

Convener: Associate Professor P E Janney
Course entry requirements: GEO2001F, GEO2004S
Course outline:
This course covers key concepts in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary petrology in combination
with structural geology as follows: interpreting major and trace element and isotope variations in
igneous rocks; origin and evolution of the major magma series; thermodynamics, kinetics and
chemography of metamorphic reactions; tectonic setting of metamorphic terrains; principles of
interpretations and classification of continental and marine sedimentary environments; kinematic
principles, deformation mechanisms, microstructure, faulting and tectonic geomorphology.
DP requirements: Attendance at 80% of practicals and an average of 30% in all marked class work
and tests.
Assessment: Class work counts 20%; one 4-hour practical examination written in June counts 30%;
one 3-hour theory examination written in June counts 50%. Subminima of 40% required in practical
and theory examination papers.
GEO4000W GEOLOGY HONOURS
Since the code GEO4000W will not carry a NQF credit value, students will be concurrently registered
for GEO4003W (coursework component of 120 NQF credits) and GEO4004W (research project of
40 NQF credits). Entrance is limited to 16 students.
Convener: Associate Professor J F Diener
Course entry requirements: A BSc degree with a major in Geology, first qualifying courses in
Chemistry and Mathematics. A first qualifying course in Physics is recommended. The Senate may
accept other courses as being equivalent to these and this criterion will be applied when considering
science graduates from other universities. Registrations are limited to 16 and acceptance will be at the
discretion of the Head of Department, who will consider quality of final year results, material covered
in undergraduate curriculum, and referee reports in making decisions. Preference will be given to UCT
graduates who meet the course entry requirements.
Course outline:
Students are required to take 7 compulsory modules which cover the following subject areas:
Geochemistry (including Isotope and Marine Geochemistry), Geophysics, Economic Geology,
Igneous, Metamorphic and Mantle Petrology, Palaeontology, Quaternary Geology, Petroleum
Geology, Sedimentary Basins, Tectonics, Geological Data Interpretation & Analysis, and Scientific
Communication. In addition, each student is required to undertake a supervised research project.
Choice of research project requires the approval of the Honours course co-ordinator and Head of
Department. All students are required to attend a two week fieldtrip held during the year.
Assessment: The modules will be examined in mid-year and in October, and the latter examinations
will include a 3 hour General Exam. Examinations will count 60%, practical and assignment work
done during the year counts 15%, and the research project 25% towards the final grade. Subminima
are required for the overall examination mark (40%) and for the research project (50%). These
component parts of the course will be combined in a final overall mark which will be reflected against
the course code GEO4000W, with PA (pass) entered against the coursework and project codes; each
of these components must be passed separately for the award of the degree.
GEO4001W GEOCHEMISTRY HONOURS

As for GEO4000W above. Students undertaking a geochemical or analytical geochemistry project can
elect to graduate in Geochemistry, subject to the approval of the Head of Department. Since the code
GEO4001W will not carry a NQF credit value, students will be concurrently registered for
GEO4005W (coursework component of 120 NQF credits) and GEO4006W (research project of 40
NQF credits).
GEO5000W GEOLOGY DISSERTATION

Course outline:
GEO5003W GEOCHEMISTRY DISSERTATION

Course outline:
GEO5005H CLIMATE CHANGE MINOR DISSERTATION

Course entry requirements: EGS5012W (refer to entry in Department of Environmental and
Geographical Science section)
Course outline:
The minor dissertation is based on a three- to six-month supervised research project, to be submitted
at the end of January, with the possibility of extension to June of the next year.
of the degree.
GEO6000W GEOLOGY THESIS

Course outline:
Prospective candidates are referred to the rules for the PhD degree in Book 3, General Rules and
Policies.
GEO6001W GEOCHEMISTRY THESIS

Course outline:
Prospective candidates are referred to the rules for the PhD degree in Book 3, General Rules and
Policies.
DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND

APPLIED MATHEMATICS
The Department is housed in the Mathematics Building, 7 University Avenue
Telephone (021) 650-3191 Fax (021) 650-2334. The department’s website is www.math.uct.ac.za
We also have a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/UCTMAM/
The Departmental abbreviation for Mathematics and Applied Mathematics is MAM.

D J Erwin, MSc Natal PhD Western Michigan
South African Research Chair in Computational Mechanics:
B D Reddy, BSc (Eng) Cape Town PhD Cantab FRSSAf, MASSAf, OMB
South African Research Chair in Physical Cosmology:
A Weltman, BSc Hons Cape Town PhD Columbia
Professors:
I V Barashenkov, MSc Moscow PhD Dubna
B A Bassett, MSc Cape Town PhD Trieste
P K S Dunsby, BSc PhD London
G Janelidze, MSc PhD Tbilisi Georgia DSc St Petersburg
J Murugan, MSc PhD Cape Town
Senior Scholar and Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Complex Systems:
G F R Ellis, BSc Hons BCom (Hons) Cape Town PhD Cantab DSc (h.c) Natal, Haverford
R I Becker, BSc Hons Cape Town PhD MIT
G C L Brümmer, MSc Stell Docts Math Amsterdam PhD Cape Town
D S Butterworth, MSc Cape Town PhD London
K A Driver, BSc Hons Witwatersrand MSc Stanford PhD Witwatersrand
J H Webb, BSc Hons Cape Town PhD Cantab
E E Berdysheva, BSc MSc PhD Ekaterinburg Habil Stuttgart-Hohenheim
A Schauerte, BSc Hons Natal MSc Cape Town PhD McMaster
J P Shock, MPhys Bristol PhD Southampton
H Skokos, BSc PhD Athens
Adjunct Associate Professor:
C A Clarkson, BSc Hons Edinburgh PhD Glasgow
R W Cross, MA St Andrews PhD DSc London
C R A Gilmour, MSc PhD Cape Town
V Brattka, MSc PhD Hagen Germany
E E Plagányi-Lloyd, BSc Natal MSc PhD Cape Town
R A Rademeyer, MSc PhD Cape Town
F D Richardson, BSc (Agric) Nottingham PhD London PhD Cape Town
Senior Lecturers:
N V Alexeeva, MSc Sofia PhD Cape Town
Á de la Cruz-Dombriz, MSc London PhD Madrid
F Ebobisse Bille, PhD Pisa
T Janelidze-Gray, MSc Tbilisi PhD Cape Town
R Moolman, MSc Johannesburg PhD Witwatersrand
F Russo, MSc PhD Naples Federico II
J Sánchez-Ortega, MSc PhD Málaga
C van Heerden, MASt Cantab MEd Cape Town
H Z Wiggins, MSc Cape Town PhD Pret

Lecturers:
P W Adams, MSc PhD Cape Town
I Allie, BSc Cape Town PhD UWC
S Chili, BScEng Cape Town
T Chinyoka, MSc Zimbabwe PhD Virginia Tech
E Fredericks, MSc PhD Witwatersrand
S Haque, PhD Wisconsin
B Mongwane, BSc Limpopo BSc Hons PU MSc PhD Cape Town
C M Rohwer, MSc PhD Stell
H Spakowski, PhD Heinrich-Heine Germany
M Vandeyar, MSc Cape Town
Assistant Lecturers:
M Mokhithi, BScEng Cape Town
T W Robertson, MSc Stell
Visiting Professor and Principal Research Officer:
R Maartens, PhD Cape Town
Senior Research Officers:
A D G Brandao, BSc Witwatersrand MSc PhD Cape Town
C L de Moor, PhD Imperial College, London
S J Holloway, MSc PhD Cape Town
IT Technical Officer:
N Matotong, NDip VUT
H S Leslie, BA Hons UPE
Financial Administrators:
A Ansary
A Willis-Thomas
Postgraduate Administrator:
T Hannival
Undergraduate Administrator:
--
Senior Secretaries:
N Hlwele
--
S Allie
Campus Cleaning Services Supervisor:
M Louw
Campus Cleaning Services:
N Bam
M Magwevana
T Mbonja
M Valentyn
MARAM Administrator:
Lapido Loureiro
RESEARCH IN MATHEMATICS AND APPLIED MATHEMATICS

Research activities in the Department cover the spectrum of mathematics, and there are groups which
are active in areas as diverse as Topology, Analysis, Discrete Mathematics and Theoretical Computer
Science, General Relativity and Cosmology, Biological Modelling, and Continuum Mechanics. Fields
of research of staff members include:
Functional Analysis, Operator Theory (J J Conradie, R W Cross, F Ebobisse, R Martin, N R C
Robertson, J H Webb)
Financial Mathematics (R Becker)

General Relativity and Cosmology (P W M Adams, B A Bassett, C A Clarkson, Á de la Cruz-
Dombriz, P K S Dunsby, G F R Ellis, C W Hellaby, B Mongwane, J Murugan, J P Shock, A Weltman)
Group Theory, Universal Algebra, Set Theory and Model Theory (F Russo)
Discrete Mathematics, Combinatorics, Computational Complexity, Cryptography, Graph Theory (D
J Erwin, F Russo, H Spakowski)
Marine Population Dynamics (A Brandao, D S Butterworth, C de Moor, S J Holloway)
Mathematics Education ( J J Conradie, G F R Ellis, J L Frith, C R A Gilmour, H de G Laurie, R
Moolman, K Rafel, T C van Heerden, J H Webb)
Nonlinear Dynamics and Mathematical Physics (I V Barashenkov, N V Alexeeva)
Partial Differential Equations of Mechanics, Numerical Analysis, Dynamical Systems (F Ebobisse-
Bille, B D Reddy)
Approximation theory, special functions (K Driver)
Computational Fluid Dynamics (T Chinyoka)
Stochastic Ordinary Differential Equations (E Fredericks)
Rangeland Systems Modelling (F D Richardson)
National Astrophysics & Space Science Programme (B A Bassett, C A Clarkson, Á de la Cruz-
Dombriz, P K S Dunsby, G F R Ellis, C W Hellaby, J Murugan, P A Whitelock, J P Shock, A
Weltman)
Topology and Category Theory (J L Frith, C R A Gilmour, G Janelidze, F Russo, A Schauerte, G C
L Brümmer)
String Theory and Quantum Gravity (J Murugan, J P Shock, A Weltman)
Category Theory (G Janelidze, T Janelidze-Gray)
Nonlinear dynamical systems, chaotic dynamics and Computational Mathematics (H Skokos)
Leavitt Path Algebras, Non-Associative Algebra, Ring Theory, Computer Algebra, Linear and
Multilinear Algebra, Algebraic Combinatorics, Dialgebras (J Sanchez-Ortega)
Further information may be found on the Department's website at www.math.uct.ac.za.
Courses Offered by the Department

For convenience and ease of reference, the undergraduate courses have been grouped separately under
Applied Mathematics and Mathematics. All postgraduate courses offered by the Department are listed
together.
1. All students registered for a course in the Department will be required to attend the lectures
and tutorial classes prescribed for that course.
2. Most syllabi indicate the contents of the various courses as recently given. All courses are
subject to revision without advance notice.
3. For courses offered by the Department to Engineering and Commerce Faculty students refer
to the relevant Faculty Handbooks.
4. In exceptional cases, the usual course entry requirements may be waived with special
permission of the Head of Department.
Undergraduate Courses in Applied Mathematics

Recommended course selection
The following are recommended course selections emphasising particular interests:
Mathematical Modelling/Mechanics:
MAM1043H, MAM1044H, MAM2046W, MAM3040W with courses in Mathematics,
Oceanography, Statistics and Computer Science.
Mathematical Physics:
MAM1043H, MAM1044H, MAM2046W (or MAM2047H+MAM2004H), MAM3040W with
courses in Physics, Astronomy and Mathematics.
Biomathematics and Life Sciences:
MAM1043H, MAM1044H, STA1006S, MAM2046W, MAM3041H (modules 3ND and 3AN) with
courses in the Life Sciences or Environmental & Geographical Science.
Prerequisites for 2nd and 3rd year courses

Students wishing to register for the module 2BP (in the 2nd year applied mathematics course
MAM2046W) must obtain a final mark of at least 45% for the module 2OD. Students planning to take
modules in the third year applied mathematics course MAM3040W must obtain a final mark of 45%
or higher for each of the prerequisite modules shown below:
Semester Prerequisites
3MP Methods of Mathematical Physics 1 2AC, 2OD, and 2ND
3CV Methods of Functions of Complex 1 2RA
Variables
3AN Advanced Numerical Methods 2 2LA and 2NA
3GR Introduction to General Relativity 2 2AC
3FD Fluid Dynamics 2 2AC, 2OD, and 2BP
First-Year Courses in Applied Mathematics

The Mathematics Hot Seat in Room 210 on level 2 in the Mathematics Building is open for several
hours every day and students in the courses MAM1042S, MAM1043H and MAM1044H are
encouraged to go there for help with their mathematics problems.
First-Year Courses
MAM1008S INTRODUCTION TO DISCRETE MATHEMATICS

Convener: Dr I Allie
Co-requisites: MAM1004S (unless a pass has been obtained for MAM1004F or MAM1005H or
MAM1031F (or equivalent)
Objective: To introduce students to the language and methods of the area of Discrete Mathematics,
and to show students how discrete mathematics can be used in modern computer science (with the
focus on algorithmic applications).
Course outline:
This course provides a foundation for Computer Science and Applied Statistics. Many areas of
Computer Science and Applied Statistics require the ability to work with concepts from discrete
structures, which include topics such as set theory, logic, graph theory, and probability theory. In this
course, you will learn about (1) sets, relations and functions; (2) basic logic, including propositional
logic, logical connectives, truth tables, propositional inference rules and predicate logic; (3) proof
techniques, including the structure of mathematical proofs, direct proofs, disproving by
counterexample, proof by contradiction; (4) basics of counting, including counting arguments, the
pigeonhole principle, permutations and combinations, solving recurrence relation; (5) graphs and
trees; (6) discrete probability, including finite probability space, axioms of probability, conditional
probability; and, (7) linear algebra, including vectors, matrices and their applications. The course is
offered in a blended-learning format. Students are provided with a set of video lectures that they can
watch multiple times. Student contact time is in a tutorial format aimed at reinforcing the principles
introduced in the online lectures and giving students time to do exercises under the supervision of
tutors.
Lecture times: No face-to-face lectures. The course content is delivered online.
DP requirements: Class Record of at least 30% and attendance at 10 or more (out of 12) tutorials.
Assessment: Class Record counts 50% and Exam counts 50%.
MAM1043H MODELLING & APPLIED COMPUTING

This course can be taken in conjunction with MAM1044H as lectures are arranged so that this is
possible. Each student registered for this course is required to have a laptop for use during class
sessions as well as after hours. The minimum specifications of the laptop are available at
www.math.uct.ac.za. (A tablet or “netbook” will not be suitable). The course convener will provide
details of additional software (open source) required.
Convener: Dr P W Adams
Co-requisites: MAM1031F & MAM1032S (or equivalent)
Course outline:
The aim of this course is to introduce Applied Mathematics and Mathematical Modelling including
approximations and estimation theory, numerical methods, dynamical systems and modelling and
simulation of discrete and continuous processes with MATLAB and/or Julia. Exposure to research
methodology and mathematical communication is provided.
Lecture times: First Semester: 2nd period Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Second Semester: 2nd period
Tuesday, Thursday.
DP requirements: A class record of 30% or more.
Assessment: Class record counts 50%; one 3-hour examination written in October/November makes
up the balance.
MAM1044H DYNAMICS
This course can be taken in conjunction with MAM1043H as lectures are arranged so that this is
possible.
Convener: Professor P Dunsby
Co-requisites: MAM1031F & MAM1032S (or equivalent)
Course outline:
The aim of this course is to introduce the elements of mechanics. Topics covered include: Kinematics
in three dimensions. Newton's laws of motion, models of forces (friction, elastic springs, fluid
resistance). Conservation of energy and momentum. Simple systems of particles, including brief
introduction to rigid systems. Orbital Mechanics with applications to the planning of space missions
to the outer planets.
Lecture times: First semester: 2nd period Tuesday, Thursday. Second semester: 2nd period Monday,
Wednesday, Friday.
Assessment: Class record counts up to 40%. A project and one 2.5-hour examination written in
October/November make up the balance.
Second-Year Courses
Students may not simultaneously register for MAM1000W and any of MAM2000W,
MAM2004H, and MAM2002S.
MAM2046W APPLIED MATHEMATICS 2046

The course MAM2046W consist of four modules and students must take all of these. Students wishing
to register for the module 2BP must obtain a final mark of at least 45% for 2OD. Students planning
to take MAM3040W should be aware that registration for some of the modules in that course requires
a final mark of 45% or higher in some of the modules in MAM2046W.
Course entry requirements: MAM1043H, MAM1044H and MAM1000W
Co-requisites: Modules 2LA and 2AC of MAM2000W/2004H
Course outline:
This course will provide students with fundamental topics in Applied Mathematics. It consists of the
following four modules:
2NA: NUMERICAL ANALYSIS (MAM2053S in EBE)
Non-linear equations and rates of convergence. Direct and iterative methods for solving linear
systems, pivoting strategies, matrix factorization, norms, conditioning. Solutions to initial value
problems including higher order ordinary differential equations. Interpolation and approximation
theory, splines, discrete and continuous least squares. Numerical differentiation and integration. Error
analysis and control.
2OD: ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
First order equations; existence and uniqueness of solutions. Linear equations of the n-th order;
systems of n linear first-order equations. Nonhomogeneous linear equations and systems; variation of
parameters; qualitative theory of nonlinear equations; phase plane analysis; externally and
parametrically driven oscillators; resonances; application to the theory of nonlinear vibrations.
Calculus of variations.
2BP: BOUNDARY-VALUE PROBLEMS (MAM2050S in EBE)
Boundary-value problems, Sturm-Liouville problems, Green's function. Variational calculus,
applications to Lagrangean and Hamiltonian mechanics. Diffusion, Laplace's and wave equation.
Solution by separation of variables.
2ND: NONLINEAR DYNAMICS
Fixed points, bifurcations, phase portraits. Conservative and reversible systems. Index theory,
Poincáre-Bendixson theorem, Liénard systems, relaxation oscillators. Hopf bifurcations,
quasiperiodicity and Poincaré maps. Applications. Chaos on a strange attractor, Lorentz map, logistic
map, Hénon map, Lyapunov exponents. Fractals.
DP requirements: A class record of 30% or more is required in each module of the course.
Assessment: For each module the class record counts 30% and one no longer than 2-hour examination
paper counts 70%.
MAM2047H APPLIED MATHEMATICS 2047

Course entry requirements: MAM1043H, MAM1044H and MAM1000W
Co-requisites: Modules 2LA and 2AC of MAM2000W/2004H
Course outline:
The aim of this course is to introduce the student to a selection of fundamental topics in Applied
Mathematics. This half-course consists of two modules from MAM2046W, one of which should be
the module 2OD: ORDINARY DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS, which covers:
First order linear and nonlinear equations; existence and uniqueness of solutions. Linear equations of
the n-th order and systems of n linear first order equations. Nonhomogeneous linear equations and
systems; variation of parameters; qualitative theory of nonlinear equations; phase plane analysis;
externally and parametrically driven oscillators; resonances; application to the theory of nonlinear
vibrations. Calculus of variations.
Lecture times: Depending on modules chosen, as for MAM2046W.
Assessment: Please refer to the MAM2046W examination requirement entry for the class record and
examination weighting for each module.

Course entry requirements: MAM2047H
Course outline:
The aim of this course is to introduce the student to a selection of fundamental topics in Applied
Mathematics. This course is for students who have already obtained credit for MAM2047H. It consists
of two modules of MAM2046W which were not taken as MAM2047H. A student who takes both
MAM2047H and MAM2048H may count the combination as equivalent to MAM2046W.
Assessment: Please refer to the MAM2046W examination requirement entry for the class record and
Third-Year Courses
MAM3040W APPLIED MATHEMATICS 3040

The course MAM3040W consists of five modules. Students must take four of these, including the
compulsory module 3MP. Some modules in MAM3040W have prerequisite (require a minimum final
mark of 45%) modules in MAM2000W and MAM2046W. Details can be found in the handbook section
Undergraduate Courses in Applied Mathematics.
Course entry requirements: MAM2000W and either MAM2046W or both MAM2047H and
MAM2048H
Course outline:
This course introduces students to advanced topics in Applied Mathematics.
3MP: METHODS OF MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS (MAM3043F in EBE)
Fourier-transform solution of linear PDEs on the line. Long-term asymptotic behaviour: methods of
Laplace, stationary phase, steepest descents. Nonlinear waves: Riemann invariants. Effect of
dissipation; Cole-Hopf transform for the Burgers equation; travelling fronts for the KPP equation.
Effect of dispersion: KdV, sine-Gordon equation. Elliptic integrals, elliptic functions; cnoidal waves,
solitons. Multisoliton solutions: Hirota method, Baecklund transformations.
3CV: METHODS OF FUNCTIONS OF COMPLEX VARIABLES
Complex calculus, calculus of residues, special functions, applications to physics.
3AN: ADVANCED NUMERICAL METHODS (MAM3050S in EBE)
Advanced methods for ODEs, boundary value problems, differential eigenvalue problems. Numerical
solution of PDEs by methods of finite differences, finite elements and spectral methods.
3GR: INTRODUCTION TO GENERAL RELATIVITY (MAM3049S in EBE)
This course introduces special relativity, taught in a blended learning fashion (online lectures and
tutorials) and general relativity including tensors, the metric tensor, symmetries, curvature, Einstein's
field equations and solutions of Minkowski space and Black Holes.
3FD: FLUID DYNAMICS (MAM3054S in EBE)
Application, description of fluids, equations of fluid flow for simple fluids, analytical techniques.
Assessment: For modules 3GR and 3FD the year mark counts 25% and the examination counts 75%.
For modules 3MP, 3AN and 3CV, the year mark counts 35% and the examination counts 65%. The
examinations for module 3MP and 3CV are written in June and modules 3FD, 3GR and 3AN are
written in October/November. All examinations are no longer than 2 hours, except 3GR which is no
longer than 3 hours.

Course entry requirements: MAM2000W and either MAM2046W or both MAM2047H and
MAM2048H
Course outline:
The aim of this course is to introduce students to a selection of advanced topics in Applied
Mathematics. This half course consists of two modules of MAM3040W, at least one of which should
be 3MP: METHODS OF MATHEMATICAL PHYSICS (MAM3043S in EBE), the content of which
may be found in the entry for MAM3040W.
Assessment: Please refer to the MAM3040W examination requirements entry for the class record and

Course entry requirements: MAM3041H
Course outline:
This course is for students who have already obtained credit for MAM3041H. It consists of two
modules of MAM3040W which were not taken as MAM3041H and which, together with
MAM3041H, would constitute the contents of MAM3040W. A student who takes both MAM3041H
and MAM3048H may count the combination as equivalent to MAM3040W.
Lecture times: Depending on modules chosen, as for MAM3040W
Assessment: Please refer to the MAM3040W examination requirements for the class record and
MAM3055Z PROJECT/INTERNSHIP IN APPLIED MATHEMATICS

Convener: Professor I V Barashenkov
Course outline:
With permission from the Convener, and subject to the availability of a suitable supervisor in the
Department, students may complete a project or internship on a topic in Applied Mathematics. This
is strongly recommended for students intending to continue to Honours in Applied Mathematics.
Undergraduate Courses in Mathematics

Students who are registered for the courses MAM1004F/S, MAM1005H, MAM1006H, MAM1008S,
MAM1010F/S, MAM1012F/S, MAM1020F/S, MAM1021F/S, MAM1023F/S, MAM1024F/S,
MAM1031F, MAM1032S, MAM1110F/H, and MAM1112S will be able to access an EBook version
of the prescribed textbook at no extra cost (i.e., students in these courses do not have to buy the
textbook).
First-Year Courses in Mathematics

A semesterised course in Mathematics at first-year level is offered in the Science Faculty, MAM1031F
and MAM1032S. (The courses MAM1010F/S and MAM1012F/S are intended for Commerce
students and the courses MAM1020F/S and MAM1021F/S for Engineering students. Details of these
can be found in the Handbooks for the Faculty of Commerce and the Faculty of Engineering & the
Built Environment respectively). Credit equivalent to MAM1031F can be obtained by passing
MAM1005H or MAM1033F, and credit equivalent to MAM1032S can be obtained by passing
MAM1006H or MAM1034S. In special cases MAM1004F or MAM1004S may be taken in place of

MAM1005H; detailed rules are given under the entry for MAM1006H.
Students who intend to major in Mathematics must take the half course MAM1019H, usually during
their first year of study.
Unless special permission is granted by the MAM HoD, students who intend to major in Computer
Science, and whose other majors do not explicitly require MAM1031F, are expected to take the
courses MAM1004F and MAM1008S instead of MAM1031F.
No student may register for more than one of MAM1004F, MAM1004S, MAM1005H, MAM1006H,
MAM1031F, MAM1032S, MAM1033F and MAM1034S simultaneously. Credit will not be given for
more than one of MAM1004F, MAM1004S, MAM1005H, MAM1031F and MAM1033F. Credit for
any first-year half course in Mathematics falls away on obtaining credit for MAM1031F, with the
exception of MAM1008S which can count together with any other first year MAM course.
The course STA1001F/S carries no credit in the Faculty of Science.
The Mathematics Hot Seat in Room 210 on level 2 in the Mathematics Building is open for several
hours every day and students in all first year courses are encouraged to go there for help with their
mathematics problems.
Prerequisites for 2nd and 3rd year courses:

Students planning to take modules in the 2nd or 3rd year mathematics courses MAM2000W and
MAM3000W must obtain a final mark of 45% or higher for each of the prerequisite modules shown
below:
Semester Prerequisites
2LA Linear Algebra 1 -
2AC Advanced Calculus 1 -
2IA Introductory Algebra 2 -
2RA Real Analysis 2 -
2DE Differential Equations 2 2LA and 2AC
3AL Modern Abstract 1 2LA and 2IA
Algebra
3DM Discrete Mathematics 1 -
3MS Metric Spaces 1 2RA
3CA Complex Analysis 2 2RA
3TA Topics in Algebra 2 -
3TN Topics in Analysis 2 3MS
First-Year Courses
MAM1004F MATHEMATICS 1004

Convener: T C Van Heerden
Course entry requirements: At least 70% in NSC Mathematics. Students registered in other faculties
who do not meet the 70% NSC requirement may instead complete MAM1014F followed by
MAM1015S with a mark of 70% or higher to gain entry to MAM1004F and MAM1004S. Students
who fail MAM1004F are expected to register for MAM1004S in the 2nd semester.
Course outline:
The aim of this course is to provide mathematics for applications, particularly in the Life and Earth
sciences. The syllabus covers the following topics: Functions and graphs. Straight lines, power
functions, polynomials, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions (radians).
Discrete-time dynamical systems. Stability and equilibria. Rates of change. Limits, derivatives.
Maxima and minima. Concavity. Asymptotes and curve sketching. Antiderivatives and integrals.
Mathematical modelling. Separable and linear differential equations.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 1st period

DP requirements: Minimum of 30% in class tests, and satisfactory tutorial attendance.
Assessment: Year mark counts 50%; one 3-hour examination makes up the balance.
MAM1004S MATHEMATICS 1004

Course entry requirements: At least 70% in NSC Mathematics. Students registered in other faculties
who do not meet the 70% NSC requirement may instead complete MAM1014F followed by
MAM1015S with a mark of 70% or higher to gain entry to MAM1004F and MAM1004S. Students
who fail MAM1004F are expected to register for MAM1004S in the 2nd semester.
Course outline:
The aim of this course is to provide mathematics for applications, particularly in the Life and Earth
sciences. The syllabus covers the following topics: Functions and graphs. Straight lines, power
functions, polynomials, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions (radians).
Discrete-time dynamical systems. Stability and equilibria. Rates of change. Limits, derivatives.
Maxima and minima. Concavity. Asymptotes and curve sketching. Antiderivatives and integrals.
Mathematical modelling. Separable and linear differential equations.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, Meridian
DP requirements: Minimum of 30% in class tests, and at least 80% attendance at tutorials.
Assessment: Year mark counts up to 40%; one 3-hour examination (written in June for MAM1004F,
written in November for MAM1004S) makes up the balance.
MAM1005H MATHEMATICS 1005

Convener: Associate Professor B Osano
Course entry requirements: At least 70% in NSC Mathematics. The permission of the Dean or Head
of Department is required prior to registration for this course. NOTES: 1) The course places an
emphasis on the strengthening of foundational concepts and skills, the carefully-paced introduction
of new material, and the development of sound approaches to effective learning. 2) MAM1005H +
MAM1006H is equivalent to MAM1031F + MAM1032S in level, credit value towards the degree and
as prerequisite for certain other courses.
Course outline:
Similar to MAM1031F, the aim of this course is to introduce the fundamental ideas in calculus and
related topics. It will cover the topics in MAM1031F including differential calculus of functions of
one variable, but extended over the full year. Lecture times: Students attend Monday - Friday in 1st
or 3rd period (depending on the rest of their timetable); Workshops: Monday, 6th and 7th period.
DP requirements: Minimum of 35% for class record and very satisfactory attendance at all lectures,
workshops and tutorials.
Assessment: Year mark counts up to 50%; one 2-hour examination written in October/November
makes up the balance.

Convener: To be confirmed
Course entry requirements: MAM1005H or a pass with at least 65% in MAM1004F/S. Students
who have passed MAM1004F/S with less than 65% and who wish to register for MAM1006H will be
required to write and pass the examination paper for MAM1005H in November or the supplementary
examination paper in January before they are allowed to register for MAM1006H. Such students are
required to inform the course co-ordinator for MAM1005H by 1 September or 1 December,
respectively, of their intention to write the examination and at the same time obtain information about
the reading to be done as preparation for the examination. NOTES: 1) This course follows on from
MAM1005H and also places an emphasis on the strengthening of foundational concepts and skills,
the carefully-paced introduction of new material, and the development of sound approaches to
effective learning. 2) MAM1005H + MAM1006H is equivalent to MAM1000W (and MAM1031F +
MAM1032S in level, credit value towards the degree and as prerequisite for certain other courses.
Course outline:
Similar to the full-year course MAM1000W, the aim of this course is to introduce the fundamental
ideas in calculus, linear algebra and related topics. This course consists of those topics in the
MAM1000W syllabus that were not covered in MAM1005H the previous year, including differential
equations, partial derivatives, vector geometry, matrix algebra, complex numbers, Taylor series.
Lecture times: Lectures on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in first period. Tutorials on
Thursday in first period. No workshops.
DP requirements: Minimum of 35% in class tests and very satisfactory attendance at lectures and
tutorials.
Assessment: Year mark counts up to 40%; one 2-hour examination written in October/November
makes up the balance.
MAM1019H FUNDAMENTALS OF MATHEMATICS

Students who intend to major in mathematics are expected to take MAM1019H during their first year
of study.
Convener: 1st semester: Associate Professor D Erwin. 2nd semester: M Vandeyar
Course entry requirements: At least 70% in NSC Mathematics
Co-requisites: MAM1000W or MAM1031F + MAM1032S (or equivalent).
Course outline:
The aim of this course is to familiarise students with the most fundamental concepts and tools of
modern mathematics at an elementary level. These include: fundamentals of logic and set theory,
concepts of a function, of relations, of equivalence and order relations as well as some basic
mathematical structures and the fundamental number systems.
Lecture times: Five lectures every two weeks in meridian.
DP requirements: Minimum of 30% in year mark.
Assessment: Year mark counts up to 40%; one 2-hour examination paper written in November makes
up the balance.

Convener: Associate Professor J Shock
Course outline:
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the fundamental ideas in differential calculus
covering functions of one variable, limits, continuity and differentiation with applications, as well as
formal proof methods. This course (or equivalent), along with MAM1032S (or equivalent) is
necessary for entry into second year mathematics.
Lecture times: Five lectures per week, Monday - Friday, 1st or 3rd period
DP requirements: Minimum of 30% for class tests, minimum 30% for weekly online tests, and 80%
attendance at tutorial sessions.
Assessment: Semester mark counts 33.3% and end-of-semester exam counts 66.6%.

Course entry requirements: MAM1031F or MAM1033F
Course outline:
The aim of this course is to continue from the work in MAM1031F and introduce students to integral
calculus, taylor polynomials, complex numbers, vector geometry, linear algebra and differential
equations. This course, along with MAM1031F is necessary for entry into second year mathematics.
Lecture times: Five lectures per week, Monday - Friday, 1st or 3rd period.
DP requirements: Minimum of 30% for class tests, minimum 30% for weekly online tests, and 80%
attendance at tutorial sessions.

Course outline:
The aim of this course is to introduce students to the fundamental ideas in differential calculus. It is
designed for students majoring in mathematical and physical sciences. In addition, a fundamental aim
is for students to come away with an understanding of how to read, write and apply mathematics using
mathematical thinking practices for clarity, consistency and a depth of understanding that prepares
them for MAM2000W, MAM3000W, and the mathematical requirements of their other Science
courses.
DP requirements: Minimum of 30% for class tests, minimum 30% for weekly online tests, 80%
attendance at tutorial sessions and 100% attendance at Mathematical Thinking workshops.

Course entry requirements: MAM1031F or MAM1033F
Course outline:
The aim of this course is to introduce the fundamental ideas in calculus and related topics. The main
topics include integral calculus, differential equations, partial derivatives, vector geometry, matrix
algebra, complex numbers, and Taylor polynomials. The course includes an explicit focus on
mathematical thinking practices necessary for the depth of mathematical understanding for studies in
the mathematical and physical sciences. These practices include: inductive and deductive reasoning,
justifying, defining, proving, using mathematical understanding to flexibly solve multi-level
problems, reading mathematics for learning, and communicating mathematical knowledge in writing
and applying mathematics using mathematical thinking practices for clarity, consistency and a depth
of understanding that prepares them for MAM2000W, MAM3000W, and the mathematical
requirements of their other Science courses. This course (or equivalent), along with MAM1033F (or
equivalent) is necessary for entry into second year mathematics.
DP requirements: Minimum of 30% for class tests, minimum 30% for weekly online tests, 80%
attendance at tutorial sessions, and 100% attendance at Mathematical Thinking workshops.
Second-Year Courses
Students may not simultaneously register for MAM1000W and any of MAM2000W,
MAM2004H, and MAM2002S.
MAM2000W MATHEMATICS 2000

The course MAM2000W consists of five modules. Students must take four of these. In the first semester
students take 2LA and 2AC, and in the second semester they take two of 2RA, 2IA and 2DE. Some
modules in MAM2000W are prerequisites for other modules in MAM2000W, MAM3000W, and
MAM3040W; for these modules, a final mark of 45% or higher must be obtained. Details can be found
in the handbook sections Undergraduate Courses in Mathematics and Undergraduate Courses in
Applied Mathematics. Due to the prerequisite system, students who obtain a final mark of less than
45% for 2AC or 2LA will be required to deregister from MAM2000W.
Course entry requirements: MAM1000W or equivalent. With permission from the MAM2000W
convener, students who obtained 70% or higher for both MAM1010 and MAM1012 may register for
MAM2000W.
Course outline:
This course aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of mathematics.
2AC: ADVANCED CALCULUS
Multivariable calculus. Curves and surfaces in three dimensions, change of coordinates. Line
integrals, surface integrals. Stokes'. Green's and divergence theorems.
2DE: DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS (for Actuarial and Business Science students)
Topics from: First and second-order difference equations. Linear differential equations, constant
coefficients. Laplace transforms. Nonlinear equations, phase plane analysis. Parabolic partial
differential equations, separation of variables, boundary value problems. Black-Scholes equation.
Stochastic differential equations
2IA: INTRODUCTORY ALGEBRA
Introduction to abstract algebra and number theory. Topics include: induction, strong induction and
Well-Ordering axiom. Divisibility and prime factorization. Modular arithmetic. Permutations.
Groups. Subgroups. Cyclic groups. Isomorphisms. Simple groups. Factor groups. Lagrange's
Theorem. The First Isomorphism Theorem.
2LA: LINEAR ALGEBRA
Vector spaces, linear independence, spans, bases, row space, column space, null space. Linear maps.
Eigenvectors and eigenvalues. Inner product spaces, orthogonality.
2RA: REAL ANALYSIS
Axioms of the real numbers, supremum and infimum. Countable sets. Sequences and series. Open and
closed sets, compactness. Limits, continuity, differentiability. Sequences and series of functions,
uniform convergence, power series. Integration.
Lecture times: Monday - Friday, 5th period. In the second semester 2DE is taught in the 4th period,
and 2RA is taught in 4th and 5th period.
DP requirements: Minimum of 30% in class record and satisfactory tutorial attendance.
Assessment: Year mark counts up to 40%; the examination mark makes up the balance. The
examination consists of four papers of up to 2 hours each. First semester modules will be examined
in June and second semester modules in October/November.

MAM2002S is a half-course in Mathematics at second-year level. It is usually taken by students who
are doing it in addition to either MAM2000W or MAM2004H.
Course entry requirements: MAM1000W (or equivalent).
Course outline:
The aims of these half courses are to introduce the student to a selection of fundamental topics in
mathematics. Each half course consists of two modules. A student may register for a half course in
the same year as MAM2000W or in a subsequent year. Refer to the MAM2000W course outline for
the module details.
Lecture times: Same as MAM2000W.
DP requirements: Minimum of 30% in class record.
Assessment: As for MAM2000W except that the examination consists of two papers of up to 2 hours
each.

MAM2004H is a half-course in Mathematics at second-year level. It is also the minimum co-requisite
for MAM2046W and for PHY2014F, in which case modules 2LA and 2AC are compulsory.
Course entry requirements: MAM1000W (or equivalent).
Course outline:
The aims of these half courses are to introduce the student to a selection of fundamental topics in
mathematics. Each half course consists of two modules. A student may register for a half course in
the same year as MAM2000W or in a subsequent year. Refer to the MAM2000W course outline for
the module details.
Lecture times: Same as MAM2000W.
DP requirements: Minimum of 30% in class record.
Assessment: As for MAM2000W except that the examination consists of two papers of up to 2 hours
each.
Third-Year Courses
MAM3000W MATHEMATICS 3000

The course MAM3000W consists of six modules. Students must take four of these, including at least
one of 3AL and 3MS. Some modules in MAM3000W are prerequisites (require a minimum final mark
of 45%) for other modules in MAM3000W, and some MAM3000W modules have prerequisite modules
in MAM2000W. Details can be found in the handbook section Undergraduate Courses in
Mathematics. Students who are considering continuing to MAM4000W (Honours in Mathematics)
should consult the Honours Program website (www.mamhonours.uct.ac.za) and/or the Honours
Program Convener before choosing their MAM3000W modules. These students are strongly urged to
consider taking the project module MAM3006Z. Some MAM4000W modules require certain
MAM3000W modules; a poorly considered choice of MAM3000W modules might make it very difficult
to continue to Honours.
Course entry requirements: MAM2000W and MAM1019H (with permission from the Head of
Department, MAM1019H may be taken concurrently with MAM3000W. However, this permission
will usually only be granted for students who decide after first year of study to major in mathematics).
Course outline:
This course aims to introduce students to advanced topics in mathematics.
3AL: MODERN ABSTRACT ALGEBRA
Group Theory (Isomorphism Theorems, p-Groups, Sylow Theory, Direct Products and finitely
generated Abelian Groups). Further Linear Algebra (Primary decomposition, Jordan normal forms,
Bilinear forms).
3CA: COMPLEX ANALYSIS
Field of complex numbers. Power series. Analytic functions. Complex integration. Liouville’s
theorem, Fundamental Theorem of Algebra. Maximum Modulus Theorem. Index of a closed curve.
Cauchy’s Integral Formula. Counting Zeros and Open Mapping Theorems. Goursat’s Theorem.
Singularities. Laurent series. Residues.
3DM: DISCRETE MATHEMATICS Graph theory, combinatorial counting, discrete probability
theory, recurrences, algorithms, applications.
3MS: METRIC SPACES
Metric spaces and topology; applications
3TA: TOPICS IN ALGEBRA
A selection from lattices and order, congruences, Boolean algebra, representation theory, naive set
theory, universal algebra.
3TN: TOPICS IN ANALYSIS
Compactness in metric spaces, normed spaces, linear continuous mappings between normed spaces,
Hilbert spaces, orthogonal projection, differential calculus on normed spaces, review of the Riemann
integral and its limitations.
Assessment: Year mark counts up to 40%; the examination mark counts at least 60% of the final
mark.The examination consists of four papers of up to 2 hours each. First-semester modules will be
examined in June and second-semester modules in October/November.

MAM3002H is a half course for students who register at the beginning of the year.
Course entry requirements: MAM1019H and MAM2000W
Course outline:
These half courses may consist of any two third-year modules. Either half course may be taken instead
of a full course or in addition to it. A student who takes both MAM3002H and MAM3003S may count
the combination as a major only if the four modules studied would be acceptable for MAM3000W.
Lecture times: Monday - Thursday, 5th period with options in 4th period.
DP requirements: A class record of 30%.
Assessment: As for MAM3000W, except that the examination consists of two papers of up to 2 hours
each.

MAM3003S is a half course for those who register in the second semester, or those who have already
obtained credit for MAM3002H.
Course entry requirements: MAM1019H and MAM2000W
Course outline:
These half courses may consist of any two third-year modules. Either half course may be taken instead
of a full course or in addition to it. A student who takes both MAM3002H and MAM3003S may count
the combination as a major only if the four modules studied would be acceptable for MAM3000W.
Lecture times: Monday - Thursday, 5th period with options in 4th period.
DP requirements: A class record of 30%.
Assessment: As for MAM3000W, except that the examination consists of two papers of up to 2 hours
each.
MAM3006Z PROJECT IN MATHEMATICS

Course outline:
With permission from the Convener, and subject to the availability of a suitable supervisor in the
Department, students may complete a project on a topic in Mathematics. This is strongly
recommended for students intending to continue to Honours in Mathematics.
There are a number of Honours courses available to students who have completed senior courses in
Applied Mathematics and Mathematics. Details can be found on the website
www.mamhonours.uct.ac.za. Those interested should contact the Honours Program Convener, Dr D
J Erwin.
MAM4000W MATHEMATICS HONOURS

Since the code MAM4000W will not carry an NQF credit value, students will be concurrently
registered for MAM4013W (coursework component of 120 NQF credits) and MAM4014W (research
project of 40 NQF credits). Students registered for MAM4000W are expected to tutor in the
Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.
Convener: Dr J Sanchez Ortega
Course entry requirements: (i) 65% or higher for MAM3000W (or the equivalent at another
institution), and, (ii) The average of the four marks for MAM1000W, MAM1019H, MAM2000W,
and MAM3000W (or the equivalents at another institution) should be 65% or higher. In all cases
acceptance is subject to individual approval by the Head of Department.
Course outline:
This course provides an introduction to some topics that are basic to a professional mathematician.
Students do a mathematics project, at least three of the four core modules in Algebra, Analysis,
Differential Geometry, and Topology, and other modules for a total of at least 160 credits (most
modules are 20 credits; the project, which consists of a thesis and two seminars, is 40 credits total).
Students have some flexibility in selecting their other modules but all curricula must be approved by
the convener. The decision about which modules will be offered is made by the Department, but
typically includes (in addition to the previously mentioned core modules) a selection from such topics
as Algebraic Geometry, Category Theory, Computational Complexity, Cryptology, Differential
Topology, Functional Analysis, Graph Theory, Homological Algebra, Lie Algebras, Measure Theory,
Number Theory, Operator Theory, Partial Differential Equations, and Theory of Hamiltonian Groups.
Students may, with permission from the convener and with agreement from a suitable supervisor in
the Department, pursue reading modules on topics that are not offered as taught modules.
Assessment: The project counts 25% of the final mark and must be passed (with 50%). On average,
the examination counts at least 50% of the balance of the final mark for the course. Three core modules
together count 37.5% of the final mark. The remaining 37.5% of the final mark is calculated using the
student’s best marks in their other modules. These component parts of the course will be combined in
a final overall mark which will be reflected against the course code MAM4000W, with PA (pass)
MAM4100W MATHEMATICS HONOURS (EXTENDED1)

Course entry requirements: (i) 60% or higher for MAM3000W, and, (ii) The average of the four
marks for MAM1000W, MAM1019H, MAM2000W, and MAM3000W should be 60% or higher. In
all cases acceptance is subject to individual approval by the Head of Department.
Course outline:
This course, together with MAM4110W and MAM4014W, covers the content of MAM4000W over
two years. Students in this course will do two core modules in the first semester and two more modules
in the second semester (total 80 credits).
Assessment: As per MAM4000W
MAM4110W MATHEMATICS HONOURS (EXTENDED2)

Course entry requirements: A pass in MAM4100W.
Co-requisites: MAM4014W
Course outline:
two years. Students in this course will do two modules in the first semester and the project
(MAM4014W) in the second semester (total 80 credits).
MAM4001W APPLIED MATHEMATICS HONOURS

Since the code MAM4001W will not carry an NQF credit value, students will be concurrently
registered for MAM4015W (coursework component of 120 NQF credits) and MAM4016W (research
project of 40 NQF credits). Students registered for MAM4001W are expected to tutor in the
Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.
Course entry requirements: (i) 65% or higher for MAM3040W (or the equivalent at another
institution), and, (ii) The average of the three marks for MAM1043H/1044H, MAM2046W, and
MAM3040W (or the equivalents at another institution) should be 65% or higher. In all cases
Course outline:
This course provides an introduction to a selection of topics in applied mathematics. Students do an
applied mathematics project and modules for a total of at least 160 credits (most modules are 20
credits; the project, which consists of a thesis and two seminars, is 40 credits total). Each student’s
curriculum must be approved by the convener and must include a minimum of 60 credits of applied
mathematics modules taught by MAM (CERECAM and DMTCS modules are considered in this
category). There is considerable flexibility in the structure of individual curricula and students are
encouraged to include suitable modules from MAM4000W and from cognate departments (for
example: Computer Science, Physics, Statistics, Economics, Oceanography). The decision about
which modules will be offered is made by the Department, but typically includes a selection from
such topics as Advanced Mathematical Methods, Continuum Mechanics, Finite Element Analysis,
Mathematical Biology, General Relativity and Cosmology, and String Theory. Students may, with
permission from the convener and with agreement from a suitable supervisor in the Department,
pursue reading modules on topics that are not offered as taught modules.
Assessment: The project and seminar together count 25% of the final mark and must be passed (with
50%). On average, the examination counts at least 50% of the balance of the final mark for the course.
At least 37.5% of the final mark must come from the previously mentioned applied mathematics
modules taught by MAM. The remaining 37.5% of the final mark is calculated using the student’s
best marks in their other modules. These component parts of the course will be combined in a final
overall mark which will be reflected against the course code MAM4001W, with PA (pass) entered
against the coursework and project codes; each of these components must be passed separately for the
award of the degree.
MAM4101W APPLIED MATHEMATICS HONOURS (EXTENDED1)

Course entry requirements: (i) 60% or higher for MAM3040W, and, (ii) The average of the three
marks for MAM1043H/1044H, MAM2046W, and MAM3040W should be 60% or higher. In all cases
Course outline:
two years. Students in this course will do two core modules in the first semester and two more modules
in the second semester (total 80 credits).
MAM4111W APPLIED MATHEMATICS HONS (EXTENDED2)

Course entry requirements: A pass in MAM4101W.
Co-requisites: MAM4016W
Course outline:
two years. Students in this course will do two modules in the first semester and the project
(MAM4016W) in the second semester (total 80 credits).
AST4007W ASTROPHYSICS & SPACE SCIENCE HONOURS

Since the code AST4007W will not carry a NQF credit value, students will be concurrently registered
for AST4008W (coursework component of 128 NQF credits) and AST4009W (research project of 32
NQF credits).
Course entry requirements: AST3002F and AST3003S or PHY3004W or MAM3040W or
equivalent. Candidates with an Engineering background will also be considered. Enrolments are
limited to 20 students. Candidates must satisfy the Steering Committee that they have sufficient
background in Mathematics and Physics. Admission is subject to the approval of the Steering
Committee and an application must be made before 30th September of the preceding year. Late
applications will also be considered.
Course outline:
The Honours course in Astrophysics & Space Science consists of courses presented by distinguished
South African researchers from research institutions participating in NASSP. There is a theory
component which includes courses in spectroscopy, electrodynamics, general relativity, general
astrophysics, galaxies, computational physics, astrophysical fluid dynamics and computational
methods, as well as an observational techniques component which includes optical and infrared
astronomy and radio astronomy. In addition students will complete a mini research project as well as
a main research project and go on a number of fieldtrips to the national facilities.
DP requirements: Satisfactory lecture attendance (minimum 50%); class record of at least 40%.
Assessment: The assessment of the coursework is based on the class records and examinations for
each of the modules. In general they are made up from tests, oral presentations, projects and a final
examination. Examinations count 40%, class record 40% and research project 20% of the final result.
The project component must be passed at 50%. These component parts of the course will be combined
in a final overall mark which will be reflected against the course code AST4007W, with PA (pass)
AST5003F ASTROPHYSICS & SPACE SCIENCE COURSEWORK

(National Astrophysics & Space Science Programme (NASSP). All students on the National
Astrophysics & Space Science Programme (NASSP) will enrol (and pay fees) for the coursework
component (AST5003F) at the start of their first year of registration. Those who choose to remain at
UCT to complete the minor dissertation component (AST5001W, MAM5005W or PHY5003W) will be
required to enrol (and pay fees) for the minor dissertation component in July. Where the minor
dissertation is not submitted by the February deadline of the subsequent year, the student will be
required to enrol (and pay fees) for the minor dissertation component in the subsequent year/s.
Course entry requirements: This course is open to Honours graduates in Astronomy and Space
Science (AST4007W), Physics (PHY4000W, PHY4001W, PHY4002W) or equivalent, and
Engineering. Entrance is subject to a minimum pass mark of 60% in the Honours degree.
Course outline:
This course consists of a selection of advanced topics presented by distinguished South African
researchers from research institutions participating in NASSP. The courses vary from year to year but
usually include cataclysmic variables, extragalactic astronomy, space technology, hot topics in
cosmology, advanced general relativity, high energy astrophysics, observational cosmology,
geomagnetism and aeronomy, plasma physics and magnetohydrodynamics.
Assessment: On average, examinations of individual modules count 60% of the final result, and
marked practical work counts 40%.
MAM5000W MATHEMATICS DISSERTATION

Course outline:
MAM5001W APPLIED MATHEMATICS DISSERTATION

Course outline:
The course will consist of the investigation of one or two topics chosen for intensive study by the
candidate and approved by the Head of Department. Examination will be by dissertation. An oral
examination may be required. The Department has research programmes in four particular areas of
Applied Mathematics, namely (i) general relativity and astrophysics, (ii) mathematical modelling of
biological, ecological and environmental systems, (iii) continuum mechanics, applied analysis and
finite elements, and (iv) nonlinear evolution equations and non-integrable systems. See also 'Research
in Mathematics & Applied Mathematics'. Candidates will be particularly encouraged to take part in
one of these programmes. General rules for this degree may be found in the front of the handbook.
MAM5005W ASTROPHYSICS & SPACE SCIENCE MINOR DISSERTATION

(National Astrophysics & Space Science Programme (NASSP); for further details see entry under
Department of Astronomy)
Assessment: Students will work on an approved research topic on which a minor dissertation must be
presented for formal examination.
MAM6000W MATHEMATICS THESIS

Course outline:
Candidates are referred to the general rules for the PhD as set out in Book 3, General Rules and
Policies.
MAM6001W APPLIED MATHEMATICS THESIS

Course outline:
Candidates are referred to the general rules for the PhD as set out in Book 3, General Rules and
Policies.
DEPARTMENT OF MOLECULAR AND CELL

BIOLOGY
The Department is housed in the Molecular Biology Building, 22 University Avenue
Telephone (021) 650-2494 Fax (021) 650-1861
The Departmental abbreviation for Molecular and Cell Biology is MCB.

S Rafudeen, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
Deputy Head of Department – Postgraduate:
C O'Ryan, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
Deputy Head of Department – Undergraduate:
R A Ingle, BA Hons DPhil Oxon
South African Research Chair in Molecular Physiology of Plant Desiccation
Tolerance:
J M Farrant, BSc Hons PhD Natal
Professors:
J P Hapgood, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
N Illing, MSc Cape Town DPhil Oxon
Emeritus Professor:
J A Thomson, BSc Cape Town MA Cantab PhD Rhodes
V R Abratt, BSc Hons Rhodes PhD Cape Town
S J Reid, BSc Hons PhD Rhodes
V E Coyne, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
I Hitzeroth, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
R A Ingle, BA Hons DPhil Oxon
Senior Lecturers:
R Hurdayal, MSc UKZN PhD Cape Town
P Meyers, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
C O'Ryan, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
S Rafudeen, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
Lecturers:
F Dube, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
T Oelgeschläger, Dr rer nat Hanover
M J Williams, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
Senior Research Officer:
A Meyers, BSc Hons PhD Cape Town
Research Officer:
C Avenant, BSc Hons Stell PhD Cape Town
Junior Research Fellow:
S Mbewana, BSc Hons MSc US PhD Cape Town
Principal Scientific Officers:
K Iyer, PhD Cape Town
T Millard, BSc Pret
B L Arendze-Bailey, BSc Hons Cape Town
K Cooper, MSc Cape Town
M D Krige, MSc Stell
S Sattar, MSc Cape Town
P Liebrich, MSc Cape Town
Scientific Officers:
I Hoffman-Jacobs, MSc Stell
A Marthinus, BSc Hons Cape Town
Research Assistant:
K van der Merwe, HDipEd CPUT
N Bredekamp
D September
Senior Technical Officer:
---
Department Manager:
Y L Burrows
Finance Administrator:
C Saunders
G Spannenberg
Senior Secretary:
---
Departmental Assistants:
M Adams
K Makalima
P Tobi
E Vellem
Lab Assistants:
D August, NDip Biotech CPUT
D Marubelela, BA Human Ecology UWC
S Mzuzu
RESEARCH IN MOLECULAR AND CELL BIOLOGY

The Department has interests and expertise in diverse areas of biology. Plant desiccation research
(Professors Farrant and Illing): the problem of desiccation in plants is being tackled by a combination
of physiological and molecular approaches. Plant biotechnology (Professor Rybicki with Associate
Professors Hitzeroth and Rafudeen; and Dr Meyers): research is focused on optimising transient
expression of pharmaceutically-relevant proteins in plants and other systems, and developing virus-
resistant and drought-tolerant crops, respectively. Eukaryotic gene expression (Professors Hapgood
and Illing, Associate Professor Ingle and Dr Oelgeschläger): projects include regulation of
transcription by steroid receptors, the role of circadian rhythms in regulating the plant immune
responses, the regulation of gene transcription in the malaria parasite Plasmodium, and the regulation
of gene expression during neuronal differentiation. Autism Spectrum Disorder Genetics (Dr O'Ryan):
This research focuses on the genetic, epigenetic and biochemical associations of Autism Spectrum
Disorder. Molecular virology (Professor Rybicki): studies focus on the expression of antigens from
human and animal viruses in plants and insect cells for use as human and animal vaccines, and on the
genetic diversity and molecular biology of single-stranded DNA viruses. Research in biochemistry
(Professor Hapgood and Dr Oelgeschläger): includes investigating the structure, function and
posttranslational modification of HIV proteins and their interactions with host proteins with a view to
understanding mechanisms of viral pathogenesis and drug development, and studies into the structure,
assembly, function and regulation of the transcription initiation machinery in Plasmodium falciparum.
Research in cellular and molecular immunology (Dr Hurdayal) includes gene-deficient murine-
models of human Leishmaniasis and parasite-based transcriptomics/proteomics to understand host
susceptibility or resistance to Leishmania infection. Research in marine biotechnology (Associate
Professor Coyne): includes the development of vaccines for farmed kob, genomic and proteomic
studies of the effect of stress and disease on the abalone immune system, and the role of marine
microorganisms in abalone nutrition and disease resistance. Research in microbiology (Drs Meyers,
Dube and Williams): South African soil and marine actinomycete bacteria are being screened for novel
antibiotics; the population genetics of Streptococcus pneumoniae in South African children is being
characterised; and the physiology of mycobacteria (environmental and pathogenic) is being studied to
identify enzymes that can be targeted for the development of new drugs and diagnostic tools.
Each student registered for any MCB undergraduate course is required to have an "entry level" laptop
for use during class sessions as well as after hours (www.icts.uct.ac.za; A tablet or “netbook” will
not be suitable).
Second-Year Courses
MCB2020F BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION TRANSFER

Entrance is limited to 140 students; No semester abroad students will be admitted to this course.
Convener: Dr P Meyers
Course entry requirements: CEM1000W or equivalent, BIO1000F and BIO1004S (or equivalent).
Course outline:
This course introduces students to fundamental concepts in genetics and examines how biological
information is organised, used and transferred in viruses, prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Topics covered
include the biological explanations for Mendel's laws of genetics, principles of evolutionary genetics,
genome organisation, horizontal gene transfer and gene structure and regulation.
DP requirements: 50% average for assignments and practical reports; attendance at all practicals and
tutorials.
Assessment: Tests and assignments count 40%; practicals count 10%; one three-hour paper written
in June counts 50%. A subminimum of 40% in the examination is required.
MCB2021F MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE

Entrance is limited to 140 students; No semester abroad students will be admitted to this course.
Convener: Associate Professor V Coyne
Course entry requirements: CEM1000W or equivalent, BIO1000F and BIO1004S (or equivalents)
Course outline:
This course will introduce students to the concepts of biological chemistry fundamental to
understanding the distinctive properties of living matter and biological processes. The course covers
core principles in three major areas, (i) the structural chemistry of key components of living matter
and the relationship between chemical structure and biological function of these components, (ii)
metabolism - the nature of chemical reactions that occur in living matter and (iii) the chemistry of
molecules and processes involved in the transmission of biological information. In addition to these
core principles, students will learn about scientific method, basic biochemistry/molecular biology
techniques and experimental design.
tutorials.
in June counts 50%. A subminimum of 40% in the examination is required.
MCB2022S METABOLISM & BIOENGINEERING

Convener: Dr M Williams
Course entry requirements: MCB2020F and MCB2021F (or a minimum final mark of 45%
(supplementary) for these courses)
Course outline:
This course will introduce students to some key aspects of metabolic energy production in eukaryotic
and prokaryotic systems. It aims to raise awareness of issues at the forefront of the discipline and give
students the ability to dissect problems in order to identify solutions. Topics covered may include
carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, metabolic integration, the metabolic diversity in Bacteria and
Archaea, and bioengineering in bacteria and plants.
tutorials.
in November counts 50%. A subminimum of 40% in the examination is required.
MCB2023S FUNCTIONAL GENETICS

Convener: Professor N Illing
Course entry requirements: MCB2020F and MCB2021F (or a minimum final mark of 45%
(supplementary) for these courses)
Course outline:
The course lays the foundation for the major in genetics, and shows how the tools of classical and
molecular genetics can be applied to understanding the regulation of gene expression, cell
differentiation and patterning in bacteria and eukaryotes. Concepts covered include gene mapping,
forward and reverse genetics; microbial genetics, including regulation of the lac operon; CRISPR/
Cas9 gene editing and DNA repair; alternative splicing and sex-determination; epigenetic mechanisms
used in dosage compensation; the genetic analysis of cell cycle regulation; stem cell technology and
axis determination in Drosophila.
tutorials.
in November counts 50%. A subminimum of 40% in the examination is required.
Third-Year Courses
NOTE: All MCB majors must complete MCB3012Z (Research project in Molecular and Cell
Biology) during the second semester. This course replaces practical classes for both third year
second semester MCB courses.
MCB3012Z RESEARCH PROJECT IN MOLECULAR & CELL BIOLOGY

Convener: Associate Professor R Ingle
Course entry requirements: MCB3025F or MCB3026F (or concurrent registration in MCB3023S
or MCB3024S).
Course outline:
Groups of students will select and perform a research project two afternoons per week by arrangement.
The work will be written up in the form of a research paper. This course replaces practical classes for
all the third year second semester MCB courses.
Assessment: Project counts 100%
MCB3023S MOLECULAR EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS & DEVELOPMENT

Convener: Dr C O’ Ryan
Course entry requirements: MCB2020F, MCB2021F and MCB2022S or MCB2023S
Course outline:
This course provides advanced level studies in the area of molecular evolutionary genetics and
development. Focus is placed on understanding key experiments in these fields and on interpreting
data. Topics covered include: The origins and molecular genetics of viruses, principles of mouse
molecular genetics applied to limb and neural development; evo-devo or how genetic change leads to
morphological diversity; interactions between genetics, the environment and development.
Assessment: Tests count 40%; one 3-hour examination written in November counts 60%. A
subminimum of 40% in the examination is required.
MCB3024S DEFENCE & DISEASE

Convener: Professor J Hapgood
Course outline:
This course will initially examine the innate immune systems of plants. The focus will switch to the
adaptive immune system, with emphasis on three major disease challenges in South Africa; namely,
HIV, TB and malaria. Host-pathogen interactions will also be discussed, with a focus on viruses and
how they infect mammals. Finally, the course will examine strategies to produce vaccines that enable
immunity to viral infection.
Assessment: Tests count 40%; one 3-hour examination written in November counts 60%. A
subminimum of 40% in the examination is required.
MCB3025F STRUCTURAL & CHEMICAL BIOLOGY

Convener: Dr R Hurdayal
Course outline:
This course addresses how modern techniques of structural and chemical biology are being used to
solve biological problems. It draws on multiple aspects of macromolecular biochemistry including
nucleic acid structure and interactions, signalling proteins and membrane proteins, and demonstrates
how this knowledge can be used in drug discovery and protein design in biotechnology. Topics
include: mechanisms of reversible and irreversible enzyme inhibitors, ligand binding, protein folding,
molecular basis for protein function, regulation of protein activity, cell signalling and proteomics.
tutorials.
Assessment: Tests count 40%; practicals, tutorials essays and assignments count 10%; one 3-hour
examination written in June counts 50%. A subminimum of 40% in the examination is required.
MCB3026F MOLECULAR GENETICS AND GENOMICS

Convener: Associate Professor S Rafudeen
Course outline:
This course explores various topics in molecular genetics covering humans, plants, bacteria, viruses
and mobile genetic elements (MGEs). Focus is given to understanding genetic mechanisms by
studying genes, proteins, antisense RNA, sRNA and the role they play in regulatory and biochemical
processes. Topics include plasmid biology, regulation of viral lifecycles, bacterial biosynthetic
pathways, human genetic disorders, transgenic plants and metagenomics among others. Different and
cutting-edge tools in modern day molecular biology are taught with an emphasis on data analyses and
interpretation and these include bioinformatics (DNA sequence analysis, assembly, annotation,
databases, BLAST, primer design), phylogenetics, Next generation sequencing, RNA sequencing and
genome projects.
tutorials.
Assessment: Tests count 40%; practicals, tutorials, essays and assignments count 10%; one 3-hour
examination written in June counts 50%. A subminimum of 40% in the examination is required.
MCB4002W MOLECULAR & CELL BIOLOGY HONOURS
Since the code MCB4002W will not carry a NQF credit value, students will be concurrently registered
for MCB4003W (coursework component of 96 NQF credits) and MCB4004W (research project of 64
NQF credits). Entrance is limited to 16 students.
Convener: Dr T Oelgeschläger
Course entry requirements: BSc degree with a major in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Genetics or
Microbiology. Molecular-based courses are highly recommended. Preference may be given to UCT
graduates. Entrance is limited to 16 students, dependent on availability of supervisors and funding.
Acceptance will be at the discretion of the Head of Department who will consider quality of senior
course results and material covered in the undergraduate curriculum.
Course outline:
The first part of this course consists of a ten-week techniques course including gel electrophoresis,
recombinant DNA technology, PCR, sequencing, bioinformatics, gene expression, protein isolation
and analysis, confocal and electron microscopy, and large data set analysis. After successful
completion of the techniques course, a six-month research project on a specific topic will be
undertaken.
DP requirements: Techniques examination must be passed at 50% to continue course.
Assessment: Two 3-hour techniques examinations written in May, and the techniques course
assignments, count 20%; essays count 15%; oral presentations count 20%; statistics module 1%, one
4-hour examination written in November counts 10%; project counts 34%. The research project must
be passed at 50%. These component parts of the course will be combined in a final overall mark which
will be reflected against the course code MCB4002W, with PA (pass) entered against the coursework
MCB5005W MOLECULAR & CELL BIOLOGY DISSERTATION

Course outline:
material. General rules for this degree may be found in the front of the handbook
MCB6002W MOLECULAR & CELL BIOLOGY THESIS

Course outline:
Candidates are referred to the rules for this degree as set out in Book 3, General Rules and Policies
DEPARTMENT OF OCEANOGRAPHY
The Department is housed on the lower ground level in the RW James Building, Residence Road
Telephone (021) 650-3277 Fax (021) 650-3979
The Departmental abbreviation for Oceanography is SEA.

I J Ansorge, BSc Plymouth MSc PhD Cape Town
South African Research Chair in Modelling of the Coupled Ocean-Land-Atmosphere
Phenomena Related to Climate:
M Rouault, MSc PhD Aix-Marseille
Professor and UCT Fellow:
C J C Reason, BSc Hons Cape Town MPhil City MSc PhD British Columbia
Professor:
M Vichi, MSc Bologna PhD Oldenburg
G B Brundrit, BSc Hons PhD Manchester
F A Shillington, BSc Hons Witwatersrand MSc PhD Cape Town
S E Fawcett, BA Hons Harvard MA PhD Princeton
J Hermes, BSc Bangor PhD Cape Town (SAEON)
Senior Lecturer:
K E Altieri, MA Princeton PhD Rutgers
Lecturer:
M N Ragoasha, MSc Cape Town PhD Cape Town
B Backeberg, PhD Cape Town
S Bernard, BSc Soton PhD Cape Town (CSIR)
J Deshayes, PhD Paris
S Herbette, PhD Uni de Bretagne Occidentale
W Joubert, PhD Cape Town
M Krug, MSc PhD Cape Town
T Lamont, PhD Cape Town
S Pous, PhD Uni de Bretagne Occidentale
P Penven, PhD Uni de Bretagne Occidentale
C Rautenbach, PhD TUC Norway
S Swart, PhD Cape Town
Honorary Research Associates: MA-RE
P M S Monteiro, MSc PhD Cape Town (CSIR)
S Thomalla, PhD Cape Town
Departmental Librarian:
N Jabaar, BInf Unisa
P Truter, BSc Stell
R Roman, MSc PhD Cape Town
C Karriem, Dipl Office Administration Rosebank College
NANSEN-TUTU CENTRE FOR MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH:

I J Ansorge, BSc Plymouth MSc PhD Cape Town
M Rouault, MSc PhD Aix-Marseille
MARINE AND ANTARCTIC RESEARCH CENTRE FOR INNOVATION AND

SUSTAINABILITY (MARIS)
The Department of Oceanography is affiliated with the Marine and Antarctic Research Centre for
Innovation and Sustainability (MARIS). For more information refer to the “Inter-Faculty Units”
section, further on in this handbook.
RESEARCH IN OCEANOGRAPHY AND ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE

Oceanography: Ocean and atmospheric modelling, coastal oceanography, air-sea interaction, shelf
dynamics, marine climatology, climate change and variability, marine and coastal meteorology,
extreme events, regional oceanography, marine and atmospheric biogeochemistry, palaeo-
oceanography (Professors I J Ansorge, C J C Reason, M Rouault, and M Vichi, Associate Professors
S E Fawcett and J Hermes, Senior Lecturer Dr K Altieri and, Lecturer Dr M N Ragoasha).
Second-Year Courses
SEA2004F PRINCIPLES OF OCEANOGRAPHY

Convener: Dr K Altieri
Course entry requirements: BIO1004S or GEO1009F, CEM1000W, or permission of the convener
Course outline:
An introduction to the principles of oceanography, including an introduction to physical, biological
and chemical oceanography, marine geology, and the ocean atmosphere system. The course comprises
multiple modules, which cover the above topics. Oceanographic instrumentation and methods of data
analysis will be covered in the tutorials and practicals.
DP requirements: Attendance at practicals and a class mark of at least 40%.
Assessment: Practicals and tests count 50%; one 3-hour examination written in June/July counts 50%.
A subminimum of 40% in the examination is required.
SEA2005S MARINE SYSTEMS

Convener: Associate Professor S E Fawcett
Course entry requirements: BIO1004S or GEO1009F, CEM1000W, SEA2004F, or permission of
the convener
Course outline:
Building on the Principles of Oceanography SEA2004F course, this more advanced course will cover
the main ocean and atmosphere systems, with a particular emphasis on their biogeochemical
functioning. This includes an introduction to the major marine biogeochemical cycles, seawater
carbonate chemistry, phytoplankton-nutrient interactions and growth kinetics, surface ocean-lower
atmosphere interactions, and an introduction to Earth system dynamics. The physical forcings and
their biogeochemical and ecosystem responses will be quantitatively illustrated for upwelling systems,
oligotrophic systems, coastal systems around South Africa, and the Southern Ocean. Emphasis will
be placed on treating the systems in an integrative manner. Methods of data sampling and analysis, and
computation of biogeochemical pools, rates and feedbacks will be covered in the tutorials and
practicals.
DP requirements: Attendance of lectures and practicals, and a class mark of at least 40%.
Assessment: Practicals and tests count 50%; a final examination written in October/November counts
50%. A subminimum of 40% in the examination is required.
Third-Year Courses
SEA3004F OCEAN & ATMOSPHERE DYNAMICS

Convener: Professor M Vichi
Course entry requirements: PHY1031F or equivalent, BIO1004S or GEO1009F, CEM1000W,
SEA2004F, SEA2005S.
Course outline:
The Ocean & Atmosphere dynamics course will begin to specialise in advanced material related to
physical oceanography, atmospheric science and climate. These topics will include a quantitative
approach to ocean/atmosphere dynamics, theories of circulation and the development of ocean and
atmospheric weather systems, coupled ocean/atmosphere processes, interactions and feedbacks with
the carbon cycle in the earth system and climate change. Methods of analysis of both observations and
model data will be covered in the tutorials and practicals.
DP requirements: Attendance at tutorials and practicals, and a class mark of at least 40%.
Assessment: Tutorials/practicals and tests count 40%; one 3-hour examination written in October
counts 60%. A subminimum of 40% in the examination is required.
SEA4001W OCEAN & ATMOSPHERE SCIENCE HONOURS
Since the code SEA4001W will not carry a NQF credit value, students will be concurrently registered
for SEA4003W (coursework component of 112 NQF credits) and SEA4004W (research project of 48
NQF credits).
Convener: Professor I J Ansorge
Course entry requirements: A BSc degree with a major/specialisation in Ocean & Atmosphere
Science or in a related discipline. CEM1000W or equivalent is a prerequisite. Acceptance will be at
the discretion of the Head of Department who will consider quality of final year results, material
covered in the undergraduate curriculum, and possibly referee reports. Enrolments are limited to 15
students. Preference may be given to UCT graduates who meet the course entry requirements.
Course outline:
Honours students intending careers in ocean and atmosphere science will complete a full set of
modules and a research project. Honours students from Environmental & Geographical Science,
Applied Mathematics, and other physical science and engineering departments, are encouraged to
attend selected modules. The curriculum includes lecture-tutorials, seminars and practical work in
advanced oceanography, meteorology and climate, an introduction to modelling and data analysis.
Practical work includes fieldwork at sea and may include dive training (class 4 diving qualification,
at the students own cost if they choose to do the dive course). Student performance in each module
may be assessed by project work, seminar presentations, written assignments and examinations,
together making up 65% of the final mark. In the second half of the year the research project will take
priority. Students will be expected to present a seminar on their projects at the year’s end.
Assessment: Module assessment by submission of a research portfolio, which includes fieldtrip
reports, skills examination and formal test results. A weighted average of the continuous assessment
of reports and tests counts 65% of the final mark; the research project counts 35% of the final mark.
The research project must be passed at 50%. These component parts of the course will be combined
in a final overall mark which will be reflected against the course code SEA4001W, with PA (pass)
SEA5000W OCEAN & ATMOSPHERE SCIENCE DISSERTATION

Course outline:
SEA5001W PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY DISSERTATION

Course outline:
SEA5011F OPERATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY COURSEWORK

Convener: Professor M Vichi
Co-requisites: This course is a component of the Applied Ocean Sciences Master's coursework (refer
to BIO5012W). Co-requisites are BIO5012W, BIO5013F, STA5014Z and a minor dissertation code
chosen from the ones listed in the BIO5012W handbook. Changes in the dissertation code are allowed
according to the student background and prior to consultation with the course conveners.
Course outline:
This course is comprised of 4 modules focusing on the usage and provision of marine services that
describe the ocean physical and biogeochemical state through observational and modeling
components. The course covers the global ocean and coastal observing systems, the usage of ocean
diagnostics and climate indicators as well as an introduction to the major monitoring techniques for
physical and biogeochemical oceanography. Qualified students will have the possibility of
participating to an open ocean research cruise in July. In addition, students will choose at least two
elective courses, chosen from a range of modules offered in both disciplinary streams. They provide
the student the opportunity to explore new areas, or look at more specific disciplinary backgrounds in
the vast subject of ocean sciences. The list and details of these courses will be made available at the
opening of each registration period in the BIO5012W handbook on the Marine and Antarctic Research
Centre for Innovation and Sustainability (MARIS) website.
SEA5012W APPLIED OCEAN SCIENCES MINOR DISSERTATION

Convener: Professor M Vichi (SEA) and a representative from BIO
Course outline:
agreement with the course conveners and supervisors. The dissertation should be submitted at the end
of January, with the possibility of extension to June of the next year.
of the degree.
SEA6000W OCEAN & ATMOSPHERE SCIENCE THESIS

Course outline:
The PhD is a research degree on an advanced topic under supervision, which can be taken in any of
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
The Department is housed in the R W James Building, 9 University Avenue
Telephone (021) 650-3326 Fax (021) 650-3342 Website: www.phy.uct.ac.za
The Departmental abbreviation for Physics is PHY.

S W Peterson, MA PhD Wisconsin
Professors:
M S Allie, MSc PhD Cape Town (CHED)
A Buffler, MSc PhD HDE Cape Town
A Peshier, MA PhD Dresden
Senior Scholar:
C A Dominguez, MSc PhD Buenos Aires FRSSAf
D G Aschman, BSc Hons Cape Town DPhil Oxon
D T Britton, MSc PhD London
Honorary Professor:
F Azaiez, MSc Paris PhD Orsay
M D Blumenthal, BSc Witwatersrand Dipl Phys Bonn PhD Cantab
T Dietel, Dipl Phys Heidelberg Dr phil nat Frankfurt am Main
W A Horowitz, MA MSc PhD Columbia
D L Taylor, BSc Hons HDE UKZN MSc PhD Witwatersrand (CHED)
H W G Weigert, Dipl Phys Dr rer nat habil Regensburg
Associate Professor and CERN Project Associate:
S Yacoob, MSc Cape Town PhD Northwestern
R W Fearick, BSc Hons PhD Witwatersrand
M Härting, Dipl Phys Regensberg Dr. Ing BW München
G N v d H Robertson, BSc Hons Cape Town DPhil Oxon
S R Naidoo, PhD Witwatersrand
Senior Lecturers:
J M Keaveney, PhD Dublin
T Leadbeater, MSc PhD Birmingham
S M Wheaton, MSc PhD Cape Town
Lecturers:
D R Geduld, MSc Cape Town
M Lushozi, MSc PhD Cape Town
T Salagaram, MSc PhD UKZN
J A Ayala, PhD Minnesota
K Cole, MPhys Hons Manchester MSc Liverpool PhD ICL
L A Hernandes, PhD Cape Town
M Loewe, PhD Hamburg
K Schilcher, PhD Vienna
M Spiesberger, PhD Mainz
N Razak, MSc PhD Cape Town
Scientific Officers:
K Maibane, MSc UWC
M R van Heerden, MSc(Eng) Cape Town
Research Officer:
N B Ndabeni, MSc PhD Stell
Junior Research Fellow (MeASURe):
T Hutton, EngD Birmingham
J Dickson
G K Fowle
K J Ontong
C J J Sadler
M Christians
Department Administrator:
N Lovric
B Matubatuba
J Patel
Laboratory Attendant:
R Hansen
N Mzamo
RESEARCH IN PHYSICS
The Department of Physics is accommodated in the R W James Building, which houses laboratories
equipped for nuclear physics, solid state and nanophysics, ultracold physics (8 mK dilution
refrigerator), and physics education research. Additional facilities available to the Department are
provided by iThemba Laboratories for Accelerator-Based Sciences (200 MeV cyclotron and other
particle accelerators).
Major areas of interest at present include:
1. Experimental nuclear physics at iThemba LABS (A Buffler, R W Fearick, T Leadbeater, N B
Ndabeni and S W Peterson) comprising: (a) Gamma ray spectroscopy with the AFRODITE array; (b)
Giant resonance reactions with the magnetic spectrometer; (c) Fast neutron physics; (d) Radiation
detection and measurement.
2. Theoretical Physics (C A Dominguez, W A Horowitz, M Lushozi, A Peshier and H W G Weigert),
comprising: (a) Research within the Centre for Theoretical and Mathematical Physics; (b) Structure
of elementary particles; (c) Neutrino physics and astrophysics; (d) Quantum field theory, quantum
electrodynamics and chromodynamics in free space, in the cavity and at extreme temperatures and
pressures; (e) Renormalization group equations, both linear and nonlinear (Color Glass Condensate);
(f) Nonlinear effects in QCD at high densities; (g) Phenomenology of heavy ion reactions; (h) Quark
gluon plasma.
3. Experimental high energy physics (T Dietel and J M Keaveney), comprising:
(a) Research within the UCT-CERN Research Centre; (b) Relativistic heavy ion collisions within the
ALICE collaboration at CERN; (c) High energy proton-proton collisions within the ATLAS
collaboration at CERN.
4. Nanophysics and solid state physics (M D Blumenthal and T Salagaram), comprising: (a) Research
within the Nanoelectronics Research Laboratory; (b) Structural and electrical properties of
nanomaterials; (c) Single electron transport and interactions; (d) Computational studies.
5. Applied Physics (M D Blumenthal, A Buffler, T Leadbeater, S W Peterson, T Salagaram, T Hutton
and N B Ndabeni), comprising: (a) Research within the Metrological and Applied Sciences University
Research Unit (MeASURe). (b) Positron Emission Particle Tracking at PEPT Cape Town, iThemba
LABS; (c) Radiation transport modelling in industrial and medical systems; (d) Applied nuclear
physics and engineering; (e) Electrical and radiation measurement standards.
6. Tertiary physics education (M S Allie, A Buffler, T Salagaram, D L Taylor and S M Wheaton),
comprising: (a) Curriculum design and evaluation; (b) Role of language; (c) Understanding of
measurement and uncertainty; (d) Modelling and visualization; (e) Computational physics education.
Credit will not be given for both PHY1023H and PHY1031F. Credit can be given for both of
PHY1023H and PHY1004W.
First-Year Courses
PHY1004W MATTER & INTERACTIONS

well as after hours. The minimum specifications of the laptop are available at www.phy.uct.ac.za. (A
tablet or “netbook” will not be suitable). The course convener will provide details of additional
software (open source) required.
Convener: Professor A Buffler
Course entry requirements: At least 60% for NSC Physical Science. MAM1000W or both
MAM1031F & MAM1032S (or equivalent) must have been passed or be taken concurrently. Students
registered for this course will be assessed in week 5; if it is judged that they are not coping with the
level and pace of the course, and would benefit from an opportunity to strengthen foundational
concepts and learn new material at a slower pace, they will be required to transfer to PHY1031F or
PHY1023H from week 7.
Course outline:
PHY1004W is an advanced calculus-based introductory course for Science students intending to
continue with second-year Physics. It features the modelling of physical systems from fundamental
principles, and computational problem solving using VPython. The course includes the following
topics: Modern mechanics: Conservation laws, the momentum principle, atomic nature of matter,
conservation of energy, energy in macroscopic systems, energy quantization, multi-particle systems,
exploring the nucleus, angular momentum, entropy.
Electric and magnetic interactions: Electric fields, electric potential, magnetic fields, electric circuits,
capacitance, resistance, magnetic force, Gauss' Law, Ampere's Law, Faraday's Law, induction,
electromagnetic radiation, waves and particles.
DP requirements: Minimum of 40% in class record, including 50% in laboratory assessment.
Assessment: Class record (weekly problem sets, class tests and laboratory record) counts 50%; one
2-hour examination in June counts 25%; one 2-hour examination in November counts 25%.
PHY1023H PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS

Students passing PHY1023H may proceed into PHY1032F. Students who pass PHY1023H and then
register for and pass PHY1004W will gain credit for both courses.
Convener: Associate Professor D L Taylor
Course entry requirements: At least 60% for NSC Physical Science. The permission of the Dean or
Head of Department is required prior to registration for this course. Notes: 1) This course only begins
in week 7 and is intended for students who have been advised to transfer to this course after initially
registering for PHY1004W or PHY1031F (see entries for these courses). 2) The course places an
emphasis on the strengthening of foundational concepts and skills, the carefully-paced introduction
of new material, and the development of sound approaches to effective learning.
Course outline:
PHY1023H is an algebra-based introductory course for Science students. Some calculus may be used.
The course includes the following topics: Tools and skills: Essential mathematical, diagrammatic and
conceptual tools and skills for Physics, co-ordinate systems, vectors, rates of change, the fundamental
forces, mathematical techniques and their relationship with physical phenomena. Mechanics:
kinematics, forces, dynamics, momentum, impulse, work, energy, power, collisions, rotation,
rotational dynamics, torque, angular momentum, static equilibrium, gravitation. Properties of matter:
elasticity, hydrostatics, hydrodynamics. Vibrations and waves: simple harmonic motion, damped
oscillations, forced oscillations, resonance, travelling waves, superposition, standing waves, sound
waves, sound intensity and Doppler Effect.
DP requirements: Minimum of 40% for the class record, including 50% in laboratory assessment.
2-hour written examination in November counts 50%.
PHY1031F GENERAL PHYSICS A

Convener: Dr S M Wheaton
Course entry requirements: At least 60% for NSC Physical Science. Note: Students registered for
this course will be assessed in week 5; if it is judged that they are not coping with the level and pace
of the course, and would benefit from an opportunity to strengthen foundational concepts and learn
new material at a slower pace, they will be required to transfer to PHY1023H from week 7.
Course outline:
PHY1031F is an algebra-based introductory course for Science students who do not intend proceeding
to second-year courses in Physics. Some calculus may be used. The course includes the following
topics: Mechanics: vectors, kinematics, forces, dynamics, momentum, impulse, work, energy, power,
collisions, rotation, rotational dynamics, torque, angular momentum, static equilibrium, gravitation.
Properties of matter: elasticity, hydrostatics, hydrodynamics. Vibrations and waves: simple harmonic
motion, damped oscillations, forced oscillations, resonance, travelling waves, superposition, standing
waves, sound waves, sound intensity and Doppler Effect.
DP requirements: Minimum of 40% for the class record; including 50% in laboratory assessment.
2-hour written examination in June counts 50%.
PHY1032F GENERAL PHYSICS B

Convener: Dr T Salagaram
Course entry requirements: PHY1031F or PHY1023H
Course outline:
PHY1032F is an algebra-based introductory course usually taken by Science students who have
completed PHY1023H. Some calculus may be used. The course includes the following topics:
Electricity and magnetism: electric charge, electric field, Gauss’ law, electric potential, capacitance,
current, current density, emf, resistance, resistivity, networks, magnetic field, Biot Savart law,
Ampere’s law, electromagnetic induction, inductance, alternating currents. Thermal physics:
temperature, heat, kinetic theory of gases, first and second laws of thermodynamics. Optics:
Geometrical optics, polarization, electromagnetic waves, interference, diffraction. Modern physics:
atomic structure, quantum physical phenomena, wave-particle duality, X-rays, elementary nuclear
physics, radioactivity.
2-hour written examination in June counts 50%.
PHY1032S GENERAL PHYSICS B

Convener: Associate Professor H W G Weigert
Course entry requirements: PHY1031F or PHY1023H
Course outline:
PHY1032S is an algebra-based introductory course usually taken by Science students who have
completed PHY1023H. Some calculus may be used. The course includes the following topics:
Electricity and magnetism: electric charge, electric field, Gauss’ law, electric potential, capacitance,
current, current density, emf, resistance, resistivity, networks, magnetic field, Biot Savart law,
Ampere’s law, electromagnetic induction, inductance, alternating currents. Thermal physics:
temperature, heat, kinetic theory of gases, first and second laws of thermodynamics. Optics:
Geometrical optics, polarization, electromagnetic waves, interference, diffraction. Modern physics:
atomic structure, quantum physical phenomena, wave-particle duality, X-rays, elementary nuclear
physics, radioactivity.
2-hour written examination in November counts 50%.
Second-Year Courses
PHY2004W INTERMEDIATE PHYSICS

Convener: Dr S M Wheaton
Course entry requirements: PHY1004W, a full first-year course in Mathematics, and MAM2000W
or (MAM2004H and MAM2047H) as co-requisite.
Course outline:
PHY2004W develops the foundations of a major in Physics and allows continuation to third-year
Physics. The theory component features a set of intermediate topics, and the laboratory component
develops both experimental and computational skills. The course includes the following topics:
Mechanics: Review of Newton’s Laws, inertial and non-inertial frames, transformations, equations of
motion for 1D systems, oscillations, resonance, non-linear systems, Euler’s equation, Lagrange’s
equation, generalized co-ordinates and constrained systems, Hamiltonian formalism, phase space and
Liouville’s theorem, effective potentials, planetary motion, systems of particles, angular momentum,
collisions, rigid bodies, simple harmonic motion, resonance, coupled oscillators, wave equation,
special relativity, relativistic mechanics.
Electromagnetism: Vector calculus (div, grad, curl), electrostatics, special techniques for potentials,
electric fields in matter, magnetostatics, magnetic fields in matter, current, Ohm’s law, circuits,
electromagnetic induction, electrodynamics, Maxwell’s equations.
Quantum Mechanics: The basic assumptions of quantum mechanics, solutions of Schrödinger's
equation, properties of wave functions and operators, one-dimensional applications, angular
momentum in quantum mechanics, three-dimensional applications, the hydrogen atom, approximate
methods.
Laboratory: Practical and computational tasks designed to develop advanced skills of experimentation
and problem solving within the context of Mechanics, Electromagnetism and Quantum Mechanics.
DP requirements: Minimum of 40% for the class record; completion of all laboratory reports and
75% of tutorial work and problem sets; attendance at all tests.
Assessment: Class record (tests, weekly problem sets and laboratory work) counts 50%; one 3-hour
examination in June counts 25%; one 3-hour examination in November counts 25%. A subminimum
of 40% is required in each of the two examinations.
Third-Year Courses
PHY3004W ADVANCED PHYSICS

Convener: Dr T W Leadbeater
Course entry requirements: PHY2004W, and 40% in MAM2000W or (MAM2004H and
MAM2047H).
Course outline:
This course completes the major in Physics. The theory component aims to develop advanced skills
in problem solving within physics, and includes the following topics:
Electromagnetism: Maxwell's equations in vacuum and matter, momentum and angular momentum
in electromagnetic fields, electromagnetic waves, wave guides, gauge transformations, retarded
potentials, electric and magnetic dipole radiation, special relativity, relativistic kinematics and
electrodynamics, electromagnetic field tensor.
Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics: Temperature, heat and work, laws of thermodynamics,
ensembles and entropy, Boltzmann distribution and Helmholtz free energy, thermal radiation,
chemical potential and Gibbs distribution, Fermi-Dirac statistics, electrons in metals, Bose-Einstein
statistics, phonons, photons and the black-body distribution, the Bose-Einstein condensate,
applications to classical and quantum systems.
Applications of Quantum Mechanics: Atomic Physics (atomic structure and spectra, selection rules,
spin, fine structure, Zeeman effect, time dependent and independent perturbation theory); Nuclear and
Particle Physics (properties of nuclei, nuclear forces, structure, reactions and models, nuclear models,
interactions of elementary particles, quarks and leptons, symmetries and the gauge forces); and Solid
State Physics (crystal structure, lattice vibrations, electron states in solids, energy band theory,
semiconductor physics and devices).
The laboratory component includes practical and computational tasks to develop advanced skills of
experimentation and scientific report writing.
DP requirements: Minimum of 40% for the class record; attendance at all tests; completion of all
laboratory reports; completion of the project and completion of 75% of tutorials and problem sets.
Assessment: Class record (tests, weekly problem sets, laboratory work and project) counts 50%; two
2-hour examinations in June count 25%; two 2-hour examinations in November count 25%. A
subminimum of 40% exists in the weighted average of the four examinations.
PHY4000W PHYSICS HONOURS
Since the code PHY4000W will not carry a NQF credit value, students will be concurrently registered
for PHY4006W (coursework component of 120 NQF credits) and PHY4007W (research project of 40
NQF credits).
Convener: Dr J M Keaveney
Course entry requirements: The entrance requirement is a BSc degree with a major in Physics.
Acceptance will be at the discretion of the Head of Department who will consult the Honours course
convener. Criteria for acceptance include a pass of 60% in PHY3004W, or equivalent; and a pass of
60% in MAM2000W or MAM2046W, or equivalent; and in cases where the Head of Department
deems it necessary, favourable referee reports. Enrolment is limited to 15 students. Preference may be
given to UCT graduates who meet the course entry requirements.
Course outline:
The Honours course in Physics consists of several modules. Each student needs to design a module
package which sums up to at least 12 units, and not more than 14 units. The Research Project (3 units)
is compulsory. The compulsory modules (1 unit each) are: Electromagnetism 1, Quantum Mechanics
1 and Statistical Physics. At least five further modules (1 unit each) must be chosen from:
Electromagnetism 2, Quantum Mechanics 2, Classical Mechanics, Computational Physics, Particle
Physics, Nuclear Physics, Relativistic Quantum Mechanics, Quantum Field Theory, and Solid State
Physics. Students are strongly encouraged to include both Electromagnetism 2 and Quantum
Mechanics 2 in their module choice. The course starts with a compulsory non-credit bearing module
dealing with mathematical tools and skills, and aspects of physics education. Furthermore, the course
can be complemented by physics-related modules offered by the Departments of Astronomy, and
Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, for example. The choice of modules and research project
must be approved by the Head of Physics in consultation with the PHY4000W convener. Details
appear on the Physics website: www.phy.uct.ac.za. The Department of Physics is presently reviewing
the curriculum of PHY4000W.
DP requirements: 30% for class tests and problem sets, and suitable progress in the Research Project.
Assessment: The pass mark is 50% and is based on an aggregation of the results of all modules, and
is further subject to the subminimum criteria of obtaining a minimum mark of 50% in the Research
Project, passing two thirds of all modules, and achieving a mark of at least 35% in all but one of the
compulsory modules. The Research Project will count 25% of the final mark. These component parts
of the course will be combined in a final overall mark which will be reflected against the course code
PHY4000W, with PA (pass) entered against the coursework and project codes; each of these
PHY5000W PHYSICS DISSERTATION

Course outline:
PHY5001W THEORETICAL PHYSICS DISSERTATION

Course outline:
PHY5003W ASTROPHYSICS & SPACE SCIENCE MINOR DISSERTATION

(National Astrophysics & Space Science Programme (NASSP); for further details see entry under
Department of Astronomy)
DP requirements: None.
Assessment: Students will work on an approved research topic on which a minor dissertation must be
presented for formal examination.
PHY5006W TERTIARY PHYSICS EDUCATION DISSERTATION

Course outline:
PHY5007Z DATA SCIENCE FOR PARTICLE PHYSICS

Convener: Associate Professor T Dietel
Course entry requirements: Core modules of the Masters course in Data Science.
Course outline:
This course introduces students to the important computational aspects of high-energy nuclear and
particle physics research. Using examples from current research at the European Organization for
Nuclear Research (CERN), the students are introduced to: the basic principles of high-energy physics,
the Grid computing model employed by the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid (WLCG), the
simulation of interactions between subatomic particles and their detection, the ROOT data analysis
tool used by all the large high-energy physics collaborations, the signal extraction and significance
estimation techniques employed by the most recent particle discoveries including concepts like
nuisance parameters and the look-elsewhere effect.
DP requirements: 50% average for the two projects.
Assessment: Two projects: 25% each. Practical 'take-home' Computing examination: 50%. A sub-
minimum of 50% for each of the project and examination components will be required.
PHY5008W DATA SCIENCE MINOR DISSERTATION

Convener: Dr S Er
Course outline:
will be based on an analysis of large data sets from Physics.
PHY6000W PHYSICS THESIS

Course outline:
PHY6001W TERTIARY PHYSICS EDUCATION THESIS

Course outline:
DEPARTMENT OF STATISTICAL SCIENCES

The Department is housed in the P D Hahn Building, Level 5
Telephone (021) 650-3219 Fax (021) 650-4773
The Departmental abbreviation for Statistical Sciences is STA.

F N Gumedze, MSc PhD Cape Town
Professors:
R Altwegg, PhD Zurich
F Little, MSc PhD Cape Town
G D I Barr, MSc PhD Cape Town
D Bradfield, BSc Hons MSc PhD Cape Town
Senior Scholars:
L M Haines, BA MA Cantab BSc Hons Natal MPhil UCL PhD Unisa
T J Stewart, BSc (Chem Eng) Cape Town MSc (OR) PhD Unisa FRSSAf
T Gebbie, BSc Hons Witwatersrand MSc PhD Cape Town CPhys. MInstP. (IoP) FRM (GARP)
L D Scott, MSc PhD Cape Town
S Silal, PhD Cape Town
A Antoniadis, PhD DSc Grenoble I
D Borchers, PhD St Andrews
J Colville, PhD Cape Town
T Gridley, PhD St Andrews
J Hutton, PhD Imperial College London
D Maphisa, PhD Cape Town
S Mecenero, PhD Cape Town
J M Juritz, BSc Hons Unisa MSc PhD Cape Town
C Thiart, BSc (Agric) Hons Stell MSc PhD Cape Town
Senior Lecturers:
A Clark, MSc Cape Town
G Distiller, PhD Cape Town
S Er, PhD Istanbul
B Erni, BSc Hons MSc Cape Town PhD Basel
J C Nyirenda, BSc Newcastle Upon Tyne PhD Cantab
E Pienaar, PhD Cape Town
I Durbach, MSc PhD Cape Town
Adjunct Senior Lecturer:
I Meyer, MSc MBA Pret PhD Unisa
Lecturers:
S Britz, MSc UFS
D Katshunga, BSc Hons DRC MSc Cape Town
M Mavuso, MPhil MSc Cape Town
M Ngwenya, MSc Cape Town
A Paskaramoorthy, BSc Hons MSc Witwatersrand
R G Rakotonirainy, PhD Stell
Y Robbertze, BSc Hons MSc Cape Town
S Salau, MSc Witwatersrand
N Watson, MSc Cape Town
Research Officer (Statistical Consultant):

I Karangwa, MSc PhD UWC
B King, HDE UWC
C Jansen-Fielies
N Maqubela
J Saaiman
Financial Officer:
D Davids
Senior Clerk:
K Jeptha
CENTRE FOR STATISTICS IN ECOLOGY, ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION

(SEEC)
Director:
Core members:
D Borchers, PhD St Andrews
A E Clark, MSc Cape Town
J Colville, PhD Cape Town
G Distiller, PhD Cape Town
I Durbach, PhD Cape Town
B Erni, BSc Hons MSc Cape Town PhD Basel
T Gridley, PhD St Andrews
N Karenyi, PhD NMMU
D Maphisa, PhD Cape Town
M Ngwenya, MSc Cape Town
J Slingsby, PhD Cape Town
V Visser, PhD Sheffield
H Winker, PhD Rhodes
RESEARCH IN STATISTICAL SCIENCES

The department focuses on research in statistics, operations research and decision modelling and the
underlying methodology and application of these methods to ecology, medicine, finance and big data.
Specific research areas that fall into these groupings include:
BAYESIAN DECISION THEORY: General principles of Bayesian statistical analysis; applications
in sequential stochastic optimisation and other fields (T J Stewart).
BIOSTATISTICS: Medical applications of statistics (F Little, L M Haines, F Gumedze, S Silal). The
objectives of the Biostatistics Interest Group are to develop statistical methodology motivated by
medical problems.
DATA SCIENCE: Development and application of statistical methods for the analysis of large data
sets (S Er, J Nyirenda, S Britz, E Pienaar).
FINANCIAL MODELLING AND MARKET MICROSTRUCTURE: Econometric techniques are
being used to test theories related to the South African economy in the fields of finance, monetary
economics, interest rate theory and stock market research. Time series, portfolio construction and risk
management (T Gebbie, A Paskaramoorthy).
MIXED EFFECTS LINEAR MODELS: Longitudinal data analysis, analysis of repeated measures
data, generalized linear (mixed) models, hierarchical generalized linear mixed models (robust
estimation and diagnostics) (F Gumedze, F Little).
OPERATIONAL RESEARCH and MULTICRITERIA DECISION SUPPORT: The development of
interactive decision aids, to assist in the analysis of decision problems with multiple and conflicting
objectives, with particular reference to natural resource management and others; combinatorial
optimisation; application to decision making and planning in private and public sectors (T J Stewart,
L Scott, J Nyirenda, N Watson, R G Rakotonirainy).
OPTIMAL DESIGN: The design of experiments in agriculture, biology and engineering which are in
some sense optimal (L M Haines).
SOCIAL SCIENCE STATISTICS: Research surveys; local government support; analysis of poverty
and development, structural equation modelling (S Er).
SPATIAL STATISTICS AND TIME SERIES: (B Erni, M Ngwenya, C Thiart).
STATISTICS IN ECOLOGY: Applications of statistics to biological and environmental data (B Erni,
G Distiller, R Altwegg, A Clark)
STOCHASTIC MODELLING: (M Mavuso, E Pienaar, Y Robbertze)
NOTE: Students who intend to specialise in Statistics are strongly advised to include Computer
Science in their curriculum.
A student cannot obtain credits for more than one of STA1000F/S/P/L, STA1007S, STA1006S,
STA1008F/S, STA1100S, STA1106H
A student cannot obtain credits for more than one of STA2020F/S, STA2007F/H/S, STA2005S.
A student cannot obtain credits for both STA2004F and STA2030S.
A student cannot obtain credits for both STA3030F and STA3041F.
A student cannot obtain credits for both STA3043S and (STA3047S+STA3048S)
First-Year Courses
STA1000F INTRODUCTORY STATISTICS

(No first year students) STA1000F and STA1000S are identical courses offered in first and second
semesters. Owing to the mathematics prerequisites, first-year students can only register for STA1000S
in the second semester and STA1000F on completion of the mathematics prerequisite. One lecture per
week, one workshop per week and one tutorial per week. A student cannot obtain credits for more
than one of STA1000F/S/P/L, STA1007S, STA1006S, STA1008F/S.
Convener: Associate Professor L Scott
Course entry requirements: A pass in any of MAM1004F/S or MAM1005H or MAM1031F or
MAM1033F or MAM1020F/S or MAM1010F/S or MAM1110F/H.
Course outline:
This is an introductory statistics course aimed at exposing students to principles and tools to support
appropriate quantitative analysis. The aim is to produce students with a functional sense of statistics.
We introduce students to statistical modelling and also cover exploratory data analysis. Appropriate
tools for display, analysis and interpretation of data are discussed. This course is offered
predominantly, but not exclusively, to Commerce students. The aim is to give a foundation to students
who will encounter and apply statistics in their other courses and professions. Topics covered include:
exploratory data analysis and summary statistics; probability theory; random variables; probability
mass and density functions; Binomial, Poisson, Exponential, Normal and Uniform distributions;
sampling distributions; confidence intervals; introduction to hypothesis testing (including tests on
means; tabular data and bivariate data); determining sample sizes; simple linear regression and
measures of correlation. Students are assessed on their knowledge of the topics covered and their
ability to perform simple and appropriate statistical analyses using spreadsheet functions.
DP requirements: Satisfactory attendance of lectures, tutorials, practicals and tests and completion
of assignments and/or exercises as set out in course outline. Class record of at least 35%.
Assessment: Class record 40% and a 2-hour exam counting 60%. Weights will be adjusted in the case
of missed assessments, as detailed in the course outline.
STA1000S INTRODUCTORY STATISTICS

STA1000F and STA1000S are identical courses offered in first and second semesters. Owing to the
mathematics prerequisites, first-year students can only register for STA1000S in the second semester
and STA1000F on completion of the mathematics prerequisite. One lecture per week, one workshop
per week, and one tutorial per week. A student cannot obtain credits for more than one of
STA1000F/S/P/L, STA1007S, STA1100S, STA1006S, STA1106H, STA1008F/S.
MAM1033F or MAM1020F/S or MAM1010F/S or MAM1110F/H. In addition students will be
admitted to STA1000S if they (1) are concurrently registered for MAM1005H, or (2) have a
supplementary examination for MAM1010F or MAM1004F or MAM1020F or MAM1031F or
MAM1033F that will be written in November of the year of registration.
Course outline:
means, tabular data and bivariate data); determining sample sizes; simple linear regression and
of assignments and/or exercises as set out in course outline. Class record of at least 35%.
STA1000P/L INTRODUCTORY STATISTICS

(offered during summer and winter terms)
Course entry requirements: Students should have obtained a DP for either STA1000F/S.
Course outline:
means, tabular data and bivariate data); determining sample sizes; simple linear regression and
DP requirements: Satisfactory attendance of tests and completion of assignments and/or exercises as
set out in course outline. Class record of at least 35%.
STA1006S MATHEMATICAL STATISTICS I

STA1008F/S.
Convener: S Salau
Course entry requirements: At least 70% in NSC Mathematics; at least 60% in MAM1031F or
MAM1033F or MAM1005H or MAM1020F/S or at least 70% in MAM1010F/S and concurrent
registration for MAM1032S or MAM1034S, or MAM1006H or MAM1012F/S or MAM1021S
Course outline:
This is an introduction to statistics: the study of collecting, analysing, and interpreting data. It is the
key entry-point into a Mathematical Statistics major and hence it is compulsory for students intending
to major in Mathematical Statistics. This course provides foundation knowledge in statistical theory,
and is useful for any student who wishes for an introduction to the fundamentals of statistics, from a
mathematical perspective. Topics covered include: Types of data variables. Exploratory data analysis.
Grouping and graphing of data. Set theory and counting rules. Probability: conditional probabilities,
independence. Bayes theorem. Random variables and values, probability mass and density functions,
cumulative distribution functions. Population models and parameters: binomial, Poisson, geometric,
negative binomial, hypergeometric. Uniform, exponential, Gaussian, expectation. Coefficient of
variation. Sampling: sampling distribution t, Chi-square, F and their tables. Point and interval
estimation. Sample size estimation. Hypotheses testing: Z-test and T-test (proportions, difference
between two proportions, means, difference between two (means, difference between means: for
independent samples and dependent samples). F-test (ratio of two independent variances). Chi-
squared-test. Meaning of p-values. Bivariate data: scatterplot, simple linear regression and correlation.
Lecture times: Five lectures per week, Monday - Friday, 4th period
of assignments and/or class exercises as set out in course outline. Class record of at least 35%.
STA1007S INTRODUCTORY STATISTICS FOR SCIENTISTS

STA1008F/S.
Convener: Professor R Altwegg
MAM1033F. In addition students will be admitted to STA1007S if they (1) are concurrently registered
for MAM1005H or (2) have failed but obtained a DP for MAM1004F or MAM1031F or MAM1033F
and are concurrently registered for MAM1004S, or (3) have a supplementary examination for
MAM1004F or MAM1031F or MAM1033F that will be written in November of the year of
registration.
Course outline:
This course aims to provide an introduction to statistics for Science students, and the topics covered
include: exploratory data analysis and summary statistics. Set theory. Probability: conditional
probabilities, independence, Bayes theorem. Random variables. Probability mass and density
functions. Binomial, Poisson, exponential, normal and uniform distributions. Sampling distributions.
Confidence intervals. Hypothesis testing: Z-test and t-test (means, difference between means for
independent and dependent samples). Chi-square test for independence and for Goodness-of-fit.
Meaning of p-values. Determining sample size. Simple linear regression and measures of correlation.
Practical data analysis will be taught using R. The course is the equivalent of STA1000S, in a
biological setting.
Lecture times: Five lectures per week, Monday - Friday, 1st period.
Second-Year Courses
STA2004F STATISTICAL THEORY & INFERENCE

Convener: M Mavuso
Course entry requirements: A pass in (MAM1000W or MAM1032S or MAM1034S or MAM1012S
or MAM1006H) and STA1006S or STA1106H.
Course outline:
STA2004F is a rigorous introduction to the foundation of the mathematical statistics and aims to
provide students with a deeper understanding of the statistical concepts covered in STA1006S. The
course is intended for students studying Mathematical Statistics or Actuarial Science. STA2004F is
divided into two broad sections: (1) Distribution theory and (2) Statistical Inference. During the first
part of the course, students will learn to derive the distributions of random variables and their
transformations, and explore the limiting behaviour of sequences of random variables. The last part
of the course covers the estimation of population parameters and hypothesis testing based on a sample
of data.
Lecture times: Five lectures per week, Monday to Friday, 1st period.
STA2005S LINEAR MODELS

Convener: Dr B Erni
Course entry requirements: At least 45% for STA2004F.
Course outline:
This course gives an introduction to statistical modelling and the theory of linear statistical models.
The material is presented from a parametric and non-parametric perspective. The course has two
sections:
Regression: The multivariate normal distribution; quadratic forms; the linear model; maximum
likelihood; estimates of parameters in the linear model; the Gauss-Markov theorem; variable selection
procedures; analysis of residuals, bootstrap sampling; principal component analysis for dimension
reduction and for regression.
Design and analysis of experiments: Introduction to the basic design principles, basic experimental
designs (completely randomised design, the randomised block design, Latin square design) factorial
experiments, analysis of variance, the problem of multiple comparisons, power and sample size
calculations, introduction to random effects and repeated measures, permutation/randomization tests,
nonparametric tests, bootstrapping.
The students are introduced to relevant statistical software and practical data analysis through weekly
computer practicals and the exposure to many datasets.
STA2007F/S/H STUDY DESIGN & DATA ANALYSIS FOR SCIENTISTS

This course is offered in blended learning format. A student cannot obtain credits for more than one
of STA2020F/S, STA2007F/H/S, STA2005S.
Course entry requirements: A pass in STA1000F/S or STA1006S or STA1007S or STA1106H or
STA1100S or STA1008F/S) and (MAM1000W or MAM1031F or MAM1033F or MAM1004F/S or
MAM1005H or MAM1010F/S or MAM1020F/S or MAM1110F/H)
Course outline:
The course aims to equip students with practical experience and skills in analysing data, using
statistical techniques frequently used in the sciences. The skills include designing experiments,
choosing appropriate statistical methods for visual display and statistical modelling of data, model
checking, interpretation and reporting of statistical results, and understanding of limitations of
statistical methods and data. By the end of the course the student should have gained enough
confidence to transfer these skills to new problems or data sets in their own profession. Topics covered
include: Introduction to statistical notation, linear regression, design and analysis of experiments,
generalized linear models. There will be strong emphasis on the practical application of the above
methods, using open-source statistical software such as R. There will be a one-day face-to-face
workshop at the beginning of the first semester and a one-day face-to-face workshop at the beginning
of the second semester.
of assignments and/or class exercises as set out in course outline. Class record of at least 35% .
STA2007P STUDY DESIGN & DATA ANALYSIS FOR SCIENTISTS

This course is offered in blended learning format during summer term dependent on there being
sufficient demand and dependent on capacity to offer course. Note that request for offering course in
any one year should come from a UCT course convener. Students make use of online learning
workshops.
Course entry requirements: A pass in STA1007S (preferably) or STA1000F/S or STA1006S or
STA1106H or STA1100S or STA1008F/S) and (MAM1000W or MAM1031F or MAM1033F or
MAM1004F/S or MAM1005H or MAM1010F/S or MAM1020F/S, MAM1110F/H).
Course outline:
The course aims to equip students with practical experience and skills in analysing data and applying
statistical techniques relevant to the natural sciences. Skills include designing experiments, choosing
appropriate statistical methods for analysing data, visual display and statistical modelling of data,
model checking, interpretation and reporting of statistical results, and understanding limitations of
statistical methods and data. Topics include: introduction to statistical notation, linear regression,
design and analysis of experiments, generalised linear models. There will be a strong emphasis on the
practical application of these methods using the open-source statistical software R. There will be a
one-day face-to-face workshop at the beginning of the first semester and a one-day face-to-face
workshop at the beginning of the second semester.
STA2020F APPLIED STATISTICS

Convener: N Watson
Course entry requirements: A pass in STA1000F/S or STA1006S or STA1106H or STA1100S or
STA1007S or STA1008F/S and MAM1000W or MAM1031F or MAM1033F or MAM1004F/S or
MAM1010F/S or MAM1020F/S or MAM1110F/H.
Course outline:
This is designed to extend the student’s basic knowledge acquired in STA1000F/S/P/L. The emphasis
of the course is on applying statistical methods and modelling techniques to data rather than focusing
on the mathematical rigour underpinning these methods. Topics covered include: Analysis of variance
and experimental design; revision and extension of simple linear regression; multiple regression; time
series analysis; and non-parametric statistics. Students will continue to analyse data using Excel.
Lecture times: Monday - Thursday, 1st or 5th period
of assignments and/or class exercises as set out in course outline. Class record of at least 35% and at
least 50% for Excel test.
STA2020S APPLIED STATISTICS

Convener: N Watson
Course entry requirements: A pass in STA1000F/S or STA1006S or STA1106H or STA1100S or
STA1007S or STA1008F/S and MAM1000W or MAM1031F or MAM1033F or MAM1004F/S or
MAM1010F/S or MAM1020F/S or MAM1110F/H.
Course outline:
This is designed to extend the student’s basic knowledge, acquired in STA1000F/S/P/L. The emphasis
of the course is on applying statistical methods and modelling techniques to data rather than focusing
on the mathematical rigour underpinning these methods. Topics covered include: Analysis of variance
and experimental design; revision and extension of simple linear regression; multiple regression; time
series analysis; and non-parametric statistics. Students will continue to analyse data using Excel.
of assignments and/or class exercises as set out in course outline. Class record of at least 35% and at
least 50% for Excel test.
STA2030S STATISTICAL THEORY

Convener: S Britz
Course entry requirements: At least 45% for STA2020F/S or STA2007F/S/H or STA2005S. Note:
A student may not register concurrently for STA2030S and MAM1006H.
Co-requisites: Concurrent registration for MAM1008S or MAM1032S or MAM1034S or
MAM1012S or MAM1021F/S.
Course outline:
This course introduces students to Statistical Theory and Inference. It explores aspects of probability
theory that are particularly relevant to statistics, including the notions of random variables, joint
probability distributions, expected values and moment generating functions. The course content
includes univariate distributions and moments of univariate distributions, moments of bivariate
distributions, distributions of sample statistics. It covers bias and efficiency of estimators. Students
are introduced to the use of computer simulation and data re-sampling techniques (bootstrap) to
investigate the following problems: one and two sample tests of means and variances, one and two
way analysis of variances, moments and other properties of distributions, theory of distributions
derived from the normal distribution.
Lecture times: Monday - Thursday, 1st period
Third-Year Courses
STA3022F APPLIED MULTIVARIATE DATA ANALYSIS

Convener: Dr S Er
Course entry requirements: STA2020F/S or STA2005S or STA2007F/S/H
Course outline:
The aim of the course is to create a practical working familiarity with the analysis of data, focusing
on multivariate methods as applied in areas such as marketing, the social science and the sciences.
Topics covered include item reliability analysis, multidimensional scaling, correspondence analysis,
principal component and factor analysis, cluster analysis, discriminant analysis, classification trees
and structural equation modelling.
STA3030F STATISTICAL INFERENCE & MODELLING

Convener: Dr G Distiller
Course entry requirements: A pass in STA2030S and (MAM1000W or MAM1031F and
MAM1032S) or (MAM1033F and MAM1034S) and (MAM1005H and MAM1006H) or
(MAM1010F/S and MAM1012F/S) or (MAM1020F/S and MAM1021F/S) or (MAM1004F and
MAM1008S) or (MAM1110F/H and MAM1112S)
Course outline:
This course forms part of the third-year major in Applied Statistics. The aim of the course is to provide
students with the main intellectual and practical skills required in the use of inferential statistics and
statistical modelling. The course consists of 4 modules: The simulation module introduces students to
the use of computer simulation and data re-sampling techniques (bootstrap) to investigate the
following problems: one and two sample tests of means and variances; one and two way analysis of
variances; moments and other properties of distributions; theory of distributions derived from normal
distribution. The Bayesian module introduces students to decision theory and Bayesian inference. The
generalized linear models module introduces students to the exponential family of distributions and
extends linear and logistic regression models to models for other non-normal response variables. The
machine learning module cover a basic introduction to statistical learning paradigms, applications of
regression and classification trees, and a primer on feedforward neural networks and backpropagation.
Students will use the R programming language.
Lecture times: Monday - Thursday, 1st period
STA3036S OPERATIONAL RESEARCH TECHNIQUES

Convener: Associate Professor S Silal
Course entry requirements: STA2030S or STA2005S; STA3030F is recommended
Course outline:
This course forms part of the third-year major in Applied Statistics. It is an introduction to the study
of Operational Research (OR) and explores fundamental quantitative techniques in the OR
armamentarium with a strong focus on computer-based application. The course is intended for
students in the applied statistics stream but may be taken as an elective by students in the mathematical
statistics stream. Topics covered include linear and non-linear programming where students will learn
to find optimal solutions by characterising problems in terms of objectives, decision variables and
constraints, Decision making under uncertainty through decision trees, decision rules and scenario
planning, Queueing Theory simulation through modelling the operation of real world systems as they
evolve over time.
Lecture times: Monday - Thursday, 3rd period
STA3041F STOCHASTIC PROCESSES & TIME SERIES

Convener: D Katshunga
Course entry requirements: STA2004F and STA2005S; MAM2000W or MAM2004H is strongly
recommended. Recommended MAM2000W modules: 2LA - LINEAR ALGEBRA, 2AC -
ADVANCED CALCULUS, 2DE- DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS, 2RA- REAL ANALYSIS
Course outline:
This course forms part of the third-year major in Mathematical Statistics. It consists of two modules
namely Stochastic Processes and Time Series Analysis. The Stochastic Processes module is aimed at
providing introductory theory and basic applications of stochastic processes in financial modelling
whilst the Time Series module introduces students to the foundations of the Box-Jenkins methodology
with the intention of applying the methodology using statistical software. Details of the module
content are as follows:
Stochastic processes: The module covers the general theory underlying stochastic processes and their
classifications, definitions and applications of discrete Markov chains. Branching processes are
examined with an emphasis on analysing probability of extinction/survival. The module also covers
both discrete and continuous time counting processes for purposes constructing forecasts and
backcasts. Finally, a detailed introduction to homogeneous and non-homogeneous Poisson processes
is given.
Time series analysis: The module covers various topics including global and local models of
dependence, stationary ARMA processes, unit root processes as well as a brief introduction to
univariate Volatility models as well as cointegration.
Lecture times: Five lectures per week, Monday - Friday, 1st period
STA3043S STATISTICAL MODELLING, MACHINE LEARNING & BAYESIAN

ANALYSIS
A student cannot obtain credits for both STA3043S and (STA3047S+STA3048S)
Convener: Dr E Pienaar
Course entry requirements: STA2004F and STA2005S; MAM2000W or MAM2004H is strongly
recommended. Recommended MAM2000W modules: 2LA - LINEAR ALGEBRA, 2AC -
ADVANCED CALCULUS, 2DE- DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS, 2RA- REAL ANALYSIS.
Course outline:
This course forms part of the third-year major in Mathematical Statistics. It consists of three modules:
The first, Generalised Linear Models, introduces students to the theory and application of fitting linear
models to various types of response variables with different underlying distributions. Subsequently,
elementary concepts and methods in machine learning within the framework of statistical learning are
explored. Finally, the Introduction to Bayesian Analysis module is dedicated to the Bayesian paradigm
of statistical inference, analysis, and risk theory. The contents of the respective modules are outlined
as follows:
Generalized linear models: Topics covered include: The exponential family of distributions, the GLM
formulation, estimation and inference, models for continuous responses with skew distributions,
logistic regression, log-linear models and Poisson regression.
Machine learning: Topics covered include: A basic introduction to statistical learning paradigms,
applications of regression and classification trees, and a primer on feedforward neural networks and
backpropagation.
Introduction to Bayesian Analysis: Topics covered include: use of Bayes’ theorem; Bayesian
statistical analysis for Bernoulli and normal sampling; empirical Bayes and credibility theory; loss
and extreme value distributions; Monte Carlo methods.
Students are assessed through formal written exam plus computer assignments done under exam
conditions.
STA3045F ADVANCED STOCHASTIC PROCESSES & DISTRIBUTION

THEORY
Convener: Associate Professor T Gebbie
Course entry requirements: STA2004F, STA2005S, MAM2000W and concurrent registration for
STA3041F. MAM2000W modules: 2LA - LINEAR ALGEBRA, 2AC - ADVANCED CALCULUS,
2DE- DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS, 2RA- REAL ANALYSIS. Note: A student may not register
concurrently for STA3045F and CSC2001F
Course outline:
This course is a third-year module for students studying Actuarial Science or Mathematical Statistics,
though not a requirement for a major in Mathematical Statistics. The course begins by giving a brief
introduction to copulas and extreme value theory, together with some applications to risk
management. The rest of the course gives a theoretical overview of stochastic processes, with the
models covered spanning both discrete and continuous time as well as discrete and continuous state-
space. Though the emphasis is on the theoretical properties of the models, the application of the
methods to real-world problems is also explored at length. Topics covered: copulas, an introduction
to extreme value theory, homogenous and non-homogeneous continuous-time Markov chains, random
walks, probability theory, martingales, Brownian motion, and diffusion processes.
Lecture times: Five lectures per week, Monday - Friday, 2nd period.
STA4007W STATISTICAL SCIENCES HONOURS
Since the code STA4007W will not carry a NQF credit value, students will be concurrently registered
for STA4022W (coursework component of 120 NQF credits) and STA4023W (research project of 40
NQF credits).
Convener: Dr G Distiller and Dr E Pienaar
Course entry requirements: The minimum requirements are (MAM1000W) or (MAM1031F and
MAM1032S) or (MAM1033F and MAM1034S), a first year semester module in Computer Science
plus one of the following two sets of 3rd year courses: Applied Statistics stream: STA3030F +
STA3036S/STA3022F; OR Mathematical Statistics Stream: STA3041F, STA3043S; Applicants
fulfilling the minimum requirements above with an average of 65% or more for their 3rd year courses
(at first attempt) can be confident of admission into the programme. Students who do not achieve the
65% level will be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration performance in other
courses.
Course outline:
This Honours programme covers theoretical and applied statistics and operations research. It aims to
give students a good theoretical basis and statistical computing skills through the teaching of core
modules (81 NQF credits). It further exposes students to the practical application of statistics in
different areas through the offering of elective modules (39 NQF credits). It provides training in
research through supervised project work (40 NQF credits). Elective modules vary from year to year,
but typically include Econometrics, Portfolio Theory, Time Series Analysis, Biostatistics, Decision
Modelling, Spatial Statistics, Multivariate Analysis and Analytics.
DP requirements: Attendance of 85% of departmental seminars.
Assessment: Each coursework module comprises tests, assignments and a final examination. The
relative weighting placed on the year work within different modules varies between 30% and 50%.
The final grade for STA4007W as a whole is a weighted average (3: 1) of the combined final marks
for each coursework module (weighted by the number of credits), and the individual project. The
student is required to obtain a mark of at least 50% in all core modules and for the individual project.
The student may fail at most one elective module provided that a mark of at least 40% is obtained for
that module. These component parts of the course will be combined in a final overall mark which will
be reflected against the course code STA4007W, with PA (pass) entered against the coursework and
project codes; each of these components must be passed separately for the award of the degree.
STA4027Z BAYESIAN COMPUTATIONAL METHODS

Convener: A Clark
Course entry requirements: Currently doing an honours or masters degree in statistics or at the
discretion of the Head of Department.
Course outline:
The course aims to provide students with an introduction to the Bayesian method and the acquisition
of the theory and methods required to apply Bayesian analysis to real world practical problems. Topics
included in the course are as follows: Bayesian linear regression, variable selection, mixture
modelling, Markov chain Monte Carlo methods (theory and practical applications).
Assessment: Assignments and Exam
STA4028Z PORTFOLIO THEORY

Course entry requirements: STA3041F, STA3043S or at the discretion of the Head of Department.
STA3045F is strongly recommended.
Course outline:
The course introduces the historical development of idea’s from Economics, gambling and Finance
with a South African perspective for portfolio control. Data-wrangling, portfolio optimization,
sequential historic back-testing and simulation, and their attribution are developed in R. The static
mean-variance theoretical foundations of portfolio choice, asset pricing and notions of market
equilibrium are developed from first principles. Following an operations research approach tactical
and strategic portfolios are formulated to admit short-term departures from long-term equilibrium for
asset allocation. The theory is used to demonstrate the Generalised Fundamental Law of Asset
Management, the Roll Critique and a Bayesian Black-Litterman portfolio choice framework. Active
management and its complexities due to estimation and intrinsic uncertainties are demonstrated via
case-studies. Various performance measures are derived from theoretical considerations. Performance
attribution is used to measure the impact of information, return, risk and performance within a
sequence of single-period portfolio control decisions. There is an emphasis on understanding the
implications of back-test over-fitting. The course introduces indexation methods and the integration
of the developed tools within a standard portfolio management workflow. Advanced topics such as
cluster-based portfolio choice, risk-parity models and machine-learning extensions may be included.
STA4029Z ADVANCED PROBABILITY THEORY

Convener: M Mavuso
Course entry requirements: Currently doing an honours or masters degree in statistics or at the
Course outline:
The course aims to cover advanced concepts in probability and martingale theory, including products
and conditioning, analysis, L2 theory of random variables, charecteristic functions, convergence and
uniform integrability, martingales, aquare integrable martingales, local martingales.
DP requirements: Class record of at least 40%
Assessment: Assignments, Class tests and Exam
STA5000W STATISTICS DISSERTATION

Course outline:
material. General rules for this degree may be found in the beginning of the handbook.
STA5001W OPERATIONAL RESEARCH DISSERTATION

Course outline:
STA5004W ADVANCED ANALYTICS MINOR DISSERTATION

Convener: Dr B Erni
Course entry requirements: STA5003W
Course outline:
On successful completion of the coursework component, students will undertake an individual,
supervised research project on a suitable topic, the results of which are to be written up as a minor
dissertation.
of the degree.
STA5010W OPERATIONAL RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENT COURSEWORK

This course may not be offered in 2023
Course entry requirements: Entry to the course requires a good Honours degree including a strong
quantitative component (normally at least two years of Mathematics at a tertiary level). In selecting
candidates for admission to the course, consideration will also be given to recommendations from at
least two referees who are able to attest to the applicants’ academic abilities and suitability.
Course outline:
The aim of this one year course is to provide a broad professional training in the principles and tools
of operational research (OR), with particular emphasis on application in the context of development
and the developing world. OR has been defined as the discipline of applying advanced analytical
methods (system analysis, and computer and mathematical models) to help make better decisions. The
OR in Development programme focuses on preparing graduates for a career in applying OR to the
unique problems of the developing world, such as conflicting objectives in balancing, for example,
socio-economic development and corrective actions, less reliable infrastructures, and a post-colonial
need for community participation in all levels of planning. The first academic year is based primarily
on coursework, supplemented by group discussions and case studies. The coursework includes the
basic techniques of operational research and statistics, specific developmental issues, problem
structuring and decision analysis.
Assessment: This component will be assessed through class assessments and examinations. A pass
for this coursework requires an average of 50% over all modules, as well as a minimum of 50% for
certain modules designated as core material.
STA5011W OPERATIONAL RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENT MINOR

DISSERTATION
This course may not be offered in 2023
Course entry requirements: STA5010W
Course outline:
On successful completion of the coursework component, students will undertake an individual,
supervised applied research project on a suitable topic, the results of which are to be written up as a
minor dissertation. In some cases, the project might be undertaken on a local problem at the student's
home base.
of the degree.
STA5013W STATISTICAL ECOLOGY DISSERTATION

Course outline:
STA5014Z STATISTICAL METHODS

Course entry requirements: Co-registration for an honours degree in a relevant discipline such as
Biology, Medicine, Actuarial Science, Finance and Engineering that involves a substantial component
of quantitative training, as assessed by Head of Statistical Sciences Department
Course outline:
The aim of this course is to allow students to take statistical modules that will prepare them for entry
into a postgraduate program in Statistical or Biological Sciences. Modules may include training in
Matrix Methods, Statistical Computing, Statistical Modelling and Experimental Design.
Assessment: Assignments and tests count 50%; one 3-hour examination in November counts 50%. A
sub-minimum of 40% is required for the examination.
STA5058W BIOSTATISTICS MINOR DISSERTATION

Convener: Professor F Little
Course entry requirements: Successful completion of the coursework component of the Master’s
course in Biostatistics.
Course outline:
This course presents the research component of the Master's course in Biostatistics. The research
component of the degree is based on a 90 credit dissertation. The topic of the research will be based
on methodological or applied problems from the Health or Biological Sciences. Students may be based
in a research unit from where the problem has originated for the duration of their research. On
completion of the research component, and the preceding coursework component, students will be
able to: (1) conduct collaborative research in the health sciences, (2) conduct independent research in
statistical methodology for the health sciences, (3) act as statistical consultants for health sciences
research, (4) be able to also work with researchers in the biological sciences.
minor dissertation each counts 50% towards the degree; each must be passed separately for the award
of the degree.
STA5059Z TOPICS IN BIOSTATISTICS A

Course entry requirements: Previous exposure to quantitative training that will enable the student
to cope with the material in the chosen module plus successful completion of pre-courses deemed
necessary for the module, as assessed by Head of the Statistical Sciences Department and the module
convener.
Course outline:
The aim of this module is to allow students to register for a single module that forms part of the
Master’s course in Biostatistics. Possible modules include Multivariate Statistics, Longitudinal Data
Analysis, Survival Analysis and Design and Analysis of Experiments in the Health Sciences,
Advanced Topics in Regression, Simulation and Optimisation, Machine Learning, Bayesian Decision
Analysis, Infectious Disease Modelling and Structural Equation Modelling. Students will acquire
skills and knowledge of statistical methodology relevant to Health Sciences Research.
Assessment: Class assignments 50%; one 3-hour examination counts 50%. A sub-minimum of 40%
is required for the examination and the class assignments.
STA5060Z TOPICS IN BIOSTATISTICS B

Course entry requirements: Previous exposure to quantitative training that will enable the student
to cope with the material in the chosen module plus successful completion of pre-courses deemed
necessary for the module, as assessed by Head of the Statistical Sciences Department and the module
convener.
Course outline:
The aim of this module is to allow students to register for a single module that forms part of the MSc
in Biostatistics. Possible modules include Multivariate Statistics, Longitudinal Data Analysis,
Survival Analysis and Design and Analysis of Experiments in the Health Sciences, Advanced Topics
in Regression, Simulation and Optimisation, Machine Learning, Bayesian Decision Analysis,
Infectious Disease Modelling and Structural Equation Modelling. Students will acquire skills and
knowledge of statistical methodology relevant to Health Sciences Research.
Assessment: Class assignments 50%; one 3-hour examination counts 50%. A sub-minimum of 40%
is required for the examination and the class assignments.
STA5061Z BAYESIAN DECISION MODELLING

Convener: Professor T Stewart
Course entry requirements: Acceptance into Master’s programs in Advanced Analytics, Data
Science or Biostatistics subject and/ or statistical background deemed sufficient by the Head of
Department.
Course outline:
This module develops the Bayesian approach to inference and decision making, starting from concepts
of subjective probability and subjective expected utility, and moving on to structures of Bayesian
modelling for inference, computational solution of such models, and representation of complex
learning and decision making processed through Bayesian Networks.
DP requirements: Completion and submission of the assignment component at a satisfactory grade

(40% minimum)
Assessment: Assignments 35%. Written examination 65%. A subminimum of 40% in each of the
assignments and examination is required.
STA5062Z CAUSAL MODELLING

Course entry requirements: Acceptance into Master's programs in Advanced Analytics, Data
Science or Biostatistics, and/ or statistical background deemed sufficient by the Head of Department.
Course outline:
This course introduces students to the concept of causality, causal diagrams and causal modelling.
Topics to be covered include Counterfactual Theory, Directed Acyclical Graphs, Propensity Scores,
Inverse Probablity Weighting, Marginal Structural Models, G-estimation, Path Analysis,
Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), Multiple Group SEM, MIMIC
(Multiple Indicators and Multiple Causes) Models, Multilevel SEM, and Latent Growth Curve SEM.
The course covers both the theory and the application of the methods with computer software such as
R, STATA and LISREL. The course may not be offered every year.
DP requirements: 40% for the assignment component
Assessment: Assignments 40%. Written exam 60%. Sub-minimum of 40% in each of assignment and
examination component.
STA5063Z DESIGN OF CLINICAL TRIALS

Course entry requirements: Acceptance into Master’s program in Biostatistics, or statistical
background deemed sufficient by the Head of Department.
Course outline:
This module will look at the Design of Clinical Trials. Concepts of randomisation, replication and
blocking will be discussed. Students will be introduced to the different phases, that is Phases I, II, III,
and IV, of trial designs. Specific designs which will also be covered include, inter alia, randomised
trials, dose-escalation studies, cross-over trials, PK/PD studies, designs for survival studies and multi-
centre trials. The implications of the specific design for the analysis of the data will be discussed. the
course may not be offered every year.
STA5064Z ECOLOGICAL STATISTICS

Course outline:
This module covers the latest statistical methods particular to ecological statistics. Topics include 50
capture-mark-recapture models (closed and open populations, multi-state models), occupancy models,
distance sampling, spatially explicit capture-recapture models, and state-space models in ecology. The
Assessment: Assignments 50%. Examination 50%. A subminimum of 40% in both the assignment
and examination component is required.
STA5065Z FINANCIAL ECONOMETRICS

Course entry requirements: Acceptance into Master’s programs in Advanced Analytics or Data
Science and/ or statistical background deemed sufficient by the Head of Department.
Course outline:
This course examines from an advanced econometric and quantitative perspective the following key
areas : Market efficiency in macro-economic markets including the JSE, bond market and short-term
interest rate markets; Characteristics of the JSE and its sectors; appropriate return transformations, the
notion of company specific, sector specific and market wide effects; Special focus on the R$ exchange
rate; its effect on local markets (JSE and bond); causes of changes and modelling the impact on
inflation; Technical modelling of bond market (Nelson-Siegel parameterisation) and the share market
(Black Scholes; derivatives). The course may not be offered every year.
Assessment: Assignment - 30%. Examination, 3 hours 70%. A subminimum of 40% in each of the
assignment and examination components.
STA5066Z MATHEMATICAL MODELLING FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES

Science or Biostatistics, and/or statistical background deemed sufficient by the Head of Department.
Course outline:
This course introduces students to mathematical modelling of infectious diseases. Topics include
differential equation modelling, agent based modelling, computer simulation, statistical data fitting,
public health modelling, introduction to economic modelling. The course may not be offered every
year.
Assessment: Assignments 40%. Written examination 60%. Sub-minimum of 40% for each of
assignment and examination component.
STA5067Z LONGITUDINAL DATA ANALYSIS

Course outline:
This course looks at advanced methods for the analysis of longitudinal data, including linear mixed
effect models, generalized estimating equations, generalized linear mixed effect models, nonlinear
mixed effect models, smoothing spline models, imputation methods for missing data and causal
models. Both the underlying theory and the application of these models using appropriate statistical
software are covered. The course may not be offered every year.
STA5068Z MACHINE LEARNING

Convener: Dr E Pienaar
Science or Biostatistics, and/ or statistical and computing background deemed sufficient by the Head
of Department.
Course outline:
This course serves as an overview of the increasingly important field of Machine Learning. Topics
covered include the fundamentals of the Machine Learning Paradigm, the Vapnik-Chervonenkis
Inequality, the Bias-Variance Tradeoff, Regularization, Cross-Validation, Linear and Nonlinear
Dimension Reduction, Support Vector Machines, Neural Networks, Convolutional Neural Networks,
and other contemporary topics in Machine Learning. The course may not be offered every year.
DP requirements: 40% for assignment and project component
Assessment: Assignments, making up the course mark, and two exams, one written and one
computer-based exam. A subminimum of 40% is required for each component.
STA5069Z MULTIVARIATE STATISTICS

Course outline:
In this module, multivariate statistical analysis methods with associated graphical representations will
be discussed. Topics to be covered include Principal Component Analysis and PCA biplots, Simple
and Multiple Correspondence Analysis, Multidimensional Scaling, Cluster Analysis, Discriminant
Analysis, Canonical Variate Analysis, Analysis of Distance and Biadditive Models. The course may
not be offered every year.
DP requirements: 40% for assignment component
Assessment: Assignments 40%. Written examination 60%. Sub-minimum of 40% in each of
assignment and examination component.
STA5070Z PROBLEM STRUCTURING AND SYSTEM DYNAMICS

Course outline:
Problem Structuring: We explore a number of tools and methods which support the initial phases of a
process of enquiry or analysis. Our interest is in understanding both the epistemological basis of
different approaches as well as evaluating the extent to which they add rigour and promote insight.
We will be critiquing the efficacy of different approaches through a variety of case studies. System
Dynamics: We discuss features that result in complexity of systems, with case studies. These are then
represented first qualitatively and then quantitatively in simulation studies using appropriate software
(Vensim is proposed). The course may not be offered every year.
DP requirements: 40% for project work components.
Assessment: Problem Structuring section: project work (50%); written exam (50%). System
Dynamics section: project work (40%); written exam (60%). The two sections count equally to the
final grade. In each section a subminimum of 40% is required in both the project and written exam.
STA5071Z SIMULATION AND OPTIMISATION

Science or Biostatistics, and/ or statistical background as deemed sufficient by the Head of
Department.
Course outline:
This module is split into three sections: Simulation (Random Number Generation, Monte Carlo
Methods, Statistical Analysis of Simulated Data, Variance Reduction, Bootstrap Methods, Markov
Chain Monte Carlo), Fundamentals of Linear and Nonlinear Optimization (Unconstrained and
Constrained Optimization, Kuhn-Tucker Duality, Convexity, Quadratic Programming, Dynamic
Programming, Stochastic Programming) and Stochastic Methods in Optimization ("No Free Lunch"
Theorems, Metaheuristics, Random Search, Simulated Annealing, Evolutionary and Genetic
Algorithms, Partition Algorithms). The course may not be offered every year.
DP requirements: 40% for assignment component
Assessment: Module is split into three sections. For each section, we have: Assignments: 50% Exam:
50%. A subminimum of 40% in each of the assignment and exam component is required.
STA5072Z SURVIVAL ANALYSIS

Convener: Associate Professor F Gumedze
Course outline:
This module will look at advanced methods for the analysis of survival data. We will first review the
Cox proportional hazards model. The advanced methods to be covered will include handling time-
varying effects in the Cox proportional hazards model, parametric survival models, accelerated failure
time model, frailty models and recurrent events models, competing risks models, extension of the Cox
proportional hazards model for time-dependent variables and joint models for longitudinal and time-
to-event outcomes.. Both the underlying theory and the application of these models using appropriate
statistical software are covered. The course may not be offered every year.
STA5073Z DATA SCIENCE FOR INDUSTRY

Convener: S Britz
Course entry requirements: Acceptance into the Master's course in Data Science or quantitative
background deemed sufficient by Head of Department.
Course outline:
The goal of the module is to provide an applied, hands-on overview of selected topics useful in the
working world of data science that are not covered by other modules in the program. Topics fall into
two themes: workflow/productivity tools and skills; and modelling. Under the workflow theme we
cover data wrangling (reading/writing data, webscraping, accessing APIs), version control with Git,
and visualization and communication of data and results (ggplot2, R shiny). Under the modelling
theme we cover recommender systems, text mining and basic natural language processing, and
feedforward and convolutional neural networks.
DP requirements: At least 40% for the assignments section
Assessment: Assignments: 50%. Examination: 50%. A sub-minimum of 40% for each of the
assignment and examination component will be required.
STA5074Z DECISION MODELLING FOR PRESCRIPTIVE ANALYTICS

Convener: Dr J C Nyirenda
Course entry requirements: Acceptance into the Master’s course in Data Science or quantitative
Course outline:
This course aims to develop an understanding of the role of formal (soft and hard; deterministic and
stochastic) modelling in decision support and analyses, to develop understanding of the key
technologies behind decision modelling for prescriptive analytics, and to introduce new tools and
techniques for analysing data in new ways in order to improve decision making.
STA5075Z STATISTICAL AND HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING

Course outline:
This course aims to provide students with a foundation in statistical computing for data science. The
course is divided into three sections, namely Basic Programming, High Performance Computing and
Simulation & Optimisation. In the first section, students will learn how to write computer programs
to analyse data with the R Language and Environment for Statistical Computing. Students will then
be taught how to run jobs in parallel on a remote computer cluster using a Linux command prompt.
Finally, the course will introduce students to the fundamental principles and uses of simulation and
optimisation.
Assessment: Assignments and Exam.
STA5076Z SUPERVISED LEARNING

Convener: Dr S Er
Course outline:
Supervised learning is a set of statistical modelling tools for predicting, or estimating the relationships
between predictor and target variables in complex data sets. As part of the Masters in Data Science
degree this course aims to familiarise students with the statistical methodology needed to analyse the
relationships between predictor and target variables in a big data. The students should be able to apply
the appropriate statistical methods such as Generalized Linear Models, Tree-Based Methods,
Multivariate Methods, Feature Extraction, Support Vector Machines and Neural Networks to analyse
a big data set and estimate the relationships between the predictor and target variables.
STA5077Z UNSUPERVISED LEARNING

Convener: Dr J C Nyirenda
Course outline:
As part of the Master's in Data Science degree this course aims to familiarise students with the
statistical methodology needed to analyse relationships between variables in big data without having
causal relationships with predictor and response variables. Topics covered include association rules
and market basket analysis, self-organising maps, multidimensional scaling, cluster analysis, principal
component analysis.
STA5078Z STOCHASTIC PROCESSES

Convener: M Mavuso
Course entry requirements: STA4029Z, Honours course in Advanced Probality Theory or at the
Course outline:
The course aims to cover advanced concepts in stochastic processes and stochastic calculus, together
with some financial applications. Topics included in the course are as follows: Semimartingales,
stochastic integration, Ito's formula, Feyman-Kac theorem, martingale representation, discrete trading,
continuous trading.
DP requirements: Class record of at least 40%
Assessment: Assignments, Class Test and Exam.
STA5079W DATA SCIENCE MINOR DISSERTATION

Convener: Dr S Er
Course outline:
areas of application using the methodology learnt in coursework component. Alternatively, the
dissertation component may focus on methodological developments in Statistical Sciences or
Computer Sciences required for the analysis of a large amount of data.
STA5086Z ADVANCED PORTFOLIO THEORY

Fifth year status, second semester, two double lectures per week (24 lectures).
Science, and/or statistical background deemed sufficient by the Head of Department.
Course outline:
The course Advanced Portfolio Theory is intended to expose students to the more advanced topics in
portfolio theory, portfolio management and risk management. Statistical techniques such as
optimisation, simulation, spectral decomposition of the covariance matrix and robust optimisation are
some of the techniques that will be utilised in the models. Notwithstanding the emphasis in this course
is on the practical application of the models and theories. There will thus be an emphasis on on the
qualification of these measures and parameterisation of models in a South African (and African)
setting. Furthermore there will be a focus on the interpretation and linkages between the concepts.
Topics covered include: Interest rates;Equity evaluation; Portfolio risk components; risk in thinly-
traded environments- the SA and African case; Advanced risk measures; systematic risk;
eigenvectors; tail risk measures. Active management and the Generalised Fundamental Law. Absolute
and Active Portfolio optimisation; the Black-Litterman Model; the Qualitative Model, Non-parametric
Models, Robust Portfolio optimisation models including Bayesian shrinkage. Rebalancing of
portfolios. Advanced performance measures. Asset pricing models. The course may not be offered
every year.
Assessment: Final examination counts 60% and the assignments count the remaining 40%
STA5090Z ADVANCED TOPICS IN REGRESSION

Convener: A Clark
Course outline:
Linear regression and generalised regression and generalised methods such as shrinkage, splines,
kernel smoothing methods and wavelets. Model selection and model assessment. Principal component
regression, partial least squares regression, mixture models and generalised additive models. The
STA5091Z DATA-ANALYSIS FOR HIGH-FREQUENCY TRADING

Science, and/or statistical background deemed sufficient by the Head of Department.
Course outline:
The course aims to equip students with data-science skills required to manage and explore high-
frequency financial market data. This includes managing large financial data-sets, carrying out
statistical analysis of large data-sets and knowledge relating to the link between statistical analysis of
fast large data-sets, the modeling thereof and how this can be used to understand and control real-time
trading and risk systems in modern financial markets. The course aims to consolidate prior knowledge
relating to the statistical properties of daily sampled financial data and to then extend this to the
analysis, exploration and data-science of large data-sets relating to both limit-order data and real-time
transaction data. Students will acquire skills in Understanding and Preparing Financial Market Data;
Data Science of Market Microstructure; Market Structure and Market Microstructure; Statistical
Learning for Financial Market Data.
STA5092Z EXPLORATORY DATA ANALYSIS

Convener: Dr S Er
Course entry requirements: Acceptance into Master's program in Data Science or Advanced
Analytics and/or statistical background deemed sufficient by Head of Department.
Course outline:
As part of the MSc specializing in Data Science, this course aims to introduce the essential techniques
for performing exploratory data analysis. These techniques are typically applied before formal
modeling commences and allow the researcher to discover patterns, spot anomalies, test hypotheses
and check assumptions with the help of summary statistics and graphical representations. Different
types of data will be described and the appropriate exploratory data analysis techniques for each data
type will be introduced. The course will distinguish between univariate non-graphical, multivariate
non-graphical, univariate graphical, and multivariate graphical techniques and will teach the R syntax
required for each. Special attention will focus on the visualization of large data dets.
Assessment: Assignments 70%, Exam 30%
STA5093W DATA SCIENCE MINOR DISSERTATION

Convener: Dr S Er
Course outline:
areas of application using the methodology learnt in coursework component.
STA6001W STATISTICAL SCIENCES THESIS

Course outline:
Candidates are referred to the rules for this degree as set out in book 3, General Rules and Policies.
STA6002W STATISTICAL ECOLOGY THESIS

Course outline:
Candidates are referred to the rules for this degree as set out in book 3, General Rules and Policies.
COURSES OFFERED BY DEPARTMENTS IN OTHER FACULTIES TOWARDS
SCIENCE DEGREES 215
COURSES OFFERED BY DEPARTMENTS

IN OTHER FACULTIES TOWARDS
SCIENCE DEGREES
Departments in the Faculty of Commerce
COLLEGE OF ACCOUNTING
Head of College and Associate Professor:
I Lubbe, BCom(Hons) Johannesburg HDTE MPhil (Higher Education Studies) Cape Town CA(SA)
ACC1006F FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING

Convener: J Kew
Course entry requirements: Admission to degree. NSC level 5 in Mathematics and level 4 in English
HL (or level 5 in English FAL).
Course outline:
Financial Accounting is predominantly an applied discipline that is based on broad conceptual
principles. The course develops an understanding of the business cycle and decisions; recording
financial transactions; reporting financial transactions according to the definitions and recognition
criteria as per the conceptual framework; preparation and presentation of basic financial statements;
inventory; value-added taxation; reconciliations.
Lecture times: ACC1006F Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri 13:00 – 14:00; 14:00 – 15:00
DP requirements: Attendance at and submission of a minimum of 70% of tutorials AND a weighted
average of 35% for class tests (excluding objective tests) AND an average of 35% for assignments.
(where relevant, excluding objective tests).
Assessment: Coursework: 35% Exam: 65%
FINANCE AND TAX

Head of Department:
L Pitt, HDE Cape Town BCom (Hons) (Eco) Unisa BCom (Hons) (ES) UJ BB&A (Hons) MBA
Stellenbosch MCom Cape Town DBL Unisa
FTX1005F/S MANAGERIAL FINANCE

Convener: FTX1005F C Abdulla/ FTX1005S N Jwara
Course entry requirements: Matriculation mathematics, Mathematics Literacy or registration for the
Post graduate diploma in Management in Entrepreneurship, Marketing Sport Management Tourism
and Business Communication.
Objective: This course is designed to provide a general introduction to the study of the financial
function in business, particularly in a South African environment. The course has two primary
objectives: Firstly to expose students with little or no commercial or financial background to the
fundamentals of the financial aspects of business and the environment in which businesses operate.
The second objective is to afford the students with the opportunity of gaining as much practical
experience as possible in key areas of Finance, Management Accounting and Accounting.
Course outline:
This course is designed to introduce students with little or no commercial or financial background to
the fundamentals of managerial finance. Having completed the course students should have a basic
216 COURSES OFFERED BY DEPARTMENTS IN OTHER FACULTIES TOWARDS
SCIENCE DEGREES
understanding of accounting concepts, be able to read financial statements and perform basic (ratio)
analysis of key performance areas of the business, understand the concept of time value of money,
employ basic steps toward efficient working capital management and have a basic understanding of
capital budgeting and valuations. The course covers the following key topics: Introduction to basic
accounting concepts, understanding annual financial statements, source of finance, basic financial
ratio analysis, investments, risk & return, working capital management, cost volume profit analysis,
budgeting, time value of money, basic valuations, cost of capital, discounted cash flow, and capital
budgeting.
Lecture times: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 12h00 -12h45
DP requirements: Writing all class tests. Attendance and submission of 80% of tutorials. Satisfactory
completion of the project and assignments. 40% average year mark.
Assessment: Class tests, 1-15%; 2-15%; objective tests (10% - Best 5 out of 10); 1 group project
(10%); final examination (50%).
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
Head of Department and Associate Professor:
M Tanner BEng(Hons) Mauritius MCom PhD Cape Town
INF2006F BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE AND ANALYTICS

Convener: A. Budree
Course entry requirements: INF1002 OR equivalent.
Course outline:
The course introduces students to the main features of business intelligence and business analytics,
including data warehousing and data marts, decision support systems, OLAP, data mining and
analytics, corporate performance management, data visualisation, real-time BI, pervasive BI, mobile
BI and big data analytics. Case studies and management approaches for implementation are covered
and a hands-on project requires students to produce a management report after analysing data using
commercial BI software.
Lecture times: Course runs only for 3 weeks: Monday to Wednesday, 5th period, Friday 4th and 5th
period
DP requirements: Year mark of 45%.
Assessment: BI software project 30%, Classwork 30%, Final examination 40%. Sub-minimum of
40% for the final examination.
INF2009F SYSTEMS ANALYSIS

Convener: A Pekane
Course entry requirements: INF1003F or equivalent or INF1003F as co-requisite.
Course outline:
INF2009F is a half course designed for students intending to major in Information Systems or
Computer Science for the BCom, BBusSci or Bsc degrees, students pursuing other computing degrees
may be accepted, space permitting.
This course explores the role of the Systems Analyst in business, different approaches used in the
development of information systems, and the various tools and techniques used in the specification of
system requirements. It is intended to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the systems
development process, with a particular emphasis on the analysis stage of the life cycle. There is a
strong practical component to the course, where students will be taught to understand and use the
common tools of object-oriented systems analysis, with a particular focus on UML models.
Lecture times: Monday to Wednesday, 4th period, Practical workshops: Thursday 3rd & 4th periods
OR 4th & 5th OR 8th & 9th
SCIENCE DEGREES 217
DP requirements: Submitted at least 80% of the coursework . (80% of individual deliverables and
80% of group work). Subminimum of 45% course year-mark.
Assessment: The final grade is derived from results of the Coursework (Formative Assessment: 40%
+ Summative Assessment 20%) and the Final Examination (40%). Sub-minimum of 40% for the final
examination.
INF2011S SYSTEMS DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT

Convener: S Kabanda
Course entry requirements: Minimum 45% final mark for [INF2007 or INF2008 or CSC2001 or
equivalent] and INF2009 and [INF1003 or CSC1016 or equivalent]
Course outline:
This course is intended to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of the systems development
process with particular emphasis on the design and implementation stages of the life cycle. There is a
strong practical component to the course, where students will use object - oriented tools to design and
construct a working system. This course is designed to build on the skills acquired in INF2009F
Systems Analysis.
Lecture times: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 4th period, Thursday: Weekly workshop sessions
3rd to 4th OR 4th to 5th periods. Friday: Practical workshops 5th – 7th
DP requirements: Submit 80% of workshops and quizzes. Year-mark of 45%. Submitted all project
work.
Assessment: The final grade is derived from the following deliverables: Coursework: 60%; Exam
40%. Subminimum 40% for the final exam.
INF3011F I.T. PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Students cannot be credited for this course and for INF3003W.
Convener: G Mwalemba
Course entry requirements: INF2009F and at least 45% for INF2011S
Course outline:
This is a first-semester capstone course for students majoring in Information Systems (IS) and either
Computer Science, Finance or Informatics who wish not only to gain an understanding of project
management issues but also experience the execution of such projects. The course thus combines the
theoretical elements of project management (and people management) with the practical
implementation of these concepts through the completion of a team project. The course integrates
practical and theoretical elements obtained and developed in other undergraduate IS courses
Lecture times: 10h00-10h45 Monday - Thursday and 10h00-11h45 Friday
DP requirements: Submission of required project work and a sub-minimum of 45% for the year mark
prior to writing the final examination. In addition, students must have satisfactory attendance at
tutorials and lectures.
Assessment: Coursework counts 70%. Final examination counts 30%. Sub-minimum of 40% for the
final examination.
INF3012S BPM & ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS

Convener: L Seymour
Course entry requirements: INF2009F and INF2011S
Course outline:
This course examines the role, relationship and effect IT Applications have on businesses and vice
versa. It has a heavy emphasis on ERP systems, business processes and Business Process Management
(BPM). Students will be exposed to methodologies and techniques to identify, model, measure and
improve processes. Students will be introduced to technologies that can be used as part of process
improvement initiatives as well as technologies such as ERP that impact on business processes. A
SCIENCE DEGREES
group project will allow students to apply their analytical skills to improving an existing process.
Students will be introduced to S/4 HANA, and will acquire a basic working knowledge of the
Application.
Lecture times: 11h00-11h45 Tuesday- Friday and 10h00-10h45 Thursday and Friday
DP requirements: Submission of group project and a sub-minimum of 45% for the year mark prior
to writing the final examination. In addition, students must complete 80% of workshops.
Assessment: Classwork 70% (workshops, class exercises, test and a group project), final examination
30%. Sub-minimum of 40% for the final examination.
INF3014F ELECTRONIC COMMERCE

Convener: G Mwalemba
Course entry requirements: INF2009F and at least 45% for INF2011S
Course outline:
INF3014F is a course for students majoring in Information Systems (IS) as well as any other student
that wish to gain an understanding of electronic commerce (e-Commerce) technologies and their usage
in society. The course covers both theoretical e-Commerce issues as well as the practical skills
required to develop a basic e-Commerce system. The course plays a role in facilitating students ability
to constructively develop integrated knowledge on e-Commerce, including an understanding of and
the ability to apply and critically evaluate the key concepts, techniques and practices that form part of
e-Commerce systems design, development, implementation and usage. The practical component
includes planning, structuring, and developing e-Commerce related web applications as well as
designing the user experience (UX). The practical component will culminate in a project that involves
developing an e-Commerce application that addresses a real business or social need.
Lecture times: 12h00-13h45 Tuesday and Wednesday and either 13h00-14h45 or 14h00-15h45
Friday
DP requirements: Submission of tutorials, seminar, and project work as well as a subminimum of
45% for the year mark prior to writing the final examination.
Assessment: Coursework 70%. Exam 30%. Subminimum of 40% for the final examination.
Departments in the Faculty of Engineering and

the Built Environment
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
Associate Professor and Head of Department
F Nicolls, MSc(Eng) PhD Cape Town
EEE2041F INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING & POWER

UTILISATION
For students in the Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical & Mechatronic Engineering
programmes and Computer Science.
Convener: Dr S Jayalath
Course entry requirements: PHY1013F/S (MEC), MAM1021S (MEC), PHY1004W or PHY1032S
(CSC), MAM1004F (>60%) and MAM1008S (>60%) or MAM1000W (CSC)
Course outline:
This course aims to develop an understanding of (a) DC circuits and networks including series and
parallel circuits, Kirchhoff’s laws, Mesh Analysis, Superposition Theorem, Star-to-delta and Delta-
to-star Transformation, Thevenin’s theorem, Maximum Power Transfer theorem, DC transients in R-
L and R-C circuits; (b) Fundamentals of AC including generation, concepts of waveform, period,
frequency, angular velocity, phase etc., average, peak and RMS values; (c) Single-phase AC circuit
SCIENCE DEGREES 219
including AC through resistance (R), inductance (L) and capacitance (C), concept of reactance and
impedance, phasors, single-phase AC series and parallel circuits, concept of active power, reactive
power, apparent power and power factor; (d) Three-phase AC systems; (e) Magnetic circuits including
definition of magnetic circuits, simple and composite magnetic circuits and magnetic circuit
calculations; (f) Single-phase transformers including core construction, principle of operation, e.m.f.
equation and transformation ratio, no-load and on-load operation, phasor diagram under no-load and
full-load operation, exact and approximate equivalent circuits, voltage regulation, losses and
efficiency and open and short circuit tests; (g) DC motors including principle of operation, e.m.f.
equation, types of motors, speed and torque characteristics and speed control.
DP requirements: Please refer to the official course handout document for detailed information
regarding the DP requirements for this course.
Assessment: Please refer to the official course handout document regarding the assessment criteria
for this course.
EEE2042S INTRODUCTION TO ANALOGUE AND DIGITAL ELECTRONICS

For students in the Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical & Mechatronic programmes and
Computer Science.
Convener: Dr S Paine
Course entry requirements: MAM1021F/S (MEC), PHY1013F/S (MEC), PHY1004W or
PHY1032S (CSC), MAM1004F (>60%) and MAM1008S (>60%) or MAM1000W (CSC).
Course outline:
The course aims to help students understand the following concepts: (a) Introduction to
Semiconductor Physics and Diode basics. (b) Diode circuit model, applications and LEDs (c)
Introduction to BJTs and basic models (d) BJT amplifier circuit (only focus on common-emitter) (e)
Introduction to Op Amps, op-amp ideal and practical models (f) Opamp inverting and non-inverting
applications (g) Introduction to FETs, FET analogue applications (h) Simple H-bridge circuits (i)
Difference between analogue and digital applications, intro into digital electronics (j) Digital
electronic continued (Boolean algebra, logic gates) (k) FET digital applications, introduction to Flip
Flops (l) Basics of state machines and electronic instruments.
for this course.
EEE2050F EMBEDDED SYSTEMS I FOR SCIENCE STUDENTS

Convener: RA Verrinder
Course entry requirements: EEE2049W and CSC1015F
Course outline:
This course aims to give Science students majoring in Computer Engineering a strong foundation in
embedded systems by introducing them to digital system fundamentals, including: information
representation, Boolean algebra, logic gate behaviour, combinational and sequential digital circuits,
digital building blocks and algorithmic state machines; C programming with a focus on
microcontroller applications; basic microcontroller usage, including an introduction to computer
architecture, general purpose input/outputs, analogue to digital convertors and basic timers.
for this course.
SCIENCE DEGREES
EEE3095S EMBEDDED SYSTEMS II FOR SCIENCE STUDENTS

Convener: TBC
Course entry requirements: EEE2050F
Course outline:
This course focuses on embedded systems architectures, firmware and software tool stacks. This
course builds on the Embedded Systems I course. Consideration for Internet of Things (IoT) is
included in the form of design scenarios and project-based learning. The course is split into two parts.
Part 1 (10 credits) covers: theory and practices of design and analysis through modeling and simulation
of embedded systems; embedded operating systems, and methods for modelling and simulation of
computer systems are studied. An introduction to Linux command line and source code version
control are also taught. Part 2 (6 credits) introduces Hardware Description Language (HDL)
programming and computer architecture fundamentals; and tools for developing gateware and
simulating HDL designs. Part 1 practicals concern using a single board computer, deploying and using
an embedded operating system, building applications using a cross-compiler tool stacks, and hardware
software interfaces – the practical work culminates in Miniproject A, which requires the use of taught
tools to design, analyse and implement an IoT application. Part2 practicals involve implementing a
combination logic design and developing a small HDL testbench to analyse its behavior. Those
completing the course for 18 credits (Computer Science students) are required to complete a more
demanding Miniproject B which adds software features to the Miniproject A baseline and requires
additional performance and throughput testing.
for this course.
Departments in the Faculty of Health Sciences
HUMAN BIOLOGY
S Prince, BSc Hons HDE PhD Cape Town
HUB2019F INTEGRATED ANATOMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

PART A
24 NQF credits at NQF level 6; 60 lectures, 10 practicals.
Convener: Dr J Harbron and Assoc Professor D Lang
Course entry requirements: BIO1000F, BIO1004S and CEM1000W (or equivalent courses).
Co-requisites: An average grade of 60% or more for these two courses is recommended.
Course outline:
This course is under review and the content may change as a result.
The course introduces the concept of integrating human physiology, anatomy, cell biology and
histology. It includes the study of cells and tissues, the basic anatomy and histology of the
musculoskeletal, endocrine and digestive systems, and an introduction to embryology and osteology.
Physiological concepts include fluid balance, cell signaling, hormone regulation, digestion, absorption
and metabolism. The course consists of lectures, practical sessions and tutorials. In the practicals,
students work in small groups using computers and specialised equipment to study the physiology and
histology of the abovementioned organ systems. At the end of the course, students will be able to
describe structure-function relationships of body systems coved in the course; apply concepts and
principles taught in lectures and practical sessions to solve theoretical or real-life problems posed in
tutorials, tests and examinations; follow and implement instructions in computer-simulated
SCIENCE DEGREES 221
physiology experiments and interpret result; identify micro-anatomical organisation of organs under
a microscope or in monographs; identify and name structures in anatomical specimens; and design
simple experiments to determine physiologic parameters such as blood type, fluid compartment
volumes, enzyme activities etc.
Lecture times: Lectures: Monday to Friday (08h00-08h45); Practicals: Mondays or Tuesdays (14h00-
17h00).
DP requirements: Attendance at all practical sessions, 40% average in class tests and an average of
50% for all assignments.
Assessment: The breakdown of course marks is as follows: Class tests 30%, practical write-up 15%,
assignments or tutorials 5%. Final examinations (50%) as follows: Theory examination 30%, practical
examination 20%. A subminimum of 40% is required for the theory and practical examination to pass
this course. Supplementary examinations, in the form of written, practical or oral assessment, may be
offered to students whose overall score is 45-49%. An oral examination may be required in the case
of selected students.
HUB2021S INTEGRATED ANATOMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

PART B
24 NQF credits at NQF level 6; 60 lectures; 10 practicals.
Convener: Assoc Professor A Gwanyanya
Course entry requirements: HUB2019F (or approved equivalent) and CEM1000W
(or approved equivalent).
Course outline:
This course is under review and the content may change as a result
The course integrates aspects of human physiology, anatomy and histology of organ systems,
including cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, reproductive, urinary and immune systems. The
concept of integrating homeostasis and regulation forms the golden thread throughout this course.
Homeostatic concepts covered include thermoregulation, acid-base balance, neural transduction,
cardiac output and regulation, and respiration. Students are introduced to anthropology and to concepts
of ageing and disease. In the practicals, students work in small groups using computers and specialised
equipment to study the physiology of the nervous system, the electrical events in the contraction of
cardiac muscle and the mechanics of the respiratory system. Students also examine human anatomical
specimens of various organs and examine the histology of the organ systems. At the end of the course,
students will have a thorough grounding in the physiological mechanisms of the nervous, urinary,
cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, and immune systems. They will have an understanding of
the basic anatomy and microanatomical organisation (histology) of key organs within the above bodily
systems; will be able to integrate the concepts above in terms of understanding structure-function
relationships, so as to understand the basic key elements that impact on the physiology of organs
during ageing which leads to disease processes; and will be able to interpret data obtained from the
various practicals.
Lecture times: Lectures: Monday to Friday (08h00-08h45); Practicals Mondays or Tuesdays (14h00-
17h00).
DP requirements: Attendance at all practicals, 40% average in class tests and an average of 50% for
all assignments.
Assessment: The final mark comprises class tests (30%); practicals, assignments and tutorials (20%);
and final examinations (50%), consisting of a written theory exam (30%) and a practical (20%). A
subminimum of 40% is required for the theory and practical examination to pass this course.
Supplementary examinations, in the form of written, practical or oral assessment, may be offered to
students whose overall score is between 45% and 49%. An oral examination may be required in the
case of selected students.
SCIENCE DEGREES
HUB3006F APPLIED HUMAN BIOLOGY

Convener: Assoc Prof A Bosch
Course entry requirements: HUB2019F; and HUB2021S or equivalent. Entry into this course
requires a subminimum of 40% average for the Physiology component of HUB2017H and PTY2000S.
Objective: Understanding the physiology pertaining to exercise and performance with a view to
furthering study at the Honours level.
Course outline:
The semester theme is “Living, working and playing”. Topics dealt with include metabolism and
homeostasis, sports nutrition and metabolism, obesity and diabetes, muscle physiology, cardio-
respiratory physiology, sporting performance, exercise physiology, thermoregulation, and physiology
in extreme environments. At the end of the course students should have a good understanding of the
physiology related to movement, sport and exercise. They should understand physiological control,
the basics of the physiological components underlying athletic performance, and energy balance and
key components of sports nutrition. In addition, they should have a good understanding of the
cardiovascular system, muscle function, and the effect of exercise on health, particularly diabetes and
obesity. Students will prepare a seminar topic which will be presented as a PowerPoint presentation
towards the end of the semester, during the “practical” time slot.
DP requirements: Attendance at all practicals, (including tutorials and seminar presentations held
during the “practical” time slot), 40% average in class tests and an average of 50% for all assignments.
Assessment: Class tests (30%); assignments/seminar presentation (5%); practicals (15%); and
examinations (written theory and practical theory) (50%). A subminimum of 40% is required for the
theory and practical examinations to pass this course. An oral examination may be required in the case
of selected students.
HUB3007S HUMAN NEUROSCIENCES

Convener: Dr A Gwanyanya
Course entry requirements: HUB3006F (or approved equivalent). Exceptions are at the discretion
of the convener.
Objective: To obtain a good grasp of core theoretical and practical concepts of human
neurophysiological function.
Course outline:
This course offers theoretical and practical instructions on advanced concepts in neuroscience, such
as embryological development and repair of the nervous system, histological and gross anatomical
appearances of the brain, electrophysiology, principles of electrical and morphological brain imaging,
neuronal signalling, signal transduction in sensory, motor and autonomic nervous systems, vision and
pain perception, eating disorders, mechanisms of learning and the development of memory. At the
end of the course, students should be able to apply knowledge gained and practical skills acquired to
solve problems in neurophysiology; read and critically evaluate neuroscience literature; apply
knowledge of human physiology in medical fields in the general market place; use acquired skills in
assisting with undergraduate practical demonstrations; and teach the basics of human physiology.
Lecture times: Five 45-minute lectures per week, 1st period, Monday to Friday.
DP requirements: Attendance at all practicals, 40% average mark for class tests and an average of
50% for all assignments.
Assessment: Class tests (30%); tutorial project assignments (5%); practical experiments (15%); and
examinations (theory and practical) (50%). An oral examination may be offered in case of selected
students. A subminimum of 40% is required for the theory and practical examinations to pass this
course.
SCIENCE DEGREES 223
INTEGRATIVE BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

DT Hendricks, BScHons (Medicine) PhD Cape Town
IBS5004Z BIOINFORMATICS FOR HIGH-THROUGHPUT BIOLOGY

Course outline:
This course is aimed to introduce students to bioinformatics techniques related to processing, analysis
and interpretation of high-throughput biological data. It will cover the analysis of next generation
sequence data of different types (metagenomic, RNA-Seq and full genome); statistical analysis of
NGS in relation to metadata associated with it; phylogenetic analysis of sequence data; and medical
population genetics from NGS or array data. The students who complete the course will be skilled
both in handling big biological data sets, and in their downstream interpretation.
IBS5005W DATA SCIENCE MINOR DISSERTATION

Course outline:
will be based on an analysis of large data sets from Computational Biology.
PATHOLOGY
Professor and Head (UCT/NHLS joint staff):
RS Ramesar, BScHons MSc UKZN PhD MBA Cape Town
PTY2001S INFECTIOUS DISEASE AND VACCINES (FACULTY OF SCIENCE)

Convener: Assoc Prof W Burgers and Dr S Hadebe
Course entry requirements: BIO1000F, BIO1004S, CEM1000W, MAM1004F and STA1007S or
MAM1000W (or equivalent)
Course outline:
The course aims to introduce students to the burden of infectious disease in South Africa and Africa,
foundational epidemiological concepts (including epidemics and outbreaks) and public health, the
micro-organisms (including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites) of importance to human health and
disease, and their classification, as well as the prevention, control and treatment of infectious disease,
with a focus on vaccines, integrated with an introduction to the human immune system.
Lecture times: Lectures: Monday to Friday, 2nd period; Practical’s: Fridays (14h00-17h00)
DP requirements: Attendance at all practical and tutorial sessions, 40% average in class tests and an
average of 50% for all assignments.
Assessment: The breakdown of course marks is as follows: the class record counts 60% (consisting
of practicals, quizzes and assignments; and one 3-hour final examination written in November (40%).
The class record consists of weekly quizzes (20%), practical write-ups (20%) and assignments (20%).
Supplementary examinations, in the form of written assessment, may be offered to students whose
overall score is 45-49%.
SCIENCE DEGREES
Department in the Faculty of Law
PUBLIC LAW
P de Vos, BCom LLB LLM Stell LLM Columbia LLD UWC (Claude Leon Foundation Chair in
Constitutional Governance)
PBL5045S ENVIRONMENTAL LAW FOR NON-LAWYERS

(Not offered in 2023) Higher postgraduate course, second semester.
Convener: Professor A Paterson
Course entry requirements: Successful completion of any undergraduate degree. Not available to
students undertaking an LLB or LLM degree or Postgraduate Diploma.
Course outline:
The inclusion of an environmental right in South Africa's Constitution has led to the emergence of
many environmental laws and court decisions in the past 15 years. These developments are of key
relevance to those working in the environmental sector including developers, consultants, biologists,
zoologists, planners, sociologists and anthropologists. This course provides students undertaking
postgraduate studies relevant to the environment with an insight into relevant principles of
international and domestic environmental law. Key content covered in the course includes: an
introduction to basic legal principles and resources; constitutional aspects (environmental rights,
access to information, administrative justice and access to courts); framework environmental laws;
land-use planning laws (planning law, environmental impact assessment and protected areas); natural
resource laws (biodiversity, water and marine living resources); and pollution laws (fresh water, land
and air pollution).
DP requirements: Satisfactory attendance of lectures and completion of essay.
Assessment: Coursework 50% (Short assignment 10%, Long assignment 40%), Examination 50%.
INTER-FACULTY UNITS 225
INTER-FACULTY UNITS
AFRICAN CENTRE FOR CITIES (ACC)
E Pieterse, BA Hons UWC MA Development Studies ISS PhD LSE
Associate Professor and Deputy Director:
A Tucker, BA Hons MPhil PhD Cantab
Associate Professor and Research Manager:
W Smit, BSc MCRP PhD Cape Town
Research and Academic Staff:
M Brown-Luthango, BSocSc Hons MSocSc Cape Town DPhil Stell
L R Cirolia, BA Berkeley MCRP PhD Cape Town
N R Hassan, BA Hons MA Stell
G Haysom, MPhil Stell PhD Cape Town
B Knemeyer, BAFA Hons Cape Town MLA Edinburgh
N Ngwenya, BA Hons MPhil MCRP Cape Town
L Nkula-Wenz, Dipl (MA equivalent) DPhil Münster
A Selmeczi, MA PhD Central European
R Sitas, BA Cape Town BA Hons UKZN MA DUT PhD Cape Town
C Skinner, BSocSci Cape Town MSc Natal
A Weimann, BSocSci Hons MSocSci Cape Town
Head of Operations:
I Najaar, BCom UWC
Senior Finance Officer:
M Joubert
Administrative Staff:
F Bennet
S Jeppie
M Waglay, BSocSc Cape Town BA Hons Unisa
Communications Officer:
A Viviers, BSc (Architecture) Pret
The African Centre for Cities (ACC) was established in 2007 as a UCT signature research theme
cutting across three Faculties (Engineering & the Built Environment, Science and Humanities). The
mission of ACC is to facilitate critical urban research and policy discourse for the promotion of
vibrant, democratic and sustainable urban development in the global South. ACC researchers
undertake research and policy work on a wide range of urban issues in Cape Town, South Africa,
Africa and the global South, and collaborate with a number of other institutions across the globe (for
example, as part of the Mistra Urban Futures network and the PEAK Urban UKRI-funded network).
Over the past decade, ACC has established an impressive international profile and reputation as a
dynamic home for analysis of urban issues and policies. ACC also runs an interdisciplinary urban
studies teaching programme (MPhil in Southern Urbanism) to help build a new generation of urbanists
who are able to deal with the challenges faced by cities in the global South.
226 INTER-FACULTY UNITS
AFRICAN CLIMATE AND DEVELOPMENT

INITIATIVE (ACDI)
Professor, Director:
M New, PhD Cantab
Lecturer and Course Convener:
M Norton, PhD Cape Town
Honorary Research Associates/Affiliates:
J Cullis, PhD Colorado at Boulder
J Enqvist, PhD Stockholm
B King, PhD Colorado at Boulder
E Tyler, PhD Cape Town
Associated Researchers:
B Hewitson, PhD Penn State
K Lawal, PhD Cape Town
A Marquard PhD Cape Town
J Thorn, PhD Oxon
M Visser, PhD Gothenburg
P Wolski, PhD ITC
G Ziervogel, PhD Oxon
Senior Research Fellows:
J de Groot, PhD Plymouth
B Rennkamp, PhD Twente
D Sparks, PhD Cape Town
C Trisos, PhD Oxon
Research Fellows:
P Holden, PhD Cape Town
N Methner, PhD Cape Town
R Odoulami, PhD Akure
A Taylor, PhD Cape Town
Postdoctoral Fellows:
F Atkins, PhD Cape Town
C Dirk, PhD Cape Town
T Jimu, PhD Stell
A Meyer, PhD Federal do Paraná
C Nnakenyi-Onyeagoziri, PhD Stell
D Shumba, PhD Massey
D Sibanda, PhD UWC
E Temitope, PhD Cape Town
Portfolio Managers:
K Fosseus, BNur Cape Town
K Keatimilwe, MSc British Columbia
Administrators:
A Floris
R Karriem
ACDI is an inter- and transdisciplinary research and training institute that brings together academics
across UCT, NGOs, business, civil society and government to co-produce and test new insights,
evidence and innovations that will help to solve Africa's climate and development challenges. ACDI’s
transdisciplinary focus provides a multi-layered perspective on climate change and development that
merges interdisciplinary expertise from specialists working in collaboration with society to solve
complex problems within these fields.
ACDI convenes a one-year coursework Master’s in Climate Change & Sustainable Development,
which provides students with interdisciplinary training in climate change and sustainable
development, with a specific focus on the issues of relevance to African development. The Master’s
includes core modules focusing on Climate and Development, Mitigation and Adaptation, and
optional courses across a spectrum of disciplines, including Business Sustainability, Biodiversity,
Climate Prediction and Environmental Law.
ACDI provides students with access to a network of associated and affiliated climate change
researchers and academics. ACDI supports doctoral and master’s students through its Early Career
Researcher Network, a forum for students from different departments to interact across disciplinary
boundaries and to explore innovative approaches to their research.
For more information on ACDI and its activities, see http://acdi.uct.ac.za/.
The Department of Environmental & Geographical Sciences section in this Handbook may be referred
to for detailed course outlines.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPE UNIT

R D Knutsen, BSc PhD Cape Town
J D Woodward, BSc Hons Cape Town MSc UWC PhD Cape Town
M A Jaffer, BSc Hons Cape Town
M A Woodward, BSc(Eng) Cape Town
M E Waldron, BSc Hons Swansea MSc Cape Town
N Hanief, BSc Hons MSc(Eng) Cape Town
Technical Officer:
S Karriem
The Electron Microscope Unit is housed in the New Engineering Building, Madiba Circle and
provides scanning, transmission and light microscopy facilities for staff and research students in all
faculties. The Unit has two Scanning Electron Microscopes: the ultra-high resolution Thermo Fisher
Scientific Nova NanoSEM with accessories including X-ray analyser and electron backscattered
diffraction pattern analysis, and a TESCAN Mira Raman integrated SEM that supports EBSD and
Electron Beam Lithography. The Unit has three Transmission Electron Microscopes namely the 200
kV Tecnai TF20 FEGTEM equipped with a direct electron detector, the Tecnai G²20 energy-filter
(EF)TEM equipped with a LaB6 filament and a CCD camera. Both instruments are equipped for Cryo-
EM. The third TEM is a Tecnai Osiris, an analytical TEM instrument optimised for high speed and
high sensitivity EDX measurements in STEM mode with four windowless Super-X SDD EDX
detectors integrated into the pole piece. The Unit also houses a FEI QEMSCAN, and a nanolitre
pipetting robot for crystallization trials. Light microscopy facilities include a WiTec Raman confocal
microscope. There are preparative facilities for molecular and cellular biology and for hard materials
as well as computers and software for data analysis.
Enquiries regarding the use of these facilities are welcome. The Unit is able to provide information
and training on a wide range of microscopy related topics. More information is available at
www.emu.uct.ac.za.
228 INTER-FACULTY UNITS
MARINE AND ANTARCTIC RESEARCH CENTRE

FOR INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
(MARIS)
This inter-faculty Centre is hosted in the Department of Biological Sciences.
Director:
M Vichi, MSc Bologna PhD Oldenburg
Deputy Director:
A Jarre, MSc Kiel PhD Bremen (AWI)
Scientific Steering Committee:
S Fawcett, MA PhD Princeton
T Rampai, MSc Cape Town PhD Witwatersrand
E Rocke (Chair), MSc Vienna PhD Hong Kong
Early Career Researchers' Representative:
L Gammage, MSc PhD Cape Town
Communications:
L Nefdt, MSc Cape Town
Administrator:
---
UCT academic participants (in alphabetical order)

Department of Biological Sciences: Louise Gammage, Astrid Jarre, Natasha Karenyi, Marieke
Norton, Lynne Shannon
Department of Chemical Engineering: Tokoloho Rampai
Department of Civil Engineering: Keith MacHutchon
Department of Electrical Engineering: Amit Mishra, Robyn Verrinder
Department of Oceanography: Katye Altieri, Sarah Fawcett, Marcello Vichi
The Centre is an aggregator of competence and expertise which considers academic and technological
knowledge in relation to societal benefits, with the overarching aim of enhancing the production of
knowledge and human capacity in marine and Antarctic research. This is achieved through
collaborative national and international research projects generated by the academic participants and
various partners; support of students and their integration into the academic environment, particularly
supporting interdisciplinarity to address complex problems in interconnected marine systems; the
development of technological and innovative solutions for interdisciplinary marine problems; the
promotion and maintenance of post-graduate training courses including interdisciplinary
curricula. The Centre is structured around inter-related science foci: Antarctic and Southern Ocean
Research, Marine Research on the southern African margin, and Innovation in Chemical, Materials
and Observational Engineering.
MARIS convenes a one-year coursework Master’s in Applied Ocean Sciences, which is joint between
the Department of Biological Sciences and the Department of Oceanography. This course provides
interdisciplinary training in treating the most applied aspects of oceanography and marine biology,
with the aim to become future ocean professionals. It is designed for both recent graduates as well as
those with some years’ experience and who wish to gain skills to operate in the ocean services sector,
with a focus on operational and conservational activities, food, water quality and recreation,
preservation and other aspects of the Blue Economy. The Department of Biological Sciences’ section
in this Handbook can also be referred to for detailed course outlines.
Partnerships
Internal and external partnerships are under development.
For more information on MARIS and the AOS Master’s course, please see the website www.ma-
re.uct.ac.za; email [email protected]
230 SCHEDULE OF COURSES
SCHEDULE OF COURSES
LECTURE PERIODS
The academic day is divided into lecture periods as follows:
Period 1 08h00 to 08h45 Meridian 13h00 to 13h45
Period 2 09h00 to 09h45 Period 6 14h00 to 14h45
COURSE CODE COURSE TITLE LECTURE PRACTICAL/ COURSE ENTRY

TIMES TUTORIAL REQUIREMENTS
TIMES
AGE1002S THE HUMAN PLANET: 5 M to Th By arrangement; F None
PREHISTORY TO PRESENT 5th
AGE2011S HUMAN EVOLUTION 3 M to Th One per week, by See departmental
arrangement entry
AGE2012F THE FIRST PEOPLE 3 M to Th One per week, by See departmental
arrangement entry
AGE3006H DIRECTED READING & By None See departmental
RESEARCH arrangement entry
AGE3011F THE ROOTS OF RECENT 4 M to Th One per week, by See departmental
AFRICAN IDENTITY arrangement entry
AGE3012S GLOBAL DIASPORAS & 4 M to Th One 2-hour prac per See departmental
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF week, by entry
THE HISTORICAL PAST arrangement
AGE3013H ARCHAEOLOGY IN See None See departmental
PRACTICE departmental entry
entry
AST1000S INTRODUCTION TO 5 M to F W 14h00-16h00 None
ASTRONOMY
AST2002H ASTROPHYSICS 2 M to F W 14h00-17h00 See departmental
(Term 2 & 4) entry
AST2003H ASTRONOMICAL 2 M, T, Th W 14h00-17h00 See departmental
TECHNIQUES (Term 1 & 3) entry
AST3002F STELLAR ASTROPHYSICS 2 M to F W 14h00-17h00 See departmental
entry
AST3003S GALACTIC & 2 M to F W 14h00-17h00 See departmental

EXTRAGALACTIC entry
ASTROPHYSICS
BIO1000F CELL BIOLOGY 5 M to F One prac a week, See departmental

M,Tu,W or Th entry
14h00-17h00
BIO1000H CELL BIOLOGY 2 M to F One prac a week, F See departmental
14h00-17h00 entry
BIO1004S BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY 5 M to F One prac a week, See departmental

M,Tu,W, Th or F entry
14h00-17h00
BIO2014F PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY 2 M to F M 14h00-17h00 BIO1000F/H,
& EVOLUTION BIO1004S, DP for
STA1007S
BIO2015F VERTEBRATE DIVERSITY 3 M to F W 14h00-17h00 BIO1000F/H,
& FUNCTIONAL BIOLOGY BIO1004S
SCHEDULE OF COURSES 231
BIO2016S INVERTEBRATE 3 M to F W 14h00-17h00 BIO1000F/H,

DIVERSITY & BIO1004S
FUNCTIONAL BIOLOGY
BIO2017S PLANT DIVERSITY & 2 M to F Th 14h00-17h00 BIO1000F/H,
FUNCTIONAL BIOLOGY BIO1004S
BIO3002F MARINE ECOSYSTEMS 1 M to F W 14h00-17h00 See departmental
entry
BIO3013F GLOBAL CHANGE 2 M to F M 14h00-17h00 BIO1000F or

ECOLOGY BIO1000H,
BIO1004F/S,
approved 2000-level
semester Science
course.
BIO3014S CONSERVATION: GENES, 2 M to F M 14h00-17h00 See departmental
POPULATIONS & entry
BIODIVERSITY
BIO3017S MARINE RESOURCES 3 M to F Th 14h00-17h00 See departmental
entry
BIO3018F ECOLOGY AND 5 M to F Tu 14h00- 17h00 BIO2014F
EVOLUTION
BIO3019S QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY 5 M to F Tu 14h00-17h00 BIO2014F, approved
2000-level Science
STA or MAM
course
CEM1000W CHEMISTRY 1000 2 or 4 M to Prac: Tu or Th or F, See departmental

W, F 14h00-17h00/Tut: 2 entry
or 4 Thu
CEM1009H CHEMISTRY 1009 4 W to F Prac: W 14h00- See departmental
17h00/ Tut: 4 M & entry
Tu
CEM1010H CHEMISTRY 1010 5 M to W, F Prac: Tu 14h00- CEM1009H
(Term 1-3); 4 17h00/ Tut: 4 Th
M to W, F
(Term 4)
CEM2005W INTERMEDIATE 3 M to F Prac: Th 14h00- See departmental
CHEMISTRY 17h00 EBE Tu entry
14h00-17h00/ Tut: 6
by arrangement
CEM3005W CHEMISTRY 3005 3 M to F Two pracs per week See departmental
W and F, 14h00- entry
17h00
CSC1010H COMPUTER SCIENCE 1010 5 M to F Th 14h00-17h30 See departmental
entry
CSC1011H COMPUTER SCIENCE 1011 4 M to Th M 14h00-16h00 CSC1010H,
MAM1005H
CSC1015F/S COMPUTER SCIENCE 1015 4 or 5 M to F M, Tu, W or Th See departmental
14h00-16h00 or entry
16h00-18h00
CSC1016S COMPUTER SCIENCE 1016 4 or 5 M to F M, Tu or W, 14h00- CSC1015F
16h00 or 16h00-
18h00
CSC2001F COMPUTER SCIENCE 2001 2 M to F One prac per week, CSC1015F,
M,Tu,W,Th or F CSC1016S or
14h00-18h00 CSC1010H,
CSC1011H
CSC2002S COMPUTER SCIENCE 2002 2 M to F One prac per week, CSC2001F

M,Tu,W,Th or F
14h00-18h00
CSC3002F COMPUTER SCIENCE 3002 2 M to F Two pracs per week, CSC2001F,
M,Tu,W,Th or F CSC2002S and
14h00-18h00 ((MAM1004F+MA
M1008S) or
MAM1000W or
equivalent).
CSC2004Z is
required if
CSC2002S was
passed after 2017.
CSC3003S COMPUTER SCIENCE 3003 2 M to F Two pracs per week, See Departmental
M,Tu,W,Th or F entry
14h00-18h00
CSC3022F C++ AND MACHINE 3 M to F Two pracs per week, As for CSC3002F
LEARNING by arrangement
EEE3095S EMBEDDED SYSTEMS II See See departmental See departmental

FOR SCIENCE STUDENTS departmental entry entry
entry
EGS1003S GEOGRAPHY, 2 M to F M or Tu or Th, See departmental
DEVELOPMENT & 14h00-17h00 entry
ENVIRONMENT
EGS2013F THE PHYSICAL 5 M to F F 14h00-17h00 GEO1009F or
ENVIRONMENT EGS1004S
EGS2015S SOCIETY & SPACE 5 M to F M 14h00-17h00 See departmental
entry
EGS3012S ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE 1 M to F Tu or W, 14h00- See departmental
17h00 entry
EGS3021F SUSTAINABILITY & 3 M to F W 14h00-17h00 See departmental
ENVIRONMENT entry
EGS3022S GEOGRAPHIC THOUGHT 4 M to F W 14h00-17h00 EGS2014S
EGS3023F ANTHROPOCENE 5 M to F Th 14h00-17h00 EGS2013F
ENVIRONMENTS IN
PERSPECTIVE
GEO1006S INTRO TO MINERALS, 5 M to F F 14h00-17h00 See departmental
ROCKS & STRUCTURE entry
GEO1009F INTRO TO EARTH & 2 M to F One prac a week, See departmental
ENVIRONMENTAL M or Tu or Th or F, entry
SCIENCES 14h00-17h00
GEO2001F MINERALOGY & 2 M to F W 14h00-17h00 See departmental
CRYSTALLOGRAPHY entry
GEO2004S PHYSICAL GEOLOGY 2 M to F W 14h00-17h00 GEO2001F, PHY10
31F or equivalent
GEO2005X FIELD GEOLOGY & None See departmental GEO1006S,
GEOLOGICAL MAPPING entry GEO2004S (co-
requisite)
GEO3001S STRATIGRAPHY & 2 M to F Two pracs per week GEO2004S, DP in
ECONOMIC GEOLOGY Tu and Th 14h00- GEO3005F
17h00
GEO3005F PETROLOGY & 2 M to F Two pracs per week GEO2001F,

STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY Tu and Th 14h00- GEO2004S,
17h00
HUB2019F INTEGRATED ANAT & 1 M to F M or Tu, 14h00- CEM1000W (or
PHYSIO SCIENCES A 17h00 equivalent),
BIO1000W
HUB2021S INTEGRATED ANAT & 1 M to F M or Tu, 14h00- HUB2019F
PHYSIO SCIENCES B 17h00 or equivalent
HUB3006F APPLIED HUMAN 1 M to F W or Th, 14h00- HUB2021S

BIOLOGY 17h00
HUB3007S HUMAN NEUROSCIENCES 1 M to F W or Th, 14h00- HUB3006F or
17h00 equivalent
MAM1031F MATHEMATICS 1031 1 or 3, M to By arrangement See departmental
F entry
MAM1032S MATHEMATICS 1032 1 or 3, M to By arrangement See departmental
F entry
MAM1033F MATHEMATICS 1033 1 or 3, M to By arrangement See departmental

F entry
MAM1034S MATHEMATICS 1034 1 or 3, M to By arrangement See departmental
F entry
MAM1004F MATHEMATICS 1004 1 M to F M or W 14h00- See departmental
16h00 entry
MAM1004S MATHEMATICS 1004 Meridian M By arrangement See departmental

to F M or W entry
MAM1005H MATHEMATICS 1005 1 or 3 M to F F 8h00-9h00, See departmental
M 14h00-16h00 entry
MAM1006H MATHEMATICS 1006 1, three days 1, two days per week See departmental
per week entry
MAM1008S INTRODUCTION TO 1 or 3 M and By arrangement See departmental

DISCRETE MATHEMATICS W entry
MAM1019H FUNDAMENTALS OF Meridian M, W 13h00-14h00 See departmental
MATHEMATICS entry
MAM1043H MODELLING & APPLIED 2 M to F One hour per week See departmental
COMPUTING entry
MAM1044H DYNAMICS 2 M to F Every second F See departmental
14h00-16h00 entry
MAM2000W MATHEMATICS 2000 5 M to F with Th or F 14h00-16h00 MAM1000W or
options in 4th equivalent
MAM2004H MATHEMATICS 2004 & 5 M to F with Th or F 14h00-16h00 MAM1000W or
MAM2002S 2002 options in 4th equivalent
MAM2046W APPLIED MATHEMATICS 3 M to F Th 14h00-16h00 See departmental
2046 entry
MAM2047H APPLIED MATHEMATICS See Th 14h00-16h00 MAM1043H,
2047 departmental MAM1044H and
entry MAM1000W or
equivalent
MAM2048H APPLIED MATHEMATICS See Th 14h00-16h00 MAM2047H

2048 departmental
entry
MAM3000W MATHEMATICS 3000 5 M to F with M 13h00-15h00 MAM2000W

options in 4th
MAM3002H and MATHEMATICS 3002 & 5 M to Th Th 13h00-15h00 MAM2000W
MAM3003S MATHEMATICS 3003 with options
in 4th
MAM3040W APPLIED MATHEMATICS 4 M to F W 14h00-16h00 See departmental
3040 entry
MAM3041H APPLIED MATHEMATICS See Th 14h00-16h00 See departmental
3041 departmental entry
entry
MAM3048H APPLIED MATHEMATICS See Th 14h00-16h00 MAM3040W

3048 departmental
entry
MCB2020F BIOLOGICAL 4 M to F Th or F 14h00-17h00 CEM1000W or

INFORMATION TRANSFER equivalent,
BIO1000F and
BIO1004F/S
MCB2021F MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE 5 M to F M or Tu 14h00- CEM1000W or
17h00 equivalent,
BIO1000F and
BIO1004F/S
MCB2022S METABOLISM AND 5 M to F M or Tu 14h00- MCB2020F,
BIOENGINEERING 17h00 MCB2021F
MCB2023S FUNCTIONAL GENETICS 4 M to F Th or F 14h00-17h00 MCB2020F,
MCB2021F
MCB3012Z RESEARCH PROJECT IN None Two afternoons per See departmental
MOLECULAR & CELL week entry
BIOLOGY
MCB3023S MOLECULAR 4 M to F One per week by See departmental

EVOLUTIONARY arrangement entry
GENETICS &
DEVELOPMENT
MCB3024S DEFENCE & DISEASE 5 M to F One per week by See departmental
arrangement entry
MCB3025F STRUCTURAL & 5 M to F M or Tu 14h00- See departmental
CHEMICAL BIOLOGY 17h00 entry
MCB3026F MOLECULAR GENETICS & 4 M to F Th or F 14h00-17h00 See departmental

GENOMICS entry
PHY1004W MATTER & 3 M to F Tu 14h00-17h00 See departmental
INTERACTIONS entry
PHY1023H PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS A 3 M to F Tu 14h00-17h00 See departmental
entry
PHY1031F GENERAL PHYSICS A 3 M to F M or W or Th, See departmental
14h00-17h00 entry
PHY1032F GENERAL PHYSICS B 3 M to F W 14h00-17h00 PHY1023H or
PHY1031F
PHY1032S GENERAL PHYSICS B 3 M to F M or W or Th, PHY1031F or
14h00-17h00 PHY1023H
PHY2004W INTERMEDIATE PHYSICS 4 M to F Prac M 14h00-17h00 See departmental

Tut Tu 14h00-16h00 entry
PHY3004W ADVANCED PHYSICS 4 M to F Prac M 14h00-17h00 See departmental
Tut Tu 14h00-16h00 entry
SEA2004F PRINCIPLES OF 4 M to F Tu 14h00-17h00 See departmental
OCEANOGRAPHY entry
SEA2005S MARINE SYSTEMS 4 M to F Tu 14h00-17h00 See departmental
entry
SEA3004F OCEAN & ATMOSPHERE 4 M to F M 14h00-17h00 See departmental
DYNAMICS entry
STA1000F AND INTRODUCTORY See By arrangement See departmental
STA1000S STATISTICS departmental entry
entry
STA1006S MATHEMATICAL 4 M to F One per week by See departmental

STATISTICS I arrangement entry
STA1007S INTRODUCTORY 1 M to F One per week by See departmental

STATISTICS FOR arrangement entry
SCIENTISTS
STA2004F STATISTICAL THEORY & 1 M to F One per week by MAM1000W or
INFERENCE arrangement equivalent and
STA1006S
STA2005S LINEAR MODELS 1 M to F One per week by DP for STA2004F
arrangement
STA2007F/S/H STUDY DESIGN & DATA See One per week by See departmental
ANALYSIS FOR departmental arrangement entry
SCIENTISTS entry
STA2020F APPLIED STATISTICS 1 or 5 M to One per week by See departmental
Th arrangement entry
STA2020S APPLIED STATISTICS 7 M to Th F 08h00-09h00 See departmental

entry
STA2030S STATISTICAL THEORY 1 M to Th By arrangement See departmental
entry
STA3022F APPLIED MULTIVARIATE 4 M to Th By arrangement See departmental
DATA ANALYSIS entry
STA3030F STATISTICAL INFERENCE 1 M to Th By arrangement See departmental
& MODELLING entry
STA3036S OPERATIONAL RESEARCH 3 M to Th By arrangement See departmental
TECHNIQUES entry
STA3041F STOCHASTIC PROCESSES 1 M to F Tutorials and See departmental
& TIME SERIES practicals by entry
arrangement
STA3043S STATISTICAL 1 M to F Two per week by See departmental
MODELLING, MACHINE arrangement entry
LEARNING & BAYESIAN
ANALYSIS
STA3045F ADVANCED STOCHASTIC 2 M to F Two per week, by See departmental
PROCESSES & arrangement entry
DISTRIBUTION THEORY
236 SCIENCE FACULTY COURSES ARRANGED BY LECTURE PERIOD
SCIENCE FACULTY COURSES

ARRANGED BY LECTURE PERIOD
COURSE COURSE TITLE LECTURE PRACTICAL/
CODE PERIOD TUTORIAL TIMES
First period, first semester

BIO3002F MARINE ECOSYSTEMS 1 W 14h00-17h00
HUB2019F INTERGRATED ANATOMY & 1 M or Tu, 14h00-17h00
PHYSIO SCIENCES A
HUB3006F APPLIED HUMAN BIOLOGY 1 W or Th, 14h00-17h00
MAM1031F MATHEMATICS 1031 1/3 By arrangement
MAM1004F MATHEMATICS 1004 1 M or W, 14h00-16h00
MAM1005H MATHEMATICS 1005 1/3 M 14h00-17h00
F 08h00-09h00
MAM1006H MATHEMATICS 1006 1 One hour per week
STA1000F INTRODUCTORY STATISTICS 1 One per week by
arrangement
STA2004F STATISTICAL THEORY & 1 One per week by
INFERENCE arrangement
STA2020F BUSINESS STATISTICS 1 By arrangement
STA3030F STATISTICAL INFERENCE & 1 By arrangement
MODELLING
STA3041F STOCHASTIC PROCESSES & TIME 1 By arrangement
SERIES
First period, second semester

EGS3012S ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCE 1 Tu or W, 14h00-17h00
HUB2021S INTERGRATED ANATOMY & 1 M or Tu, 14h00-17h00
PHYSIO SCIENCES B
HUB3007S HUMAN NEUROSCIENCES 1 W or Th, 14h00-17h00
MAM1032S MATHEMATICS 1032 1/3 By arrangement
MAM1008S INTRODUCTION TO DISCRETE 1/3 By arrangement
MATHEMATICS
STA1000S INRODUCTORY STATISTICS 1 One per week by
arrangement
STA1007S BIONUMERACY 1 One per week by
arrangement
STA2005S LINEAR MODELS 1 One per week by
arrangement
STA2030S STATISTICAL THEORY 1 By arrangement
STA3043S STATISTICAL MODELLING, 1 Two tutorials per week
MACHINE LEARNING & BAYESIAN by arrangement
ANALYSIS
SCIENCE FACULTY COURSES ARRANGED BY LECTURE PERIOD 237
Second period, first semester

AST2002H ASTROPHYSICS 2 W 14h00-17h00
AST2003H ASTRONOMICAL TECHNIQUES 2 W 14h00-17h00
AST3002F STELLAR ASTROPHYSICS 2 W 14h00-17h00
BIO1000H CELL BIOLOGY 2 F 14h00 – 17h00
BIO2014F PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY & 2 M 14h00-17h00
EVOLUTION
BIO3013F GLOBAL CHANGE ECOLOGY 2 M 14h00-17h00
CEM1000W CHEMISTRY 1000 2/4 Tu, Th or F 14h00-
17h00
CSC2001F COMPUTER SCIENCE 2001 2 M to F 14h00-18h00
CSC3002F COMPUTER SCIENCE 3002 2 M to F 14h00-18h00
GEO1009F INTRO TO EARTH & 2 M, Tu, Th or F 14h00-
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES 17h00
GEO2001F MINERALOGY & 2 W 14h00-17h00
CRYSTALLOGRAPHY
GEO3005F PETROLOGY & STRUCTURAL 2 Tu and Th, 14h00-17h00
GEOLOGY
MAM1043H MODELLING & APPLIED 2 By arrangement
COMPUTING
MAM1044H DYNAMICS 2 By arrangement
STA3045F ADVANCED STOCHASTIC 2 By arrangement
PROCESSES & DISTRIBUTION
THEORY
Second period, second semester

AST3003S GALACTIC & EXTRAGALACTIC 2 W 14h00-17h00
ASTROPHYSICS
BIO1000H CELL BIOLOGY 2 F 14h00 – 17h00
BIO2017S PLANT DIVERSITY & 2 Th 14h00- 17h00
FUNCTIONAL BIOLOGY
BIO3014S CONSERVATION: GENES, 2 M 14h00-17h00
POPULATIONS & BIODIVERSITY
CSC2002S COMPUTER SCIENCE 2002 2 M to F 14h00-18h00
CSC3003S COMPUTER SCIENCE 3003 2 M to F 14h00-18h00
EGS1003S GEOGRAPHY, DEVELOPMENT & 2 M, Tu or Th 14h00-17h00
ENVIRONMENT
GEO2004S PHYSICAL GEOLOGY 2 W 14h00-17h00
GEO3001S STRATIGRAPHY & ECONOMIC 2 Tu and Th, 14h00-17h00
GEOLOGY
Third period, first semester

AGE2012F THE FIRST PEOPLE 3 One per week by
arrangement
BIO2015F VERTEBRATE DIVERSITY & 3 W 14h00-17h00
FUNCTIONAL BIOLOGY
CEM2005W INTERMEDIATE CHEMISTRY 3 Th 14h00-17h00
CEM3005W CHEMISTRY 3005 3 W and F, 14h00-17h00
CSC3022F C++ AND MACHINE LEARNING 3 Two per week by
arrangement
EGS3021F SUSTAINABILITY & 3 W 14h00-17h00
ENVIRONMENT

MAM1005H MATHEMATICS 1005 1/3 By arrangement
MAM2046W APPLIED MATHEMATICS 2046 3 Th 14h00-16h00
MAM2047H APPLIED MATHEMATICS 2047 3 Th 14h00-16h00
MAM3040W APPLIED MATHEMATICS 3040 3 Th 14h00-16h00
PHY1004W MATTER & INTERACTIONS 3 Tu 14h00 to 17h00
PHY1023H PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICS A 3 Tu 14h00-17h00
PHY1031F GENERAL PHYSICS A 3 M, W or Th 14h00-
17h00
PHY1032F GENERAL PHYSICS B 3 W 14h00-17h00
Third period, second semester

AGE2011S HUMAN EVOLUTION 3 By arrangement
BIO2016S INVERTEBRATE DIVERSITY & 3 W 14h00-17h00
FUNCTIONAL BIOLOGY
BIO3017S MARINE RESOURCES 3 Th 14h00-17h00
MAM1008S INTRODUCTION TO DISCRETE 3 By arrangement
MATHEMATICS
PHY1032S GENERAL PHYSICS B 3 M, W or Th 14h00-
17h00
STA3036S OPERATIONAL RESEARCH 3 M to F
TECHNIQUES
Fourth period, first semester

AGE3011F THE ROOTS OF RECENT AFRICAN 4 By arrangement
IDENTITIES
CEM1000W CHEMISTRY 1000 2/4 Tu, Th or F, 14h00-17h00
CEM1009H CHEMISTRY 1009 4 W 14h00-17h00
CSC1011H COMPUTER SCIENCE 1011 4 M 14h00-16h00
CSC1015F COMPUTER SCIENCE 1015 4/5 M, Tu or W 14h00-17h30
MCB2020F BIOLOGICAL INFORMATION 4 Th or F 14h00-17h00
TRANSFER
MCB3026F MOLECULAR GENETICS & 4 Th or F 14h00-17h00
GENOMICS
PHY2004W INTERMEDIATE PHYSICS 4 M 14h00-17h00 and
Tu 14h00-16h00
PHY3004W ADVANCED PHYSICS 4 M 14h00-17h00 and Tu
14h00-16h00
SEA2004F PRINCIPLES OF OCEANOGRAPHY 4 Tu 14h00-17h00
SEA3004F OCEAN & ATMOSPHERE 4 M 14h00-17h00
DYNAMICS
STA3022F APPLIED MULTIVARIATE DATA 4 By arrangement
ANALYSIS
SCIENCE FACULTY COURSES ARRANGED BY LECTURE PERIOD 239
Fourth period, second semester

AGE3012S GLOBAL DIASPORAS & THE 4 By arrangement
ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE
HISTORICAL PAST
CSC1015S COMPUTER SCIENCE 1015 4/5 M, Tu or W 14h00-
17h30
CSC1016S COMPUTER SCIENCE 1016 4/5 M, Tu or W 14h00-
17h30
EGS3022S GEOGRAPHIC THOUGHT 4 W 14h00-17h00
MCB2023S FUNCTIONAL GENETICS 4 Th or F 14h00-17h00
MCB3023S MOLECULAR EVOLUTIONARY 4 By arrangement
GENETICS & DEVELOPMENT
PHY2004W INTERMEDIATE PHYSICS 4 M 14h00-17h00 and
Tu 14h00-16h00
PHY3004W ADVANCED PHYSICS 4 M 14h00-17h00 and
Tu 14h00-16h00
SEA2005S MARINE SYSTEMS 4 Tu 14h00-17h00
STA1006S MATHEMATICAL STATISTICS I 4 By arrangement
Fifth period, first semester

BIO1000F CELL BIOLOGY 5 M, Tu, W or Th 14h00-
17h00
BIO3018F ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION 5 By arrangement
CEM1010H CHEMISTRY 1010 5 Tu 14h00 – 17h00
CSC1010H COMPUTER SCIENCE 1010 5 Th 14h00-17h30
CSC1015F COMPUTER SCIENCE 1015 4/5 M, Tu or W 14h00-
17h30
EGS2013F THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT 5 F 14h00-17h00
EGS3023F ANTHROPOCENE 5 Th 14h00-17h00
ENVIRONMENTS IN
PERSPECTIVE
MAM2000W MATHEMATICS 2000 5 Th or F, 14h00-16h00
MAM2004H MATHEMATICS 2004 5 Th or F, 14h00-16h00
MAM3000W MATHEMATICS 3000 5 F 14h00-17h00
MAM3002H MATHEMATICS 3002 5 F 14h00-17h00
MCB2021F MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE 5 M or Tu 14h00-17h00
MCB3025F STRUCTURAL & CHEMICAL 5 M or Tu 14h00-17h00
BIOLOGY
STA2020F BUSINESS STATISTICS 5 By arrangement
Fifth period, second semester

AGE1002S THE HUMAN PLANET: 5 F 12h00-13h00
PREHISTORY TO PRESENT
AST1000S INTRODUCTION TO ASTRONOMY 5 W 14h00-17h00
BIO1004S BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY 5 M, Tu, W, Th or F 14h00-
17h00
BIO3019S QUANTITATIVE BIOLOGY 5 Tu 14h00-17h00
CEM1010H CHEMISTRY 1010 5 Tu 14h00 – 17h00
CSC1015S COMPUTER SCIENCE 1015 4/5 M, Tu or W 14h00- 17h30
CSC1016S COMPUTER SCIENCE 1016 4/5 M, Tu or W 14h00-17h30
EEE3095S EMBEDDED SYSTEMS II FOR 5 By arrangement

SCIENCE STUDENTS
EGS2015S SOCIETY & SPACE 5 M 14h00-17h00
GEO1006S INTRODUCTION TO MINERALS, 5 F 14h00-17h00
ROCKS & STRUCTURE
MAM2002S MATHEMATICS 2002 5 Th or F, 14h00-16h00
MAM3003S MATHEMATICS 3003 5 F 14h00-17h00
MCB2022S METABOLISM AND 5 M or Tu 14h00-17h00
BIOENGINEERING
MCB3024S DEFENCE & DISEASE 5 By arrangement
Various
AGE3006H DIRECTED READING & By arrangement None
RESEARCH
MAM1019H FUNDAMENTALS OF Meridian W 13h00-14h00
MATHEMATICS
MAM1004S MATHEMATICS 1004 Meridian By arrangement
STA1000F/S INTRODUCTORY STATISTICS See departmental By arrangement
entry
STA2007F/S/H STUDY DESIGN & DATA By arrangement By arrangement
ANALYSIS FOR SCIENTISTS
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 241
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Distinguished Teachers in the Faculty
The University makes a Distinguished Teacher Award in recognition of the importance of excellence
in teaching at all levels in the University. Up to three awards are made annually. The following
members (or past members) of the Faculty are recipients of this award:
1983: G M Branch (Zoology)

1984: J H Webb (Mathematics)
1986: B R Davies (Zoology)
1990: H S T Driver (Physics)
1992: J J Conradie (Mathematics)
1992: J E Parkington (Archaeology)
1994: J R Moss (Chemistry)
1996: M J Hall (Archaeology)
1996: M D Picker (Zoology)
1997: N Morrison (Mathematics)
1998: A N Rynhoud (Mathematics)
1998: J A Thomson (Microbiology)
1998: I V Barashenkov (Mathematics)
1998: J U M Jarvis (Zoology)
1999: T Egan (Chemistry)
2000: D L Reid (Geological Sciences)
2001: V Abratt (Molecular & Cell Biology)
2002: J W Lutjeharms (Ocean & Atmosphere Science)
2002: S Oldfield (Environmental & Geographical Science)
2002: A Buffler (CHED/Physics)
2003: D W Gammon (Chemistry)
2004: B Davidowitz (CHED/Chemistry)
2004: S Mundree (Molecular & Cell Biology)
2006: R R Ackermann (Archaeology)
2008: J O'Riain (Zoology)
2009: G Marsden (Computer Science)
2011: G Smith (Chemistry)
2012: Z Woodman (Molecular & Cell Biology)
2014: J Gain (Computer Science)
2014: S Wheaton (Physics)
2015: A West (Biological Sciences)
2016: D Erwin (Mathematics & Applied Mathematics)
2016: J Shock (Mathematics & Applied Mathematics)
2016: M Lacerda (Statistical Sciences)
2017: G Leigh (Physics)
2018: J Murugan (Mathematics & Applied Mathematics)
2018: A Schauerte (Mathematics & Applied Mathematics)
242 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
UCT Book Award

The University makes a Book Award in recognition of the publication of books, written by University
staff, that brings credit to the University.
Professor G M Branch The Living Shores of South Africa 1985

Professor G M Branch, Associate Professor C L Two Oceans - A guide to the Marine life
Griffiths, Mrs M L Branch and Dr L E Beckley of Southern Africa 1995
Professor B Warner Cataclysmic Variable Stars 1997
Dr P Bruyns Stapeliads of Southern Africa & Madagascar
2008
The University of Cape Town’s Open Textbook Award
Associate Professor Maria Keet An Introduction to Ontology Engineering 2021
Prizes
(Further information regarding the value of prizes may be obtained from the Faculty Office.)
Alistair Stephen Memorial Award
Awarded for the best Honours project in Chemistry.
Chemistry Prize
Awarded to the best student in second-year Chemistry who will be proceeding to third-year Chemistry.
Computer Science BSG Prizes
Awarded to: the best second year student in Computer Science who proceeds to third year Computer
Science; the best third year student in Computer Science who proceeds to Honours in Computer
Science; the best Honours student; and the best Honours project.
Computer Science ENTELECT Prizes
Two prizes, one awarded for Social Responsiveness and another for Achievement.
Dick & Dorothy Borcherds Prize
Awarded to the student achieving the highest standard at the end of the second year in Biological
Sciences or Astronomy.
Frank Schweitzer Memorial Prize
Awarded to one or more outstanding senior students in Archaeology, at the discretion of the Head of
Department.
Gordon Percy Memorial Award
Awarded to the best student in Chemistry Honours.
J Barry Hawthorne Centennial Prize
Awarded to the best student in third-year Geology who will be proceeding to Honours in the
Department.
Joseph Arenow Prize plus Science Faculty PhD medal
Awarded at the discretion of the Dean for the best PhD thesis in the faculty.
Merck Prize
Best student in Molecular & Cell Biology Honours.
Physics Departmental Prize
Awarded to the SB016 student who achieved the best (passing) grade in PHY2004W.
Purcell Memorial Prize
Awarded for the best MSc or PhD dissertation dealing with a zoological subject.
Roberts Award
Awarded to the best student in third-year Chemistry who will be proceeding to Honours in the
Department.
Sandy Perez Memorial Award

Awarded to a third year Physics student who achieved the greatest improvement in the final grade
between second-year and third-year Physics at UCT, and who intends to register for Physics Honours
at UCT.
Steve Driver Prize
Awarded to the student producing the best laboratory work in a second-year Physics course.
The Mathematics & Applied Mathematics Webb-Ellis trophy
Awarded to the best student in first year with double majors in Applied Mathematics and Mathematics.
Scholarships
(Further information regarding the value of scholarships may be obtained from the Faculty Office.)
Dr Jacob Burlak Memorial Scholarship Tenure 1 year

Awarded to the best student in second-year Mathematics, registered in the Faculty of Science, who
will be proceeding to third-year Mathematics.
Ivor Lewin Memorial Scholarship Tenure 1 year

Awarded to the best student in second-year Physics, registered in the Faculty of Science, who will be
proceeding to third-year Physics.
Myer Levinson (Emdin) Scholarship Tenure 2 years

Awarded to candidates who have obtained the BSc Hons degree in the first class and who will pursue
further studies at UCT.
Twamley Undergraduate Scholarship Tenure 1 year

Awarded for the most outstanding academic performance at the end of the first year of study.
Class Medals
A class medal may be awarded to a student who has demonstrated special ability in a course, but an
award shall not be made if there is no candidate of sufficient merit. Only one medal shall be awarded
for each course. Students undertaking a course for a second time are not eligible.
Dean's Merit List

Students who obtain consistently good results may be included on the Dean's Merit List, issued
annually, in recognition of their academic achievements. To qualify for the Dean's Merit List in a
particular year, a student must normally:
(a) have taken the equivalent of the following minimum number of courses:
For the regular BSc degree (SB001):
first year: four full courses
second year: three full courses, two of which must be senior courses
third year: two full courses, of which at least 120 NQF credits must be at level 7
For the extended BSc degree (SB016):
first year: two full courses
second year: two full courses
third year: three full courses, two of which must be senior courses
fourth year: two full courses, of which at least 120 NQF credits must be at level 7
(b) have passed all courses in the year;
(c) not be repeating courses;
(d) have obtained a weighted average of 70% or above for the courses taken.
244 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Minimum requirements for admission to an undergraduate

degree
A candidate for the degree of bachelor must have obtained a National Senior Certificate endorsed by
Umalusi to state that he or she has met the minimum admission requirements for degree study, or a
matriculation certificate or have obtained a Senior Certificate endorsed to state that he or she has met
the matriculation requirements or an exemption certificate issued by the Matriculation Board. Council
and Senate may, in addition, prescribe, as a prerequisite for admission to any programme or course,
the attaining of a specified standard in specified subjects at the matriculation or equivalent
examination. (Where these have been prescribed, they are set out in the Admission Policy.) The
Matriculation Board's website address is https://mb.usaf.ac.za/
Further information on Faculty Course entry requirements can be found in Book 1, Information for
Applicants for Undergraduate Degrees and Diplomas and in the Undergraduate Prospectus.
Non-Science electives in the Bachelor of Science (BSc)

degree
Courses from other Faculties may be taken as electives, but subject to the following constraints and
approval by a Student Advisor or Deputy Dean:
Only courses with an NQF credit value of 18 or more will be counted (a first year half
course in the Science Faculty has an NQF credit value of 18). Courses are not summed.
If the equivalent of two or less full Science courses (maximum 72 level 6 NQF credits) are
replaced by courses from another Faculty, then any courses not specifically excluded by
Science Faculty rules (see below) can be chosen.
If more than two full year Science courses are replaced with electives from another Faculty,
then the further electives must form part of a hierarchical sequence linked to those already
completed.
Specific exclusions
AHS (Allied Health Services) courses do not count
Architecture & Planning courses do not count (i.e. APG courses other than Geomatics)
DOH1002F; DOH1004S; DOH1005F do not count
HUB courses (other than those offered for Human Physiology major) do not count
INF1002F/S/H; INF1003S do not count if credit is given for CSC1015F/1016S; nor do they give
exemption from CSC1015/1016
INF2004F, INF2008F and INF2010S do not count together with senior CSC courses
STA1001F/S does not count
Professional Communication courses do not count.
CHE1004W/CHE1005W, CIV1004W, CON1004W, EEE1004W or MEC1004W counts as a
half course for students transferring from the Faculty of EBE, but these courses may NOT be
taken by students registered in the Science Faculty.
DRM (Drama) courses which count towards the Academic Drama major (Humanities
handbook) may be taken for credit. The list currently includes DRM1027F, DRM1028S,
DRM2010F, DRM2011S, DRM3010F, DRM3018S.
FIN (Fine Art) courses which are recognised as part of the BA and BSocSc degrees (Humanities
handbook) may be taken for credit. The list currently includes FIN1006F, FIN1009S,
FIN2027F, FIN2028S, FIN3026F, FIN3027S. Studiowork courses will not be recognised.
Courses taught by the Science Faculty for students in other Faculties
Courses taught by the Faculty of Science for other Faculties may not be taken by students registered
in Science. However, students transferring into Science from other Faculties may be able to count
such courses towards their Science curriculum as Science courses, with the credit weighting and
equivalence established by the Departments concerned – see below.
Transferring students
CSC1017F counts as a half course if result is 70% or more (CX CSC1015F)
GEO1008F counts as a Science half credit, but credit will not be given for both GEO1008F and
GEO1006S
MAM1010F/S counts as a half course credit (CX MAM1005H)
MAM1012F/S counts as a half course credit (CX MAM1006H)
MAM1017F/S counts as a half course if result is 70% or more (CX MAM1005H)
MAM1018F/S counts as a half course if result is 70% or more (CX MAM1006H)
MAM1017F/S plus MAM1018F/S count as full course credit if both are passed with an average mark
for the two courses of 70% or more (CX MAM1000W)
MAM1017F/S plus MAM1018F/S count as a half course if the result is less than 70% (CX
MAM1005H)
MAM1017F/S plus MAM1018F/S plus MAM2083F/S count as a full course credit if the average
result is less than 70% (CX MAM1000W)
MAM1020F/S or MAM1023F/S counts as a half course credit (CX MAM1005H)
MAM1021F/S or MAM1024F/S counts as a half course credit (CR MAM1006H)
One of MAM1020F/S or MAM1023F/S plus one of MAM1021F/S or MAM1024F/S with an average
of 60% or more is required for entry into MAM2000W (CX MAM1000W)
MAM2083F/S plus MAM2084F/S counts as a senior half course. Neither MAM2083 nor MAM2084
counts on their own, or if used to gain CX for MAM1000W together with MAM1017F/S plus
MAM1018F/S. (Entry to MAM3000W will be decided on an individual basis, and will require a pass
in both MAM2083 and MAM2084 plus registration for one or two MAM2000W modules).
MAM2085F/S is the Aspect version of MAM2083F/S and are therefore equivalent courses.
PHY1012F/S (16 credits) counts as a half course if result is 70% or more; PHY1012F/S (18 credits)
counts as a half course (CX PHY1031F)
PHY1013F/S (16 credits) counts as a half course if result is 70% or more; PHY1013F/S (18 credits)
counts as a half course (CX PHY1032S)
PHY1012F/S plus PHY1013F/S (16 or 18 credits) count as full course credit if both are passed with
an average mark for the two courses of 75% or more (CX PHY1004W)
PHY1012F/S (16 credits) plus PHY1013F/S (16 credits) count as half course credit if both are passed
with an average mark for the two courses of less than 75%
STA1100S count as a full course (CX STA1000F/S)
STA1106H count as a full course (CX STA1006S)
STA3047S plus STA3048S count as a half course (CX STA3043S)
246 INDEX
INDEX
Additional Information ..................................................................................................................... 241
Admission to an undergraduate degree, Minimum requirements for ............................................... 244
Admission to the Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree ........................................................................ 35
Admission to the Master of Philosophy degree .................................................................................. 38
Admission to the Master of Science degree ........................................................................................ 38
Admission, Transfer from other faculties ........................................................................................... 16
Advanced Analytics Minor Dissertation........................................................................................... 204
Advanced Physics ............................................................................................................................. 187
Advanced Portfolio Theory .............................................................................................................. 212
Advanced Probability Theory ........................................................................................................... 203
Advanced Stochastic Processes & Distribution Theory ................................................................... 201
Advanced Topics in Computer Science Honours 2 .......................................................................... 102
Advanced Topics in Computer Science Master's 1........................................................................... 111
Advanced Topics in Computer Science Master's 2........................................................................... 112
Advanced Topics in Regression ....................................................................................................... 213
African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI), Courses offered by the ................................ 133
Air quality monitoring, management and prediction ........................................................................ 131
Analytics ........................................................................................................................................... 106
Anthropocene environments in perspective ...................................................................................... 124
Applied Human Biology ................................................................................................................... 222
Applied Marine Biology ..................................................................................................................... 82
Applied Mathematics 2046 ............................................................................................................... 154
Applied Mathematics Dissertation.................................................................................................... 168
Applied Mathematics Honours ......................................................................................................... 166
Applied Mathematics Honours (extended1) ..................................................................................... 167
Applied Mathematics Hons (extended2) .......................................................................................... 167
Applied Mathematics Thesis ............................................................................................................ 169
Applied Multivariate Data Analysis ................................................................................................. 199
Applied Ocean Sciences Coursework ................................................................................................. 81
Applied Ocean Sciences Minor Dissertation .................................................................................... 181
Applied Statistics .............................................................................................................................. 198
Approaches and Issues in Physical and Environmental Sciences ..................................................... 136
Archaeology ........................................................................................................................................ 54
Archaeology & Environmental Science Honours ............................................................................... 58
Archaeology Dissertation ................................................................................................................... 59
Archaeology Honours ......................................................................................................................... 58
Archaeology in Practice ...................................................................................................................... 58
Archaeology Thesis ............................................................................................................................ 59
Artificial Intelligence ........................................................................................................................ 104
Artificial Intelligence Minor Dissertation ......................................................................................... 107
Artificial Life .................................................................................................................................... 114
Astronomical Techniques ................................................................................................................... 63
Astronomy .......................................................................................................................................... 60
Astronomy Dissertation ...................................................................................................................... 65
Astronomy Thesis ............................................................................................................................... 66
Astrophysics ....................................................................................................................................... 62
Astrophysics & Space Science Coursework ..................................................................................... 168
INDEX 247
Astrophysics & Space Science Honours .......................................................................................... 167

Astrophysics & Space Science Minor Dissertation ............................................................................ 65
Atmospheric Science ........................................................................................................................ 122
Atmospheric Science Honours ......................................................................................................... 124
Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science and Information Technology, Degree Structure
for ....................................................................................................................................................... 37
Bachelor of Science (Honours), Subject for the degree of ................................................................. 36
Bachelor of Science Curricula Rules .................................................................................................. 17
Bachelor of Science, NQF Credit Requirements ................................................................................ 18
Bayesian computational methods ..................................................................................................... 202
Bayesian Decision Modelling........................................................................................................... 206
Big Data Management & Analysis ................................................................................................... 103
Bioinformatics for high-throughput biology .................................................................................... 223
Biological Diversity............................................................................................................................ 74
Biological Information Transfer ....................................................................................................... 172
Biological Sciences ............................................................................................................................ 67
Biological Sciences Dissertation ........................................................................................................ 81
Biological Sciences Honours .............................................................................................................. 79
Biological Sciences Thesis ................................................................................................................. 83
Biostatistics Minor Dissertation ....................................................................................................... 205
BPM & Enterprise Systems .............................................................................................................. 217
Business Intelligence and Analytics ................................................................................................. 216
C++ and Machine Learning .............................................................................................................. 100
Causal Modelling.............................................................................................................................. 207
Cell Biology ....................................................................................................................................... 72
Chemistry ........................................................................................................................................... 84
Chemistry 1000 .................................................................................................................................. 88
Chemistry 1009 .................................................................................................................................. 89
Chemistry 1010 .................................................................................................................................. 90
Chemistry 3005 .................................................................................................................................. 91
Chemistry Dissertation ....................................................................................................................... 92
Chemistry Honours............................................................................................................................. 91
Chemistry Thesis ................................................................................................................................ 93
City Research Studio ........................................................................................................................ 218
City Research Studio: Research Practice & Methods....................................................................... 141
Class Medals..................................................................................................................................... 243
Climate Change & Predictability ...................................................................................................... 135
Climate Change Adaptation & Mitigation........................................................................................ 135
Climate change adaptation and transformation ................................................................................ 128
Climate Change and Predictability ................................................................................................... 127
Climate Change and Predictability Coursework............................................................................... 133
Climate Change Minor Dissertation ................................................................................................. 134
Climate Modelling ............................................................................................................................ 135
Compilers 1 ...................................................................................................................................... 103
Compilers 2 ...................................................................................................................................... 103
Computational Geometry for 3D Printing ........................................................................................ 108
Computational Science dissertation.................................................................................................... 92
Computational Science Thesis ........................................................................................................... 93
Computer Game Design ................................................................................................................... 105
Computer Science............................................................................................................................... 94
Computer Science 1010 ...................................................................................................................... 96
248 INDEX

Computer Science 3003 .................................................................................................................... 100
Computer Science Dissertation ......................................................................................................... 106
Computer Science Honours Project .................................................................................................. 101
Computer Science Minor Dissertation .............................................................................................. 107
Computer Science Thesis ................................................................................................................. 118
Conservation Biology Coursework ..................................................................................................... 80
Conservation Biology Dissertation ..................................................................................................... 81
Conservation Biology Minor Dissertation .......................................................................................... 81
Conservation Biology Thesis .............................................................................................................. 83
Conservation: Genes, Population & Biodiversity ............................................................................... 77
Contents ................................................................................................................................................ 3
Course codes, Explanatory note on....................................................................................................... 9
Critical Perspectives on the Bio-economy ........................................................................................ 140
Data Science for Astronomy ............................................................................................................... 66
Data Science for Industry ................................................................................................................. 210
Data Science for Particle Physics ..................................................................................................... 189
Data Science Minor Dissertation ...................................................................................................... 213
Data Visualisation ............................................................................................................................. 107
Data-Analysis for High-Frequency Trading ..................................................................................... 213
Database Systems ............................................................................................................................. 118
Dean's Merit List .............................................................................................................................. 243
Decision modelling for prescriptive analytics .................................................................................. 210
Defence & Disease ........................................................................................................................... 174
Degrees offered in the Faculty of Science .......................................................................................... 12
Design of Clinical Trials ................................................................................................................... 207
Directed Reading & Research............................................................................................................. 57
Distinction (majors), Award of ........................................................................................................... 31
Distinguished Teachers in the Faculty .............................................................................................. 241
Distributed Scientific Computing ..................................................................................................... 109
Dynamics .......................................................................................................................................... 154
Ecological Statistics .......................................................................................................................... 207
Ecology & Evolution .......................................................................................................................... 78
Electronic Commerce ....................................................................................................................... 218
Embedded Systems I for Science Students ....................................................................................... 219
Embedded Systems II for Science Students...................................................................................... 220
Environment, Society & Sustainability Coursework ........................................................................ 132
Environment, Society & Sustainability Minor Dissertation ............................................................. 133
Environmental & Geographical Science Dissertation ...................................................................... 132
Environmental & Geographical Science Honours ............................................................................ 125
Environmental & Geographical Science Thesis ............................................................................... 142
Environmental and Geographical Science ........................................................................................ 119
Environmental Law for Non-Lawyers .............................................................................................. 224
Essential terminology ......................................................................................................................... 10
Evolutionary Computation................................................................................................................ 109
Examinations, Supplementary ............................................................................................................ 13
Exploratory Data Analysis ................................................................................................................ 213
Field Geology & Geological Mapping ............................................................................................. 146
Financial Accounting ........................................................................................................................ 215
Financial Econometrics..................................................................................................................... 208
Functional Genetics .......................................................................................................................... 173
Functional Programming .................................................................................................................. 102
INDEX 249
Fundamentals of Applied Ocean Sciences ......................................................................................... 82

Fundamentals of Mathematics .......................................................................................................... 160
Galactic & Extragalactic Astrophysics ............................................................................................... 64
General Physics A ............................................................................................................................ 185
General Physics B ............................................................................................................................ 185
Geochemistry Dissertation ............................................................................................................... 148
Geochemistry Honours ..................................................................................................................... 148
Geochemistry Thesis ........................................................................................................................ 149
Geographic Thought ......................................................................................................................... 123
Geographies of Sexualities: Identity, place, & health ...................................................................... 141
Geographies of Sexualities: Identity, place, & health. ..................................................................... 131
Geography, Development & Environment ....................................................................................... 121
Geological Science ........................................................................................................................... 143
Geology Dissertation ........................................................................................................................ 148
Geology Honours ............................................................................................................................. 147
Geology Thesis ................................................................................................................................. 149
Geomorphology ................................................................................................................................ 137
Geosystems: An introduction to Earth & Environmental Sciences .................................................. 145
Global Change Ecology ...................................................................................................................... 77
Global Diasporas & the Archaeology of the Historical Past .............................................................. 57
High-Performance Computing ......................................................................................................... 105
Human Computer Interaction ........................................................................................................... 112
Human Evolution ............................................................................................................................... 56
Human Neurosciences ...................................................................................................................... 222
I.T. Project Management .................................................................................................................. 217
Imagining Southern Cities ................................................................................................................ 139
Independent Research in Computer Science ...................................................................................... 99
Information Retrieval ....................................................................................................................... 109
Information Technology Coursework Part 1 .................................................................................... 115
Information Technology Coursework Part 2 .................................................................................... 115
Information Technology Honours Project ........................................................................................ 102
Information Technology Minor Dissertation .................................................................................... 115
Integrated Anatomical and Physiological Sciences Part A............................................................... 220
Integrated Anatomical and Physiological Sciences Part B ............................................................... 221
Intelligent Systems ........................................................................................................................... 110
Intermediate Chemistry ...................................................................................................................... 90
Intermediate Physics ......................................................................................................................... 186
Interrogating Southern African landscapes ...................................................................................... 126
Introduction to Astronomy ................................................................................................................. 62
Introduction to Climate Change & Sustainable Development.......................................................... 135
Introduction to Computer Graphics .................................................................................................. 105
Introduction to Discrete Mathematics .............................................................................................. 153
Introduction to ICT for Development ............................................................................................... 110
Introduction to Image Processing and Computer Vision .................................................................. 111
Introduction to Minerals, Rocks & Structure ................................................................................... 144
Introductory Statistics ....................................................................................................................... 193
Introductory Statistics for Scientists ................................................................................................. 195
Invertebrate Diversity & Functional Biology ..................................................................................... 75
Linear Models................................................................................................................................... 196
Logics for Artificial Intelligence ...................................................................................................... 110
Longitudinal Data Analysis .............................................................................................................. 208
Machine Learning............................................................................................................................. 208
Managerial Finance .......................................................................................................................... 215
Managing Complex Human Ecological Systems ............................................................................. 134
250 INDEX
Marine Biology Honours .................................................................................................................... 80

Marine Ecosystems ............................................................................................................................. 76
Marine Resources ............................................................................................................................... 78
Marine Systems ................................................................................................................................ 178
Master of Science/Philosophy in Information Technology by Coursework and Dissertation, Degree
Structure for ........................................................................................................................................ 41
Master of Science/Philosophy, Dissertation for the degree of ............................................................ 50
Master of Science/Philosophy, Subject for the degree of ................................................................... 39
Mathematical Modelling for Infectious Diseases ............................................................................. 208
Mathematical Statistics I................................................................................................................... 195
Mathematics 1004 ............................................................................................................................. 158
Mathematics 1005 ............................................................................................................................. 159
Mathematics 1006 ............................................................................................................................. 159
Mathematics 1031 ............................................................................................................................. 160
Mathematics 1032 ............................................................................................................................. 161
Mathematics 1033 ............................................................................................................................. 161
Mathematics 1034 ............................................................................................................................. 161
Mathematics 2000 ............................................................................................................................. 162
Mathematics 2002 ............................................................................................................................. 162
Mathematics 2004 ............................................................................................................................. 163
Mathematics 3000 ............................................................................................................................. 163
Mathematics 3002 ............................................................................................................................. 164
Mathematics 3003 ............................................................................................................................. 164
Mathematics and Applied Mathematics............................................................................................ 150
Mathematics Dissertation ................................................................................................................. 168
Mathematics Honours ....................................................................................................................... 165
Mathematics Honours (extended1) ................................................................................................... 166
Mathematics Honours (extended2) ................................................................................................... 166
Mathematics Thesis .......................................................................................................................... 169
Matter & Interactions ........................................................................................................................ 184
Metabolism & Bioengineering.......................................................................................................... 173
Mineralogy, Crystallography and Petrography ................................................................................. 145
MIT: Computer Networks ................................................................................................................ 116
MIT: Human Computer Interaction .................................................................................................. 116
MIT: Object-Oriented Programming in Python ................................................................................ 116
MIT: Research Methods ................................................................................................................... 117
MIT: Social Issues & Professional Practices .................................................................................... 116
MIT: Software Engineering .............................................................................................................. 117
MIT: Web Programming .................................................................................................................. 117
Modelling & Applied Computing ..................................................................................................... 154
Molecular & Cell Biology Dissertation ............................................................................................ 176
Molecular & Cell Biology Honours.................................................................................................. 175
Molecular & Cell Biology Thesis ..................................................................................................... 176
Molecular and Cell Biology .............................................................................................................. 170
Molecular Bioscience ....................................................................................................................... 172
Molecular evolutionary genetics & development ............................................................................. 174
Molecular Genetics and Genomics ................................................................................................... 175
Multivariate Statistics ....................................................................................................................... 209
Natural Language Processing ........................................................................................................... 113
Network & Internetwork Security .................................................................................................... 104
Networks & Internet Systems ........................................................................................................... 112
Non-Science electives ....................................................................................................................... 244
Ocean & Atmosphere Dynamics ...................................................................................................... 179
Ocean & Atmosphere Science Dissertation ...................................................................................... 180
INDEX 251
Ocean & Atmosphere Science Honours ........................................................................................... 179

Ocean & Atmosphere Science Thesis .............................................................................................. 181
Oceanography ................................................................................................................................... 177
Officers in the Faculty of Sciences ....................................................................................................... 6
Ontology Engineering ...................................................................................................................... 111
Operational Oceanography Coursework .......................................................................................... 180
Operational Research Dissertation ................................................................................................... 204
Operational Research In Development Coursework ........................................................................ 204
Operational Research In Development Minor Dissertation.............................................................. 205
Operational Research Techniques .................................................................................................... 200
Petrology & Structural Geology ....................................................................................................... 147
Physical Geology .............................................................................................................................. 146
Physical Oceanography Dissertation ................................................................................................ 180
Physics .............................................................................................................................................. 182
Physics Dissertation.......................................................................................................................... 188
Physics Honours ............................................................................................................................... 187
Physics Thesis .................................................................................................................................. 190
Plant Diversity and Functional Biology ............................................................................................. 76
Policy and Governance ..................................................................................................................... 129
Portfolio Theory ............................................................................................................................... 203
Postgraduate Centre .............................................................................................................................. 9
Principles of Ecology & Evolution ..................................................................................................... 74
Principles of Oceanography ............................................................................................................. 178
Principles of Physics......................................................................................................................... 184
Prizes ................................................................................................................................................ 242
Problem Structuring and System Dynamics ..................................................................................... 209
Programming Assessment .................................................................................................................. 99
Project in Mathematics ..................................................................................................................... 165
Project/Internship in Applied Mathematics ...................................................................................... 157
Quantitative Biology .......................................................................................................................... 79
Readmission to the Faculty, Refusal of .............................................................................................. 15
Research & Innovation ..................................................................................................................... 102
Research Methods for Natural Scientists.......................................................................................... 134
Research Methods in Computer Science .......................................................................................... 108
Research Project in Molecular & Cell Biology ................................................................................ 173
Rules for the Bachelor of Science degree ........................................................................................... 12
Schedule of Courses ......................................................................................................................... 230
Schedules of courses by lecture period............................................................................................. 236
Scholarships...................................................................................................................................... 243
Selected Honours module in Computer Science .............................................................................. 101
Senior Student Advisers in the Faculty ................................................................................................ 7
Simulation and Optimisation ............................................................................................................ 209
Society & Space ............................................................................................................................... 122
Special topic in human/environment interactions............................................................................. 136
Special Topic in Human/Environment Interactions ......................................................................... 127
Statistical and High Performance Computing .................................................................................. 211
Statistical Ecology Dissertation ........................................................................................................ 205
Statistical Ecology Thesis................................................................................................................. 214
Statistical Inference & Modelling..................................................................................................... 199
Statistical Methods ........................................................................................................................... 205
Statistical Modelling, Machine Learning & Bayesian analysis ........................................................ 201
Statistical Sciences ........................................................................................................................... 191
Statistical Sciences Honours............................................................................................................. 202
Statistical Sciences Thesis ................................................................................................................ 214
252 INDEX
Statistical Theory .............................................................................................................................. 198

Statistical Theory & Inference .......................................................................................................... 196
Statistics Dissertation........................................................................................................................ 203
Stellar Astrophysics ............................................................................................................................ 63
Stochastic Processes ......................................................................................................................... 212
Stochastic Processes & Time Series ................................................................................................. 200
Stratigraphy & Economic Geology................................................................................................... 146
Structural & Chemical Biology ........................................................................................................ 174
Student Advisers in the Faculty ............................................................................................................ 7
Student Councils .................................................................................................................................. 9
Study Design & Data Analysis for Scientists ................................................................................... 197
Supervised learning .......................................................................................................................... 211
Survival Analysis .............................................................................................................................. 210
Sustainability & Environment .......................................................................................................... 123
Systems Analysis .............................................................................................................................. 216
Systems Design & Development ...................................................................................................... 217
Term dates ............................................................................................................................................ 9
Tertiary Chemistry Education Dissertation ........................................................................................ 92
Tertiary Chemistry Education Thesis ................................................................................................. 93
Tertiary Physics Education Dissertation ........................................................................................... 189
Tertiary Physics Education Thesis .................................................................................................... 190
The First People .................................................................................................................................. 56
The Human Planet: Prehistory to Present ........................................................................................... 55
The Physical Environment ................................................................................................................ 122
The Roots of Recent African Identities .............................................................................................. 57
Theoretical Physics Dissertation ....................................................................................................... 188
Theories of Justice & Inequality minor dissertation ......................................................................... 140
Topics in Biostatistics A ................................................................................................................... 206
Topics in Biostatistics B ................................................................................................................... 206
Towards a Decolonised Science in South Africa ................................................................................ 55
UCT Book Award ............................................................................................................................. 242
Unsupervised learning ...................................................................................................................... 211
Urban Ecology .................................................................................................................................. 128
Urban food security .......................................................................................................................... 136
Urban Food Security ......................................................................................................................... 127
Urban Political Ecology .................................................................................................................... 139
Urban Theory .................................................................................................................................... 140
Vertebrate Diversity & Functional Biology ........................................................................................ 75
Virtual Reality .................................................................................................................................. 114
Water Resource Management ........................................................................................................... 138

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UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN

Postal Address: University of Cape Town

Telephones: Dean's Office (021) 650 2711

This handbook is part of a series that consists of

Book 1: Undergraduate Prospectus

GUIDE TO THE USE OF THIS HANDBOOK

Deputy Dean, Transformation: Rm 4.13 HW Pearson Building

Deputy Dean, Undergraduate Studies: Rm 3.18.2 HW Pearson Building

Deputy Dean, Postgraduate Studies & Research: Rm M324.1 Maths Building

Personal Assistant to the Dean: Chris Hani Building

Faculty Manager (Academic): Chris Hani Building

Deputy Faculty Manager (Academic): Chris Hani Building

Senior Administrative Officer, Undergraduate: Chris Hani Building

Administrative Officer: Chris Hani Building

Administrative Officer, Postgraduate: Chris Hani Building

Administrative Assistant, Postgraduate: Chris Hani Building

Senior Secretary/Receptionist: Chris Hani Building

Administrative Officer: Chris Hani Building

Faculty Communications & Marketing Manager: Chris Hani Building

Faculty Manager (Finance): Chris Hani Building

Assistant Faculty Manager (Finance): Chris Hani Building

Senior Faculty Finance Officer: Chris Hani Building

Senior Faculty Finance Officer: Chris Hani Building

Faculty Finance Officer: Chris Hani Building

Human Resource Practitioner: Chris Hani Building

Student Academic Support:

Senior Student Advisors in the Faculty

Biology, Earth & Environmental Sciences

Extended Degree Programme (EDP)

Student Advisors in the Faculty

Biology, Earth & Environmental Sciences

Chemical, Molecular & Cellular Sciences

Mathematics, Physics & Astronomy

Departments in the Faculty

Administrative offices dealing with student matters

Query: Whom to approach: Telephone:

Faculty Student Councils

Term dates for 2023

Explanatory Notes on Course Codes

H half-course taught over the whole year*

CEM1000W Chemistry 1000

BIO3002F Marine Ecosystems

Classification of results - Refer to General Rules G26

One of the following descriptions will appear on the transcript:

DEGREES OFFERED IN THE FACULTY

i) Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree [SAQA ID 117697]

Rules for Degrees in the Faculty

General Rules for Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree

Duration of the Bachelor of Science degree

Restriction on registration and examination

Policy and guidelines:

Students other than first-year students

Policy and guidelines:

FB4.3 The decision on whether or not to award a supplementary examination, in accordance

Refusal of readmission to the Faculty and related matters (for

Extended Degree Programme (EDP) (SB016)

FB5.4 Except by permission of Senate, where the academic circumstances of a student do

Refusal of readmission to the Faculty and related matters (for

Extended Degree Programme (EDP)