collageComputational and Applied MathematicsStudy the application of mathematics and computational techniques to problems in commerce and industry, engineering, finance and economics, society, the medical sciences, the environment and pure sciences.
Qualification: BSc
Faculty: Science
Duration: 3 years
School: Computer Science and Applied Mathematics
Study mode: Full-timeOverview
Advanced Mathematics has become a very powerful and practical tool in many disciplines and professions. The specialised task of finding practical solutions to real life problems by means of mathematical invention is the objective of researchers in the School of Computational and Applied Mathematics.
Students become skilled in the use of mathematics in a ‘pencil and paper’ way, constructing mathematical models, performing calculations, judging the usefulness of the models and deciding on how they might best be applied to industry and commerce. Real life problems can be very complicated and the applied mathematician will often need computer skills for judging his or her model and the accuracy of the mathematics. The computer solutions can themselves be very difficult to compute (some real problems could take the fastest computer years to solve), so applied mathematicians really need advanced computer skills. Many researchers become involved in academic studies of these difficult computer problems.
The School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics is interested in mathematical applications such as valuation of financial products for large banks and corporations; graduates can eventually earn very large salaries. Continuum mechanics describes the distortion of a solid and the flow of liquids. Companies often have optimisation problems, such as the shortest path for copper wire for a telephone service. The School is interested in academic problems in mathematics, such as numerical analysis and differential equations, in astronomy and in physics.
Applied Mathematics is important in many disciplines. The School also teaches engineers, architects, building scientists, town planners, commerce students, and medical and health science students.Career Opportunities
Requires postgraduate studies that lead to mathematical modelling which is applicable in medicine, economics and in the social sciences, advanced mathematics of finance and can also lead to careers in astronomy and trading.Curriculum
First-year
Computational and Applied Mathematics I
AND
Mathematics I (Major):
- Algebra I
- Calculus I
AND
Any two other Level I courses
Recommended courses:
Computer Science I:
- Discrete Computational Structures I
- Introduction to Algorithms and Programming I
- Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms I
- Basic Computer Organisation I
Physics I (Major)
Second-year
Computational and Applied Mathematics II
AND
Mathematics II:
- Abstract Mathematics II
- Basic Analysis II
- Introduction to Mathematical Statistics II
- Linear Algebra II
- Multivariable Calculus II
- Transition to Abstract Mathematics II
AND
Any other Level II course
Third-year
Computational and Applied Mathematics III
AND
Any other Level III majorEntry Requirements
APS 43+
English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5
Mathematics Level 6
Wait-listing
Applicants with 41-42 points may be wait-listed, subject to place availability.
National Benchmark Test
All Faculty of Science applicants must write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) before being considered for admission.
There are two tests: The Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test and the Mathematics Test. Your test results are used in addition to your Grade 12 results to identify students who may need additional support during the course of their studies.
Rules for the NBT
You must register on the NBT website, or via mobile phone, to write the tests. Registration closes about three weeks before each test date. You can register for the NBT before you submit your application to Wits. DO NOT wait for an official notification from Wits to register for and write the tests, because you may miss the end of September deadline.
The test fee can be paid once you have registered to write the test. The tests must be written by 31 October 2021. You are encouraged to write the tests as early as possible. For a comprehensive list of test dates, registration dates and available venues, please refer to the NBT website. Both tests must be written in one session. ONLY the first attempt results will be considered so we advise against writing the tests more than once in a year.Closing dates
Application Closing Date: 30 September 2021
Residence Applications: 30 September 2021University Application Process
- The Student Enrolment Centre at Wits handles all student applications.
- Please click here for an overview of the application process.
- Check the admission requirements for your degree. Check if any additional selection requirements apply.
- Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
- Once you have applied, an admissions consultant will be assigned to your application.
- Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
- If you are an international applicant and/or have a foreign qualification, please click here.
Wits Plus applicants, applications can only be done online. We will be in contact with you should we require additional documentation.
Compliance with the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place at the University. The University has a specific number of places for first year undergraduates, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.University Fees and Funding
Click here to see the current average tuition fees for the first year of study. The Fees website also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.
The Financial aid office provides information on student funding and scholarships. University-funded Scholarships include Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships, University Entrance Scholarships, Equality Scholarships, Sports Scholarships and National Olympiad winner awards. For information about NSFAS funding, please visit the NSFAS website. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.
Wits Plus applicants: terms of payment are in accordance with University regulations, and students are not eligible for University bursaries/NSFAS or residential accommodation.
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