University of Limpopo Computer Science

Welcome to the homepage of the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences (SMCS)! The SMCS is one of the four in the Faculty of Science and Agriculture (FSA) at the University of Limpopo. It comprises three departments, namely, Computer Science (COSC), Mathematics and Applied Mathematics (MAM), and Statistics and Operations Research (STOR) all of which offer programmes that cut across the entire faculty and spread to schools in other faculties. For this reason, the SMCS is the largest school in the FSA with a student population of over 2,000 students enrolled in our Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science Honours, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
Socio-economic development and technological advancement are dependent on solid mathematical and computational skills, and hence a qualification in applied mathematical sciences or computer science is the most sought-after in the 21st century. This makes the SMCS one of the most popular in the institution. Our students are trained in the applications of the latest computer software packages in seven computer laboratories equipped with 486 computers. The SMCS boasts three centres of academic excellence: The Telkom Centre of Excellence for Speech Technology (in COSC), is dedicated for research in speech technology, the Centre for Mathematics Explorations (in MAM), is devoted for assisting school learners and teachers with various topics in school mathematics, and the Statistical Consultancy Centre (in STOR), caters for the university and the public needs in issues relating to statistical analysis.
On the research side, the SMCS boasts more than 45 dedicated and highly qualified academics whose interests range from theoretical applications of Mathematics and Statistics, to the more practical applications of Applied Mathematics, Computer Science and Operations Research. In 2009, STOR established a research partnership with Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University on Energy Demand Forecasting. The Project is funded and supported by ESKOM. Through the university Work Study Programme, the SMCS employs over 50 Students Assistants chosen from amongst the best students in third-year level and all postgraduate levels. Because today’s job markets target multi-skilled graduates, thereby employing as few people as possible, the SMCS, in line with its mission, strives to ensure that when our students are released into the corporate world they are adequately prepared for the challenges of this new environment.
In responding to the challenges posed by the merger between the then University of the North and Medunsa, all our undergraduate and postgraduate courses were harmonised during 2007 and 2008, respectively, and have been implemented since 2008 and 2009, respectively. So as far as it is academically possible, modules offered on both campuses are similar, both in design and content.

Every student shall register and follow an approved curriculum for the duration prescribed for the degree.

Ø In addition to the general Faculty admission requirements

§ a student who passed Grade 12 in or before 2007 shall be admitted to a degree programme in the School only if s/he has a rating of 30 or more on the Selection Scale which is based on the results of the Matriculation* (Grade 12) examination based on the best six subjects and if, in addition, s/he obtained at least a D (E) symbol* in the Standard (Higher) Grade* in Matriculation (Grade 12) Mathematics calculated as follows:

Selection Scale