REGULATIONS FOR THE BACHELOR OF EDUCATION HONOURS DEGREE IN MATHEMATICS AND APPLIED STATISTICS (EDU26)

 

Duration:                             5 years

Actual Credit load                540

Minimum Credit Load:    480

Maximum Credit Load:         540

Total MBKS credit load        384

ZNQF Level:                        8

 

1.0   PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

To prepare pre-service teachers to teach Mathematics up to ‘A ’Level and produce highly qualified personnel for educational institutions, government departments and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

2.0 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Normal Entry: At least five ‘O’ level passes including Mathematics, English and at least one Science subject. Pass in Mathematics must be at least a B.

3.0 PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

Areas of Study: Mathematics Education.

Specialist Focus: Training teachers in Mathematics Education.

Orientation:  Research and innovation oriented. Teaching and learning are professionally oriented and focused on practical aspects.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

Employability: Graduates can be employed as teachers, lecturers, education inspectors, training officers, consultants, laboratory technicians in related industries etc.

Further Studies: Master’s and Doctoral studies in Mathematics Education.

5.0 PROGRAMME DELIVERY

Teaching and Learning Methods: Lectures, tutorials, laboratory classes, seminars, group work, industrial visits, micro-teaching, teaching practice, research projects, individual independent study, virtual and online teaching

Level 1 Semester 1

Code	Module Name	Credits
SEM101	Introduction to Calculus	12
SEM102	Statistical Techniques	12
SEM103	Introduction to Probability	12
SEM104	Introduction to Mechanics	12

Level 1 Semester 2

Code	Module Name	Credits
SEM105	Numerical Methods, Sequences and Series	12
SEM106	Complex Numbers and Vectors	12
SEM107	Coordinate and Analytic Geometry	12
SEM108	Algebra and Functions	12

Level 2 Semester 1

Code	Module Name	Credits
EFA331	Sociology of Education	12
EFA332	Psychology of Education	12
CS131	Basic Communication Skills	12
BCHS131	Culture and Heritage Studies	12
AECS131	Introduction to Information Communication Technology	12
SEMA101	Calculus	12
SEMA102	Linear Mathematics	12

Level 2 Semester 2

Code	Module Name	Credits
SEMA103	Applied Statistics	12
EFA333	Philosophy of Education	12
EFA334	Schools Curriculum Competencies and Innovation	12

Level 3 Semester 1

Code	Module Name	Credits
SEMA105	Applications of Ordinary Differential Equations	12
SEMA201	Introduction to Discrete Mathematics	12
SEMA205	Real Analysis	12
SEMA206	Hypothesis Testing	12
SEMA301	Further Calculus	12
BED231	Assessment and Evaluation Techniques	12
EDGS231	Gender Studies for Educators	12
SEMA302	Probability Theory	12
SEMA303	Pedagogics in Mathematics Education	12

Level 3 Semester 2

Code	Module Name	Credits
BED131	Research Methods and Statistics	12
BED140	Education Media Practice & Micro Teaching	12
BEIE501	Entrepreneurship and Industrialisation in Education	12
SEMA304	Introduction to Numerical Methods	12
SEMA305	Statistical Inference	12
SEMA306	Mathematics Teaching for Sustainable Development	12

Level 4 Semester 1

Code	Module Name	Credits
BED314	Clinical Teaching Practice Report	30

Level 4 Semester 2

Code	Module Name	Credits
BED321	Teaching Practice Terminal Report	30
BED323	School-Based Teaching Practice Assessment	20
BED324	Teaching Practice Exit Competencies	40

Level 5 Semester 1

Code	Module Name	Credits
BEFM231	School Administration & Financial Management in Education	12
SEMA402	Regression and ANOVA	12
SEMA403	Introduction to Graph Theory	12

Level 5 Semester 2

Code	Module Name	Credits
SEMA404	Mechanics	12
SEMA405	Further Probability	12
BED232	Research Project	24
EFA336	Contemporary Issues in Education	12

 

MODULE SYNOPSES

SEM101: Introduction to Calculus

The module covers number systems, functions, limits,differentiation, and integration as basic introductory concepts to calculus.

SEM102: Statistical Techniques

The module covers definitions of statistics, samples, parameters, statistics, variables, data, etc. Branches of statistics, descriptive and inferential; functions of statistics; graphical techniques: bar graphs, histograms, pie charts, box plots, dot plots, box and whisker plots, measures of central tendency and variability and probability sampling methods.

SEM103: Introduction to Probability

The module covers axioms of probability, sets and events, sample space, conditional probability, independence, and laws of probability. Empirical distributions, probability distributions, common, discrete and continuous probability distributions, use of probability tables, law of large numbers, Central Limit Theorem; normal approximation to Binomial and Poisson distributions.

SEM104: Introduction to Mechanics

The module covers forces and equilibrium, kinematics of motion in a straight line, Newton’s laws of motion, and motion of a projectile.

SEM105: Numerical Methods, Sequences and Series

The module covers simple numerical methods for solving problems in mathematics, computer arithmetic and rounding errors, numerical methods for root finding, simple iterative methods, Newton-Raphson Method, trapezium rule, convergence, solution of linear algebraic equations, sequences, arithmetic and geometrical series,Binomial expansions and convergence of series.

SEM106: Complex Numbers and Vectors

The module covers complex numbers, geometric representation of complex numbers, algebra of complex numbers, De Moivre’s theorem, definition of a vector, direction and position vectors, geometry of vectors, vector notation, types of vectors, magnitude of a vector, scalar product,vector equation of a straight line, equation of a plane and cross product.

 

SEM107: Coordinate and Analytic Geometry

The module builds on the understanding of geometry, what constitutes proof in geometry, geometry postulates, Pythagoras’ theorem and its applications, coordinate geometry, and use of computer software.

SEM108: Algebra and Functions

The module covers functions and systems of equations, solving systems of equations using matrices (up to 3 unknowns), and graphical representation of functions (odd and even functions, hyperbolic functions, exponential functions, logarithmic functions), etc.

EFA331/332/333: Applied Educational Foundations

This module enhances students with psychological, sociological or philosophical theories that are central to the learning and development of learners from diverse backgrounds. The module also interrogates the interconnection between educational foundations and innovation, thereby further equipping students with vibrant critical thinking skills to awaken the creative capabilities inherent in them.

CS131: Basic Communication Skills

The module is intended ideally for a one-semester on academic and business communication skills, which meets for three (3) hours per week. The module is aimed at assisting students to achieve their full potential by equipping them with the necessary communication skills essential for their studies as well as post-university work experience.

BCHS131: Culture and Heritage Studies

The module examines the concepts of culture and heritage as they relate to unhuism/ubuntuism, innovation and industrialisation. Emphasis is placed on the values of social, historical, architectural, scientific and cultural heritage that can be capitalised on for socio-economic development. The module further explores landscapes that contain cultural heritage associated with knowledge, songs, stories, art objects and human remains.

AECS131: Introduction to Information Communication Technology

This module guides students to critically and creatively apply concepts, principles, hardware and software associated with the infusion of information communication technology (ICT) in solving educational problems and meeting challenges in their roles as facilitators of learning. The module covers the fundamental concepts of computer and telecommunication uses in education. Its focus is on the application of ICTs as tools and resources for teaching and learning.

SEMA101: Calculus

The module covers number systems, the principle of mathematical induction, functions, limits of functions, continuity, sequences and series, Differentiation and Integration (fundamental theorems of calculus), the mean value theorems for example Taylor’s theorem, applications to maxima and minima, and curve sketching.

 

SEMA102: Linear Mathematics

The module focuses on complex numbers (geometric representation, algebra), De Moivre’s theorem, polynomials and roots of polynomial equations, matrices and determinants (algebra of matrices, inverses, definition and manipulation of determinants, solutions of simultaneous linear equations, applications to geometry and vectors), differential equations: separable, homogeneous, exact, integrating factors, linear equation with constant coefficients.

SEMA103: Descriptive Statistics

This module covers data analysis; variables and graphs, numerical summary of data, mean, median and mode, spread using quartiles, box plots, standard deviation, normal distributions, standardised (Z- scores) observations, normal approximation, sampling distribution for the mean and standard deviation, sampling distribution, Central Limit Theorem, Confidence Intervals: Confidence Intervals in General, Confidence Interval for a population mean, computational techniques using statistical software oackages like SPSS and Stata.

EFA334: Schools Curriculum Competencies and Innovation

The module introduces students to the schools’ curriculum and basic theories of curriculum development. It explores the philosophy of the Zimbabwean competence-based curriculum and its implications for teaching. The specific competencies in the curriculum are analysed in relation to how they empower students with life-long competencies that prepare students for sustainable livelihoods inside and outside formal employment. Such competencies include but are not limited to creativity, innovation, industrialisation, and entrepreneurship.

SEMA105: Applications of Ordinary Differential Equations

The module covers basic techniques for the solution of first and second-order differential equations, method of undetermined coefficients and method of variation of parameters, existence and uniqueness of solutions, series solution, differential equations of special functions and laplace transforms to the solution of ODEs.

SEMA201: Introduction to Discrete Mathematics

The module covers sets formulae, propositions, Boolean Algebra and its applications, logic, mathematical reasoning and proofexamples taken from various areas of mathematics, relations: binary, n- ary, reflexive, symmetric, transitive, equivalence relations and classes, partitions, order relations, inverse relations, functions: one-to-one, onto, and inverse functions, operations: sets with one or two binary operations, permutations, symmetry groups, modular arithmetic, etc.

SEMA205: Real Analysis

The module covers Archimedean property of Cauchy sequences, limits and continuity of real functions, Boundedness theorem, Intermediate value theorem, Uniform continuity, Differentiability, Local extrema, Rolle’s theorem, Mean-value theorem, L’Hospital’srule, Leibuiz’s theorem, Taylor’s theorem, Applications to finding roots, and curve sketching, The Riemann integral, the Mean-value theorem for integrals, and the Fundamental theorem of calculus.

SEMA206: Hypothesis Testing

The module exposes students to the Introduction to the testing of hypothesis. Simple hypothesis versus simple alternative, Composite hypothesis. Sampling from the normal distribution, Chi-square tests, Tests of equality of two multinomial distributions and generalisations, tests of independence in contingency tables, and sequential tests of hypothesis. Hypothesis testing using statistical SPSS.

SEMA301: Further Calculus

The module introduces students to Theorems on differentiation. The Mean Value theorems. Applications to maxima and minima, Functions of several variables. Differentiation of functions of several variables, Lagrange multipliers. Multiple and triple integrals. Applications to finding area, volume, arc length, centroid, moments of inertia, etc. Series: tests of convergence, absolute and conditional convergence series of functions, and uniform convergence are also explored.

BED231: Assessment and Evaluation Techniques

The module covers assessment and evaluation issues in education across all subject areas. The content of the module includes an analysis of the concepts of evaluation, assessment and measurement in education; contemporary ideas on how to improve assessment and evaluation in schools; test designing; analysis of test results; national examinations and grading.

EDGS231: Gender Studies for Educators

The module exposes students to the concept of gender and its significance to education. It also exposes students to how education spaces construct gender differences and the implications of these differences on learners and staff, and how schools can close the gender gap by studying theoretical perspectives on gender, cultural dimensions and their implications to education. It also exposes students to different empowerment frameworks and legislation.

SEMA302: Probability Theory

The module covers Axiomatic probability, sets and events, sample space, conditional probability, Independence, laws discrete and continuous random variables, probability density functions, mean, variance, expectation, Independence, Chebyshev’s inequality, moments and moment generating functions, Common Discrete Distributions and Continuous Distributions: Uniform, Normal, Exponential, gamma, beta, Use of tables, Joint Probability Distributions, Conditional and marginal distribution, covariance and correlation, Approximations, Central limit Theorem, Normal approximation to Binomial, Poisson, etc. Probability distribution using statistical software packages.

SEMA303: Pedagogics in Mathematics Education

The module introduces the pre-service mathematics teachers to the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching the subject. The content of the module includes syllabus interpretation, planning mathematics lessons, theories of learning mathematics, some contemporary issues in mathematics, innovative approaches to teaching mathematics and assessment in mathematics.

BED131: Research Methods and Statistics

The module introduces students to the basic principles of research. It develops the students’ knowledge and skills in the following areas: identification of research problems in education; selection of appropriate research designs and data collection tools; data analysis techniques; research findings and conclusions; and research report writing. The module also introduces students to educational research that is aligned with sustainable development issues such as environmental conservation and poverty eradication.

BED140: Education Media Practice & Micro Teaching

This is a practical module which introduces pre-service teachers to the practice of teaching. The module focuses on the selection and use of educational media, interpreting syllabi into schemes of work and lesson plans; presenting lessons to peers using appropriate pedagogical approaches and technologies as an induction into actual teaching, reflecting on the lesson, and providing feedback to peers, analysing recorded lessons and micro-teaching in schools.

BEIE501: Entrepreneurship and Industrialisation in Education

The module equips the students with entrepreneurial skills on how to set up and successfully operate business and production units within and outside educational environments. Students are expected to develop a conceptual framework for entrepreneurship and distinguish between wage employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship. Familiarisation with the incubation hub and the transformation of education into an industry are considered.

SEMA304: Introduction to Numerical Methods

The module covers simple numerical methods for solving problems in Mathematics. Topics covered include: computer arithmetic and rounding errors, numerical methods for root-finding, simple iterative methods and the Newton-Raphson method, convergence, Polynomial interpolation and splines, solution of linear algebraic equations, scaled partial pivoting, numerical integration and differentiation, numerical integration of ODEs, Euler, second order and Runge-Kutta methods.

SEMA305: Statistical Inference

The module covers population and sample concepts as the basis of statistical inference, parameters and statistics, review of probability theory, Central Limit Theorem, Chi-square, student-t and F distributions, distribution of min and max, Estimation, Interval estimation, Confidence intervals, Hypothesis testing, Parametric and non-parametric tests,  Composite hypothesis, Sampling from the normal distribution, tests of independence in contingency tables, Types of statistical data, Other goodness-of-fit tests; Kolmogorov’-Smirnov.

Statistical inference using statistical software Packages like SPSS and Stata.

SEMA306: Mathematics Teaching for Sustainable Development

The module explores how mathematics can be taught to enhance sustainability. Specifically, the modules develop students’ capacity to teach mathematics in a manner that promotes sustainable development competencies such as creativity, innovation, problem-solving, modelling, leadership, collaboration, enterprise skills, technological literacy, etc. The module also explores how mathematics teaching and learning can integrate national and global issues such as poverty, environmental awareness, health, gender, and global warming.

BED321, BED323 & BED324

In the 2 semesters that the students are in teaching practice, they are expected to demonstrate a sound understanding of the basics of their programme of study. The 321 component is the report that the student produces indicating that they were able to match theory with practice. Component 323 is the assessment by the lecturers. BED 324 is assessed by school supervisors.

BED321, BED323 & BED324: Teaching Practice

The modules are largely Teaching Practice. They should reflect and demonstrate a sound understanding of the basics of the programme of study. The first component is the report that is produced indicating how the theory has been matched with practice. The second component is the assessment by the lecturers. The third component is assessed by school supervisors.

BEFM231: School Administration and Financial Management in Education

The module introduces students to sound administration and financial management practices followed in schools and other educational institutions. It tackles the basic tenets of the nature and purpose of administration and familiarises students with skills in budgeting and budgetary control. Students are further introduced to the accounting systems in schools and the interpretation of policies and statutes that govern financial and asset management in educational institutions.

SEMA402: Regression and ANOVA

The module covers correlation and regression, scatter plots, correlation matrix, Method of least squares, associated lines, assumptions underlying regression, checking the validity of assumptions, Outliers, Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients, predictions, Regression in terms of sums of squares and sums of products, Estimation and testing, t and F-tests, Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Fitting a straight line by least squares.Application of statistical software packages in computations in regression and Analysis of variance.

SEMA403: Introduction to Graph Theory

The module introduces the abstract known as a graph, definitions and characterisation of classes of special graphs, distance and connectedness measures, various algorithms applied to graphs and some of their proofs, classical and contemporary.

SEMA404: Mechanics

The module covers Kinematics, projectiles, Newton’s Laws, forces, momentum, work, energy, power conservative and dissipative forces, Orbits, Oscillations, elastic forces and resonance, Equivalent systems of forces plane statistics, system of particles, and elementary theory of rigid bodies.

SEMA405: Further Probability     

The module exposes students to Bivariate probability distributions. Moment generating functions. Characteristic functions. Multinomial and multivariate normal distributions. Distributions of functions of random variables. Cumulative distribution function technique. Expectations of functions of random variables. The transformation Y=g(x). Probability integral transform. Other transformations for discrete and continuous random vectors. Sampling distributions.

BED232: Research Project

In this final year, two-semester module each student carries out a research project in an area of his or her choice under the guidance of a supervisor. Through the study, students are expected to apply their knowledge and skills in research in the resolution of an identified research problem, as well as showing their appreciation of research as a viable process of addressing contemporary challenges and issues in education and their local environments.

EFA336: Contemporary Issues in Education

The module exposes students to the most current global trends like Globalisation, Sustainable Development Goals, Gender, Human Rights, and Health pandemics and how these feed into and also how they affect the Zimbabwean Education system.  The thrust is to leverage current trends in promoting innovation, industrialisation and modernisation through Education 5.0.