In order to achieve its vision, the Department of Mathematical Sciences seeks to, offer training in the development of mathematical skills, knowledge and insights in a way that is accessible to the African community; provide quality tuition, conduct relevant research and deliver academic services at the same level of internationally accepted best practice; recruit, develop, utilize and retain high calibre, motivated and dedicated staff; engage in tuition and research projects that promote the cultural heritage of Africa and the eradication of poverty, discrimination and mathematical illiteracy.
Welcome to the Mathematical Sciences Department.
Prof Melusi Khumalo
Chair of Department Mathematical Sciences Department
As the Chair of the Department, it is my great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to our students, staff, alumni, and visitors. Our department is dedicated to advancing the frontiers of mathematical knowledge and fostering an environment where academic excellence and innovative research thrive.
Our academic staff members are internationally recognized for their contributions across a wide spectrum of mathematical disciplines, including Pure and Applied Mathematics, as well as Astronomy. The establishment of the Astronomy and SKA flagship in the department and the progress that has been made in a very short space of time makes us proud. We are also proud of our vibrant research community and the cutting-edge research work that emanates from our department.
For students, we offer a robust curriculum that combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, preparing our graduates for a diverse array of careers in academia, industry, and beyond. Our programs are designed to challenge and inspire, providing a supportive yet rigorous learning environment. We encourage our students to engage deeply with the material, participate in research projects, and take advantage of opportunities for professional development. We have experienced a challenging but exciting growth in our student numbers and the enrolment numbers across all our undergraduate and honours modules have increased significantly in 2024.
In addition to our academic programs, the department hosts a variety of seminars, workshops, and conferences, bringing together mathematicians and visitors from the Southern African region and around the world to share their insights and research. These events are integral to our mission of fostering a dynamic and collaborative intellectual community. We are especially excited to have grown the number of NRF rated researchers in our department, and the concomitant promotions that we have been celebrating across all academic ranks.
We are also committed to outreach and engagement, working to promote the beauty and utility of mathematics to a broader audience. Whether through public lectures, partnerships with schools, or community projects, we strive to make mathematics accessible and exciting for everyone. Our Astronomy team has wowed young minds from across South Africa and has created interest in studying and exploring the universe.
Thank you for visiting our webpage. I invite you to explore the resources available here, learn more about our programs, and consider joining our community of scholars and learners. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Warm regards,
Prof Melusi Khumalo
Chair of Department
Mathematical Sciences Department
College of Science, Engineering and Technology
