Overview
Mathematics plays a fundamental role in scientific discovery and development. This course is designed
to develop a mathematical education, both as an entity in itself and as a subject that is applicable to
social and scientific fields. The program is flexible with different options for the students. The options
cover pure theory, which prepares the student for more advanced mathematical studies, and applied
mathematics with a focus on mathematical modeling which provides a basis for solution of real world
problems.
Mathematics is critical ingredient for the development of social and scientific disciplines. It is therefore
absolutely necessary to continuously produce a stream of graduates with strong mathematical
foundation and problem-solving skills for the challenges in the research domain as well as in industry in
Kenya and globally. With the advances in technology, the nature of research and business is becoming
increasingly complex and quantitative. A good background in mathematics is essential for taking full
advantage of these developments in technology.
This program will equip the students with the necessary skills and capacity for advanced mathematical
research as well as provide the necessary problem-solving skills to deal with real life situations and
emerging issues.
The aim of this programme is to provide the student with the opportunity to develop confidence and
skills in pure and applied mathematics so as to use mathematical modeling and mathematical
techniques to solve real world problems.
Philosophy of the Programme
The philosophy of the program is to foster excellence in academic freedom, professionalism, and integrity through quality scholarly teaching, training, and research in Mathematics.
Rationale
The rationale of the degree program is to equip the mathematically competent students with a advanced focus for research in mathematics and its applications. This course is designed to provide students with a broad training in mathematics useful in analysis and solution of problems in mathematical sciences. The programme is also ideally suited for students who want to pursue research towards a doctoral degree in mathematics and related areas.
The BSc in Mathematics program has been reviewed in line with the Commission for University Education (CUE) guidelines and also to take into account recent changes in advanced mathematics training worldwide.
Objectives
By the end of this program, the student will be able to:
- Express and present mathematical arguments in a logical and precise manner.
- Construct mathematical models for the abstraction of real-life phenomena
- Apply physical insight and mathematical techniques in solving problems in mathematical sciences.
- Demonstrate mathematical relationships and theories based on fundamental principles of Mathematics.
Modes of Delivery:
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Physical (face to face) : The programme will be delivered through a variety of face-to-face methods such as lectures, tutorials, individual or group assignments and presentations.
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Virtual/Online: This shall consist of written self-instructional study modules e.g. study course materials,relevant literature and interactive devices and self-tests. Face-to-face introductory tutorials. Mediated technical learning materials such audio-visual and e-Learning.
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Blended Learning. The programme may be delivered using both physical and online.
Language(s) Used: The language used will be English
The Chairman, Department of Mathematics.
P.O.Box 30197-00100
Telephone: 020 4914143 / 020 4914148
Email: maths@uonbi.ac.ke.
Structure
COURSE STRUCTURE AND DURATION
The Course shall extend over a minimum period of 8 semesters and a maximum period of 16 semesters
Each Academic year shall have two semesters of 15 weeks each.
A course unit shall be defined as 45 contact hours of lectures, tutorials and laboratory practicals.
The mode of delivery is organized via a combination of lectures, compulsory reading laboratories, and assignments. Teaching will be done via face to face lectures and open and distance e-learning.
COURSE STRUCTURE
A first-year student who registers for Bachelor of Science in Mathematics must register for the 9 core units and 3 common courses SMA101, SMA103, SMA104, SMA105, SMA108, SMA116, SMA121, SMA 140 and SMA161.
A second-year student who takes Bachelor of Science in Mathematics must register for the 12 units SMA201, SMA202, SMA203, SMA204, SMA205, SMA206, SMA208, SMA210, SMA221, SMA223, SMA240, and SMA250.
In the third year, a BSc mathematics student must register for the core units SMA301, SMA303, SMA306, SMA310, SMA320, SMA321, SMA322, SMA341.
In addition to the regulation above:
- Students who register for Pure Mathematics must register for SMA302 and SMA351.
- Students who register for Applied Mathematics must register for SMA323 and SMA360.
- Students who register for Statistics must register for SMA342 and SMA344.
- Students who register for Operations Research must register for SMA351 and SMA372.
In the fourth year of study, students must register for three core units: SMA401, SMA403, and SMA405.
In addition to regulation above,
- students who major in Pure Mathematics must register for SMA402, SMA406, SMA408, SMA410, SMA420, SMA425, and SMA480.
- Students who major in Applied Mathematics must register for SMA 408, SMA 410, SMA420, SMA423, SMA425, SMA 461 and SMA480.
- Students who major in Statistics must register for SMA 420, SMA 440, SMA441, SMA442, SMA443, SMA444, and SMA480.
- Students who major in Operations Research must register for SMA410, SMA420, SMA 408, SMA461, SMA471, SMA473, and SMA480.
- Additional units may be selected from any of the fourth-year mathematics units for which the student has prerequisites.
Admission Requirements
Schedule of Intakes:
The programme intake is in September of every year click the link below for more information on the application procedure University of Nairobi online Application Click this link to apply
Application Information
Before continuing please read the University of Nairobi admission requirements Please ensure that you meet the admission requirements before applying. Online Student Application Manual
Candidates must satisfy the University’s general admission criteria for undergraduate programmes.
Eligibility for consideration for admission into the degree of Bachelor of Science in Mathematics at the School of Mathematics shall be governed by the following minimum admission requirements or an equivalent qualification recognized by the senate.
Admission Requirements
KCSE:
A holder of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a minimum aggregate performance of C+. In addition, candidates must have obtained a minimum of grade B+ in mathematics.
A-Level:
A holder of the Kenya Advanced Certificate of Education (KACE) with 2 principal passes in mathematics/physics, mathematics/chemistry, mathematics/geography, or Mathematics/Economics
Diploma in Computer Studies/Statistics/Education:
A holder of an ordinary diploma in computer studies, statistics, or education with mathematics as a major subject, with a minimum pass at credit level, from an institution recognized by the senate.
A Bachelors Degree:
A holder of a Bachelors’ Degree from an institution recognized by the senate preferably with a good mathematics background.
CREDIT TRANSFER AND EXEMPTIONS
The point of entry into the programme for candidates other than direct KCSE shall be approved by the Senate on recommendations of the Board of the School of Mathematics and shall be based on the qualification of the candidate.
Credit Transfer
- A candidate who has been admitted to this program and has taken and passes a course unit offered within another degree program may apply for transfer of the credit earned within the previous program to this program.
- Credit transfers will only be approved from institutions and degree programs recognized by the senate.
- Where a candidate wishes to transfer credit from a degree program of another institution to this program, the candidate shall send an application to the academic registrar justifying the request and provide evidence of the credentials which support such a request.
- Credits may not be transferred in the third year and fourth year of study.
- Application for credit transfer shall be considered only after the applicant has paid the exemption fees
Exemptions
- Where a candidate wishes to be exempted from any course unit(s), the candidate shall send an application to the academic registrar justifying the request and provide evidence of credentials that support such a request. Such a candidate may be required to sit and pass an ordinary university exam in that unit.
- Regulation 1 above notwithstanding, all course units which contribute towards the final award of the degree will be examined.
- The examination undertaken under regulation 1 shall be graded out of 100% and the pass mark shall be 40%.
- Application for exemption shall be considered only after the applicant has paid an exemption fee.
Maximum Exemption and Credit Transfer
The total number of units that may be transferred plus those exempted may not exceed one-third of the total number of units prescribed in this program
Careers
Attachment Opportunities
Students can be attached but not limited to the following
- Non-governmental organizations
- Government parastatals and institutions
- Research institutions
- International organizations
- Financial and non-financial institutions
Career prospects
- Researcher
- Data analyst
- Computer programming
- Cryptologists
- Epidemiologists
- Operation Analysts
- Public policy advisors
- Research analyst
- Quantitative analyst
Fees and Funding
| BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MATHEMATICS - I09 | |||
| YEAR 1 -12UNITS | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS | |
| TUITION | 132,000 | 132,000 | 264,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 6,000 | 6,000 | 12,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
| CAUTION - (ONCE) | 5,000 | 0 | 5,000 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | 0 | 6,500 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | 0 | 2,000 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | 0 | 4,000 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | 0 | 7,000 |
| Total-MathematicsYear 1 | 166,750 | 140,250 | 307,000 |
| YEAR 2 -12UNITS | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS | |
| TUITION | 132,000 | 132,000 | 264,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 6,000 | 6,000 | 12,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | 0 | 4,000 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | 0 | 6,500 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | 0 | 2,000 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | 0 | 7,000 |
| Total-Mathematics Year 2 | 161,750 | 140,250 | 302,000 |
| YEAR 3 -10UNITS | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS | |
| TUITION | 132,000 | 132,000 | 264,000 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | 0 | 4,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 5,000 | 5,000 | 10,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | 0 | 6,500 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | 0 | 2,000 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | 0 | 7,000 |
| Total-Mathematics Year 3 | 160,750 | 139,250 | 300,000 |
| YEAR 4 -10UNITS | |||
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | TOTALS | |
| TUITION | 132,000 | 132,000 | 264,000 |
| EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) | 5,000 | 5,000 | 10,000 |
| LIBRARY (PER YEAR) | 4,000 | 0 | 4,000 |
| REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) | 2,250 | 2,250 | 4,500 |
| STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
| ID CARD ( PER YEAR) | 1,000 | 0 | 1,000 |
| MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) | 6,500 | 0 | 6,500 |
| ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) | 2,000 | 0 | 2,000 |
| ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) | 7,000 | 0 | 7,000 |
| Total-Mathematics Year 4 | 160,750 | 139,250 | 300,000 |
| Grand TOTALS | 1,209,000 | ||
Exam Regulations
Written Examinations
ll course units taken in a given semester shall be examined at the end of that semester
A candidate for the degree shall satisfactorily complete such coursework and assignments as may be required for the scheme of study. Satisfactory completion of any such requirements shall be a condition for admission to the examination at the end of that semester of study.
A written examination for a course unit shall have a minimum duration of two hours.
The complete assessment of a taught course unit shall consist of continuous assessment tests, practical assignment and a written examination. The contribution towards the unit aggregate score shall be 30% for continuous assessment and 70% for the final written examination.
Each course unit or its equivalent shall be graded independently out of a maximum of 100 marks and shall be according to the following grading system
A 70% - 100%
B 60% - 69%
C 50% - 59%
D 40% - 49%
E Below 40% (Fail)
The Board of Examiners with the approval by the Senate shall give the following recommendations for each candidate:
- Proceed to the subsequent year of study after passing at least 10 units in the 1st or 2nd year of study and at least 8 units in the 3rd year of study.
- Qualify for supplementary examinations after passing 7 to 9 units in the 1st or 2nd year of study, and 6 or 7 units in the 3rd or 4th year of study.
- Repeat the year of study after failing in 6 to 8 units in the 1st or 2nd year of study, and failing 5 or 6 units in the 3rd or 4th year of study.
- Discontinued in any year of study after failing in at least 8 units in the 1st or 2nd year of study, and failing at least 6 units in the 3rd or 4th year of study.
- Eligible to graduate in the final year of study after passing at least 8 units in the 4th year of study.
A candidate who fails to take any prescribed examination with good cause may, on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners and approval by Senate, be allowed to take a special examination for the unit before the start of the following academic year. Examinations taken under this clause shall be treated in accordance with the approved grading system.
A pass obtained in any supplementary examination shall be recorded as 40% in the candidate’s academic record.
In the event that the syllabus is revised, a candidate who is required to take any examination shall be required to take the examination in the equivalent course unit(s) in the revised syllabus.
The final award of the degree shall be based on the average mark scored in the third and fourth years of study.
