Schools Mathematics & Natural Sciences Departments
Mathematics & Natural Sciences
Departments
The Departments of the School are as follows:
Mathematics and Science Education
The students acquire sufficient insight into the subjects studied as well as sufficient pedagogical insight and that they acquire the practical knowledge which is necessary to function in education and transmission of knowledge. The students learn to make use of their theoretical and practical knowledge so that they can cooperate with others and can plan execute and evaluate learning and teaching. The personal development of the students is furthered through independent work and through responsibility for their own education. Education of teachers has the double purpose of qualifying for work in education and transmission of knowledge and of emphasizing personal maturity and development.
Biological Sciences
The Department of Biological Sciences is relatively very new as it was created in 2008. It aims to develop and strengthen the technological competitiveness of Zambia through training of students and scientific research. The Department aims to significantly contribute to national development and the advancement of science and technology both nationally and internationally. The immediate objective is to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in biological sciences that are required for applications in various socio-economic sectors including agriculture, health, industry, mining, energy, environment, education and research.
Currently the Department offers courses for the BSc in Mathematics and Science Education and those required for programmes in the School of Technology and School of Natural Resources.
The Department is developing courses for the BSc in Biology. This will enable students to graduate in various disciplines of pure and applied biology. The department is also actively developing the Master of Science programmes for the MSc in Biology Education and the MSc in Biological Sciences.
Physical Sciences (to be unbundled into Chemistry and Physics)
The department of Physical Sciences was founded in March 2009. Apart from running degree programmes in Chemistry and Physics, the department also services chemistry and physics pre-requisite courses needed by other Schools in the university. The department aims to produce graduates competent in pure and industrial chemistry and in pure and applied physics to fill the gap for such expertise in the country. The department of physical sciences aims:
- To equip students with knowledge and skills in chemistry and physics processes.
- To train students in research skills in the fields of chemistry and physics.
- To train entrepreneurs in application of chemistry and physics
Mathematics
The Department of Mathematics is earmarked to offer a BSc degree in Pure and Applied Mathematics. Courses offered include calculus, statistics, real analysis, topology, numerical analysis, fluid mechanics, and operations research. The main purpose of the BSc programme is to prepare students in the sciences, business and engineering. The Department services all schools offering mathematical related courses.
Departments operate under the leadership of a Head of Department. Each Department operates through a Departmental Boards and a Board of Examiners through which quality standards of teaching and research may be assured. These departmental Boards look into the running of academic matters in respective departments; moderate examination results prior to the School’s Examination Committee Meetings. Boards are answerable to the Board of Studies.
Academic regulations in the Departments are designed to be consistent with the School General Regulations. Each Department offers specialist programmes from the BSc level and leading to doctoral studies. Both Departmental and School Regulations shall be used in conjunction with the General Regulations of the University.
Departments must be consulted for their approved programmes that may not be featured in this edition of the SMNS Handbook. Future editions shall carry all approved programmes. The Departments of Biological Sciences, Mathematics, and Physical Sciences are planning to offer, respectively, the Bachelor of Science in Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics. Double major options in the BSc may be available in the following combinations: Biology and Chemistry, Chemistry and Physics, and Mathematics and Physics.
The Department of Mathematics and Science Education offers programmes preparing educators in mathematics and science education as follows:
- Bachelor of Science in Biology Education
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Education
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education
- Bachelor of Science in Physics Education
The Post-Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE), the Master of Science, and the PhD in Mathematics and Science Education shall be offered. Inquire with the respective Heads of Department.