Postgraduate Modules

Advanced (Functional) Programming (WRHQ411)

Functional Programming is a programming paradigm that treats computation as the evaluation of mathematical functions. Programming languages are becoming more functional every year.

Functional programmers can take advantage of immutable data structures to make massively scalable, concurrent applications simple and easy to write. Multithreading is becoming increasingly important with the development of multi-core processors.

For further information contact MC.duPlessis@mandela.ac.za

Algorithmics 4 (WRHA411)

The aim of Algorithmics is to study algorithms and create new scientific knowledge about them. The Algorithmics 4 module is intended for those students who are NOT enrolled for BSc (Hons) degree and may not be taken by those candidates who already have obtained a credit for WRA301. Algorithmics 4 is presented over one semester and covers the following major topics:

• Balanced search trees;
• Hashing;
• Data with multiple organizations;
• Graph theory and applications; and
• Indexing and B-trees.

For further information contact Lester.Cowley@mandela.ac.za

Automata Theory (WHRU411)

The course introduces and defines formal languages and some grammars that generate different classes of languages, e.g. regular, context-free and context-sensitive. Various finite-state and pushdown automata are defined and their properties, applications and relationships with formal languages and grammars are discussed.

For further information contact MC.duPlessis@mandela.ac.za

Business Intelligence (WRBI411)

This module aims to:

• Enable students to organise enterprise data into a coherent structure.
• Equip students to be able to analyse the data in order to make rational decisions.
• Explore and compare concepts and current methodologies for creating On-Line Analytical Processing (OLAP) databases.
• Investigate the development of Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s), dashboards and scorecards.
• Expose students to hands-on exercises with a business intelligence tool to create, process, browse and secure data cubes of various designs.

For further information contact Andre.Calitz@mandela.ac.za

Compiler Construction (WRHW411)

Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental topics associated with compiler design and development;
• Demonstrate the conversion of a grammar into LL(1) form;
• Demonstrate the construction of an AST building recursive descent parser;
• Understand and discuss the process of type checking;
• Discuss the generation of native code using a template-based strategy; and
• Contrast the main approaches to code optimization.

For further information contact Hayley.Irvine@mandela.ac.za

Computer Graphics (WRHG411)

The Computer Graphics course teaches the basic techniques of computer graphics and how they may be applied. The latest developments of the use of computer graphics for the modelling of complex data and stimulation of virtual environments are emphasised. Although the theory of computer graphics is covered, the course has hands-on applied emphasis.

For further information contact Dieter.Vogts@mandela.ac.za

Data Warehousing (WRDW411)

Topics covered in Data Warehousing 4 include advanced database issues with an emphasis on the design and management of data warehouses. The concepts and techniques of data mining dominate the module. The module predominantly workshop driven, with the students taking an active part in the presentation of issues covered. Practical application of the concepts and techniques studied will take place where appropriate.

For further information contact MC.duPlessis@mandela.ac.za

Design in the Digital Domain (WRDD411)

The main purpose of this module is to develop a sound understanding of design thinking, process and methodologies specific to digital products and systems by focusing on the vital design stage of the digital design and development process.

For more information contact Leda.vanderPost@mandela.ac.za

Electronic Commerce (WREC411)

Students study the required infrastructure, support, implementation, management and applications of e-commerce. Security of business transactions, electronic payment systems and business-to-business buying and selling are amongst the topics covered in the course.

For more information contact Lynette.Barnard@mandela.ac.za

Evolutionary Computing (WRCI411)

Students will have an understanding of Neural Networks and practical experience in implementing some of the training algorithms. Genetic Algorithms will be understood and at least implemented on a real world application. The application of Cellular Automata will be understood and implemented.

For further information contact MC.duPlessis@mandela.ac.za

Information Systems Project Management (WRHV411)

This course covers topics such as Information Systems project selection, organisation, planning and control. The management costs, time, quality, human resources and risks are covered in the course. The course prepares students to write the IT project Management Professional (PMP) international examination.

For further information contact Andre.Calitz@mandela.ac.za

Mobile Computing (WRMC411)

This course provides an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the issues involved in the design and evaluation of mobile applications. On successful completion of this course, the student should have gained an understanding of the issues involved in prototyping and evaluating mobile applications on a mobile platform such as Android or Apple iPhone.

For further information contact Janet.Wesson@mandela.ac.za

Treatise on the Project (WRHP412, WRPA412, WRPB412, WRPC412)

Each candidate will be allocated a project which must be completed under the supervision of the project supervisor. A treatise comprising a detailed report on the project is to be written under the guidance of the project supervisor. Candidates are required to submit partially completed versions of their treatises to their supervisors at regular intervals in order to obtain feedback and guidance. A candidate is expected to give presentations and/or a demonstration of the project. A candidate must submit quarterly progress to the project supervisor, one at the end of each term.

For further information contact Janine.Nel@mandela.ac.za

Usability Engineering (WREU411)

This course provides in-depth knowledge and understanding of the issues involved in the usability evaluation of interactive systems. These include current and next-generation interactive technologies such as the Web, mobile and wearable computing. On successful completion of this course, the student should have gained an understanding of the issues involved in the evaluation of interactive systems. In addition the student should have gained experience in designing and conducting a formal usability test in the Nelson Mandela University usability laboratory.

For further information contact Janet.Wesson@mandela.ac.za