DISTANCE LEARNING
The School of Computer Science and Information Systems, Potchefstroom Campus, offers the degree Bachelor of Science in Information Technology through the Unit for Open Distance Learning (UODL). The following principles and guidelines are of importance in the BSc in IT distance programme:
Students register through the UODL for each academic year and enrol for modules according to the BSc in IT curriculum indicated in the Yearbook.
Capacity for distance learning is limited. Students are registered on a first-come-first-served basis and it is therefore important that students pay the minimum registration fee as soon as possible.
Switching between contact and distance are allowed only at the start of an academic year. Approval of such requests is subject to capacity limitations and academic performance.
The degree comprises a total of 392 credits, with roughly 65 credits per semester over three-year levels. One credit is equivalent to 10 notional hours. (Credits are the number of notional study hours required for achieving the learning outcomes. Notional hours include study time, assignments and examinations.)
Students are allowed to complete the three-year degree over a maximum period of 6 years, given that module prerequisites and academic rules are adhered to. Studying full time (completing the degree over three years) will require about 40 hours per week of study time while completing the degree over 6 years will require about 20 hours per week.
It is important that students plan their available study time and only enrol (register and pay) for modules they intend to actively participate in, in a specific academic year.
Students have two examination opportunities per module as prescribed by the General Academic Rules, of which the student must utilise at least the first exam opportunity at the end of the semester the student was enrolled in the module.
A valid participation mark will give the student access to two consecutive examination opportunities, after which, if both were failed, a student must obtain a new participation mark for the module. This means a student will have to re-register for the module in a subsequent academic year and repeat it in its entirety.
A registered student must actively participate in the teaching, learning and assessment of every module for which such a student is enrolled in.
Students are supported by means of eFundi (a virtual learning environment) and communication with lecturers and facilitators, as well as the UODL Contact Centre and UODL Support Services, Library services, and various NWU self-help services.
Lectures and tutorial lessons are mainly presented by means of asynchronous online videos and activities. All lessons are saved online for students to access at their convenience.
It is compulsory, and the responsibility of the student to ensure that he/she has access to or obtain the necessary technology that meets the minimum specifications of the NWU. Access to a computer with Windows 10 or higher as well as an Internet connection of at least 2Mbps (4Mbps or higher is recommended), is required for the BSc in IT degree. Note that a high data cap is required as students have to download or watch online instructional material.
It remains the responsibility of the student to ensure that assignments are submitted on time and electronic examination scripts are saved correctly.