MAT1512/101/0/2023

Tutorial letter 101/0/2023

CALCULUS A
MAT1512

Year module

Department of Mathematical Sciences

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Please activate your my Unisa and myLife e-mail account and
make sure that you have regular access to the my Unisa module
website MAT1512-23-Y, as well as your group website.

Note: This is a fully online module. It is therefore, only available on my Unisa.

university
Define tomorrow. of south africa
 CONTENTS

Page

1 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................4
1.1 Getting started......................................................................................................................4
2 OVERVIEW of MAT1512......................................................................................................4
2.1 Purpose ................................................................................................................................4
2.1.1 Learning Assumptions:.........................................................................................................5
2.1.2 Range statement for the module: .........................................................................................5
2.2 Outcomes .............................................................................................................................5
2.2.1 Specific outcome 1: ..............................................................................................................5
2.2.2 Specific outcome 2: ..............................................................................................................6
2.2.3 Specific outcome 3: ..............................................................................................................6
2.2.4 Specific outcome 4: ..............................................................................................................7
2.2.5 Specific outcome 5: ..............................................................................................................7
2.2.6 Specific outcome 6: ..............................................................................................................7
2.2.7 Specific outcome 7: ..............................................................................................................8
2.2.8 Specific outcome 8: ..............................................................................................................8
3 CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION ..................................................................................9
4 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS ..........................................................................9
4.1 Lecturer(s) ............................................................................................................................9
4.2 Department ........................................................................................................................10
4.3 University............................................................................................................................10
5 RESOURCES.....................................................................................................................10
5.1 Joining myUnisa .................................................................................................................10
5.2 Prescribed book(s) .............................................................................................................11
5.3 Recommended book(s) ......................................................................................................12
5.4 Electronic reserves (e-reserves) ........................................................................................12
5.5 Library services and resources ..........................................................................................13
6 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES .....................................................................................14
6.1 First-Year Experience Programme .....................................................................................14

2
 MAT1512/101/0/2023

7 STUDY PLAN.....................................................................................................................15
8 HOW TO STUDY ONLINE? ...............................................................................................17
8.1 What does it mean to study fully online?............................................................................17
8.2 myUnisa tools .....................................................................................................................17
9 ASSESSMENT...................................................................................................................18
9.1 Assessment criteria ............................................................................................................18
9.2 Assessment plan ................................................................................................................18
9.3 Assessments due dates .....................................................................................................20
9.4 Submission of assessments...............................................................................................20
9.5 Other assessment methods ...............................................................................................21
9.6 The examination .................................................................................................................21
9.7 Supplementary ...................................................................................................................22
10 ACADEMIC DISHONESTY................................................................................................22
10.1 Plagiarism...........................................................................................................................22
10.2 Cheating .............................................................................................................................22
10.3 For more information about plagiarism, follow the link below: ............................................22
11 STUDENTS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES ........................................................................23
12 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS................................................................................23
13 SOURCES CONSULTED...................................................................................................23
14 CONCLUSION ...................................................................................................................23

3
1 INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the MAT1512 module. We trust that you will find it both interesting and rewarding.

This tutorial letter contains important information about the scheme of work, resources, assign-
ments for this module and exam admission. We urge you to read it carefully before working
through the study material, preparing the assignment(s), preparing for the examination and ad-
dressing questions to your lecturers.

You can access all files online. For example a number of tutorial letters and solutions to assign-
ments will be posted online during the course of the year. These tutorial letters will be uploaded
on myUnisa platform, under Additional Resources and Lessons tools on myUnisa platform. A
tutorial letter is our way of communicating with you about teaching, learning and assessment.

Right from the start we would like to point out that you must read all the tutorial letters you
access from the module site immediately and carefully, as they always contain important and,
sometimes urgent information.

Because this is a fully online module, you will need to use my Unisa to study and complete the
learning activities for this course. Please visit the website for MAT1512 on my Unisa frequently.
The website for your module is MAT1512-23-Y.

1.1 Getting started

Owing to the nature of this module, you can read about the module and find your study material
online. Go to the website at https://my.unisa.ac.za and log in using your student number and pass-
word. Click on "myModules" at the top of the web page and then on "Sites" in the top right corner.
In the new window, click on the grey Star icon next to the modules you want displayed on your
navigation bar. Close the window in the top right corner. Then select the option "Reload to see
your updated favorite sites". Now go to your navigation bar and click on the module you want to
open.

We wish you every success with your studies!

2 OVERVIEW of MAT1512
2.1 Purpose
This module is useful to students interested in developing the basic skills in differential and integral
calculus. Differential and integral calculus are essential for physical, life and economic sciences.
Students credited with this module will have a firm understanding of the limit, continuity at a point,
differentiation and integration, together with a background in the basic techniques and some appli-
cations of Calculus.

4
 MAT1512/101/0/2023

2.1.1 Learning Assumptions:

The learning is based on the assumption that students are already competent in terms of the
following outcomes or areas of learning and must:

- Have a Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification (as required) for further study.

- Have obtained an NQF/HEQF Level equivalent to 4 with the ability to:

- Be able to learn from predominantly written material in the language of tuition

- Take responsibility for their own progress and independently adjust to the learning environ-
ment

- Have basic computer skills like using a mouse, keyboard and windows features

- Demonstrate an understanding of the most current topics in mathematics including:

- Functions

- The ability to algebraically manipulate real numbers and solve equations.

- An ability to sketch graphs and find equations from these graphs.

- Substantive knowledge about basic trigonometry

- Knowledge about the following mathematical concepts: absolute values, partial fractions and
inequalities.

Recognition of prior learning will take place in accordance with the institutions policy and guide-
lines. Recognition takes place, where prior learning corresponds to the re- quired NQF-HEQF level
and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification, at
the discretion of the department.

2.1.2 Range statement for the module:

The techniques selected involve polynomial, rational, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic
functions and their composites. This introductory calculus module covers differentiation and inte-
gration of functions of one variable, with applications.

2.2 Outcomes
2.2.1 Specific outcome 1:
Demonstrate knowledge of the concept of a limit of a function and its application. Range: The
knowledge includes limits of one variable and an introduction to limits of two or more variables.

Assessment criteria

- A formal definition of the limit with the correct mathematical notation is given which embraces
an understanding of the limit as the y-value of a function.

5
 - A distinction between the limits of a function as x approaches lim f (x) and the value of the
x→a
function at x = a is made correctly.

- Laws governing limits are stated and used to determine and evaluate limits of sums, products,
quotients and composition of functions.

- The limits of functions are evaluated graphically and numerically.

- The limit definition of continuity is used to determine whether a function is continuous or

discontinuous at a point.

- The Squeeze Theorem is used to determine certain undefined limits.

2.2.2 Specific outcome 2:

Demonstrate an understanding of differentiation.
Assessment criteria

- The derivative is defined as an instantaneous rate of change of a function.

- The first principle of differentiation is presented using different expressions.

Range: These different expressions include:

f (x + h) − f (x) f (x + ∆x) − f (x)

f ′ (x) = lim ; f ′ (x) = lim
h→0 h ∆x→0 ∆x

∆y f (x) − f (a)
f ′ (x) = lim ; f ′ (a) = lim .
∆x→0 ∆x ∆x→a x −a
- Alternate derivative notations are given. Range: These include:

dy df d
f ′ (x) = y ′ = = = f (x).
dx dx dx
- A distinction between continuity and differentiability of a function at point is made correctly.

- A representation of the first derivative as the slope of the tangent line at the point of tangency
is given.

2.2.3 Specific outcome 3:

- Calculate derivatives. Assessment criteria

- The derivative of a function is computed from the first principle of differentiation.

- The basic rules of differentiation such as the power rule, product and quotient rules are used
to compute derivatives of different functions.

- Range: The functions are in the form: [h(x) = f (x) ± g(x)]; [h(x) = f (x).g(x)].

6
 MAT1512/101/0/2023

2.2.4 Specific outcome 4:

- Use derivatives to solve applied problems.
Assessment criteria

- For the problem solving, the differentiation technique chosen is appropriate to the problem.

- Mathematical notations and language are used appropriately.

- The derivative is used to find equations of tangent and normal lines of different curves.

- Where appropriate, the Mean Value Theorem is applied.

2.2.5 Specific outcome 5:

- Demonstrate understanding of basic integration and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus
Assessment criteria

- The definite integral is defined and interpreted using:

- the concept of definite integral to obtain areas under the curve.

- as the net change in a quantity from x = a to x = b if f (x) is the rate of change of the quantity
with respect to x.

- A function F is defined as an anti-derivative (indefinite integral) of the function f if the deriva-

tive F ′ = f . Anti-differentiation (integration) is recognised as the inverse of the differentiation
process.

- The Fundamental Theorem of Calculus for a function f on an interval [a, b] as:

Z b
f (x)dx = F (b) − F (a)
a
where F (x) is such that F ′ (x) = f (x) is reproduced and used to:

- explain the way in which differentiation and integration are related.

- evaluate given integrals.

- Integral notation is used appropriately.

2.2.6 Specific outcome 6:

- Use integrals of simple functions to solve applied problems
Range: Simple integrals are applied but not limited to problems involving the length of a
curve, area between curves, velocity and acceleration.
Assessment criteria

- Substitution or term by term integration techniques are used appropriately.

- The anti-derivatives of basic algebraic and trigonometric functions are determined correctly.

7
 - For the problem solving process:-

- The estimations of the definite integrals of the functions are correct.

- The solution is consistent with the problem.

2.2.7 Specific outcome 7:

- Analyse logarithmic and exponential functions.

Assessment criteria

- The graphs of the functions y = ex and y = lnx are reproduced.

- The relationship between ex and lnx as inverse differentiable functions is recognised and
used as a device for simplifying calculations.

- Rules of differentiation and integration are applied to functions involving logarithmic and ex-
ponential functions.

- Logarithmic differentiation is used correctly.

- Exponentials and logarithmic models for solving applied problems are identified.

2.2.8 Specific outcome 8:

- Solve exponential growth and decay problems using elementary differential equa- tions. Range:
The solutions are limited to first-order, separable, constant coefficient initial- value problems,
with contextual situations involving exponential growth and decay.
Assessment criteria

- The contextual situation (problem) is analysed and represented with a differential equation.

- A suitable method for determining the solution is chosen.

- Initial or boundary conditions are identified and used to determine the constant of integration.

- The differential equation is solved correctly.

- Partial derivatives are computed where necessary.

- Mathematical notation is used to communicate the results clearly.

8
 MAT1512/101/0/2023

3 CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION
Unisa has implemented a transformation charter based on five pillars and eight dimensions. In re-
sponse to this charter, we have placed curriculum transformation high on the teaching and learning
agenda. Curriculum transformation includes the following pillars: student-centred scholarship, the
pedagogical renewal of teaching and assessment practices, the scholarship of teaching and learn-
ing, and the infusion of African epistemologies and philosophies. These pillars and their principles
will be integrated at both programme and module levels as a phased-in approach. You will notice a
marked change in the teaching and learning strategy implemented by Unisa, together with how the
content is conceptualised in your modules. We encourage you to embrace these changes during
your studies at Unisa in a responsive way within the framework of transformation.

4 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS

4.1 Lecturer(s)
The primary lecturer for this module is:

Dr S.B Mugisha
Department: Mathematical Sciences
Telephone: 011 670 9154
Building: GJ Gerwel Building
Office No: C6-64
E-mail: [email protected]

A notice will be posted on myUnisa if there are any changes and/or an additional lecturer is ap-
pointed to this module.
Please do not hesitate to consult your lecturer whenever you experience difficulties with your stud-
ies. You may contact your lecturer by phone or through correspondence or by making a personal
visit to his/her office. Please arrange an appointment in advance (by telephone or by e-mail)
to ensure that your lecturer will be available when you arrive. Please come to these appoint-
ments well prepared with specific questions that indicate your own efforts to have understood the
basic concepts involved. If these difficulties concern exercises which you are unable to solve, you
must send us your attempts so that we can see where you are going wrong.
If you should experience any problems with the exercises in the study guide or prescribed book,
your lecturer will gladly help you with them, provided that you send in your bonafide attempts.
When sending in any queries or problems, please do so separately from your assignments
and address them directly to your lecturer.

9
4.2 Department
You can contact the Department of Mathematical Sciences as follows:

Department of Mathematical Sciences

Fax number: 011 670 9171 (RSA) +27 11 670 9171 (International)
Departmental Secretary: 011 670 9147 (RSA) +27 11 670 9147 (International)
e-mails: [email protected] or [email protected]

4.3 University
To contact the University, follow the instructions on the Contact us page on the Unisa website.
Remember to have your student number available whenever you contact the University.

Whenever you contact a lecturer via e-mail, please include your student number in the subject line
to enable the lecturer to help you more effectively.

5 RESOURCES
5.1 Joining myUnisa
The myUnisa learning management system is the University’s online campus which will help you
communicate with your lecturers, other students, and the administrative departments within Unisa.
To claim your myUnisa account, please follow the steps below:

1. Visit the myUnisa website at https://my.unisa.ac.za/portal

2. Click on the "Claim Unisa login" link on the top of the screen under the orange user ID box.

3. A new screen will load, prompting you to enter your student number. Please enter your
student number and click "continue".

4. Enter your surname, your full name, your date of birth and, finally, your South African ID
number (for South African citizens) OR your passport number (for foreign students). Then
click "continue". Remember to enter either an ID number or a passport number, NOT
both.

5. Please read through the guidelines and click all the check boxes to acknowledge that you
have read all the information provided. Once you are done, click the "Acknowledge" button
to redirect you to the final page in the process.

6. The final page will display your myLife e-mail address, and your myLife AND myUnisa pass-
word. This password will also be sent to the cellphone number displayed on the page for
safekeeping.

7. Please note that it can take up to 24 hours for your myLife e-mail account to be created

Remember, the password provided is your myUnisa AND myLife password.

10
 MAT1512/101/0/2023

5.2 Prescribed book(s)

The prescribed book is
Title: Calculus, Early Transcendentals, INTERNATIONAL METRIC EDITION
Author: James Stewart
Publishers: CENGAGE Learning Custom Publishing
Edition: Eighth Edition
Year: 2015
ISBN: 9781305272378

NOTE: If the 8th edition of James Stewart is not available, then you could buy the 9th or
10th edition of James Stewart.

Please buy the textbook as soon as possible since you have to study from it directly- you cannot
do this module without the prescribed textbook. Please refer to the list of official booksellers and
their addresses in the Study@Unisa brochure. The prescribed book can be obtained from the Uni-
versity’s official booksellers. If you have difficulty locating your book at these booksellers, please
contact the Prescribed Books Section at (012) 429 4152 or e-mail [email protected].

CHAPTERS AND SECTIONS TO BE COVERED IN THE PRESCRIBED TEXTBOOK FOR MAT1512

MODULE:

Chapter 1 (Functions and Models): Sections 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5 (for your own revision).

Chapter 2 (Limits and Derivatives): Sections 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7 and 2.8 with Section 2.4 to
be ready only.

Chapter 3 (Differentiation Rules) Sections: 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9 and 3.10.

Chapter 4 (Applications of Differentiation): Sections 4.2 and 4.9. Sections: 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5 to
be read only.

Chapter 5 (Integrals): Sections 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 and 5.5.

Chapter 6 (Applications of Integration): Section 6.1 only.

Chapter 9 (Differential Equations): Sections 9.1 and 9.3 with Section 9.2 to be read only.

Chapter 14 (Partial Derivatives) Sections: 14.1, 14.2, 14.3 and 14.5.

APPENDIXES: A, B, C, D and E to be read for your own revision (high school work).

APPENDIX: F: Section2.3: Limit laws (without proofs) and The Squeeze Theorem (with proof).

APPENDIX: F: Section 2.5 (Theorem on page A42 without proof), Theorem 8 on page A43 (without
proof) and Section 3.3, Theorem on page A43 (without proof).

11
APPENDIX: G: All the Laws of Logarithms and Exponents without proofs.

5.3 Recommended book(s)

There are a few recommended books for this module. Please see the list below.

Title: Calculus : Early Transcendentals, Metric Version

Author: James Stewart
Publishers: Australia: CENGAGE Learning
Edition: Eighth Edition
Year: 2016
ISBN:
E-Book: E-book - Access on EBSCOhost

Title: Calculus : Early Transcendentals, Metric Version

Author: James Stewart, Daniel Clegg, Saleem Watson.
Publishers: Singapore Cengage
Edition: Ninth Edition
Year: 2021
ISBN:

Note that the ISBN for these recommended books are available from the Library source.

5.4 Electronic reserves (e-reserves)

E-reserves can be downloaded from the Library catalogue. More information is available at:
https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/request

Videos for MAT1512 made by your lecturer and put on You-Tube. We managed to put online (ac-
count Youtube) the video from your Lecturer Dr. Mugisha on Calculus A. As the video is too long
we had to cut it into four parts. The videos are all about the module MAT1512. The videos cover
the sections of this module which most student tend to have difficulties. The videos were made
using an old prescribed textbook, but follow the videos with the new prescribed textbook by James
Stewart.
The students can just click on the given links below or copy and paste them on their internet
browser bar.
Video 1 - Limits
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuRGhrt19tM&feature=youtu.be

video 2- Limits and continuity

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEenlPFx6Mk&feature=youtu.be

Video 3-Calculus A-Differentiation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eyc7C54sPgA

Video 4-Calculus A-Integration

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sChEcFeuqT8

12
 MAT1512/101/0/2023

5.5 Library services and resources

The Unisa Library offers a range of information services and resources:

• for detailed Library information go to https://unisa.ac.za/library

• for research support and services (e.g. personal librarians and literature search services) go
to
http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-services/R

• The Library has created numerous Library guides:

http://libguides.unisa.ac.za

Recommended guides:

• Request and download recommended material:

http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request

• Postgraduate information services:

http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/request/postgrad

• Finding and using library resources and tools:

https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/research-support

• Frequently asked questions about the Library:

http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/ask

• Services to students living with disabilities:

http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/disability

• Assistance with technical problems accessing the Unisa Library or resources:

https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/techsupport

You may also send an e-mail to [email protected] (please add your student number in
the subject line).

13
6 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
The Study @ Unisa website is available on myUnisa: www.unisa.ac.za/brochures/studies

This brochure contains important information and guidelines for successful studies through Unisa.

If you need assistance with regard to the myModules system, you are welcome to use the following
contact details:

• Toll-free landline: 0800 00 1870 (Select option 07 for myModules)

• E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

You can access and view short videos on topics such as how to view your calendar, how to access
module content, how to view announcements for modules, how to submit assessment and how to
participate in forum activities via the following link:
https://dtls-qa.unisa.ac.za/course/view.php?id=32130

Registered Unisa students get a free myLife e-mail account. Important information, notices and
updates are sent exclusively to this account. Please note that it can take up to 24 hours for your
account to be activated after you have claimed it. Please do this immediately after registering at
Unisa, by following this link: [email protected]

Your myLife account is the only e-mail account recognised by Unisa for official correspondence
with the university, and will remain the official primary e-mail address on record at Unisa. You
remain responsible for the management of this e-mail account.

6.1 First-Year Experience Programme

For many students, the transition from school education to tertiary education is beset with anx-
iety. This is also true for first-time students to Unisa. Unisa is a dedicated open distance and
e-learning institution. Unlike face-to-face/contact institutions, Unisa is somewhat different. It is
a mega university and all our programmes are offered through a blended learning mode or fully
online learning mode. It is for this reason that we thought it necessary to offer first-time students
additional/extended support so that you can seamlessly navigate the Unisa teaching and learning
journey with little difficulty and few barriers. In this regard we offer a specialised student support
programme to students entering Unisa for the first time. We refer to this programme as Unisa’s
First-Year Experience (FYE) Programme. The FYE is designed to provide you with prompt and
helpful information about services that the institution offers and how you can access information.
The following FYE programmes are currently offered:

• FYE website: All the guides and resources you need to navigate through your first year at
Unisa can be accessed using the following link: www.unisa.ac.za/FYE

• FYE e-mails: You will receive regular e-mails to help you stay focused and motivated.

14
 MAT1512/101/0/2023

• FYE broadcasts: You will receive e-mails with links to broadcasts on various topics related to
your first-year studies (e.g., videos on how to submit assignments online).

• FYE mailbox: For assistance with queries related to your first year of study, send an e-mail to
[email protected]

7 STUDY PLAN
Your study plan of the module is outlined below. Please refer to the general management and
planning skills guidelines in the Study @ Unisa Brochure for further details.

The study plan below shows the content to be covered during specific periods of the year in terms
of the broad concepts or topics, the study guide units and the prescribed book chapters. Your stud-
ies will be largely guided by the tutorial discussions and learning activities, and the assignments,
which are all based on the same study plan. You should therefore participate as much as possible
in the tutorial discussions and complete assignments and the learning or self-assessment activities
linked to each topic in order to do well in the assignments, and for you to be well prepared for the
final examination.

NB Note that Assignment 1 is the compulsory assignment and it might include other parts of the
units in the prescribed book or the study guide. Please don’t be surprised to see questions from
different units.
See the brochure Study @ Unisa for general time management and planning skills.

15
 MAT1512/101/0/202
The due dates of the assignments set the pace at which you should work through the content.
Month Activities
January Read Tutorial Letter 101 (this letter).
February Read pp. vii to ix of the Study Guide and the sections of James
Stewart Calculus to which these pages refer. Make sure you have all
your study material.

Study Chapters 1 & 2 of James Stewart Calculus as well as

Units 1, 2 & 3 of the Study Guide. Prepare for Assignment 1.

Study Chapters 1 & 2 of James Stewart Calculus as

March well as Units 1, 2 & 3 of the Study Guide. Prepare for
Assignment 1.

April Submit Assignment 1.

Study Chapters 2 & 3 of James Stewart Calculus as well as
Unit 4 of the Study Guide. Prepare for Assignments 2.

May Submit Assignments 2.

Study Chapters 3 & 4 of James Stewart
Calculus as well as Units 4 & 5 of the Study Guide. Prepare
for Assignments 3.
June Submit Assignment 3.
Study Chapters 5, 6.1, 14.1 – 14.5 (14.4 read only) of James
Stewart Calculus as well as Units 4 & 5 of the Study Guide.
Prepare for Assignments 4.
July Submit Assignments 4
Study Chapter 9 & ALL the above mentioned
Chapters of James Stewart Calculus with Unit
6 in the Study Guide and Units: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 in the Study Guide.
Prepare for Assignment 5.
August Submit Assignment 5.
Study Chapter 9 & ALL the above mentioned
Chapters of James Stewart Calculus with Unit
6 in the Study Guide and Units: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 in the Study Guide.
Prepare for Assignment 6.

September Submit Assignments 6.

Study all the Chapters and revise your work.
Prepare for the exam.

October Work through the solutions of

Assignments 1 to 6 and learn from your mistakes.
16 Prepare for the exam.
October Study for the exam.
November Write the exam.
 MAT1512/101/0/2023

8 HOW TO STUDY ONLINE?

8.1 What does it mean to study fully online?
Studying fully online modules differs completely from studying some of your other modules at
Unisa.

• All your study material and learning activities for online modules are designed to be
delivered online on myUnisa.

• All your assignments must be submitted online. This means that you will do all your
activities and submit all your assignments on myUnisa. In other words, you may NOT post
your assignments to Unisa using the South African Post Office.

• All communication between you and the University happens online. Lecturers will com-
municate with you via e-mail and SMS, and use the Announcements, the Discussion Fo-
rums and the Questions and Answers tools. You can also use all of these platforms to ask
questions and contact your lecturers.

8.2 myUnisa tools

The main tool that we will use is the Lessons tool. This tool will provide the content of and the
assessments for your module. At times you will be directed to join discussions with fellow students
and complete activities and assessments before you can continue with the module.

It is very important that you log in to myUnisa regularly. We recommend that you log in at least
once a week to do the following:

• Check for new announcements. You can also set your myLife e-mail account so that you
receive the announcement e-mails on your cellphone.

• Do the Discussion Forum activities. When you do the activities for each learning unit, we
want you to share your answers with the other students in your group. You can read the
instructions and even prepare your answers offline, but you will need to go online to post your
messages.

• Do other online activities. For some of the learning unit activities you might need to post
something on the Blog tool, take a quiz or complete a survey under the Self-Assessment
tool. Do not skip these activities because they will help you complete the assignments and
the activities for the module.

We hope that by giving you extra ways to study the material and practise all the activities, this will
help you succeed in the online module. To get the most out of the online module, you MUST go
online regularly to complete the activities and assignments on time.

17
9 ASSESSMENT
9.1 Assessment criteria
There are SIX assignments and one examination for this module.
Examination admission.
Please note that lecturers are not responsible for examination admission, and ALL enquiries about
examination admission should be directed by e-mail to [email protected]

You will be admitted to the examination if and only if at least one assignment reaches
the Assignment Section before the exam admission date

Note that your marks for the assignments contribute 20% to your final mark (the remaining
80% is contributed by the final examinations).

9.2 Assessment plan

• To complete this module, you will be required to submit 6 assessments.

• All information about when and where to submit your assessments will be made available to
you via the myModules site for your module.

• Due dates for assessments, as well as the actual assessments are available on the myMod-
ules site for this module.

• To gain admission to the examination, you will be required to submit at least one assignment.

• The assignment weighting for the module is 20 %.

• You will receive examination information via the myModules sites. Please watch out for an-
nouncements on how examinations for the modules for which you are registered will be con-
ducted.

• The examination will count 80% towards the final module mark.

Please note that this module has a total of 6 assignments consisting of FOUR written assignments
(02, 03, 04 and 05) and two of which are Quizzes (multiple–choice) assignments (Assignment 01
and 06).
The questions for the assignments will be uploaded under assessments on MyUnisa site. For each
assignment there is a FIXED CLOSING DATE; the date by which the assignment must reach the

18
 MAT1512/101/0/2023

university. Solutions for each assignment as Tutorial Letter 202-205. will be uploaded on myUnisa
under Additional Resources few days after the closing date.
Late assignments will be marked, but will be awarded 0%.

Written assignment
Not all the questions in the written assignment will be marked and you will also not be informed
beforehand which questions will be marked. The reason for this is that Mathematics is learnt by
“doing Mathematics”, and it is therefore extremely important to do as many problems as possible.
You can self assess the questions that are not marked by comparing your solutions with the solu-
tions in the tutorial letter under Additional Resources.

Note that at least one assignment is

the compulsory rule for
admission to the examination
and must reach (submit online) us by the
due date.

The assignments have a combined 20% contribution towards the final mark.

The Written assignments can only be submitted online electronically through myUnisa.

Feedback to Assignments Tutorial Letters

02 202
03 203
04 204
05 205

Please note that there is no feedback to assignment 06.

The assessments together with the contributions of assignments to the year mark are as follows;

Assignment Format Weight (%) Due date

01 Online 3 see myUnisa
02 Written 3 see myUnisa
03 Written 3 see myUnisa
04 Written 3 see myUnisa
05 Written 4 see myUnisa
06 Online 4 see myUnisa
Total 20

*Because this is an online module, the assignments are not provided in this tutorial letter. Instead,
the assignments are provided online as they become due. You will see them when you go online.

19
9.3 Assessments due dates
• There are no assignment due dates included in this tutorial letter.

• Assignment due dates will be made available to you on the myUnisa landing page for this
module. We envisage that the due dates will be available to you upon registration.

• Please start working on your assessments as soon as you register for the module.

• Log on to the myUnisa site for this module to obtain more information on the due dates for
the submission of the assessments.

9.4 Submission of assessments

• Unisa, as a comprehensive open distance e-learning institution (CODeL), is moving towards
becoming an online institution. You will therefore see that all your study material, assess-
ments and engagements with your lecturer and fellow students will take place online. We use
myUnisa as our virtual campus.

• The myUnisa virtual campus will offer students access to the myModules site, where learning
material will be available online and where assessments should be completed. This is an on-
line system that is used to administer, document, and deliver educational material to students
and support engagement between academics and students.

• The myUnisa platform can be accessed via https://my.unisa.ac.za. Click on the myModules
2023 button to access the online sites for the modules that you are registered for.

• The university undertakes to communicate clearly and as frequently as is necessary to en-

sure that you obtain the greatest benefit from the use of the myModules learning manage-
ment system. Please access the announcements on your myModules site regularly, as this
is where your lecturer will post important information to be shared with you.

• When you access your myModules site for the module/s you are registered for, you will see
a welcome message posted by your lecturer. Below the welcome message you will see the
assessment shells for the assessments that you need to complete. Some assessments may
be multiple choice (Quiz), some tests, others written assessments, some forum discussions,
and so on. All assessments must be completed on the assessment shells available on the
respective module platforms.

• To complete quiz assessments, please log on to the module site where you need to complete
the assessment. Click on the relevant assessment shell (Assessment 1, Assessment 2, etc.).
There will be a date on which the assessment will open for you. When the assessment is

20
 MAT1512/101/0/2023

open, access the quiz online and complete it within the time available to you. Quiz assess-
ment questions are not included in this tutorial letter (Tutorial Letter 101) and are only made
available online. You must therefore access the quiz online and complete it online where the
quiz has been created.

• It is not advisable to use a cell phone to complete the quizzes. Please use a desktop com-
puter, tablet or laptop when completing the quiz. Students who use a cell phone find it difficult
to navigate the Online Assessment tool on the small screen and often struggle to navigate
between questions and successfully complete the quizzes. In addition, cell phones are more
vulnerable to dropped internet connections than other devices. If at all possible, please do
not use a cell phone for this assessment type.

• For written assessments, please note the due date by which the assessment must be submit-
ted. Ensure that you follow the guidelines given by your lecturer to complete the assessment.
Click on the submission button on the relevant assessment shell on myModules. You will
then be able to upload your written assessment on the myModules site of the modules that
you are registered for. Before you finalise the upload, double check that you have selected
the correct file for upload. Remember, no marks can be allocated for incorrectly submitted
assessments.

You may only submit your assignments electronically via myUnisa. Assignments may not be
submitted by fax or e–mail nor by post as such will not be considered for marking.

9.5 Other assessment methods

There are no other assessment methods for this module.

9.6 The examination

Examination information and details on the format of the examination will be made available to you
online via the myUnisa site. Look out for information that will be shared with you by your lecturer
and e-tutors (where relevant) and for communication from the university.

If you are registered for this module in 2023 then you will write the examination in October/November
2023, if you meet the admission requirements.
Please note:

• The exam is a two hour examination.

• The use of a pocket calculator is not permitted during examination. You are NOT allowed to
use a calculator during the exam.

The examination questions will be similar to the questions asked in the study guide and in the
assignments.

21
9.7 Supplementary
If you are registered for this module in 2023 then you will write the supplementary examination in
January/February 2024.
During the course of the year, the Examination Section will provide you with information regarding
the examination in general, examination websites, examination dates and examination times and
that including the supplementary examination.

10 ACADEMIC DISHONESTY
10.1 Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of taking the words, ideas and thoughts of others and presenting them as your
own. It is a form of theft. Plagiarism includes the following forms of academic dishonesty:

• Copying and pasting from any source without acknowledging the source.

• Not including references or deliberately inserting incorrect bibliographic information.

• Paraphrasing without acknowledging the original source of the information.

10.2 Cheating
Cheating includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Completing assessments on behalf of another student, copying the work of another student
during an assessment, or allowing another student to copy your work.

• Using social media (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram) or other platforms to disseminate assessment
information.

• Submitting corrupt or irrelevant files, this forms part of examination guidelines.

• Buying completed answers from so-called "tutors" or internet sites (contract cheating).

10.3 For more information about plagiarism, follow the link below:
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/myunisa/default/Study-@-Unisa/Student-values-and-rules

22
 MAT1512/101/0/2023

11 STUDENTS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES

The Advocacy and Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities (ARCSWiD) provides an oppor-
tunity for staff to interact with first-time and returning students with disabilities.

If you are a student with a disability and would like additional support or need additional time
for assessments, you are invited to contact (Dr S.B Mugisha, email: [email protected]) to
discuss the assistance that you need.

12 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Study @ Unisa brochure contains an A-Z guide of the most relevant study information.

13 SOURCES CONSULTED
The Study Guide and the prescribed textbook were consulted in preparing this tutorial letter.

14 CONCLUSION
Remember that there are no short cuts to studying and understanding mathematics. You need to
be dedicated, work consistently and practice, practice and practice some more. Do not hesitate to
contact us by e-mail if you are experiencing problems with the content of this tutorial letter or with
any academic aspect of the module.

Do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail if you are experiencing problems with the content of this
tutorial letter or with any academic aspect of the module.

We wish you a fascinating and satisfying journey through the learning material, and trust that you
will complete the module successfully.

Enjoy the journey!

Dr S.B Mugisha – lecturer for MAT1512

DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

23