FACULTY OF COMPUTATIONAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL MATHEMATICS
Department of Mathematics & Computer Science
The department has mounted specifically the following postgraduate programmes:
- PhD Mathematics/Computational Mathematics
- PhD Statistics/Applied Statistics/Biometry
- MSc. Mathematics/Computational Mathematics
- MSc. Statistics/Applied Statistics/Biometry
Specific programme requirements are outlined as follows:
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mathematics and Statistics/Applied Statistics/Biometry is awarded on the basis of a research programme in which, a candidate has made an original and significant contribution to knowledge.
Eligibility and Duration
To be eligible for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy degree programme, a student must have obtained a Master’s degree from this University or its equivalent from any other University recognized by the Academic Board of this University. Candidates with first class honours degrees in cognate areas (specific requirements for different programmes) may be admitted to a preliminary year and be assigned prescribed courses which must be passed at the B+ level (65% or higher) before formal commencement of the programme may be allowed. A candidate may choose to do the programme on full-time or part-time basis, but the first academic year of the programme (for both categories) will be fully residential. The minimum duration (excluding preliminary year) shall be 3 years (4 years for part-time), and maximum years allowed is 5 years (6 years part-time).
Assessment
- Candidates for the PhD degree shall be assessed within twelve months of registration by means of a comprehensive Examination or seminar.
- Candidates who fail to attain a satisfactory level of performance shall be advised to withdraw from the programme.
- The level of performance shall be determined by the Departmental Postgraduate Committee.
Requirements for the Award
- A candidate for the PhD degree shall prepare and submit a thesis which shall embody his original research carried out substantially during the period of his registration and making definite contribution to scholarship.
- The title of one’s Thesis shall be submitted through the Faculty Board to the Board of Graduate School for approval at least three months before examination.
- The thesis shall be examined by a panel of examiners comprising an External Examiner, the Head of Department as Chairman, at least one supervisor, one other internal Examiner selected from a related department in the University and the Departmental Postgraduate programme Co-ordinator. Where the Head of Department is the sole supervisor, a suitable academic staff of the Department shall be selected as a member of the panel of Examiners. Graduate School shall be represented in all oral examinations.
- The Department shall send a report of the outcome of the examination to Graduate school not later than five (5) working days after the oral examination.
- Where a thesis is referred, it must be submitted for re-examination within one Calendar year. It may only be re-submitted once.
- Where a panel of Examiners recommends minor corrections to be effected in a thesis, subject to the satisfaction of the internal Examiners, such corrections should be effected within three months.
- A candidate shall not be qualified for the award of a Doctorate Degree until he has passed all prescribed courses, submitted a satisfactory thesis, passed his oral examination and spent not less than the minimum number nor more than the maximum number of semesters stipulated for the programme.
MSc. Mathematics
The degree of Master of Science in Mathematics is awarded on the basis of course work (70%) and a thesis (30%). The examination of the MSc. thesis shall follow the same guidelines as for PhD studies in 10.3, except that the external examiner will not need to be physically present but his comments will carry substantial weight in the final determination of marks.
Eligibility and Duration
First degree holders with at least second class lower division classification in Mathematics or Mathematical Sciences qualify for admission to the programme. The duration of the course is one and half (1.5) to maximum 3 academic years. Course work shall be in the first academic year. At the end of the first year of course work, the Department Board may recommend the progression of candidates to the PhD on basis of superior (par-excellence) performance on the advice of the supervisory team. However, candidates who progress to complete the MSc. with an overall pass mark of 65% or higher (including 65% passes in at least three-quarters of the courses and the dissertation) will be awarded the Masters degree and recommended for the PhD with two years minimum duration.
MSc. Statistics/Applied Statistics/Biometry
The degree of Master of Science in Statistics or Applied Statistics or Biometry is awarded on the basis of course work (70%) and a thesis (30%). The examination of the MSc. thesis shall follow the same guidelines as for PhD studies in 10.3, except that the external examiner will not need to be physically present but his comments will carry substantial weight in the final determination of marks.
Eligibility and Duration
Graduates with at least second class lower division honours in Statistics, Mathematics, and Mathematical Sciences qualify for admission to the MSc. Statistics or Applied Statistics programme. Admission to other science programmes (second class upper division minimum) is possible for the Applied Statistics option, but may be required to take additional undergraduate courses during the first trimester; such applicants will usually spend an extra trimester beyond the normal minimum course duration of one and half academic sessions. All applicants must pass an oral interview.
FCDM has plans to add the following graduate programmes as soon as possible:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science, and
- MSc. /PhD Computer Science.