Mod2A Learner Guide 2021
Mod2A Learner Guide 2021
Modelling 2A (MOD2A)
Learner Guide
2021
UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Modelling 2A (MOD2A)
TITLE PAGE
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Modelling 2A (MOD2A)
REVISION HISTORY
Version: Author: Date:
Version 1 Prof. Suvendi Rimer February 2021
TERMINOLOGY
TERMINOLOGY DEFINITION
Assessment Process of collecting evidence of learner’s work to measure and judge if NQF unit
standards and ECSA outcomes have been achieved.
Assessment Criteria List of tasks that the learner must perform or show evidence of having achieved so that
(AC) the Assessors and Moderators may accredit the learner.
Credits from One SAQA/NQF/ECSA credit is equal to ten hours of learning (formally, informally, by
SAQA/NQF/ECSA oneself, in a classroom or in the workplace).
10 Notional hours of learning = 1 credit.
Exit Level Outcome Outcome that should be achieved at the end of learning in a particular field and
qualification. Performance of the ELOs means that one can perform a job effectively
without supervision and facilitation.
Learner Individual or delegate participating in a learning programme to achieve competence in a
learning area and to gain NQF credits or qualification.
Life-long Learning Cradle to grave learning. We should all be learning throughout our lives so that we keep
updated with the changing systems, techniques and tools in our lives.
Moderation Process to ensure fairness, validity and reliability of the Assessor, assessment results and
assessment process and to award SAQA/NQF/ECSA credits to a learner who was declared
competent in the unit standard outcomes.
Moderator A Person who ensures fairness, validity and reliability of assessment of NQF unit standard
outcomes. For exit level outcomes the moderator shall be external to the University of
Johannesburg.
Outcomes Based A learning system that focuses on demonstrating the end result of learning. Learning is
Education practical, concrete and is based on practice and more practice until mastery of the skill is
achieved. Leaning includes psychomotor, cognitive and affective skills and influences
knowledge, skills, values and attitudes.
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Modelling 2A (MOD2A)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
SCOPE ............................................................................................................................................... 1
LECTURER INFORMATION ................................................................................................................ 1
LECTURER ..................................................................................................................................... 1
LECTURE INFORMATION .................................................................................................................. 2
LECTURES ..................................................................................................................................... 2
A WORD ABOUT THE COURSE ...................................................................................................... 2
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM ME AS A LECTURER ..................................................................... 2
WHAT I EXPECT FROM YOU AS STUDENTS ................................................................................... 2
LECTURE TIMES ............................................................................................................................ 2
PRACTICAL SESSION ..................................................................................................................... 2
LEARNING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ....................................................................................... 3
MODULE SUPPORT SERVICES AND RESOURCES ................................................................................ 4
TEXT BOOKS.................................................................................................................................. 4
PRESCRIBED TEXT BOOKS ......................................................................................................... 4
COMPUTER SUPPORT ................................................................................................................... 4
EDULINK ................................................................................................................................... 4
E-BOOKS ................................................................................................................................... 4
YOUTUBE.................................................................................................................................. 5
SIMULATION SOFTWARE .......................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
STUDY GUIDE................................................................................................................................ 5
MODULE INFORMATION SHEET ....................................................................................................... 5
MODULE TEACHING AND LEARNING STRATEGY .............................................................................. 7
ECSA OUTCOMES DEVELOPMENT ................................................................................................ 7
MODULE OUTCOMES ....................................................................................................................... 7
MODULE TEACHING STRATEGY ........................................................................................................ 8
MODULE TEACHING METHODS ........................................................................................................ 8
MODULE ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES ................................................................................................ 8
ASSESSMENT STRATEGY ............................................................................................................... 8
ASSESSMENT FEEDBACK .............................................................................................................. 9
FRAMEWORK FOR CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT ......................................................................................... 10
ASSESSMENT OPPORTUNITIES....................................................................................................... 10
ASSESSMENT OUTLINE ................................................................................................................ 10
RANGE STATEMENT ............................................................................................................................. 12
THEORY ............................................................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
TABLE OF CONTENTS .............................................................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
PRACTICUM ASSIGNMENTS ........................................................................................................... 12
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Modelling 2A (MOD2A)
MODELLING 2A (MOD2A)
SCOPE
This document is the learner guide to be used for the module Modelling 2A, as presented by the
Department Electrical and Electronic Engineering Science at the University of Johannesburg Auckland Park
Kingsway Campus.
The contents of your learning guide are presented in 4 sections as follows:
Section A: Administrative Details
Section B: Module Information
Section C: Assessment Guidelines
Section D: Module Content
In order for you to take responsibility for your learning and to master the content of this module, we
suggest that you use your learning guide as a roadmap to direct you.
LECTURER INFORMATION
LECTURER
The lecturer responsible for this module is Prof. Suvendi Rimer.
YOUR GUIDES CONTACT DETAILS CONSULTATION DAYS +
TIMES
Office Address: APK After each lecture and,
Lecturer: Prof. Suvendi Rimer B1 Lab212 Monday: 8:00 to 9:30
Telephone: 011-559-3879
OR arrange an
Email: [email protected] appointment via email
Departmental secretary: Office Address: APK B2 Lab 24 Email: [email protected]
Ms. Roana Mudzunga Telephone: 011-559-2147
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Modelling 2A (MOD2A)
LECTURE INFORMATION
LECTURES
The module is presented during two double lectures per week. All the lectures will be presented in English.
Class attendance is compulsory and shall be assessed.
LECTURE TIMES
Periods: WE2, WE3
Periods: TH7, TH8
Venue: C LES 101/Bb Ultra Online (2021 online only)
Lectures times are pre-scheduled and can only be changed by the Departmental Chairman and the Dean
of the Faculty.
PRACTICAL/TUTORIAL/ASSESSMENT SESSIONS
Practicum: TH9 – TH12
Venue: B2 LAB 119/Bb Ultra Online
Attendances of the practical / tutorial / assessment sessions are mandatory.
More details about the practicum will be found in the practical guide.
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Modelling 2A (MOD2A)
Rights & As a UJ student, YOU have rights such as, to be: taught according to the module Learning
responsibilities Outcomes; assessed as per the Assessment Criteria; fair, valid & reliable teaching, learning &
assessment. As a UJ Student, YOU also have responsibilities. The responsibility of learning &
providing evidence of that learning rests with YOU.
You can view your rights & responsibilities further on this Learning Guide as well as the UJ’s
educational policy, General Regulation and Faculty Regulations, available for scrutiny at the
faculty office.
Plagiarism Dishonesty and plagiarism are not tolerated and will be punished. Plagiarism is the verbatim
(word-for-word) use of another’s work and presenting it as if it were one’s own. This is
especially important when submitting code and programs for assessment. Copying code and
programs from other students defeats the purpose of studying engineering as it is important
skill that is required in all aspects of engineering work. It is important to acknowledge any
thoughts, ideas and information which are not your own. It is also important to use the IEEE
standard form of referencing to provide all relevant information that will help any person who
may be interested to read further about the information. As a result, you need to keep an
accurate record of where you collect your data from. You will be required to cite your
source(s), especially when referring to an item within your text. You are also required to
indicate the reference where the citation can be found at the end of your work.
It is important for you to enquire and adhere to the requirements set by the Department with
regard to the consequences of plagiarism.
Grievance and You must be able to follow procedures, solve problems and manage conflict. The Faculty’s
appeals grievance procedure should be followed in case of any dissatisfaction, grievance or appeal of
results.
Step 1: if you experience any problems in this module, please contact your lecturer as soon as
possible so that an appropriate solution may be found.
Step 2: If a satisfactory agreement is not reached, then you may consult with the Head of the
Department responsible for this module.
Step 3: If you are still dissatisfied, then contact the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the
Built Environment.
Sick test / If you are absent for an assessment, you may apply in writing for an ill-health
Supplementary test/examination. The prescribed Sick Test application form must be completed and submitted
test within 7 days of the scheduled test/ assessment. You must also provide the necessary
supporting documents to substantiate your absence (e.g.: medical certificate or affidavit or
timetable with clash). Only one additional assessment opportunity will be awarded at the end
of the semester.
Loss of It is the responsibility of each student to regularly make back-ups of all work and assignments.
information The loss of storage media such as a crashed hard disk or lost flash disk will not be considered.
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Modelling 2A (MOD2A)
TEXT BOOKS
The following text book supports the lecture material.
You are expected to either own this book, access it from the library or utilise a suitable C programming book
or e-book in order to prepare for lectures.
COMPUTER SUPPORT
The following computer supported resources are available for the module:
EDULINK
Please activate your Blackboard access on the uLink Website. Refer to the logon procedure in the
Blackboard / EduLink brochure. Activate your access to module MODEEA2. Free access to the electronic
notes, assessments, announcements, extra learning material and discussions @ http://ulink.uj.ac.za
E-BOOKS
There is a huge amount of material online about the various subjects in this course. Below are some
extra resources regarding the C and Octave/MATLAB components of the course.
C Programming:
http://publications.gbdirect.co.uk/c_book/
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/cprogramming/
MATLAB/Octave:
Octave Built-In Help Docs and MATLAB Help Docs (http://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/)
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/matlab/matlab_gnu_octave.htm
https://wiki.octave.org/Video_tutorials
The following material goes into depth on a number of subjects we don’t cover so you will need to find
the sections that are relevant to the course.
Great Free E-Book!!
Physical Modeling in MATLAB by Allen B. Downey http://greenteapress.com/matlab/index.html
http://www.mathworks.com/help/pdf_doc/matlab/matlab_prog.pdf
http://www.mathworks.com/moler/exm/chapters.html
SOFTWARE:
In this course we will be making use of a variety of software which is listed below:
C programming will be done using Visual Studio Code which is an open-source integrated development
environment (IDE), freely available online. Please refer to the installation guide provided for further
information.
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Modelling 2A (MOD2A)
The MATLAB/Octave section will be taught using Octave. Octave is an open-source implementation of the
MATLAB language and is completely free. While MATLAB has quite few more toolboxes and a more
polished interface it is very expensive. Octave uses the same language and has all the functionality we
require for this course.
The spreadsheet component will be taught in Microsoft Excel; you should be able to install Microsoft
Office 365 using your student login credentials. Good free alternatives to Excel are Calc from the Libre
Office suite which is completely free. Google Docs also has a spreadsheet component called Sheets.
YOUTUBE
The University has allowed students to get access to YouTube, where thousands of worthwhile lectures
are posted. Students can get benefits from YouTube by searching for related topics and can attend similar
lectures to learn C, Excel and Octave programming presented from different lecturers at different
Universities.
STUDY GUIDE
The purpose of this document, your Learning Guide for this module, is to authentically and holistically
support your learning progress. We hope it serves as a map of all that is available to you on your learning
journey.
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Modelling 2A (MOD2A)
Total Duration of a Total Duration of Total Duration of Total Duration of Total This variable Hours of
number of lecture (hours) number a tutorial number of a practical number of a contact assignment is fixed: exam or
lectures of (hours) practicals (hours) other session noncontact 1 hour other
tutorials contact (hours) hours additional
sessions assessment
L TL T TT P TP X TX A TA E
51 0,75 5 0,75 5 2 0 0,75 10 1 0
ML 2 MT 1 MP 1 MX 0 --- ME 0
Course Credits 10,03
Mathematical Natural Engineering Design and Complementary
0.2 0.4 0.3 0.1
Sciences Sciences Sciences Synthesis Studies
ECSA Exit-Level Outcomes/SAQA Critical Cross-Field Outcomes
ELO 1 ELO 2 ELO 3 ELO 4 ELO 5 ELO 6 ELO 7 ELO 8 ELO 9 ELO 10 ELO 11
CCFO CCFO 2 CCFO 3 CCFO 4 CCFO 5 CCFO 6 CCFO 7 CCFO 8 CCFO 9 CCFO 10 CCFO CCFO
1 11 12
Develops toward
X X
Exit Level?
Modelling 2A is an introductory course that focused on exposing students to computing tools that many
had never seen at the high school level. One of the most extensively used software tools in the engineering
profession is the spreadsheet. Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet system that offers a wide range of
functionality. The engineer will invariably be required to use a spreadsheet system for different functions
in the workplace.
Octave is a high-level interpreted language, primarily intended for numerical computations. It also
provides extensive graphics capabilities for data visualization and manipulation. The Octave syntax is
largely compatible with Matlab and can be used to solve various mathematical and engineering problems.
Although engineers from various disciplines may not be required to write programs for complex systems,
they need basic knowledge of software systems to help them both use software programs and/or make
minor changes to existing software code. The C programming language is ideally suited to introduce
learners to the basic concepts of structured programming.
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Modelling 2A (MOD2A)
MODULE OUTCOMES
The following table indicates the outcomes for the module. The ECSA outcomes specifically assessed in
this module is indicated in the last column.
Module Description Assessment Criteria Assessment Method
Outcome (What the learners must be able to do.) (What action must be (How the outcome
completed to show achievement action will be
outcome achievement.) assessed.)
Excel Demonstrate competency in solving basic data The student’s Tests, Practicals, Tutorials
problems and using functions in a spreadsheet (Excel) performance is assessed and Assignments
Octave Using Octave demonstrate ability to define variables, continuously by formal Tests, Practicals, Tutorials
mathematically manipulate those variables, write tests for each outcome, and Assignments
programs to manipulate the data and display graphical tutorials, practical’s and
data sets and perform basic matrix algebra and solve assignments where
basic matrix-based problems. appropriate. Regular
C Understand basic programming concepts of designing feedback is given to Tests, Practicals, Tutorials
software algorithms and writing programs in C. students. and Assignments
Demonstrate use of conditional statements such as if,
if … else and switch statements. Demonstrate use of
loops such as for, while and do-while statements.
Design basic programs in C and basic flowcharts given
problem descriptions. Convert flowcharts into
programmable code using C programming language.
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Modelling 2A (MOD2A)
Learning to program is like learning to drive, you cannot do it from the sidelines. You have to type in
the code yourself, to discover and correct for syntax errors. You have to think and design the program
yourself, to discover how to solve a problem in a ‘code world’.
Students will be given self-assessment questions during lectures. These assessments will be made
available on the Modelling 2A website. Completion of assessment is compulsory, will be marked and will
contribute to the final mark of the module. These assessments provide valuable opportunities to
practice the theory learnt during the lectures. Programming is a practical discipline and students will
have to practice programming during their own time. It is not sufficient to expect to pass by only
learning the theory described during lecture sessions.
OBA: you are continuously supported by integrated assessment and authentic, constructive,
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Modelling 2A (MOD2A)
developmental feedback – you use variety of demonstration methods, styles and intelligences
when you provide valid, reliable evidence to show that you have practiced and have achieved
mastery of the learning units.
LLA: lifelong assessment – you are being assessed continuously throughout life (cradle to grave)
by others, your peers and by you yourself – the quicker you know how to assess your own learning,
the faster you climb the assessment ladder.
Andragogy: you are young adults/ adults with decision making, judgmental, critical thinking
abilities that you use to connect with the intelligence, needs, feelings, success stories, challenges,
barriers and career aspirations of others, peers and yourself.
WIL: work integrated learning and assessment – you will be assessed using the case studies, role
plays, simulations, workplace projects, etc. so that we enhance your capability to be gainfully
employed once you complete your studies – the focus is on what you want ‘to be’ when you join
the workforce.
The table below presents the assessment goals and performance indicators for successful assessments:
ASSESSMENT FEEDBACK
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Feedback is an essential part of assessment; therefore, feedback will be given after assessment. The table
below presents feedback goals and performance indicators:
FEEDBACK GOALS PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Memorandum feedback Available after marks are released by means of one of the following methods:
Class discussion
Blackboard
Enquiries regarding Must be dealt with within a maximum of five working days from the date of
feedback releasing the memorandum and the assessment marks.
The assessor and/or departmental administrative coordinator must deal with
the enquiries.
Final summative To be arranged by the Faculty Administration if applicable.
assessment feedback
Assessment Opportunities
An assessment opportunity is a way to judge a whether a student has achieved an outcome. An
assessment opportunity could be in the form of a traditional test, or could be the weighted combination
of assignments, practical sessions, projects, and/or tests. If a single test, assignment, or project is used to
evaluate more than one outcome, the portions targeted at a particular outcome should be clearly defined.
For example, a test might be divided into sections with each section evaluating one outcome. As another
example, a large project should be evaluated for each outcome separately (e.g., one mark for effective
communication, another mark for technical content).
A s s es s m ent Out li ne
1. Outcomes Based Assessments Structure
- Three assessment opportunities should be offered for each outcome.
Assessments Kind of Assessment Assessment Details Assessment Weight Outcome Weight
Outcome A: Excel
Assessment 1 In-class assessment Continuous in-class assessment 30% 15%
Assessment 2 Practical Assignment Report + Demonstration (optional - 2021) 40%
Assessment 3 Online assessment Excel basics – multiple choice, fill in blank 30%
etc.
Outcome B: C Programming
Assessment 1 In-class assessment Continuous in-class assessment 30% 50%
Assessment 2 Practical Assignment (two) Report + Demonstration (optional - 2021) 40%
Assessment 3 Online assessment Multiple choice and code snippets, etc. 30%
Outcome C: Octave
Assessment 1 In-class assessment Continuous in-class assessment 30% 35%
Assessment 2 Practical Assignment (two) Report + Demonstration (optional - 2021) 40%
Assessment 3 Online assessment Multiple choice and code snippets, etc. 30%
Final Mark
Average (Outcome A + Outcome B + Outcome C) 100%
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2. Assessments dates
Knowledge Assessments Date Content
Outcome A: Excel
Knowledge Assessment 2 25 February 2021 Excel Practical Assignment
Knowledge Assessment 3 (1) 25 February 2021 Excel: Multiple choice online
Knowledge Assessment 3 (2) 4 March 2021 Excel: Multiple choice online
Outcome B: C Programming
Knowledge Assessment 2 (1) 11 March 2021 C Programming Practical Assignment
Knowledge Assessment 2 (2) 18 March 2021 C Programming Practical Assignment
Knowledge Assessment 3 (1) 25 March 2021 C Programming Online multiple choice and code snippets
Knowledge Assessment 3 (2) 15 April 2021 C Programming Online multiple choice and code snippets
Outcome C: Octave
Knowledge Assessment 2 (1) 6 May 2021 Octave Practical Assignment
Knowledge Assessment 2 (2) 13 May 2021 Octave Practical Assignment
Knowledge Assessment 3 (1) 20 May 2021 Octave: Online multiple choice and code snippets
Knowledge Assessment 3 (2) 27 May 2021 Octave: Online multiple choice and code snippets
3. Assessment Requirements to Pass
a. Students are required to write all in-class tests. The average of all in-class assessments will
determine the final in-class mark that contributes to the final outcome mark.
b. Students are required to write at minimum at least one “Knowledge Assessment 3” for each
outcome.
c. Students need to obtain at minimum 50% to pass an outcome.
d. The pass mark for each outcome is determined as the weighted sum of the “Knowledge
Assessment” opportunities for a specific outcome.
e. If a student gets less than 50% in any outcome, then the student will be provided with an
additional “Knowledge Assessment 3” opportunity. The final mark for the outcome is the
weighted average of all “Knowledge Assessment” opportunities for a specific outcome.
f. There will only be two “Knowledge Assessment 3” opportunities available per outcome for a
student to obtain the required 50% to pass an outcome.
g. The final “Knowledge Assessment” mark for each outcome is the weighted average of all the
“Knowledge Assessment” opportunities for that specific outcome that the student has
participated in.
h. The final mark is the weighted sum of all outcomes.
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Modelling 2A (MOD2A)
If a student has a legitimate reason for missing an assessment opportunity (documented illness, etc.) then
an appropriate replacement opportunity must be provided. This will frequently take the form of an
additional assessment opportunity scheduled at the end of the University’s exam time. A student who
misses a small portion of an assessment opportunity (e.g., one practical session) can potentially
reschedule that portion during the semester, but a student who misses the larger portion of an
assessment opportunity (e.g., semester test) should be offered a replacement opportunity.
Range statement
The module comprises:
1. Introduction to Excel and Excel functions. Modelling data and generating graphs in Excel. Basic Matrix
operations.
2. Structure of a C program. Algorithm design. Flow charts, variables, statements, and data types,
character strings and arrays. Input and Output Operations in C. Conditional statements and loops. C
Functions.
3. Introduction to Octave. Basic and advanced math and matrix functionality in Octave. Review of
conditional statements and loops for use in an Octave program.
PRACTICUM ASSIGNMENTS
All practical sand assignments are compulsory and need to be completed. Failure to submit a practical
will result in the student failing this module. No late practicals will be accepted without a valid medical
certificate and/or explanatory letter along with the necessary documents.
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