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#UFSGraduation: Young lecturer wants to teach about the power of mathematics

24 April 2023 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Supplied

Mathematics is undeniably part of the world – from telling time, buying groceries, to manufacturing clothing sizes, and everything in between.

This is the view of Corlé van der Walt, Junior Lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at the University of the Free State (UFS), who received her honours degree in mathematics and applied mathematics (with distinction) at the university’s April 2023 graduation ceremonies.

The focus of her honours was on applied mathematics, specifically optimisation and dynamical systems. “These subjects link to my undergraduate degree, which is in industrial engineering,” says Van der Walt, who has always enjoyed and excelled in mathematics for as long as she can remember.

Maths = skills +

She believes that mathematics is important because it helps us describe and value ourselves. “But still, mathematics is more than just the skills we learn; in the words of Albert Einstein, "Mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas".

She says that mathematics is also the foundation for other sciences, such as physics, chemistry, and engineering. “Mathematics paves the way for all other forms of science. Without the computational groundwork, it will not be possible to do physics, chemistry, engineering, or any other form of science,” she adds, remarking that we will not be able to make scientific or technological progress.

“This is where I come in; I want to teach young upcoming students’ mathematics and the power of it. I want to show students that mathematics is not necessarily difficult, but that it is logical and practical. With my current qualification, I have already been appointed as a junior lecturer and I teach precalculus to university students who would like to take calculus,” she says.

A balancing act

Although she enjoys her work, Van der Walt finds it challenging to juggle work and studies. But she overcomes these obstacles by prioritising tasks and celebrating small achievements. Her motivation also comes from the joy of seeing her students understand concepts that they previously struggled with.

With plans to complete her master's degree in the next two years and commencing her PhD studies, Van der Walt is committed to teaching the power of mathematics to upcoming students.

News Archive

Qwaqwa campus upgrade begins

2005-06-23

Academic facilities, including lecture halls and the library, on the Qwaqwa campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) will be upgraded to the tune of R1,4-million.

An extra R100 000,00 has also been made available for the upgrading of four staff houses on campus.

The tender for this project was awarded to a local business in the Qwaqwa region, Mguni Enterprises. This phase is expected to be completed next month - July 2005.

This is the second phase of upgrading of the Qwaqwa campus, following the earlier upgrading of student residences to the tune of R6,2-million.

“The total capital injection to improve the infrastructure on the campus is R7,7 -million. The aim of the upgrading is to improve the infrastructure of the campus in order to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning, “said Prof Peter Mbati, Qwaqawa Campus Head.

The first phase of the upgrading - amounting to R6,2 million - comprised of the upgrading of the five student residences and mainly dealt with the maintenance backlog. Residences were painted, old furniture replaced, electricity rewired and the necessary alterations made to ensure sufficient hot water supply as well as a new look to the face of the residences.

According to Prof Mbati the student visiting areas, reception areas and rooms were also improved by the changes in the first phase. The renovated residences now also boast facilities such as kitchenettes, washing machines and tumble driers and computers rooms.

There are currently 754 students staying in the residences. Three residences accommodate female students and the other two are for male students. Students who are not accommodated on campus stay at the former Tshiya College of Education, approximately 5 kilometers from the campus. These students are bussed in to the campus on a daily basis.

“All these developments are a major step forward for the Qwaqwa campus as it once again shows our commitment to the campus to make it an attractive site of higher education in the Eastern Free State,” said Prof Frederick Fourie, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS.

Media release

Issued by:  Lacea Loader
   Media Representative
   Tel: (051) 401-2584
   Cell: 083 645 2454
   E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za

23 June 2005

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