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

24 April 2023 | Story Leonie Bolleurs | Photo Supplied

Corlé van der Walt received her honours degree in mathematics and applied mathematics. She wants to show students that mathematics is not necessarily difficult, but that it is logical and practical.

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

Odeion: Public examination recitals

2006-11-09

The Department of Music presents a series of Public Examination Recitals by three B.Mus.Hons. candidates and a M.Mus. candidate.

These exams will be presented as concerts from 13 to 15 November in the Odeion.

Herewith a friendly invitation to attend the following concerts for free.

Monday, 13 November (19:30)

Kobie Liebenberg (B.Mus.Hons. - organ)

Programme:

Franck - Chorale No. 3 in A minor

Bruhns - Praeludium in E minor (No. 1)

Bach - Partita op “Sei gegrüsset, Jesu gütig”, BWV 768

Hindemith - Sonata No. 1 (1937)

Liszt - Prelude and Fugue on B-A-C-H

Tuesday, 14 November (18:00)

Mianda Erasmus (B.Mus.Hons. - flute)

Programme:

Taffanel - “Andante pastoral et Scherzettino”

Godard - “Suite de trois morceaux”

Dutilleux - Sonatine for flute and piano

Vivaldi - Concerto III “Il Gardellino”

Martinù - Sonata for flute and piano

Tuesday, 14 November (19:30)

Ulrich Cronjé (B.Mus.Hons. - flute)

Bach - Sonata in E minor for flute and continuo, BWV 1034

Jolivet - “Cinq Incantations” for solo flute

Mozart - Quartet in D major for flute, violin, viola and cello, K.285

Piston - Sonata for flute and piano

Morlacchi - “Il Pastore Svizzero” (The Swiss Shepherd)

Wednesday, 15 November (17:00)

The last exam in the series is a concert with Tilla Henkins (M.Mus. - cello) as member of the Henkins Cilliers Trio. Admission is R40 (adults), R20 (pensioners) and R10 (students and scholars). The Trio in G minor, Op. 15 (Smetana) the Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 12 (Arensky) and the Trio No. 1 in F major, Op. 18 (Saint-Saëns) are on the programme.

Information

Ninette Pretorius at tel. 051 - 401 2504.

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