Textbooks
Prescribed textbooks for 2026
Take Note: * You are not required to purchase all your textbooks before the start of classes. In fact it might be better to hang on a moment as you might decide to change a module, or be able to buy secondhand versions from senior students. In some modules the lecturers might also communicate alternative means of accessing books, such as online free versions, or copies that are held aside at the library specifically for that module's students. *
| Module | Text | Price | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Mathematics 144 | No textbooks. Notes will be made available on STEMLearn. | ||
| Biology 124, 144, 146 and 154 | Russel PJ, Hertz PE and McMillan B. (5th edition). Biology: The Dynamic Science. Published by Cengage. | R1 509.99 | |
| Chemistry 124 and 144 | Brown, Le may, Bursten, Murphy, Langford & Sagatys. (3rd edition). Chemistry, The Central Science: A Broad Perspective. Pearson. | R922 | This book is out of print, but you can buy 2nd hand copies or an online version from: https://www.sherwoodbooks.co.za/product/ebook-chemistry-the-central-science-ed-3/ |
| Physics 114 and 144 | "University Physics" (Pearson/Addison-Wesley) by Young and Freedman. Any edition of the book can be used. Alternative: LibreTexts free online book, University Physics part I (105 MB download) Click here AND LibreTexts free online book, University Physics part II (114 MB download) Click here. | R9 209.99 (will have to import - no stock) | We have shared access to four e-book copies of "University Physics" owned by the SU library Click here. The alternative textbook is very similar to the prescribed book and can be used if you do not have the prescribed book, or as an extra resource. |
| Physics (bio) 134 and 154 | Giamballista & Richardson. 5th edition. Physics. McGraw-Hill Education. (The 3rd edition is also acceptable. | R1 419.99 | |
| Physics 176 | Openstax University Physics Volume 1 and Openstax College Physics | These are free online textbooks. | |
| Physiology 114 and 144 | Elaine E Marieb. 12the edition. Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology. Pearson | R1 219.99 | |
| Geo-environmental Science 124 | Waugh, D. 4th edition. Geography: An integrated approach. Nelson. | R699.99 | |
| Geo-environmental Science 154 | No prescribed textbook | ||
| Computer Science 114 and 144 | R. Sedgewick & K. Wayne. 1st edition. Introduction to Programming in Python: An Interdisciplinary Approach. International Edition. Pearson. | R985 | Only available as e-Book. Hard copy out of print |
| Psychology 114 and 144 | No prescribed textbook | ||
| Mathematics 114 and 144 | No prescribed textbook | ||
| Mathematics (bio) 124 | No prescribed textbook | ||
| Mathematics 154 | Kolman, B, Busby, R and Ross, S. 6th edition. Discrete Mathematical Structures. Pearson New International Series. | R1 199.99 | |
| Mathematics 176 | Calculus Volume 1 | Free online textbooks from Openstax | |
| Probability Theory and Statistics 114 and 144 | Sheldon Ross. A First Course in Probability Theory. 10th edition. Pearson. | R999.99 | The 7th, 8th or 9th edition is also acceptable |
| Science in Context 178 and Computer Skills 171 and 176 | No prescribed textbook | ||
| Economics 114 and 144 | Information will be communicated in the module framework and during the first lectures | ||
| Music Technology 112 and 142 | No prescribed textbook |
Last update: 2026-01-26
Created: 2026-01-26
Created: 2026-01-26