Selecting students for a South African mathematics and science foundation programme: effectiveness and fairness of school-leaving examinations and aptitude tests.

The identification of students with the potential to succeed in mathematics- and science-based study despite previous educational disadvantage is a critical issue currently facing many South African higher education institutions. The possible use of school-leaving examination (Matric) results and/or scores on specially developed aptitude tests for the selection of disadvantaged students was investigated during a four year UNIFY Selection Research Project. UNIFY is a mathematics and science foundation year programme at the University of the North, intended specifically for disadvantaged students from previously black-only educational systems. The research results show that both Matric results and aptitude tests have predictive validity for student performance in UNIFY. Matric results add significantly to the predictive validity attained by the UNIFY selection tests. No significant predictive bias against home and school background is found for the UNIFY student group for either Matric results or aptitude tests. © 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved

Modified Visual Appearance of Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 Thin Film Solar Modules for Building Integrated Photovoltaics

The homogeneous and opaque appearance of CIS modules renders them especially suitable for Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). In order to further increase the acceptance of this technology for BIPV, AVANCIS manufactured a series of Cu(In,Ga)(Se,S)2 solar modules with a modified optical appearance by using different front cover glass textures, coatings, and by realizing a semi-transparent prototype. The back side colour of some devices was also varied by using different substrates and coatings delivered by SAINT-GOBAIN RECHERCHE. The performance of a set of six prototypes with a modified visual appearance (an AR-coated, a Self-cleaning coated, a semitransparent one, and two with different glass textures) was then characterised at the JRC. The results show that, in most cases, the modification to the front side of the devices does not significantly compromise the module performance at STC. Moreover, angle-dependent measurements show that, besides contributing to modify the visual appearance of the modules, a texturized front-glass, helps improving the collection of light at high angles of incidence.JRC.H.8-Renewable energie