Bachelor of Agriculture Honours

Purpose

The purpose of the Degree is to provide the learners with the analytical, reasoning and communication skills required to serve the Agricultural Industry, through supervised research. The program will empower learners to make critical assessments of real-life problems that are pertinent to their chosen profession. Learners completing their studies in the programme find employment in government, agribusiness, private consultancies, extension projects, education and in their own businesses.

The Bachelor of Agriculture (B. Agric). Honours offers the student a measure of specialization in Animal Science: Horticultural Science: Plant Production: and Soils Science and introduces him/her to management principles and methodology.

Rationale

The Agricultural Industry is a major sector in the Southern African economy in terms of meeting the increasing food demands, employment, adding value and linkages with the other sectors of the economy. Agriculture has been identified as one of the major areas for growth in South Africa (Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme-NEPAD-July 2003 ISBN 0-620-30700-5). Moreover, Agriculture is seen as an area that can help reduce poverty in South Africa (National Skills Development Strategy draft document NSDS 2005-09 (18-19 march 2004)). The School of Agriculture aims at educating learners for life and equipping them with the skills to enable them to face the challenges of a dynamic agriculture sector, with emphasis on small scale agriculture. In order to meet this objective, the School of Agriculture, through the Department of Agricultural and Rural Engineering, Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness, Forestry, Food Science and Technology, Horticultural Sciences, Plant Production and Soil Science, offers a programme in Agriculture which builds on a strong foundation of applied agriculture.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL will be decided on case-to-case basis. Current research competencies that have been acquired by prior learning or through related practical experience will be assessed against the outcomes of appropriate master's qualifications to determine compliance with access requirements. Candidates must, at the time of application, provide proof in the form of an academic record or other documentation to substantiate required level of knowledge and expertise. Such competencies may help gain access to the programme leading to this qualification, or advanced placement therein. See University of Venda (UNIVEN) policy on Recognition of Prior Learning.

Entry Requirements

• NQF Level 7.
• In exceptional cases, Senate may also admit to the Honours program, non-holders of 60% provided such candidates can on the basis of the research and academic work they have done and shown that they are well qualified to undertake postgraduate work by passing qualifying examination.
• Candidates who meet the minimum admission requirements specified above in addition may be required to appear for an oral interview by the department concern, to determine their suitability for registration.
• Subject to approval of the Senate, Departments may formulate regulations requiring applicants to have attained such academic equivalent qualifications as may be consistent with the goals of their Honours program.

1. Communicate effectively with peers, in a variety of modes, in the discourse of Agricultural and Animal production.
2. Demonstrate responsible and effective time-management and organization of projects, meeting personal objectives and negotiated deadlines.
3. Demonstrate effective Management of data and information.
4. Exhibit a detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of discipline specific theories, and comprehends both the interactions between Agricultural and Animal Production and the Agricultural environment and the multidisciplinary nature of problems of Agricultural and animal production.
5. Exhibit the necessary skills to successfully carry out a research project of limited scope. The graduate will submit a Mini-dissertation on or before the expiry of the maximum period set for the qualification as per the university rules and regulations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Participate and interact intelligently in class discussions and presentations.
• Write and present mini-seminars; iii Prepare assignments.
• Participate effectively in oral presentations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Submit assignments and reports in an acceptable format according to clear guidelines.
• Submit assignments and reports and meet deadlines.
• Adhere to time lines as indicated in the research proposal.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Ability to collect relevant data effectively.
• Store data electronically.
• Demonstrate ability to analyses, synthesize, present and critically evaluate data and information, using a variety of analytical methods and techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Do independent reading and information retrieval in the library and the Internet; work with reduced supervision.
• The candidate demonstrate ability critically read current literature in the field, interpret and analyze literature.
• Ability interact with increasing self- confidence, as a member of a team or group in a variety of discussion and problem-solving situations in Agriculture and animal production.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

- Write a research project proposal

> Identification of the key research questions.

> Description of the method/procedures and techniques to be followed.

> Collect, analyze and interpret the data.

> Write up the results in a clear, concise and acceptable manner.

Integrated Assessment

• University of Venda (UNIVEN) has the Assessment Policy and related procedures which specify clearly the mechanisms, such as the use of external examiners.
• The learner will demonstrate the integration of learning through the submission of the dissertation and scientific paper.
• The research dissertation will be examined by two examiners and provision is made for more examiners in case of a dispute.
• The learner will demonstrate the ability to identify and solve a problem and link research findings to current literature in the field of specialisation.