Bachelor of Science Honours: Applied Plant Physiology

The Bachelor of Science Honours: Applied Plant Physiology (BSc Hons: Applied Plant Physiology) has been designed for graduates with Bachelor of Science Degrees in related plant or biological sciences who are interested in postgraduate studies in areas of Horticulture.

The qualification aims to strengthen knowledge in the discipline of Horticultural Sciences, with emphasis on plant physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms. These mechanisms are relevant to production and quality systems in horticultural crops.

Students will engage in research methodology and also expand their writing and presentation skills.

Rationale

A cadre of knowledgeable horticulturists is essential for successful food production in any country with a growing population and limited, if not shrinking, available arable land for crop cultivation.

The qualification aims to attract both national and international graduates with appropriate three year Bachelor of Science Degrees. Within the qualification there is a high level of theoretical engagement in horticultural principles which will enable successful postgraduates to take up advisory and/or research positions within the relevant areas of crop cultivation or food production. Furthermore, such skills will enable further studies at Master's and subsequently, Doctoral, levels in Horticulture.

• Communication and language skills equivalent to NQF Level 7.
• Learners should be able to manage their own study schedules and be able to read, speak and write in the language of tuition.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is provided in accordance with the RPL policy of the institution and the relevant Faculty.

The process facilitates a variety of assessment techniques, such as access and placement evaluation, examinations and/or tests, submission of learning portfolios to qualified members of staff for evaluation, conditional admission with identified learning goals which are discussed with applicants, assessment of prescribed additional work, recognition of formal learning at other institutions, recognition of informal learning resulting from work experience.

RPL allows for the admission to the qualification of learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements and for the awarding of credits towards the qualification.

Access to the Qualification

For admission to the Bachelor of Science Honours: Applied Plant Physiology, an applicant must hold a Bachelor of Science Degree, with majors in Botany, Biochemistry, Genetics or Plant Biotechnology.

The qualification comprises seven compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 and a Research project. All modules must be successfully completed to be awarded the qualification.

Modules

• Ecophysiology of Horticultural and Agronomical crops, 16 Credits.
• Applied Plant Physiology and Tree Architecture, 16 Credits.
• Postharvest Physiology and Technology, 16 Credits.
• Nutrition of Horticultural and Agronomical Crops, 16 Credits.
• Advanced Plant Physiology, 16 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 10 Credits.
• Research Project, 30 Credits.

Total Credits: 120.

1. Explain plant physiology with specific reference to the principles and management strategies required for successful horticultural practice.
2. Discuss the management of crop production according to the requirements and needs of the product.

• Range: Ethical practice; commercial harvesting; methods of handling, packaging, storage and transport; marketing.

1. Critically evaluate a wide range of information from proven or known reliable sources to understand and apply the philosophy and ethics of research within the field.
2. Produce a research project in a scientific format within the context of applied plant physiology.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification.

The following Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated way to the Exit Level Outcomes

• A holistic understanding of the field of applied plant physiology and the ability to relate this knowledge to production processes in Horticultural crops is demonstrated.
• A holistic understanding of the field of eco-physiology of Horticultural crops is demonstrated.
• A holistic understanding of the field of nutrition of Horticultural and Agronomical crops is demonstrated.
• A holistic understanding of the field of post-harvest physiology and technology of Horticultural crops is demonstrated.
• Understanding of scientific research methodology pertaining to Horticulture is demonstrated and presentations are made.
• Practical work is conducted using accepted laboratory practices and procedures.
• A written research report is compiled and oral presentations made, which presentations inlcude the research methodology followed, the results obtained and the conclusions drawn.

Integrated Assessment

Formative and summative assessments are done as applicable for each module.