Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture

The aim of this qualification is to consolidate and deepen what has been learned in the first qualification and to undertake advanced study in a chosen major field of study. The qualification purposefully includes Agricultural and Financial Management components as the core of the specialisation areas. It also aims to equip learners with the necessary skills to engage with the body of knowledge as well as the application of that knowledge.

Rationale

The qualification aims to educate and train learners that have a theoretical and practical experience in the field of Agricultural Sciences and its related major fields of study and are capable to explore research to inform management decisions related agriculture in general and specific in the relevant major field of study. This would contribute to their ability to do research within the specialisation fields as well as entering professions in the Natural Science sector. These fields include, Animal Science, Agrometeorology.Agronomy, Grassland Science, Plant Sciences, Soil Science, Statistics and Zoology. Furthermore, the qualification aims to develop the learners' managerial skills in a variety of functional areas in Agricultural Sciences. In addition, the qualification aims to produce learners who are able to undertake independent research at master and doctoral level through the acquisition of the necessary research skills and tools in specific fields of agriculture in order to ensure the broadening of the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge based economic and scholarly activity.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment policy. This will relate to both access to the qualification as well as for credit recognition or exemption towards achieving the qualification. The institution will ensure that quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and that administrative and support systems, both prior and subsequent to RPL assessment, are in place.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science Degree, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 8, 128 Credits

• Advanced resource and environmental economics, 16 Credits.
• Business management, 16 Credits.
• Agricultural policy, 16 6 Credits.
• Financial management, 16 Credits.
• Quantitative techniques, 16 Credits.
• Human Resource management, 16 Credits.
• Research Project in Agricultural Economics, 32 Credits.
• Agricultural financing, 16 Credits.
• Marketing management,16 Credits
• ProdUnchangedtion and consumer economics, 16 Credits.
• Applied animal breeding, 20 Credits.
• Fundamental animal nutrition, 20 Credits.
• Advanced agricultural management, 16 Credits.
• Agribusiness management, 16 Credits.
• Financial management, 16 Credits.
• Operational research, 16 Credits.
• General Animal Physiology, 16 Credits.
• Experimental animal breeding, 20 Credits.
• Research project, 32 Credits.
• International Agricultural Trade, 16 Credits.
• Agricultural marketing and price analysis, 16 Credits.
• Project management, 16 Credits.
• Evaluation of soil and water for irrigation suitability, 24 Credits
• Crop development,16 Credits
• Intensive pasture prodUnchangedtion, 20 Credits.
• Research Project, 32 Credits.
• Soil classification principles and applications, 16 Credits.
• Literature review, 16 Credits.
• Soil physical principles and applications, 16 Credits.
• Soil chemical principles and applications, 16 Credits.
• Evaluation of soil fertility and control, 24 Credits.
• Weather analysis and forecasting, 16 Credits.
• Crop nutrition and water relations, 16 Credits.
• Agricultural econometrics, 16 Credits.
• Project planning and analysis, 16 Credits.
• ProdUnchangedtion management, 16 Credits.
• Agricultural development, 16 Credits.
• Crop physiology, 16 Credits.
• Micrometeorology and specialised instrumentation, 16 Credits.
• Weed control, 16 Credits.
• Irrigation design, 24 Credits.
• Research Project in soil, crop and climate sciences, 32 Credits.

1. Show an-depth understanding and mastery of the principles and concepts of science and technology in a specialised area of their choice including having an understanding of the interdisciplinary relationships within the different specialisation field such as the biological science.
2. Demonstrate the necessary skills that is required in the workplace that will enhance the likelihood of employment.
3. Apply theoretical knowledge independently in understanding, investigating and solving problems related to Agricultural activities;
4. Use relevant statistical and computer-based methods for the analysis of data.
5. Show an awareness of the ethical, legal and social responsibility of scientific investigations.
6. Indicate sound theoretical judgement and evaluations, in the presentation of research reports (both written and verbal), including use of information technology as an aid to effective communication skills.
7. Identify and critically evaluate current agricultural management processes and understanding the complexities thereof.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Identify, investigate and interpret aspect related to policy development and implementation.
• Compile a marketing strategy taking into account the total value chain, i.e. from the product idea stage to delivery to the customer.
• Use production economic methodologies to assist farmers and agri-businesses in their production and operational decisions, whilst incorporating risk as a key variable.
• Address issues related to trade in a comprehensive manner to assist policy makers, farmers and agri-businesses in a dynamic environment, e.g. quantification of World Trade Organization (WTO) arrangements.
• Do comprehensive financial analysis at various levels that include, amongst other things, feasibility studies, sensitivity analysis and risks assessment.
• Apply developmental issues in project planning, developing business plans and implementation of business plans.
• Apply environmental analysis from an economic perspective and to present solutions to the identified problem.

Integrated Assessment

The assessment strategy provides for both Formative and Summative Assessment opportunities. Integrated continuous and formative assessment will be included in the course work allowing demonstration of achieved competences as required by the outcomes of the qualification. Learners will be assessed by completing assignments, case studies, presentations and examinations and tests as well as completing a research report.