Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to equip students with the necessary integrated and advanced knowledge and skills of agricultural economics, land management and rural development and thus provide the country with qualified personnel and agricultural economists, who can contribute to the improvement of the agricultural sector in South Africa and internationally; and to prepare students for further academic study.

Rationale

The rationale of this qualification is to provide education and training in Agricultural Science theory and practice that will enable graduates to work in different agro-ecologies of South Africa and the rest of Africa, with a special focus on semi-arid areas, as researchers, academics and as specialists in their respective fields.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution, or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme of the institution, such as the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Formal prior learning: Prior accredited learning at the Further Education and Training (FET) or Higher Education and Training (HET) level in relevant domains, at graduate level, which constitutes credit-bearing units or modules, should be recognised if evidence can be produced that shows that the student has achieved, at a satisfactory level, the outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria specified for modules at such level, and if appropriate, allows the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part. Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning: An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part. An applicant who, after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential but is in need of further academic development, will be directed to other suitable learning programmes prior to admission or to parallel programmes after admission.

Entry Requirements

To be admitted to the Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Agriculture, candidates must have completed an National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an National Certificate Vocational (NCV) with an APS of 24 and with English Level 4, Mathematics level 5 and Physical Science Level 4.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 and elective modules at Level 8, totalling 512 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 5: 120 Credits

• Introductory to Agricultural Biometry, 12 Credits.
• Introductory Chemistry I, 12 Credits.
• Academic Literacy, 12 Credits.
• Introductory Chemistry II, 12 Credits.
• Systematics I, 12 Credits.
• General Mathematics, 12 Credits.
• Intro to Basic Physics Concepts, 12 Credits.
• Intro to Academic Literacy, 12 Credits.
• Introductory Biology, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Agricultural Economics, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 6

• Anatomy and Physiology for Animal Health, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Game and Wildlife Care, 12 Credits.
• Farm Accounting, 8 Credits.
• Land Reform and Agricultural Development, 8 Credits.
• Anatomy and Physiology: Animal Health T I, 12 Credits.
• Understanding the Natural World, 12 Credits.
• Farm Machinery, 8 Credits.
• Agricultural Extension for Development, 8 Credits.
• Understanding the World of Agriculture, 12 Credits.
• Soil Fertility and Fertilizers, 16 Credits.
• Introd to Crop Production, 16 Credits.
• Veterinary Microbiology, 12 Credits.
• Food Security Analysis, 8 Credits.
• Soil Conservation, 12 Credits.
• Animal Breeding and Genetics, 8 Credits.
• Anatomy and Physiology: Animal Health Ii, 12 Credits.
• Introd to Soil Science, 16 Credits.
• Fundamentals of Agricultural Extension, 16 Credits.
• Animal Welfare, Handling and Equipments I, 12 Credits.
• Ruminant Production Science, 8 Credits.
• Animal Nutrition, 16 Credits.
• Agricultural Microbiology, 16 Credits.
• Microbiology for Animal Health, 16 Credits.
• Anatomy and Physiology for Animal Health, 8 Credits.
• Agric I Climatology, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Animal Science, 16 Credits.
• Non - Ruminant Production, 8 Credits.
• Communication and Agricultural Technology Transfer, 8 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 7

• Agricultural Rural Sociology, 8 Credits.
• Planted Pastures and Fodder Crops, 8 Credits.
• Veterinary Jurisprudence, 12 Credits.
• Clinical Laboratory Techniques, 8 Credits.
• Fruits Production, 16 Credits.
• Public Health for AHT I, 8 Credits.
• Agricultural Production Economics, 16 Credits.
• Farm Management and Accounting, 8 Credits.
• Weeds and Weed Control, 16 Credits.
• Agricultural Marketing, 8 Credits.
• Agron: Winter Crops, 8 Credits.
• Land Resource and Environmental Economics, 16 Credits.
• Obstetrics and Genital Diseases: Animal Health, 16 Credits.
• Quantitative Genetics, 16 Credits.
• Livestock Diseases, 8 Credits.
• Epidemiology, 8 Credits.
• Smallstock Production and Science, 16 Credits.
• Public Health for AHT II, 8 Credits.
• Diseases I, 16 Credits.
• Vegetable Production, 16 Credits.
• Agricultural Statistics for Research I, 16 Credits.
• Principles of Irrigation, 16 Credits.
• Agricultural Microeconomics, 16 Credits.
• Parasitology: Animal Health, 16 Credits.
• Physiology of Reproduction and Growth, 16 Credits.
• International Agricultural Trade, 8 Credits.
• Principles of Veld Management, 16 Credits.
• Agricultural Biochemistry, 8 Credits.
• Animal Welfare, Handling and Equipment Ii, 12 Credits.
• Diseases II, 16 Credits.
• Plant Physiology, 8 Credits.
• Agricultural Macroeconomics, 8 Credits.
• Applied Ruminant Nutrition, 16 Credits.
• Pharmacology and Toxicology: Animal Health, 16 Credits.
• Agron: Summer Crops, 8 Credits.
• Plant Protection, 16 Credits.
• Applied Agricultural Biometry, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 8

• Research Project and Seminar I, 16 Credits.
• Practical Experience, 8 Credits.
• Research Project and Seminar II, 16 Credits.
• Pathology I, 8 Credits.
• Project and Seminar II, 16 Credits.
• Scheduled Diseases, 8 Credits.
• Farm Planning and Linear Programming, 8 Credits.
• Crop Production Systems, 8 Credits.
• Large Stock Production and Science, 8 Credits.
• Pig Science, 8 Credits.
• Research Project and Seminar, 16 Credits.
• Research Project and Seminar II, 16 Credits.
• Companion Animal Clinical Care II, 16 Credits.
• Quantitative Methods in Agricultural Economics, 16 Credits.
• Agricultural Statistics for Research II, 16 Credits.
• Practical Crop Production II, 8 Credits.
• Agribusiness Management, 16 Credits.
• Practical Learning and Experiential Learning I, 8 Credits.
• Production Animal Clinical Care I, 16 Credits.
• Agriculture and Economic Development, 8 Credits.
• Agricultural Policy Analysis, 16 Credits.
• Crop Physiology, 16 Credits.
• Pathology II, 8 Credits.
• Practical Learning and Experiential Learning II, 8 Credits.
• Companion Animal Clinical Care I, 16 Credits.
• Agricultural Finance, 8 Credits.
• Dairy and Meat Sciences, 16 Credits.
• Applied Monogastric Nutrition, 16 Credits.
• Project and Seminar I, 16 Credits.
• Research Project and Seminar I, 16 Credits.
• Applied Animal Breeding, 16 Credits.
• Agricultural Project appraisal and Management, 8 Credits.
• Production Animal Clinical Care II, 16 Credits.
• Research Project and Seminar, 16 Credits.
• Poultry Science, 16 Credits.
• Practical Crop Production I, 8 Credits.

Elective Modules at Level 8

• Soil Chemistry, 8 Credits.
• Horticultural Science, 8 Credits.
• Crop Protection, 16 Credits.
• Pedology and Soil.
• Clasification, 16 Credits.
• Soil Microbiology, 16 Credits.
• Plant Breeding, 16 Credits.

1. Demonstrated integrated knowledge and understanding of the broad field of Agricultural Science and specialised knowledge of the theories and principles of agricultural economics, food security analysis, farm management and planning, farm accounting, micro and macro economics, land resource management, agriculture and land resource economics, farm planning and linear programming, production economics, agricultural marketing, agricultural policy analysis, international agricultural trade, agricultural finance, agriculture and economic development, rural sociology, communication and technology transfer, agricultural project appraisal and management and the ability to apply such knowledge to practice.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of and the ability to select the research methods and techniques best suited to a typical problem in Agricultural Science research.
3. Comprehend scientific literature directed at Agricultural Science.
4. Apply knowledge to practice by assessing land for suitability for agricultural activities.
5. Draw and interpret graphs, tables and diagrams illustrating scientific data and concepts, and understand basic concepts relating to the design and analysis of research in the Agricultural Sciences.
6. Communicate effectively about Agricultural Sciences to a range of audiences, both orally and in writing, using appropriate traditional and emerging media.
7. Engage actively and effectively in discussions of complex issues relevant to the Agricultural Sciences.
8. Demonstrate knowledge of development challenges faced by the Agricultural sector and appreciation of public-private sector partnerships in dealing with these challenges.

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

• Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
• Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• Demonstrate critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
• Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

Integrated Assessment

Continuous formative assessment mostly takes place in the form of assignments and tests, and may sometimes include portfolios or reports etc. Summative assessments are in the form of formal examinations. Oral presentations of less complex group research projects are also employed. The participation mark mostly forms 50% of the pass mark of the module.