Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Animal and Poultry Science

The agricultural industry, which underpins all aspects of the South African economy, requires applied scientists with high levels of knowledge and skills to help supply the population's spiralling demand for food from scarce resources. In support of the strengthening and developing of links between science and agriculture, the school of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness offers a professional qualification in Animal and Poultry Science which leads to Master of Science in Agriculture, and Doctor of Philosophy.

1. An adequate exposure to physical science or biology
2. An Adequate level of development of knowledge and skills in mathematics.
3. Adequate literacy skills in English
4. Continuation in, or access into, programmes at level 7 or above presupposes completion of the exit level requirements at level 6 at the required standard.

These can be demonstrate in a number of ways

a) Matriculation Exemption with at least 40 % at Higher Grade or at least 60 % at Standard Grade for Mathematics and at least 40% at Higher Grade or at least 60% at Standard Grade for Biology or Physical Science.

b) Alternative access programme such as the Science Foundation Programme (SFP)

1. Students who have completed a diploma at an Agricultural College or Technikon may be admitted, provided they meet the criteria above.
2. The SFP provides access to students who do not have a formal or adequate matric exemption

The achievement of this qualification means that the learner can

1. The student is able to communicate effectively with peers, in a variety of modes, in the discourse of the Animal and Poultry Sciences.
2. The student demonstrates responsible and effective time-management and organisation of projects and research, meeting personal objectives and negotiated deadlines.
3. The student is able to interact sympathetically, and with increasing self-confidence, as a member of a team or group in a variety of discussion and problem-solving situations.
4. The student is able to manage data and information effectively, through their collection, storage, analysis, synthesis, presentation and critical evaluation using a variety of valid and reliable methods and instruments.
5. The student exhibits a detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of discipline-specific theories, and comprehends both the interactions between the animal, its feed and the environment and the multidisciplinary nature of problems in world agriculture.
6. The student is able to face and manage problems encountered in animal production systems and agribusiness, through identification and definition of the problem, and use of critical analysis, appropriate methodology and theory to devise a number of responsible and creative problem-solving strategies.
7. The student uses metacognitive skills to reflect on the processes of learning and problem-solving, challenging assumptions made, testing for consistency in reasoning, and redefining hypotheses.
8. The student can participate as an effective and accountable Animal or Poultry Scientist, able to use science and technology responsibly and sensitive to the ethical role of animal production in issues such as sustainable resource management, cultural tradition, rural development and animal welfare.
9. The student exhibits many of the characteristics of a life-long learner, possessing a questioning and critical sense of curiosity, self-motivated, reflective, and capable of employing a range of metacognitive skills and learning strategies. The student shows an entrepreneurial awareness of the career opportunities available to an Animal or Poultry Scientist.
10. The student is a competent user of computer technology as a tool in visual presentations, storage and analysis of data and information, written and graphic work, and in modelling animal systems.

Assessment for applied competence is used increasingly in individual modules, culminating in two integrated assessment modules, prior to qualification.

1. Review paper and research project: Animal science 490. The first of these capstone modules involves an extended investigation into a specific aspect of Animal or Poultry Science and centres on a thorough literature search and a research project: Animal Science 490. Assessment criteria: The student meets deadlines set, in collecting, synthesising and critically evaluating new information and research data in a narrow field of specialisation. Findings are communicated imaginatively to peers, in written and oral format, including definition of the topic or problem, justification and contextualisation of the research conducted and defence of the conclusions reached. The Animal Ethics Sub-Committee accepts the student's research protocol. Competent use of computer technology is shown in all aspects of information and data management, and presentations. Reflection on the learning strategies, personal organisation, theory and methodology used in this module is critical and self-evaluating. The student participates actively in meetings with professional Animal and Poultry Scientists and gains practical experience of a range of career opportunities in the applied Sciences.
2. Capstone: Animal Science 480. Assessment criteria: The student meets deadlines set and shows competent use of computer technology in completing a number of group projects. The student classifies information from animal and poultry production enterprises and relates this classification to the managerial functions of problem identification, analysis and planning, and decision-making. The student produces work in which operations research principles are applied to information from production enterprises and used in making decisions based on choice and/or optimisation. The student creates simulation models using physical, biological and economic information in a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving in the animal and poultry industries. The student, as part of a group, completes a business plan, which demonstrates entrepreneurial spirit and responsible use of Science and technology.

Integrated assessment

The university of Natal is currently reforming its assessment strategies to include the assessment of applied competence for each qualification. In the meantime, a combination of continuous assessment and traditional written examinations serve to assess the integration of all/most of the learning outcomes for each module in a qualification

Specific assessment methods

1. An extended investigation into a specific aspect of Animal and Poultry Science, centering on a thorough literature search and a research project: Animal Science 490

Assessment methods used with these criteria are: submission of a review paper, two formal oral presentations (formative exercise in preparation skills), a research project, submission of a scientific paper on the research findings, a reflective essay on the learning process and completion of two months practical experience in animal handling and farm operation. Self- and peer-assessment form an integral part of the assessment procedure. The scientific papers and its presentation are externally assessed

1. Capstone: Animal Science 480

Assessment methods used with these criteria are: database design, spreadsheet design (for simulation exercises) oral and written presentation of reports, a business plan, and a formal summative examination. Self-and peer-assessment form an integral part of the assessment procedure.