Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Plant Pathology

To produce graduates that at the BScAgric level have a broad background and have specialist knowledge and skills in the main discipline of Plant Pathology.

Rules of access and entry requirements for the programme (learning assumed to be in place prior to entry into the programme):

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 demonstrated 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 programmes 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.Understand the fundamentals of applied plant science, namely: soil/plant/atmosphere interactions and management; plant genetics, biochemistry and physiology; interactions of plants with pathogens/pests/weeds and management thereof; plant propagation; plant nutrition; crop production and utilization; and analysis and interpretation of statistical data.

1. Develop generalist to specialist knowledge of, and practical skills in, a chosen qualification or combination of qualifications available within the programme.
2. Through prescribed modules, develop effective: time management and organisational skills; interpersonal skills in order to work effectively in small to large groups; computer literacy skills (specific modules prescribed); data management, analysis and interpretation skills; information retrieval; management and critical synthesis skills; written and oral communication skills.
3. Appreciate the long tradition of the philosophy of scientific enquiry and discovery.
4. Have due regard and respect for the environment and the importance of conducting agricultural research and production in a sustainable fashion.
5. Have due regard and respect for the cultural and aesthetic values of human communities.
6. Be ethical, creative and critical scientists, managers and businessmen in agriculture.
7. Understand the basic principles involved in agricultural economics and business.
8. Be able to build on the fundamental principles and skills developed in their qualification in order to keep abreast (if not ahead) of developments in their field of expertise. Should also be able to adapt and apply the fundamental principles and skills of their qualification to other fields if necessary thereby demonstrating capacity for life-long learning.

Holistically across modules, learners will

1. Demonstrate a satisfactory generalist to specialist understanding of the principles of the chosen qualification commensurate with the level of graduation
2. Demonstrate satisfactory generalist to specialist practical skills within the chosen qualification commensurate with the level of graduation.
3. Demonstrate satisfactory data analysis and interpretation skills commensurate with the level of graduation.
4. Demonstrate satisfactory written and oral skills commensurate with the level of graduation.
5. Demonstrate satisfactory creative problem solving skills, common sense, self-discipline, self-motivation, and intellectual curiosity commensurate with the level of graduation.

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.

Integrated assessment criteria and methods (designed to capture learner capability/applied competence at certain exit points)

1. Each module offered within a qualification has specified assessment criteria, which will contribute holistically to producing the desired skills in graduates at the different exit points.
2. All students at fourth year have to complete a research project, which enables moderators to assess the learners' competence in many of SAQA's critical outcomes.
3. As mentioned SAQA's critical outcomes are addressed and assessed across all modules comprising a qualification.
4. In addition, as each qualification offered in this programme provides the graduate with a professional qualification there are specific skills required by the job market that are imparted and assessed in specific component modules.