Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Soil Science

Purpose

To produce learners with an understanding of soil science who are able to manage soil and water resources in order to (a) minimize or rehabilitate industrial environmental disturbance and contamination and (b) manage agricultural and horticultural production systems in a sustainable manner.

Rationale

Typical learners will matriculants who have met the entry requirements into the qualification BSc Agriculture and are keen to major in the discipline of Soil Science:

• Learners who complete the Degree will be able to provide guidance on various aspects of soil science in agriculture.
• Agriculture has been identified as one of the significant areas for growth in South Africa (Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Qualification-NEPAD -July 2003 ISBN 0- 620-30700-5).
• Agriculture is seen as an area that can help reduce poverty in South Africa (National Skills Development Strategy draft document NSDS 2005-09 (18-19 March 2004)).
• Qualified learners will be able to enter a masters qualification in Agriculture in Soil Science.
• The learner will be able to think critically and help solve problems together with communities.
• Learners who qualify will contribute to the poverty reduction and household food security initiative in this country.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved RPL policy which will be applied as necessary when the need arises. In this case, the following will be considered:

• Sufficient exposure to general Science and Biology.
• An adequate level of development of knowledge and skills in mathematics.
• Adequate literacy skills in English.

Students who have completed a Diploma at an Agricultural college or Technikon may be admitted, provided they meet the criteria as set.

Entry Requirements

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's studies with Mathematics, Physical Science and Life Sciences or Agriculture.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, with endorsement as well as Mathematics and Physical Science, and either Agricultural Science or Biology.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 483 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 5

• Cell Biology, 12 Credits.
• General Chemistry for the Applied Sciences, 12 Credits.
• Basic Microeconomics ECO 1541, 12 Credits.
• English Communication Skills ECS 1541, 12 Credits.
• Mathematics for Life and Earth Sciences, 12 Credits.
• Physics for Environmental and Agricultural Sciences, 12 Credits.
• Agriculture and Humankind, 9 Credits.
• Ecology, Adaptation and Evolution, 12 Credits.
• Inorganic Chemistry for Applied Sciences, 6 Credits.
• Organic Chemistry for the Applied Sciences, 6 Credits.
• Basic Macroeconomics 1641, 12 Credits.
• English Communication Skills 1645, 12 Credits.
• The Genetic Basis of Plant and Animal Breeding, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 6

• Agriculture and Humankind AGR 1631, 9 Credits.
• Ecology, Adaptation and Evolution BIO 1643, 12 Credits.
• Inorganic Chemistry for Applied Sciences CHE 1621, 6 Credits.
• Organic Chemistry for the Applied Sciences CHE 1622, 6 Credits.
• Basic Macroeconomics ECO 1641, 12 Credits.
• English Communication Skills ECS 1645, 12 Credits.
• Agro-meteorology ARE 2631, 9 Credits.
• Introduction to Agricultural Mechanization ARE 2641, 12 Credits.
• Analytical chemistry CHE 2620, 6 Credits.
• Geology for Soil Science SSC 2642, 12 Credits.
• Basic Statistical Inference STA 1649, 12 Credits.
• Computer Literacy CPL 0621, 0 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 7

• Principles and applications of plant physiology in plant production AGR 3541, 12 Credits.
• Principles of Irrigation and Drainage ARE 3547, 16 Credits.
• Soil and Water Conservation ARE 3548, 8 Credits.
• Soil Chemistry SSC 3542, 12 Credits.
• Pedology SSC 3543, 12 Credits.
• Soil Physics SSC 3544, 12 Credits.
• Dryland Framing Technology AGR 3631, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Agricultural Extension EXT 3641, 12 Credits.
• Soil Survey, Classification and Mapping SSC 3641, 12 Credits.
• Soil Microbiology SSC 3642, 12 Credits.
• Research Methodology 364, 12, Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 8

• Soil-Plant-Water Relationships SSC 4541, 12 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning WIL 4582, 30 Credits.
• Project and Seminar Presentation SSC 4081, 15 Credits.
• Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition SSC 4641, 12 Credits.
• Land Evaluation SSC 4644, 12 Credits.
• Project and Seminar Presentation SSC 4081, 15 Credits.
• Soil, water and plant analysis SSC 4645, 12 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship CRD, 4641, 12 Credits.

1. Learners from this qualification will be able to demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic grasp of the discipline's body of knowledge, with specialist knowledge in the area of Soil Science.
2. Communicate effectively with peers, in a variety of modes, in the subject of Soil Science.
3. Demonstrate responsible and effective time-management and organization of projects, meeting personal objectives and negotiated deadlines.
4. Demonstrate effective management of data and information.
5. Exhibit a detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of Soil Science discipline-specific theories, and comprehends both the interactions between Soil Science and the Agricultural environment and the multidisciplinary nature of problems associated with Soils in Agricultural production and environmental management.
6. Exhibit the necessary skills to successfully carry out a research project of limited scope. The learner will submit a Mini-dissertation on or before the expiry of the maximum period set for the qualification as per the university rules and regulations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• To understand soil chemical, biological and physical properties and processes and the interaction between them.
• To understand how to use existing soil resources most effectively and how to manage chemical, biological and physical soil processes for sustainable environmental management and/or sustainable agricultural production.
• To be able to implement soil management strategies to improve environmental quality and/or agrarian sustainability.
• To be able to gather, analyse, interpret and synthesise appropriate information on soil properties, processes and management.
• To effectively communicate the above in both oral and written form.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Participate and interact intelligently in class discussions and presentations.
• Write and present mini-seminars; iii Prepare assignments.
• Participate effectively in oral presentations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Submit assignments and reports in an acceptable format according to clear guidelines.
• Submit assignments and reports and meet deadlines.
• Adhere to time lines, as indicated in the research proposal.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Ability to collect relevant data effectively.
• Store data electronically.
• Demonstrate ability to analyses, synthesize, present and critically evaluate data and information, using a variety of analytical methods and techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Do independent reading and information retrieval in the library and the Internet; work with reduced supervision.
• The learner demonstrates the ability critically read current literature in the field, interpret and analyse literature.
• Ability interacts with increasing self- confidence, as a member of a team or group in a variety of discussion and problem- solving situations in Soil Science.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Identification of the key research questions.
• Description of the method/procedures and techniques to be followed.
• Collect, analyse and interpret the data.
• Write up the results in a clear, concise and acceptable manner.

Integrated Assessment

In the first 3 or 4 years of study (bachelors) each module will be assessed thus: Continuous assessment of content (60%), Examinations of content (40%).

A learner must acquire a minimum of 40% in each of the two components of assessment. To qualify for the examination a learner must have obtained 40% in the continuous evaluation (tests, assignments and projects).

Subject to the respective rules, learners for Postgraduate Degrees will only be assessed in a particular module if they attended lectures, tutorials and prescribed practical's satisfactorily and obtained a semester mark of 50%.

Learners are not entitled to their assessment results unless they have paid the prescribed fees.

A learner must attain a minimum of 50% pass in each of the components of assessment. A learner who fails one of these components will be allowed to repeat only that component. The written examination component will be conducted during the next normal examination period for that specific module.

All written examinations will be taken only during formal examination sessions.

A mini-dissertation / research report for honours learners will not exceed 60 pages. Progress must be kept by both the supervisor and the Head of department, and a report must be produced every semester. This report must serve at the respective school boards through the School's Postgraduate Studies Committee at the end of every semester. Each school shall submit their reports to the Dean who will, in turn, submit these reports to Senate.

All examination reports will be approved by the respective departments. These reports should be submitted to the School Postgraduate Studies Committee. The Committee should then forward these reports to Senate for ratification.

A learner who fails the mini-dissertation will be allowed to resubmit within a period not exceeding 6 months.

Learners must submit five bound copies of the final mini-dissertation to their departments for onward transmission to the Examination Section. These mini-dissertations must be hardbound after finalization.