Diploma in Animal Health

The purpose of this Diploma is to develop graduates who can demonstrate focused knowledge and skills in animal disease control that can be applied in the work environment during disease outbreaks. This programme includes a work integrated learning (WIL) component.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• Recognition of Prior Learning is given for previous relevant experience in the field of Animal Health. However, a candidate learner needs to provide a portfolio of evidence of prior learning acquired.
• A panel will then evaluate the portfolio with members representing Technikon SA, the Animal Health Industry and a representative of the students in the programme.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Diploma studies.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 5: 108 Credits

• Management IA, 12 Credits.
• End-User Computing I (Theory),12 Credits.
• Ethical Information and Communication Technologies for Development Solutions, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Agricultural Economics, 12 Credits.
• Pasteur and Nutrition, 12 Credits.
• Zootechnology II, 12 Credits.
• Anatomy and Physiology II, 12 Credits.
• Zootechnology II, 12 Credits.
• Anatomy and Physiology I, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 6: 180 Credits

• Management IB, 12 Credits.
• Community Extension Practice,12 Credits.
• Pharmacology and Toxicology: Animal Health 2, 12 Credits.
• Epidemiology 2,12 Credits.
• Epidemiology 1, 12 Credits.
• Pharmacology and Toxicology: Animal Health 1, 12 Credits.
• Animal Health Practice 2, 12 Credits.
• Animal Health Practice 1, 12 Credits.
• Animal Diseases 2, 12 Credits.
• Animal Diseases 1, 12 Credits.
• Introductory Landscape Design Techniques, 12 Credits.
• Veterinary Public Health 3, 12 Credits.
• Veterinary Public Health 3, 12 Credits.
• Animal Health Practice Portfolio (WIL) (Anh3605), 12 Credits.
• Animal Health Practice Portfolio (WIL) (Anh3604), 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 7: 72 Credits

• Non Controlled Diseases 4, 12 Credits.
• Epidemiology 3, 12 Credits.
• Animal Diseases 3, 12 Credits.
• Legislation: Health, 12 Credits.
• Environmental Awareness and Responsibility,12 Credits.
• Animal Health Practice TB/CA (WIL), 12 Credits.

1. Identify, analyse, formulate and solve convergent and divergent problems and issues related to Animal Health and related fields with minimal expert supervision.
2. Manage and organise activities and life responsibly and effectively, including own studies within the open and distance learning context.
3. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information, as required under peer supervision and mentoring.
4. Communicate effectively using visual, and/or language skills in the modes of oral and for written presentation, often in pieces of sustained discourse with minimal guidance.
5. Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the sustainable farming and environmental health.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the country as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
7. Acknowledging own responsibilities to those in the local and broader community.

Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit Level Outcomes

1. Describe and apply the principles of communication correctly during extension and liaison with clients.
2. Inspect facilities and animal products correctly to ensure compliance with the relevant Acts and Regulations.

• Prevent and control animal diseases effectively within the ward by applying appropriate legislative measures.

1. Apply veterinary, laboratory and zoo technological procedures correctly in support of the veterinarian.
2. Implement animal health strategies and manage animal production and reproduction programmes effectively.
3. Implement managerial and administrative procedures correctly.

• Manage human resources within the ward effectively.
• Plan and execute animal disease campaigns effectively.

6. Define, describe, apply and perform different Animal Health techniques correctly during

• Animal handling.
• Disease investigations.
• Animal treatment and first aid.

1. Collect, capture, process, analyse and evaluate information correctly, and utilise it effectively within ward.

Integrated Assessment

• Formative Assessment is done by means of activities in study guides, self-assessment questions in study guides and self-assessment assignments as well as written assignments that have to be submitted for assessment.
• The assignments are either in the form of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short questions, essays, or a combination, depending on the level of study.
• MCQs are largely used at first level. Students must submit at least two assignments for each module.
• The marks obtained for these assignments contribute a minimum of percentage towards the final mark for the module.
• The remaining mark is made up of the examination mark. Feedback on activities and self-assessment questions are provided in study guides and tutorial letters.
• Individual feedback on assignments is provided by assessors in marked assignments while general feedback on these assignments is provided in tutorial letters.
• Summative Assessment is conducted by means of a two- to three-hour examination per module. Feedback on Summative Assessment (examinations) is provided to individual students upon request.