Master of Science in Agriculture in Agricultural and Environmental Instrumentation

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to undertake multidisciplinary research in the field of Agricultural and Environmental Instrumentation. This would contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level fostering innovation and technological advancement for sustainable development; prepare Agricultural Science learners for advanced and specialised professional employment as well as to provide specialised continuing professional development for professionals in industry/government.

Rationale

The qualification will produce learners who have technological skills training in the area of agricultural and environmental instrumentation -sufficient to apply these skills in micrometeorological investigations of field and confined environments. Included in this are the necessary skills training to investigate the movement of energy and water in the soil-plant-atmosphere continuum using sophisticated field-based technologies. The qualification will provide learner specialists who are able to engage critically in current in-depth debates concerning initiatives on sustainable development and environmental management strategies in particular. They should be able to engage critically on specific environmental strategies for future planning.

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 qualification of the institution.

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 or in full. An applicant who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is the

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture, Level 8.

This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling at 192 Credits.

Compulsory Module, Level 9, 96 Credits

• Agriculture/Environment Instrumentation Research, 96 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 9, 96 Credits

• Evaporation Estimation, 8 Credits.
• Evaporation Estimation, 16 Credits.
• Digital Data Treatment, and Representation, 8 Credits.
• AWS Measurement and Control Technologies, 8 Credits.
• Modelling Exchanges in the SPAC System 1, 8 Credits.
• Automatic Weather Station Technologies, 8 Credits.
• Environmental Temperature and Radiation, 8 Credits.
• Heat Pulse Measurement in Plants & Soils, 8 Credits.
• AWS Measurement and Control Technologies, 8 Credits.
• Automatic Weather Station Technologies 1, 16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of Agrometeorological processes and how these can be managed in the context of potential agricultural and environmental impacts created by disturbances within the natural environment.
2. Critically assess Agrometeorological processes.
3. Plan a research project, assess the methodological approach(es) required, including the technical aspects/instrumentation required for adequate monitoring, in the short and long term.
4. Conduct research on the policy, management, nature of potential impacts and possible mitigations required in terms of management strategies and appropriate technology for the South African/African context with the aim to disseminate best practice and provide innovation and scientific advancement.

• Demonstrate their ability and proficiency in each of the five learning outcomes. These are tested via examination in each module (which can also qualify for stand-alone certificates if passed) and the examination of the research project.
• Examine all the assessment with external examination for the research project.

Integrated Assessment

All modules have been designed to achieve specific skills/knowledge and value outcomes. Each module has a test at the end of the weeklong lecture/contact period, continuous assessment-type of assignments in the self-learning component (tests and assignments generally each contributing 20% of the mark) for the course and a final exam, which generally constitutes 60% of the overall mark. The five requirements for a Masters dissertation will be tested in a formative way in the research dissertation component by means of an examination of the manuscript by one internal and one external examiner. In order for the assessment purposes to be achieved, group and class assignments, tests and examinations, integrated written and/or oral presentation of assignments will form part of assessment methods. All modules are continuous assessment-based through assignments/tests and the design project (when relevant) that the learners have to do independently from the instructor; they may choose to do them individually or in groups. This will be applied to the dissertation in particular. The five requirements for a Master's dissertation will be tested in a formative way in the research dissertation component by means of initial comments on drafts of the work, followed by formal examination of the manuscript by one internal and one external examiner.