Master of Science in Agriculture in Agricultural and Environmental Instrumentation

To produce graduates 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.

1. Sufficient exposure to physical Science or Biology.
2. An adequate level of development of knowledge and skills in mathematics.
3. Adequate literacy skills in English.

These can be demonstrated in the following ways

• 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.
• Alternative access programmes such as the Science Foundation Program (SFP).

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

1. To understand the use and application of environmental instrumentation in field investigations of the soil-plant-atmosphere system.
2. To be able to implement instrumentation technologies for the purpose of measurement and control strategies for field systems.
3. To be able to gather, analyse, interpret and synthesize appropriate information collected from field investigations using environmental instrumentation.
4. To be able to work co-operatively in a team in a problem-solving context.
5. To effectively communicate the above both orally and in written form.

1. Learners will 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.
2. All assessments are second examined with external examination for the research project.

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.

The research project, submitted in written form for examination, is specifically designed to assess the learners' integration of knowledge and skills learnt throughout the programme and to demonstrate the learners' competence in each of the five learning outcomes. In examining the research project, the examiner will determine if the student has demonstrated knowledge and instrumentation skills in the solution of a problem that has potential or immediate commercial value or assists in the management of environmental or agricultural resources.