Master of Science in Agriculture in Plant Production

Purpose

The qualification is a coursework and mini-dissertation or qualification by Full Dissertation. The purpose of the qualification is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge in plant production, at an advanced level, through supervised research. Learners should be able to undertake rigorous research and to communicate the results by means of a mini-dissertation or a full dissertation that meets internationally acceptable standards.

Rationale

To stimulate and prepare learners for further advanced study by the provision of required knowledge, skills and insight to develop as agricultural researchers on the highest academic levels and to provide South Africa with agricultural scientists who will have a clear and continuously growing understanding of the methods and progress of Plant Production and of their responsibilities to provide food and fibre in an economically viable sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

In addition to the admission requirements for Bachelor's degree as stipulated by the institution, the department of plant production will admit learners based on professional experience from industry (e.g. employment from crop research institutes). The department will evaluate the academic background and acquired expertise based on the merit of the case. The department committee after evaluation where necessary, will arrange oral/written interview for each applicant under this option. Certificates and testimonials may be required.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for this qualification are

• Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Plant Production, NQF Level 8.

This qualification comprises of compulsory full dissertation module and course work mini- dissertation and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Module for full dissertation Level 9, 180 Credits

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

Or

Compulsory Module and Electives for Course Work: 180 Credits

• Mini Dissertation, 60 Credits.

And

Elective Modules, Level 9, 120 Credits: (Select/choose modules totalling minimum of 120 Credits).

• Special Topics in Plant Breeding, 14 Credits.
• Chemical Analysis of Soils, Plant, Fertiliser and Water, 14 Credits.
• Project and Seminar Presentation, 14 Credits.
• Statistics, 14 Credits.
• Advances in Applied Crop Physiology, 14 Credits.
• Crop Production Systems, 14 Credits.
• Land Evaluation, 14 Credits.
• Advanced Plant Protection, 14 Credits.
• Special Topics in Crop Production, 14 Credits.
• Fertility and Fertiliser Use, 14 Credits.

1. Perform independent analysis of new data and problems using a wide range of appropriate methods and techniques.
2. Critically evaluate relevant literature and extrapolate implications beyond the given data.
3. Review evidence supporting conclusions critically and identify and define complex problems.
4. Use well-developed research skills confidently.
5. Interact and engage in debate with learning.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate clear data analytical skills inclusive of data transformations, sources of variance and mean separation using different approaches such as Tukey, Duncan or Fisher.
• Demonstrate technical capacity to plot or manipulate trends of data with well-defined linear/exponential explanatory equations.
• Show effective, clear comparison of results of data analysed using different techniques.
• Clean/calibrate newly acquired data sets throughout the research project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Compile dissertation consisting of a comprehensive literature review relative to title of research project.
• Show the implications of results in the broader field of study.
• Update continuously relevant literature and its interpretation in light of most recent developments in the field of research.
• Demonstrate logical knowledge gaps and projection of novel research directions.
• Critical demonstrate the soundness of research methodology applied in research project and similar studies in literature.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate quantitative and qualitative data management throughout the research project and in the dissertation.
• Critically and properly interpret results of statistical analyses.
• Demonstrate molecular data management, where applicable.
• Show appropriate interpretation of results of molecular data analyses where applicable in the dissertation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Apply proper experimental designs throughout research work and in dissertation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Present the research proposal to the School Board, School Higher Degrees Committee and at national/international scientific conferences.
• Submit an acceptable manuscript of research work to a peer-reviewed accredited scientific journal.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment of the outputs of the research project is an integral part of the curriculum training process. Assessment is systematically used to grade the quality of the outputs. In order to fairly assess the research outputs, the learner is expected to compile a full dissertation which will be evaluated by at least two external examiners who are experts in the field of study as well as at least one internal examiner per institution's policy. The assessment shall establish the preparedness of the learner to identify problems, conduct research and develop a solution within a specific field/area of Plant Production. Therefore, the completion of a dissertation based on the study topic in Plant Production shall be mandatory while a manuscript for a peer-reviewed article in a scientific shall be indicated either during or after completion of the study.