Master of Science in Agriculture in Soil Science

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with specialised knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of Soil Science, that provide for continued personal intellectual growth by means of supervised research, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society.

Rationale

The rationale of this qualification is to provide southern Africa with Soil Science specialists, who will have a clear understanding of the soil, based on the sound knowledge and understanding of mathematics, chemistry and physics.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for this qualification.

• Bachelor Honours Degree, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8.
• Postgraduate Diploma in Soil Science, NQF Level 8.

This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits

• Research and Dissertation, 180 Credits.

Or

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 60 Credits

• Mini Dissertation, 60 Credits.

And

Elective Modules, Level 9, 120 Credits

• Soil Technology and Conservation, 14 Credits.
• Fertility and Fertiliser Use, 14 Credits.
• Chemical Analysis of Soils, Plant, Fertiliser and Water, 14 Credits.
• Project and Seminar Presentation, 14 Credits.
• Soil Physics, 14 Credits.
• Soil Chemistry and Clay Mineralogy, 14 Credits.
• Soil Genesis, Survey and Classification, 14 Credits.
• Advances in Applied Crop Physiology, 14 Credits.
• Statistics, 14 Credits.
• Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 14 Credits.

1. Advanced knowledge and understand the principles and practices of the various fields of Soil Science.
2. Do research under leadership of a member of staff, and have the specialised skills required identifying problems and developing solutions in the field of Soil Science.
3. Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking.
4. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community.
5. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
6. Demonstrate an understanding the world as a set of related systems by recognising that the problem-solving context do not exist in isolation.
7. Explore education and career opportunities.
8. Develop entrepreneurial opportunities.
9. Communicate effectively, using visual mathematical and language skill in the modes of oral and written persuasion.
10. Demonstrate an understanding of the economic world in context as a dynamic interactive world that does not exist in isolation.
11. Demonstrate effective and responsible decision-making.
12. Stimulate and develop thinking patterns involving creativity.
13. Interpret information received via the media.
14. Use technology effectively and responsibly.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate their ability and proficiency in each of the outcomes through regular progress research reports approved by the school.
• Examine dissertation comprehensively
• A successful acceptance of a research paper to an accredited journal.
• Develop a criterion for evaluating a dissertation to be approved by the Senate.
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of research methodologies, technologies and techniques, pertaining to the area of Soil Science.
• Demonstrate mastery of the application of research methods technologies and techniques.
• Undertake a research project and write a dissertation and paper under supervision.
• Demonstrate information retrieval and processing skills as well as identification, analysis, synthesis and independent evaluation of qualitative or quantitative data.
• Undertake a study of literature and current research in the area of specialisation.
• Effectively present and communicate research findings.
• Read and retrieve information in the library and the Internet; work with reduced supervision.
• Demonstrate ability critically read current literature in the field, interpret and analyse literature.
• Interact with increasing self- confidence, as a member of a team or group in a variety of discussion and problem-solving situations in Soil Science.

Integrated Assessment

Through integrated assessment the learner will be required to demonstrate applied competence using a range of formative and summative assessment methods including assignments, Seminars, practical reports and exams, where applicable. Assessment of the dissertation will be particularly important. Assessment is an integral part of the teaching and learning process and is systematically and purposefully used to generate data for grading, ranking, selecting and predicting, and providing timely feedback to inform teaching and learning and to improve the curriculum. In order for the assessment purposes pertaining, grading, ranking, selecting and predicting, and for providing timely feedback to inform teaching and learning and to improve the curriculum and determine the ability of the student to be able to identify problems, conduct research and develop a solution within a specific field/area of Soil Science to be achieved, formative and summative will form part of assessment methods.