Postgraduate Diploma: Animal Sciences

Purpose

The Postgraduate Diploma: Animal Sciences is designed to broaden access for students from various backgrounds with various appropriate three-year Bachelor's Degrees, to strengthen and deepen their knowledge in the discipline of Animal Sciences and to encourage further postgraduate studies.

A high level of theoretical engagement will be demanded from students. They will be introduced to research methodology, with the concomitant development of writing and presentation skills.

Rationale

Stellenbosch University has been offering a 240 Credits Master of Philosophy: Animal Sciences Degree, which follows directly on a 360 Credits Bachelor's Degree, for some time. In order to align the existing 240 Credit Master's qualification with the Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF), this new Postgraduate Diploma: Animal Sciences is being introduced. It is the formalisation of the first part of the existing Master's qualification into a separate qualification. The existing Master of Philosophy: Animal Sciences will continue to be offered, but reformatted for 180 credits, as required by the HEQF for a Master's Degree.

Students entering this qualification are assumed to be able to communicate, read and write in the language of tuition at an academic level equivalent to NQF Level 7.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Students may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the qualification by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence which may include, verified accounts of previous relevant work done and performance records and which evidence is in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Faculty.

Access to the Qualification

Applicant students must be in possession of

• A three year Bachelor of Science or other relevant Bachelor's Degree.

Or

• A verified appropriate (animal science, production or husbandry) Bachelor's Degree from a recognised international institution.

Students will complete all 8 compulsory modules of 16 Credits each. Research methodology and a research project will be incorporated within the modules.

Modules

• Animal Nutrition Science 1.
• Animal Nutrition Science 2.
• Animal Breeding Science 1.
• Animal Breeding Science 2.
• Animal Management Science 1.
• Animal Management Science 2.
• Animal Management Science 3.
• Animal Science.

Total Credits for the qualification: 128.

1. Critically review current general trends in the field of animal science from a South African perspective.
2. Examine current theoretical approaches to animal nutrition, animal breeding and animal management.
3. Apply the principles of research to investigate an area of animal science.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

• Identifying and solving problems are demonstrated in the gathering and analysis of data.
• Team work is demonstrated in the ability to successfully gather information.
• Organising self is demonstrated in the successful presentation of a completed dissertation.
• Collating information is indicated in all the areas studied.
• Effective communicating is demonstrated through the ability to present a report.
• Utilising science and technology is clearly indicate in the gathering of information and the presentation of information analysed.
• Understanding the world as a set of related systems is indicated in the ability to contrast and compare current trends and applications.

These are applied generically to any or all of the Exit Level Outcomes

• The current thinking on animal science with regard to nutrition is explained.
• The control of animal parasites and pathogens is discussed in terms of maintaining healthy animals.
• The current approaches to animal breeding are discussed in terms of genetics.
• Current trends in animal management sciences are described.
• Current legislation pertaining to Animal Welfare and the application thereof is discussed.
• The concept of an Animal Ethics Committee is debated.
• The potential and limitations of the agricultural sector in terms of animal science to ensure international competitiveness is analysed.
• Applicable research is carried out in a scientific manner and a report is prepared and presented.

Integrated Assessment

Continuous assessment is carried out by means of four to five written tests and practical assignments, seminars and scientific presentations.

Summative assessment is carried out at the end of the period of learning and takes the form of an oral examination and a written examination.