Postgraduate Diploma: Aquaculture

Purpose

Stellenbosch University (SU) is the only tertiary institution in South and Southern Africa that presents a dedicated undergraduate qualification in Aquaculture, currently as part of the four year Bachelor of Science: Agriculture, Degree in Animal Production. Learners with Degrees from other academic institutions, including other universities, technical universities and agricultural colleges, do not usually qualify for enrolment into the Aquaculture Postgraduate qualification of SU, due to the lack of undergraduate training in aquaculture. This Postgraduate Diploma: Aquaculture is therefore designed to:

• Provide an opportunity to learners from other tertiary institutions to receive dedicated training and to obtain a formal qualification in Aquaculture.
• Provide a pathway to learners from other tertiary institutions to enter into the Aquaculture Postgraduate qualification of SU.

The objective of this qualification is therefore to provide broader access to and an improved career path in Aquaculture.

Rationale

Aquaculture is the fastest growing food sector in the world with an average growth rate of over eight percent per year over the past five decades (FAO 2006). Other than the fast developing regions of South-East Asia and South America, Africa is lagging behind in its contribution of less than one percent of global aquaculture production. The slow development of aquaculture in Africa is not due to a lack of resources, but could rather be attributed to slow economic growth (per se), political instability, limited access to markets and lack of skills. South Africa contributes less than five percent of aquaculture production in Africa, yet is seen to play a leading role in regional development through services, reconstruction and development and training. The opportunity exists for aquaculture to make a meaningful contribution to food security on the continent as well as to contribute to economic development in supplying global markets. Training in aquaculture, within the context of Africa's requirements, remains fundamental to future development of the industry on the continent.

Stellenbosch University is the only tertiary institution in South Africa, and together with Bunda College, Malawi, are the only institutions in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region that are providing undergraduate training in Aquaculture. This limited undergraduate training platform is not providing sufficient opportunity to graduates to obtain expertise in aquaculture and to contribute to and participate in the development of the industry in SA, SADC and the rest of Africa.

The Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) will therefore offer an opportunity to graduates in Natural Sciences from other institutions, as well as from Stellenbosch University, to obtain an appropriate qualification in Aquaculture. The Postgraduate Diploma: Aquaculture will be presented on both a residential and distance learning basis, thereby improving access and affordability.

The qualification will provide for the needs of industry and government departments in providing scientists with specialist training in Aquaculture, whilst the qualification may also enhance entrepreneurial opportunities amongst graduates.

It is expected and assumed that learners should

• Be able to read and critically evaluate academic texts in English and communicate information and their own ideas orally and in written text that is grammatically correct, well structured, clear and concise, using accepted standards of scientific and academic writing at NQF Level 7.
• Be competent in the general theoretical, practical, professional and academic knowledge and understanding developed in learning at NQF Level 7.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is applied for learners who do not have formal academic achievement to gain access to a particular qualification. Proven expertise and competency will be considered. Learners may apply for exemption from certain modules on grounds of prior qualifications or study achieved.

Access to the Qualification

Learners with the following will gain access to the qualification

• Bachelor of Technology or Bachelor of Science Degree: Natural Sciences, from an accredited institution.
• Bachelor of Science Degree: Agricultural Sciences, from an accredited institution.
• Appropriate (Animal Science, Production or Husbandry) Bachelors Degrees' from international institutions.

The qualification consists of eight compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 worth a total of 120 Credits.

Modules

• Aquaculture Production and Management Systems I, 16 Credits.
• Aquaculture Production and Management Systems II, 16 Credits.
• Aquaculture Review, Assessment and Project Development I, 16 Credits.
• Aquaculture Review, Assessment and Project Development II, 16 Credits.
• Aquaculture Ecology, 16 Credits.
• Aquaculture Nutrition, 16 Credits.
• Aquaculture Products, 16 Credits.
• Animal Science, 8 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of assessment, planning, implementation and management of aquaculture projects.
2. Apply subject specific theories, paradigms, concepts and principles within the agricultural science environment.
3. Identify critical factors impacting on practical problems to be investigated from the perspective of the discipline.
4. Show an understanding of the interdisciplinary relationships within the agricultural management sciences and of practical agribusiness management.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

The qualification offers the opportunity to develop all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes.

• The managerial challenges of an aquaculture farming operation are demonstrated.
• Implementable aquaculture project and management plans are developed.
• The criteria for the choice of species is explained.
• Advanced biology and ecological requirements of candidate species are explained.
• A production plan for aquaculture species is developed.
• Appropriate production and management systems are assessed.
• Site assessment and selection processes are conducted.
• Budget and financial models for an aquaculture operation are developed.
• Market assessment and development of a marketing plan for an aquaculture species is conducted.
• The risk assessment procedure for Aquaculture is described.
• Good nutritional practices and good environmental management are practiced to achieve the resultant desired outcomes.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Assessment is appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved. The following methods of assessment are employed:

• Compulsory modules: A minimum of four formal assessments/tests. Tasks and assignments are also incorporated.
• Optional modules: A minimum of one test, three assignments and a final exam.
• All modules with regular assessment: Two written tests, one practical assignment (predicate 40%) and one written exam (60%).
• All modules with continuous assessment: Four to five assessments consisting of written tests, practical and other assignments such as seminar and scientific presentation and an oral final examination (even weights).