Postgraduate Diploma in Agronomy

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to allow learners who do not have a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Agronomy as a first Degree to systematically review the current thinking, practices and research methods related to the Agronomy Industry and to obtain a post graduate qualification. This will enable them to perform better in a work situation where they are confronted with production problems related to agronomical crops.

After completion of the qualification, learners will

• Be able to identify, select and cultivate appropriate crops for various extensive and intensive conditions.
• Know how to manage crops and natural veld for sustainable, high quality products.
• Know how to harvest these products in the most appropriate way.
• Be able to define a research problem, select appropriate research methodology, design and conduct research, analyse and interpret data, formulate scientific recommendations and draw conclusions about the research problem.

Rationale

Learners graduating from Agricultural Training Institutes who want to continue with further studies in the discipline of Agronomy, but who want a more practical and general learning experience than that offered by an Honours degree, will find this qualification satisfies their needs.

This qualification will align the current qualification with those of other providers and will make it possible for prospective learners to apply to gain entrance into related postgraduate qualifications.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL allows for the admission to the qualification of students who do not meet their minimum entry requirements and for the awarding of Credits towards the qualification for students who have gained relevant knowledge through formal and informal means.

The RPL process is as follows

• A learner applies for admission as if under "normal" application procedures.
• At the same time the learner also applies for Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) in writing to the chairperson of the relevant centre.
• The chairperson of the centre discusses the merits of the application with lecturers where applicable, or with the programme co-ordinator, depending on the nature of the application. If no Faculty decision is required, the centre chair communicates with the learner in this respect.
• If there seems to be potential for success and a Faculty decision is required, the application is referred by the relevant department to the ARPL Faculty Committee. The process to be followed is communicated to the learner. If the potential success of the application appears to be low, this is also communicated in writing to the learner via the faculty secretary.
• The ARPL Committee might request additional information from and/or a personal interview with the learner where applicable.
• The ARPL Committee provides the learner with guidelines to compile an ARPL portfolio if applicable.
• The ARPL Committee considers and assesses the evidence, consults with staff or other stakeholders if needed and makes a recommendation in writing to the Faculty Committee. The relevant centre chair and programme chair are informed about the recommendation.
• The Faculty Committee considers the recommendation of the ARPL Committee and either refers it back for further consideration or recommends it to the Faculty Board for approval.
• The learner is informed of the decision of the Faculty Board via the Faculty Secretary.
• Both the learner and the centre/programme committee are entitled to lodge an appeal to the chair of the ARPL committee should they consider the decision of the Faculty Board or the process unreasonable.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entrance requirement is

• Bachelor of Agriculture, at NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Technology in Agriculture, at NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of six compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Modules

• Crops for extensive production systems, 18 Credits.
• Physiological and ecological principles of natural pasture management, 18 Credits.
• Weed management systems, 18 Credits.
• Production physiology and technology for annual agronomical crops, 18 Credits.
• Intensive crop production systems, 18 Credits.
• Agronomy science project, 30 Credits.

1. Identify, select and cultivate appropriate crops for various extensive and intensive conditions.
2. Manage crops and natural veld for sustainable, high quality products and harvest these products in the most appropriate way.
3. Carry out independent research work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The most important annual agronomic crops for a particular climatic region as well as potential food, fibre, medicinal and industrial crops are identified.
• The soil and climatic requirements for the production of such crops are described.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Ecological processes involved in development of different biomes and veld types are manipulated.
• Veld sustainably is managed through the application of the knowledge about physiology of grazing plants.
• Common grasses are identified by means of an identification key.
• Aspects such as veld burning, bush encroachment, soil erosion etc. are managed and explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• A research problem is defined.
• An appropriate research methodology is selected.
• A research is designed and conducted.
• Data is analysed and interpreted.
• Conclusions are drawn about the research problem.
• Research findings are reported on orally and in writing.

Integrated Assessment

Evaluation will be based on continuous assessment in some modules, where learners are assessed on progress before continuing with new work. At least four assessment opportunities are allowed per module and marks are allocated based on an average of these evaluation opportunities. Depending on the different modules, assessment opportunities will consist of theory tests (at least 2), writing and presentation of seminars, carrying out, writing up and presentation of research assignments, practical assignments, summarizing and presenting prescribed course work and practical tests. In other modules the evaluation is based on class marks and examination marks. The class marks contribute 40% to the final mark while the exam mark contributes 60%. The class marks are based on at least four assessment opportunities which include two theory tests and depending on the module, practical tests, seminars and practical assignments.