Postgraduate Diploma in Crop Sciences

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is academic broadening and deepening of the scope of knowledge and skills in terms of the Fruit and Vegetable Crops, Agronomy, Crop Protection, Soil and Irrigation Science, and Post-Harvest Technology. It is therefore suitable for continuing specialisation by reiterating the deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and methodology in the field of Crop Sciences.

Qualifying learners will be able to innovatively contribute to the production of high quality foods and post-harvest handling of produce to ensure food security for all South Africans; and to engage in research to solve complex problems in crop sciences. In addition, they will be able to demonstrate their ability to identify and analyse the problem, formulate, undertake and solve using appropriate methods and techniques in the chosen field of specialisation. The course design comprises theory and practical applications, with a focus on improving current crop production systems for increased productivity and qualities within South African and International arenas. The qualification will articulate to Master of Agricultural Sciences.

Rationale

The qualification is designed to prepare learners for work in complex and sophisticated areas in crop production, soil and irrigation, and post-harvest technology, since they would have gained in-depth knowledge as required by the industry.

Qualifying learners are expected to work as specialised technicians, managers and senior extension officers in both private and public sectors.

Qualifying learners will be able to progress to the Master of Agricultural Sciences at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9.

Based on current trends in the tertiary education sector, the dominant group of learners in the Postgraduate Diploma in Crop Sciences is expected to consist of mostly young people without much formal work experience, who have proceeded directly from Advanced Diploma in Crop Sciences or equivalent and who seek to attain a Level 8 qualification to improve their employability. A minority group is expected to comprise people who are working and who seek to advance their knowledge and skills in a particular discipline of agriculture for which there exist career opportunities. Qualifying learners are expected to work as specialised technicians, managers and senior extension officers in both private and public sectors.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Crop Sciences at NQF Level 8 follows on the Advanced Diploma in Crop Sciences (NQF Level 7), and qualifying learners will be able to progress to the Master of Agricultural Sciences at NQF Level 9. Since the Postgraduate Diploma is discipline-specific, the choice of discipline the learners make will have to be aligned with that selected in the Advanced Diploma in Crop Sciences. The qualification will consist of five (5) modules, three of them compulsory (Research Methodology and Ethics, Postgraduate Research Project, Biometry) and two (2) electives (Post-Harvest Technology, Agronomy, Crop Protection, Soil and Irrigation Science, Fruit and Vegetable Crops). The Postgraduate Diploma in Crop Sciences will prepare qualifying learners for work in complex and sophisticated areas in crop production, soil and irrigation, and post-harvest technology, since they would have gained in-depth knowledge as required by the industry.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Prior-learning and/or experience relevant to the field of Agriculture will be evaluated and considered for access to this qualification. The specific relevant documentation will be requested from these applicants, and these cases will be handled on an individual basis.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Agriculture or Crop Sciences, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7, 120 Credits.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and/or elective modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules: 48 Credits

• Research Methodology and Ethics, 12 Credits.
• Postgraduate Research Project, 24 Credits.
• Biometrics, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules, 72 Credits (Choose two)

• Special Topics in Fruit and Vegetable Crops, 36 Credits.
• Special Topics in Agronomy, 36 Credits.
• Special Topics in Crop Protection, 36 Credits.
• Special Topics in Soil and Irrigation Science, 36 Credits.
• Special Topics in Post-Harvest Technology, 36 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to Crop Sciences; and the ability to apply such knowledge.
2. Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in Crop Sciences and evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities and uncertainties of selecting, applying or transferring appropriate standard procedures, processes or techniques to unfamiliar problems in Crop Sciences.
4. Use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to Crop Sciences.
5. Identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems in Crop Sciences.
6. Critically review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation and management processes in Crop Sciences in order to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
7. Present and communicate academic, professional or occupational ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to Crop Sciences.

The Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.

• Integrated knowledge in the field of Crop Sciences is evaluated and applied for efficacy and value according to relevant evaluation criteria and to ensure that these relate to other Applied Sciences disciplines.
• Crop related terminologies, concepts descriptions, principles, rules and theories are evaluated and critiqued to understand the role of Crop Sciences in the Applied Sciences environment.
• Appropriate processes of information gathering in Crop Sciences are identified and developed to access and manage the information including questioning, observation, study of existing documents, questionnaires.
• Sources of information in Crop Sciences are evaluated to independently validate its significance in the field of Crop Sciences.
• Methods of enquiry and their suitability in Crop Sciences are investigated to solve Crop related problems by acquiring new knowledge and integrating previous knowledge in Crop Sciences.
• Evidence-based solutions are identified by integration of scientific expertise and relevant research evidence to introduce change within Crop Sciences settings.
• Professional and ethical values and approaches are evaluated to justify decisions and actions within Crop Sciences environment with reference to the scope of practice.
• Principles and practices of ethical accountability in Crop Sciences are explored by evaluating Crop ethics to take responsibility for internal standards of individual and group conduct.
• Ideas and views are discussed to provide appropriate work-related dialogue in Crop Sciences setting.
• Independent ideas and opinions are critiqued to present well-formed arguments using appropriate academic, professional or work-related dialogue in Crop Sciences setting.
• Information exchange between Crop Sciences disciplines are critically evaluated in the forms of speaking, writing or using other means of communication.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment will thus mainly involve integrated types of assessment, used to inform learners about their progress on a continuous basis throughout the semester. Self and peer assessment (with the aid of relevant analytical assessment tools) will contribute to formative assessment. Marks collected from this evidence may be recorded for promotional purposes or may be used for the sole purpose of learner and lecturer reflection, growth and development. Formative Assessment will be used to support the learner developmentally and to provide feedback to all involved in the learning process of how teaching and learning can be improved. Throughout the qualification, Formative Assessment strategies will be used to ensure that exit level and critical cross-field outcomes are achieved, which include (but not limited to):

• Assignments.
• Demonstrations.
• Presentations.
• Tests.
• And/or any other applicable methods required within a specific teaching and learning experience.

Summative Assessment will involve assessment opportunities that take place at the end of a learning experience. Information will be gathered about a learner's level of competence upon completion of a unit, module or qualification. Results may be expressed in marks and in terms of the level of competence achieved, with regard to level descriptors, specific outcomes and assessment standards. This type of assessment is used for promotional purposes and does take the form of (including, but not limited to):

• Examinations (theoretical).
• Portfolios.
• Presentations.
• Tests.