Postgraduate Diploma in Pesticide Risk Management

Purpose

The primary purpose of this qualification is to strengthen regulators and others in their ability and capacity to effectively manage and regulate pesticides as no one discipline covers all the facets of pesticide regulation and management. Therefore, this qualification will be multi-and interdisciplinary in its content to provide learners with the skills and knowledge required for managing pesticides, particularly in difficult pesticide use environments found in developing countries.

Rationale

Intense global use of pesticides poses a high risk of acute and chronic health effects to the general public and workers, as well as environmental contamination. Key role players in regulating and managing pesticides in African and other developing countries cannot adequately and effectively regulate and manage pesticides as their training does not cover the all of the technical and social aspects required in understanding, regulating and managing pesticides.

Just a few of the consequences of not having specialised training on pesticide risk management for regulators and other officials are that workers, vulnerable groups (children, women, immune-deficient) and workers can become poisoned and have long term health effects. Also resulting in the pollution of the environment from uncontrolled use and improper disposal, and the use of highly toxic pesticides as regulators are unable to review a pesticide dossier adequately.

Currently, key role players in pesticide risk management in Africa and other developing countries do not have access to a postgraduate qualification on pesticide risk management that addresses the principal areas covered by the United Nation's International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides. No such qualification currently exists anywhere in the world or Africa. It is, therefore, envisioned that the initial intake of learners would be from Africa. However, India, Brazil, Spain, the Caribbean and West Indies have all indicated a keen interest in providing learners for this qualification. Furthermore, the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) approached the institution to establish a Postgraduate Diploma given its reputation and specifically its research work conducted on pesticides.

Although this qualification will first and foremost respond to the needs of pesticide regulators, the qualification content will also be relevant for health, labour, customs and pesticide inspectors, NGO staff working in pesticides, pesticide disposal and waste management project managers, pesticide laboratory analysts and researchers working in the field of pesticides. Particularly as there is increasing trade integration, globally, but also regionally with the SA Customs Union. Thus the region is all the more in need of building capacity to manage pesticides, given the importance of phytosanitary regulations for regional and international trade.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an area that needs development within the Health Sciences Faculty. Where applicable, the RPL process will be applied based on the current policy on RPL within the university and faculty. RPL learners who are undertaking the qualification would need to approach the faculty office. The qualification convenor would seek guidance and assistance in applying the RPL assessment process from the relevant staff in the Centre for Open Learning within the Centre for Higher Education and Development (CHDED).

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science in Pest Management, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Advanced Diploma in Pest Management, NQF Level 7.

Or

• An approved Bachelor's qualification in agriculture, health, toxicology, chemistry, social science or another relevant field, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 140 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 8,100 Credits

• Introduction to Pesticide Risk Management, 20 Credits.
• Health and Safety Management, 20 Credits.
• Managing Environmental Risks, 20 Credits.
• Controlling Use of Pesticides, 20 Credits.
• Risk Communication and Socio-Economic Impacts, 20 Credits.

Elective Modules at Level 8, 40 Credits (Choose two)

• Pesticide Laboratory Quality Assurance Assessment, 20 Credits.
• Pesticide Storage and Transport Management, 20 Credits.
• Obsolete Pesticide Stocks (Inventory and Environmental Assessment), 20 Credits.
• Obsolete Pesticide Stocks (Safeguarding and Disposal), 20 Credits.

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic knowledge base in pesticide risk management and a depth of knowledge in the code and how to apply it.
2. Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of the principles and theories of the various qualitative and quantitative components to managing pesticides.
3. Critique and review a complete pesticide dossier.
4. Make sound theoretical judgements of the data presented in a pesticide dossier data based on critical evaluation of evidence.
5. Engage with current research on pesticides and to apply this to the evaluation of a pesticide dossier and a pesticide risk management program.
6. Identify, analyse, and address/deal with complex and real-world problems and issues in managing pesticides, especially in Africa and other developing countries using evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
7. Demonstrate efficient and effective information retrieval and processing skills for the identification, critical analysis, synthesis, and independent evaluation of quantitative and qualitative data on pesticides.
8. Engage with current research and scholarly or professional literature in the field of pesticide risk management.
9. Present and communicate academic/professional pesticide research and data effectively, catering for a range of audiences by using a range of different communication and risk communication methods relevant for the target audience.

Integrated Assessment

Assessments will be both formative and summative and will include written tests, assignments and a final written examination.