Advanced Diploma in Animal Sciences
Agriculture and Nature Conservation - Primary Agriculture
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose
The Advanced Diploma in Animal Sciences is designed to provide learners with in-depth knowledge of current practices, theories, and methodologies in animal and equine sciences. The core and elective modules aim to prepare learners to work as agricultural advisors, managers in various animal production and equestrian fields, research technicians, entrepreneurs, and effective communicators with farming communities and equestrian environments. Additionally, learners will acquire essential research methodology skills, including biometry, to enhance problem-solving, data analysis, and scientific writing abilities. The qualification offers specialization options in either Animal or Equine Sciences, enabling learners to tackle complex theoretical and practical challenges in their chosen field through appropriate methods and techniques. The curriculum focuses on theory, technology applications, and strategies to enhance animal production systems or equine enterprises for improved productivity and quality within South African and international contexts. Successful completion of the qualification will provide a pathway to the Postgraduate Diploma in Animal Sciences or equivalent qualifications at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8.
Rationale
The National Development Plan (NDP) of South Africa vision 2020 emphasizes the critical role of agriculture in economic growth, poverty reduction, and job creation. Agriculture, including livestock and equestrian industries, plays a pivotal role in achieving the NDP's goals of inclusive rural economy development and increased investment in agricultural technologies and research. The livestock industry, highlighted in the Livestock Development Strategy for South Africa (2007), contributes significantly to the agricultural sector and national economy through various avenues, such as food production, income generation, employment, and export earnings. Similarly, the equestrian industry makes substantial contributions to the economy and job creation, particularly in the realm of horseracing, breeding, sport, and ecotourism. The demand for qualified professionals in animal and equine sciences is evident, considering the scarcity of skills in these fields in South Africa. This qualification aims to meet the industry's need for skilled technicians, managers, and consultants in livestock production systems and equestrian enterprises, aligning with professional registration requirements such as Certificated Natural Scientists by SACNASP and registration with the Council of Equine and Equestrian Professionals of South Africa for graduates of equine science electives.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate integrated knowledge in the fields of Animal or Equine Sciences, and Applied Sciences.
- Demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods of enquiry in Animal or Equine Sciences, and their suitability to specific investigations### and the ability to select and apply a range of methods to resolve problems or introduce change within Animal or Equine Sciences.
- Demonstrate the ability to develop appropriate processes of information gathering for a given context or use### and the ability to independently validate the sources of information and evaluate and manage the information.
- Demonstrate the ability to take decisions and act ethically and professionally in Animal or Equine Sciences, and the ability to justify those decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches, within a supported environment.
- Demonstrate the ability to develop and communicate own ideas and opinions in well-formed arguments, using appropriate academic, professional, or occupational discourse.
- Demonstrate the ability to manage processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts in Animal or Equine Sciences, recognising that problem solving is context- and system-bound, and does not occur in isolation### and the ability to identify, evaluate and address own learning needs in a self-directed manner, and to facilitate collaborative learning processes.
- Demonstrate the ability to take full responsibility for own work, decision-making and use of resources, and limited accountability for the decisions and actions of others in Animal or Equine Sciences context.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Evaluate and apply integrated knowledge in the field of Animal or Equine Sciences for efficacy and value according to relevant evaluation criteria.
- Understand the relationship between Animal or Equine Sciences and other Applied Sciences disciplines.
- Acknowledge the dependence of knowledge in Animal or Equine Sciences on African and International scientific theories.
- Evaluate and critique terminologies, concepts descriptions, principles, rules, and theories in Animal or Equine Sciences.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Investigate methods of enquiry in Animal or Equine Sciences to solve related problems.
- Integrate new knowledge with previous knowledge in Animal or Equine Sciences.
- Identify evidence-based solutions and introduce change within Animal or Equine Sciences settings.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Identify appropriate processes of information gathering in Animal or Equine Sciences.
- Evaluate sources of information in Animal or Equine Sciences to validate its significance independently.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Evaluate professional and ethical values in Animal or Equine Science.
- Justify decisions and actions within Animal or Equine Science environment with reference to the scope of practice.
- Explore principles and practices of ethical accountability in Animal or Equine Sciences.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Discuss ideas and views in Animal or Equine Sciences setting.
- Critique independent ideas and opinions to present well-formed arguments.
- Evaluate information exchange between Animal or Equine Sciences disciplines.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Discuss Animal or Equine Sciences' role in Applied Sciences.
- Highlight the relationship between physical, economic, cultural environment, and knowledge in problem-solving.
- Identify self-directed learning needs and collaborative learning processes in Animal or Equine Sciences.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Explore responsibilities for acquiring information and evaluating resources in Animal or Equine Sciences environment.
- Justify decisions and actions within Animal or Equine Sciences environment through practice, reading, lectures, communication with industries, and peers.
Integrated Assessment:
- Variety of strategies used including written tests, examinations, group and individual projects, assignments, and practical examinations.
- Continuous assessment enables learners to achieve competency in vocational subject and modules.
Formative Assessment:
- Continual feedback provided to learners on their progress in achieving learning outcomes.
- Focus on smaller sections of work and limited outcomes.
Summative Assessment:
- Judgement of learning in relation to Exit Level Outcomes.
- Assess integrated knowledge, skills, and attitudes through examinations, projects, reports, or portfolios of evidence.
These criteria outline the expectations and requirements for learners to successfully achieve the Exit Level Outcomes in Animal or Equine Sciences.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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