Advanced Diploma in Agriculture in Animal Production
Agriculture and Nature Conservation - Secondary Agriculture
Purpose and Rationale
Rationale for the Introduction of the Advanced Diploma in Agriculture
The University of Technology (UoT) is undergoing a transition from the qualifications offered during the Technikon era to new qualifications approved by the Council on Higher Education. In this revamped hierarchy of qualifications, the Advanced Diploma is positioned above the Diploma.
Previously, learners expressed concerns about their inability to advance their studies beyond the National Diploma in agriculture at the institution. To address this gap, learners will now have the opportunity to progress to higher qualifications such as the Postgraduate Diploma, Professional Masters, and Doctorate in Agriculture.
Agriculture plays a crucial role in driving the economy, as it provides the foundation for essential needs such as food and clothing. The ongoing process of land restitution highlights the need for further promotion of agriculture within communities, emphasizing the significance of this new qualification.
The Advanced Diploma curriculum is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to serve as advisors on optimal animal production practices, to thrive as entrepreneurs, and to pursue advanced academic endeavors. Regardless of the career path chosen, graduates of this program will enter the agricultural sector with a well-rounded understanding of various aspects of animal production.
Outcomes
- Develop a business plan that is sound so as to achieve the economic efficiency in the operation of the animal production business.
- Apply salient features of various theories and approaches on animal production prohects.
- Apply advanced knowledge on the animal production industry.
- Use feed formulation programmes to develop feed rations for different animal enterprises.
- Apply advanced knowledge on breeding and selecting of animals.
- Apply biosecurity measures.
- Understand the value-addition options of animal products.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Understand and apply marketing strategies for economic gains in different animal enterprises.
- Understand enterprise budgeting for different aspects of animal production.
- Evaluate land appropriately for different animal enterprises.
- Understand and apply programme planning for different animal enterprises considering market forces.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Identify, describe, and analyze the links between agriculture and the food industry.
- Identify, describe, analyze, and apply management theories and their functions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Identify, describe, analyze, and apply management theories and their functions.
- Develop, manage, monitor, and evaluate projects for different animal enterprises.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Use nutrition computer programmes to formulate least-cost feed rations for different animals.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Apply appropriate computer breeding programmes for producing desired quality animals.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Compile and apply vaccination programmes for different enterprises based on requirements.
- Conduct microbial surveys on production facilities for a productive animal environment.
- Understand and apply animal welfare regulations for health and welfare compliance.
- Follow prescribed biosecurity measures for a healthy production environment.
- Understand and apply the meat cold chain and the Meat Safety Act for healthy raw materials and products.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Understand value-adding processed products and select appropriately as per product requirements.
Integrated Assessment:
- Different modules will have various assessments such as tests, assignments, projects, research proposals, and examinations.
Formative Assessment:
- Assignments, case studies, practical assignments, tests per module, and scientific assignments per module.
Summative Assessment:
- Written examinations per module, except for Land Use Planning IV and Research Methodology IV which are continuous assessment subjects.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.