Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Animal Science
Agriculture and Nature Conservation - Primary Agriculture
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Animal Science
Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Animal Science is to offer a general animal science study area which focuses on scientific principles of animal science that include physiology, health, breeding, nutrition, production of agriculture animals and pasture management. This program provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of animal science, including:
- Animal Physiology
- Animal Breeding
- Animal Health
- Animal Nutrition
- Animal Production
- Pasture Management
By studying these areas, learners will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to effectively problem-solve animal science issues using standard procedures. They will also develop ethical and professional skills for information dissemination and demonstrate accountability in their professional decisions.
Rationale:
The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Animal Science is designed to meet the needs of the catchment area of the University, which includes severely impoverished areas where agriculture is a major industry. The key rationales for offering this program include:
- Enhancing capacity to improve food and nutrition security in farming communities and agriculture industries.
- Strengthening human resource capacity within the University's catchment area and South Africa.
- Producing learners who are globally competitive and relevant to the human capital needs of the country, particularly within the community.
- Offering learners opportunities in various sectors of the agricultural industry, making them more marketable.
The program is structured to admit learners at NQF Level 4 and progress them through NQF levels 5 to 8, focusing on developing analytical skills and lifelong skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship attributes. Graduates of this program can pursue careers in research, education, livestock production, feed industry, and entrepreneurial ventures within the animal science industry.
Career Opportunities:
- Animal Scientist in research centers
- Nutritionist in feed companies
- Farm Managers
- Animal Science Technicians
- Extension Workers or Adult Education Specialists
- Research Scientists
- Lecturers or Researchers in colleges or universities
- Entrepreneurs in poultry and livestock enterprises
- Animal Production Businesses
- Feed Manufacturing Companies
By completing this program, graduates will be well-equipped to contribute to the animal science industry in various roles and make significant contributions to the South African economy and beyond.
Outcomes
- Use knowledge acquired to formulate diets to meet the requirements of different classes of agricultural animals.
- Utilise biotechnologies successfully for processing animal products and by-products.
- Compile a scientific report and communicate effectively in oral and written form, with a wide range of audiences.
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the principles, theories and modern technologies used for the improvement of agricultural animals' reproductive performance, digestive physiology and functional anatomy studies.
- Show a sound understanding of the general principles and theories involved in animal genetics as well as to apply this knowledge to design breeding programmes to introduce desirable traits.
- Use veterinary terminologies, knowledge, principles, procedures and technology to control common diseases of agricultural animals.
- Critically analyse the concepts and theories of pasture ecology and management.
- Integrate the knowledge obtained in the different animal science fields to design and manage a sustainable production system.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Apply various feeding standards for agricultural animals.
- Formulate diets for agricultural animals.
- Design analytical techniques for feed evaluation for agricultural animals.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Apply technological skills in the processing of animals products and by-products.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Produce a proposal for scientific research and design experiment.
- Collect data, analyse it and interpret it.
- Give creative responses to problems and issues.
- Communicate findings of the experiment effectively and scientifically both in writing and orally.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Apply knowledge and skills to solve problems arising from reproductive performance, digestive physiology and functional anatomy of agricultural animals.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Analyse genetic influences on traits exhibited by agricultural animals.
- Design breeding programmes for selection of desirable traits of agricultural animals.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Apply veterinary terminologies, principles, procedures and technologies to identify causes, diagnoses, prevention, treatment and control of common diseases of agricultural animals.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Apply different methods in different pastures for grazing management.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Apply sustainable production and management principles of ruminant and non-ruminant agricultural animals.
Integrated Assessment:
- Formative assessment includes tests, group discussions, practical exercises, and reports and presentations.
- Summative assessment consists of a 3-hour final examination.
- Assessment methods include theoretical and practical examinations, portfolios, reports, and presentations.
- Formative assessment may include tests, practical reports, assignments, presentations, and academic field trips and reports.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree(Min 480)
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 480
- 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.