Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Animal and Poultry Science
Agriculture and Nature Conservation - Secondary Agriculture
Purpose and Rationale
The agricultural industry in South Africa, fundamental to the country's economy, necessitates well-versed applied scientists to address the growing need for food production from limited resources. To foster collaboration between science and agriculture, the School of Agricultural Sciences and Agribusiness provides a specialized program in Animal and Poultry Science. This program prepares students for a Master of Science in Agriculture and a Doctor of Philosophy, equipping them with the skills needed to support and enhance the agricultural sector.
Outcomes
- The student is able to communicate effectively with peers, in a variety of modes, in the discourse of the Animal and Poultry Sciences.
- The student demonstrates responsible and effective time-management and organisation of projects and research, meeting personal objectives and negotiated deadlines.
- The student is able to interact sympathetically, and with increasing self-confidence, as a member of a team or group in a variety of discussion and problem-solving situations.
- The student is able to manage data and information effectively, through their collection, storage, analysis, synthesis, presentation and critical evaluation using a variety of valid and reliable methods and instruments.
- The student exhibits a detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of discipline-specific theories, and comprehends both the interactions between the animal, its feed and the environment and the multidisciplinary nature of problems in world agriculture.
- The student is able to face and manage problems encountered in animal production systems and agribusiness, through identification and definition of the problem, and use of critical analysis, appropriate methodology and theory to devise a number of responsible and creative problem-solving strategies.
- The student uses metacognitive skills to reflect on the processes of learning and problem-solving, challenging assumptions made, testing for consistency in reasoning, and redefining hypotheses.
- The student can participate as an effective and accountable Animal or Poultry Scientist, able to use science and technology responsibly and sensitive to the ethical role of animal production in issues such as sustainable resource management, cultural tradition, rural development and animal welfare.
- The student exhibits many of the characteristics of a life-long learner, possessing a questioning and critical sense of curiosity, self-motivated, reflective, and capable of employing a range of metacognitive skills and learning strategies. The student shows an entrepreneurial awareness of the career opportunities available to an Animal or Poultry Scientist.
- The student is a competent user of computer technology as a tool in visual presentations, storage and analysis of data and information, written and graphic work, and in modelling animal systems.
Assessment Criteria
Assessment for applied competence is increasingly utilized in individual modules, culminating in two integrated assessment modules prior to qualification at the University of Natal. Here is an overview of the assessment criteria for the two capstone modules in Animal Science:
Animal Science 490:
- Focus: Extended investigation into a specific aspect of Animal or Poultry Science.
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Assessment Criteria:
- Meeting deadlines for collecting, synthesizing, and critically evaluating new information.
- Communicating findings to peers in written and oral formats.
- Demonstrating competent use of computer technology.
- Reflecting on learning strategies and methodologies.
- Actively participating in meetings with professional Animal and Poultry Scientists.
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Assessment Methods:
- Submission of a review paper and research project.
- Oral presentations.
- Research protocol acceptance by the Animal Ethics Sub-Committee.
- Reflective essay on the learning process.
- Practical experience in animal handling and farm operation.
Animal Science 480:
- Focus: Integration of managerial functions and problem-solving in animal and poultry production enterprises.
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Assessment Criteria:
- Meeting deadlines and using computer technology effectively.
- Classifying information and applying operations research principles.
- Creating simulation models for problem solving.
- Developing a business plan demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit.
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Assessment Methods:
- Database and spreadsheet design.
- Oral and written presentation of reports.
- Creation of simulation models.
- Business plan development.
- Formal summative examination.
Integrated Assessment:
- Approach: Utilizing a combination of continuous assessment and traditional written examinations to assess learning outcomes.
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Specific Assessment Methods:
- Submission of review papers, research projects, and scientific papers.
- Oral presentations and reflective essays.
- Completion of practical experience and business plans.
- Self- and peer-assessment as integral parts of the assessment procedure.
- External assessment of scientific papers and presentations.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- 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.