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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Science in Pest Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
112432	Bachelor of Science in Pest Management
ORIGINATOR
Walter Sisulu University
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National First Degree	Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation		Secondary Agriculture
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	360	Not Applicable	NQF Level 07	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2021-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2033-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The overall purpose of the Bachelor of Science in Pest Management is to develop a learner that is competent in the knowledge, attitudes, insight and skills required to effectively respond to challenges facing society in relation to crop protection as these relate to integrated pest management, poverty eradication, and food/nutritional security.

The qualifying learner will competently apply and integrate theoretical knowledge, evidence-based techniques, and skill in both field and laboratory contexts that are appropriate to the ecological principles of crop production, improvement and protection. The learner will also be able to communicate effectively and work with communities to improve their livelihoods in various socio-economic contexts. In this way, learners will be able to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills across a range of applied sciences (e.g. agro-ecological and biological), particularly in the Eastern Cape Province where solutions to the socio-economic development challenges faced by historically disadvantaged communities are sorely needed.

With a sound knowledge of plant/animal (insects) ecology and integrated pest management philosophies, learners with this qualification will be able to:

Initiate, plan and implement adaptive pest control programs in collaboration with relevant stakeholders in government, e.g. Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (DAFF), Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism (DEAT), and other agro-allied parastatals and non-governmental organisations.

Calibrate, handle and use pest control materials, supplied and equipment.

Collect field and laboratory data, analyse the same and effectively communicate/report results scientifically.

Play a critical role in pest control concept development, planning and implementation of integrated pest management strategies in time and space as the need arises.

Rationale:
The National Plan for Higher Education of 2001 required Higher Education Institutions to revisit their Mission and adjust their offerings to respond to national/regional development needs. The Eastern Cape Provincial Rural Development Strategy foregrounds agrarian transformation and Green Revolution as strategic solutions for transformation. The qualification will therefore, position the institution very well to participate in the implementation of this strategy as top priority areas for national growth and development in South Africa.

The qualification will address "African Agriculture", or an "Agriculture led development" and a "Green Revolution" which seek to maximise the contribution of Africa's largest economic sector to achieve self-reliance and growth as strategies for eliminating hunger, food insecurity and poverty. An intervention of this nature that is in support of appropriate research expertise, technical skills and knowledge is a conscious response to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) particularly the goal of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger while ensuring sustainable development.

The National Development Plan continues to lay significant emphasis on the interface between Agriculture and Rural Development and sees agriculture and allied specialities as a catalyst for rural development. The Eastern Cape remains the poorest province in South Africa, with significant challenges in producing sufficient high-quality food for its population, while maintaining and enhancing its natural resources base, especially soil, water and the environment in the face of increasing impacts of climate change and anthropogenic variables. It is essential that extension services primarily in the domain of crop pest management be provided to support farmers in the region to enable them improve their productivity through better agricultural practices.

Learners with a BSc Degree in Pest management will be employed by government departments, e.g. Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (DAFF) and allied industries, Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism (DEAT), Agricultural Research Council (ARC), South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and allied non-governmental organisations. The qualification follows an academic pathway in which learners will be prepared to pursue MSc and Doctoral studies in the same or related field. The knowledge, skills, values and attributes acquired during the qualification will enable these learners to occupy strategic positions in private consultancies, research institutions and relevant industries locally and continentally in addressing the issues constraining socio-economic.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The provision that admission to the qualification may be obtained through Recognition of Prior Learning facilitates access to education and training and a career path in pest management and thus accelerates the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.

Evidence of prior learning is assessed through formal RPL processes where learners are required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's studies.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 384 Credits.

Compulsory Modules NQF Level 5,128 Credits:

Insect Structure and Function, 16 Credits.

Insects and Man, 16 Credits.

General Chemistry I, 16 Credits.

Plant Form and Function, 8 Credits.

Computer Literacy I, 8 Credits.

Communication Skills, 8 Credits.

Plant Diversity, 8 Credits.

Insects and Environment, 16 Credits.

General Chemistry II, 16 Credits.

Cell Biology, Genetics and Development, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules NQF Level 6,128 Credits:

Applied Statistics I, 16 Credits.

Pesticides and Application, 16 Credits.

Crop Pests of Southern Africa, 16 Credits.

Applied Statistics II, 16 Credits.

Biochemistry, 16 Credits.

Mycology and Microbiology, 16 Credits.

Introduction to Parasitology, 16 Credits.

Post-Harvest Technology, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules NQF Level 7,112 Credits:

Helminthology, 16 Credits.

Plant Physiology, 16 Credits.

Plant Pathology, 16 Credits.

Animal Behaviour and Physiology, 16 Credits.

Conservation Biology, 16 Credits.

Insect Taxonomy, 16 Credits.

Integrated Pest Management, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, 16 Credits (Choose one):

Higher Plant Systematics,16 Credits.

Economic Biology, 16 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply communication skills.
2. Evaluate the role of the Arthropoda and related fauna in conventional biodiversity conservation management.
3. Outline the constraints to human population growth as a result of food insecurity.
4. Describe the concepts of 'pest' versus 'beneficial' organisms and their effects on human wellbeing and integrated pest management/control in natural/agrarian systems.
5. Explain the relevant theories and concepts in insect evolution, phylogeny and nomenclature, and the implication of these for data collection and processing.
6. Assess the role of arthropods in the bio-economy of South Africa.
7. Outline characteristics of the phylum Nematode.
8. Deduce from observable damage whether a particular vertebrate can be regarded as a pest.
9. Describe the biology of weeds and weed management systems.
10. Identify morphological features in fungi and explain how fungi adapt to their host plants.
11. Inspect for the presence of pests and vulnerabilities to infestation.
12. Identify core pests found in the target agricultural environment.
13. Select, recommend and motivate appropriate pest control procedures.
14. Calculate and provide numerical information to enhance operational efficiencies and cost-effectiveness of pest control operations.
15. Implement and evaluate pest control procedures.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Oral and written communication skills are used in learning/teaching engagements, formative and summative assessment.

Verbal and written communication skills are utilised to report information relevant to role players and regulating bodies with regard to pest control operations.

Information to achieve work responsibilities is collected from appropriate sources.

People are treated with integrity, respect and empathy regardless of culture, class, gender 'race' and belief systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Drivers of richness and diversity trends in arthropods (e.g. Insect and Araneae) at disturbed (e.g. Agrarian-transformed) habitats with implications for habitat/species conservation management in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa are identified and described.

Drivers of richness and diversity trends in arthropods (e.g. Insect and Araneae) at near pristine (natural forests, reserves/protect areas) habitats with implication for habitat/species conservation management in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa are identified and described.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Population growth, as this relates to food security is identified and described.

Factors affecting food production and their implications on food security are listed and elaborated upon.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

The concepts of 'pest' is versus beneficial organisms are defined and contextualised.

Pest organisms in the context of agriculture, environmental and household settings (Medical and veterinary) are introduced and elaborated on.

Beneficial microorganisms in the context of agriculture, ecological and household settings (Medical and veterinary) are introduced and developed.

The role of integrated pest management in natural and agrarian systems is identified and described.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Terms and concepts that relate to insect evolution, speciation, phylogeny and nomenclature are defined and explained as these relate to the evolutional relationship between primitive insect life forms (Apterygota) and more advanced forms (Pterygota).

Outline of the origin and phylogeny of the Arthropoda and its relatives (Annelids and Onychophorans), as well as a general outline and classification of insects are described.

Biological (Arthropod/insect) specimen data are collected, processed and identified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Crop pests, their habitats, habits are identified, and their integrated control is described.

Stored product pests, their habitats, habits and integrated control are identified and described.

Bio-control agents (e.g. Hymenoptera, Dipteral & Coleopteran) are identified and described.

Arthropods of medical/veterinary importance are identified and described.

Social insect (e.g. Isoptera and Hymenoptera) habitats, habits are identified and described.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

The subphylum in which plant-parasitic nematodes belong is identified and characterised.

Basic features of plant-parasitic nematodes are described.

Mechanical damage caused by nematodes to plants is identified.

Control measures based on integrated pest management principles to combat nematode crop pests are recommended.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Vertebrate pests and their damage diagnostics are identified and described.

Control measures based on integrated pest management principles to combat vertebrate crop pests are recommended.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

Plant families in which most common weed species belong are identified and described.

Dichotomous keys are used to identify weeds to at least the family level.

Invasive plants are identified and described.

Control measures of grasses and invasive alien plants based on IPM principles are recommended.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

The importance of morphological features in fungal adaptations is described and explained.

Fungal species are listed and characterised.

Control measures based on integrated pest management principles to combat fungi are recommended.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:

The presence of pests is identified according to standard industry practice by their biology, habitats, habits and evidence of their inhabiting environment.

Vulnerabilities to infestation, including food and water resources, entrance points and pest harbourages are identified according to standard industry practice.

Differentiation between active infestation, evidence of active infestation and existing damage by the pest are accurately executed according to standard industry practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:

Samples of pests are collected according to standard industry practice.

Pests are accurately identified by their behaviour, physical and morphological characterisations.

The habitats of pests are identified and isolated according to material and environmental indicators.

Resources available from the workplace and other external sources are accessed and used to determine the pest.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13:

Appropriate intervention measures are identified and selected that support standard protocols and acceptable industry practice.

Client needs and expectations are established and confirmed before the implementation of a pest control intervention.

A pest management programme is designed which contains an appropriate intervention method that will ensure safe and efficient control of the target pest.

Pest Management programs are designed according to the principles of an integrated pest management approach.

A plan is assigned to meet all the requirements specified by regulations, standards, protocols and accepted industry practice aimed at managing the potential impact of the pest management process on the environment and ecosystem.

Reasons for selection of the intervention measures are discussed and motivated in terms of compliance with regulations, standards, protocols and accepted industry practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 14:

Required treatment volumes and costs are accurately calculated and recorded.

Basic numeracy, financial and analytical procedures and principles are applied to make sound judgments and predictions.

Data on operational expenses are collected and statistically analysed and used to determine operational efficiencies.

Financial costs are accurately calculated and trends monitored against operational budgets.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 15:

The pest management programme is systematically implemented according to a structured and documented plan of action.

Appropriate safety precautions are taken in the implementation of pest control procedures.

Pesticide application equipment is used in accordance with the manufacturer specifications.

Legislative, regulatory provisions, standards and protocols are complied with when implementing a pest control programme.

Pest control methods are performed in accordance with safety regulations and protocols.

Measures to limit the impact on the environment and the ecosystem are adhered to according to standard industry practice.

Customer service is provided which meets the required standard of the organisation and meets the customer's expectations.

All regulatory and standard workplace documentation is accurately and comprehensively completed and administered.

The worksite or area is cleaned and restored at completion according to industry standards.

Pest control operations using historical data are evaluated.

Integrated Assessment:
The applied competence (practical, foundational and reflective competencies) of the qualification in pest management is achieved if a learner can validate all the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification.

Learners are assessed on their ability to generate and use data, understand the implications of actions and reactions in the world as a set of related systems. The assessment strategy is a combination of practical, foundational and reflective competency assessment methods and tools. This includes the identification and solving of problems and working as a team. The aim is to ensure that learners achieve the requisite level of knowledge required at this level, as well as the ability to apply skills obtained in the qualification.

The BSc in Pest Management consists of two assessment components: Coursework (formative assessment) that accounts for 60% of the final mark and examination (summative assessment) that accounts for 40% of the final mark.

Continuous assessment associated with coursework includes essays, written tests, oral presentations, assignments, and laboratory and field practicals. The year mark is therefore compiled from the year/semester mark and examination mark in a ratio of 60: 40.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Since the BSc in Pest Management is the first of such academic qualification offering in South Africa, some institutions of higher learning outside the country have been selected for curriculum comparability: This qualification in Pest Management is made up of theoretical and practical components. The academic component is similar to that offered by the College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies, Haramaya University, Ethiopia, The Science University of Malaysia, The Department of Crop Protection and Environmental Biology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria and the College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, Beijing China with regards to the outcomes and assessment criteria, degree of difficulty and notional learning time.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Postgraduate Certificate in Education, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Science in Zoology, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Science in Botany, NQF Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Bachelor of Science Honours in Zoology, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Science Honours in Botany, NQF Level 8.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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