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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Agronomy

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
115217	Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Agronomy
ORIGINATOR
University of Zululand
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)	Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation		Primary Agriculture
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	480	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	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		2034-06-30

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 Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Agronomy will produce science learner in agronomy who have a systematic and coherent body of knowledge and an understanding of underlying concepts and principles of agronomy. The learner will have the ability to access and evaluate agronomic and scientific information, including knowing how scientific knowledge in agronomy is created. They will have a high level of cognitive and other broad skills including problem-solving, written and spoken communication, computer literacy and competence in applying knowledge through basic research methods and practice.

The qualifying learner will gain sufficient depth of knowledge and skills in agronomy that will give him/her opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, including postgraduate study, for gainful economic activity in a range of agronomic careers, and for rewarding and contributions to the agriculture society.

This qualification will provide society with agronomy learner who demonstrates initiative and responsibility, who are professional and ethical in their roles within the economic growth and solution provision to society, and who can be intellectual leaders within their society.

The purpose is also to produce learner in the field of agronomy to add, widen and transform the leadership base in South Africa, both for innovation and science-based economic and research development.

Rationale:
Agronomy is a branch in agricultural science that deals with the complex interactions between crops and the soils in which they are grown. It involves the combination of ecology, biology, chemistry, earth science and genetics to determine the capabilities of various plants and soils in a given environment. As global food production is expected to double due to population growth in 2050, arable land will be reduced, and this will require efficient use of land to increase food productivity. The field of agronomy present opportunities and ways to keep on improving productivity through minimising factors such as weeds, pests and disease, water stress, and alleviating soil restricting components such as lack of fertility that potentially lower yields, and boost aspects that raise yields.

Typical learners will have a wide choice of occupations, ranging from practical fieldwork to high technology research-based within the seed companies, agrochemical, nursery industry, co-operatives, and food industry. Other opportunities include research and teaching at universities, FET colleges, and other private institutes. This also includes the institution of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and other organisations like the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Jobs or areas of activity that learners may peruse include crop production and protection, plant breeding, nutrient management, and soil conservation and fertility are of primary benefit.

The qualification will provide the learner with an opportunity to be employed by a wide variety of organisations, and such include farm chemical and fertiliser store managers, sales representatives, field and lab technicians, crop management consultants, extension agents, soil and water conservationists, inspectors, and regulatory agencies. Currently, agricultural education teachers are needed at the secondary level to teach learners these important skills related to agricultural systems.

Society will benefit from individuals that understand and can teach this content to others.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The University's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Policy and Procedures document sets out the requirements and procedures for the Recognition of Prior Learning for admission to university study.
Prior learning will be recognised in the form of properly certified university qualifications that are acceptable to the Senate for recognition for admission.

Applications are admitted in terms of the rules governing selection for postgraduate studies which states that: "An applicant who has graduated from another tertiary institution or who has in any other manner attained a level of competence which, in the opinion of the Senate, is adequate for the purpose of postgraduate studies or research, may be admitted as a learner of the University. Learners will have to use the university's procedure, which is approved at various university levels". Assessment of all applicants must be endorsed by the relevant body for approval before learner registration. Performance of learners admitted by RPL will be closely monitored, and the implementation and effectiveness of RPL evaluated annually.

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

Senior Certificate, with endorsement.
Or

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

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

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 6, 7, 8 totalling 512 Credits.

Compulsory Modules NQF Level 5, 96 Credits:

Basic Chemistry 121, 16 Credits.

Classical Mechanics Bio, 16 Credits.

Cytology, Genetics and Physiology, 16 Credits.

Introduction to Zoology I, 16 Credits.

Maths and Stats for Earth and Life Science, 16 Credits.

Elementary Statistics for Science Students, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules NQF Level 6, 176 Credits:

Basic Chemistry, 16 Credits.

Morphology and Taxonomy, 16 Credits.

Introduction to Extension and Rural Development, 16 Credits.

Introduction to Soil Science, 16 Credits.

Plant Growth and Development, 16 Credits.

Agricultural Mechanisation and Farm Structure, 16 Credits.

Introduction to Agricultural Economics & Farm Management, 16 Credits.

Introduction to Crop Production, 16 Credits.

Plant Anatomy & Biodiversity, 16 Credits.

Introduction to Soil Physics and Conservation, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules NQF Level 7, 112 Credits:

Crop Protection 1, 16 Credits.

Plant Propagation, 16 Credits.

Genetics & Plant Biochemistry, 16 Credits.

Entrepreneurship, 16 Credits.

Plant Breeding, 16 Credits.

Crop Protection ii, 16 Credits.

Principles of Production Economics, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules NQF Level 8, 128 Credits:

Soil Fertility Management, 16 Credits.

Floriculture and Vegetable Crop Production, 16 Credits.

Seed Science and Technology, 16 Credits.

Agronomy Research Project I, 16 Credits.

Fruit Production, 16 Credits.

Applied Plant Breeding, 16 Credits.

Agronomy Research Project Ii, 16 Credits.

Field Crop Production, 16 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Have knowledge and skills to cultivate the most important crops in South Africa.
2. Compile a scientific report and communicate effectively in oral and written form, with a wide range of audiences.
3. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the principles, theories and modern technologies used in plant breeding.
4. Use agronomic terminologies, knowledge, principles, procedures and technology to identify and control common diseases, pests and weeds associated with crops.
5. Critically analyse the concepts and theories of soil conservation and management.
6. Integrate the knowledge obtained in the different agronomic fields to design and manage a sustainable production system.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Apply knowledge and skills to cultivate crops.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Design a research proposal.

Collect and analyse data to experiment.

Shown critical thinking and objectivity in executing the experiment and in interpreting results.

Communicate findings of the experiment effectively and scientifically correct in writing and orally.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Apply knowledge and skills to solve problems in plant breeding.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Apply knowledge and skills to identify, prevent and control common diseases, pests and weeds associated with crops.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Recognise the signs and causes of soil degradation.

Suggest suitable amendment practices for degraded soils.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Apply and integrate Sustainable production and management principles related to crop cultivation.

Integrated Assessment:
Both formative and summative assessment practices are used.

Summative assessment practices assess the achievement of the module and qualification outcomes which contributes to the final mark. These assessments are done in the form of tests, examinations, reports and presentations.

Formative assessments are done throughout the semester in a variety of ways including tests, discussions etc. for which learners receive feedback.
Assignments, tests and practical's/tutorials contribute 10%, 50% and 40%, respectively, to the DP (semester) mark. At least two tests are written during the semester. The DP marks contribute 40% to the final mark and the final examination 60% to the final mark. Learners must complete a supervised research project in their final year, which consists of a written document as well as presentations.

Examination of modules offered at the fourth-year level is externally examined, while examination of other modules is internally moderated. External examiners are appointed in line with University policy.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The University of Edinburgh (UK) offers a 4-year Degree in Crop and Soil Science. The curriculum does not include doing general physical and biological science courses as is done by South African universities, and thus agronomy-related modules are done from their first year. The scope is similar to that of this qualification in that their modules include areas like crop physiology, soil science, agricultural economics, general crop production, crop protection and plant genetics. However, they also focus on modules aimed at teaching learner professional skills and aspects of food security. Their Degree also has a research component similar to that of this qualification.

The University of Manitoba (Canada) offers a 4-year Bachelor Degree in Agronomy. The qualification requires several compulsory core modules which are very similar to the modules of this qualification Agronomy, but also learners can choose from a wide variety of electives. The first year of the Canadian qualification includes basic physical and biological science courses, similar to that of this qualification, but far more extensive. There is much focus on resource management and sustainable agriculture.

The New Mexico State University (USA) offers a 4-year Bachelor Degree in Agronomy. The core modules of this qualification correspond well with the ones offered in this qualification, which much focus on soil science and crop protection. In addition to the core modules, learners can choose from several electives from the fields of general agronomy or crop consulting.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Science, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Science in Agriculture in Agronomy, NQF Level 9.

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.

1.	University of Zululand