Yearbooks

Programme: MSc Veterinary Reproduction (Coursework)

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Code Faculty
08251023 Faculty of Veterinary Science
Credits Duration
Duration of study: 2 years Total credits: 180

Programme information

This programme is offered by the Department of Production Animal Studies.

The first objective of the degree programme is to provide each participant a strong theoretical grounding in those aspects of veterinary reproduction that are specifically of interest to him or her, whilst also having the opportunity to gain a wider perspective from interacting with other students doing the same programme but with different foci of interest. The second objective, which is as important as the first, is to let the student go through the scientific research process, from the formulation of a research question to reporting the research in a mini-dissertation and an article of sufficient merit to submit to an approved scientific journal.

The degree programme will be suitable for any veterinarian with an interest in reproduction and an interest in doing research in the field of reproduction, irrespective of the species in which his or her interest lies. The degree programme may also be suitable for non-veterinarians with similar interests but focused on those aspects of reproduction that are not of a strict veterinary nature, yet maintaining a focus on animal health.

The curriculum consists of compulsory core and elective theoretical modules (90 credits) as well as a mini-dissertation (90 credits).

Also consult General Regulations. 
Students are required to confirm whether a module will be presented in any particular year. This enquiry should be directed to the relevant head of department according to the syllabi information provided in the list of modules in this publication.

Admission requirements

Subject to the stipulations of the applicable General Regulations, a BScHons, a four-year BScAgric, BVSc or equivalent degree or a relevant postgraduate diploma (on NQF level 8) is required.

Two years of professional experience might be required in certain cases.

Additional requirements

In cases where web-based/online modules are offered, basic computer skills is required in order to successfully participate in the degree programme.

In certain cases, it remains the prerogative of the head of department to require, in addition to the entrance requirements, the successful completion of an admissions test before registration. A student may also be required to pass of proficiency test in English (TOEFL).

Examinations and pass requirements

A minimum examination mark of 50% is required in each of the modules where a semester or year mark is not required. However, where a semester or year mark is required, the latter will contribute 50% to the final mark. A subminimum of 40% is required in the examination and a final mark of at least 50 % to pass the module. Instructions regarding requirements for semester, year or examination marks are published in the study guides, for the specific attention of candidates. 

The MSc coursework degree is conferred by virtue of the successful completion of examinations on the coursework modules and a mini-dissertation. 

If a student fails a module, he/she will have to repeat the module the following year. A module cannot be repeated more than twice. 

Research information

Also consult the General Regulations. 

Candidates must submit a mini-dissertation which deals with an applied field of study. The topic is determined in consultation with the supervisor and the head of department, and must be approved according to Faculty guidelines. The mini-dissertation is based on an applied research project or related research projects (which need not be original), planned and reported by the candidate. (Assistance with statistical processing, applied specialised procedures, etc. is allowed, but must be acknowledged.) 

An internal as well as external examiner will evaluate the mini-dissertation. The supervisor may not be an examiner.   

The average mark of the separate marks awarded by all examiners constitutes the final mark for the mini-dissertation. The minimum pass mark is 50%. The Dean, on the recommendation of the head of the department, may permit a candidate who has failed, to submit an amended mini-dissertation for final adjudication. 

Pass with distinction

The degree is conferred with distinction on a student who has obtained at least 75% for the mini-dissertation and a weighted average of at least 75% in the other modules needed to comply with degree requirements, provided that a minimum pass mark of 60% in all the other modules have been obtained.

Elective Modules:

Choose 3 elective modules from the list of electives

Fundamental modules

  • Module content:

    A web-based introductory module in research methodology that includes planning and undertaking a research project or clinical trial, collecting and analysing data, scientific writing, and enabling preparation and presenting of a research protocol.

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Core modules

  • Module content:

    This module will provide advanced theoretical study in and critical appraisal of the principles, concepts, current application and potential developments in selected aspects of reproductive physiology of animals with a strong focus on the common domestic species as specified in modules GSK 806 to GSK 809.

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Elective modules

  • Module content:

    This module will provide advanced theoretical study in the reproduction of cattle, including the physiology and endocrinology of reproduction; monitoring, aspects of assisting and controlling their reproduction; managing diseases and malfunctions of reproduction and the evaluation of bulls and cows for breeding soundness.

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  • Module content:

    This module will provide advanced theoretical study in the reproduction of sheep and goats, including the physiology and endocrinology of reproduction; monitoring, aspects of assisting and controlling their reproduction; managing diseases and malfunctions of reproduction and the evaluation of males, bucks, ewes and nanny goats for breeding soundness.

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  • Module content:

    This module will provide advanced theoretical study in the reproduction of mares and stallions, including the physiology and endocrinology of reproduction; monitoring, aspects of assisting and controlling their reproduction; managing diseases and malfunctions of reproduction and the evaluation of stallions and mares for breeding soundness.

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  • Module content:

    This module will provide advanced theoretical study in the reproduction of dogs and cats, including the physiology and endocrinology of reproduction; monitoring, aspects of assisting and controlling their reproduction; managing diseases and malfunctions of reproduction and the evaluation of dogs and bitches for breeding soundness.

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  • Module content:

    This module will provide advanced theoretical study in the physiology and endocrinology of reproduction and reproductive patterns of wildlife, the monitoring of their reproduction, the development of breeding programmes for them and contraception, as well as diseases and malfunctions of reproduction and the evaluation of males and females for breeding soundness.

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Core modules

  • Module content:

    The aim of the module is to let the student experience and work through the scientific research process, starting with the formulation of a research question in the field of animal reproduction and ending with reporting the research in a mini-dissertation and an article of sufficient merit to submit to an approved scientific journal.

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The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

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