Yearbooks

Programme: MSc Veterinary Public Health (Coursework)

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Code Faculty
08251025 Faculty of Veterinary Science
Credits Duration
Duration of study: 2 years Total credits: 180

Programme information

This programme is offered by the Department of Paraclinical Sciences.

The curriculum consists of compulsory core 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.

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:

    A coherent and critical understanding and application of the theory and research methodologies and techniques relevant to all aspects of red meat hygiene relating to prevention and control of zoonoses and other diseases transmitted by meat, welfare of livestock, pre-harvesting, harvesting and post-harvesting aspects of red meat production, practical application of HACCP relating to the specific activities, prevention and control of chemical residues in meat, including veterinary drug residues and appropriate national and international legislation. An understanding of how these relate to applied research relevant to industry or public health (including the ability to select and apply research methods effectively). Ability must be shown to rigorously critique and evaluate current research and participate in scholarly debates in this area of specialisation. Ability must be demonstrated to relate theory to practice and vice versa and to think epistemologically.

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  • Module content:

    A coherent and critical understanding and application of the theory and research methodologies and techniques relevant to all aspects of milk hygiene relating to prevention and control of zoonoses and other diseases transmitted by milk, or other dairy products, welfare of livestock, pre-harvesting, harvesting and post-harvesting aspects of milk production or dairy products, practical application of HACCP relating to the specific activities, prevention and control of chemical residues, including veterinary drug residues and appropriate national and international legislation. An understanding of how these relate to applied research relevant to industry or public health (including the ability to select and apply research methods effectively). Ability must be shown to rigorously critique and evaluate current research and participate in scholarly debates in this area of specialisation. Ability must be demonstrated to relate theory to practice and vice versa and to think epistemologically.

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  • Module content:

    An introductory module in veterinary epidemiology designed to provide a sound foundation in epidemiology that can be applied in practice and upon which further studies can be built. The module covers aspects of population medicine, disease outbreak investigation, clinical epidemiology, experimental studies, observational studies, surveys, basic analytical tools and diagnostic tests

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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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