Code | Faculty | Department |
---|---|---|
08251019 | Faculty of Veterinary Science | Department: Production Animal Studies |
Credits | Duration | NQF level |
---|---|---|
Minimum duration of study: 2 years | Total credits: 180 | NQF level: 09 |
Also consult the General Academic Regulations G30 – G41 and Faculty regulations.
There will only be an intake of new students every second year.
It remains the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the degree they wish to apply for, will indeed be presented.
A coursework master’s degree requires a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, and in some cases demonstration of the ability to relate knowledge to a range of contexts for professional practice.
The coursework master’s degree curriculum consists of compulsory core and elective theoretical modules (90 credits) as well as a mini-dissertation (90 credits).
The curriculum consists of four compulsory core modules (NLB800, NLB810, WLS810 and WLS811 for 20, 20, 20 and 15 credits, respectively) and a choice of one of two elective modules (WLS812 or WLS813 for 15 credits each), as well as a mini-dissertation (90 credits). In addition, students are also permitted to elect any other appropriate module on 800 level to the value of 15 credits (instead of choosing one of the two electives offered in the programme), approved by the head of department. Students should also register for (and pass) the module Research methodology (VRM 813) (non-credit-bearing).
The first year is dedicated to coursework modules whilst the second year is dedicated to the research work.
Also consult the General Academic Regulations G35 - G38.
In cases where web based/online modules are offered, basic computer skills are required in order to successfully participate in the degree programme.
The programme is limited to minimum of 4 students and maximum of 12 students for enrolment and due to the increasing interest in the programme, all applicants will be subjected to an entry test.
All international applicants whose first language is not English may be required to pass a proficiency test in English (TOEFL). Application and more information at www.ets.org/toefl.
Postgraduate applicants who have completed any foreign qualification must have all their previous post- school qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) before applying for postgraduate studies at the University of Pretoria: www.saqa.org.za
International requirements
International students have to ensure they are aware of all aspects pertaining to them to study at the University of Pretoria which can be found at www.up.ac.za/isd.
The MSc coursework degree is conferred by virtue of the successful completion of examinations on the coursework modules and a mini-dissertation.
The Faculty does make provision for supplementary and special examinations as per General Academic Regulations G37.4 and G37.5.
For the coursework, 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 following also applies to the coursework modules:
Examinations and pass requirements related to mini-dissertations
Also consult the General Academic Regulation G39 for Preparation and submission of dissertation, Technical editing of the dissertation, Evaluation of the dissertation, Appointment of the examination panel, Criteria for evaluation, Examiners’ reports, Finalisation of reports.
A mini-dissertation is submitted to the Head: Student Administration, before the closing date for the relevant graduation ceremonies as announced annually (i.e. 31 October or 31 March to qualify for the Autumn or Spring graduation, respectively), after permission is granted by the supervisor and co-supervisor(s). (Also consult the General Academic Regulation G39 with regard to the submission and technical editing of the thesis).
If a mini-dissertation is submitted after the due date specified above, the student takes the risk that the examination of the dissertation may be delayed and the student will not be considered for the graduation concerned. A student will only be allowed to graduate if the student has successfully complied with all the requirements for the particular programme.
The dissertation will be examined by one internal and one external examiner as stipulated by the UP regulations. The average mark of the two separate marks awarded by the examiners constitutes the final mark for the mini-dissertation.
The minimum pass mark is 50%. The Dean, on the recommendation of the relevant head of the department, may permit a candidate who has failed, to submit an amended mini-dissertation for final adjudication.
Compliance with degree requirements and degree privileges
Also consult the General Academic Regulations G40.
Also consult the General Academic Regulation G39.
The coursework master’s degree consists of coursework modules as well as a mini-dissertation which is divided equally between the research and coursework as 90 credits each.
In addition to the coursework modules, students should also register for (and pass) the module Research methodology (VRM 813) (non-credit-bearing).
It should be emphasized that a mini-dissertation is not a complete research-based master’s dissertation and is of limited scope and extent. The content should cover enough work for a case report or short communication. The basic requirements and Faculty expectations of a coursework master’s degree mini-dissertation are:
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 relevant 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.
Research undertaken is conducted in accordance with the University’s Code of ethics for scholarly activities. All research proposals must be submitted for ethics clearance/approval/exemption to the relevant faculty research and/or research ethics committee. Faculty research ethics committees have the authority to consider and approve or reject research proposals within the guidelines of the general policy.
Retention and preservation of research data
Also consult the General Academic Regulations G39.
The data generated through the research conducted must be managed in accordance with the University of Pretoria’s Research Data Management policy and the related Research Data Management procedure.
Non-disclosure of the contents of a study (Embargo): Where part or all of the contents of the master’s study must remain confidential, the supervisor will be required to submit an application in writing to Faculty Postgraduate and Research committee setting out the grounds for such a request and indicating the duration of the period of confidentiality. This period would normally not exceed 2 (two) years. The committee considers the application and either approves it or refers it back to the supervisor. The faculty must keep record of the decisions and the embargo, and the information must be shared with the Department of Library Services.
Qualification with distinction: A coursework master’s degree is awarded with distinction if a student meets the following requirements:
Electives:
Choose 1 elective to the value of 15 credits or any appropriate 800-level module, relevant to the field of study
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.
Module content:
This module covers wildlife management topics of husbandry (wildlife production systems, nutrition, housing and breeding) and wildlife management techniques (fire, fencing, captive management and animal welfare). The module will teach skills and tools of wildlife management.
Module content:
A module on plant ecology, veld management, animal ecology and plant and animal interactions. The students will gain a solid grounding and in-depth understanding of ecological theory and ecological management to maintain and improve ecosystem health. This module will provide a broad view, illustrating a wide variety of different ecosystem examples and will include in-field training in areas around HHWRS.
Module content:
This in depth module covers wildlife diseases within the fields of identification, pathology, diagnostics and prevention. It also will cover epidemiology including geographical information systems, and an introduction to certain statistical methods commonly used in veterinary science, and will provide the basis for further studies and research involving these techniques. “One Health” philosophy and practices with a focus on community impacts of wildlife management practices will also be covered. It provides the student with good insight into the important infectious, non-infectious and parasitic diseases.
Module content:
Community engagement issues will be covered including community based natural resource management, community research and feedback and human wildlife conflict. Conservation (principles, animal protection methods, forensics and illegal wildlife trade), economics (basic economics, trade, wildlife income systems, marketing and funding), human resources, strategy, leadership and entrepreneurship will also be covered. The students will be exposed to a broad overview and detailed case-studies relevant to areas transfrontier conservation areas in sub-Saharan Africa.
Module content:
This elective module is an introduction to wildlife diseases for students that have not done a veterinary degree. It provides students with an understanding of different disease groups, their life cycles, their pathogenesis, how they are identified and legislation relevant to disease control. It also covers Primary animal health care and veterinary public health relevant to wildlife management.
Module content:
This module will cover veterinary relevant topics to wildlife management and conservation areas such as disease diagnoses, treatment, prevention, immobilisation, tranquilisation and reproductive management as well as veterinary specific legislation. This module is for veterinary practitioners who want to focus their skills and careers in wildlife and conservation practice.
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