Animal Science is a scientific field that involves the study of the three major areas namely animal breeding and genetics, physiology and the nutrition of all farm, equine and companion animals. The Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences offers a 4-year BScAgric-degree programme that will prepare you for a professional career in the livestock, poultry and pig industry. The Department of Animal Science at UP is more than 100 years old with a rich history of producing animal scientists and performing relevant research that contributed to the development of the South African livestock industry.
The way we practise livestock production has changed worldwide over the past century and new technology developments have created new opportunities for innovative research and application in all three disciplines of animal nutrition, animal breeding and genetics, and animal physiology. Animal scientists work in collaboration with veterinary scientists, crop and scientists and agricultural economists to provide solutions to improve animal health and welfare, reduce CH4 emissions, and increase efficiency of production to meet the demands of the world’s growing population.
Animal science is a profession in its own right, according to Act 27 of 2003, and this requires animal scientists to register with the SA Council for Natural Science Professions, once they have completed their degrees and start working in the livestock industry.
The Animal Science programme provides a sound basis of fundamental sciences during the first two years of study including Physics, Chemistry, Microbiology, Genetics, Mathematics and Biochemistry. These are essential for understanding and integration of advanced principles in animal genetics, animal physiology and nutrition that follow in the third and final year.
In the final year, the three major focus areas of genetics, physiology and nutrition are integrated to teach the management and application of large livestock, small stock, poultry, pigs and companion animals. The BScAgric (Animal Science) programme can lead to MScAgric programmes in animal nutrition, production physiology or animal breeding and genetics, as well as honours degree in Wildlife Management.
For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.
Animal science is focused on the application of the scientific aspects of animal production and the quality control of products to ensure consumer satisfaction and careers in this field make an important contribution to agriculture in South Africa. Based on the most recent research and the needs of both animals and humans, animal science focuses on the entire livestock production value chain, from conception to consumption. There are numerous career opportunities for animal and wildlife scientists in research, commercial farming and the public sector, and for professionals in the animal science industry. Animal scientists can work on different levels in these sectors, eg as researchers or consultants on animal nutrition or breeding, technical representatives, managers of intensive and extensive animal production systems and policymakers. The BScAgric (Animal Science) degree is acknowledged as a professional qualification by SACNSP in terms of Act 106 of 1993, and is internationally recognised, which means that graduates can register as professional animal scientists.
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Transferring students
Candidates previously registered at UP or at another university
The faculty’s Admissions Committee considers applications of candidates who have already completed the final NSC or equivalent qualification examination and/or were previously registered at UP or another university, on grounds of their final NSC or equivalent qualification results as well as academic merit.
Candidates previously registered at a FET college or a university of technology
The faculty’s Admissions Committee considers the application of these candidates on the grounds of their final NSC or equivalent qualification results as well as academic merit.
Qualifications from countries other than South Africa
University of Pretoria website: click here
Minimum requirements | ||||||
Achievement level | ||||||
English Home Language or English First Additional Language | Mathematics | Physical Sciences | APS | |||
NSC/IEB | AS Level | NSC/IEB | AS Level | NSC/IEB | AS Level | |
5 | C | 5 | C | 5 | C | 32 |
* Cambridge A level candidates who obtained at least a D in the required subjects, will be considered for admission. Students in the Cambridge system must offer both Physics AND Chemistry with performance at the level specified for NSC Physical Sciences in the table above.
* International Baccalaureate (IB) HL candidates who obtained at least a 4 in the required subjects, will be considered for admission. Students in the IB system must offer both Physics AND Chemistry with performance at the level specified for NSC Physical Sciences in the table above.
Candidates who do not comply with the minimum admission requirements for BScAgric (Animal Science), may be considered for admission to the BSc – Extended programme – Biological and Agricultural Sciences. This programme takes a year longer than the normal programmes to complete.
BSc – Extended Programme – Biological and Agricultural Sciences Minimum requirements | ||||||
Achievement level | ||||||
English Home Language or English First Additional Language | Mathematics | Physical Sciences | APS | |||
NSC/IEB | AS Level | NSC/IEB | AS Level | NSC/IEB | AS Level | |
4 | D | 4 | D | 4 | D | 26 |
4 years, full-time.
The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences is a diverse faculty with 13 departments that is supported by more than 20 centres and institutes. More than 5 000 students register in this faculty annually of which 70% are undergraduate and 30% postgraduate students.
All degree programmes are designed to develop problem-solving individuals who can easily adapt to changing circumstances and take the lead in their chosen fields of specialisation. The qualifications awarded are of world-class and provide access to a multitude of career opportunities for dynamic and creative people.
In the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, we strive to continuously improve our high impact research and significantly address the national shortage of PhD graduates that respond to global and local challenges.
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