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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.

Also consult the General Regulations. Students are required to confirm whether a module will be presented during a 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.

The MSc degree is conferred by virtue of the successful completion of prescribed modules in the curriculum and a mini-dissertation. Coursework: 50%; Mini-dissertation: 50%.

Subject to stipulations of the applicable General Regulations, a BVSc, a four-year BSc in Agriculture (Animal Science), Zoology or an equivalent degree is required.

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

All modules that were not registered for or that have not been completed during the first year of study must be completed during the second year of study.

A minimum examination mark of 50% is required to pass each of the modules Instructions regarding requirements for semester, year or examination marks are published in the study guides, for the specific attention of candidates.

If a student fails a module, he (she) has to repeat the module the next time it its presented. A student may not sit for an examination more than twice in the same module on postgraduate level.

A mini-dissertation is undertaken on an appropriate topic depending on the field of interest of the student and research theme of the supervisor. A research project of limited scope must be undertaken and written in the format of a mini-dissertation to fulfil the requirements of the MSc. The research topic is determined in consultation with the supervisor and the head of department, and the research project must be approved according to Faculty guidelines.

Mini-dissertation

Also consult the General Regulations.

1. A student must submit a mini-dissertation, which deals with the particular field of specialization.
2. A mini-dissertation is based on a research project or related research projects (which need not be original), planned and written down by the student within the theme of the chosen specialization.  (Assistance with statistical processing, applied specialised procedures, etc. is allowed, but must be acknowledged.) The student may use appropriate research done previously, to add to the writing of the mini-dissertation.

Earlier, related publications by the student may be bound with the mini-dissertation, but may not substitute the complete text of the mini-dissertation. Publications that are submitted, must be rounded off by means of an extensive introduction, materials, and information concerning methods and a discussion of the results. The mini-dissertation will be evaluated by an external examiner, who may not necessarily attend the final examination.

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

The degree is conferred with distinction on a student that has obtained at least 75% for the mini-dissertation and an cumulative average of at least 75% for the modules.