Yearbooks

Programme: PGDip (Laboratory Animal Science)

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty Department
08220062 Faculty of Veterinary Science Department: Paraclinical Sciences
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 120 NQF level:  08

Programme information

Postgraduate Diplomas are postgraduate specialisation qualifications at NQF-level 8 of at least 120 credits. In the Faculty, it is in general aimed at developing specific areas of knowledge and competence in a chosen field. As per the General Academic Regulations (GC3), a Faculty postgraduate diploma will allow for admission into an appropriate master’s degree (as per the minimum entry requirements).

Also consult the General Academic Regulations G16 – G29 and Postgraduate Faculty Regulations.

  1. The curriculum consists of four compulsory core and elective theoretical modules of 30 credits each to the total value of 120 credits.
  2. Each module will require a certain amount of contact sessions and the balance may be conducted online. The detail of the sessions for each module is published in the respective study guides.
  3. A minimum number of students could be set (as per the discretion of the module coordinator) for the presentation of any given module. When the required minimum number of students for a particular module is not reached, the module will not be presented during that academic year but will be offered again in the following academic year. For some modules a maximum number of students who can enrol may be set. The details for each module are published in the study guides.
  4. Students are required to confirm whether a module will be presented in any particular year or not. This enquiry should be directed to the Faculty PG Student Administration co-ordinator according to the syllabi information provided in the list of modules in this yearbook.

Renewal of registration
Also consult the General Academic Regulation G18.
The duration of a postgraduate diploma is one year. Under exceptional circumstances, an extension of one year may be approved by the Deputy Dean: Research and Postgraduate studies.

  1. A full-time student who is registered for postgraduate diploma must complete his or her study within one year of registering for the degree.
  2. Part-time students who are registered for a postgraduate diploma may be allowed to complete their studies within two years of first registering for the degree.

Admission requirements

1.    Relevant bachelor’s degree or Bachelor of Technology degree or relevant diploma (NQF level 7)
2.    An admissions examination may be required

 

Examinations and pass requirements

Also consult the General Academic Regulations G23 – G28.

  1. The postgraduate diploma is conferred on strength of the successful completion of tests/assignments and an examination on each of the four 30 credit coursework modules.
  2. The Faculty do make provision for supplementary and special examinations as per General Academic Regulations G26.4 and G26.5.
  3. Every module will be evaluated through a variety of continuous assessment methods (i.e. formative assessments, assignments, summative tests, presentations and/or oral defences where applicable) (from which a year mark will be determined), as well as an examination. A year mark of at least 40% is required for admission to the examination. The year mark and examination mark will each 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.
  4. Detailed information and/or instructions regarding requirements for year or examination assessment methods and marks are published in the relevant study guides. The calculation of marks may differ from module to module. This information is available in the study guides and students are responsible for familiarising themselves with the way in which marks are calculated in a specific module.
  5. No automatic adjustment of final individual marks from 38% and 39% to 40%, or from 48% and 49% to 50%, or from 73% and 74% to 75%, for the purposes of obtaining access to a supplementary examination, or a pass mark, or a distinction may occur.
  6. A student passes a module with distinction if he or she obtains a final mark of at least 75%.
  7. A student may only enrol for a module for a second time when the Student Administration of the Faculty receives a written motivation that is supported by the relevant head of department and subsequently approved by the Deputy Dean: Research and Postgraduate Studies..

Compliance with degree requirements and degree privileges
Also consult the General Academic Regulation G29.

  1. A postgraduate diploma qualification will be conferred on a student only if the student has complied with all the requirements for the particular qualification and has reached the level of competence prescribed for each module that is required for the qualification.
  2. No one is entitled to any privileges pertaining to a postgraduate diploma before the qualification has been conferred on him or her at a graduation ceremony. (In respect of professional registrations, faculties may issue confirmation letters to the relevant professional bodies prior to the graduation ceremonies.)

Pass with distinction

A postgraduate diploma is awarded with distinction if a student meets the following requirements:

  1. Obtained a weighted average of at least 75% (not rounded), based on the minimum number of modules prescribed for the qualification in question; and
  2. Completed the qualification in the minimum period (i.e. one year for a full-time student and two years for a part-time student) (Also consult the General Academic Regulations G18.1), and
  3. Did not fail or repeat any module during an additional examination. The result of a discontinuation of a module(s) will not be considered when calculating a qualification with distinction.

Minimum credits: 120

The two core modules are compulsary.

Choose 2 elective modules from the list of electives.

(Clinical subjects are limited to veterinary graduates only.)

Core modules

  • Module content:

    Section 1: (10 credits)
    Application of procedures within an accredited laboratory animal facility, with focus on laboratory animal management (rats and mice), including housing and care; enrichment; breeding; methods of dosing and methods of sample collection.

    Section 2: (20 credits)
    The biology of laboratory animals, their management and use as models in biomedical research.
    The aim is to extend the activities concerning the care and use of laboratory animals for research, training and testing. Further to affirm the concept on which the modern practice of experimenting with animals is based, to take into consideration the controversy evoked in the climate of animal rights. The special professional role required of the veterinary and paraveterinary professions to enhance humane practice with regard to animal experiments as well as the promotion of a productive scientific effort in the biomedical sciences.

    View more

  • Module content:

    An advanced module in research methodology for veterinarians involved in laboratory animals and/or laboratory work. The study will focus on animal ethics, animal ethics committee, evaluation of protocols and study design. Focus will also be placed on legislation for the use and protection of animals.

    View more

Elective modules


The regulations and rules for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations.

Copyright © University of Pretoria 2024. All rights reserved.

FAQ's Email Us Virtual Campus Share Cookie Preferences