Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Plant Pathology
Overview
This programme is offered from the Pietermaritzburg Campus. The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Plant Pathology focuses on the study of plant diseases, their causes, the mechanisms by which they occur, and the methods to manage or control them. It involves understanding the interactions between plants, pathogens, and the environment to ensure healthy plants for food production and food security by protecting plants from diseases that can significantly impact crop yields and quality.
SAQA
81146
NQF LEVEL
08
DURATION
4 Years
CAO CODE
KN-P-BSP
CLOSING DATE
30 September
DISCIPLINE
Entry Requirements
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) – Degree (Pass).
- APS score of no fewer than 28 points.
- Engl, LO, Maths & Agric Sci or Econ or Life Sci or Phys Sci 4.
Modules
In order to complete the qualification, a student shall obtain no fewer than 512 credits and shall complete the modules laid out in the table below.
Semester 1
- The Smaller Side of Life – BIOL101 (16 Credits)
- General Principles of Chemistry – CHEM110 16
- Mathematics for Natural Sciences – MATH150 (16 Credits)
- Intro Physics for Life Sciences & Agriculture – PHYS131 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
- Life on Earth – BIOL102 (16 Credits)
- Chemical Reactivity – CHEM120 (16 Credits)
- Introduction to Statistics – STAT130 (16 Credits)
- Further Mathematics for Natural Sciences – MATH143 (8 Credits)
- Modern Physics for Life Sciences & Agric – PHYS133 (8 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits.
Semester 1
- Introductory Genetics – GENE240 (16 Credits)
- Introduction to Soils & the Environment – SSCI217 (16 Credits)
- Sampling and Nonparametric Methods – STAT221 (16 Credits)
- Bacteriology – MICR213 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
- Introduction to Plant Production – AGPS200 (16 Credits)
- Fungi, Food and Phytopathogens – PPTH214 (16 Credits)
- Experimental Designs and Analysis – STAT222 (16 Credits)
Choose 16 credit elective from:
- Molecular DNA Technology – RDNA202 (16 Credits)
- Signal Transduction and Metabolism – BIOC212 (16 Credits)
- Environmental Instruments: Life/Earth Sciences – AMET212 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits.
Semester 1
- Introduction of Viruses – PPTH305 (16 Credits)
- Plant Disease Epidemiology and Bacteriology – PPTH330 (16 Credits)
- Field Crop Management – AGPS305 (16 Credits)
- Orchard Management – AGPS307 (16 Credits)
OR
- Protected Cultivation of Plants – AGPS309 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
- Principles of Plant Breeding – AGPS306 (16 Credits)
- Agricultural Plant Physiology – AGPS320 (16 Credits)
- Biotechnology for Plant Pathology – PPTH370 (16 Credits)
- Principles of Plant Disease Management – PPTH360 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits.
Semester 1
- Advanced Topics in Virology – PPTH723 (16 Credits)
- Advanced Plant Disease Epidemiology – PPTH730 (16 Credits)
- Field Plant Pathology – PPTH745 (16 Credits)
- Literature Review and Plant Pathology Research Skills – PPTH715 (16 Credits)
- Plant Pathology Major Research Project (Year-long module) – PPTH750 (48 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
- Postharvest Technology – AGPS732 (16 Credits)
- Plant Pathology Major Research Project (Year-long module) – PPTH750 (48 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits.
- Total Credits for Qualification: 512
What do they actually do?
A Plant Pathologist is a person who specialises in plant health just like a
doctor specialises in human health. Plant Pathologists study plant diseases caused by pathogens (infectious organisms) and environmental conditions (physiological factors), and how to manage them.
Plant diseases can be caused by plant pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes, insects, protozoa, and parasitic plants. Non-living agents such as air pollutants, nutrient imbalances, and various environmental factors including climate change can also affect plant health.
Plant Pathologists contribute towards reliable food production; the
reduction in agricultural use of land, water, fuel and other inputs; and in
improving disease control to prevent crop losses
Areas of Employment
- Universities or Colleges
- Research institutes (e.g. ARC, CSIR)
- South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)
- Perishable Produce Export Control Board (PPECB)
- Nursery industry
- Forestry industry
- Private estates
- Seed companies
- Consulting firms
- Agrochemical companies
- Biotechnology firms
- Biological control companies
- Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural
Development
Apply today and take the next step toward your future.