Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Soil Science (BSA-SS)
Overview
This programme is offered from the Pietermaritzburg Campus. The Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Soil Science focuses on the nature, importance and management of soil and water as they relate to crop production and environmental management. Soil science provides an understanding of how soil properties relate to and can be managed for optimal agricultural production, forest, range, and wetland management, urban land use, waste disposal and management, and reclamation of drastically disturbed sites, such as mines.
SAQA
81147
NQF LEVEL
08
DURATION
4 Years
CAO CODE
KN-P-BSI
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
Semester 1
- The Smaller Side of Life – BIOL101 (16 Credits)
- General Principles of Chemistry – CHEM110 (16 Credits)
- 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
- Agrometeorology and Environmental Biophysics – AMET210 (16 Credits)
- Introduction to Soils & the Environment – SSCI217 (16 Credits)
- Sampling and Nonparametric Methods – STAT221 (16 Credits)
- Introduction to Physical Hydrology – HYDR210 (16 Credits)
OR
- Small Ruminant Production – ANSI207 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
- Introduction to Plant Production – AGPS200 (16 Credits)
- Pedology – SSCI230 (16 Credits)
- Soil Biology and Biochemistry – SSCI260 (16 Credits)
- Environmental Instruments: Life/Earth Sciences – AMET212 (16 Credits)
OR
- Environmental Aspects of Hydrology – HYDR220 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits.
Semester 1
- Irrigation Design & Management – AGPS301 (16 Credits)
- Agricultural and Environmental Soil Physics – SSCI353 (16 Credits)
Electives: 32 credits; at least 16 at level 3 (given below):
- Field Crop Management – AGPS305 (32 Credits)
- Orchard Management – AGPS307 (32 Credits)
- Modelling for Hydrological Design – HYDR310 (32 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
- Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition – SSCI320 (16 Credits)
- Environmental Soil Chemistry – SSCI373 (16 Credits)
Electives: 32 credits; at least 16 at level 3 (given below):
- Crop Protection – AGPS308 (32 Credits)
- Introduction to Food Security – FDSC360 (32 Credits)
- Applied Hydrology – HYDR324 (32 Credits)
- Environmental Water Quality – HYDR322 (32 Credits)
- Water Res. Policy, Laws & Institutions – HYDR330 (32 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits.
Semester 1
- Pedochemistry in the Environment – SSCI730 (16 Credits)
- Soil Productivity Management – SSCI750 (16 Credits)
- Forest Production and Utilisation – AGPS710 (16 Credits)
OR
- Industrial Crop Production – AGPS715 (16 Credits)
- Soil Science Seminar – SSCI792 (16 Credits)
- Research Project in Soil Science – SSCI793 (48 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
- Staple Crop Production – AGPS714 (16 Credits)
OR
- Postharvest Technology – AGPS732 (16 Credits)
- Soil Science Seminar – SSCI792 (16 Credits)
- Research Project in Soil Science – SSCI793 (48 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits.
- Total Credits for Qualification: 512
What do they actually do?
A Soil Scientist studies the soil as a natural resource on the surface of the Earth including soil formation, classification and mapping; the physical, chemical, biological, and fertility properties of soils; and soil properties in relation to the use and management of soils.
Soil Science deals with the characteristics and use of soils for purposes of production, the retention of environmental quality, as well as promoting health in plants, animals and people.
Soil Scientists are trained to identify and evaluate soil types for agricultural and nonagricultural uses, to determine the deficiencies of various kinds of soil and how these may be rectified. The process includes aspects such as soil-cultivation methods and practices, soil
fertility and fertilising, irrigation and drainage.
Areas of Employment
- Agricultural Research Council
- Research institutes and
organisations - Department of Agriculture
- Universities
- Agricultural co-operatives
- Fertiliser manufacturers
- CSIR
- Self-employment
Apply today and take the next step toward your future.