BSc in Pest Management

Programme Objective

Entry Requirements

The purpose of this qualification is to develop competence in the knowledge, attitudes, insight and skills required to effectively respond to challenges facing society in relation to crop protection, poverty eradication, and food/nutritional security. With a sound knowledge of plant/animal (insect) ecology and integrated pest management philosophies, the BSc graduate in Pest Management will be able to: • apply and integrate theoretical knowledge, evidence-based techniques, and skill in both field and laboratory contexts that are appropriate to the ecological principles of crop production, improvement, and protection. • communicate effectively and work with communities to improve their livelihoods in various socio-economic contexts. • apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills across a range of applied sciences, initiate, plan and implement adaptive pest control programs in collaboration with relevant stakeholders• calibrate, handle, and use pest control materials, supplies and equipment. • collect field and laboratory data, analyse the same and effectively communicate/report the results scientifically, and • play a critical role in the development of the concept document for pest control, planning and implementation.

Senior Certificate with Matric exemption or equivalent qualification with a minimum SG (D) or HG (E) symbol in Mathematics, Physical Science, Life Sciences and English. A student may qualify for admission if s/he has attained at most one SG-E or HG-F symbol in any of these four major subjects. Using the National Senior Certificate, the certificate must indicate that “the candidate has met the minimum requirements for admission to a bachelors’ degree study.” Additional requirements include a minimum achievement rating of Level 4 (50%) in Mathematics, Physical Science, English and Life Sciences. A student who has attained at most one Level 3 in any of these four major subjects may qualify for admission. A student who has attained SG-E or HG-F or Level 3 in any two of the four major subjects may qualify for admission into the Extended programme. Candidates holding a National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Level 4 certificate must meet the statutory requirements and attain a 60% pass in at least three fundamental subjects including LOTL or 70% pass in at least three vocational subjects and at least 50% in Life Sciences. Applicants who do not meet the minimum admission requirements i.e., without a matriculation endorsement but have at least three years of work experience in the field of Pest Management may be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). They must however have attempted the following subjects at NSC level: English, Mathematics, Physical Science and Life Sciences. Such applicants will write an aptitude test to establish interest and commitment to the profession and service. Candidates will then be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed university format. If the courses to be assessed are primarily university-based, evidence from other areas of learning may be introduced if pertinent to any of the Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs). Diploma holders in Pest Management wishing to do a BSc in Pest Management must apply in writing through the Head of Department to be considered for admission. These graduates will be eligible for admission into year II of the BSc programme in Pest Management provided they have a cumulative mark of 60% and above at the end of the course.