| Code | Faculty | Department |
|---|---|---|
| 02133421 | Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences | Department: Animal Science |
| Credits | Duration | NQF level |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum duration of study: 4 years | Total credits: 562 | NQF level: 08 |
Important information for all prospective students for 2025
The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.
Minimum requirements | |||
Achievement level | |||
English Home Language or English First Additional Language | Mathematics |
Physical Sciences | APS |
NSC/IEB | NSC/IEB | NSC/IEB | |
5 | 5 | 5 | 32 |
Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.
Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.
Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.
Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted.
Unsuccessful candidates will be notified after 30 June.
Applicants should check their application status regularly on the UP Student Portal at click here.
Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the International undergraduate prospectus 2025: Applicants with a school leaving certificate not issued by Umalusi (South Africa), available at click here.
International students: Click here.
Transferring students
A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.
Closing dates: Same as above.
Returning students
A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.
Note:
Closing date for applications from returning students
Unless capacity allows for an extension of the closing date, applications from returning students must be submitted before the end of August via your UP Student Centre.
Compilation of curriculum
Students must register for elective modules in consultation with the head of department who must ensure that the modules do not clash on the set timetable.
The Dean may, in exceptional cases and on recommendation of the relevant head of department, approve deviations from the prescribed curriculum.
1.1 Requirements for specific modules
A candidate who:
or
or
1.2 Fundamental modules
A student will be promoted to the following year of study if he or she passed 100 credits of the prescribed credits for a year of study, unless the Dean on the recommendation of the relevant head of department decides otherwise. A student who does not comply with the requirements for promotion to the following year of study, retains the credit for the modules already passed and may be admitted by the Dean, on recommendation of the relevant head of department, to modules of the following year of study to a maximum of 48 credits, provided that it will fit in with both the lecture and examination timetable.
Progression to the final year of study
Only students who have completed all modules prescribed for the first, second and third year of study will be admitted to the final year of study.
Special examination
Minimum credits: 140
Fundamental = 14
Core modules = 128
Additional information:
Module content:
Find, evaluate, process, manage and present information resources for academic purposes using appropriate technology.
Module content:
Apply effective search strategies in different technological environments. Demonstrate the ethical and fair use of information resources. Integrate 21st-century communications into the management of academic information.
Module content:
The module aims to equip students with the ability to cope with the reading and writing demands of scientific disciplines.
Module content:
Simple statistical analysis: Data collection and analysis: Samples, tabulation, graphical representation, describing location, spread and skewness. Introductory probability and distribution theory. Sampling distributions and the central limit theorem. Statistical inference: Basic principles, estimation and testing in the one- and two-sample cases (parametric and non-parametric). Introduction to experimental design. One- and twoway designs, randomised blocks. Multiple statistical analysis: Bivariate data sets: Curve fitting (linear and non-linear), growth curves. Statistical inference in the simple regression case. Categorical analysis: Testing goodness of fit and contingency tables. Multiple regression and correlation: Fitting and testing of models. Residual analysis. Computer literacy: Use of computer packages in data analysis and report writing.
Module content:
Botanical principles of structure and function; diversity of plants; introductory plant systematics and evolution; role of plants in agriculture and food security; principles and applications of plant biotechnology; economical and valuable medicinal products derived from plants; basic principles of plant ecology and their application in conservation and biodiversity management.
This content aligns with the United Nation's Sustainable Debelopment Goals of No Poverty, Good Health and Well-being, Climate Action, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Life on Land.
Module content:
General introduction to inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry. Atomic structure and periodicity. Molecular structure and chemical bonding using the VSEPR-model. Nomenclature of inorganic ions and compounds. Classification of reactions: precipitation, acid-base, redox reactions and gas-forming reactions. Mole concept and stoichiometric calculations concerning chemical formulas and chemical reactions. Principles of reactivity: energy and chemical reactions. Physical behaviour gases, liquids, solids and solutions and the role of intermolecular forces. Rate of reactions: Introduction to chemical kinetics.
Module content:
Theory: General physical-analytical chemistry: Chemical equilibrium, acids and bases, buffers, solubility equilibrium, entropy and free energy, electrochemistry. Organic chemistry: Structure (bonding), nomenclature, isomerism, introductory stereochemistry, introduction to chemical reactions and chemical properties of organic compounds and biological compounds, i.e. carbohydrates and aminoacids. Practical: Molecular structure (model building), synthesis and properties of simple organic compounds.
Module content:
Chromosomes and cell division. Principles of Mendelian inheritance: locus and alleles, dominance interactions, extensions and modifications of basic principles.. Probability studies. Sex determination and sex linked traits. Pedigree analysis. Genetic linkage and chromosome mapping. Chromosome variation.
Module content:
The module will introduce the student to the field of Microbiology. Basic Microbiological aspects that will be covered include introduction into the diversity of the microbial world (bacteria, archaea, eukaryotic microorganisms and viruses), basic principles of cell structure and function, microbial nutrition and microbial growth and growth control. Applications in Microbiology will be illustrated by specific examples i.e. bioremediation, animal-microbial symbiosis, plant-microbial symbiosis and the use of microorganisms in industrial microbiology. Wastewater treatment, microbial diseases and food will be introduced using specific examples.
Module content:
Introduction to the molecular structure and function of the cell. Basic chemistry of the cell. Structure and composition of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Ultrastructure and function of cellular organelles, membranes and the cytoskeleton. General principles of energy, enzymes and cell metabolism. Selected processes, e.g. glycolysis, respiration and/or photosynthesis. Introduction to molecular genetics: DNA structure and replication, transcription, translation. Cell growth and cell division.
Module content:
Note: PHY 131 is aimed at students who will not continue with physics. PHY 131 cannot be used as a substitute for PHY 114.
Units, vectors, one dimensional kinematics, dynamics, work, equilibrium, sound, liquids, heat, thermodynamic processes, electric potential and capacitance, direct current and alternating current, optics, modern physics, radioactivity.
Module content:
*Students will not be credited for more than one of the following modules for their degree: WTW 134, WTW 165, WTW 114, WTW 158. WTW 134 does not lead to admission to Mathematics at 200 level and is intended for students who require Mathematics at 100 level only. WTW 134 is offered as WTW 165 in the second semester only to students who have applied in the first semester of the current year for the approximately 65 MBChB, or the 5-6 BChD places becoming available in the second semester and who were therefore enrolled for MGW 112 in the first semester of the current year.
Functions, derivatives, interpretation of the derivative, rules of differentiation, applications of differentiation, integration, interpretation of the definite integral, applications of integration. Matrices, solutions of systems of equations. All topics are studied in the context of applications.
Module content:
Animal classification, phylogeny organisation and terminology. Evolution of the various animal phyla, morphological characteristics and life cycles of parasitic and non-parasitic animals. Structure and function of reproductive,
respiratory, excretory, circulatory and digestive systems in various animal phyla. In-class discussion will address the sustainable development goals #3, 12, 13, 14 and 15 (Good Health and Well-being. Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, Life Below Water, Life on Land).
Minimum credits: 147
Module content:
Structural and ionic properties of amino acids. Peptides, the peptide bond, primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure of proteins. Interactions that stabilise protein structure, denaturation and renaturation of proteins. Introduction to methods for the purification of proteins, amino acid composition, and sequence determinations. Enzyme kinetics and enzyme inhibition. Allosteric enzymes, regulation of enzyme activity, active centres and mechanisms of enzyme catalysis. Examples of industrial applications of enzymes and in clinical pathology as biomarkers of diseases. Online activities include introduction to practical laboratory techniques and Good Laboratory Practice; techniques for the quantitative and qualitative analysis of biological molecules; enzyme activity measurements; processing and presentation of scientific data.
Module content:
Carbohydrate structure and function. Blood glucose measurement in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes. Bioenergetics and biochemical reaction types. Glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, glycogen metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway, citric acid cycle and electron transport. Total ATP yield from the complete oxidation of glucose. A comparison of cellular respiration and photosynthesis. Online activities include techniques for the study and analysis of metabolic pathways and enzymes; PO ratio of mitochondria, electrophoresis, extraction, solubility and gel permeation techniques; scientific method and design.
Module content:
Chemical foundations. Weak interactions in aqueous systems. Ionisation of water, weak acids and weak bases. Buffering against pH changes in biological systems. Water as a reactant and function of water. Carbohydrate structure and function. Biochemistry of lipids and membrane structure. Nucleotides and nucleic acids. Other functions of nucleotides: energy carriers, components of enzyme cofactors and chemical messengers. Introduction to metabolism. Bioenergetics and biochemical reaction types. Online activities include introduction to laboratory safety and Good Laboratory Practice; basic biochemical calculations; experimental method design and scientific controls, processing and presentation of scientific data.
Module content:
Biochemistry of lipids, membrane structure, anabolism and catabolism of lipids. Total ATP yield from the complete catabolism of lipids. Electron transport chain and energy production through oxidative phosphorylation. Nitrogen metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis and catabolism. Biosynthesis of neurotransmitters, pigments, hormones and nucleotides from amino acids. Catabolism of purines and pyrimidines. Therapeutic agents directed against nucleotide metabolism. Examples of inborn errors of metabolism of nitrogen containing compounds. The urea cycle, nitrogen excretion. Online activities include training in scientific reading skills; evaluation of a scientific report; techniques for separation analysis and visualisation of biological molecules; hypothesis design and testing, method design and scientific controls.
Module content:
The body cavities, the origin of trunk wall and the principle arrangement of other anatomical structures as explained by the basic embryological development of mammals. Introduction to anatomy and anatomical terminology. Introduction to basic histology of cells, epithelial tissue and connective tissue. Basic anatomy of tissues, organs, systems and joints. Anatomy of the musculo-skeletal system integrated, the histology of connective tissue and muscles. The anatomy and histology of the integument and skin structures, the cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, endocrine, urogenital and digestive systems all of which serves as basis for the physiology component of the module. General species differences of the anatomy and histology where applicable.
Module content:
Soil is a finite resource and with the global challenges we are facing, it is more important than ever to understand and sustainably manage soil. Our daily lives are impacted by soil in several ways, including the food we eat, the water we drink, and the environment we live in. In this Introductory Soils module, we will look at how basic and more advanced abiotic and biotic soil properties impact us and the larger environment. We will also examine the fundamental principles behind sustainable soil use management.
Module content:
The chemical nature of DNA. The processes of DNA replication, transcription, RNA processing, translation. Control of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Recombinant DNA technology and its applications in gene analysis and manipulation.
Module content:
Chromosome structure and transposable elements. Mutation and DNA repair. Genomics and proteomics. Organelle genomes. Introduction to genetic analysis of populations: allele and genotypic frequencies, Hardy Weinberg Law, its extensions and implications for different mating systems. Introduction to quantitative and evolutionary genetics.
Module content:
Influence of climate on cropping systems in South Africa. The surface energy balance. Hydrological cycles and the soil water balance. Sustainable crop production. Simple radiation and water limited models. Potential yield, target yield and maximum economic yield. Crop nutrition and fertiliser management. Principles of soil cultivation and conservation. Climate change and crop production – mitigation and adaptation.
Module content:
A brief perspective on the South African livestock industry with reference to the role of Sustainable development goals (SDGs) in a Southern African context. South African biomes in which animal production is practised. Animal ecological factors that influence regional classification. Introduction to adaptation physiology with reference to origin and domestication of farm and companion animals. Livestock species, breed development and breed characterisation. Basic principles of animal breeding and genetics, animal nutrition. Practical work includes identification and classification of different breeds of livestock.
Module content:
Introduction to the concepts of animal production systems in South African production environments. Principles and requirements for extensive, semi-intensive and intensive livestock production with reference to large- and small stock, poultry and pigs. Principles of communal farming systems in Southern Africa. Game management systems with reference to conservation and game farming. The role of the human in livestock production systems and sustainable production.
Minimum credits: 140
Module content:
Analysis of variance: Multi-way classification. Testing of model assumptions, graphics. Multiple comparisons. Fixed, stochastic and mixed effect models. Block experiments. Estimation of effects. Experimental design: Principles of experimental design. Factorial experiments: Confounding, single degree of freedom approach, hierarchical classification. Balanced and unbalanced designs. Split-plot designs. Analysis of covariance. Computer literacy: Writing and interpretation of computer programmes. Report writing.
Module content:
Homeostasis and Homeorhesis in animals: Thermoregulation. Adaptation of glucose, lipid and protein metabolism in response to short and long-term changes in the supply and balance of nutrients and to changes in tissue demand for nutrients during different physiological states. Deviations from normal homeostasis, metabolic diseases and the prevention thereof. Pathogenesis of inflammation and infections; immunity.
Module content:
Functional anatomy, growth and development of tissues and organ systems. The underlying physiological processes in growth and development. Pre- and postnatal growth and factors which determine growth rate: growth curves, stimulants of growth, age, nutrition, breed, sex. Changes during maturation, reproduction, the post-partum period and lactation. Ageing and tissue changes with erosion diseases. The influence of hormones, production and reproduction on conformation and a critical evaluation of assessment of animals for functional efficiency.
Module content:
Introduction to the world of agricultural economics: where to find practising agricultural economics services, overview of South African Agricultural Economy, scope of agricultural economics. Introduction to consumption and demand: utility theory, indifference curves, the budget constraint, consumer equilibrium, the law of demand, consumer surplus, tastes and preferences, and measurement and interpretation of elasticities. Introduction to production and supply: condition for perfect competition, classification of inputs, important production relationships, assessing short-run business costs, economics of short-run decisions. Isoquants, iso-cost line, least cost combination of inputs, long-run expansion of inputs, and economics of business expansion, production possibility frontier, iso-revenue line and profit maximising combination of products. Introduction to market equilibrium and product prices: market equilibrium in a perfectly competitive market, total economic surplus, changes in welfare, adjustments to market equilibrium, market structure characteristics, market equilibrium in a imperfectly competitive market, government regulatory measures. Introduction to financial management in agriculture: Farm management and agricultural finance, farm management information; analysis and interpretation of farm financial statements; risk and farm planning. Budgets: partial, break-even, enterprise, total, cash flow and capital budgets. Elements of business plan, marketing planning and price risk. Financial structuring and sources of finance for farm business. Time value of money.
Module content:
Theriogenology, spermatogenesis, zoogenesis, the female sexual cycle. Species differences. Hormonal control of the sexual functions.
Module content:
Artificial insemination. Semen collection techniques, the evaluation, dilution and conservation of semen. Collection, conservation and transfer of embryos. Collection of ova and in vitro fertilization. Handling of apparatus and practical insemination, oestrus observation and determination of gestation.
Module content:
Single gene, major genes and polygenes. Sources of variation, population parameters and the estimation thereof. Introduction to matrix algebra for application in animal breeding. Selection indices theory. Statistical models in estimation of breeding values. Animal recording systems and international guidelines for evaluation. Variation in traits of economic importance and statistical description. Use of genetic variation. Application of breeding values and prerequisites for accuracy. Principles of breeding systems.
Module content:
Basic principles of chemistry, biochemistry of feed constituents, digestion and metabolism in all livestock species. Digestibility in monogastric and ruminant animals. Evaluation of energy and nutrient content of feedstuffs and assessment of nutritional requirements, and feeding standards for maintenance, growth, reproduction and lactation.
Module content:
Voluntary feed intake, description of the characteristics of commonly used feedstuffs, such as forages, silage and hay protein and energy concentrates and byproducts and feed additives.
Module content:
The influence of biotic and abiotic factors on the productivity of different strata and components of natural pastures. This will enable the student to advise users, with the necessary motivation, on the appropriate use of these strata and components and will form a basis for further research on this system. The principles of veld management s and the influence of management practices on sustainable animal production from natural pastures. This will enable the student to advise users on veld management and veld management principles. It will also form a basis for further research on veld management.
Module content:
The establishment and use of planted pastures species and fodder crops and the
conservation of fodder. This will enable students to advise users on establishment and utilization of planted pastures species as well as farmers on the production,
conservation and optimum use of fodder. This will also form a basis for further research on planted pastures.
Minimum credits: 133
Additional Information
Only students who have completed all modules prescribed for the first, second and third year of study will be admitted to the final year of study.
Module content:
Specialised nutrition and management of beef cattle in extensive beef production and intensive feedlot systems with reference to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in a Southern African context. Extensive beef production deals with production systems, veld supplementation, breeding seasons, reproduction and health management and record keeping. Feedlot topics cover nutrition during different feedlot phases, feed additives and exogenous hormonal growth implants, feedlot layout, feedlot industry, margins and economics of beef production. Meat science involves the meat industry and meat species. Composition of carcass and meat, slaughtering process, meat quality and the consumer.
Module content:
Specialised nutrition and management of dairy cattle during the different production phases and the integration thereof into practical on farm application in an environmentally friendly manner, with reference to the role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) in a southern African context. with reference to the role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) in a southern African context. Production phases include calves and heifers, dry and transition cows and the lactating herd under pasture or total mixed ration production systems. Topics covered include feed analyses and interpretation; protein, energy and mineral nutrition; diet formulation and nutritional models; milk composition and products; general management and cow comfort; milking and housing systems; disorders and diseases. Practical work: Farm visits, feed formulation, animal handling and troubleshooting.
Module content:
Specialised small stock and game nutrition. Principles of creep feeding, drought feeding, winter and supplementary feeding. Feeding pen nutrition and final nutritional preparation of lambs. Influence of nutrition on wool, pelts and mohair. Fodder-flow planning. Small stock management, making arrangements for shearing and preparing sheds and equipment, pens, dipping, drinking and feeding facilities. Optimum lamb production for both extensive and intensive flocks within commercial, communal and emerging production systems, recognising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Preparation and marketing of hides, wool, mohair and karakul. Lambing seasons and herd management. Management programmes for the production of wool, meat, karakul pelt and mohair according to the particular ecological region and for conditions of drought. Herd health programmes. Practical work: Formulation of lowest cost rations and practical work with small ruminants.
Module content:
The principles of feed ingredients and feed quality assurance. Development of a quality assurance programme for a commercial feed mill. Theory and technical knowledge in feed manufacturing operations, regulations, materials handling and storage. Feed mill practises and regulations in South Africa. Ration formulation. Practical sessions on feed mixing and processing.
Module content:
Specialised nutrition of poultry in different physiological stages and production systems. Industrial science and management of production systems and feeding systems in poultry production units with reference to the role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) in a southern African context. Applied breeding of poultry. Design and utilisation of equipment and housing facilities. Product quality and marketing of poultry products. Hygiene and health programmes. The selection and genetic improvement of poultry. Practical work: The use of computer systems in feeding management of poultry in different production systems. Management of different poultry production systems.
Module content:
Molecular breeding and selection, including DNA markers, applications of genomics such as biodiversity management, parentage verification, MAS and genomic selection. Formulation and application of breeding objectives with reference to the role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) in a southern African context. with reference to the role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) in a southern African context. Species-specific breeding systems. Breeding objectives and selection programmes for beef and dairy cattle, small stock and companion animals. Selection of traits of economic importance and the efficiency thereof. Crossbreeding systems in meat producing farm animals.
Module content:
Specialised nutrition of monogastric animals: pigs, horses and companion animals. Pig production and management – sow, boar and growing pigs with reference to the role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) in a southern African context. . The design and utilisation of equipment and housing facilities are discussed and the impact of manure management on environmental health and sustainability. Hygiene and herd health programmes, product quality and marketing. The selection and genetic improvement of pigs. Practical work: The use of computer systems in managing the feeding of selected monogastric animals.
Module content:
Introduction to research methodology. Principles and terminology related to research in animal science. Scientific writing skills and communication. Popular articles, seminars and preparation of scientific manuscripts. Project proposals: approach to problem solving, methodology and appropriate referencing and reporting. Presentation of seminar. Multidisciplinary case studies in a Southern African context. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are reviewed with the focus on the challenges and applications in South Africa and Africa. Practical work includes a growth trial, where all components of animal science are combined in a 3-months group project and concluded with a scientific report. The project may include broilers, or sheep, or cattle.
Module content:
The production potential and quality of pastures as influenced by botanical composition, vegetation cover, livestock grazing and browsing potential, soil chemical, physical and biological conditions in addition to other important environmental processes are addressed. Pasture selection for different purposes and the importance of pasture management requirements within a planned livestock fodder flow system are taught. Monitoring pastures (both natural and cultivated) in different biomes of Southern Africa, through different assessment techniques to understand the health, production potential and quality thereof is explained. The different utilisation methods of pastures, as influenced by the livestock factor and their effects on the pastures regrowth potential, in addition to soil quality aspects are important principles that determine the value of pastures. The evaluation of grasses and other vegetation types in terms of adaptation, acceptability and adaptability to environmental and management conditions are important to an integrated and adaptive pasture and livestock production system.
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