Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Crop Science

Name of Programme: Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Crop Science

Duration: Two Years

Minimum Credit Load: 240

Maximum Credit Load: 300

Total MBKS Credit Load: 192

ZNQF Level: 8

• PURPOSE OF PROGRAMME

1. 1. The programme aims at contributing towards sustainable food and cash crop production, economic growth and overall food security.
   2. The Department will accomplish its mission by:

1. Developing curricula that provide appropriate theoretical knowledge and practical skills in field crop production.
2. Production of competitive and innovative graduates for various career opportunities in private and public sectors as well as self-employment.
3. Departmental participation in agricultural development through research, innovation, industrialization and outreach programmes.
4. Collaborating with relevant stakeholders.

• ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

2.1 The students should either have a Diploma in Agriculture or other relevant Tertiary qualification.

2.2 At least five ‘O’ Level passes including English Language, Science and Mathematics.

• PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

Areas of study: Plant/crop biology & ecology, production practices/technologies; agricultural statistics and research methods; climate change and adaptation; molecular biology and biotechnology; plant breeding; post-harvest technology and crop protection, pathology nematology and weed management, horticultural crops and graincrops

Specialist Focus: Sustainable crop production, plant breeding, crop protection and biotechnology technologies and value addition.

Orientation Research, innovation and application of theory to solve practical agronomic-related problems

Distinctive Features: Knowledge innovation and skills development 

• CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

Employability • Private Sector – Agronomists, Plant Breeders, Crop Protection officers, Technical and Sales Representatives, Farm Managers, Consultants.

• Public Sector – Researchers (Agronomists, Plant Breeders, Crop Protectionists) Extensionists, Lecturers.
• Self-Employment – Farmers, Consultants.

Further Studies Master’s Degree level in the various fields of Agronomy (crop production, crop protection, biotechnology and breeding, crop processing etc). 

They can also proceed to do PhD and DPhil studies in these areas.

• PROGRAMME DELIVERY

Teaching and Learning Methods: Blended learning in class and online, tutorials, laboratory and field practicals group work, industrial and farm/field visits, research project.

Assessment Methods: Written and oral examinations, tests, quizes, group presentations, work-related learning reports, final year dissertations, continuous assessment (30%), Final exam (70%).

• LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of this programme a graduate shall be able to:

• Apply key scientific principles and theories underpinning Agronomy.
• Apply practical skills in sustainable crop production, scientific research and knowledge transfer.
• Develop credible solutions using contemporary technologies in climate–smart agriculture, molecular biology and biotechnology.
• Work cooperatively in groups, displaying tolerance to diversity. 
• Research, innovate and provide solutions in Agronomy.
• Create enterprises in the agricultural sector.

• GENERAL PROVISIONS

1. 1. 1. A student shall be enrolled for at least 6 modules at any time during the semester.
      2. Students can include in their programme of study, modules offered by other Departments.
      3. Students may be allowed to change registration for modules taken in any semester only during the first two weeks of registration.

• PROGRAMME ASSESSMENT

8.1 Research Project

8.1.1 For the research project assessment, each student shall present a research project and an oral presentation on the research project. 

8.1.2 The research project and the oral presentation will contribute 70% and 30%, respectively, to the final mark for the research project.

8.2 For the assessment of modules 

Refer to Section 5 of the Faculty Regulations.

• PROVISION FOR PROGRESSION

Refer to Section 6 of Faculty Regulations.

• FAILURE TO SATISFY EXAMINERS

Refer to Section 7 of the Faculty Regulations.

• GRADING AND DEGREE CLASSIFICATION

Refer to Section 9 of Faculty Regulations.

• DEGREE WEIGHTING

Refer to Section 10 of the Faculty Regulations.

• PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Level 1 Semester 1

Code Module Description       Credits

AGRO135 Plant Biology 12

HAWS132 Principles of Biochemistry 12

CS131 Basic Communication Skills 12

HCS135 Introduction to Information Technology 12

AGRO132 Introduction to Genetics 12

HORT131 Principles of Microbiology 12

AGRO136 Introduction to Statistics 12

Level 1 Semester 2  

Code Module Description       Credits

HORT132 Introduction to Entomology and Parasitology 12

AGRO231 Crop Ecology and Physiology   12

HORT231 Biology and Management of Plant Pathogens 12

AGRO239 Statistical Methods and Experimental Design   12 

AGRO232 Principles of Plant Breeding 12

LWR233 Principles of Irrigation 12

Level 2 Semester 1

Code Module Description       Credits

AEGS231 Gender Studies 12

ENT131 Entrepreneurship 12

HORT235 Biology and Management of Plant Insect Pests 12

AGRO234 Weed Science and Management 12

HAWS238 Natural Resource Management 12

LWR240 Soil and Water Conservation 12

Electives (Choose one module from those on offer in the current semester)

AGRO238 Seed Science and Production             12

AGRO255 Plant Breeding Practice 12

Level 2 Semester 2

Code Module Description Prerequisite       Credits

AGRO450 Annual and Food Crop Production 12

AGRO446 Global Environmental Issues and Climate change 12

AGRO451 Industrial and Cash Crop Production 12

AGHORT480 Research Project 24

Electives (Choose one from modules on offer in the current semester)

AGRO422 Plant Breeding Methods 12

HORT435 Post Harvest Physiology and Technology 12

14. Module Synopses

AGRO135 Plant Biology 

The module covers the following basic understanding of plant physiological concepts; cell biology; plant growth and development; seed, germination and dormancy; plant growth regulators; plant mineral nutrition; plant water relations; photoperiodism and vernalization; photosynthesis at cellular level (light and dark reactions, C3, C4, CAM photosynthetic systems, photo-respiration).

HAWS132 Principles of Biochemistry 

Energy flows in biological systems; Structure of cells; Stereochemistry: positional, geometrical and optical isomerism; Chemistry of carbohydrates: classification, structure, functions, mobilization and transport; Chemistry of proteins: amino acids their classification, structure, functions, mobilization and transport; Chemistry and functions of nucleic acids; and DNA and RNA, their functions and roles in life processes.

CS131 Basic Communication Skills

The module is aimed at assisting students to achieve full academic potential through equipping them with the necessary communication skills essential for their degree studies.

HCS135 Introduction to Information Technology

Introduction: uses of information technology, computer hardware and software. Data processing, computer networks and internet, network typologies, the internet, uses of the internet, E-business, word processors and spread sheets, information systems, security and ethical challenges in Information Technology 

AGRO132 Introduction to Genetics 

The module covers Introduction to genetics, Cellular division and chromosomes, Mendelian principles of inheritance, Gene interaction, chromosome theory of heredity, Sex determination and sex linkage, Nucleic acids, genetic code and protein synthesis, Gene and chromosomal mutations, Maternal effects and Cytoplasmic heredity 

HORT131 Principles of Microbiology

Characteristics of eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells and a range of micro-organisms viz. Bacteria, Fungi, Viruses, Viroid and Protozoa; their classification, morphology, nutrition, growth, replication and metabolism; Micro-organisms as agents of diseases (pathogens), use of micro-organisms in industrial microbiology (cheese, beer and wine making) and in silage making; Immunology; techniques of isolating and identifying micro-organisms; Microscopy.

AGRO136 Introduction to Statistics 

Introduction to statistics: definition, uses of statistics in research, business, tourism and agriculture; Probability: multiplicative law, addition law, conditional probability, tree diagram, law of total probability; Probability distributions: random variables, discrete, continuous, binomial distribution, normal distribution; Measures of central tendency and dispersion. Sampling techniques; Data presentations and summarization techniques. statistical inference: hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, t-tests, chi-square tests and one-way ANOVA. Regression and correlation.

HORT132 Introduction to Entomology and Parasitology

This module covers beneficial and injurious insects, classification, adaptation characteristics, insect anatomy and physiology, nervous system, digestive system, locomotion, insect reproduction, metamorphosis.  Mites, ticks and nematodes-morphology, classification, reproduction and economic importance. 

AGRO231 Crop Ecology and Physiology 

The module aims to cover the following aspects; growth analysis (Liebig’s law, parameters of size, efficiency and duration of the photosynthetic system, Infrared Gas Analyser); canopy and architecture (total radiation, the light spectrum, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR); canopy photosynthesis and respiration; plant water relations; temperature and plant growth; partitioning of assimilates; modelling. 

AGRO239 Statistical Methods and Experimental Design 

Introduction to experimental designs, data analysis and interpretation.  Analysis of variance for one factor, two factor experiments and multi-factor experiments; Multiple comparison of means; Partitioning of sum of squares, transformations; Analysis of covariance; Repeated measures analysis; Regression, Correlation Multi-variate regression; Data entry, analysis and interpretation using statistical packages (MINITAB, GENSTAT, SAS, R) for all designs: Regression and Correlation.

AGRO232 Principles of Plant Breeding 

The module covers probability analysis and chi-square tests in inheritance studies, Gene control models in eukaryotes, introduction to population genetics, Quantitative Inheritance, Components of heritability in plant breeding. Linkage and recombination in plant breeding, gene mapping in diploids, Reproductive systems and pollination control crop plants, Polyploidy in Plant Breeding, Interspecific hybridization, Tissue Culture in Plant Breeding, principles of Mutation Breeding, Principles of recombinant DNA Technology in plant breeding.

LWR233 Principles of Irrigation

Role and history of irrigation development in Zimbabwe ; Soil Water Plant Relations- Physical properties of soil and water, water retention and availability to plants, soil water movement and measurement; Evapotranspiration and crop water requirements; Basic principles of irrigation hydraulics- open channel flow, pipe flow, flow measurement; Irrigation System Types-Sprinkler irrigation systems and components, Surface irrigation systems and components, Drip irrigation systems and components; Planning irrigation projects; Land levelling and land levelling methods for irrigation; Issues of salinity in Irrigation.

AEGS231 Gender Studies

The module empowers the students with knowledge and skills that enable them to be gender sensitive in the university, workplace and in all their social interactions. Topics covered include, Understanding Gender, Theories of Gender Inequalities, Historical Development of Gender, Gender Analysis, and Gender Issues in Zimbabwe, Redressing Gender Imbalances, Empowerment and Strategies for creating a gender responsive environment.  Every student has to pass the module in order to graduate.

ENT131 Entrepreneurship 

The module looks at business development, barriers encountered, and issues related to marketing, human resources management, pricing, government policies, taxation of businesses. Case studies, visits to business premises and presentations by entrepreneurs will be used to understand the running of small business. The preparation of business plans will also be covered.

HORT235 Biology and Management of Plant Insect Pests 

This module covers important pests of crops, biology and ecology, life cycles, population ecology, population monitoring and economic decision making, monitoring and pest risk assessments, pest management strategies- cultural, physical, biological, IPM, surveillance, quarantine, botanicals, pheromones, insect growth regulators, plant resistance and genetic modifications of plants or insects. 

AGRO234 Weed Science and Management

The module covers evolution of weeds, adaptations of weeds as pests of disturbed areas, seed production, dormancy, germination, seed bank, weed interference, allelopathy and methods to study allelopathy, vegetative propagation mechanisms, weed dispersal. Weed management tactics: manual, cultural, legislative, biological weed control, chemical. classification of herbicides, herbicide selectivity, soil applied herbicides, foliar applied herbicides, herbicide application.

HAWS238 Natural Resources Management

Ecological concepts and sustainable use of natural resources; Concepts and principles of renewable and non-renewal resources; Management of resources: degradation of resources, depletion of resources, types of natural resources; Policies in Natural Resources Management; Appraisal of the relationship between resources, ecology and the environment; Management of heritage resources: land, water, animals and vegetation, cultural and related gene banks; Cultural property: Tangible and intangible attributes; and Identification, preservation and safeguarding of Zimbabwean values (ubuntu/hunhu) and heritage in its diverse forms.

LWR240 Soil and Water Conservation

Introduction to Soil and Water Conservation. Overview of the soil erosion problems, Strategies for soil erosion control and Soil and Water Conservation- Mechanical control; Tillage techniques; Biological control; Cultural and indigenous methods.

AGRO238 Seed Science and Production 

The module covers seed science, production and associated legislation. Introduction to the physiology of development, ripening, and dormancy of crop seeds. Seed multiplication. Methods of harvesting, drying, processing, storage and marketing of seed. Tests for purity, germination capacity, and vigour, moisture contents, uniformity and health. Maintaining varietal purity. Procedures for certification, release and registration of cultivars. Seed laws and regulations.

AGRO255 Plant Breeding Practice 

This module covers key issues that are required in developing the techniques of plant breeding. The focus will be given on induction of variation, emasculation techniques, mating systems and pollination techniques, proper field designs, selection techniques. The student will also learn how to manage a breeding program by using computer software. On completion of this module the student should be able to manage a breeding program using appropriate computer software.

AGRO450 Annual and Food Crop Production 

The module covers classification, adaptation and agronomy of selected annual field crops grown for food. Classification, importance, growth and development of selected groups of annual food crops.  Regional and national potential; limitations to production; Agronomy: cultivar selection, land preparation, planting, weed, pest and disease management, irrigation, harvesting and post-harvest handling of cereal grain, legume grain; plantain; root and tuber crops. 

AGRO446 Global Environmental Issues and Climate Change

The module outlines global environmental issues and ocean-atmosphere phenomena of importance in agriculture. Climate change; The role of water bodies and ice caps in regulating the global climatic systems; El-nino and La-nina effect; The ozone layer; Pollution and contamination of the environment; pollution from agro-chemicals; WHO limits on concentration of pesticides and other pollutants in potable water and food; Deforestation; erosion; desertification; measures to combat degradation; Sustainable development paradigms.

AGRO451 Industrial and Cash Crop Production 

The module highlights the economic importance, agronomy and marketing of cash and industrial crops; Regional potential and limitations to production; Economic importance; Agronomy of cash and industrial crops; cultivar selection, soil requirements, tillage, planting, fertilizer application, weeding, crop protection, irrigation, harvesting, post-harvest processing and marketing cash and industrial beverage, sugar, fibre, oilseeds, drug, nut, silvicultural and citrus. 

AGHORT480 Research Project

The module prepares students in areas of proposal writing, conducting of research, data interpretation and publication. They get an opportunity to engage in an independent study, with limited supervision and guidance. This is achieved through a program that exposes students to: research proposal writing, data collection & organization, data analysis & statistical competence, data interpretation & presentation, quality scientific writing, oral presentations.

AGRO422 Plant Breeding Methods 

The module covers breeding methods for self-pollinated crops and breeding methods for cross pollinated crops; Population improvement methods; Types of cultivars: pure lines, multi-lines, various types of hybrids, synthetics, composites, and open pollinated varieties.  

HORT435 Post Harvest Physiology and Technology 

The module introduces the students to basic postharvest handling of fruits, vegetables and cereals at domestic, small scale and commercial levels. Areas covered include storage physiology and biochemistry of fruits, vegetables and ornamental crops. Influence of pre-harvest grading. storage, packing, transportation and marketing. Effects of storage temperature CO2, O2, ethylene on ripening.