UNISA Animal Health Course Module 2025-2026
| Animal Diseases – AND1016 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 5 | Credits: 24 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Pre-requisite: PAH131S | |||
| Purpose: This module forms part of the National Diploma in Animal Health. The students who complete this course will be equipped with skills and the knowledge needed to perform the basic procedures involved in handling, rearing, breeding and management of domestic animals. | |||
| Animal Diseases II – AND201A | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 6 | Credits: 24 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Pre-requisite: AND1016 | |||
| Purpose: This module is part of the Diploma in Animal Health Programme. Students assessed as competent against this standard will be equipped with a general knowledge of : Internal parasites of ruminants and their effective control, external parasites and their effective control; viral diseases; bacterial diseases; protozoal diseases; metabolic diseases, nutritional deficiencies and imbalances, diarhoea and digestive disturbances; the stages of mastitis, detection and treatment; perinatal and neonatal conditions and disturbances; primary animal health programmes. Companion animals: Internal and external parasites and their effective control; viral diseases; bacterial diseases; protozoal diseases; metabolic diseases, nutritional imbalances, diarhoea and digestive disturbances; perinatal and neonatal conditions and disturbances; primary animal health programmes. | |||
| Epidemiology Animal Health I – EAH121T | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 5 | Credits: 24 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Purpose: This module forms part of the Diploma in Animal Health. The students who complete this course will be equipped with skills and the knowledge needed to be able to assist veterinarians to implement monitoring, surveillance and data analysis in their bid to prevent and control infectious animal diseases of both domestic and non-domestic animals. To achieve this, students are expected to be able to use basic concepts and procedures in biostatistics which form the focus of this module. By acquiring these skills students will be able to provide a statistical description of disease effects in an animal population. Such descriptions are important in that they inform the development of animal health programmes and hence contribute to establishing a sustainable food supply in southern Africa. | |||
| Animal Diseases – AND301D | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 6 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Pre-requisite: AND201A | |||
| Purpose: This module is part of the Diploma in Animal Health Programme. Students assessed as competent against this standard will be equipped with a general knowledge of diseases and conditions that affect non ruminants (: pigs, horses, poultry and ostriches). The knowledge will extend to the following diseases and conditions of non ruminants: Viral diseases; bacteriological diseases; protozoal diseases; metabolic diseases, nutrient deficiencies and imbalances, diarrhea and digestive disturbance, internal and external parasites, perinatal and neonatal conditions. The module also equips students with general knowledge on these: detection and effective control of diseases and conditions of non-ruminants; primary animal health care (where applicable). The module also offers an overview of important diseases and conditions in wildlife, crocodiles and aquaculture. | |||
| Epidemiology – EPD101T | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 5 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Purpose: This module forms part of the National Diploma in Animal Health. The learners who complete the module will be able to assist veterinarians to implement monitoring and data analysis to prevent and control infectious animal diseases of livestock, including domestic and non-domestic animals. To achieve this aim, they will use basic concepts and procedures in biostatistics to provide a statistical description of disease effects in an animal population. Such descriptions will inform the development of animal health programmes and so contribute to establishing a sustainable food supply in southern Africa. | |||
| Animal Health Practice : Laboratory Diagnostics – ANH2601 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 6 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Co-requisite: LDI2601 | |||
| Purpose: Students who have completed this module will have acquired a solid foundation in the procedures and methods related to laboratory diagnostics. Learners will be able to delineate their role as animal health technicians in laboratory diagnostics, as well as the role of state veterinary laboratories in animal health. Learners will gain specific knowledge and skills in laboratory diagnostic procedures and techniques, and will be able to apply these skills in the field of animal health. | |||
| Laboratory Diagnostics I – LDS141Q | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 5 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Co-requisite: AND1016 or AND201A | |||
| Purpose: This module forms part of the National Diploma in Animal Health. . Students who have completed this module will have acquired a solid foundation in the procedures and methods related to laboratory diagnostics. Learners will be able to delineate their role as animal health technicians in laboratory diagnostics, as well as the role of state veterinary laboratories in animal health. Learners will gain specific knowledge and skills in laboratory diagnostic procedures and will be able to apply these skills in the field of animal health. | |||
| Animal Health Practice: Reproduction Management – ANH2602 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 6 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Co-requisite: ZTG1501 (or XTG1501), ZTG1502 (or XTG1502), PAH1501 (or XAH1501) & PAH1502 (or XAH1502) | |||
| Purpose: The learners assessed for the Reproduction module as competent against this standard will gain first-hand practical knowledge of what is taught in theory as it is also applied in the practical. The learner will be provided with valuable life skills during the practical component of the module. | |||
| Anatomy and Physiology (Animal Health I) – PAH131S | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 5 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Purpose: This module forms part of the National Diploma in Animal Health and in many ways forms the foundation of the qualification. The learners who complete this module will be able to understand the form, or morphology, and function of the different organ systems found in the animal body. In the Anatomy section, learners will separate the different parts of the animal body and study the form of each. In the Physiology aspect however, learners will the study the integrated functions of the body and all its parts (systems, organs, tissues, cells and cell components- how things work and what they do?), including biophysical and biochemical processes. Most of the knowledge gained will be applied to other modules in the Animal Health programme. | |||
| Animal Health Practice III – ANH301A | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 6 | Credits: 24 |
| Module presented in English,Afrikaans | |||
| Pre-requisite: AND1016 & PAH131S | |||
| Purpose: This module is part of the Diploma in Animal Health Programme. Students assessed as competent against this standard will gain first-hand practical knowledge of what is taught in theory and a better understanding of the theory as it is applied in the work place. The student will be provided with valuable life skills exposed to in the real working environment. These skills include interacting with people, team work, and the ability to negotiate. | |||
| Pasture and Nutrition (Animal Health I) – PNH151U | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Semester module | NQF level: 5 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Purpose: This module forms part of the National Diploma in Animal Health.The aim of this module is to equip animal health technicians with the required knowledge and skills to recommend good feed and feeding systems to emerging livestock farmers to ensure a viable, profitable and sustainable livestock industry in South Africa. Students who complete this module will be able to identify, describe and discuss pasture nutrition concepts and animal feed requirements at various physiological stages. | |||
| Animal Health Practice: Project (WIL) – ANH3604 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 6 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Recommendation: Should be taken together with or follow on ZTG1501 (or XTG1501), ZTG1502 (or XTG1502), EPD2601 & EPD2602 | |||
| Purpose: The learners assessed as competent against this standard will gain first-hand practical knowledge of what is taught in theory and a better understanding of the theory as it is applied in the work place. The learner will be provided with valuable life skills exposed to in the real working environment. These skills include interacting with people, team work, and the ability to negotiate. Learners will be exposed to real work environment situations through work integrated learning opportunities under mentorship of registered mentors. | |||
| Anatomy and Physiology: AH I (Extended) – XAH1501 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 5 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Purpose: Conformation and body measurements of domestic animals; animal cells, cell types and tissues; cardio-vascular and lymphatic system; digestive system; urinary system; respiratory system; integumentary system; reproductive system; endocrine system; central nervous system; movement and skeletal system. | |||
| Animal Health Practice: Portfolio (WIL) – ANH3605 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 6 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Co-requisite: ANH3604 | |||
| Purpose: The learners assessed as competent against this standard will gain first-hand practical knowledge of what is taught in theory and a better understanding of the theory as it is applied in the work place. The learner will be provided with valuable life skills exposed to in the real working environment. These skills include interacting with people, team work, and the ability to negotiate. | |||
| Anatomy and Physiology II (Extended) – XAH1502 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 5 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Purpose: Conformation and body measurements of domestic animals; animal cells, cell types and tissues; cardio-vascular and lymphatic system; digestive system; urinary system; respiratory system; integumentary system; reproductive system; endocrine system; central nervous system; movement and skeletal system. | |||
| Epidemiology – EPD201F | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 6 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Pre-requisite: EPD101T | |||
| Purpose: This module forms part of the Diploma in Animal Health. The learners assessed as competent against this module will be able to calculate the size of samples, perform field investigations of disease outbreaks or problem occurrence, analyse epidemiological data, and perform screening and investigative methods. In addition, learners will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to evaluate outbreaks and devise strategies for disease control, prevention and eradication as part of a team in the animal health field. | |||
| Pasture and Nutrition: Animal Health (Extended) – XNH1501 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Under Graduate Degree,Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 5 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Pre-requisite: XAH1501 | Co-requisite: XAH1502 | ||
| Purpose: Pasture management: ecological principles; veldtypes of Southern Africa; characteristics of veldtypes; feeding habits and selective feeding; dividing of veld into homogenous ecological units; principles of pasture management; principles of the resting of veld; invasive plants; planted pastures. Nutrition: chemical composition of feeds; energy and protein standards of feeds; digestion of feeds; nutritional requirements of farm animals; classification and nutritional values of feeds; feeding of various groups of animals. | |||
| Pharmacology and Toxicology – PHT201J | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 6 | Credits: 24 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Purpose: Pharmacology: Introduction to pharmacology: definition of medication, absorption distribution and metabolism of drugs, routs of administering drugs (oral and parenteral), factors influencing the above mentioned, withdrawal period; medications used in animals, handling and storage of drugs; knowledge of: antibiotics, antibacterials, hormones, antihistamines, vitamins, counterirritants, emollients, vaccines, antisera, fungicides, insecticides, anthelminthics, disinfectants, immobilizations, anaesthetics, antidotes and antiseptics. Toxicology: Study of the effect and treatment of diseases caused by toxic products such as: arsenic, lead, urea, salt, strychnine, cyanide, mecury, chlorinated hydrocarbons, organophosphates, herbicides, rodenticides and poisonous plants, minerals and fungi. | |||
| Animal Studies I (Extended) – XNS1501 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 5 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Pre-requisite: XEC1501 or XIN1501 or XOC1501 or XSC1501 | |||
| Purpose: This module forms part of the Diploma in Nature Conservation as one of the major subjects. The module focuses primarily on the major aspects of invertebrate biology (taxonomy and general characteristics). In addition, students are also provided with a basic introduction to wildlife diseases and the collection and preservation of invertebrates. On completion students will be able to identify and classify different invertebrate phyla. This module provides fundamental knowledge which will provide support to further studies in the fields of Nature Conservation. | |||
| Legislation: Animal Health I – TLG1016 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 6 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Purpose: The learners who will be assessed as competent against this standard will be able to explain and apply the general and basic principles of legislation. The knowledge of specific legislation as an important factor in his/her work as a para-professional in the field of animal health will enable the learner to act in accordance with the relevant Acts and regulations in the control of animal diseases, the production of safe food of animal origin and so forth | |||
| Animal Diversity I (Extended – XOL1501 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Under Graduate Degree | Year module | NQF level: 5 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Purpose: To gain insight into the diversity, phylogeny, morphology and adaptations of higher invertebrate animals. | |||
| Animal Diseases III – AND3701 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Semester module | NQF level: 7 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Co-requisite: AND2601 & AND2602 | |||
| Purpose: This module is part of the Diploma in Animal Health Programme. The students who complete the module will be able to describe the occurrence, cause, transmission, predisposing factors, symptoms and prevention as well as treatment of diseases and disease conditions affecting non-ruminant domestic and non-domestic animals. | |||
| Animal Diversity II (Extended) – XOL1502 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Under Graduate Degree | Year module | NQF level: 5 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Pre-requisite: XOL1501 | |||
| Purpose: To gain insight into the diversity, phylogeny, morphology and adaptations of higher invertebrate and chordate animals. | |||
| Animal Diseases IV – AND3702 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Semester module | NQF level: 7 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Co-requisite: AND3701 | |||
| Purpose: This module is part of the Diploma in Animal Health Programme. Students assessed as competent against this standard will be equipped with a general knowledge of diseases and conditions that affect non ruminants (: pigs, horses, poultry and ostriches). The knowledge will extend to the following diseases and conditions of non ruminants: Viral diseases; bacteriological diseases; protozoal diseases; metabolic diseases, nutrient deficiencies and imbalances, diarrhea and digestive disturbance, internal and external parasites, perinatal and neonatal conditions. The module also equips students with general knowledge on these: detection and effective control of diseases and conditions of non-ruminants; primary animal health care (where applicable). The module also offers an overview of important diseases and conditions in wildlife, crocodiles and aquaculture. | |||
| Laboratory Diagnostics (Practical) – AHPR02G | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 6 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Co-requisite: LDS141Q | |||
| Purpose: This module forms part of the National Diploma in Animal Health. The aim of this module is to equip learners with skills and knowledge required to collect samples for submission to the laboratory and perform various laboratory techniques/procedures that are needed to support disease investigations. | |||
| Animal Diseases – AND401D | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Baccalareus Technologiae Degree | Year module | NQF level: 7 | Credits: 24 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Purpose: To be equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify various diseases and disease conditions affecting domestic and nondomestic animals in southern Africa and to identify the occurrence, cause, transmission mechanisms, predisposing factors, symptoms, and diagnostic procedures relating to the relevant disease. They will also be able to suggest measures for the prevention and treatment of these diseases. These skills will enable them to contribute to the production of a sustainable food supply in the country. | |||
| Reproduction Management (Practical) – AHPR03G | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 6 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Co-requisite: AND1016 & PAH131S | |||
| Purpose: This module forms part of the National Diploma in Animal Health. The module covers the following aspects of reproduction management: the legal context of reproduction management, reproduction anatomy and physiology, genetics and breeding, artificial insemination and embryo transfer, management of pregnancy and parturition, and various factors that influence the reproductive health of the cow. | |||
| Animal Health Practice: TB/CA – ANH3703 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 7 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Co-requisite: AND2601 & AND2602 | |||
| Purpose: The learners assessed as competent against this standard will gain first-hand practical knowledge of what is taught in theory as it is also applied in the practical. The learner will be provided with valuable life skills during the practical component of the module. Student will have to show competency to be able to independently test cattle herds for Tuberculosis and Brucellosis as controlled animal diseases in South Africa as part of the eradication schemes. | |||
| Tuberculosis/Brucellosis Practical – AHPR04G | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 6 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Purpose: This module forms part of the National Diploma in Animal Health. The module equips learners with skills and knowledge required to apply the theory and practice of Tuberculosis/Brucelosis testing. Specifically learners, who complete this module, will be considered competent in performing and interpreting the tuberculin skin test and the various direct and indirect lab based tests for both TB and CA. Learners who complete this module will also be able to describe the various TB/CA control/eradication schemes established by the state. | |||
| Legislation: AH – TLG3601 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Semester module | NQF level: 7 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Purpose: The learners who will be assessed as competent against this standard will be able to explain and apply the general and basic principles of legislation. The knowledge of specific legislation as an important factor in his/her work as a para-professional in the field of animal health will enable the learner to act in accordance with the relevant Acts and regulations in the control of animal diseases, the production of safe food of animal origin and so forth. | |||
| Anatomy and Physiology Practical (Gauteng) – AHPRW2G | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 5 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English | |||
| Co-requisite: PAH131S | |||
| Purpose: This module forms part of the National Diploma in Animal Health. The students who complete this course will be equipped with skills and the knowledge needed to identify the different organ systems of the domestic animal. Learners will also be equipped with knowledge of comparative anatomy, which will enable them to differentiate the organs of the different species based on their unique anatomical features. | |||
| Meat Hygiene Practical – AHPR05G | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma | Year module | NQF level: 6 | Credits: 12 |
| Module presented in English,Afrikaans | |||
| Co-requisite: VPH301L, TLG1016 and AND301D | |||
| Purpose: This module is part of the Diploma in Animal Health Programme. Students assessed as competent against this standard will be equipped with a general knowledge of quality control and food safety systems in red meat abattoirs. They will be able to perform the basic steps of the relevant ante-mortem, post-mortem, meat and abattoir inspection processes according to legislation and to handle products accordingly. This knowledge will help them to contribute to the production of sound and safe food of animal origin in South Africa. | |||
