Bachelor of Science in Crop Science and Agronomy
Study crop production from plant and soil science through field and horticultural systems to applied research.
About the course
Study crop production from plant and soil science through field and horticultural systems to applied research. You will analyse crop growth, manage water and nutrients, monitor pests and diseases, and plan production in Southern African conditions. Practical fieldwork and a research project connect scientific evidence with decisions on farms and in agricultural services.
What you'll learn
- Explain how plant physiology, genetics, soils, water and climate affect crop performance.
- Plan field and horticultural crop production for a defined Southern African setting.
- Monitor crop health and justify integrated pest, disease and weed decisions.
- Interpret field data, enterprise budgets and crop-quality evidence.
- Complete safe field practice and communicate a defensible crop-science research project.
Requirements
Prepare with school-leaving Mathematics and at least one relevant science or agricultural subject, or an assessed equivalent vocational route. BMIT will confirm its published admission criteria and any recognition of prior learning before enrolment. You need academic English, basic digital study skills and access to supervised field or laboratory practice where required.
Course content
Complete 28 compulsory subjects across three learning stages. The indicative route is four years of full-time study. Stage 1 establishes scientific and agricultural foundations, Stage 2 develops crop-system and field skills, and Stage 3 applies specialist methods through professional field practice and a supervised research project.
3 learning stages 28 subjects
Select a subject to read its learning outcomes, main topics, practical task and assessment.
Stage 1: Scientific and agricultural foundations
Scientific Communication and Academic InquiryCompulsory
Read agricultural evidence, write clear technical reports and distinguish observation from inference. Work with research questions relevant to Southern African crop production.
Learning outcomes
- Assess the reliability of a source
- Write a structured field report
- Present findings with appropriate limits
Main topics
- Information literacy
- Research questions
- Scientific writing
- Referencing and integrity
Practical task
Prepare a short evidence review and field-observation report on a local crop-production question.
Assessment
Evidence review, report and short oral presentation.
Biology for Agricultural ScienceCompulsory
Study cells, organisms and ecological relationships as a foundation for crop science. Connect biological processes with growth, adaptation and production.
Learning outcomes
- Explain biological processes affecting crop growth
- Interpret simple biological observations
- Use biological terms accurately
Main topics
- Cell structure
- Metabolism
- Inheritance
- Plant-microbe interactions
Practical task
Observe germination and early growth under two contrasting conditions and keep a dated record.
Assessment
Practical record, concept test and interpretation of observations.
Chemistry for Soils and PlantsCompulsory
Apply basic chemical principles to soils, water, fertilisers and plant tissues. Use safe laboratory methods to interpret agricultural samples.
Learning outcomes
- Calculate concentrations
- Explain nutrient availability
- Handle samples and reagents safely
Main topics
- Solutions and concentration
- Acids and bases
- Nutrient chemistry
- Laboratory safety
Practical task
Analyse supplied soil and irrigation-water results and prepare a short management interpretation.
Assessment
Calculation test and laboratory interpretation report.
Quantitative Methods and Agricultural StatisticsCompulsory
Use mathematics and introductory statistics to describe agricultural data and compare field results. Recognise uncertainty and avoid unsupported conclusions.
Learning outcomes
- Check units and calculations
- Summarise crop data
- Communicate variation accurately
Main topics
- Units and measurement
- Descriptive statistics
- Probability
- Graphs and tables
Practical task
Analyse a supplied harvest dataset using a spreadsheet and explain the variation between plots.
Assessment
Problem set and reproducible data-analysis workbook.
Plant Diversity and BotanyCompulsory
Identify major crop families and describe plant structures, life cycles and reproductive systems. Relate botanical characteristics to crop management.
Learning outcomes
- Identify common crop families
- Describe plant organs and functions
- Use a field identification key
Main topics
- Plant identification
- Roots, stems and leaves
- Flowers and seed
- Crop life cycles
Practical task
Compile an illustrated identification guide for locally relevant field and horticultural crops.
Assessment
Identification practical and annotated field guide.
Soil Science and Land CapabilityCompulsory
Examine soil formation, texture, structure and biological activity. Evaluate how land capability affects crop choice and soil stewardship.
Learning outcomes
- Describe a soil profile
- Interpret basic soil tests
- Identify land-use constraints
Main topics
- Soil profiles
- Texture and structure
- Organic matter
- Land evaluation
Practical task
Survey two contrasting soils and produce a land-capability note with sampling limitations.
Assessment
Field notebook, soil profile and interpretation report.
Agroclimatology and Farm WeatherCompulsory
Interpret rainfall, temperature, radiation and seasonal forecasts for agricultural decisions. Consider drought, heat and frost risks in southern Africa.
Learning outcomes
- Read climate records
- Estimate seasonal production risks
- Explain limits of forecasts
Main topics
- Weather observations
- Growing seasons
- Water balance
- Climate risk
Practical task
Construct a crop calendar from local climate records and identify two weather-related decisions.
Assessment
Climate-data exercise and crop-calendar briefing.
Agricultural Ecology and BiodiversityCompulsory
Study interactions among crops, soil organisms, pests, pollinators and surrounding habitats. Evaluate production choices against ecological effects.
Learning outcomes
- Map ecological relationships
- Explain trade-offs in farm management
- Propose a biodiversity measure
Main topics
- Agroecosystems
- Biodiversity
- Nutrient cycles
- Ecosystem services
Practical task
Map habitat features and crop interactions on a supplied farm case.
Assessment
Annotated systems map and ecological management note.
Stage 2: Crop systems and field practice
Plant Physiology and Crop GrowthCompulsory
Analyse photosynthesis, respiration, water movement and plant development. Use growth observations to explain crop responses to management and stress.
Learning outcomes
- Interpret crop growth stages
- Explain physiological stress
- Connect observations to management
Main topics
- Photosynthesis
- Water relations
- Growth stages
- Stress responses
Practical task
Measure plant growth under a controlled water or light treatment using an approved protocol.
Assessment
Practical report, growth-curve analysis and test.
Plant Genetics and Crop ImprovementCompulsory
Apply inheritance and genetic variation to crop selection and improvement. Compare conventional breeding with modern molecular approaches.
Learning outcomes
- Solve basic inheritance problems
- Describe a breeding cycle
- Assess a trait-selection decision
Main topics
- Mendelian inheritance
- Quantitative traits
- Selection
- Breeding ethics
Practical task
Design a simple improvement plan for a locally important crop and stated production constraint.
Assessment
Genetics problem set and improvement-plan report.
Soil Fertility and Plant NutritionCompulsory
Interpret nutrient supply, deficiency symptoms and soil-test results. Develop responsible nutrient plans for different crops and resource settings.
Learning outcomes
- Diagnose likely nutrient constraints
- Calculate a nutrient recommendation
- Explain environmental risks
Main topics
- Essential nutrients
- Soil testing
- Organic amendments
- Fertiliser planning
Practical task
Prepare a nutrient budget for a smallholder maize and legume rotation using supplied records.
Assessment
Nutrient-budget workbook and case-based assessment.
Irrigation and Agricultural Water ManagementCompulsory
Assess crop water demand, irrigation scheduling and water quality. Include rainwater management and efficient use where supplies are limited.
Learning outcomes
- Estimate water needs
- Compare irrigation options
- Identify water-loss risks
Main topics
- Evapotranspiration
- Scheduling
- Irrigation systems
- Water quality
Practical task
Prepare an irrigation schedule and maintenance checklist for a supplied farm scenario.
Assessment
Scheduling exercise and practical design brief.
Field Crop ProductionCompulsory
Plan establishment, management and harvest of cereals, legumes and oilseeds in Southern African conditions. Compare crop rotations and input choices.
Learning outcomes
- Select suitable crop practices
- Calculate seed requirements
- Explain rotation benefits
Main topics
- Maize and sorghum
- Legumes
- Oilseeds
- Plant populations
- Rotations
Practical task
Prepare a season-long field-crop production plan with planting, scouting and harvest records.
Assessment
Production plan, calculation exercise and field record.
Horticultural Crop ProductionCompulsory
Study vegetable and fruit production from propagation to harvest. Address nursery practice, crop care and quality under contrasting market conditions.
Learning outcomes
- Plan a nursery schedule
- Choose crop-care methods
- Assess harvest quality
Main topics
- Propagation
- Nursery management
- Vegetable systems
- Fruit systems
Practical task
Design a small vegetable or fruit production block and record expected inputs and outputs.
Assessment
Block plan, nursery practical and quality assessment.
Plant Pathology and Crop DiseasesCompulsory
Recognise common disease processes, sampling needs and integrated disease management. Distinguish symptoms from laboratory-confirmed causes.
Learning outcomes
- Describe disease signs and symptoms
- Plan safe sampling
- Recommend proportionate controls
Main topics
- Pathogens
- Disease cycles
- Sampling
- Resistance
- Biosecurity
Practical task
Investigate a supplied disease outbreak case and prepare a diagnostic pathway and response plan.
Assessment
Case report and identification practical.
Agricultural Entomology and Integrated Pest ManagementCompulsory
Identify insect roles in crop systems, including pests and beneficial species. Use monitoring thresholds to support integrated pest decisions.
Learning outcomes
- Classify observed insects
- Interpret scouting records
- Plan an integrated response
Main topics
- Insect groups
- Scouting
- Economic thresholds
- Biological control
Practical task
Create a field scouting sheet and use sample data to justify a pest-management decision.
Assessment
Scouting record, identification test and decision memo.
Stage 3: Specialist application and research
Weed Science and Crop CompetitionCompulsory
Examine weed life cycles, crop competition and prevention. Compare mechanical, cultural and chemical control with safety and resistance in mind.
Learning outcomes
- Identify management-relevant weeds
- Explain resistance risks
- Design a control sequence
Main topics
- Weed identification
- Seed banks
- Competition
- Integrated control
Practical task
Develop a weed-management plan for a maize-legume rotation with a safety checklist.
Assessment
Identification practical and management plan.
Agricultural Experimental Design and BiometryCompulsory
Design field trials and analyse treatment comparisons. Account for replication, randomisation, bias and measurement error.
Learning outcomes
- Choose a defensible trial design
- Analyse a small trial dataset
- State uncertainty clearly
Main topics
- Trial questions
- Randomised designs
- Sampling
- Analysis of variance
Practical task
Design a replicated field trial for two crop practices and analyse supplied example results.
Assessment
Trial protocol, analysis workbook and interpretation.
Agricultural Extension and Farmer EngagementCompulsory
Communicate crop evidence with farmers and advisory teams. Adapt recommendations to resources, language, experience and local priorities.
Learning outcomes
- Plan an inclusive advisory session
- Explain evidence in plain language
- Collect feedback ethically
Main topics
- Participatory methods
- Advisory communication
- Demonstrations
- Feedback
Practical task
Prepare and role-play a crop-management field demonstration for a fictional farmer group.
Assessment
Facilitation plan, demonstration and reflective note.
Conservation Agriculture and Soil StewardshipCompulsory
Evaluate minimum disturbance, soil cover and crop diversification in different farming systems. Examine trade-offs rather than treating one method as universal.
Learning outcomes
- Assess soil-management options
- Explain erosion risks
- Plan a feasible transition
Main topics
- Soil cover
- Rotations
- Erosion control
- Implementation barriers
Practical task
Develop a three-season soil-stewardship plan for a supplied farm with limited equipment.
Assessment
Farm plan and evidence-based comparison.
Dryland and Climate-Resilient CroppingCompulsory
Plan crop production where rainfall is variable. Compare drought-tolerant crops, planting windows, water conservation and contingency actions.
Learning outcomes
- Select resilient crop options
- Use rainfall evidence
- Set decision points for changing conditions
Main topics
- Dryland systems
- Drought response
- Seasonal decisions
- Risk planning
Practical task
Prepare a sorghum and legume crop plan for a drought-prone district using supplied climate records.
Assessment
Climate-risk plan and scenario response.
Seed Systems and Quality AssuranceCompulsory
Examine seed production, testing, storage and distribution. Consider genetic identity, physical purity, germination and the needs of formal and farmer-managed systems.
Learning outcomes
- Interpret germination tests
- Explain quality risks
- Plan traceable seed handling
Main topics
- Seed classes
- Quality tests
- Storage
- Distribution systems
Practical task
Run a supervised germination exercise and design a record sheet for a small seed lot.
Assessment
Seed-test report and quality-control record.
Precision Agriculture and Geospatial MonitoringCompulsory
Use field maps, remote observations and sensor data to identify within-field variation. Choose tools proportionate to costs and data quality.
Learning outcomes
- Interpret a field map
- Check data limitations
- Recommend a suitable monitoring approach
Main topics
- GPS and mapping
- Remote sensing
- Sensors
- Variable-rate decisions
Practical task
Map a supplied field dataset and identify zones for follow-up soil or crop inspection.
Assessment
Map portfolio and short decision brief.
Postharvest Crop Quality and StorageCompulsory
Follow crop quality from harvest through grading, drying and storage. Address food loss, contamination and safe handling.
Learning outcomes
- Identify quality hazards
- Choose storage controls
- Interpret loss records
Main topics
- Harvest timing
- Drying
- Grading
- Storage pests and mould
Practical task
Audit a fictional grain-storage process and propose measurable improvements.
Assessment
Quality audit and postharvest case assessment.
Crop Enterprise Management and Value ChainsCompulsory
Connect crop production plans with costs, labour, markets and buyer specifications. Test enterprise decisions against uncertainty and smallholder realities.
Learning outcomes
- Prepare an enterprise budget
- Compare market options
- Explain financial and production risks
Main topics
- Enterprise budgets
- Labour plans
- Market channels
- Value-chain risk
Practical task
Cost two crop enterprises using supplied farm records and recommend a justified sales route.
Assessment
Budget workbook and management presentation.
Professional Field Practice in Crop ScienceCompulsory
Integrate safe fieldwork, sampling, scouting and professional communication in an approved agricultural setting or supervised simulation.
Learning outcomes
- Keep reliable field records
- Follow safe procedures
- Report observations to a relevant audience
Main topics
- Field safety
- Sampling plans
- Scouting records
- Professional conduct
Practical task
Complete a supervised field portfolio or equivalent approved simulation with observations, decisions and feedback.
Assessment
Field portfolio, supervisor feedback and reflective report.
Applied Crop Research Project ICompulsory
Develop an ethical, feasible crop-science research proposal from a clearly bounded question. Review evidence and prepare methods before collecting data.
Learning outcomes
- Define a researchable question
- Justify methods
- Plan data quality and permissions
Main topics
- Literature review
- Research ethics
- Trial design
- Data-management plan
Practical task
Submit a proposal for a crop trial, field survey or analysis of an approved dataset.
Assessment
Proposal, methods presentation and research-ethics check.
Applied Crop Research Project IICompulsory
Conduct the approved inquiry or analyse an approved dataset. Interpret findings carefully and communicate practical implications and limitations.
Learning outcomes
- Analyse evidence transparently
- Relate findings to prior research
- State limitations and implications
Main topics
- Data collection
- Analysis
- Interpretation
- Research reporting
Practical task
Complete the approved project and present results to an academic and practitioner audience.
Assessment
Research report, data appendix and oral defence.
Subjects in this programme
Complete 28 compulsory subjects across three learning stages. The indicative route is four years of full-time study. Stage 1 establishes scientific and agricultural foundations, Stage 2 develops crop-system and field skills, and Stage 3 applies specialist methods through professional field practice and a supervised research project.
28 subjects are listed below with a short description of each. Open a subject in Course content to read its learning outcomes, topics, practical task and assessment.
Stage 1: Scientific and agricultural foundations
- Scientific Communication and Academic Inquiry. Read agricultural evidence, write clear technical reports and distinguish observation from inference. Work with research questions relevant to Southern African crop production. Compulsory
- Biology for Agricultural Science. Study cells, organisms and ecological relationships as a foundation for crop science. Connect biological processes with growth, adaptation and production. Compulsory
- Chemistry for Soils and Plants. Apply basic chemical principles to soils, water, fertilisers and plant tissues. Use safe laboratory methods to interpret agricultural samples. Compulsory
- Quantitative Methods and Agricultural Statistics. Use mathematics and introductory statistics to describe agricultural data and compare field results. Recognise uncertainty and avoid unsupported conclusions. Compulsory
- Plant Diversity and Botany. Identify major crop families and describe plant structures, life cycles and reproductive systems. Relate botanical characteristics to crop management. Compulsory
- Soil Science and Land Capability. Examine soil formation, texture, structure and biological activity. Evaluate how land capability affects crop choice and soil stewardship. Compulsory
- Agroclimatology and Farm Weather. Interpret rainfall, temperature, radiation and seasonal forecasts for agricultural decisions. Consider drought, heat and frost risks in southern Africa. Compulsory
- Agricultural Ecology and Biodiversity. Study interactions among crops, soil organisms, pests, pollinators and surrounding habitats. Evaluate production choices against ecological effects. Compulsory
Stage 2: Crop systems and field practice
- Plant Physiology and Crop Growth. Analyse photosynthesis, respiration, water movement and plant development. Use growth observations to explain crop responses to management and stress. Compulsory
- Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement. Apply inheritance and genetic variation to crop selection and improvement. Compare conventional breeding with modern molecular approaches. Compulsory
- Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition. Interpret nutrient supply, deficiency symptoms and soil-test results. Develop responsible nutrient plans for different crops and resource settings. Compulsory
- Irrigation and Agricultural Water Management. Assess crop water demand, irrigation scheduling and water quality. Include rainwater management and efficient use where supplies are limited. Compulsory
- Field Crop Production. Plan establishment, management and harvest of cereals, legumes and oilseeds in Southern African conditions. Compare crop rotations and input choices. Compulsory
- Horticultural Crop Production. Study vegetable and fruit production from propagation to harvest. Address nursery practice, crop care and quality under contrasting market conditions. Compulsory
- Plant Pathology and Crop Diseases. Recognise common disease processes, sampling needs and integrated disease management. Distinguish symptoms from laboratory-confirmed causes. Compulsory
- Agricultural Entomology and Integrated Pest Management. Identify insect roles in crop systems, including pests and beneficial species. Use monitoring thresholds to support integrated pest decisions. Compulsory
Stage 3: Specialist application and research
- Weed Science and Crop Competition. Examine weed life cycles, crop competition and prevention. Compare mechanical, cultural and chemical control with safety and resistance in mind. Compulsory
- Agricultural Experimental Design and Biometry. Design field trials and analyse treatment comparisons. Account for replication, randomisation, bias and measurement error. Compulsory
- Agricultural Extension and Farmer Engagement. Communicate crop evidence with farmers and advisory teams. Adapt recommendations to resources, language, experience and local priorities. Compulsory
- Conservation Agriculture and Soil Stewardship. Evaluate minimum disturbance, soil cover and crop diversification in different farming systems. Examine trade-offs rather than treating one method as universal. Compulsory
- Dryland and Climate-Resilient Cropping. Plan crop production where rainfall is variable. Compare drought-tolerant crops, planting windows, water conservation and contingency actions. Compulsory
- Seed Systems and Quality Assurance. Examine seed production, testing, storage and distribution. Consider genetic identity, physical purity, germination and the needs of formal and farmer-managed systems. Compulsory
- Precision Agriculture and Geospatial Monitoring. Use field maps, remote observations and sensor data to identify within-field variation. Choose tools proportionate to costs and data quality. Compulsory
- Postharvest Crop Quality and Storage. Follow crop quality from harvest through grading, drying and storage. Address food loss, contamination and safe handling. Compulsory
- Crop Enterprise Management and Value Chains. Connect crop production plans with costs, labour, markets and buyer specifications. Test enterprise decisions against uncertainty and smallholder realities. Compulsory
- Professional Field Practice in Crop Science. Integrate safe fieldwork, sampling, scouting and professional communication in an approved agricultural setting or supervised simulation. Compulsory
- Applied Crop Research Project I. Develop an ethical, feasible crop-science research proposal from a clearly bounded question. Review evidence and prepare methods before collecting data. Compulsory
- Applied Crop Research Project II. Conduct the approved inquiry or analyse an approved dataset. Interpret findings carefully and communicate practical implications and limitations. Compulsory
Assessment and practical learning
Assessment combines field notebooks, laboratory reports, production plans, crop-health cases, data analysis, enterprise budgets and a supervised research project. Practical activities include plant identification, soil and seed tests, crop scouting, trial design and professional field practice. Each subject specifies its own assessed evidence and feedback.
Field and laboratory work follows approved safety and biosecurity procedures. Learners must obtain permission before collecting samples, using farm records or undertaking a placement. Research involving people, protected information or regulated materials requires prior approval. The public outline is a proposed programme structure and does not assert BMIT accreditation or professional registration.
Instructors
Programme teaching team
Teaching staff have not yet been assigned. Contact BMIT for admission and learner support.
Open programme in Moodle