Laurea Magistrale a ciclo unico (Single cycle degree/Combined Bachelor and Master - 300/360 ECTS) in Veterinary Medicine

Graduates from the 2nd cycle degree programme in Veterinary Medicine will possess the scientific background and theoretical and practical preparation required to exercise the veterinary surgery profession, and shall possess the methodological and cultural bases required for lifelong learning, as well as the methodological foundations of scientific research. The learning outcomes are achieved through the theoretical programmes and practical activities offered in compliance with the methods which have been certified twice by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE). For practical training, the Faculty uses teaching laboratories, the teaching hospital, the experimental stables and the faculty slaughterhouse. Training may also be integrated by the attendance of laboratories for research and diagnostic activities running in the 4 Departments within the Faculty's scientific structures.

KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:

Graduates:

• Will possess the essential theoretical and practical knowledge deriving from basic sciences (physics, chemistry, biochemistry, zoology, genetics, microbiology).

• Will possess knowledge deriving from the study of veterinary anatomy, physiology and general pathology.

• Will be familiar with epidemiology, etiology, methods of transmission, pathogenesis, anatomopathologic framework, prophylaxis, control and diagnosis of animal diseases.

• Will know the information networks and monitoring systems concerning the epidemiology of animal diseases and zoonosis nationally and internationally, the veterinary healthcare organisation and legislation, and will possess the foundations of veterinary hygiene and understand the tools and actions to be taken in the event of epidemic emergencies.

• Will understand the action mechanism, kinetics and effects of medicines and toxic substances in animals; the diagnosis and treatment of intoxications; the legislative aspects concerning the sale and use of drugs.

• Will know the foundations of the morpho-functional evaluation of animals, the main breeds of zootechnical interest and affection, and the aspects of genetics applied to the improvement of animal species, animal wellbeing and husbandry technologies.

• Will understand the production technologies and the correct sensorial, chemical, nutritional and dietary evaluation of feed for animals of zootechnical and domestic interest.

• Will know the clinical methods for the diagnosis and management of animal diseases of medical, surgical and obstetric-gynaecological interest.

• Will possess basic knowledge of the organisation and operation of the legislative and administrative system and specialist knowledge of veterinary law and the regulatory procedures at international, European, national and regional level, as well as the ethical code, organisation of the veterinary association and its social security system.

• Will understand the methods and objectives of health-hygiene controls applied to production, preservation and sale, the risks of transmitting disease from animal-based food products and the relative legislative aspects.

• Will possess the methodological foundations of scientific research.

The aforementioned knowledge and understanding are achieved not only through participation in lectures, delivered during the course units which are based on the methodological rigour inherent in scientific studies, but also self-study which will cover an appropriate portion of the students' study commitment.

The achievement of the learning outcomes shall be assessed mainly through written and oral exams, as well as the evaluation of papers produced in some course units.

ABILITY TO APPLY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING:

Graduates:

• Will apply specific basic knowledge in order to measure and critically assess the state of health, disease and wellbeing of animals

• Will be able to manage the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to diseases of the organs and apparatus in individual animals and herds, starting from:

- the symptomatology

- the planning of a direct or indirect instrumental or surgical diagnostic protocol

- the anatomo-histopathological conditions

• Will be able to apply instruments for the monitoring

- and prevention of infective and parasitic diseases in domestic, exotic and wild animals as well as those to be adopted in the event of epidemic emergencies;

o of the inappropriate use of medicines and toxic substances in animal matrices

o of fraudulent use of raw materials, technological treatments and additives in the production of animal feed

o and prevention of transmitted diseases in animal-based food products and by-products

o of chemical and biological risk in the zootechnical production chain

• Will know how to manage an anaesthesiological approach

• Will know how to use fertility control systems through the use of artificial insemination, assisted reproduction techniques, animal biotechnologies and contraception.

• Will be able to positively influence the efficiency and quality of animal production also in view of basic economic concepts

• Will be able to formulate diets and plan appropriate feed rations.

The achievement of the ability to apply this knowledge and understanding will be accomplished through lectures and a large portion of practical work, including exercises and laboratory work, often in groups, as well as during the practical work placement. The 9 teaching laboratories (5 exercise rooms, 1 dissection room, 1 microscope room, 1 anatomy room, 1 computer room, all with a capacity of at least 40 places), the teaching hospital, the experimental stables and the faculty slaughterhouse, are all used for practical activities and work placement. A further important element in the achievement of such knowledge is the students' self-study, during which the acquired information will be reprocessed in order to assure a stronger command of the knowledge.

The achievement of the ability to apply knowledge and understanding will be assessed during oral and written exams, and through the assessment of personal papers produced by students to demonstrate their command of the instruments and methods which are introduced during the study programme.

JUDGEMENT SKILLS:

Graduates are autonomously able to:

• identify the definitive diagnosis from among a series of diagnostic hypotheses

• identify the most appropriate therapeutic approach and the resuscitation or intensive care protocol where required

• interpret discharge notes

• plan rationing to prevent food pathologies and control the quality features of animal-based food products from a nutritional viewpoint

• interpret the results of monitoring and prevention instruments

Judgement skills are developed in particular through exercises and laboratory work, group learning activities and the preparation of the final examination.

The acquisition of judgement skills is assessed through the evaluation of the students' ability to work autonomously as well as in groups and the evaluation of the papers produced by the students.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Graduates:

• Will be able to communicate in written and oral form in the English language to at least level B1.

• Will be able to effectively communicate in writing and orally through technical reports on their professional activities and to interpret technical reports produced by collaborators, superiors, juniors.

• Will be able to communicate results, comments and design elements in the field of development, research and evaluation of farms and the processing of the relative products;

• Will be able to communicate with professional figures (technicians of other areas and specialisations, agronomists, doctors, psychologists, biologists, biotechnologists, pharmacists) also through the use of technical language, produce and interpret reports and develop an operational understanding of the issues dealt with, identifying organic solutions for intervention.

The written and oral communication skills are particularly developed during the production of the dissertation for the final examination, and its relative presentation and discussion.

The English language is learned through classroom teaching activities and e-learning activities and are verified in specific tests.

The achievement of written and oral communication skills is verified during oral exams and the assessment of the students' written works.

LEARNING SKILLS:

Graduates will have acquired appropriate study and learning methods to:

• offer objective critical interpretations in their professional applications;

• behave in an ethical and professional manner that is sensitive to the role of the veterinary profession in society;

• keep abreast of the methods, techniques, instruments and regulations concerning the profession;

• adapt to any changes in the functions assigned to their professional role;

• develop and/or apply commercial, business and communication skills.

Learning skills are acquired throughout the study period, particularly concerning self-study, exercises and seminar activities and the final examination.

Learning skills are evaluated through continuous assessment during the learning activities, combining the knowledge acquired during the specific activities with that achieved through self-study, evaluating the critical contribution shown during exercises and seminars. Problem solving activities used in the exercises and the internship activities are supplementary tools used to stimulate and evaluate learning skills.

Tutoring is also available to assist students in making choices and improving their learning skills. Self-learning skills are particularly verified during the activities concerning the production of the dissertation for the final examination, which requires an organic presentation of a subject (compilatory dissertation) or the presentation and discussion of the results of an experimental investigation (experimental dissertation).