Study programme description

The learning objectives achieved in the study programme Veterinary Morphology and Physiology are methodologically based on the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF). This defines the requirements for learning outcomes for knowledge, skills, responsibility and autonomy.

For level 8, the required learning outcomes are 'knowledge at the highest level in the field of work or field of study as well as at the interface between fields/fields'.

The carriers of the graduate's core knowledge are profile courses in the field of veterinary morphology, animal system physiology, veterinary histomorphology, veterinary pathological physiology, and organ pathological anatomy, which are described in the information sheets as knowledge achieved as learning outcomes. Additional knowledge is achieved by completing compulsory optional courses of the study programme in the field of molecular biology and genetics, veterinary surgery and orthopaedics, diagnosis of animal diseases, veterinary obstetrics and gynaecology, veterinary biochemistry, animal toxicology, animal nutrition and dietetics, methodology and statistical evaluation of biological experiments and alternative models in research.

The graduate has extensive professional knowledge in several areas of the study programme or field, which is used as a basis for research and development in veterinary morphology and physiology. It focuses on acquiring the latest theoretical knowledge based on the current state of scientific knowledge in individual areas of veterinary morphology and physiology.

Its study builds on the knowledge acquired through second-level higher education at veterinary and medical faculties (universities), pharmaceutical, natural sciences, or other faculties of medicine and natural sciences.

On this basis are built the principles of education in the 3rd stage for the acquisition of detailed knowledge of the structure and infrastructure of organs and tissues and consequently the principles of functioning of individual organ systems, their adaptive and regulatory mechanisms in a healthy animal organism and pathological reactions and processes and the mechanisms of the origin, development and consequences of pathological processes in the body. As a result of the study, a detailed knowledge of theoretical disciplines such as anatomy, histology and physiology is essential for understanding the aetiological factors causing pathological reactions, conditions and processes, which are the course of the study of pathological physiology and pathological anatomy. The study uses the latest methods and techniques that will enable graduates to be successfully employed in other disciplines or clinical fields.

For level 8, the most 'advanced and specialised skills and techniques, including the ability to synthesise and evaluate, are required to solve fundamental problems in research and/or innovation and to extend and redefine existing knowledge or professional practices'.

The graduate of the study programme of veterinary morphology and physiology is qualified to exercise the profession of university teacher and researcher in the field of morphology, physiology, histology, pathophysiology, pathomorphology, as well as in other related areas. He is familiar with the research methods used in anatomy, histology, physiology and pathophysiology carried out in various models (cell culture, experimental and commercial animals and alternative animal models: chicken and quail embryos). He/she is able to use statistical and bioinformatics methods as well as other knowledge from related scientific disciplines. Investigates morphological and pathophysiological changes in organisms by using a variety of methodological approaches in order to gain new, previously unpublished knowledge. He is technically proficient not only in routine laboratory procedures but also in working with sophisticated instrumentation in experimental laboratories. Can formulate scientific problems, carry out creative and independent research and independently present the results of his/her work in internationally accepted journals, as well as present them at scientific events. The results of creative experimental work contribute not only to the development of science and scientific knowledge, but their value lies in the possibility of their application in human and veterinary medicine, agriculture and pharmacy.

Responsibility and autonomy defined for Level 8 is "the ability to demonstrate considerable authority, innovation, independence, scholarly and professional integrity, and a sustained commitment to developing new ideas or practices that are at the forefront of a given work or learning environment, including research."

The graduate is characterized by independent, critical and analytical thinking. He/she takes into account social, scientific and ethical aspects when formulating research intentions and interpreting research results. The results of his/her own creative work contribute to the development of science, scientific knowledge and the application of acquired knowledge to practice. He/she presents the results of research and development independently to the professional community. Is able to determine the focus of research and coordinate a team in the relevant study programme. Can independently design, validate and implement new research and working practices based on their outputs and findings.

1. Graduates of the study programme veterinary morphology and physiology can apply in the department of agriculture, health, environment as an expert in basic and applied research of medical focus in the study of the impact of various additives, nutraceuticals, chemical and physical factors on human and animal health.

Relevant external stakeholders who have provided a statement or a favourable opinion on the compliance of the acquired qualification with the sector-specific requirements of the profession: Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Animal Physiology.

1. On the basis of the previous long-term experience with the graduates of the study programme of veterinary morphology and physiology, it can be stated that the graduates find employment as university teachers at universities, where morphology, physiology, pathoanatomy, pathophysiology are taught within the biological disciplines, as well as at research institutes, where they solve the problems of the environment, additives, nutraceuticals, chemical and physical factors on the health of humans and animals in their scientific activities. Graduates are able to work in the health, agriculture, environment, and biological laboratories, as well as in research sectors that require analysis of body fluids, immuno-histochemical analyses, and the skills to work with cell cultures and various animal models as part of their research. The acquired knowledge and skills are also suitable for application directly in clinical practice in veterinary clinics or reference laboratories related to standard laboratory practice.

Examples of successful graduates of the study programme veterinary morphology and physiology: There have been no graduates so far in the part-time study programme veterinary morphology and physiology offered in English.

Employers' evaluation of the quality of the study programme (feedback): Employers' evaluation of the quality of the study programme (feedback): However, the quality of the study programme can be positively evaluated indirectly on the basis of the interest of graduates of the second cycle of higher education from different areas (medical and pharmaceutical sciences, natural sciences and agricultural sciences) in this study programme. UVMP has prepared questionnaires about graduates for employers.

1. The rules for the formation of study plans in the study programme Veterinary Morphology and Physiology are based on the general provisions contained in Article 8 of the internal regulation Study Regulations of the UVMP in Košice, Part B.
2. The recommended framework curriculum for doctoral students for the part-time form of study is presented in Table 1.

Table 1 Framework study plan for PhD students in the part-time form of study in the study programme Veterinary Morphology and Physiology

Explanatory notes: S - exam, SŠ - state exam, Z - credit

Compulsory optional courses (the doctoral student chooses a total of 2 compulsory optional courses based on the focus of the dissertation) from the following courses:

1. Alternative models in research
2. Diagnosis of animal diseases
3. Methodology and statistical evaluation of a biological experiment
4. Molecular biology and genetics
5. Animal toxicology
6. Veterinary Biochemistry
7. Veterinary surgery and orthopaedics
8. Veterinary obstetrics and gynaecology
9. Animal nutrition and dietetics

The dissertation examination may be taken by a student who has achieved 50 credits for five PPs and at least 10 credits for two selected PVPs during the study period, no later than 36 months from the start of the doctoral studies. A minimum of 240 credits is required for graduation.

1. The study plan includes:

• listed individual parts of the study programme (in the structure of profile and compulsory optional courses),
• Allocate credits to each section based on the learning outcomes achieved
  and the associated workload,
• the listed locations of the course (if the study programme is carried out at more than one location),
• in the course information sheet for each educational part (course) are/is:
• defined learning outcomes and related criteria and rules for their assessment so that all the learning objectives of the study programme are met,
• set out the learning activities used that are appropriate to achieving the learning outcomes,
• the methods by which the educational activity is carried out,
• the designated course guarantor as well as other persons providing teaching of the course,
• the outline of the course (topics),
• the student's stated workload.

1. The number of credits, the achievement of which is a condition for the proper completion of studies and other conditions that must be fulfilled by the student in the course of study of the study programme and for its proper completion, including the conditions of state examinations, the rules for repeating studies and the rules for extending, interrupting studies:

The condition for the proper completion of studies is the acquisition of 240 credits, which include credits for passing the dissertation examination and defending the dissertation. Other conditions that the student must fulfil during the study programme and for its proper completion, including the conditions of state examinations, rules for repeating the study and rules for extension, interruption of the study are specified in Articles 2, 15, 18, 19 and 29 of the internal regulation Study Regulations of UVMP in Košice, Part B.

1. The conditions for completing the individual parts of the study programme and the student's progress in the study programme in the structure:

• Number of credits for profile (compulsory) courses required for the proper completion of studies/completion of part of studies: 50
• Number of credits for compulsory optional courses required for the proper completion of studies/completion of part of studies: 10,
• number of credits for the dissertation examination: 20
• number of credits for the defence of the final thesis required for proper completion of studies: 30

1. Rules for the verification of learning outcomes and the assessment of students and the possibility of corrective procedures against this assessment:

UVMP in Košice has described the rules for the verification of learning outcomes and evaluation of students and the possibilities of corrective procedures against this evaluation in Articles 17, 18 and 25 of the internal regulation Study Regulations of UVMP in Košice, Part B.

1. Conditions for the recognition of studies or part of studies:

UVMP in Košice has regulated the conditions for recognition of studies or part of studies in Articles 19, 38 and 42 of the internal regulation Study Regulations of UVMP in Košice, Part B.

1. Topics of the final theses of the study programme:
2. UVMP in Košice annually lists the topics of the final theses of the study programme veterinary morphology and physiology in a tabular overview as well as on the UVMP in Košice website.
3. In the study programme veterinary morphology and physiology offered in English in the part-time form of study, no topic has been announced so far.
4. UVMP in Košice has described:

• the rules for assigning, processing, opposing, defending and evaluating final theses in Articles 1, 8, 9, 10, 25, 26, 27 and 28 of the internal regulation Study Regulations of the UVMP in Košice, Part B,
• possibilities and procedures for participation in student mobility in Article 42 of the internal regulation Study Regulations of UVMP in Košice, Part B,
• rules of observing academic ethics and drawing consequences in the internal regulation Disciplinary Regulations for Students of the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, in the internal regulation Code of Ethics of UVMP Employees and in the internal regulation Code of Ethics of UVMP Students,
• procedures applicable to students with special needs in Part II, Article 2, point 7; Article 3, point 12 of the internal regulation Study Regulations of the UVMP in Košice, Part B,
• the procedures for filing complaints and appeals by the student are specified, in addition to the Study Regulations of UVMP in Košice, in particular in the internal regulation Directive on the handling of complaints at UVMP in Košice.

The members of the committee for the preparation of study programmes for the third level of higher education are students Marek Ratvay, DVM (3rd year of SP Immunology); e-mail: marek.ratvay@student.uvlf.sk; Teodora Blatníková, DVM (3rd year of SP Veterinary Morphology and Physiology); e-mail: teodora.blatnikova@student.uvlf.sk and Pavel Gomulec, DVM (1st year of SP Internal Animal Diseases); e-mail: e-mail:pavel.gomulec@student.uvlf.sk.

Study programme advisor: vice-rector for research and doctoral studies at UVMP in Košice

Other study programme support staff - assigned study officer: Mgr. Júlia Jančura, e-mail julia.jancura@uvlf.sk; career counsellor: the function of the career counsellor is performed by the doctoral student's supervisor.

1. Characteristics of information provision of the study programme (access to study literature according to course information sheets), access to information databases
   and other information resources, information technologies, etc.):

All literary resources for study listed in the fact sheets are available in either print or electronic form, and all information databases purchased and licensed by the University are accessible to students.

1. Characteristics and scope of distance learning applied in the curriculum with assignment to courses. Approaches, manuals of e-learning portals. Procedures for transition from full-time to distance learning.

UVMP in Košice has also distance learning for all courses, which is currently provided through MOODLE and MS Teams platforms. Each student has manuals available either in electronic form or in the form of a video tutorial.

Partners of the university in the provision of educational activities of the study programme and characteristics of their participation.

1. Characteristics on social, sporting, cultural, spiritual and social opportunities:

UVMP in Košice provides students with the maximum possible conditions for their enjoyment in the above areas.

Students of the study programme Veterinary Morphology and Physiology are guaranteed the opportunity to participate in mobility. The whole agenda containing the guidelines and conditions for applying for mobility, the conditions and rules of participation as well as the rules of recognition of participation in mobility as part of the study plan is covered by the Vice-Rector for International Relations and Internationalisation and the organisational unit managed by her, which is the UVMP Mobility Office. The whole process requires coordination with the supervisor and is recommended after the study part of the study plan has been completed. Participation in mobility and other contexts are regulated in Article 42 of the Internal Regulations of the Study Regulations of the UVMP in Košice, Part B.

They are laid down in Article 1 and Article 2, Part B, Part II Organisation of Studies of the Internal Regulations of the Study Regulations of the UVMP in Košice.

They are laid down in Article 3 and Article 4, Part B, Part II Organisation of Studies of the Internal Regulations of the Study Regulations of the UVMP in Košice. Examination boards for admission examinations are at least 4-member and are appointed by the Rector on an ad hoc basis according to the focus of the study programmes to which students apply.

1. Procedures for monitoring and evaluating students' views on the quality of the study programme:

The students of UVMP in Košice have the possibility of anonymous evaluation of the quality of teaching through an anonymous questionnaire after graduation, where they evaluate the quality of a particular study programme and the quality of the instructors who provide the course. Monitoring of study programmes is also continuously carried out by the coordinators of individual domains of science and research at UVMP, while 5 domains of science and research are established at UVMP.

The results of the evaluation of doctoral studies are part of the Annual Reports on Scientific and Research Activities at UVMP in Košice for individual ARs and Annual Reports on the Quality of UVMP in Košice for individual ARs. They are also presented at the Teachers' Forum, which is held at the beginning of each academic year. In general, the principle that the results of the feedback are very important for drawing conclusions from the evaluations, which are implemented into concrete measures implemented with the aim of improving the quality of the study programme in its entire breadth and depth.

The results of alumni feedback and related measures to improve the quality of the study programme are part of the Annual Reports on Scientific and Research Activities at UVMP in Košice for individual AR and Annual Reports on the Quality of UVMP in Košice for individual AR. The Vice-Rector for Science, Research and Doctoral Studies and the coordinators of the individual domains of science and research act within the framework of measures to improve the quality of the study programme by personally entering into the solution of the problems arising from the results of the feedback.