Study programme description

The learning objectives achieved in the study programme Food Hygiene, Level 3 are methodologically based on the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning (EQF). This defines the requirements for learning outcomes for knowledge, skills and competences. For level 8, highly specialised knowledge, some of which is at the forefront of the field of work or study and underpins original thinking and/or research; a fundamental awareness of knowledge in the field and at the interface between fields; are required as learning outcomes. The learning situation in this programme of study requires solving problems in which many related factors are at work; learning is often highly specialised. The carriers of the core knowledge are the profile subjects, which have information sheets describing the knowledge to be achieved as learning outcomes. Additional knowledge is achieved by completing the other compulsory elective subjects of the study programme. By completing the profile subjects, the graduate will gain knowledge about the importance of hygiene and quality of production of food of animal origin for their health safety. They will acquire the latest methods of food production technology, while acquiring the latest scientific knowledge in the field of food production.

Graduates of the study programme in food hygiene are qualified to exercise the profession of a veterinary surgeon specialising in the hygiene, quality and health safety of produced food after completing the 3rd level of higher education. Graduates are proficient in scientific methods of research and development, with an orientation towards research in the field of hygiene and quality of food of animal and plant origin, development of food technology, laboratory diagnostic methods, development of food legislation, etc. The graduate can create and formulate new hypotheses, judgments and strategies for further development of the scientific or working field, evaluate theories, concepts and innovations, apply own findings resulting from theoretical analysis and own scientific research of complex and interdisciplinary nature, design, verify and implement new research and working procedures. The graduate is characterized by critical, independent and analytical thinking in the direction of further development of society, responsibility for leadership in the field of study and planning for their own development and the development of society in the field of hygiene and quality of produced food. The graduate is able to present and publish their evidence-based research results to the professional and scientific community. Designs, validates and implements new research and working methods, based on the results obtained, which are then presented and used in the application of new scientific and working practices. He/she is able to determine the focus of research and coordinate a team in the scientific field in research organisations, as well as to manage the solution of problems in food practice. In proportion to the impact of the issues studied, the need for professionals and the relevance of education in the field of specialisation of food hygiene increases.

Responsibility and autonomy, defined for EQF Level 8, are the ability to display considerable authority, innovation, independence, scientific 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.

A graduate of the Food Hygiene programme is characterised 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 in practice. He/she presents the results of research and development independently to the professional community. Can determine the focus of research and coordinate a team in scientific investigation. Can independently design, validate and implement new research and working practices based on their outputs and findings.

1. Graduates of the study programme Food Hygiene, 3rd degree can apply themselves in independent research in the field of production of safe and quality food, management of hygiene of food processing plants, as well as management of production technology in food processing companies. Graduates are prepared to work in accredited laboratories in the field of food analysis, as well as to provide consultancy in the field of food production and sales hygiene.

Graduates of doctoral studies will also find employment in:

1. mastery of data, statistical and information processes, correct setting of hygiene conditions and processing of raw materials of animal and plant origin,
2. management of food processing enterprises with a focus mainly on the hygiene of food production, evaluation of raw materials entering the production process and their impact on the quality of products of animal origin,
3. advice and control in the field of hygiene of food production and sale, feed production, welfare compliance, advice and prevention of livestock diseases.

Relevant external stakeholders who have provided a statement or a favourable opinion on the compliance of the acquired qualification with the sector-specific requirements for the exercise of the profession: State Veterinary and Food Administration of the Slovak Republic.

1. On the basis of the previous long-term experience with the graduates of the study programme Food Hygiene, 3rd degree, it is possible to state their applicability at university workplaces and workplaces of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, as well as at workplaces of the State Veterinary and Food Administration of the Slovak Republic and also in the private sphere in the field of food production as well as in the field of consultancy in the field of hygiene of food production and sales.

Examples of successful graduates of the study programme Food Hygiene, 3rd degree are: As of the 2008/2009 academic year, there have been no successful graduates in this degree programme in the part-time form to date.

1. Employers' assessment of the quality of the study programme (feedback): this is not the case. However, the quality of the study programme can be positively assessed indirectly, on the basis of the interest in the study programme from graduates of 2nd cycle universities from different fields (medical and pharmaceutical sciences, natural sciences and agricultural sciences). UVMP has prepared questionnaires about graduates for employers.

1. The rules for the formation of study plans in the study programme Food Hygiene are based on the general provisions contained in Article 2 of the internal regulation Study Regulations of the UVMP in Košice, Part B.

• individual parts of the study programme (in the structure of profile and compulsory elective subjects),
• for each educational part (subject), the learning outcomes and related criteria and rules for their assessment are defined in the course information sheet so that all the educational objectives of the study programme are met,
• for each educational part of the curriculum (subject), the course information sheet sets out the learning activities used that are suitable for achieving the learning outcomes,
• the course information sheet lists the methods by which the learning activity is carried out,
• the course outline (topic headings) is given in the course information sheet,
• the course information sheet indicates the student's workload,
• credits allocated to each section based on the learning outcomes achieved
  and associated workload,
• the course information sheet identifies the course guarantor as well as other persons responsible for teaching the course.
• the location of the course (if the study programme is carried out at more than one location).

1. 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.

Conditions for completion of individual parts of the study programme and student progression

in the study programme structure: the UVMP in Košice in the study plan for the part-time form of study has specified the conditions for completing the individual parts of the study programme and the student's progress in the study programme structure:

• number of credits for profile courses required for proper completion of studies: 50
• Number of credits for 2 selected compulsory elective courses required for proper completion 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 verification of learning outcomes and student assessment and possibilities of corrective procedures against this assessment: the UVMP in Košice has described the rules for verification of learning outcomes and student assessment and possibilities of corrective procedures against this assessment in Articles 17, 18 and 25 of the internal regulation Study Regulations of the UVMP in Košice, Part B.
2. 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.
3. Topics of the final theses of the study programme: Since the academic year 2008/2009 no dissertation topic has been announced in this study programme in the part-time form of study.

• the rules for assigning, processing, opposing, defending and evaluating final theses in Articles 25 - 27 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.

Student representatives who represent the interests of the students of the study programme (name and contact) - a member of the committee for the modification of the study programme Food Hygiene was a student of the study programme Mgr. Miriam Sondorová; e-mail: miriam. sondorova@student.uvlf.sk.

Study programme support staff - assigned study officer, Júlia Jančura, Mgr., e-mail: julia.jancura@uvlf.sk.

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 technology, 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 also has distance education for all subjects, 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.

In the provision of some activities, especially in the field of practical performance of activities of high societal importance, the participation of contractual partners is envisaged, including organizations under the management of the State Veterinary and Food Administration of the Slovak Republic, the Slovak Academy of Sciences and private companies in the food industry.

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 Food Hygiene study programme in the 3rd cycle of studies are guaranteed the possibility to participate in mobility. The whole agenda, including the guidelines and conditions for applying for mobility, the conditions and rules for participation, as well as the rules for recognition of participation in mobility as part of the curriculum, is covered by the Vice-Rector for International Relations and internationalisation and the organisational unit managed by her, which is the Mobility Department of UVMP Košice. Participation in mobility and other aspects are regulated in Article 42 of the internal regulation Study Regulations of the UVMP in Košice, Part B.

Admission procedures: they are laid down in Article 3a Article 4, Part B, Part II Organisation of Studies of the Internal Regulations of the Study Regulations of the UVMP in Košice. The 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:

Students of UVMP in Košice have the possibility of anonymous evaluation of the quality of teaching by 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.

1. 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.