Study programme description

The learning objectives of the veterinary obstetrics and gynaecology study programme 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, the learning outcomes required are broad knowledge in a given field of work or field of study, including a critical understanding of theories and principles of expertise and methodological knowledge in several areas of the discipline or practice, serving as a basis for innovation and originality in practice, research or artistic areas necessary for designing research and development or developing an area of professional practice. The carriers of the core knowledge are the profile courses, which have the knowledge described in the information sheets as learning outcomes. Additional knowledge is achieved by completing other compulsory courses of the study programme. The study programme includes veterinary obstetrics, gynaecology, andrology and artificial insemination under physiological and pathological conditions, and differs from the disciplines of veterinary morphology and physiology, internal animal diseases, toxicology and environmental factors, veterinary surgery, orthopaedics and radiology, animal nutrition and dietetics in that it is closely focused on the pathology of the reproductive cycle and childbirth, puerperium, obstetric surgery and biotechnical methods of managing the reproductive process (induction of estrus and ovulation, superovulation, gamete retrieval for in vitro technologies, embryo transfer, creation of transgenic animals, diagnosis of pregnancy, induction of labour, active puerperium management) and diagnostic therapeutic and preventive procedures for reproductive disorders in livestock, domestic animals and wildlife.

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. Considers social, scientific and ethical aspects in formulating research intentions
and interpretation of 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. Can 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 3rd level of education in the study programme of veterinary obstetrics
   and gynaecology will become familiar with the theoretical and practical foundations of the scientific approach to solving a wide range of problems arising from organisational and behavioural deficiencies, inadequate nutrition, exposure to toxic environments and toxic substances in the environment, which are manifested by hormonal disturbances during the onset of puberty, gestation, childbirth and puerperium. By completing this study programme, the graduate will master the basic principles and methods of scientific work in reproduction, the assessment of the correct research objective, the scientific principles of interpretation of results (mathematical models, statistical evaluations), the implementation of the obtained results in clinical and breeding practice by proposing new preventive and therapeutic, methods used by the Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons at the level of the veterinary district, veterinary dispensaries, outpatient clinics, hospitals, as well as by the broader breeding practice. The skills achieved by the learning outcomes corresponding to Level 8 can be characterised as broad skills demonstrating the mastery and sense of innovation required to solve complex and unpredictable problems in a specialised area of study. Together, the skills achieved in the individual courses represent an interrelated complex that results in skills that determine the successful performance of the competences. The profiling essence of the Veterinary Obstetrics and Gynaecology study programme is to trace, through scientific methods, the impact of negative factors acting on the reproductive performance of livestock, domestic animals and wildlife at different levels of knowledge - molecular, cellular, organ and functional. The graduate will be introduced to experimental and scientific approaches in the hormonal control of the relationships between nutrition, environment and the biological organism at different levels in both sexes (female and male) in this level of education. The broadly defined competences for level 8 of the EQF are - the ability to manage complex technical or professional activities or projects, to take responsibility for decision making in unpredictable work or learning environments, to take responsibility for managing the professional development of individuals and groups. The specific competences will be related to the graduate's employment status. A graduate of the study programme in veterinary obstetrics and gynaecology can apply as a university teacher, scientific researcher, clinical specialist and expert in the field of consultancy for the Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons (veterinary clinics and hospitals), breeders' organisations, breeders' associations of individual species of livestock, domestic animals, and hunting special-purpose establishments as well as hunting grounds.

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: Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons of the Slovak Republic.

1. Graduates of the study programme veterinary obstetrics and gynaecology are applied as university teachers, scientific researchers, clinical specialists and experts in the field of consulting for the Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons (veterinary clinics and hospitals), breeding organisations, breeders' associations of individual species of farm and domestic animals and hunting special purpose facilities and hunting grounds.

Examples of successful graduates of the study programme veterinary obstetrics and gynaecology are: As of the 2007/2008 academic year, there have been no successful graduates in this degree programme in the part-time form to date.

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 of veterinary obstetrics and gynaecology 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 curriculum for the form of study is presented in Table 1.

Table 1 Framework study plan for doctoral students in the part-time form of study in the study programme Veterinary Obstetrics and Gynaecology

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. Clinical Biochemistry
2. Veterinary pharmacology
3. Internal diseases of livestock
4. Livestock nutrition
5. Veterinary care and hygiene

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.

• individual parts of the study programme (in the structure of profile and compulsory optional courses),
• for each educational part (course), 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,
• curriculum prerequisites,
• for each educational part of the curriculum (course), the course information sheet sets out the learning activities used that are appropriate for achieving the learning outcomes,
• the course information sheet lists the methods by which the learning activity is carried out,
• the course information sheet indicates the student's workload,
• credits are allocated to each section on the basis of the learning outcomes achieved
  and associated workload,
• the course sponsor is designated and other persons providing the courses are also listed in the course information sheets.

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 prerequisite for the proper completion of studies is the acquisition of 240 credits, which include credits for the preparation and defence of the dissertation.

e) Conditions for completion of the individual parts of the study programme and student progression
in the study programme 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 final thesis and the defence of the final thesis required for the 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 16-17 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 also accepts graduates of other universities in the Slovak Republic and abroad for the study of doctoral programmes, if they create a sufficient theoretical and practical basis for successful mastering of the respective study programme. Recognition of a part of doctoral studies is possible in the sense of the Bologna Convention.

1. Topics of the final theses of the study programme:

Since the academic year 2006/2007 no dissertation topic has been announced in this study programme in the full-time form of study.

1. UVMP in Košice has described:

• the rules for assigning, processing, opposing, defending and evaluating final theses in Articles 1, 8, 9, 10, 25, 2ž and 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 A,
• the rules for observing academic ethics and drawing consequences in the internal regulation Disciplinary Regulations for Students
• University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, in the internal regulations of the Code of Ethics of UVMP Employees and in the internal regulations of the Code of Ethics of UVMP Students,
• the procedures for filing complaints and appeals by the student are provided, in addition to the Study Regulations of UVMP in Košice, in particular the internal regulation Directive on the handling of complaints at UVMP in Košice.

Margaréta Kulcsar, DVM; margareta.kulcsar@student.uvlf.sk

1. Other study program support staff - assigned study officer, career counselor:

For doctoral students, Júlia Jančura, Mgr., e-mail: julia.jancura@uvlf.sk.; is assigned as a study officer; the function of career advisor is performed by the doctoral student's supervisor.

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 courses, which is currently provided through MOODLE and MSTeams 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 the University's contractual partners is envisaged, including organisations under the management of the State Veterinary and Food Administration of the Slovak Republic and private veterinarians.

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

UVMP in Košice provides students with conditions for their enjoyment in the above areas within the limits of its possibilities.

Students of the study programme of veterinary obstetrics and gynaecology are guaranteed the opportunity to participate in mobility. The entire agenda, including the instructions and conditions for applying for mobility, conditions and rules for participation in mobility, 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 fulfilled.

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

They are laid down in Articles 3 and 4 of the Study Regulations of the UVMP in Košice, Part B, II. Part Organisation of studies.

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 through a questionnaire survey in which they evaluate the study programme, course, course guarantors, cooperation with the supervisor and possible shortcomings in the organisation and provision of studies.

1. 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.

Results of alumni feedback and related measures to improve the quality of study in Košice for individual AR and Annual Quality Reports 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 the measures for improving the quality of the study programme by personally entering into the solution of the issues arising from the results of the feedback.