The objective of the MSc programme is to train postgraduate students in the aetiology, pathogenesis, clinical picture, necropsy findings and lesions, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment and prevention of clinical and subclinical pathological conditions (infectious, parasitic, metabolic, toxic, etc.) of the various organs and systems (digestive, respiratory, hematopoietic, nervous, circulatory, musculoskeletal, urinary, immune, etc.), which lead to a reduction in performance and a deterioration of the health and welfare of pigs and poultry, both individually at animal level and at farm level. The graduates of the programme will be able to monitor and apply this knowledge to advanced treatments and diagnostic tools in the future. Also, in the context of One Health initiative, special emphasis is given to swine and poultry zoonoses, as well as to proper treatment, control and prevention practices in order to minimize the risk of development of antibiotic resistance.

The aim of the MSc Programme is to provide postgraduate academic education and the production of high quality scientific potential in the field of pig and poultry health management and in the application of modern techniques that contribute to the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. In particular, the aim of the MSc is, on the one hand, to provide postgraduate students with a solid foundation, modern knowledge, methods and basic principles that will enable them for continuous education, improvement and creation of an innovative spirit through the application of modern technologies, and on the other hand, to cultivate in them the critical and creative skills required for a socially and ethically responsible professional activity.

The guiding philosophy of the MSc is both to highlight the importance of the holistic approach and combined treatment of multifactorial cases, and to develop the skills and ability to combine the latest data for the treatment and prevention of these pathologies, as well as to apply individualized treatment and prevention strategies, taking into account the specificity of each case (legislation, breeding conditions, age/immunological background of the animal population).

The learning outcomes and qualifications of those who have successfully completed the Programme are:

• identify and solve problems related to all aspects of porcine and poultry health management
• perform all procedures in accordance with the principles of good veterinary practice
• collaborate with experts and colleagues in other related and complementary disciplines for the benefit of porcine and poultry science under the One Health-initiative
• contribute to the development and application of concepts and methods in the science of veterinary medicine, with particular emphasis on the management and prevention of swine and poultry diseases
• carry out clinical research in farms and experimental facilities
• perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as well as preventive interventions in breeding
• assess the importance of National and EU regulations regarding all aspects of pig and poultry production
• apply the Code of Good Veterinary Practice