KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Graduates in Veterinary Medicine gained theoretical and methodological skills and knowledge ranging from basic disciplines to those specific to the three professional fields, namely: companion animal clinic, breeding and production animal medicine, veterinary public health (including food hygiene and safety).
The degree programme aims to strengthen interdisciplinarity and is conceived within the One Health approach.
The learning outcomes of the degree programme, in terms of knowledge, are:
· elements of chemistry, physics, biochemistry functional to understanding processes related to the veterinary field;
· fundamental aspects relating to the morphology, physiology, behaviour and welfare of animals of veterinary interest;
· causes, pathogenetic mechanisms, symptoms, main diagnostic techniques and therapeutic options of diseases of different etiologies affecting animals of veterinary interest;
· interventional approaches for the treatment of surgical pathologies;
· methods of breeding production species, understanding the importance of aspects related to well-being and sustainability, as well as the related economic implications;
· animal origin’s food production and transformation processes, together with the principles of control of the hygiene and safety of such products for consumer protection;
· measures aimed at disease prevention and control for the purposes of designing and implementing health plans;
· ethical and regulatory aspects related to the veterinary profession.
The acquisition of these learning outcomes occurs both through attendance of lectures, practical activities and discussions of clinical cases.
In line with the recommendations provided by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE), the evaluation of acquired skills takes place through a variety of tools, such as oral and written exams, practical tests, clinical case discussions and presentations. At the end of the training course, the Evaluation Practical Test (PPV) certifies the ability to connect, develop and expose the learning outcomes. In addition, the use of the English language, both during teaching activities and as part of their evaluation, allows graduates to prove their language proficiency.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Graduates in Veterinary Medicine are able:
· to apply the principles of biosecurity, minimizing risks to other individuals, animals and the environment;
· to approach, restrain, and handle animals of veterinary interest while ensuring the safety of both the handler and the animal;
· to assess the welfare/distress of individual animals and those kept in farm settings;
· to manage emergencies and provide first aid to animals of veterinary interest;
· to correctly apply the principles of aseptic surgery and safely perform sedation, various types of anesthesia, and appropriate analgesia;
· to apply breeding, reproduction and genetic selection techniques for production animals;
· to assess the nutritional status of an animal, formulate diets, and perform feed rationing;
· to implement preventive programs appropriate for each species and in compliance with current regulations concerning animal health, welfare, and public health;
· to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate production and processing procedures in the food industry and carry out related inspections in compliance with current legislation, in order to ensure food safety;
· to collect, prepare, preserve and dispose of biological samples necessary for laboratory and collateral diagnostic investigations, and to interpret their results;
· to perform necropsy examinations, identify and interpret ante-mortem and post-mortem lesions of organs and systems;
· to draft medical records, reports, and various types of documentation, and to communicate professionally—both orally and in writing—with colleagues, animal owners, farmers, and authorities.
These skills are acquired throughout the entire educational program, through participation in lectures and seminars, as well as during practical exercises, laboratory activities, clinical case discussions, and hands-on professional training. The inclusion of various activities requiring active student involvement promotes the development of critical thinking in the application of acquired knowledge.
Assessment of the acquired skills takes place through oral and written exams, practical tests, clinical case discussions, and presentations. At the end of the program, the Practical Evaluation Test (PPV) certifies the student’s ability to apply the knowledge gained across the different disciplines.
MAKING JUDGEMENTS
The degree programme allows students to gradually develop the independent judgment required in professional practice by combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience in order to:
· critically analyse and apply information derived from research or specific work contexts, in accordance with the principles of evidence-based medicine;
· identify the final diagnosis among a range of possible hypotheses;
· select the appropriate therapeutic approach;
· correctly interpret the medical summary (epicrisis);
· design appropriate feeding plans to prevent foodborne diseases and preserve the quality characteristics of food of animal origin;
· interpret the results provided by tools used for public health surveillance and prevention;
· maintain a professionally ethical conduct, fully aware of the veterinarian's role in society.
Veterinarians must be prepared to independently make difficult decisions on a daily basis and to take responsibility for them, relying on the knowledge gained throughout their professional training. The learning activities offered during the first four years of the programme are conceived to form the ground for independent judgment.
In particular, activities that actively engage students—such as laboratories, case study discussions, simulations, report writing, and presentations—significantly strengthen not only independent judgment but also the ability to act autonomously while evaluating the potential consequences of one's decisions.
Assessment methods related to the coursework allow for verification of this skill at different levels. During the Practical Training Internship during the fifth year, students come into direct contact with real cases and diverse professional settings. They are required, not only to use their knowledge to make diagnoses and appropriately handle situations, but also to interact independently with other veterinarians, farmers, and animal owners.
The Practical Evaluation Test (PPV), recently introduced at the end of the mandatory internship as part of the qualification process, provides an additional opportunity to assess students’ independent judgment.
Finally, through the in-depth study of a topic of particular interest for the graduation thesis, students have the opportunity to further enhance their autonomy of judgment and to demonstrate it during the thesis defense.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
The acquisition of appropriate communication skills is essential for students, not only during their academic journey but also in preparation of the entry into the professional world. The use of the English language is a valuable asset of the degree programme in this regard. Graduates are expected to be able:
· to communicate effectively, both in written and oral form, using appropriate terminology suited to different contexts;
· to communicate technical information related to their professional activity to collaborators, colleagues, and authorities;
· to interact with clients clearly, simply, professionally, and with empathy;
· to communicate research results, interpretations, and project elements clearly and unambiguously.
Given the importance of these skills, the curriculum includes a specific learning activity aimed to provide students, early in their academic path, with the tools needed for effective communication in various professional and personal settings.
Activities involving the preparation of documents and presentations, the Practical Training Internship, and the writing and defense of the graduation thesis offer students multiple opportunities to strengthen their communication abilities.
Assessment takes place throughout the academic program, through evaluations that test students' ability to express learned concepts using appropriate terminology, both orally and in writing. During the thesis defense and the Practical Evaluation Test (PPV), students' achievement of a level of communication appropriate for the professional context is further verified.
LEARNING SKILLS
Learning skill is essential both to face professional challenges and to pursue further studies in third-cycle programs (PhD programs, postgraduate schools and second-level master's degrees).
Graduates in Veterinary Medicine has a strong capacity for independent and lifelong learning, which enables them:
· to identify and access relevant sources to deepen their knowledge in areas of professional interest;
· to remain constantly engaged in staying up to date with scientific and technical developments in their field.
This ability is developed throughout the entire academic program, through participation in theoretical and practical activities, clinical case discussions, and the completion of specific assignments. It is further strengthened during the Practical Training Internship and the preparation of the graduation thesis.
The acquisition of these skills is assessed through examinations related to the various learning activities, assignments and presentations that require independent data processing, as well as during the Practical Training Internship, the Practical Evaluation Test (PPV), and by the thesis supervisor during the final dissertation.
