Laurea Magistrale a Ciclo Unico in Medicina Veterinaria

Expected learning outcomes:

Based on announced learning objectives, students should acquire competence in the use of available information in view to set up suitable therapeutic and/or prophylactic protocols. In particular they should be able:

- to define and discuss the selection criteria  protocols for treatment and control of the main diseases affecting food producing animals, in particular parasitic infections. A problem solving approach and due attention to animal welfare issues will be expected;

- to know and critically discuss current legislation concerning veterinary drug prescription and administration in food producing animals, with special reference to off-label use of available drugs;

- to select scientific literature and to critically discuss results of literature review-

Knowledge and understanding:

As anticipated, students are expected to acquire knowledge of the rationale behind the use of veterinary drugs in food producing animals, while taking into account all factors influencing the choice of suitable therapeutic and/or prophylactic protocols.

Applying knowledge and understading:

During practical works and the final examination, students should demonstrate problem solving skills and the competence to set up suitable treatment protocols, while selecting and applying underpinning theoretical and multidisciplinary knowledge.

Making judgments:

Students should be able to autonomously search and assess different literature sources to support the  solutions identified for the different cases/issues addressed during the course.

Communication skills:

Students are requested to analyze, expose and critically discuss one of the issues addressed during lectures and/or practical works. Proper use of medical/technical language is expected

Learning skills:

Students should demonstrate confidence and proficiency in a study method based on  the search of references and organization of contents. Learning skills will be evaluated both during the course (interactive lectures and, in greater measure practical works) and during the final examination

Use of veterinary drugs in food producing animals: most common problems to face and relevant legislation. Off-label use of drugs. Residues and Maximum Residue Levels.

-         Concepts of Pharmacovigilance and Pharmacosurveillance

-         Pharmacological characteristics and criteria for the choice of drugs to use for treatment and/or control of common diseases in food producing animals (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, antiparasitic drugs)

-         Clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment/control of the main parasitic infections in food producing animals (topical subjects on control of of parasitic infections)    

Practical works

-         Case studies illustrated by collaborating practitioners and discussed on the spot in a problem-solving perspective on occasion of visits to representative farms of the different food producing animals raised in North Western Italy.

The course consists of 4 CFU (36 h, half of them lectures and half practical works). Some topics will be illustrated  on farm, according to available caseload. Practical works are hands-on and dedicated to small groups of students (max 5 students/visit)

Learning Outcome Assessment: The assessment of learning outcomes consists in an oral examination, in form of public presentation, during which students are expected to analyze and discuss a topic, some health and/or management problems, or clinical cases, pertaining to the course content. The presentation should involve consultation of up-to-date literature and be evidence of a multidisciplinary approach. If available, non-academic veterinary surgeons will be present and interact with students at time of examination. The mark is out of thirty.

Review and/or monographs suggested by teachers