VPEU

Course Objectives

The objectives of this programme are to enable veterinary graduate to acquire specialized knowledge and skills in selected areas of current importance. The identified fields are,

1. Veterinary Pathobiology
2. Veterinary Public Health
3. Poultry Health and Management
4. Veterinary Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine
5. Wildlife and Zoo Animal Health and Management
6. Aquatic Animal Health and Management
7. Animal Reproduction

Programme Duration

Each of the programme will be of two year duration. The first year consisting of two semesters will be devoted to coursework during Fridays and Saturdays of the week. The first semester will be of 22 weeks duration with a mid semester break of two weeks. The second semester will be of 14 weeks duration. The second year will be devoted to full time research in a selected area relevant to the programme chosen by candidate.

Programme Structure

Each programme consists of two components, namely (a) coursework and (b) thesis research. Coursework is composed of a number of courses, the contents of which will be presented in the form of modules, covering all areas relevant to the programme of study. These courses will provide advanced knowledge, both theoretical and practical, during the first year of the programme. Practical training will include field training and, where relevant, work placement within an organization related to the programme.
a) Coursework
Each programme will comprise three types of courses:
i. Foundation Courses: these must be taken by all candidates, and are designed so that they will be relevant and beneficial, irrespective of the programme of study. Three courses will be conducted during the first semester and one course during the second semester.
ii. Compulsory Courses: these are specific for each programme, and candidates must take two such courses during the first semester.
iii. Optional Courses: in addition to the above courses, candidates must also take at least two optional courses, selected from among those that are relevant to their programme of study. These courses are offered during the second semester.
b) Thesis Research
During the second year of the programme, each candidate will undertake a research project in a subject area chosen by him/her and submit a dissertation. The subject chosen must be relevant to the programme that he/she is following and be approved by the Course Coordinator. This component includes proposal preparation, defence of the thesis proposal, conducting the field and/or laboratory experiments/trails, data collection and tabulation, statistical analysis and writing of the dissertation, followed by an oral defence in front of a panel of examiners. The supervisor will provide guidance, laboratory facilities and required technical training.

Method of Evaluation

1. Upon completion of each course, an evaluation will be made. This will take the form of a written examination, and where appropriate a practical examination or assignment.
2. Candidates will be permitted to proceed to the second year only after obtaining the necessary grades in the courses offered.
3. At the end of the first year, candidates will be required to make a presentation of the research proposal before a panel. A satisfactory grade will have to be obtained at this presentation before proceeding to the second year programme.
4. Course examinations will be held during the vacations and the results will be released before the end of the vacation (i.e., for the first semester courses, during the vacation between semesters and for the second semester courses, during the vacation following that semester).
5. Candidates who fail to acquire the required standard in the courses and in the presentation will have to repeat the specific course or presentation. No more than two repeat examinations will be permitted.
6. Candidates will be required to submit their thesis at the end of the fourth semester, prior to a date stipulated by the respective programme coordinator. At the end of the second year there will be an oral thesis defence examination.
7. The Grade Point Average (GPA) system of grading will be adopted in evaluating the performance of course examinations.
8. A credit weighted average of grade point average (GPA) is calculated. Candidates are required to score a minimum of 2 points for a pass in individual courses, and a GPA of 3 or above in all courses taken together.

MVSc in Diagnostic Veterinary Medicine (Veterinary Pathobiology)

MVSc in Veterinary Public Health

MVSc in Poultry Health and Management

MVSc in Animal Reproduction (Theriogenology)

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