Diseases and Healthcare of Birds, Small Mammals and Reptiles

The continual development of our profession and the need to introduce modern concepts into our work demand new approaches to gain additional professional knowledge. In the past decade, important changes in theoretical and practical work have been made at all levels of veterinary medicine. 

Great progress has been achieved in the processes of thinking and critical reasoning, which are now based on clinical and diagnostic cognitive skills. Contemporary clinical examinations and tests are based on evidential and deductive processes. Candidates can increase their knowledge and experience and direct it towards resolving diseases of individual animals and/or the herd. The work of professionals demands that they are educated, rational, and that they demonstrate a desire for an advanced level of clinical-diagnostic and critical-thinking skills. 
  
In veterinary medicine, the need for supplementary learning is dictated by constant developments in current knowledge and new fields influencing the quality of professional work, which indirectly affects society as a whole. The European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education – EAEVE recommends the introduction of advanced and continual post-graduate education. Post-graduate education is also encouraged by the Slovenian representative veterinary organization (Veterinary Chamber) and numerous veterinary associations.

Advanced Training in the Diseases and Healthcare of Birds, Small Mammals and Reptiles is an educational process from which the veterinarian should gain theoretical and practical knowledge of the subject. The advanced training encompasses detailed knowledge of clinical diagnostics in the fields of hematology, clinical biochemistry, clinical virology, clinical bacteriology, clinical parasitology, X-rays, ultrasound, the use of drugs, principles of treatment, anesthesia, fluid therapy, intensive therapy, surgery and pathomorphology of birds, small mammals and reptiles. There will be special emphasis on ecology and veterinary legislation connected to these animal species. 

The Advanced Training in the Diseases and Healthcare of Birds, Small Mammals and Reptiles programme is awarded 43 European credit transfer system (ECTS) credit points and encompasses six modules, which are horizontally related. There are four mandatory modules and two electives. All modules consist of a theoretical and a practical part. The focus is on practical and individual work which comprises 92.3% of the programme content. 

The study requirements are evaluated upon the basis of the European Credit Transfer System - ECTS.

The basic objective of the programme is to educate highly qualified professional veterinarians in the field of diseases and health care of birds, small mammals and reptiles. 

The advanced studies training programme is based on relevant scientific research and expert knowledge, with a special emphasis on practical measures. The programme is problem-oriented as it is based on actual clinical and laboratory evidence, on current animal handling techniques, and on special veterinary measures for animal health management, public health and environmental protection. Modern diagnostic procedures are applied in the programme, which demand critical thinking and reasoning, and the use of computer-based diagnostics is also encouraged.

Upon completing the programme the candidate will be able to work and apply advanced methods to the different areas of diseases and health care of birds, small mammals and reptiles, such as: clinical diagnostics in the fields of hematology, clinical biochemistry, clinical virology, clinical bacteriology, clinical parasitology, X-rays, ultrasound, the use of drugs, principles of treatment, anesthesia, fluid therapy, intensive therapy, surgery and the pathomorphology of birds, small mammals and reptiles.

In addition, students will be capable of creative analysis, integration and solving technical problems. The candidate will also acquire the ability to critically evaluate the applicability of research methods and their transfer into practice.

The number of available places is 2 per year.

Candidates choose a mentor prior to the application or when applying to the programme. A mentor or co-mentor is a person with a professional or academic title and a suitable certified professional activity in the individual field. The mentor guides the candidate during his or her training.

To apply for the advanced studies programme in Diseases and Healthcare of Birds, Small Mammals and Reptiles candidates shall meet the following requirements: they must hold a degree in veterinary medicine, have at least three years of work experience in this field and possess a valid licence. Candidates who have completed the degree abroad must attach a Certificate of Education Completed in a Foreign Education System.

Candidates will be considered on the basis of work experience, a letter of recommendation from a veterinary association, and their scientific and professional accomplishments. Individual elements will be evaluated upon the basis of:

The admission limit is 2 candidates in accordance with Paragraph 1 of Article 41 of the Higher Education Act.

The recognition of knowledge and skills acquired prior the admission shall be approved by the programme supervisor based on certificates and the mentor’s opinion.

The condition for advancement is the fulfilment of study obligations for all the modules. Conditions for completion of the programme are the fulfilment of all study obligations and a successful pass in the final examination. Evidence of fulfilled obligations for all modules has to be submitted by the candidate before the final exam. Candidates are expected to pass the final exam no later than two years after the fulfilment of all obligations or four years after admission to the programme.

After the successful final examination, the candidate will acquire a Certificate in Advanced Professional Studies in Diseases and Healthcare of Birds, Small Mammals and Reptiles, which is an official document (in accordance with Article 88 of the Statute of University of Ljubljana) and is signed by the Dean of the Veterinary faculty of Ljubljana and the Rector of the University of Ljubljana.

Candidates are evaluated by oral and written exams, case reports, filled-in reports and written practical training reports. The final exam, which is oral and written, is carried out in front of the three-member commission. 

The aim of the written part of the exam is to check the knowledge gained during the theoretical part of the advanced study. The aim of the oral part of the exam is to check the knowledge gained during the practical work, such as: case studies, term papers, articles written by the candidate as well as knowledge gained during the theoretical part of the advanced study. 

The programme offers six study modules, four of which are mandatory and two are elective. It consists of two parts, theoretical work (7.7%) and professional practical training (92.3%). 

The advanced professional studies programme comprises the following modules:

• Diseases and Healthcare of Birds,
• Diseases and Healthcare of Small Mammals, 
• Diseases and Healthcare of Reptiles 
• Research Methods in Veterinary Medicine,
• Veterinary Informatics,
• Final examination.

All modules are applicable to the field of veterinary medicine.

Curriculum

Key: L lectures; LP laboratory-based practical classes; CP clinical practical classes; S seminars; F field work; A alternative work; I individual student’s work, TH total hours; ECTS credit points based on ECTS.

* Elective modules. Candidates must choose one.

Short review of modules

Centre for Postgraduate Studies and Continuing Education

Gerbičeva 60
1000 Ljubljana
 
Tel: +386 1 4779 147
Fax: +386 1 283 22 43
Email: biljana.grubisic@vf.uni-lj.si