Università degli Studi di Perugia

Degree course in Zootechnical Sciences [LM-86] D. M. 270/2004

General information

Qualification awarded

Master’s Degree in Animal Sciences

Level of qualification

Second Cycle

Specific admission requirements and specific arrangements for recognition of prior learning

Students who intend to enrol on the Master’s Degree Programme in SZ must have a three-year university degree or diploma with didactic regulations referring to class L 38 or class 40, or have another qualification awarded abroad and recognized as valid or must have obtained at least 80 ECTS credits in basic scientific disciplinary sectors (mathematics, chemistry, biology) and pertinent to agricultural studies (economics, cultivations, microbiology, agricultural and animal production industries).

Profile of the programme

The Master’s Degree Course in SZ aims at forming master graduates with a solid preparation in the field of Biology as well as providing them with skills concerning the quality and safety of food products, the protection of animal welfare, environmental impact, sustainable development and the profitability of zootechnical productive systems, including the management of scientific and technological innovations. Furthermore, the Course aims to provide graduates with skills necessary to carry out the activities of a free-lancer, interested in the functions of a graduate in agriculture.

Qualification requirements and regulations

 The Master’s Degree Course in SZ has a duration of 2 years, during which the student must obtain 120 ECTS credits. Formative activities, based on semester-long periods are carried out through face-to-face classes, practical work, seminar presentations, training and a final examination. All aspects concerning the organization and management of the Master Degree Course in SZ are described in the specific Didactic Regulation, available in the Faculty website.

Key learning outcomes

The Master’s Degree Course focuses on the formation of graduates able to work with a high degree of autonomy in order to: (a) optimize breeding systems with a view to guaranteeing product quality, animal welfare and the correct disposal of livestock manure; (b) operate in the feed-stuff production sector, from the supply of raw materials to formulation and quality control; (c) define plans of selection and conservation of animal biodiversity, also through molecular genetic techniques; (d) modify, evaluate and manage quality in the food productive chain of animal origin, with particular emphasis on traceability, re-traceability and self-control; (e) develop technical and managerial instruments to assess and guarantee the economic, social and environmental sustainability of enterprises and of the zootechnic production chains, operating in the sectors of marketing and environmental management; (f) devise strategies, from agricultural production to the transformation industry, with particular emphasis on marketing; (g) manage the zootechnical enterprise from a technical and financial point of view and provide technical, accounting and fiscal assistance.

Examination regulations, assessment and grading

The individual examinations take place orally before a board of at least two professors. Other possible methods of assessment (e.g. final written exams or ongoing exams, seminarian presentations) are specified in the descriptions of the individual courses. Exams relative to individual courses are assessed on a scale of 30 and, where appropriate, with honours. The final grade is based on the results of the individual courses and on the final examination, which involves the presentation of a written research thesis to be discussed before a board of at least 7 professors. The latter is assessed on a scale of 110, and where appropriate, with honours.

Graduation requirements

The final qualification is awarded upon the attainment of 120 credits and upon the presentation and discussion of an experimental thesis.

Mode of study (full-time, part-time, e-learning, ...)

Full time study and attendance is recommended. However, part-time study is possible: attendance is not compulsory and students can sit exams according to their rhythm and needs.

Occupational profiles of graduates with examples

Professional opportunities for the graduate in Animal Production Sciences are foreseen in activities involving the entire productive chain, in service activities for enterprises, in free-lance work, in public administration and in research institutes, with particular reference to aspects regarding environmental sustainability, animal welfare and product quality. The skills acquired by the graduate during the SZ degree course are standard to exercise the profession of Agronomist.

Access to further studies

The qualification entitles you to admission to doctoral research.

Programme director or equivalent

Tabella riepilogativa regolamento

Zootechnical Sciences (Regulations 2011)