Introduction

Genetics and Applied Animal breeding introduces students to how animals inherit characteristics generation to generation and also help students understand how animals can be improved using different methods/systems and technologies. 

This involves teaching genes transmission in animals, population genetics, genetic parameters (breeding values, progeny difference, genotypic values, gene combination values, producing ability, heritability, repeatability e.t.c)

It also involves teaching animal breeding methods (pure breeds, cross breeding (out breeding), inbreeding etc), Hybrid vigor, selection methods/systems  (Tandem selection, Independent culling, selection index, selection difference, selection potential etc) and  improved breeding technologies (DNA markers, AI, ET, cloning etc)

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course the student should be able to;

• Explain how animal characteristics are transferred generation to  generation
• Describe how genes are important in selection and breeding of the best animal to be selected for the next generation parent
• know the different reproductive technologies used in animal improvement

Welcome to VET2221:Developmental and Gross Anatomy II. The module discuss the development of the different systems from the embryo, important modifications and anomalies that can happen during animal embryogenesis and fetal development. The module will also describe the anatomy of the head, neck and locomotory system, Nervous, Endocrine, Urogenital systems and General avian anatomy.

Welcome to the Physiology II and Biochemistry module! This module will explore three areas  (i) Digestive Physiology, (ii) Circulatory, respiratory and Urinary Physiology and (iii) Structural and metabolic biochemistry.

This module aims to introduce to the students the basic metabolic cycles that occur in the organism and their importance in agriculture and livestock production. The module will encourage students to understand the metabolic cycles that occur in cells and the specific metabolic pathways that are characteristic for some cells or species.

The objective of this module is to acquire insight in the most important aspects of the normal cellular metabolism of domestic animals on the level of cell type (tissue or organ specialisation) and species. A central theme is the relationship between the molecular structure and the biological function of metabolites. The focus lies on the specific metabolic pathways (both catabolism and anabolism) that are characteristic for some cell types and/or species. This particular aim is linked to the general aim of the bachelor education in veterinary medicine because not only the assimilation but mostly the critical interpretation of the biomedical knowledge is stimulated. This module aims to provide a balanced understanding of the physical, chemical and biological context in which each bio-molecule, reaction or pathway operates.

This module has been developed in order to provide theoretical and practical information on all aspects of basic veterinary microbiology. It will provide a student with a general overview of microbiology and serve as foundation for diagnosis and provision of proper management of diseases of domestic and wild animals caused by microbes; also management and control of diseases of public health importance, and ability to perform laboratory diagnostic tests with minimal facility.

The importance of microorganisms in human and animal health, as well as their applications in industry and their impact on ecology will be studied.

The Microbiology course is given in three consecutive components of (i) Bacteriology, virology and mycology

Welcome to the module on Veterinary pharmacology! This module introduces students to pharmacology as a basic science in the practice of veterinary medicine. It provides a balance of instruction correlating the science of pharmacology with pharmacotherapeutics.

This course is part of the module of General Pathology and Immunology (VET3122). This module has three components: (1) Non-inflammatory and inflammatory disorders, (2) Oncology and immunopathology and (3) Immunology, making up 15 credits in the program offered to year 3 veterinary students. Immunology alone is a 5 credits course. 

Immunology is the study of our protection from foreign macromolecules or invading organisms and our responses to them. These invaders include viruses, bacteria, protozoa or even larger parasites. In addition, we develop immune responses against our own proteins (and other molecules) in autoimmunity and against our own aberrant cells in tumor immunity. 

The objective of the general pathology components is to familiarize students with the fundamental mechanisms which are the basis of diseases in animals. Students will learn the relationships between injured cell and tissues and alteration in body functions. The course will provide the basic scientific background for understanding the disease patterns. It will also familiarize students with the terminology used to describe diseases in animals.

Welcome to the module of Veterinary Therapeutics! This is a 10-credit module with two components namely themotherapy and anaesthetics. 

The Learning outcomes for each component are displayed under each component. 

Welcome to this course "  Infectious diseases Control & Eradication o" of the module Vet Pub Health I & Preventive Medicine (VET3224).

This component has the following objectives:

Welcome to Animal Ethology and Welfare module.

The module consists of Two components namely (1) Animal Behavior and Welfare; (2) Animal handling. 

The course considers the protection and welfare of animals, especially scientific research in this area. The emphasis will be farm and pet animals, although much of the information will be relevant also to other categories of animals and to a wide range of different contexts e.g. housing, management, transport, competition, exhibition, slaughter, etc. Basic information on the legislation for the protection of animals and the ethical views regarding animals will be provided. 

Facilitator: Andrew KIBOGO

 Welcome to Companion animal Medicine Module; This module aims at transferring the knowledge and clinical skills to take a history, perform a full clinical examination, generate a list of differential diagnosis, know how to choose the appropriate confirmatory diagnosis, to understand the economic feasibility of diagnostics and treatment of companion animals in Rwanda, to make a treatment protocol and prognosis, advise on prevention and control for canine, feline and equine disease conditions.

Teacher: Dr Emmanuel Irimaso 

The module of Veterinary Public Health (II)  and Food Safety is taught to BVM 4 students. This 10 credits module is composed of two components: Food Hygiene and Safety (4 credits) and Meat Inspection (6 credits). 

Welcome message

Welcome to the abdominal and urogenital surgery in farm and companion animals. This module is taught in year 4 Veterinary Medicine of undergraduate program at University of Rwanda. 

The module is designed to provide to students the basic expertise on common surgical conditions of the abdominal and urogenital tracts and practical hands-on skills in surgical handling these underlying conditions in cattle, goat, sheep, pig, horse, dogs and cats.

Aim of the module

The aim of this module is to  provide the student knowledge and practical skills in ability to diagnose and stabilise abdominal and urogenital emergencies, and understanding of underlying abdominal and urogenital conditions requiring surgical intervention in livestock farm and companion animals in veterinary medicine.

Brief description of module

Therefore, the module is a pre-requisite to practicing abdominal and urogenital surgery in domestic animals. Full technical knowledge in all abdominal and urogenital surgeries relating to domestic animals requires further years of specialization and practices under the supervision of experienced veterinary surgeons following graduation.

Intended learning outcomes

Indicative contents

Summative assessment:

Facilitator contacts:

Dr. Gervais Ndazigaruye

Email:shemagervais@yahoo.com

Mobile phone:+250 786 180 200/ 788 468 430

Theriogenology is the study of clinical practice of veterinary obstetrics, gynecology, and andrology and neonatal medicine in animal species. This course will build on basic reproduction and teach applied concepts used in veterinary practice. Students will learn breeding management of the male and female, pregnancy diagnosis in all species, care of pregnant animals as well as management of parturition and dystocia, and aspects of neonatal medicine. Students will also learn how to diagnose sub-fertility in male and female animal species. Advanced reproductive techniques such as preservation of semen, IVF, synchronization, embryo transfer and stem cell technologies will also be introduced.

Welcome to the Animal Production module, 

The module aims to equip the students with the theoretical knowledge and practical
skills in farming industry of cattle, small ruminants, poultry, pig and rabbit and
encourage them to understand the production cycle and its related management
requirements in feeding, breeding, health and on-farm feed production and
formulation.

Welcome to this course, the module aims at equipping students with the knowledge and clinical skills to take a history, perform a complete clinical examination, generate a list of differential diagnosis, understand the economical feasibility of the various diagnostic techniques, how to choose the most appropriate confirmatory diagnosis and how to treat the various diseases in pigs, poultry and small ruminants. In addition, the course introduces students to the basic concepts of disease prevention and control through effective bio-security, vaccination and good management practices.

Brief description of aims and content

Welcome to this module of epidemiology and research methods, the module has three components, namely research methods, epidemiology, and biostatistics. The module aims to equip students with general understanding and skills related to the concepts and applications of Research methods, Epidemiology and biostatistics. The course will develop students’ ability to develop a research problem, design experiments to study research problem, design data collection methods and use appropriate statistical methods to analyze data.  Students will learn epidemiological methods applied to study veterinary important diseases and statistical procedures using in along both processes.  At the end of the module, student should be able to use the acquired knowledge and skills to design epidemiological studies and statistically analyze data in order to draw valuable conclusion and recommendation for a sustainable livestock health and production

Learning Outcomes

 Knowledge and Understanding

              Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

              Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

1)      Basic concepts and applications of epidemiology

2)      Descriptive and Analytical epidemiology

3)      Characteristics of diagnostic tests in epidemiology.

4)      Establishment and evaluation of disease surveillance systems.

5)      Outbreak investigation

6)     Principles of research process/ methodology from identifying research problem to drawing proper conclusion 

6)      Principles of experimental design

7)      Statistical procedures  such as descriptive and inferential used in data analysis

8)       Principles of ethical guidelines in research

9)      Presentation and discussion of scientific data

Application of Knowledge/Intellectual skills

                          Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

10)      Design and conduct an epidemiological study

11)      Interpret epidemiological studies’ results

12)   Establish and evaluate a disease control system

13)   Design and execute experiments ethically

14)   Analyze, summarize and discuss scientific data

15)   Relate statistics to real life scenarios

Communication and Practical Skills

              Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

1)      Oral presentation.

2)      Computer skills.

3)      Time management.

4)      Group work.

5)      Information and data collection. 

6)      Writing skills

7)      Presentation skills

General transferable skills

              Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to:

1)      Identify a problem in the community; propose the appropriate epidemiological study design to investigate the problem.

2)      Use statistical knowledge and skills to analysis data and come up with conclusion and recommendation to solve problem in the society. 

3)      Collaborate and work in group to study an epidemiological problem in veterinary and animal sciences using appropriate statistical procedures and come up with relevant conclusions and recommendation

Indicative Content

Research methods

Theory:

-Introduction to research methods.

-Constructing research questions and developing a research problem (statement of research problem, rationale and research justification)

-Formulation of objectives, Hypothesis and research questions.

-Research design and methodology (Including data collection)

-Doing a literature review

-Developing analytical framework of research project (i.e: Data analysis, bioinformatics)

-Developing research project output, outcome, goals and impact

-Work plan and budget elaboration and its justification.

-Research dissemination

-Ethical guidelines in research

       Practical:

Literature collection; Project proposal writing; listing of research materials needed; methodology development, Major components and outline of the different phases in a research process, Application of some statistical packages (SPSS and Epi nfo), research report writing, Data collection procedures, processing and interpretation; results presentation

 Epidemiology

Theory :

-       Introduction to epidemiology (Definition, history, importance, causation),

-       Descriptive epidemiology (Ratio, proportion, mortality, morbidity, Prevalence, Incidence,…),

-       Analytical epidemiology (Experimental study design, cohort, case control and cross sectional Study designs, random error, bias, confounding …),

-       Characteristics of diagnostic tests (Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, kappa,…),

-       Disease surveillance (establishment, evaluation,…),

-       Outbreak investigation.

Practical:

Design epidemiological studies, Exercises of diagnostic test characteristics, Interpretation of epidemiological studies’ results.

Biostatistics

Theory:

-       Definition: Statistics; descriptive, inferential.

-       Variables: qualitative versus quantitative.

-       Data types: primary versus secondary, categorical versus discrete, continuous.

-       Collection of data - Population survey, measurement, questionnaire, sampling.

-       Types of data – continuous and discrete.

-       Types of measurements: nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio scales. Bias, accuracy and precision.

-       Presentation of data: tabular forms and graphical methods: histograms, line diagram, pie charts, bar charts, frequency distribution, ogives, stem- and- leaf plots, box- and-whiskers plots, tally method.

-       Measures of Central Tendency: Σ notation, mean, median, mode, quartiles, percentiles.

-       Measures of Dispersion: variance, standard deviation, range, interquartile range, skewness and kurtosis. Identification of outliers.

-       Binomial distribution, probability, normal distribution, confidence intervals.

-       Test of significance – null and alternative hypothesis, errors, level of significance, acceptance and rejection of hypothesis, 2x2 table and Chi square test, students’ t-test, weighted average, covariance, correlation and regression analysis.

-       Uses of scientific calculators for statistical manipulation limited to calculation of mean, standard deviation

-       Basic experimental design especially clinical trials in veterinary medicine or animal sciences

Practical:

Exercises on measure of central tendency and dispersion - exercises on test of significance -use and demonstration of some statistical packages.

Learning and Teaching Strategy

-      Lectures

-      Group works

-      Tutorials

-      Assignments  with feedback and group presentation

-      Video

-      Illustrations

-      Charts  and models

-      Written assignments

-      Class discussions.

  ASSESSMENT STRATEGY

-      Class assignments,

-      written work to be completed outside of class

-      Presentations

-      Continuous Assessment Tests

-      Final examination

 Assessment Pattern

Strategy for feedback and student support during module

The major source of feedback on performance is the report of results of assignments, continuous assessment tests, group presentations and the final examination.

For students with low performance in some areas of the module, the lecturer organizes some catch up sessions and further support can be offered during lecturers’ office hours.

 Indicative Resources

The core text books are:

1. Michael Thrusfield (2005). Veterinary Epidemiology third edition. Blackwell Publishing. UK.
2. Y.K. Singh (2006) Fundamental research methodology and statistics. New Age International. Ansari Road, Daryaganj, New Delhi. ISBN : 978-81-224-2418-8
3. Gordis L. (2009) Epidemiology, 4th ed., Saunders Elsevier, Philadelphia.
4. Smith R.D. (2009)Veterinary Clinical Epidemiology, 3rd ed., CRC Press
5. Petrie E., and P. Watson (2006), Statistics for Veterinary and Animal Science, 2nd ed., Blackwell Publishing, Oxford, UK, pages 107-118.
6. Winner, L. (2004). Introduction to biostatistics. Department of Statistics University of Florida.Kirkwood, B. R., & Sterne, J. A. (2003). Medical statistics. Medical statistics.

Teaching team

Jean Baptiste NDAHETUYE (PhD)

Jean Pierre MUGANGA MPATSENUMUGABO (PhD Candidate)

Dr. Robert Kibuuka   BVM, Msc. VPH

Welcome to the Wildlife Medicine, Aquaculture and Apiculture module. The module is made of three components: (1)Wildlife Medicine; (2) Aquaculture and (3) Apiculture

Facilitators: Dr Julius Nziza,

Dr Simon Tukeratabaro

Mr Andrew Kibogo

The module consists of three components: Project Planning& Management, Entrepreneurship AND Animal Health & Production Economics.

Brief description and aims of the module

The aim of this module is to transfer knowledge and understanding of art and practice, veterinary extension, ethics and rights of veterinarian and create awareness on existing standards, regulations and laws pertinent to veterinary practice both national and international.

Learning Outcomes

The module is made up of four modules:

- Veterinary legislation: 3 Credits

- Art and practice in veterinary medicine: 2 Credits

- Veterinary Extension: 3 Credits

- Ethics and rights in veterinary Medicine: 2 Credits

 Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

- Veterinary legislation, Art and practice in veterinary medicine, Veterinary Extension, Ethics and rights in veterinary Medicine

- Understand the relevance of context during veterinary policy analysis

- Know how to practice ethical rules and regulations governing veterinary profession

- Demonstrate an understanding of veterinary extension methods and approaches

- Provide technical advice and guidance on veterinary ethics and jurisprudence.

- Conduct animal health  policy evaluation interventions

- Take responsibility for their class attendance and completion of their practical assignments

- Demonstrate an ability to act autonomously (to deliver an oral presentation)

- Demonstrate an ability to work independently and as part of a team (individual& group assignments)

- Demonstrate the ability to search for empirical data to support the content of their animal husbandry program planning and evaluation

- Work under little supervision or direction

- Approach and develop animal health polices

- Apply veterinary extension approaches in livestock enterprises

- Approaches of conducting ethic regulation in veterinary medicine profession

- Orally present defend veterinary medicine profession at various forum institution

Indicative Content

Veterinary jurisprudence and legislation

- Introduction and definitions, different laws related to veterinary profession in Rwanda: law No 54/2008 determining the prevention and fight against contagious diseases for domestic animals in Rwanda, Ministerial order determining the organization of veterinary pharmacy practice (No 008/11.30), law establishing Rwanda Council of Veterinary Doctors. International legislations and conventions related to veterinary domain: OIE – history, mandates, objectives, OIE codes, OIE guidelines on veterinary services, WAHIS, OIE listed diseases. Codex Alimentarius – Introduction, Codex Alimentarius Commission, codex standards, codex standards  guidelines. 5 animal welfare freedoms, OIE standards on animal welfare: slaughter of animals for human consumption, slaughter of animals for disease control, transportation of livestock by land. Ministerial order No 012/11.30 on animal slaughtering and meat inspection. Risk analysis – definition, components, variation in approach, risk assessment questions, risk management questions, risk analysis in the SPS world, risk analysis initiation points, how risk analysis is done, process overview. Risk Management for Animal Health in International Trade - OIE risk analysis process, risk management - The Appropriate Level of Protection, mitigations – reduce risk of release, reduce risk of exposure, decrease severity of consequences. Identifying mitigation: illustration with sheep virus example, international veterinary certificate, importing and exporting countries responsibilities, mitigation evaluation. Risk of FMD introduction. 

Ethics and Rights in Veterinary Practice

- Ethics and the veterinary profession, Veterinarian-farmer relationship, Hippocrates oath, professional relationship with other veterinary colleagues, use and misuse of drugs, microorganism use and misuse in laboratories, ethical dilemmas in the practice of veterinary medicine, consumer protection, prescription writing, human rights and the veterinary profession, labour laws, law of compensation, children’s rights, rights of farmers, rights of the public, animal rights.

Veterinary extension

- Introduction to the concepts of veterinary extension education; Principles and Philosophy of Veterinary Extension; Importance and relevance of veterinary extension including the history of Agricultural Extension in Rwanda; Veterinary Extension approaches, methods and tools; Planning an extension education programs; Public and private veterinary services.

Learning and Teaching Strategy

- Lectures

- Practical sessions using real examples. 

- Self- learning via group work by oral presentation of specific topics

- Field visit.

- Assignments

- Tutorials and seminar presentations

- Essay and Multiple-choice questions

Assessment Strategy

The Assessment will include the Continuous Assessment Tests (CAT) and the final exams. The CAT will comprise presentations of case studies, laboratory reports and structured exam-like tests. A final examination will be given at the end of the semester.

Assessment Pattern

Strategy for feedback and student support during module

- Students fill teacher evaluation forms

- Examination results and performances

- References books related to the modules

- Teaching staff for consultation

- Exercises supporting course and their quick marking

Other important requirements

Indicative Resources

- D.C Clay and Y.M.J Dejaegher. Agro-ecological zones: the development for regional classification scheme for Rwanda

- Dennis Garrity1,John Dixon,Jean-Marc Boffa3     Understanding African Farming Systems: Science and Policy Implications Syndney 29-30th November 2012

- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and World Bank Group. 2001. Farming Systems and Poverty: Improving Farmers' Livelihoods in a Changing World. Rome: FAO.

- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 2000. Small Ponds Make a Big Difference: Integrating Fish with Crop and Livestock Farming. Rome: FAO.

- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 2001. Mixed Crop-Livestock Farming: A Review of Traditional Technologies based on Literature and Field Experience. Animal Production and Health Papers 152. Rome: FAO.

- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 2003. Integrated livestock-fish farming systems. Rome: FAO.

- International Fund for Agricultural Development. 2008. Improving Crop-Livestock Productivity through Efficient Nutrient Management in Mixed Farming Systems of Semi-arid West Africa. http://www.ifad.org/lrkm/tags/384.htm (accessed 8 May 2008). Limited, London, Uk.

- The master plan of milk chin in Rwanda ; may 2009

- Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion-Republic of Rwanda (2011). National Policy against Gender Based Violence.

- African Development Bank Group (2008). Rwanda-Gender assessment: Progress towards improving women’s economic status

- Sofa T. and Doss C. (2011). The role of women in agriculture. Agricultural Development Economics Division. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. ESA Working Paper No 11-02.

Teaching Team:

- Charles NKURANGA (c.nkuranga@ur.ac.rw)

- Emmanuel IRIMASO (e.irimaso@ur.ac.rw)

- Denis MAJYAMBERE (d.majyambere@ur.ac.rw)

Welcome to the Surgery III (Head, Neck, Thorax and Orthopedic) Module

 The module consists of two components: Head, Neck and thorax surgery and orthopedic surgery.

During this module you will discover: 

        i.            Head, Neck and thorax surgery:

Surgical conditions of the Head, Neck and thorax, consolidate block in elective and emergence surgical operations; Diagnose, treat cases of injuries, malformations, physiological complications status using their hands and surgical instruments.

      ii.            Orthopedic surgery:

Gain a knowledge and understanding of the determinants underlying musculoskeletal and lameness conditions requiring surgical intervention in companion and livestock animals in veterinary medicine and to diagnose and resolve any musculoskeletal cases.

  Facilitator:

  1. Dr Gervais Ndazigaruye