European Master in Animal Breeding and Genetics (EMABG)

EMABG Programme

The overall vision of the programme is to deliver graduates who are experts in animal breeding and genetics, with different specialisations depending on their chosen study track. This will make them suitable in areas such as managing breeding programmes in low-income countries, conducting breeding value estimations as required by industry, responding to societal needs to combat climate change, or improving animal welfare through breeding. The ultimate goal is to train a new generation of graduates that is fit to respond to current and future needs of the animal breeding sector in a global context.

Challenges

The EMABG is a joint master programme that fulfils a real need for the industry sector and for society as a whole. It is designed to answer the scientific, practical, and societal challenges of animal breeding and genetics. These challenges can be summarised for both developed and low-income countries as follows:

• meeting the greater demand for animal and fish products, while preserving or improving the quality of products, the welfare of animals, and minimising the environmental impact
• preserving natural resources, with special attention to biodiversity
• making efficient use of novel tools and technologies to reach these goals while maintaining societal acceptance of animal breeding
• developing sustainable animal breeding programmes that contribute to an improved livelihood of farmers and efficient food chains
• developing sustainable breeding programmes that contribute to the improved health and welfare of animals, including populations in zoos and nature reserves

Goals

It is a common vision of EMABG partners to meet these challenges by intensive cooperation in the education and training of students, further enhanced by the relationship between participating universities. Thus, the EMABG was set up to:

• offer high quality education with a European perspective in the field of animal breeding and genetics, which is attractive to programme and partner-country nationals
• enhance the quality of training in animal breeding and genetics and to strengthen the attractiveness of the European Higher Education Area
• contribute to the needs of societies by developing the qualifications of students, so that they possess the appropriate skills, and are open-minded and internationally experienced

After completion of the EMABG course, graduates will be able to:

• Describe the current world context of animal breeding, and reflect on its social and ethical aspects.
• Show knowledge of biostatistics, quantitative and molecular genetics, and use correct scientific vocabulary.
• Identify and critically analyse key factors and forces behind animal breeding problems and relate their own discipline to a multidisciplinary framework.
• Create a solution for a given problem by applying appropriate research methods, instruments and tools, and organise, monitor, and evaluate results within their specialisation, while
• collecting relevant information and literature,
• understanding and applying required methods to conduct research,
• reflecting critically on own and literature research work, and adjusting and suggesting improvement of the analysis.
• concluding and pointing out practical recommendations based on the analysis of results
• Present an oral and written report of study and research activities, while taking into account the nature of the audience.
• Adapt and apply their knowledge to different working and cultural environments.
• Demonstrate learning and organisational skills to continue to study in a manner that may be largely self-directed or autonomous.
• Operate in an international context in both content and social-cultural aspects, both independently and in a team.