LITHUANIAN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

STUDY AREA: BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES

STUDY FIELD: PUBLIC HEALTH
MASTER STUDY PROGRAMME: VETERINARY FOOD SAFETY

(State code – 621A64001)

SELF – EVALUATION REPORT

Vice-Rector of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences …...............…....... Prof. Daiva Rastenytė

Substitute Rector (signature)

(stamp)

Head of the Self-Evaluation Team ……….…........…...............…... Prof. Mindaugas Malakauskas

(signature)

Kaunas
December, 2013

1
Profile of the Master Study Programme of Veterinary Food Safety

Title of the study programme Veterinary Food Safety

State code 621A64001
Study type University studies
Study cycle Second cycle
Study mode (duration in years) Full-time (2), Part-time (3)
The volume of the study programme in credits 120 ECTS
Degree and professional qualification Master of Public Health
Programme started 2008-09-01
Programme language Lithuanian

The Self-Evaluation Group

No. Academic title (scientific Position Phone (office, E – mail

degree), name, surname) mobile)
Professor, Head of
+370 37 362695;
Assoc. Prof. dr. the Department of
1. +370 618 55450 [email protected]
Mindaugas Malakauskas Food Safety and
Quality
Professor,
Prof., dr. Albina
2. Department of +370 37 362694 [email protected];
Aniulienė
Infectious Diseases
Professor,
Assoc. Prof. dr. Loreta +370 37 362695
3. Department of Food [email protected]
Šernienė
Safety and Quality
Professor,
Assoc. Prof. dr. Vaidas Department of
4. +370 37 363204 [email protected]
Oberauskas Anatomy and
physiology
Lecturer,
+370 37 362695
5. Dr. Aistė Kabašinskienė Department of Food [email protected]
Safety and Quality
Assoc. Professor at
Assoc. Prof. dr. Alvydas
6. the Department of +370 37 363559 [email protected]
Malakauskas
Infectious Diseases
Lecturer,
+370 37 362695
7. Dr. Alvidas Šarlauskas Department of Food [email protected]
Safety and Quality
Student, Study
8. Erikas Mackevičius Program: Veterinary +370 68908224 [email protected]
Food Safety
Deputy director;
+370 5 2491618;
9. Zenonas Stanevičius State Food and [email protected]
+370 698 30946
Veterinary Service

2
 Content

1. INTRODUCTION 4
2. ANALYSIS OF THE STUDY PROGRAMME 5
2.1 The Aim and learning outcomes of the study program 5
2.3. The Curriculum Design 8
2.4. Staff of the VFS study programme 11
2.5. Facilities and Study Resources 14
2.6. The Study Process and Its Assessment 16
2.7. Programme Management 21
ANNEXES
1. Links of the subjects learning outcomes with the study program learning outcomes
2. Descriptions of Study Subjects
3. List of the Final Theses of the Last Two Years
4. List of the Academic Staff
5. Description of the Staff’s Academic and Research Activities (CV)

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1. Introduction
1. Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LUHS) is the largest institution of health
specialists’ education and training in Lithuania. LUHS is a state university – the subject of legal
rights - acting as a public institution, which is established on the 30th of June in 2010 by the
resolution of Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania. The university was created by merging Kaunas
University of Medicine and Lithuanian Veterinary Academy.
2. LUHS has collegial management bodies – University Council (11 members, length of the term
– 5 years), University Senate (academic affairs management body formed of 49 scientists, members
of administration and students for the period of 5 years), as well as a one-man management body –
University Rector elected by the University Council.
3. The LUHS strategy is formed by the University Council and the governing body – the Senate,
while the executive functions are attributed to the University Rectorate. Rector manages the
University, organizes its activity ensuring implementation of the University‘s strategic activity plan.
Rector is assisted by chancellors and pro-rectors. Rector‘s orders are mandatory to all LUHS
employees and students.
4. The main academic units of the LUHS structure are – the Medical Academy and the
Veterinary Academy. The Medical Academy has 5 faculties: Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of
Odontology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Nursing, and Faculty of Public Health, whereas the
Veterinary Academy has 2 faculties: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Faculty of Animal
Husbandry. In total there are nearly 880 teachers with PhD degree at the university. Faculties of
LUHS are managed by Faculty Council and Dean. The decisions of the Faculty Council are
mandatory for the employees and the students of the Faculty. Following the requirements of the
LUHS Statute and the decisions of the Faculty Council, the Dean is heading the Faculty and
presents accounts on the Faculty’s activity to the Faculty Council. The Dean is a member of the
Faculty Council and Rectorate.
5. The current LUHS management structure covers all stages of studies and research. There is a
very straight forward decision making structure enabling to follow the quality of the studies.
6. On April 17, 2013, the Self-Evaluation Working Group (further SEWG) was formed by the
Rector Order’s No.SC-350 (Table 1). The assigned tasks and the responsibilities to self-evaluation
working group members were agreed after the discussion among the group members and are listed
in the table No.1.

Table 1. The Composition of the Self-Evaluation Group and Distribution of Responsibilities

No. Name, Surname Functions in the group Field of Responsibility
The preparation of the final self-evaluation
Prof. dr. Mindaugas report; coordination of self-evaluation
Coordinator of the self-
1 activities; presentation to the Faculty Board
Malakauskas evaluation working group Aims and learning outcomes of the
programme
2 Prof., dr. Albina Aniulienė Member Facilities and learning resources
3 Prof. dr. Loreta Šernienė Member The staff of the study programme
4 Prof. dr. Vaidas Oberauskas Member Curriculum design
Lecturer, dr. Aistė
5 Member Study process and its assessment
Kabašinskienė
Assoc. Prof. dr. Alvydas
6 Member Facilities and learning resources
Malakauskas
7 Dr. Alvidas Šarlauskas Member Programme management
8 Erikas Mackevičius Member Facilities and learning resources
9 Zenonas Stanevičius Member Programme management

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 7. The self-evaluation of the Master Study Programme of Veterinary Food Safety (further VFS)
was performed following the self-evaluation methodology proposed by the Center for Quality
Assessment in Higher Education (further CQAHE), and on the basis of the following legal acts of
the Republic of Lithuania:
- The Law on Higher Education and Research (Official Gazette of the Republic of Lithuania,
2009, No. 54-2140).
- Description of General Requirements for Master Study Programmes, Order No.V-826 of 3
June 2010 of the Minister of Education and Science (Official Gazette, 2010, No. 67-3375);
- The Decree of the Director of the Center for Quality Assessment in Higher Education No. 1-
01-162 (2010-12-20) “On the Approval of Techniques for the Evaluation of the Study
Programs”.
- The Decree of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania V-1487
“On the Approval of the Order of External Evaluation and Accreditation of Study
Programs” (Official Gazette of the Republic of Lithuania, 2009, No. 96–4083, 2009, No.
134-5862, 2009, No. 152-6860; 2010, No. 119-6084; 2011, No 16-782).
8. The self-evaluation was carried out according to work plan approved by the self-evalution
group members: distribution of tasks and responsibilities, collection and analysis of the required
data, discussion on the initial results of the self-analysis, drafting of the appropriate parts of the
report, preparation of the final self-evaluation report (Table 2).

Table 2. Timetable of the Self-Evaluation Group

No. Activity Delivery date
1 Setup and approval of the self-evaluation team; April 22, 2013
2 First meeting of the self-evalution group and distribution of April 29, 2013
tasks
3 Discussion on the preliminary results of data collection and May 31, 2013
analysis
4 Assessment of initial self-evaluation results June 28, 2013
5 Drafting of the self-evalution report June 28-October 1, 2013
6 Evaluation of the draft of self-evalution report October 28, 2013
7 Preparation of the final report October 28 – November 26,
2013
8 Presentation of the final self-evaluation report to the Faculty December 6, 27 2013
community
9 Presentation of the final self-evaluation report to the Council of December 11, 2013
Veterinary Faculty

9. The external evaluation of the master study program VFS has been carried out only when the
program was submitted for the registration to the Center for Quality Assessment in Higher
Education in 2008.

2. Analysis of the study programme

2.1 The Aim and learning outcomes of the study program

10. The aim of the Master of Veterinary Food Safety (VFS) study program at LUHS is to
educate the Public Health specialists able to conduct independent research, provide service for
improved public health of society. The aim of the master study program of VFS is implemented
through the students achieved learning outcomes summarized in the Table 3. Links of the learning
outcomes of subjects with the study program learning outcomes are showed in Annex 1.
11. The aim and learning outcomes of the Master VFS study program are published through the
LUHS website1.

1
http://lsmuni.lt/lt/veikla/studijos/studiju-programos/ii-pakopos-studijos/

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Table 3. Learning outcomes of the master Veterinary Food Safety study program (the second study cycle)
Learning outcomes of the second study cycle (order No.V-2212; 2011.11.21) Learning outcomes of Veterinary Food Safety study program (the first study cycle)
The newest knowledge in study or activity field based on the fundamental or 1.1 Show the newest knowledge of biologically and chemically active substances of raw materials and food
1. applied scientific research (research parts of art projects) which he/she is able to products, and to apply it assessing their possible impact on human health;
Knowledge use when solving issues in new or unknown environment, performing scientific 1.2 Describe and be able to investigate the pathways of how chemical pollutants enter the food chain;
and its research or engaging in professional artistic activity, or developing innovations 1.3 Define the concept of risk analysis, its application to ensure food safety and public health;
application 1.4 Describe concepts of the total quality management;
Identify nutritional aspects of consumers referred to the specific risk groups
Graduate has the ability to analyze, synthesize and assess the research data 2.1 Select and apply an appropriate investigation methods needed to solve food safety and public health
necessary for studies, scientific (art) and professional activity and innovation problems and to operate them in practice;
2 Research development; he/she has the ability to integrate knowledge, manage complicated 2.2 Analyze and evaluate the safety of food in respect to specific risks related to consumer groups and are
skills situations and make decisions when there is no comprehensive and well-defined able to evaluate risk management options
information, and assess alternative solutions and possible impact on the 2.3 Organize and carry out investigations on food safety and public health issues according to the latest
environment. scientific and epidemiological data.
Graduate has the ability to use available knowledge and prepare new means 3.1 Are able holistically apply TQM principles in contemporary food safety systems;
(technical, methodical, informational and organizational /managerial) based on Initiate development of safety management system in the organization and successfully participate in such
it’s necessyti for scientific researches, studies, and implementation of cultural and process while working in the intermediate chain of the organization management.
3. Special
artistic activity or innovation development. 3.2 Are able to apply scientific knowledge in the development of new food safety assurance measures and
abilities
better protection of public health
3.3 Define problems and find science based solutions to solve food safety/public health problems considering
the state of art science achievements
Graduate has the ability to communicate summarized clear and reasoned
information to specialists and other persons and evaluate it critically. He/she 4.1. Communicate with consumers about food related risks especially considering differences of the
4. Social
assumes responsibility for the quality and assessment of his/her and subordinate consumer groups
abilities
employees’ activity following the principles of professional ethics and citizenship. 4.2. Critically evaluate the risk management options and take the responsibility to ensure safety of food
He/she assumes responsibility for the
Graduate has the ability to plan the process of learning in an autonomous manner
and choose the direction of improvement in an autonomous manner, and study
(learn) in an autonomous manner further. Graduate has the ability to use scientific 5.1 Operate using own professional and research experience and other acquired competence; are able to plan
research data and has experience in research work and has skills of systemic and professional carrier and to make progress as specialist;
5. Personal
strategic thinking necessary for autonomous professional activity and scientific 5.2 Take her/his responsibility for performed activities
abilities
research work. He/she has the ability to make innovative decisions assessing 5.3 Take responsibility for quality of his/her own work and its evaluation following professional ethics.
possible public and ethical outcome of activity. He/she acts perceiving moral 5.4 Work in a team.
responsibility for the impact of his/her activity and its results on public,
economical and cultural development, wellbeing and environment.

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 This information also is available for public and interested parties through the webpage of the
Admission Board2, the official University newspaper and leaflets designed for the secondary school-
graduates and public. The objectives and learning outcomes of the particular subjects of VFS program
are available through the LUHS Studies information database3. The objectives and learning outcomes
are disseminated through the information system “AIKOS”4 administered by the Ministry of Education
and Science of the Republic of Lithuania. This source also provides additional information on the
format of studies, duration of the studies and awarded degree. Information about the learning outcomes
of the study program are also disseminated by making presentations, dissemination of publications and
leaflets during various informative events like the Fair of Higher Education Institutions or the Science
Days organised each year.
12. Updating of the learning outcomes of the program and the involvement of the social partners. The
learning outcomes were revised by the Study Programme Committee (SPC) after discussions and in
consultation with stakeholders to ensure quality assurance part (see Section 7. Programme
Management). Social partners are also involved in the updating of learning outcomes through their
assessment of students practice at the end of the 2nd studies year t. This assessment involves estimation
of the practical skills and achievement of the outcomes foreseen in the program.
13. The learning outcomes of the Master VFS program fulfil the requirements described by:
 Order of the Minister of Ministry Education and Science No V-826 „General requirements
applied for Master Studies Programs; 03.06.2010.
 Order of the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania No. V-2212 of
21 November, 2011 „Descriptor of Study Cycles”.
Conformity of the learning outcomes of Master VFS study program to the General requirements5 and
the Descriptor of Study Cycles described in the table No. 3.
14. Graduates of Masters VFS study program can work at entities dealing with food safety and public
health e.g. State Food and Veterinary Service (SFVS), national Public Health Centers, governmental
institutions like ministries, and etc. The Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council6
refers that Food and feed business operators at all stages of production, processing and distribution
within the businesses under their control shall ensure that foods or feeds satisfy the requirements of food
law which are relevant to their activities and shall verify that such requirements are met. Therefore the
graduates of the study program are potential employees within whole food production chain including
primary production, processing, retail and finally education of consumers. On the other hand, the food
chain in Lithuania is under control of the SFVS which is currently monitoring more then 24 000 food
establishments: 12350 wholesale and retail sale entities, 880 food processing entities, 7600 public
catering companies and others. Also SFVS is responsible for the control of trade and production of food
supplements and this amounts to more than 1700 control entities. Therefore this situation leads to the
demand of specialists with abilities not only to control, but also to analyse current food safety and public
health problems and apply necessary measures which are based on the scientific knowledge. All these
areas are in tight connections with the learning outcomes described in the Table No. 3.
15. The Master VFS study program is seeking to improve public health through enhanced food safety
and therefore differs from the other two master study programs implemented a the Faculty of Public
Health: “Public Health” and “Public Health Management”. In the latter two programmes the food safety
and public health interactions are not stressed what is obvious after analysis of study plans of these
programs7 8.

2
http://lsmuni.lt/lt/stojantiesiems/lsmu-studiju-programos/magistrantura/
3
https://lsmusis.lsmuni.lt
4
http://aikos.smm.lt
5
http://www3.lrs.lt/pls/inter3/dokpaieska.showdoc_l?p_id=374821&p_query=&p_tr2=
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REGULATION (EC) No 178/2002 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 28
January2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food
SafetyAuthorityand laying down procedures in matters of food safety
7
http://lsmuni.lt/media/dynamic/files/1649/visuomenssveikataiipakopa2013.pdf
8
http://lsmuni.lt/media/dynamic/files/1651/visuomenssveikatosvadybosiipakopa2013.pdf
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2.3. The Curriculum Design
16. The Master VFS study program is structured according to the requirements laid down in the
Order of the Minister of Ministry Education and Science No V-826 „General requirement applied
for Master Studies Programs, 03.06.2010 (further General requirements).
17. The university programme is composed of the following parts based on the General
Requirements:
i. study field subjects with focus on research
ii. elective subjects (students acquire an opportunity to improve knowledge in particular areas)
iii. practice, designed for the preparation to practical work
iv. Master thesis
18. The table 4 describes the match of the Master VFS study program to the General
requirements

Table 4. Accordance of the Master VFS study program to the General requirement applied
for Master Studies Programs
Requirements described by Order No V-826
In the Master VFS study
„General requirement applied for Master
program
Studies Programs”, 03.06.2010
Total number of credits Number of credits between 90 and 120 120 ECTS
Study field subjects At least 60 ECTS 63 ECTS
Number of elective
Maximum 30 ECTS 9 ECTS
subjects
Preparation and
defending of the final Minimum 30 ECTS 42 ECTS
thesis
Number of subject per Full-time studies:2-5 subjects
Maximum 5 subjects
semester Part-time studies: 2-3 subjects
Full-time studies: in average
Self-studies of students At least 30% of each subject size 72%
Part-time studies: 91.6 %

19. The consistency of the Master VFS study program subjects is based on logical links and
sequence of subject content. The consistency and interface of study subjects allow students to gain
regulated knowledge and skills; create optimal conditions for correct understanding and effective
grasp of the subjects. Study subjects, their credits, their assignment to a certain period of study
programs are presented in Tables 5 (full-time studies) and 6 (part-time studies). The extent of the
part-time and full-time studies is the same.
20. The overall content of the study program and the content of individual study subjects are
focused on the study programme learning outcomes (Annex 2). The study subjects are
comprehensive and mutually reinforcing and ensure complex accessibility of study outcomes.
Teaching approaches and competence-building methods depend on a study subject particularity.
Various forms of lectures, seminars and practical work are used within each subject to achieve the
aim of the study program (Annex 2).
21. Procedure for the preparation, defence and assessment of the final thesis of the Master VFS
studies have been approved by the Board of Veterinary Faculty (protocol No 03(37) of 20.10.2011
and updated on 11.12.2013 (protocol No 5). This recommendation is available on LUHS intranet
and available for students at any time. In addition Master students can use the textbook as a guide
how to prepare the thesis: “Methodological recommendations for the preparation, defending and
evaluation of Master thesis of Veterinary Food Safety study program”9 (G. Januškevičienė, A.
Januškevičius, 2012).

9
http://vddb.laba.lt/obj/LT-eLABa-0001:B.03~2013~ISBN_978-609-408-412-6

8
Table 5
Workload per semester
Pedagogical title and (or)
I II III IV Total
Name of subject scientific degree and full name of
L* PC* I* L PC I L PC I L PC I
the subject teacher
hrs. hrs. hrs. ECTS hrs. hrs. hrs. ECTS hrs. hrs. hrs. ECTS hrs. hrs. hrs. ECTS hrs. ECTS
I. S pecial education
Compulsory S ubjects
Chemical Hazards in Food Chain 20 16 124 6 160 6 Dr. V. Špakauskas, professor
Research M ethodology and Statistical Analysis 34 34 65 5 133 5 Dr. V. Juozaitienė,, professor
Chemical and Biological Active M icrocompounds in
Food (I) 24 44 119 7 187 7 Dr. E. Bartkienė, assoc. prof.
Chemical and Biological Active M icrocompounds in
Food (II) 32 36 92 6 160 6 Dr. A. Stimbirys, assoc. prof.
Economic and M anagement 40 24 123 7 187 7 Dr. R. Giedrikaitė, lecturer
Dr. M . M alakauskas, assoc.
Food Safety and Risk Analysis 14 10 109 5 133 5 prof.
Applied Research in Food Science 16 30 87 5 133 5 Dr. E. Bartkienė, assoc. prof.
Total Quality M anagement 44 20 123 7 187 7 Dr. A. Šarlauskas, lecturer
Food Allergy and M alnutrition of People in the Risk Dr. R. Ustinavičienė, assoc.
Groups 20 36 104 6 160 6 prof.
Total for subjects of this part 78 94 308 18 86 70 324 18 80 86 314 18 1440 54
Optional S ubjects
Special Foreign Language (English) 0 60 20 3 80 3 S. Adomaitienė, assistant
Special Foreign Language (German) 0 60 20 3 80 3 V. Janušaitienė, lecturer
Career Implementation 20 20 40 3 80 3 Dr. V. Suveizdis, assoc. prof.
Biotechnology of Animals 44 16 20 3 80 3 Dr. R. Gružauskas, professor
Food Evaluation and Selection (Part 1) 8 52 20 3 80 3 Dr. L. Šernienė, assoc. prof.
Food Evaluation and Selection (Part 2) 20 40 20 3 80 3 Dr. D. Sekmokienė, assoc. prof.
M odern Analytical M ethods and their Application in
Food Industry 30 30 20 3 80 3 Dr. R. Gružauskas, professor
Plant Food Technology to Address Certain Groups of
Population at Risk 14 46 20 3 80 3 Dr. E. Bartkienė, assoc. prof.
Production of Ecological Products and Hazards 30 30 20 3 80 3 Dr. B. Bakutis, professor
Ecosystems and Population’s Health 8 52 20 3 80 3 Dr. A. Kabašinskienė, lecturer
Total for subjects of this part 28 192 100 12 94 86 60 9 52 128 60 9 560 21
Professional Practice 0 0 400 15 400 15
Final Degree Project 240 9 240 9 240 9 400 15 1120 42
Workload of optional subjects 3 3 3 240 9
Total in the programme 78 94 548 30 86 70 564 30 80 86 554 30 0 0 800 30 3200 120

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Table 6

Workload per semester

Pedagogical title and (or)
I II III IV V VI Total
Name of subject scientific degree and full name of
L* PC* I* L PC I L PC I L PC I L PC I L PC I
the subject teacher
hrs. hrs. hrs. ECTS hrs. hrs. hrs. ECTS hrs. hrs. hrs. ECTS hrs. hrs. hrs. ECTS hrs. hrs. hrs. ECTS hrs. hrs. hrs. ECTS hrs. ECTS
I. S pecial education
Compulsory S ubjects
Chemical Hazards in Food Chain 10 6 144 6 160 6 Dr. V. Špakauskas, professor
Research M ethodology and Statistical Analysis 9 9 115 5 133 5 Dr. V. Juozaitienė,, professor
Chemical and Biological Active M icrocompounds in
Food (I) 10 0 43 2 0 10 124 5 187 7 Dr. E. Bartkienė, assoc. prof.
Chemical and Biological Active M icrocompounds in
Food (II) 10 0 43 2 0 10 97 4 160 6 Dr. A. Stimbirys, assoc. prof.
Economic and M anagement 12 0 41 2 0 4 130 5 187 7 Dr. R. Giedrikaitė, lecturer
Dr. M . M alakauskas, assoc.
Food Safety and Risk Analysis 6 0 47 2 0 10 70 3 133 5 prof.
Applied Research in Food Science 8 0 72 3 0 8 45 2 133 5 Dr. E. Bartkienė, assoc. prof.
Total Quality M anagement 10 0 70 2 0 8 99 5 187 7 Dr. A. Šarlauskas, lecturer
Food Allergy and M alnutrition of People in the Risk Dr. R. Ustinavičienė, assoc.
Groups 6 0 21 1 0 12 121 5 160 6 prof.
Total for subjects of this part 41 15 343 15 10 14 297 12 14 10 216 9 16 18 206 8 0 20 220 10 1440 54
Optional S ubjects
Special Foreign Language (English) 0 16 64 3 80 3 S. Adomaitienė, assistant
Special Foreign Language (German) 0 16 64 3 80 3 V. Janušaitienė, lecturer
Career Implementation 6 10 64 3 80 3 Dr. V. Suveizdis, assoc. prof.
Biotechnology of Animals 10 0 16 1 0 6 48 2 80 3 Dr. R. Gružauskas, professor
Food Evaluation and Selection (Part 1) 4 12 64 3 80 3 Dr. L. Šernienė, assoc. prof.
Food Evaluation and Selection (Part 2) 9 0 17 1 0 9 45 2 80 3 Dr. D. Sekmokienė, assoc. prof.
M odern Analytical M ethods and their Application in
Food Industry 6 0 20 1 0 10 44 2 80 3 Dr. R. Gružauskas, professor
Plant Food Technology to Address Certain Groups of
Population at Risk 8 0 19 1 0 8 45 2 80 3 Dr. E. Bartkienė, assoc. prof.
Production of Ecological Products and Hazards 10 0 17 1 0 6 47 2 80 3 Dr. B. Bakutis, professor
Ecosystems and Population’s Health 8 0 19 1 0 8 45 2 80 3 Dr. A. Kabašinskienė, lecturer
Total for subjects of this part 35 54 309 15 26 25 192 9 0 22 137 6 560 21
Professional Practice 213 8 187 7 400 15
Final Degree Project 80 3 187 7 213 8 293 11 134 5 213 8 1120 42
Workload of optional subjects 4 3 2 240 9
Total in the programme 41 15 423 22 10 14 484 22 14 10 429 19 16 18 499 19 0 20 567 23 0 0 400 15 3200 120

10
 22. Students select the topic of the final thesis and the supervisor from the beginning of the
studies (within the first month of the studies). The topics for the final thesis are proposed by the
teachers of the study program and by students themselves. The topics are given to students through
the faculty dean office.
23 Final theses are assessed by the reviewers and final thesis’ defending commission. Reviewers
receive coded final thesis. Reviewers are selected in such way, that the topic of final work would be
close to the area of reviewer’s research work or his/her competence. Assessment is based on the
originality, scope and quality of the accomplished work, author‘s ability to analyze and evaluate the
results, to present possessed material at the time of defence and to quality of the answers during the
defence.
24. The final thesis assessment commission is formed on the basis of the order issued by the
Veterinary Faculty board. Defence commission is drawn from at least 5 members, from specialists
competent in their study direction – scholars, practitioners, professionals, representatives of social
partners. The chairman of the commission is appointed from the social partners. For the last year,
the commission consisted of 7 members.
25. Each member of the commission assesses the work individually and signs on the minutes of
the meeting. The commission is introduced with the comments and assessment of the reviewer. If
the commission assesses the final work negatively, the student repeatedly submits a corrected or
amended final work not sooner than after one year as indicated in the Regulations of LUHS
Studies10.
26. Before defence of the final thesis they must be uploaded to Electronic theses and
dissertations (ETD) information system11. Only then the final work can be defended in commission.
27. The average marks of the last 2 years defended students final thesis were: in 2012 – 8.6 (7.7
of part-time students), in 2013 – 8.4 (8.2 of part time students) (Annex 3).

2.4. Staff of the VFS study programme

28. The Master VFS study programme is implemented by 31 teachers: 7 professors (22.6%), 10
associated professors (32.3%) and 14 lectors and assistants (45.2%) (Annex 4). All the teachers
fulfil the requirements laid down in the job descriptions and the regulations for Public health and
Master of Science study programmes. In total 28 (90,4%) of the teachers hold scientific degrees:
36,7% in a scientific direction of veterinary medicine (12B), 19,4% – in animal technology (13B),
12,9% – in public health (10B), 12,9% – in chemistry (03P) and chemical engineering (05T); 9,8%
– in other scientific directions (philosophy (01H), mechanical engineering (09T)).
29. Teachers are upgrading their qualification and skills through Lifelong Learning activities
(e.g. training course, conferences, research) (Annex 5). Therefore it can be stated that teachers‘
qualification is sufficient to achieve the learning outcomes of the programme described in Table 3
and subjects (Annex 2).
30. Distribution of teachers by age groups and jobs is provided in Table 7. In 2012-2013 study
year, a total age average of the programme teachers was 46,9 years (min. 27 – max. 68 years). The
group of teachers up to 55 years old makes 76.7 % of all the academic stuff. Professors over 55
years form 23,3% of all teachers. Age average of the Associated Professors is 48,7 years. The
number and age average of the teachers with scientific doctor‘s degree but without Assoc. Prof. or
Professor pedagogical title reveals the coming generation.
31. Change of the number of the teachers is insignificant (retirement age, postdoc offers). Its
impact on the implementation of the study process is not relevant. Over past 5 years, 3 doctor‘s
dissertations have been defended, their authors started teachers carriers at the University, they have
subjects or parts of the subjects to lead in the programme.

10
http://lsmuni.lt/media/dynamic/files/2356/2013-08-07_1.pdf
11
http://lsmuni.lt/media/dynamic/files/176/ednuostatai.pdf

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Table 7. Distribution of teachers by age groups
Scientific
Distribution of teachers by age
Number degrees
of
Habil. Up to From 36 From 46 From 56 Over
teachers Doctors doctors 35 to 45 to 55 to 65 65

Professor 7 4 3 - - 6 1 -
Assoc. Prof. 10 10 - - 3 4 5 -
Lecturers,
14 12 - 3 6 2 1 -
assistants
In total 31 26 3 3 9 12 7 -

32. Attestations and competitions in 2008.09/2013.06 were attended by 15 teachers involved in

the programme. Quite many have started working in higher positions after their successful
appearance in the competitions (Table 8).

Table 8. Change in the job positions of teachers

Change of job positions 2008 m. 2009 m. 2010 m. 2011 m. 2012 m.
From assistant to lecturer 1 - - 1 -
From lecturer to assoc. prof. 1 1 1 2 1
From docent to professor - - 7 - -

33. During the period of 2008.09 and 2013.06 there were 29 (93.5%) full-time teachers and 2
(6.5%) – part-time teachers. The proportion between full-time and other teachers is 15:1.
34. In full-time and part-time studies (2010.09-2012.06) altogether there are 209 students under
supervision by 31 teachers in VFS study program. The proportion (1:6,7) between the teachers and
students in different classes (lectures, laboratory work, etc) in the programme is optimal. Student
groups of are of a rational size, up to 20 students in a group. They are formed taking into account
the study cycle, subjects of different types, character of the classes. However students have an
opportunity to select a supervisor of the final work from 74 teachers involved in the bachelor and
master level studies (who teach the subjects of special and the basics of the programme).
35. The average of pedagogical work load of teachers of the Master VFS programme over
2008.09/2013.06 school years is provided in table 9. Most of the teachers are working in this and
other study programmes as well, therefore the load of the majority of the teachers in the analysed
study programme makes only part (average 33,25%) of their total pedagogical load. Contact work
comprises in average 33,36% of the teacher‘s total work load. Half (46.4%) of the contact work
load in the Master VFS programme is held by professors.
36. Teachers of the programme are active scientists with their scientific activities related to the
modules they teach in this study program.
37. Over the period of 2008.09 - 2013.06 19 teachers of MSc programme have been abroad
under the frame of ERASMUS programme and/or different scientific projects. Some of them, e.g.
M. Malakauskas (Copenhages University, Denmark), R. Gružauskas (Halle-Vittenburg University,
Germany), E. Bartkienė (Jelgava University, Latvia) had close collaboration with foreign
universities, regularly delivering lectures and participating in various scientific activities.
6 teachers have been invited from foreign universities in the framework of the project under
ERASMUS programme and scientific projects. Lectures have been read by prof. M. Grashorn
(University of Hohenheim, Germany), prof. T. Alter, prof. A. Hensel and dr. M. Greiner (Federal
Risk Assessment Institute, Germany), assoc. prof. R. Stabler (London school of tropical medicine)
and others. The academic staff exchange rate in the programme is 6:1.

12
Table 9. Average of annual pedagogical load of the teachers in the Master VFS full-time study
programme in comparison to other study programs
Teachers Average number of direct contact hours Number of
Lectures (h) Laboratory Number of direct contact hours in
works/ exercises contact hours (h) other study
(h) programmes (h)
Professors:
General subjects - - - -
Special subjects 27 48 75 465
Docents:
General subjects 30,2 88,8 119 444,0
Special subjects 45,6 106,4 152 365,2
Other teachers:
General subjects 11,8 70,7 82,5 634,3
Special subjects 27,0 51,0 78 348,5
In average 28,32 72,98 101,3 451,4

38. 11 laboratory technicians and senior laboratory technicians, 2 senior engineers for precise
installations, 1 computer maintenance specialist participate in the implementation of the
programme. One employee of the support staff provides services to 3 MSc teachers, and during
laboratory classes 20 students have 1 employe of the support staff.
39. The team of teachers possessing sufficient experience of pedagogical work has been formed
in the programme (Table 10). In 2012, 96.8% of teachers had experience of pedagogical work, for
90.3% of them experience was at least 4 years. The teachers of MSc programme issued 10
textbooks.

Table 10. Teachers‘ experience of pedagogical work

Experience of pedagogical work in years
Up to 3 years 4-10 years 11-20 years 21-30 years 31-41 years
Number of teachers 1 13 7 5 4

40. In 5 years, teachers have published 94 research articles in international press of which 61
publications in international journals with impact factor: they make up 64.9% of all the publications
publicised by the teachers of the programme. Evaluation of the conformity of scientific publications
to the MSc study programme showed that the research results are related to the learning outcomes
of the Master VFS programme (Annex 5). Scientists of the programme take part in the EU scientific
research, technological development and demonstration activity programme (FP7), are actively
involved in the implementation of the European programme for co-operation in the fields of
scientific and technical investigations (COST) and take part in various scientific activities financed
by the Lithuanian State Science and Studies Foundation (LSSSF) and the Research Council of
Lithuania (RCL). For example, during 207-2010 M. Malakauskas was the supervisor of work
package of the FP6 project „Biotraceability of undesired microorganisms and their metabolites in
the food and feed chain“ (2007-2010, Contract No 036272) and FP7 KBBE.2010.2.6-01 project
FOODSEG „Safe Food for Europe – Coordination of research activities and Dissemination of
research results of EC funded research on food safety“ (2011-2013). M. Malakauskas supervised
the international Project sponsored by BIOMIN Holding GmbH “Effect of probiotics on
Campylobacter spp. in broilers meat” (2009). Teachers of the programme are also taking part in the
projects supported by the Recearch Council of Lithuania (RCL) and by the ministries, scientific
projects of different institutions of science and studies. For example, M. Malakauskas is leading the
research projects „Prevention of Campylobacteriosis by improving quality and safety of food raw
materials and food products“ (2011-13, No. SVE-05/2011), „Genetic Yearsinia spp characterisation
with PCR based methods“ (LSSSF funded; T-26/2009), „Antimicrobial resistance of Y.
enterocolotica strain isolated form pig production chain and human samples (fnded by RCL, V-

13
279/2011); E. Bartkiene - „Application of solid-state fermentation for development of higher value
and safety food products“ (2011-13, No. SVE-11019) and „The possibilities to enrich wheat bread
with biological active compounds from flaxseeds“ (2009).
41. Teachers of the program have experience of work in the industry; half of the teachers
(48.4%) have close ties with the food industry (they consult, perform investigations and etc, for
example, G Januškevičienė advises food enterprises on the systems of Risk Factors Analysis and
Critical Control Points, E. Bartkienė - enterprises producing products of plant origin, G.
Zaborskienė – meat processing enterprises, A. Stimbirys consults on the questions pertaining to the
evaluation of carcass meat). The average of practical work experiance for the VFS programme
teachers is 5.0 years.
42. Apart from lecturing, teachers of MSc programme participate inother activities: 58.1% are
members of the boards, commissions, committees and representatives of administration). 7 teachers
are involved in expert activity. Half of MSc teachers (45.2%) are members of social professional
organizations.
43. Master students practice is guided by the Food Safety and Quality Department. Student
practice at food and other enterprises is managed by persons responsible for the food safety issues,
e.g. managers for the quality and safety. Students carry out inspections, write inspection reports
jointly with SFVS inspectors.
44. Experience of the co-ordinator of the study programme. Prof. M. Malakauskas, head of the
Food Safety and Quality Department, is the co-ordinator of the study programme. His pedagogical,
scientific, managerial and other experience is sufficient for him to be a co-ordinator of the
programme (more information is provided in CV, Annex 5).
45. In recent years 1/3 of the Master VFS programme teachers participated in the pedagogical
seminars and /or seminars and courses financed by Education Exchanges Support Foundation. Over
2008.09-2013.06, 19 teachers improved their qualification in foreign universities; some of them had
close ties of cooperation with Latvian, Danish, German, Turkish and Finish institutions.

2.5. Facilities and Study Resources

46. There are 6 main auditoriums of different size used for lectures at the Veterinary Academy
(Table 11). Additionally auditoriums at the Medical Academy campus could be used for study
purposes in case if needed. Students from other study programs are also using these auditoriums,
however the number of auditoriums is absolutely sufficient for the training of students of all
programmes implemented at the VA campus. Timetables and teaching schedules agreed in advance
before September each year.

Table 11. Number of auditoriums and places for students at LUHS used for VFS studies
Number of seats
Auditoriums Equipment
for students
Veterinary Academy (VA)
Dr. Stasio Jankausko Compiuter, multimedia projector, voice amplifier 210
Konrado Juozo Aleksos Compiuter, multimedia projector; voice amplifier 280
3rd Compiuter, multimedia projector 275
4th Compiuter, multimedia projector 275
6th Compiuter, multimedia projector 100
Žalčio salė Compiuter, multimedia projector; voice amplifier 50
Medical Academy (MA)
MLK Minuscule Compiuter, multimedia projector 90-95
MLK 427 Compiuter, multimedia projector 80-90
Prof. J.Žilinsko Compiuter, multimedia projector 90
Prof. V. Lašo Compiuter, multimedia projector 250
CR Skaityklos Compiuter, multimedia projector 110

14
 47. Facilities of 8 departments and 1 institute (Food Safety and Quality; Preventive Medicine,
Health Management, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Non-infectious Diseases, Animal
Husbandry, Animal Nutrition, Animal Breeding, Institute of Biological Systems and Genetic
Research) are used for the realisation of this study program: there are 12 laboratories and 24 study
rooms. The majority of them are adjusted to work with groups of 15-25 students. 4 computer
classes have been installed with 132 individual work places. Distant Learning Studies Centre is
provided with a teaching classroom of 24 seats.
48. Students can improve their practical skills during the professional practices (15 ECTS
credits) in the last semester of studies.Practice is supervised by the teachers of the Food Safety and
Quality department. Enterprises and establishments must conform to the requirements to become
place of practise, i.e. appropriate conditions must be created for the students in order to achieve
aims of the practice. This is ensured by the manager of the enterprise accepting a student for
practise by signing a trilateral practice agreement and appointing a competent mentor in the
enterprise or establishment. The agreement is compulsory for each student and signed by the
student, university and by the enterprise accepting a student for practise. Since 2012-2013 study
year, practice supervisor (or enterprise) are paid by the LUHS for giving service to perform
practice. At the time of their practise, students directly participate in all processes of production,
control and evaluation; they have an opportunity to collect information for their final work. As there
is over 20 thousand food handling entities in the country, there are no problems for students to find
a place for practice with a help of practice coordinator. List of the biggest food producers in
Lithuania having signed agreement with LUHS regarding practice is given below (Table 12).

Table 12.
Food entities Agreement No.
ŽŪKB "Krekenavos mėsa" Nr. VKC3-1
JSC "Aconitum" Nr. VKC3-102
AB "Kaft foods Lietuva" Nr. 4/1-09
JSC ''Rokiškio pienas" Nr. 4/1-11
JSC "Rūta" Nr. 4/1-12
SC "Vilnaius paukštynas" Nr. 4/1-14
JSC "Maxima" Nr. 4/1-15
JSC "Biovela" Nr. 4/1-16
JSC "Fazer kepyklos" Nr. 4/2-06
SC "Pieno žvaigždės" Nr. 4/3-03
JSC "Norfos mažmena" Nr. 4/3-05
SC "Stumbras" Nr. 4/3-12
JSC "Arvi kalakutai" Nr. 4/4-11
JSC "Kauno grūdai" Nr. 4/4-13
SE „Pieno tyrimai“ Nr. VKC3-26

49. All students have to carry out their practise by selecting the practice place. Students have
always an opportunity to choose the place of practise from the list of enterprises provided by the
manager of the Career Centre (before 2013.10.01) or the Practice Administrator from the Dep. of
Food Safety and Quality (since 2013.10.01) Students may themselves propose enterprises not
included in the list in which they wish to perform practise. Under request of students, they are
appointed to the place of practise taking into account the place of their residence, and in case of
competition the study marks play a decisive role. The range of the places for practise is broad
covering different regions of the country. It has been established that no more than 2 students of the
same graduation can perform practise in the same enterprise.

15
 50. Every year the manager of the Career Centre contact have been contacting enterprises and
establishments in different cities, towns and regions regarding the opportunity for students to
perform practice (since 2014 – this task will be taken by dep. of Food Safety and Quality).
51. The LUHS Library and the Information Center of Health Sciences (address: Eivenių str. 6,
Kaunas) was moved to new building in 2007. The new library satisfies highest requirements of
students and researchers. The library facilities are available from 7.30 am to 10.30 pm on Monday-
Friday, from 10 am to 8 pm on Saturdays, and from 10 am to 5 pm on Sundays. The library visitors
may use four reading-rooms, which have 332 places; 56 of them are computerized, three reading
rooms for group learning, an eight-place-room with multimedia equipment, a twelve-place-teaching
computer class, and the halls for seminars and conferences. Students and academic staff are trained
to use data search engines. Computers are up to date and all software is of course legal. There is a
wireless internet access, where it is possible to have an internet connection on a personal computer.
Books and other sources of information can be borrowed and returned by means of a fully
computer-assisted system. The LUHS library subscribes to national and international scientific
literature of various research fields. In 2012-2013 the library subscribed to more than 47 databases
Annual Reviews, BMj journals, BMj ClinicalEvidence, Cochrane Library, EBSCO Publishing (10
dB), Emerald Management ejournals Collection, Cambridge journals Online, Henry Stewart Talks,
LWW/Ovid SP, Md Consult, Natural Medicines Comprehensive database, Nature Publishing
Group, OUP: Oxford journals, Oxford Reference Online, PsycARTICLES, SAGE Publications
Online, Sciencedirect, Science Online, SpringerLink, Taylor&Francis,Up To date, Wiley Online
Library, and others
52. There is various resources at the library e.g. books online, available for our university's
students at: http://www.accessmedicine.com. Here are course books of various medical content
including public health issues. Log-in from university's computers (library etc.) is direct; access
from home computer is possible using the University's Virtual Network. The Virtual Private
Network (VPN) is network services, which allow Lithuanian Health Sciences University students to
safely connect to the university computer network. After signing up for the VPN, students can
browse all the subscribed databases from home computers. The resources of the library are
constantly renewed.
53. There are more then 1930 units of different titles books, articles and other reading material
related to public health at the Library Central Stock12. Also the Central Library branch at the
Veterinary Academy Campus can offer literature for students. Books and other material for studies
are purchased according the recommendations of teachers of the study program.
54. Methodological resources are updated each year. In the middle of the study year the need for
methodological publications is discussed in the departments, considered at the meeting of the
Veterinary Faculty Council resulting in respective publications or additional editions by the
publishing division of LUHS. Methodological publications (practices, descriptions of laboratory
works required for teaching subjects of the study field) are constantly developed or updated.

2.6. The Study Process and Its Assessment

55. Admission of students to the second level of VFS study program is done in accordance with
admission rules approved by the Senate (before 2010.09: Rules of admission to Lithuanian
Veterinary Academy), which are approved for each academic year separately13. Students are

12

http://www.lvb.lt/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?dscnt=0&scp.scps=scope%3A%28LSM01%29%2
Cscope%3A%28KMU03%29%2Cscope%3A%28KMU02%29%2Cscope%3A%28LSMELB%29%2Cscope
%3A%28LSMETD%29%2Cscope%3A%28KMU04%29&frbg=&tab=local&dstmp=1386507663156&srt=r
ank&ct=sea
13
Students’ admission rules, Confirmed by LUHS Senate decision No 27-04, February 15, 2013;
http://lsmuni.lt/media/dynamic/files/2017/123456.pdf

16
admitted to full-time and part-time (extramural) studies. Full-time study program lasts for 2 years
and the part-time program lasts for 3 years.
56. Apply for the VFS Master Studies can persons, who have qualification of Public health
bachelor or professional bachelors degree. Persons, who have professional bachelors degree can
participate in competition to Master studies only after finishing additional study program,
confirmed by University. Persons, who have professional bachelors degree must to finish up to 60
ECTS credits of additional studies for the chosen study course, in that cases when chosen Master
study course and the finished first level study course belongs to the same study course group.
Persons, who have professional bachelors degree must finish up to 90 credits of additional studies
for the chosen study course, confirmed by University in that cases when chosen Master study
course and the finished first level study course belongs to different study course group
57. The admission of students is organised according to competitive score, the row is formed in
declining order. Competitive score consists of:
– annex of diploma/appendage and academic label (for graduates of additional studies of chosen
study course) without professional practical qualification examination or average of final work
mark (weigh coefficient is 0.7);
– practical qualification examination of profession or grade of final work (weigh coefficient is 0.3);
– the sum of evaluation of scientific work (up to 2 points) and score of motivation conversation (up
to 3 points). Commission to evaluate motivation of applicants is formed by order of Rector and
consists of not less than of 5 members.
58. During period of 2008.09-2013.06, the highest average of competitive score of full-time
Master studies was 9.66 (ranged from 9.35 to 9.96) and the lowest was 7.54 (ranged from 6.79 to
8.24). The highest average of competitive score of part-time Master studies was 9.23 (ranged from
8.44 to9.96) and the lowest was 7.12 (ranged from 5.89 to 8.07) (Table 13)

Table 13. Competitive scores of admitted Master students

Competitive score
Year Study form
Highest Lowest
F 9,96 6,79
2008/9
P 9,96 5,89
F 9,7 7,72
2009/10
P 8,44 6,43
F 9,75 8,24
2010/11
P 8,5 7,21
F 9,57 7,4
2011/12
P 9,35 8,02
F 9,35 7,53
2012/13
P 9,91 8,07
F-full time, P-part time Master students

59. Minimal requirements to state-funded and self-paid studies are the same.
60. During period of 2008.09-2012, in total 258 students (155 to full-time and 103 to part-time
studies) were admitted to the VFS Master studies. The highest number (76) of admitted Master
students was in 2008, later the number of students decreased almost twice. More students request to
study in full-time study form than in part-time studies. Though in the last year number of students,
admitted to full-time and part-time studies was similar (38 and 33, respectively) (Table 14).
60. During period of 2008.09-2012, in total 258 students (155 to full-time and 103 to part-time
studies) were admitted to the VFS Master studies. The highest number (76) of admitted Master
students was in 2008, later the number of students decreased almost twice. More students request to
study in full-time study form than in part-time studies. Though in the last year number of students,
admitted to full-time and part-time studies was similar (38 and 33, respectively) (Table 14).

17
Table 14. Change of the number of Master students in VFS programme
Academic I II III
year F P F P F P
2012 38 33 22 7 - 4
2011 22 14 30 11 - 28
2010 32 6 30 4 - 37
2009 32 5 29 40 - -
2008 31 45 - - - -
F – full-time Master studies, P – part-time Master studies.

61. The majority of Master students are admitted to study in state-funded positions. During
2008-2010 there was only one full-time Master student paying for studies. During 2011-2012 all
Master students of full-time studies had state funded positions. Studying in part-time studies, there
are 6 self-paid Master students on average annually while the rest are studying in state funded
positions.
62. During 2008.09-2013.06 seven full-time and 18 part-time Master students were excluded
from the studying list. This is 4.5% and 17.5 % of the total number of students, respectively.
63. During considered period from the Master programme graduated 4 full-time courses and 3
courses of part-time program. In 2012 all entrants of full-time program and in 2013 – 85.7 % of
those who were admitted to the first course ended the studies. In 2012 60 % and in 2013 – 66.6 %
of those part-time Master students who were admitted to the first course finished the studies.
64. 58.3 % of Master students who stop their studies do this voluntarily, the other 41.6 % were
deleted from the students list due to financial debts. Because of difficult financial situation in the
families, students begin to work and later fail to combine work and studies. It is especially seen
among part-time students. In order to reduce the drop-out of students, they are motivated by
consultations, they have rational timetables; in objective serious circumstances another time for
clearing-off is appointed, disciplines can be repeated, timetables for having children are prepared,
possibilities of taking an academic leave are offered.
65. Timetables of studies for the next year are prepared by Study centre till the 1st of February
each year and this is done in cooperation with the Dean of Faculty. The timetables are published on
the LUHS website14. Timetables can be changed only after changes of the study plan are approved
by the Senate. Timetables or their changes are published in the web site of LUHS not later than 2
weeks before the beginning of the subject.
66. All Master students depending on their academic results have the possibility to apply for the
Erasmus exchange (agreements are signed with 15 universities and faculties having similar study
programs), for mobility within BOVA academic network of Baltic States and Nordic countries, and
for intensive international courses and student exchanges using Nordplus program. However during
2008.09-2013.06 academic years only two students were for 3 months studies period in Boku
university in Austria.
67. During 2008-2012 there were no incoming students from foreign universities.
68. Master students can participate in the student scientific activity and take part in the projects
and annual students research society conference. However master students are not active and only
one in 2011 and 3 in 2013 made presentations at Students research society conference.
69. Master students participate in VA dance collective „Džigūnas“ (2 students), folk ensemble
„Kupolė“ (1 student) and chorus „Juventus“ (3 students). Together with these collectives Master
students perform not only in festivals of Academy or University, but also in city festivals, events
and international festivals.
70. Information for Master students on the programme, its forms, funding, assessment of the
achievements, selective subjects, timetables, mobility possibilities and program changes is supplied
using different tools. Information is given by several divisions: Study center, Veterinary faculty

14
http://tvarkarasciai.lsmuni.lt/

18
Dean, program tutor – Department of Food Safety and Quality. For information presentation LUHS
internet and intranet (section for Students), direct consulting (Veterinary faculty Dean, division of
international affairs, Study center), information boards are used. The main information is placed on
the LUHS website including all regulatory documents regarding the studies and academic life.
Required information (and urgent information) is passed to the students by an email (each course
holds its own email). Supervisors notify and consult students of their group on versatile questions of
studies, help them address arising issues and take care of their everyday life. Information is
consistent and timely.
71. Master students can find quite a lot of information on potential career opportunities on the
website of the LUHS Career Centre. Employers provide job offers during career days or to the
Career Centre, dean office or teachers. Meetings for employees and students are organized (in 2012
year there were 5 of such meetings).
72. There are no Master students studying under individual plan in this program, but if
necessary, a possibility would be offered. Master students, who have children or face any serious
circumstances, may request a free timetable for attending general classes and they may do their
practical and laboratory work not necessarily with their group.
73. A Master student who has not passed the exam may retake it two times free of charge. At the
end of the semester one week is assigned for passing failed exams and the last week of August to
pass any debts which occurred during academic year. If Master students fail to take the exam in a
prescribed period of time, they can repeat the subject next year upon paying a fixed fee (Regulation
for the first and the second level and integral studies, LUHS, confirmed by Senate decision No 32-
3, 07 06 2013). About 80 % of students in this program pass the exams in due time.
74. Psychological support to Master students is usually provided by teachers and employees of
the dean office. Majority of the teachers who completed post-graduate studies, have taken the
course in psychology. Majority of the teachers are finished 12 hours courses “Psychology of
communication” (2011) and 40 hours courses of training of professional competences (2012).
75. Information about Scholarships, benefits, credits available for students is given on the
website of LUHS15.
76. Scholarships are granted in accordance with the Regulation of bounty scholarships
commitment for the first, the second level and integral studies students 16. Since 2009, a scholarship
amount of 1.5 basic social benefit (BSI) is allocated for the best students, studying in state funded
and self-payed positions for the best attending and studying results. One time bounty scholarships
(up to 2 BSI) are awarded once per semester for progressive students in order to stimulate them for
the active student, public, organizational, scientific, sports work and reached exceptional results
representing University. These scholarships are distributed by students themselves. In case of child
birth, death parents or natural disaster, scholarship of 2 BSI can be awarded once per semester.
Onetime scholarships can be allocated for students group monitors (0.75 BSI) one time per
semester. There are nominal scholarships as well. Disabled students may also receive financial
support. In addition, students have the possibility to get credits for living expense and for refunding
of study fees. State Study Fund accepts applications for such credits17.
77. The Academy has 4 student hostels which can accommodate 650 students. Every request to
live in a hostel is satisfied in accordance with the prescribed procedure. For a number of years, 130
VFS students and Master students live in hostels. Master students of part-time studies can also live
in a hostel during the session.
78. The assessment of students’ achievements is directly linked with the study program learning
outcomes. The principles of assessment of student achievements, the requirements for the
assessment grade are described in the LUHS Study Regulation, confirmed by LUHS Senate

15
http://lsmuni.lt/lt/studentams/parama-studentams/studiju-paskolos/
16
LUHS Senate decision No. 2-09, October 29, 2010;
http://lsmuni.lt/media/dynamic/files/516/lsmu_skatinamuju _stipendiju_skyrimo_nuostatai.pdf
17
http://lsmuni.lt/lt/studentams/parama-studentams/studiju-paskolos/

19
decision No. 32-03, June 7, 201318. Also assessment of student achievements is explained in the
descriptions of every subject (Annex 2) and obligatory explanation of cumulative assessment
formula is set up on the intranet19 in the specific folder of the subject and accessible for students.
79. In the beginning of the subject, students are informed about learning outcomes of the subject
and what has to be learned within the subject. Students are informed how many and for what
indicators (consistency of theoretical knowledge, activity, independence, practical skills and etc)
scores can be received and how many scores must be collected in order to get a desired assessment
of the subject. If the aim of the given subject is sufficient level of knowledge and understanding,
then general evaluation tests are applied. More complicated tests, usually oral (discussion) tests are
applied when students must learn how to apply gained knowledge in the certain situations, analyze
and evaluate respective processes. Practical tasks are given when it is necessary to establish whether
a student acquired practical skills. Students are assessed by the tasks which reflect those skills.
Analytical and collation capacities are checked through writing the papers and executing
independent investigative works. If the assessment of the accomplishments of the study subject
consists of many different tasks, all of them have an impact on the general outcome of the studies.
Therefore by scoring we are seeking for two aims: to evaluate students progress and to evaluate
final studying results, which in Study program are described as learning outcomes.
80. For students evaluation 10 marks grading is used, where the lowest positive mark is 5. All
subjects and modules are assessed using cumulative grade system. Accumulative part of the grade
must be not less than 50 % of final grade. Different evaluation forms are used, e.g. examination,
colloquium, defence of practical work, test, which form accumulative mark. Evaluation forms and
their content are created by teachers, responsible for the subject or division (department) and inform
students before starting teaching the subject. Teachers by starting their subject introduce students
with the criteria for assessment of achievements, forms of intermediate clearings, examples of the
examination tasks and assessment criteria.
81. Students which are not satisfied with the assessment of their study outcomes may appeal to
the Appeals Commission. The commission acts in accordance with the Senate approved procedure
for handling student claims and reviewing assessment of the achievements of studies. The
procedures have been placed on LUHS internet website and are always easily accessible for
students20.
82. Teachers, while presenting for the students their achievements (evaluations of works, marks),
provide their comments verbally or in writing. Results of the course or the group are not publicised
publicly (can be publicised if students request), usually they are discussed individually with a
student or with a group if the task was accomplished by the group of students. Seeking to ensure the
quality of studies and to improve a self-analysis system, a systematic student questionnaire system
is implemented18. Data from the surveys disclosed that 90 % of the teachers deem to have a good
feedback with their students, and 10 % of them would wish to have a better feedback. A new
feedback system is launched since 2013.09 study year and the first results will be known at the end
of January, 2014.
83. The surveys about graduates’ employment possibilities are carried out annually in
accordance to LUHS Rectors’order V-962, 2013 “The order of questioning organisation of LUHS
graduates and social partners (employees)”; V-963, 2013 “The order of gathering LUHS graduates
agreements for purposes of career evaluation” and LUHS Senate order, No. 37-11, 2013 “The order
of LUHS students’, lectors’ and social partners’ opinion analysis”21.
84. The first students of Master VFS study program graduated in 2010.07. During a survey of the
graduates, organized by Career Center in 2013, 14 graduates (10 from full-time studies and 4 from
part-time studies) were questioned. 84.6 % of questioned graduates started to work soon after
finishing studies and now 69.2 % of them continue their career. 15.4 % of graduates didn‘t looked
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https://fc.lsmuni.lt/login/
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http://lsmuni.lt/lt/naujienos/naujienos/naujas-lsmu-studiju-reglamentas.html
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for a job at all. 7.2 % of graduates have their own business and 21.4 % of them are planning to start
their own business. 66.7 % of graduates started to work during study years. Speciality and personal
activity had the most influence on the successful resettlement, respectively 30 % each. More than a
half (55.6 %) of graduates started to work in private sector. 77.8 % of graduates work in cities and
according their speciality.
85. Graduates apply skills that have been acquired in their work activity and emphasize
importance of theoretical and practical skills in successful resettlement. Regarding the results of
resettlement, the character of the professional activity of the graduates meets the purpose of the
study program.
86. After finishing VFS bachelor studies the majority of students are intended to proceed the
studies further and about 80 % of them start the VFS Master‘s studies. The majority of Master
students choose full-time studies whereas students who has a job choose part-time studies.
87. LUHS VA marketing activity is improved by organizing vocational information and guiding
events. VA participates in fairs of Higher schools studies (2 fairs annually), in annual conference
“The way of Your Success”, in exhibitions „AgroBalt“, „Wheel of decisionss“ and others.
Advertisement of University study programs is carried out in periodic publications (3-4 periodic
publications annually). Actual information is constantly presented in University web site in section
“For students”. Questions are answered via telephone or e-mail. LUHS VA is also introduced to
Lithuanian communities living abroad and possibilities for Lithuanians to study in the Academy are
discussed
88. All students have to sign the engagement of Academic Honesty before each examination
(intermediate or final, etc.) according the Rector order No. V-1027 (last version 2013.10.23) which
is based on the decision of the Commission of Quality Ensurance and Study Monitoring (Protocol
No.7, 2013.10.07). Also all students have to sign this engagement together with the contract of
studies.
89. Students must choose one subject (so called “optional”) from provided list of 3-4 subjects
every semester. They can select subject depending on their demands. In such way students study
freely elective optional subjects amounting 21 ECTS credits or 8.8% of all study program credits.
The examples of the optional subjects are showed in the tables 5 and 6 (pages 9-10).

2.7. Programme Management

90. The key bodies responsible for the management of Master VFS study programme are: Study
Programme Committee (SPC); Board of Veterinary Faculty; Dean of Veterinary Faculty and
different departments teaching in the programme. Overall study process is supervised by the
University Centre of Studies, Rector and University Senate.
91. SPC plays the major role in quality assurance and analysis. SPC members are from teaching
staff, students and social partners following the decision of LUHS Senate No 25-08 “Regulation on
Study Program Committees at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences” 22 approved in
December 14, 2012. Regulation on SPC conforms following basic normative acts:
a) Law of the Republic of Lithuania on Science and Studies (2009, Nr. 54-2140);
b) Statute of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (2009, Nr.81-4231);
c) Order from the director of the Centre of Study Quality Assessment “Approval of Method for
Assessment of Acting Study Programmes ”, December 20, 2010, No 1-01-162;
d) Order from the director of the Centre of Study Quality Assessment “Approval of Method for
Preparation, External Assessment and Accreditation of New Study Programmes”, November
28, 2011, No 1-01-157.
92. The last time the composition of VFS study programme committee had been approved by
Rector order No.SC-1-31 on 10.01.2013. The composition of the SPC is approved by the Rector
after the dean of the faculty proposes the candidates including the chair of committee.

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 93. The sequence for taking decisions regarding the changes in the study programme is
following:
1) Suggestions from all stakeholders (teachers, students, administrative staff, employers and
other interested parties) are submitted to SPC; additionally there is possibility to submit the
suggestions or comments, inquiries directly to the dean, the Faculty Board, the Vice-rector
for studies etc.;
2) Submitted suggestions are discussed inside SPC ;
3) SPC provides recommendations and offers to the appropriate departments and other
educational units as well to the Faculty Board.
4) According to the relevancy of the problem, recommendations and offers are approved (or
not) at the Faculty Board are further submitted to Vice-rector for Education and Rector for a
final decision or alternatively to University Senate via the Study Commission. Decisions
might be taken at various levels depending on the relevancy and obeying requirements of
university documents on regulation of study process.
94. SPC sets the key requirements for the implementation of study programme and monitors
implementation of the programme. Both SPC and departments may suggest changes to the
programme. In all cases, suggested changes are discussed at SPC and results submitted to the Board
of Veterinary faculty for further analysis. Some of decisions may be taken at the level of faculty and
some shall be further addressed to the University Senate or even to the University Board. All
changes shall be approved by the decision at relevant level before they are implemented. As
example, necessary changes of the study plan are proposed by the SPC, thereafter discussed at the
Faculty Board and if approved further discussed at the Rectorate meeting (all main administrative
persons like rector, vice-rectors, deans etc.) and after approval should be confirmed at the LUHS
Senate by voting. Key tasks and responsibilities of each body at the university are explained below.
95. SPC for the Veterinary Food Safety study programme involves six members: 1) Chairman of
the Programme Committee; 2) 4 members of the teaching staff involved to the teaching in
programme; 3) one student representative appointed by the Student Union; 4) one representative
from social partners. Committee has been approved by the rector’s order. Committee has been
awarded the right to invite experts from the university departments or other (external) institutions.
All committee members representing the teaching staff are experienced enough in teaching and
research activities while the social partner has a professional experience in the area where graduates
are potentially targeted.
96. SPC monitors the conformity of personnel involved in teaching by requirements of national
and international legal acts and emphasise importance of modern professional and scientific
requirements as well warns academic staff on general requirements expressed by the students as
well those coming from faculty and labour market. SPC plans and initiates changes and renewals of
the study programme. The dialogue is going on between committee and departments related to the
execution of the curricula, faculty dean and vice-rector for studies. A programme curriculum (study
plan) is reviewed by SPC annually and further presented for the discussion at the faculty board and
final approval at the Senate. SPC strives for the study plan where planned learning outcomes could
be reached by the adequate number of learning hours dedicated for a certain subject. For that reason
SPC analyse and approves descriptions of all new subjects and/or modules with specific attention to
the contents and the strategy of student performance evaluation. During the academic year, SPC
analyze implementation of the programme, collect and evaluate suggestions presented by students
and staff for curricula improvement. Proposed measures for improvement of curricula structure,
contents, ratio between contact and independent work hours, teaching methods is usually
considered with regard to determine the best concept of student oriented curricula.
97. SPC is in horizontal lines and collaborates with Study Centre, Commission for Observation
and Assurance of Quality of Studies, Student Union. Study plans, subject descriptions, schedules
and timetables as well as discussions on the results of evaluation of teaching process of separate
subjects and modules falls to the scope of collaboration. Study process is discussed with
representatives of student union and students from the programme at least once per semester.

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Faculty deans are informed about discovered problems and possible options for solving these
problems. If necessary, appropriate problems are addressed to Board of Veterinary Faculty, Study
Centre, university administration or other university bodies related to the execution of Veterinary
Food Safety study programme.
98. In collaboration with Career Centre, SPC take a part in the analysis of job market demands
with emphasis to number of required food safety specialists and their competitiveness among the
graduates from other universities. Suggestions on curricula improvement from Alumni and
employer representatives are considered as a valuable input to the quality improvement.
99. SPC is managed by the chairman and supervised by the faculty dean and acts according to
annual plan which is submitted to the faculty dean in the beginning of each year. SPC chairman
initiates meetings and chairs them. SPC chairman is given a right to appoint other committee
member to chair the meeting if such necessity arises. Virtual meetings (based on the use of ICT
means) are allowed. SPC decisions are valid when 2/3 of SPC members participate in the meeting.
Decisions from each SPC meeting are noted and protocol prepared after the meeting. Decisions are
taken by open or secret (if that is required by at least one member of SPC) voting where principle of
majority of votes is applied. In the case of equal parts, decisive vote depends to committee
chairman. Other university employers, students and representatives from social partners may be
invited to SPC meetings.
100. The majority of decisions on implementation of Veterinary Food Safety program are taken
at the Board of Veterinary Faculty. Board is elected for five year period. Board members are from
faculty academic staff having at least 0,5 position. There are 14 board members in total. Each
faculty department, clinic as well as students are represented in the Board. Chairman is elected from
any member except the dean. Execution of the study programme is coordinated by the faculty dean.
Faculty Board evaluates and approves prepared textbooks and other new means and tools for
teaching and learning, discuss teaching plans, evaluate and approve subject descriptions and
presents suggestions for improvement of study and teaching quality to the Commission on Science
and Research at the University Senate. Graduation results are discussed in the Board at the end of
study year and appropriate guidelines are drawn for next academic year. During three years period
Veterinary faculty Board had 19 meetings during which also questions related to the Master VFS
study programme were discussed.
102. Suggestions and reflections by students and teachers on program execution as well as
student grades are analysed by SPC at least once per semester. According to the results of analysis,
SPC formulate suggestions for further development of certain subjects or modules, student
evaluation criteria applied by departments with emphasis to validity, reliability, transparency,
impartiality and publicity.
103. SPC analyse availability and demand of material resources for the successful execution of
the programme and adequate presentation of study materials in the university intranet 23 (FirstClass)
and makes suggestion for improvements. SPC encourages teachers to look for and apply innovative
teaching methods in the study process.
104. Students are given a possibility for voluntary evaluation of all courses (subjects). The
evaluation system includes web-based questionnaire of two major parts: Overall quality of teaching
and learning process and Ethics in the teaching process. It must be noticed that students are not
enough active when providing feedback on voluntary basis. This insists to look for a different
approach in getting feedback from students.
105. The quality of the VFS study program was improved by eradicating weaknesses and
developing strengths according to the results of the web-based questionnaires. In total 23
questionnaires about different subjects were evaluated over 3 years period. Based on the
questionnaires results respective changes were made after discussion with appropriate teachers of
the subjects.

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 106. The University Career Centre24 is responsible for the surveillance of careers of individual
graduates. Procedure on Organisation of Surveys of Courses of non-formal education on topics
“Know Yourself”, “Self-analysis”, “Team-work”, etc. are organised by Career Centre annually.
State funded project No VP1-2.3-ŠMM-01-V-01-001, „Development and Implementation of
Models of Education of Students of HEI for Career and Career Surveillance, Improvement of
Competences of Specialists Working with Students and Development of Tools for Them“
contributed to the development of employability of further graduates. Procedure on organisation of
surveys of LSMU graduates and social partners (employers) has been approved in 201325.
107. The internal quality assurance system is implemented in the university. It has been based on
principles commonly applied in European Higher Education Area and fits to the University’s
quality improvement strategy. Tools and means helping to assure quality of education has been
foreseen in the internal quality assurance system. Internal quality assurance refers to certain
chapters in the university Statute, Study Regulations, regulations for the Board of Veterinary
Faculty, Study Programme Committees as well as other national legal acts regulating quality of
studies. Social partners, such as students, employers, employee union, government and public,
participate in the internal study quality assurance.
108. Quality assurance measures are applied at five following levels: 1) departmental level
(academic personnel and subjects and modules); 2) faculty management; 3) university management;
4) national; 5) international. This conforms to international quality assurance practice in higher
education.
108.1 Quality at the departmental level is assured by providing a competent teaching personnel.
Attestation of the academic personnel and public competition is performed every five years
according to the Law on Study and Science of the Republic of Lithuania (Žin., 2009, Nr. 54-2140),
Decision of the Science Board of the Republic of Lithuania No VII-20 October 12, 2009; LSMU
Statute, The European Charter for Researchers The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of
Researchers (OL L 075/67, 2005) as well as procedure on organisation of competition and
attestation of LSMU academic staff and researchers approved by LSMU Senate decision No 4-3 in
December 23, 2010. Appointed representatives from Senate and Study Commission participate in
the lectures of junior teachers and those first times applying to the positions of associate professor
or professor. Observation results are discussed individually and suggestions are submitted to the
commission of attestation. Evaluation of each subject, required infrastructure and other material
resources as well as teaching quality is performed. Online questionnaires for students contain
questions on the teaching quality, relevance of teaching methods, available infrastructure,
availability of literature and textbooks in general.
108.2 The Board of Veterinary Faculty plays the key role in assurance of quality at the faculty
level. SPC chairman and the dean of the faculty annually submit an oral report to the faculty board
on measures applied for a quality assurance at the departmental and subject levels and measures
applied for process improvement. Administration meets with students or their representatives at
least once per year to reach the feedback on measured applied for improvement of study quality. At
the same time faculty officers (dean’s office) are available to students daily. Academic achievement
results (grades) of separate subjects are analysed at the faculty level comparing them with results
from previous years. Trends of grades are determined and possible causes are analysed. The result
from the analysis is presented at the meeting of the Board of Veterinary Faculty. Faculty also
discuss questions related to the student which do not achieve defined results and get negative
grades. Recommendations and suggestions on term and conditions for the elimination of academic
debts are suggested as a result of discussion.
108.3 Quality assurance at the university level. Quality assurance at the university level is
implemented through the assessment of study and research results. Continuous process is going on
assessment of subjects according to their contents, complexity, forms of assessment of study results.

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Data for assessment is obtained from the online questionnaires where students can evaluate the
subject or module in different aspects. Data from questionnaires is processes and grouped by the
questionnaire system itself. Subjects evaluated by 30 and more students are presented for further
analysis. In the questionnaire, students evaluate pedagogical ethics, quality of teaching in the
subject, contents of the subject, and usefulness of the subject according to the aims of the
programme. Assessment results are announced for academic society, on the LSMU webpage,
university newspapers “Ave vita“ and finally summarised data is publicised in the relevant chapter
of the rector’s annual report. If students evaluate subject with lower mark as 5, the head of the
department and the dean can initiate communication with a responsible teacher on how to improve
the quality of the subject. Policies and procedures on quality of studies are presented in the LSMU
Study Regulation and published in the university website26 as well as Provisions of Quality
Assurance in LSMU27. University Commission on quality of studies is responsible for overall
evaluation of quality of studies. Commission is established by the Recolor’s order for each year.
Commission evaluates the processes of administration and quality assurance in the faculty, selects
one of the approved method for evaluation and submit summarised evaluation results to the Rector,
Senate and publicise results at the university webpage. Latest official report of the Commission was
published in June 4, 2012. Report shows that over 90% of students are satisfied with teaching
quality and academic ethics during studies (might be found at:
http://lsmuni.lt/lt/veikla/studijos/studiju-kokybe/). However the number of evaluated courses is
quite limited. Recently university has recognised the limited scope of voluntary evaluation of
courses by students and new evaluation system is under implementation.
108.4 At the national level, Centre for Evaluation of Quality of Studies carries external
evaluation of study programme. Programme is submitted for the evaluation every 3-5 years.
Evaluation is based on the results of self-evaluation where results from previous evaluation are used
for further improvement of quality of studies. The aim of self-evaluation is to assess how much
programme is in line with essential requirement of quality of studies.
109. Quality culture is promoted at the university. The training of academic and other staff
related to studies is performed at regular basis; there is a Committee on Ethics at the university.
Study results from last period are discussed at the Rector’s office meetings at least once per
semester. Results of self-evaluation are compared to student achievements and relevant departments
as well as faculty administrations, Rector and other divisions related to studies are communicated
with results. Determined deficiencies are removed following an action plans. Evaluation of results
is repeated again when corrections are completed and new result obtained. If necessary, changes in
the study programme are discussed and approved at the University Senate. The changes are
published at the university website (e.g. plans for study year 2013/201428).
110. Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of the Master Veterinary Food Safety
study program
110.1. Strengths
Creation of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences promoted investments from
government of Republic of Lithuania for infrastructure and equipment. This also led to increased
visibility of Veterinary Food Safety programme. Number of admitted students remains constant.
There is effective management system for study programmes which ensure continues development
and control of study quality. Learning outcomes fulfil today’s’ public health requirements from
society and industry. Graduates of this study programme have an advantage for employment
comparing to graduates with veterinary degree regarding knowledge and expertise in food safety
area.
110.2. Weaknesses
There is limited input of teaching staff into research, especially concerning importance of
nutrition and associated risk factors for public health. Researchers involved in the study programme
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http://lsmuni.lt/lt/veikla/studijos/studiju-kokybe/
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have not yet developed strong collaboration with researchers from Public Health area. Therefore,
this limits availability of numerous topics for Master thesis and participation of students in research
projects. Despite existing possibilities for international mobility rather few teachers are using this
opportunity for international collaboration and exchange of expertise.
110.3. Opportunities
The new and upgraded infrastructure, new equipment, complete coverage of scientific literature
including peer reviewed journals and various databases creates nice opportunity for students to
achieve learning outcomes in efficient way and also for staff of the VFS programme to give their
knowledge and expertise to students, and to perform research in various areas. Renovated buildings
and laboratories, and friendly teaching staff create nice and worm environment at the university.
For graduates of the programme there is favorable situation in job market due to successful
development of food market and the related need of specialist.
110.4. Threats
Common admission system to universities creates possibility for students to choose several study
programmes and in case of failure to the wanted one to enter studies in another study program. This
system does not ensure that most motivated students are accepted to study program. Due to
declining of demographic numbers when there is decreasing number of graduates from secondary
schools and intensive emigration, number of students can decrease throughout Lithuania and
LUHS.

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