CURRICULUM FOR DOCTORAL PROGRAM

Major:            Animal science

Code:              62 62 01 05                          

            Type of training: regular/irregular

1. Training objectives and expected learning outcomes

1.1. Training objectives

To train high-qualified scientists with appropriate theoretical and practical skills; be capable of doing independent research, be creative and able to detect and solve new problems which is meaningful in science and technology field; and guide scientific research in the field of animal science.

1.2. Expected learning outcomes

1.2.1. Knowledge requirement

a) Specialized knowledge

- Use efficiently depth knowledge and be able to explain, appraise and evaluate in  animal science field.

- Use proficiently and choose modern and advanced research methods to apply in animal production and animal husbandry field.

- Have the capacity to build, set up projects/project proposals and conduct scientific research in animal production and interdisciplinary studies.

b) Additional knowledge

- Have critical thinking to analyze and evaluate the existing research of native and international authors on matters close to their expertise, identify remaining problems to organize research and develop the principles, theory to solve the issues.

- Explain, classify and apply knowledge of management, administration of professional activities, environmental protection, agricultural marketing and culture in business communication, safety and sustainable development.

- Apply and exploit basic knowledge on legal documents related to animal production.

- Update and apply advanced and new knowledge in animal production, animal husbandry field, animal welfare.

c) Practical knowledge:

- Be able to write reports summarizing scientific research, write scientific articles published in specialized scientific journals which is assigned by the State Board of Professors.

- Participate in research topics, research projects, trials at all levels.

1.2.2. Skill requirements

* Professional skills

- Have ability to work independently and work in teams. Have skills to organize, manage and plan for works related to animal production.

- Exploit, classify and appraise data; synthesize, expand professional knowledge and develop professional capacity.

- Good communication skills, proficiency in writing and presentation scientific reports.

* Thinking skills and lifelong learning capacity:

- Be able to self-explore, creatively and independently carry out research on animal production, animal welfare and animal husbandry field.

- Be able to understand the social, external and organizational contexts.

- Be able to classify, appraise knowledge and skills into practice.

- Proficiently apply new techniques/ methods/ advances in specialized research and practice of animal husbandry.

* Information technology skills:

- Apply basic knowledge of information technology, labor safety issues, environmental protection in the use of information and communication technology (ICT), and some basic issues related to law in using information technology. Proficiency in some word processing software, spreadsheets, presentations.

- Good manipulation of informatics softwares used in animal production specialization (ration software, statistical processing, farm management).

* Foreign language skills:

- Minimum B1 of English proficiency or TOEFL Paper 500 according to the Common European Framework of Reference. Interpret the topics related to animal production; be able to write, present opinions related to professional work.

- Proficiency in multimedia communication (speaking, writing, listening, electronic, graphic, etc.).

1.2.3. Capacity of autonomy and responsibility

* Ability to innovate, develop and lead changes in the profession:

- Be able to discover and creatively apply knowledge to solve practical problems in the field of animal production

- Be able to build, propose projects and organize scientific research in the field of animal production as well as interdisciplinarity.

- Be able to establish a network of national and international researchers in the field of expertise.

* Career argument skills:

- Use professional knowledge to make comments, suggestions and solve issues related to animal production.

- Ability to present initiative, principles, protocols in research in animal production field.

- Plan and develop animal production, manufacture and trade livestock products.

- Be able to design, organize research independently, analysis, evaluation and publish research results. Be able to research and conduct specialized research on animal production. Be able to evaluate and criticize subjects and projects in the field of animal production and rural development.

* Skills of understanding social, external and organizational contexts:

Be able to self - orient, coordinate, design work and adapt to different working environments in livestock production sector.

* Lifelong Learning Capabilities:

- Apply, develop profession and adapt to a diverse working environment.

- Research to improve the professional level in the field of animal production.

2. Training period

For those who hold master’s degrees: 3 years

For those who hold bachelor’s degrees: 4 years                  

3. Total credit

-         Ph.D students who do not have master’s degrees have to study 30 credits of master program in Animal Science, not including Philosophy and English.

-         Ph.D students who already have master’s degrees but have master's degrees in similar disciplines or have graduated for years or graduated from other training institutions, depending on each specific case, Ph.D students have to study several subjects as required by the training and research fields.

4. Objects of program

4.1. Candidates

     Lecturers and researchers in universities and research institutes; officials of other socio-economic organizations in Vietnam, as well as those who have completed regular bachelor’s degrees (good or higher) or master’s degree in appropriate or similar disciplines.

4.2. Majors

4.2.1. Appropriate majors

     Animal science, Animal health and production, Nutrition and feed technology

4.2.2. Similar majors

Veterinary medicine, Biology, Biotechnology, Aquaculture, Food technology

5. Training process, the precondition of graduation:

            In line with the current rules and regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training and the Vietnam National University of Agriculture on doctoral training.

6. Scale

            Rating on a scale of 10.

7. The content of program

 8. Teaching schedule

9. Briefly describe the content and volume of modules, essay overview and topics

9.1. Describe compulsory subjects

CN08001. Analysis of experimetal data and research publication in animal science 3 credits: 2-1-6. Some basic issues in livestock research: research ideas, research protocols, livestock experiments, data processing and statistical analysis models; Data analysis by computer software: analysis of variance, regression analysis, general linear model analysis, non-parametric analysis; Publication of research results: presentation of results, scientific reports, scientific papers, doctoral thesis; Practical analysis of experimental data and publication of research results.

CN08002. Tropical animal production.  3 credits: 2–1–6. Characteristics of tropical climate and Vietnam; Characteristics of animal production in the tropics; Heat exchange and heat stress in animals; Solutions for the development of tropical livestock production; Develop livestock production to cope with climate change

9.2. Describe optional subjects

CN08003. Advances in Swine Production. 3 credits : 2–1-6. Situation and development trend of pig production in the world and in Vietnam. Advances in breeding, nurturing. Farms and waste management in pig production. Analysis of pig production business.

CN08004. Advanced poultry production. 3 credits: 2-1-6. Trends and technological advances in Vietnam in selecting and raising poultry, poultry nutrition and feed, sub-climate management in poultry farms under tropical conditions, products quality assessment and management; poultry waste management.

CN08005. Advanced animal production. 3 credits: 2,5–0,5–4. Ruminant nutrition; Breeding and reproduction; Ruminant and ecological environment; Behavior and welfare in ruminant production; Livestock products technology; Essays and seminars

CN08008. Environment in livestock production. 2 credits: 2–0–4. Community and livestock production environment. Environmental pollution caused by livestock: soil, water, air (odor, pathogens, nitrogen, phosphorus, greenhouse gas CO₂ and CH₄, etc.) and the consequences. Minimize the impact of animal production on the environment (effective and sustainable livestock waste management: waste treatment, animal nutrition with balanced diets)

CN08006. The analytical techniques in animal research. 3 credits : 3–0-6. Feed analysis systems and methods. Some methods/techniques used in nutrition studies; Meat quality analysis techniques; Egg quality analysis techniques; Milk quality analysis techniques

9.3. Essay overview

a) Regulations

An essay overview, equivalent to 2 credits, was presented by Ph.D students about the research situation and issues related to thesis topic. Ph.D students perform the ability to analyze and evaluate the existing studies of native and international authors on matters close to thesis topics, indicate existing problems which the thesis should focus on studying and solving. The essay should not exceed 15 A4 pages, 1.5 lines spacing; PowerPoint presentations should not exceed 20 minutes.

b) Evaluation criteria

Criteria for Essay Overview (on a scale of 10)

- Quality of professional information: 5 points

- Quality of presentation: 2 points

- Answer questions of Board of examiners: 3 points

9.4. Special subjects

a) Regulations

          Special subjects require the Ph.D students to update their own knowledge directly related to the topic of the student, to increase the capacity of doing scientific research, to assist the student in solving some contents of the topic thesis.

Ph.D students should write each special subject (no more than 15 A4 pages, 1.5 lines spacing) and PowerPoint presentation no more than 20 minutes to the Board of examiners.

b) Evaluation criteria

Criteria for Special subject (on a scale of 10)

- Quality of professional information: 5 points

- Quality of presentation: 2 points

- Answer questions of Board of examiners: 3 points

c) Description of the direction

1. The role of dietary fiber in monogastric diets: Chemical characteristics and problems related to fiber digestion. Effect of fiber on the movement of the gastrointestinal tract, the secretion of gastrointestinal fluid. The effect of fiber on digestive and absorption rate of each nutrient (protein, carbohydrate, lipid, minerals and vitamin). Fiber changes the rate of excretion of nitrogen between faeces and urine.

2. Concentrate feed in ruminant production: Characteristics of digestion in ruminant. The role of concentrate feed in the diet of ruminant. Efficacy of using concentrate feed in ruminant compared to monogastric and poultry. Ecological nutrition of using concentrate feed in ruminant production. Economic benefits of using concentrate feed in ruminant production. Economic risks in using too much concentrate feed in ruminant production. Solutions to improve efficiency (technical and economical) in the use of concentrate feed.

3. Using agro - by-products as feed: Main agro - by-products, approach to assess the potential. The ecologic and economic meaning of using agro - by-products for animal. Agro - by-products can be used as feed. Methods of process and store of each by-product. Method of using by-products in the diet of each animal. Some practical results in animal production with agro - by-products in Vietnam.

4. Stress in animal production: The Concept of stress? The mechanism and stages of the body's response to stress. Neuroleptic nervous regulation in case of stress. Stress types and harmful effect to physiology, reproductive performance, productivity and quality of animal products. Measures to reduce stress damage to each animal (cattle, pigs or poultry).

5. Using hormones and biological stimulants in livestock: Concept, origin, nature and classification of hormones, biological stimulants. Hormone regulation in animal body. Indicate and contraindicate hormones and biological stimulants in livestock production. The dose and use of each product in breeding animal (cattle, goats, sheeps or pigs) and culling animal (cattle, goats or pigs). Some application results of the above products in production. International and national rules on the use of hormones and biological stimulants in animal production.

6. Feed Supplements and Additives: Definition of supplements and additives. Types and effects of supplements and additives. The dose and use of each supplement and additive in each cattle and poultry. Some results of application of supplementary feed and additives in practical production.

7. Evaluation of meat yield, quality and influencing factors: Concept of meat yield and quality. Indicators of productivity and meat quality. Methods of evaluating yield and quality of meat. Factors affecting yield and quality of meat (breed, nutrition, management, transport, slaughter, preservation techniques ...). Meat quality and tastes.

8. Eating habits and applications: Nutritional behavior. Behavioral and nutritional habits. Mechanism of nutritional behavior: The feeling of food (like or dislike reflexes), the perception of feed (learning in society, learning itself). The application of nutritional habits.

9. Animal production and environmental pollution: Animal waste in conditions and contexts in Vietnam. Types and quantities of animal waste. Animal production affects the health of animals, humans and the ecological environment. Livestock production and greenhouse effect. Solutions and new research results on pollution reduction in livestock production. Orientation and development of sustainable livestock production.

10. The conservation and development of native animal breeds in Vietnam: Biodiversity and native livestock breeds. The importance of tropical breeds in the creation of new breeds. The structure and importance of native breeds in our livestock production sector. Achievements in conservation of native breeds in our country. Research orientation, use and conservation of native breeds in the future.

11. Treatment of waste in livestock production: Types and quantities of animal waste. Methods of waste treatment in animal production. Research achievements in waste treatment in developed and developing countries. Trends in research and development of waste treatment methods in sustainable livestock production development in our country.

12. Livestock production and climate change: Environmental pollution caused by animal production. The relationship between livestock production and climate change. The risks of the reduction in biosecurity and environmental sanitation in Vietnam. The issue of ecological husbandry and solutions to overcome the environmental pollution, to combat climate change.

13. Animal welfare and animal production development trend: Animal welfare. Animal welfare with animal health and animal productivity. Animal welfare and mordern consumer requirements. Methods of animal welfare evaluation. Animal welfare and ethical issues. Current legislation and regulations over the world on animal welfare. The trend of animal welfare application in the world and in our country.

14. Animal production system: What is an animal production system? Animal production systems in the world and in Vietnam. Research achievements on the  systems in developed and developing countries. Research and development trends of the systems in sustainable livestock development in our country and in the world.

15. High-productivity dairy production: Nutritional needs of high-productivity dairy cows and rumen microorganism response ability. The role of by-pass nutrient in high-productivity dairy cows. Common nutritional disorders occur in high-productivity dairy cows. Feeding process and optimal ration formulation for high-productivity dairy cows. Feeding regime  to minimize the risk of ingestion and metabolism.

16. Animal farms: the sub-climate of farms; health, productivity and product quality. Farming design to meet the requirements of the sub-climate. Determination methods and basic techniques for waste treatment. Advanced farming models in the country and in the world.

17. Nutrition of non-ruminant herbivores: Nutritional characteristics of non-ruminant herbivores. Nutritional needs and role of feeds of non-ruminant herbivores. Feeding process and optimal ration formulation for non-ruminant herbivores. The economic benefits of using feeds for non-ruminant herbivores.

10. Scientific research and doctoral dissertation implement

10.1. Scientific research

Scientific research is a specific stage, compulsory in the research process of doctoral thesis implement. Each Ph.D student must conduct a thesis in the form of research, investigation and experiment to supplement the necessary data, so that the student reaches a new knowledge or new solution. These are the most important base for PhD students to write their dissertation.

Ph.D. students must ensure the truthfulness, accuracy and novelty of their scientific research results, and abide by the intellectual property regulations of Vietnam and the world.

10.2. Scientific article

Ph.D. students must publish at least two papers (in five articles published)  related to the dissertation in scientific journals published in specialized scientific journals which is assigned by the State Board of Professors; or in the following journals list. At least 01 paper is in the Journal of Science and Development of Vietnam National University of Agriculture and Ph.D student is the first author of at least 01 paper.

10.3. Scientific seminar

Ph.D students are required to attend and present at least two national workshops (encouraging participation and presentation in international conferences) on dissertation-related contents.

10.4. Doctoral thesis

The doctoral dissertation must be an innovative scientific research project of the own student, contribute theoretically and practically in the field of research or new valueable solutions in the development and increase scientific knowledge in the field of research, creative solving of the problems of science or socio-economic realities.

The dissertation must have new academic contributions, is presented in academic language, using the basic arguments of science to analyze and comment on the points and results achieved in the previous research related to the topic of the dissertation; base on it, the new problem, the new hypothesis or new solutions are posed to solve the problems of the thesis and prove with new materials. The author of the dissertation must have the honor of his scientific work. Students are encouraged to write and defend their thesis in English.

The doctoral dissertation has a maximum of 150 A4 pages, excluding annexes, in which at least 50% of the papers present the research results and discussion of the own Ph.D student.

The format of the thesis must be presented in line with the regulations of the Vietnam National University of Agricultural and evaluated by two levels: Department level and University level.

11. The list of lecturers

No.	Subject	Faculty in charge	Lecturers in charge
			Lerturers’ name	Year of birth	Highest degree
1	Analysis of experimetal data and research publication in animal science	Faculty of Animal Science	Nguyen Xuan Trach	1958	Full professor
2	Tropical animal production	Faculty of Animal Science	Nguyen Xuan Trach	1958	Full professor
3	Advanced swine production	Faculty of Animal Science	Vu Dinh Ton	1958	Full professor
4	Advanced poultry production	Faculty of Animal Science	Bui Huu Doan	1956	Associate professor
5	Advanced ruminant production	Faculty of Animal Science	Nguyen Xuan Trach	1958	Full professor
6	Environment in livestock production	Faculty of Animal Science	Vu Dinh Ton	1958	Full professor
7	The analytical techniques in animal research	Faculty of Animal Science	Bui Quang Tuan	1959	Associate professor

12. Facilities for studying

12.1. Laboratory and important equipment systems

The laboratories of the department and the institute, laboratories of institutes, research centers, manufacture factory in the field of animal husbandry, veterinary and food technology.

12.2. Library

Library system and reading room: Ph.D students can use two facilities: the university's central library and the faculty’s library. Particularly, the library of the Faculty with thousands of different books, those are written in Vietnamese, English and other foreign languages for all specialties of the faculty. The library system is recently updated on how to look up, borrow and return books and documents quickly and economically. To serve this program, there will be annual plans to add specialized English books.

12.3. Syllabuses, lectures

13. The guideline of program implementation

In line with the current regulations on doctoral training of the Ministry of Education and Training and the Vietnam National University of Agriculture.

 

CURRICULUM FOR DOCTORAL PROGRAM

Major:            Animal nutrition and feed

Code:              62 62 01 05                          

            Type of training: regular/irregular

(Promulgated in Decision No. 4234 dated 29 December 2015

of Director of Vietnam Academy of Agriculture)

 

1. Training objectives and expected learning outcomes

1.1. Training objectives

To train high-qualified scientists with appropriate theoretical and practical skills; be capable of doing independent research, be creative and able to detect and solve new problems which is meaningful in science and technology field; and guide scientific research in the field of animal nutrition and feed.

1.2. Expected learning outcomes

1.2.1. Knowledge requirement

a) Specialized knowledge

- Use efficiently depth knowledge and be able to explain, appraise and evaluate in animal nutrition and feed field.

- Use proficiently and choose modern and advanced research methods to apply in animal nutrition and feed field.

- Have the capacity to build, set up projects/project proposals and conduct scientific research in animal nutrition and feed and interdisciplinary studies.

b) Additional knowledge

- Have critical thinking to analyze and evaluate the existing research of native and international authors on matters close to their expertise, identify remaining problems to organize research and develop the principles, theory to solve the issues.

- Explain, classify and apply knowledge of management, administration of professional activities, environmental protection, agricultural marketing and culture in business communication, safety and sustainable development.

- Apply and exploit basic knowledge on legal documents related to animal nutrition and feed.

- Update and apply advanced and new knowledge in animal nutrition and feed. c) Practical knowledge:

- Be able to write reports summarizing scientific research, write scientific articles published in specialized scientific journals which is assigned by the State Board of Professors.

- Participate in research topics, research projects, trials at all levels.

1.2.2. Skill requirements

* Professional skills

- Have ability to work independently and work in teams. Have skills to organize, manage and plan for works related to animal nutrition and feed.

- Exploit, classify and appraise data; synthesize, expand professional knowledge and develop professional capacity.

- Good communication skills, proficiency in writing and presentation scientific reports.

* Thinking skills and lifelong learning capacity:

- Be able to self-explore, creatively and independently carry out research on animal nutrition and feed.

- Be able to understand the social, external and organizational contexts.

- Be able to classify, appraise knowledge and skills into practice.

- Proficiently apply new techniques/ methods/ advances in specialized research and practice of animal husbandry.

* Information technology skills:

- Apply basic knowledge of information technology, labor safety issues, environmental protection in the use of information and communication technology (ICT), and some basic issues related to law in using information technology. Proficiency in some word processing software, spreadsheets, presentations.

- Good manipulation of informatics softwares used in animal production specialization (ration software, statistical processing, farm management).

* Foreign language skills:

- Minimum B1 of English proficiency or TOEFL Paper 500 according to the Common European Framework of Reference. Interpret the topics related to animal nutrition and feed; be able to write, present opinions related to professional work.

- Proficiency in multimedia communication (speaking, writing, listening, electronic, graphic, etc.).

1.2.3. Capacity of autonomy and responsibility

* Ability to innovate, develop and lead changes in the profession:

- Be able to discover and creatively apply knowledge to solve practical problems in the field of animal nutrition and feed

- Be able to build, propose projects and organize scientific research in the field of animal nutrition and feed as well as interdisciplinarity.

- Be able to establish a network of national and international researchers in the field of expertise.

* Career argument skills:

- Use professional knowledge to make comments, suggestions and solve issues related to animal nutrition and feed.

- Ability to present initiative, principles, protocols in research in animal nutrition and feed field.

- Plan and develop animal production, manufacture and trade livestock products.

- Be able to design, organize research independently, analysis, evaluation and publish research results. Be able to research and conduct specialized research on animal nutrition and feed. Be able to evaluate and criticize subjects and projects in the field of animal production and rural development.

* Skills of understanding social, external and organizational contexts:

Be able to self - orient, coordinate, design work and adapt to different working environments in livestock production sector.

* Lifelong Learning Capabilities:

- Apply, develop profession and adapt to a diverse working environment.

- Research to improve the professional level in the field of animal production.

2. Training period

For those who hold master’s degrees: 3 years

For those who hold bachelor’s degrees: 4 years                  

3. Total credit       

-         Ph.D students who do not have master’s degrees have to study 30 credits of master program in Animal Science, not including Philosophy and English.

-         Ph.D students who already have master’s degrees but have master's degrees in similar disciplines or have graduated for years or graduated from other training institutions, depending on each specific case, Ph.D students have to study several subjects as required by the training and research fields.

4. Objects of program

4.1. Candidates

     Lecturers and researchers in universities and research institutes; officials of other socio-economic organizations in Vietnam, as well as those who have completed regular bachelor’s degrees (good or higher) or master’s degree in appropriate or similar disciplines.

4.2. Majors

4.2.1. Appropriate majors

     Animal science, Animal health and production, Nutrition and feed technology

4.2.2. Similar majors

Veterinary medicine, Biology, Biotechnology, Aquaculture, Food technology

5. Training process, the precondition of graduation:

            In line with the current rules and regulations of the Ministry of Education and Training and the Vietnam National University of Agriculture on doctoral training.

6. Scale

            Rating on a scale of 10.

7. The content of program

 

 8. Teaching schedule

9. Briefly describe the content and volume of modules, essay overview and topics

9.1. Describe compulsory subjects

CN08017. New advances in animal nutrition: New scientific achievements in energy nutrition, protein and amino acids, lipid and fatty acids, vitamins, minerals; The relationship between nutrition and immune function, between nutrition and gene expression. Apply new nutritional advances in improving productivity, product quality and protecting the health of domestic animals as well as the environment.

CN08018. New feed evaluation system for pig, poultry and ruminants. 2 credits (2 - 0 - 4) New system evaluation of energy and protein values for pigs; The new system evaluates energy and protein values for poultry; The new system evaluates energy and protein values for ruminants.

9.2. Describe optional subjects

CN08017. Recent advances in Animal Nutrition) (3 credits: 3 - 0 - 6) New scientific advances in energy nutrition, protein and amino acids, lipid and fatty acids, vitamins, mineral; Apply new nutritional advances in improving productivity, quality of animal products, food safety and animal health protection as well as environmental protection.

CN08019. Feed supplements (2 credits: 2 - 0 - 4). Definition and classification of supplement and feed additives; Effects and uses of supplement and feed additives; Supplement and feed additives and food hygiene and safety.

CN08020. Grains processing technology and concentrate production (2 credits: 2 - 0 - 4). Processing and preserving seeds; Raw materials and materials management in the production of industrial feed; Complete feed production technology and quality control in the production process.

CN08021. Forage and agro - by-products processing technology (2 credits: 2 - 0 - 4). Methods of processing and preserving forages; New advances in the processing and preservation of forage; Characteristics of some agro - by-products in Vietnam and preservation processing.

CN08030. Bases Nutrition and feeding in animal production no antibiotics and Organic (2 credits: 1,5 - 0,5 - 4) (Bases Nutrition and Feeding in Animal Production without antibiotics and organic). The effects of frequent use of antibiotics as growth promoters in animal feed. Nutritional resources - food and bio-products meet nutritional needs, and build rations for livestock in non-antibiotic feeding regimes in feed. Regulations on organic livestock and poultry systems. Nutritional and feed facilities to meet nutritional needs, and the development of animal and poultry rations in organic livestock systems.

CN08031. Organic and nano mineral in animal nutrition (2 credits: 1,5 - 0,5 - 4) (Organic and nano mineral in animal nutrition) The role of minerals in animal nutrition. Inorganic mineral sources for animal feed and environmental pollution, organic minerals, production and use processes for animal feed. Concept, process and use of nano minerals in animal feed. Organic minerals and nanoparticles for animal health and minimizing environmental pollution.

9.3. Essay overview

a) Regulations

An essay overview, equivalent to 2 credits, was presented by Ph.D students about the research situation and issues related to thesis topic. Ph.D students perform the ability to analyze and evaluate the existing studies of native and international authors on matters close to thesis topics, indicate existing problems which the thesis should focus on studying and solving. The essay should not exceed 15 A4 pages, 1.5 lines spacing; PowerPoint presentations should not exceed 20 minutes.

b) Evaluation criteria

Criteria for Essay Overview (on a scale of 10)

- Quality of professional information: 5 points

- Quality of presentation: 2 points

- Answer questions of Board of examiners: 3 points

9.4. Special subjects

a) Regulations

          Special subjects require the Ph.D students to update their own knowledge directly related to the topic of the student, to increase the capacity of doing scientific research, to assist the student in solving some contents of the topic thesis.

Ph.D students should write each special subject (no more than 15 A4 pages, 1.5 lines spacing) and PowerPoint presentation no more than 20 minutes to the Board of examiners.

b) Evaluation criteria

Criteria for Special subject (on a scale of 10)

- Quality of professional information: 5 points

- Quality of presentation: 2 points

- Answer questions of Board of examiners: 3 points

c) Description of the direction

1. Protein and amino acid nutrition: Protein essence, chemistry, classification and origin. The nutritional role of protein and amino acids in animal nutrition. Balanced amino acid rations. Characteristics of amino acid requirements for pigs and poultry. Directive on the conformity assessment of protein in the diet. Industrial amino acid supplementation.

2. Energy Nutrition: The role of energy in animal nutrition. Relationship between protein, lysine and energy intake. Disorders of energy metabolism (diabetes, fatty liver, ketosis, lactic acidosis). Solutions or control strategies.

3. Vitamin nutrition: Concept, source and classification. Physical and chemical characteristics of various vitamins dissolved in water and in oil. Nutritional role and disorders due to vitamin deficiency. New assessments of vitamin demand for pigs and dairy cows and practical applications.

4. Micronutrient nutrition: Minerals classification and nutritional role of micronutrients. Organic minerals and benefits in livestock. Micro-mineral supplement for monogastric and ruminants. Mineral and mineral pollution.

5. Enzymes in animal feed (exogenous enzymes): Enzymes, yeast groups are being used in animal production. Principle of exogenous enzyme use in livestock. The role and use of phytase and non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) enzyme groups. Enzyme preparations are used in our country and the attention when using these preparations.

6. Alternatives to antibiotics in feed: The harmful effects of using antibiotics as growth promoters. Alternative antibiotic substitutes for animal feed (organic acid supplements, food enzymes, probitic, prebiotics, antibiotics, herbal antibiotics, etc.)

7. Vitamin A, vitamin D and immunity: Summarize the immune system and activity of the immune system. Biochemical and metabolic vitamins A, D. Vitamin A, D and immune function (mucosal immunity, NK cells, Neutrophils, T lymphocytes, monocytes and macrophages, B lymphocytes, antibody response).

8. Minerals (zinc, iron and slen) and immunity: Summary of the immune system and the functioning of the immune system. Zinc deficiency and impaired immune function (neutrophil function, monocytes / macrophages, NK cells, T and B cells). Iron deficiency and excess for immune function, iron status and disease infectious. Effect of selenium on the immune system (effects of selenium on bacterial killing, on eicosanoid metabolism, on immune cell function, effects of selenium on some viral and bacterial diseases, cancer and cardiovascular disease).

Amino acids (arginine, glutamine and amino acids containing sulfur) and immunity: biochemistry of arginine (arginine synthesis, arginine pathway for nitric oxide, arginase/arginine pathway, other pathways of arginine metabolism). Mechanism of action of arginine to immune function. Biosynthesis of glutamine, metabolism of glutamine by the cells of the immune system. Glutamine and immune cell function. Widespread of amino acids containing S. The metabolism of glutathione and S-containing amino acids in infectious diseases; glutathione and immune system; taurine and immune function.

Fatty acids and immune: Fatty acid sources of diets, fatty acids and natural immune systems, fatty acids and immunity are obtained. Effects of dietary fatty acids on immune function. Fatty acids and diseases of the immune system (autoimmune diseases, wounds and infections, cancer).

11. Phosphorus phytate and methods for improving the efficiency of using organic P in animal feed: Chemistry of phytate and adverse effects of phytic acid on phosphorus utilization and feed nutrients. The role of the phytase enzyme in improving the utilization of phosphorus and feed nutrients. Phytase preparations are currently in use and attention given in use.

12. Nutrition and gene expression: DNA and protein biosynthesis (summary). Controls the amino acid dependence of animal cells. Fatty acids and gene expression; roles of RARs and RXRs in regulating vitamin A activity; control of gene expression of biotin, vitamin B6, vitamin C; Control of selenoprotein expression and the consequences of selenium deficiency and/or vitamin E for gene expression.

13. Organic acids supplemented to pigs and poultry: Organic acids supplemented in animal feed. Mechanism of inhibiting and destroying harmful bacteria of organic acids. Organic acid preparations are used in livestock in our country and the attention when using.

14. Antibody and antibody preparations in animal feeds: Antimicrobial preparations supplemented in animal feed (dry spray plasma, chicken egg powder). Mechanism of action and benefits of antibody supplementation in livestock.

15. Safe hygiene of animal feed: The relationship between feed safety and food safety. Feed hygiene and safety management systems (Good manufacturing practices GMP and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points).

10. Scientific research and doctoral dissertation implement

10.1. Scientific research

Scientific research is a specific stage, compulsory in the research process of doctoral thesis implement. Each Ph.D student must conduct a thesis in the form of research, investigation and experiment to supplement the necessary data, so that the student reaches a new knowledge or new solution. These are the most important base for PhD students to write their dissertation.

Ph.D. students must ensure the truthfulness, accuracy and novelty of their scientific research results, and abide by the intellectual property regulations of Vietnam and the world.

10.2. Scientific article

Ph.D. students must publish at least two papers (in five articles published)  related to the dissertation in scientific journals published in specialized scientific journals which is assigned by the State Board of Professors; or in the following journals list. At least 01 paper is in the Journal of Science and Development of Vietnam National University of Agriculture and Ph.D student is the first author of at least 01 paper.

10.3. Scientific seminar

Ph.D students are required to attend and present at least two national workshops (encouraging participation and presentation in international conferences) on dissertation-related contents.

10.4. Doctoral thesis

The doctoral dissertation must be an innovative scientific research project of the own student, contribute theoretically and practically in the field of research or new valueable solutions in the development and increase scientific knowledge in the field of research, creative solving of the problems of science or socio-economic realities.

The dissertation must have new academic contributions, is presented in academic language, using the basic arguments of science to analyze and comment on the points and results achieved in the previous research related to the topic of the dissertation; base on it, the new problem, the new hypothesis or new solutions are posed to solve the problems of the thesis and prove with new materials. The author of the dissertation must have the honor of his scientific work. Students are encouraged to write and defend their thesis in English.

The doctoral dissertation has a maximum of 150 A4 pages, excluding annexes, in which at least 50% of the papers present the research results and discussion of the own Ph.D student.

The format of the thesis must be presented in line with the regulations of the Vietnam National University of Agricultural and evaluated by two levels: Department level and University level.

11. The list of lecturers

No.	Subject	Faculty in charge	Lecturers in charge
			Lerturers’ name	Year of birth	Highest degree
1	Recent advances in animal nutrition	Faculty of Animal Science	Ton That Son	1950	Associate professor
2	New feed evaluation system for pig, poultry and ruminants	Faculty of Animal Science	Bui Quang Tuan	1959	Associate professor
3	Feed supplements	Faculty of Animal Science	Bui Quang Tuan	1959	Associate professor
4	Grains processing technology and concentrate feed production	Faculty of Animal Science	Bui Quang Tuan	1959	Associate professor
5	Forage and agricultural by-products processing technology	Faculty of Animal Science	Bui Quang Tuan	1959	Associate professor
6	Nutrition and feeding bases in animal production no antibiotics and organic	Faculty of Animal Science	Ton That Son	1950	Associate professor
7	Organic and nano mineral in animal nutrition	Faculty of Animal Science	Ton That Son	1950	Associate professor

12. Facilities for studying

12.1. Laboratory and important equipment systems

The laboratories of the department and the institute, laboratories of institutes, research centers, manufacture factory in the field of animal husbandry, veterinary and food technology.

12.2. Library

Library system and reading room: Ph.D students can use two facilities: the university's central library and the faculty’s library. Particularly, the library of the Faculty with thousands of different books, those are written in Vietnamese, English and other foreign languages for all specialties of the faculty. The library system is recently updated on how to look up, borrow and return books and documents quickly and economically. To serve this program, there will be annual plans to add specialized English books.

12.3. Syllabuses, lectures

13. The guideline of program implementation

In line with the current regulations on doctoral training of the Ministry of Education and Training and the Vietnam National University of Agriculture.