Obligatory courses

Zoology (1. semester)

This subject is to provide comprehensive information on the Animal Kingdom and to reveal comparative features of categories which may be important during later studies. After an introduction general zootaxonomy is discussed, focusing on important phyla of protozoa, and then on those of multicellular animals, including porifera, cnidarians, flatworms, roundworms, annelids, molluscs, arthropods, echinoderms and vertebrates (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals). This is followed by an insight into evolution biology, ecology, population biology, supraindividual organization and behaviour science. Zoology is essential as a prerequisite to parasitology and other subjects.

• Programme and requirements »

Parasitology (6-7. semesters)

The subject which consists of theoretical and practical courses is intended to familiarize the students with the essential facts and concepts of veterinary parasitology enabling them to control and prevent economical losses, parasitozoonoses, and to improve animal welfare. The lectures discuss principal endo- and ectoparasites of domestic animals, which are of national or international importance to veterinary medical practice. Emphasis is placed on basic knowledge of parasite biology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, chemotherapy and control of parasitic infections. The purpose of the practical courses is to highlight and expand on important parasites presented in lectures, especially identification and diagnostics. At the practicals which follow the lectures the students become familiar with the methods of diagnosis including the interpretation of results. They observe stages of parasites in blood, faecal samples and preparation of a range of specimens. Teaching of veterinary parasitology is based on the knowledge of a number of subjects, therefore final exams from zoology, biology, chemistry, anatomy and histology, physiology and biochemistry are needed for admission of students for this subject. Parasitological knowledge of the students contributes to their further studies such as pathology, internal medicine and food hygiene.

• Curriculum of subject »
• Textbooks in parasitology »
• Programme of the practicals »
• Requirements for parasitological practicals »

Honey Bee Diseases (8. semester)

The twelve lectures include the biology, behaviour, keeping and breeding of honey bees, as well as the aetiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, therapy and prophylaxis of the most important infections caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites and other pests.

• Lectures: 12 hours
  • Programme of the lectures
• Credits: 1
• Examination: written exam
• Lecturer: Róbert Farkas

Elective courses

Arthropod vectors and vector-borne pathogens of veterinary and public health importance in Europe (from the 7. semester)

For the last two decades the importance of arthropods and arthropod-borne infections of livestock, companion animals and humans has increased considerably in Europe. Most probably the increasing frequency of some vector-borne diseases including zoonotic ones is due to a joint action of several different factors including climate warming, environmental and socio-economic changes. Climate influences the geographical distribution, density and seasonal activity of many blood-sucking arthropods. Changes in habitats, social and leisure activities of humans (e.g. travel with dogs) also affect the epidemiology of vector-borne diseases. All of these factors have especially direct impact on blood-sucking arthropods that can transmit a broad range of viral, rickettsial, bacterial and protozoan pathogens of animals and humans. The lectures of the elective subject are focusing on the most important arthropod vectors of Europe, their vector competency and capacity. Links between environment and geographical occurrence of vectors, different methods and tools used in spatial distribution prediction of these arthropods will be presented. The vectors and vector-borne infections will also be overviewed according to the geographical regions of the continent (e.g. Scandinavia, British Islands, Mediterranean countries).

• Curriculum of subject »

Parasitic zoonoses (from the 8. semester)

The lectures deal with the most important endo- and ectoparasites of domestic and wild animals of zoonotic importance focusing on those ones which occur in the tropical and subtropical areas.

• Lecturers: Róbert Farkas (contact teacher), Sándor Hornok, Gábor Majoros
  • Programme of the lectures
• Lectures: 15 hours
• Credits: 2
• Examination: written exam