Background of Summer School / Introduction
Animal protein contributes substantially to the nutrition of people around the globe. Efficiency and sustainability of livestock systems may be improved by breeding better-suited animals. The Summer School addresses the outcomes of animal breeding in extremely diverse environments (highly industrialized versus developing countries) and by divergent stakeholders (breeding companies versus farmers).
Hosting University
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna
Venue
Gregor-Mendel-Straße 33, 1180 Vienna
Date
18 – 27 August 2025
Participants
20
Previous Knowledge
Students at master or PhD level with basics of animal science. Preferably students of an ELLS member or partner university at master and PhD level. Other interested students are welcome to apply as well. Basic knowledge in animal science is strongly recommended.
Course Content
- Contribution of products of animal origin to global food security
- Livestock systems and resource efficiency
- Concepts of animal breeding
- Genetic diversity (inbreeding, crossbreeding)
- Development of breeding programmes
- The role of breeding companies
- Utility of genomic information for breeding in developing countries
Intended Learning Outcome (ILO)
Knowledge
- Describe animal breeding in the context of food security
- Analyse, describe and compare animal breeding concepts in both industrialized and developing countries
- Describe different aspects of global food chains with pros and cons on animal breeding
- Explain the role of animal breeding and animal-based products in relation to global food sustainability
Skills
- Apply theoretical genetics and breeding concepts for practical breeding programmes
- Differenciate breeding activities at local and global scales
- Practice critical and analytical thinking in an international environment
- Improve their English
Competences
- Synthesize newly acquired information and present in written and oral form
- Solve problems in interdisciplinary teams of international students
Course Schedule
Preliminary plan:
- Arrival of participants on 16 or 17 August (weekend)
- Start of course on 18 August 2025
- Course days from Monday to Friday and Monday to Wednesday
- End of course on the evening of 27 August (joint dinner)
Course Language
English
Course Format / Teaching Methods
On-site course: mix of lectures, presentations by students, practicals, role play discussions, excursion, group work, social events
Credits
ECTS Credits and Workload Overview
| Number of Credits [ECTS] | 3 |
|---|---|
| TOTAL Workload [hours] | 75 |
| Student's own work [hours] | 10 |
| Contact classes [hours] | 62 |
| Exam [hours] | 3 |
Type of Assessment and Assessment Criteria
Two-page essay written during the course and an individual discussion of the essay with lecturers on the last day
Cultural Activities / Social Program
The programme will involve a visit to an Austrian traditional wine restaurant and other social activities in Vienna.
Tuition Fees
No tuition fees
Additional Costs
The students might have to take care of payments for meals, accommodation, insurance, and travel. Further information will be provided. Additional information for students from ELLS universities: Some ELLS member universities provide scholarships for participants of ELLS Summer Schools.
Accommodation
Students will be provided with information for accommodation but need to book rooms individually.
For further information, please see: https://short.boku.ac.at/int-in-life-accommodation-en.html
Health Insurance
Students must arrange their own health and travel insurance.
Visa
If support letters are needed, contact the administrative contact person below: Visa Information
Application Deadline
31 May 2025
Link to online Application form
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Contact persons for scientific questions
Gabor Meszaros (gabor.meszaros@boku.ac.at)
Contact person for administrative questions
Marta Darta Repule (emabg@boku.ac.at)