The MSc programme Animal Sciences is a logical continuation of a BSc in Animal Sciences or an equivalent BSc programme such as Veterinary Sciences or Animal Biology. The focus of this MSc programme is to deliver skilled professional animal scientists, well equipped to tackle problems related to sustainable management of animals that are an integral part of our society, economy and culture. Animal systems and their development are very diverse, and constrained by technical factors (e.g. food supply, animal health, level of management and genetic diversity) and infrastructural, ecological and socio-economic factors. Upon graduation, the animal sciences specialists have received a fundamental scientific training combined with a critical attitude towards all aspects determining sustainable development of animal systems. \n\nThe study programme is an individual tailor-made thesis-oriented programme. Students follow advanced courses in their first year to prepare for the thesis in the second year. The thesis can be chosen from different disciplines, distinguished in specializations. Within specializations students can choose a thesis track at a specific chair group, that matches their interest in terms of level of study, animal species or topic. \n- Genetics and Biodiversity focuses on the genetic improvement of animals in relation to their environment, by integrating quantitative, biological and molecular approaches. Focus can be on genetic management of domestic or wildlife populations to ensure optimal health and performance, or on the genetic basis of specific behaviours or characteristics in various animal species. \n- Nutrition and Metabolism aims to understand the relation between nutritional demands, diet formulation, digestion and metabolism in animals, and their responses in terms of growth, production, well-being and waste. The aim is to optimize nutrition for the production of safe and healthy foods for human consumption, to safeguard the animal's own health and welfare and to prevent negative effects of nutrition on the emission of waste to the environment. \n- Global and Sustainable Production combines knowledge from different disciplines (such as animal sciences, economics and social sciences) to study the development of sustainable animal systems across the world. The aim is to guarantee sufficient food supply for mankind in a responsible way, without compromising culture and the environment. \n- Adaptation, Health and Behaviour studies the effects of the immediate environment on physiological responses of individual or groups of animals, and what these responses mean for animal health and welfare. Immunological status, energy metabolism, thermoregulation, reproduction and behaviour are major responses of animals being studied in this specia