Print Syllabus

Syllabus

VM0123 Laboratory Animal Medicine, 3.0 Credits

Försöksdjursmedicin

Subjects

Veterinary Medicine

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	3.0	0101

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G2F)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent to 90 credits in veterinary medicine, of which

- 10 credits Pathology
- 10 credits Pharmacology
- 4 credits Physiolog
- 5 credits Pacteriology
- 5 credits Virology
- 5 credits Parasitology

Objectives

The course provides basic knowledge in laboratory animal medicine and fulfils the Swedish Board of Agriculture's requirements for the training of persons performing animal experiments. The course also provides knowledge about diseases and health monitoring of the most important laboratory animals (rodent, rabbit, zebrafish, pig and non-human primates).

Upon completion of the course, the student shall be able to:

• explain the biology, physiology, diseases, disease models, ethical aspects and anaesthesia of the main laboratory animals (rodent, rabbit, zebrafish, pig and non-human primates)
• handle mice and rats, and explain the appropriate methods of blood sampling and drug administration
• perform autopsies and be familiar with the most common necropsy findings on mice, rats and rabbits
• explain the basic structure of an laboratory animal unit and its activities
• explain how housing, care and experimental methodology can affect laboratory animals and research results
• describe the duties of the laboratory animal veterinarian
• explain how pain, stress and welfare can be assessed in laboratory animals and select appropriate anaesthesia, pain relief and euthanasia for different types of laboratory animals and experiments
• explain the laws governing the use of animals for experimental purposes and discuss ethical concepts in relation to these laws
• explain how the 3Rs (Replace, Reduce and Refine) can be applied to the use of animals in research and what is meant by Culture of Care
• describe the approach to planning and ethical application for an animal experiment and outline existing alternatives to animal experimentation.

Content

The content of the course is guided by the Swedish Board of Agriculture's regulations and general guidelines on laboratory animals (L150), Chapter 6, § 13 of SJVFS 2017:40, which regards the training and competence of those who design animal experiments, perform animal experiments, manage laboratory animals and euthanise laboratory animals.

The course includes lectures, theoretical and practical group exercises, and facility visits. Group exercises include animal handling, blood sampling and substance administration techniques on mice and rats and necropsy on rodents and rabbits. An additional group exercise includes ethical discussions, and the creation and oral presentation of a poster on a timely laboratory animal medicine topic. All group exercises as well as all instruction in the regulatory-related components of the course are compulsory.

The course provides knowledge that contributes to the sustainable use of animals and animal materials in teaching and experimental contexts.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Additional information

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Responsible department

Department of Clinical Sciences