General provisions

The course is given as elective course within the Master programmes in Biomedicine, Biology, Molecular Medicine, Infection Biology, Molecular Biotechnology, and Pharmacy.

Entry requirements

Admitted to Master programme at Uppsala University alternative 180 credits within the Pharmacy programme at Uppsala University. A certificate from the director of studies, showing that a project supervisor is available and that a project plan that includes in vivo experiments has been approved, is required for entry to the course.

Learning outcomes

Experience in professional skills relevant to the educational field. Basic theoretical knowledge of, and practical skills in, the subject area of laboratory animal science. Completion of the course fulfils entry requirements for degree projects on working with laboratory animals;

On completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to:

• carry out a general and relevant literature review in the relevant subject area;
• define, plan and carry out a practical training project within time and resource limitations;
• convey knowledge of laws, regulations and public authorities of significance for laboratory animal experimentation and prepare an ethical application for animal testing;
• identify and analyse ethical problems in connection with vivisections;
• master the theory and practice of experimental methods relevant to the relevant project and be able to motivate the choice of method;
• display proficiency in handling of rats and mice, simple invasive technologies for administration of substances and sampling, and assessment of risk in connection with work with laboratory animals;
• describe welfare, diseases and health factors of laboratory animals;
• describe the use of laboratory animals within drug development;
• be able to analyse and interpret results and assess relevance for conclusions;
• using appropriate language, give a presentation, in writing and/or orally, of a practical project.

Content

The student participates in regular activities within industry, government agencies or university departments. Under supervision, the student should, under inspection or independently, participate in work that is relevant to his or her studies.

Laws, regulations and public authorities of significance for laboratory animal experimentation, prepare ethical applications for animal testing, the welfare and diseases of laboratory animals, comparative biology, plan and carry out experiments, safety in connection with work with laboratory animals, choice of laboratory animal and alternatives to laboratory animals, handling of rats and mice, administration of substances, sampling, different experimental animal and behavioural models, and the use of laboratory animals in drug development.

Instruction

Teaching is given through individual supervision at the workplace and through Internet based teaching (virtual learning), laboratory sessions, problem-oriented group assignments and seminars. Access to a computer, Internet and e-mail is required.

Assessment

A pass grade requires passed results for all compulsory elements of the course, a pass in the final examination, and written and/or oral presentation of the practical project.