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Laboratory Animal Science

Utrecht University
1 Week
1.5 ECTS
Tuition fees

Aim of the course

Imparting a critical and analytical attitude towards the scientific knowledge related to Laboratory Animal Science. We will cover topics such as ethics, animal welfare, the 3Rs, legislation, standardization of animal experiments (genetic, microbiological), husbandry, design of animal experiments and statistics, and discuss proper reporting of animal experiments. This course also includes a practical session where students can get to know some of the most used laboratory animal species (rats, mice, guinea pigs and rabbits) and handle them.

NOTE: this course does not lead to the certification required for a license to work with laboratory animals.

The course includes the following topics:

  • Ethical aspects of animal experimentation
  • The 3Rs and replacement of animal experiments
  • Legislation
  • Welfare
  • Biology and husbandry of laboratory animals
  • Diseases of laboratory animals and microbiological standardization
  • Genetic standardization in laboratory animals
  • Experimental design and statistics, reporting of animal experiments
  • Handling of common laboratory animal species (rats, mice, guinea pigs and rabbits)

The course is offered as a block program. During the course, lectures and hands-on workshops alternate with demonstrations, videos and discussions. The multidisciplinary nature of the course requires the participation of lecturers from several disciplines. Specialists of other departments (e.g. pathology; legislation; alternatives) participate as lecturers. The staff is encouraged to prepare problem-based learning programs and to organize workshops for the discussion of these topics. The hands-on workshops deal with proper handling and restraining techniques for the common laboratory animal species.

The theoretical part of the course is covered by a multi-author textbook: L.F.M. van Zutphen, V. Baumans and A.C. Beynen (eds.), Principles of Laboratory Animal Science: A contribution to the humane use and care of animals and the quality of experimental results, Elsevier Science Publishers, Amsterdam. This book will be available during the course. In addition, videos and interactive computer-based learning programs are being used to replace live animals.

Participants, who successfully passed the course:

  • know about the basic principles behind the ethical judgement of animal experiments;
  • are familiar with legislation concerning the use of laboratory animals;
  • have knowledge of the impact of diseases in laboratory animals on the experimental approach and knows about possible health monitoring and microbiological standardization;
  • know about safety aspects and occupational health when working with laboratory animals;
  • have knowledge of the possible impact of genetic, environmental and procedural factors on experimental results;
  • know about the specific demands that are necessary for a correct preparation and performance of animal experiments;
  • know the possibilities that statistics can offer to optimize the use of laboratory animals;
  • know about the possibilities and limitations of alternative techniques;
  • know about the ARRIVE guidelines: Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments and how they can be used to improve the reporting of animal experiments (and critically analyze published articles describing animal experiments);
  • possess the necessary knowledge for responsible animal handling, refinement opportunities, and also obtained some practical experience in this respect.

Coordinator: Dr. Esther Langen

Lecturers

Teachers from Utrecht University, Veterinary Medicine

Teachers from the Animal Welfare Body Utrecht

Teachers from The Dutch Society for the Replacement of Animal Testing (Stichting Proefdiervrij)

Teachers from the Central Laboratory Animal Research Facility

Examination

The course will be concluded by a written (online) exam in the week after the lectures.

Please note that the course can be cancelled up to one month before its starting date, when the number of applications is below the minimum required. For general inquiries please contact the PET Office.

Please note that the course can be cancelled up to one month before its starting date, when the number of applications is below the minimum required. For general inquiries please contact the PET Office.

Legal and Regulatory Toxicology
Immunotoxicology