Course on Laboratory Animal Science 

Lectures, practical work, demonstrations, individual and group assignments. Several (external) guest lecturers will appear.

The course is only open for students who have at least 500 study hours in basic biology. At least 200 study hours anatomy/zoology and 200 study hours animal physiology should be part of this 500 study hours in basic biology.

For MLW students this means:

- part of the first year biology course "Ontwikkeling en evolutie in de bouwplannen van dieren" (BP004B). For detailed information contact the coordinator of this course: dr. F. van Herp ()
- one or both of the following courses from the bachelor biology: "Endocrinologie" (BB048B) or "Adaptatiefysiologie" (BB020B)
- one or both of the following capita selecta from the master of biology "Endocrinology" (BM048B) or "Adaptation Physiology" (BM010B)

The course has the aim to gain knowledge and insight into the design of an animal experiment in a scientific and ethically justified manner, taken into account that alternatives (refinement, reduction, replacement) are not possible.
 
The program of the course on laboratory animal science comprises the requirements cited in article 9 of the Wet op de dierproeven (Experiments on Animals Act) and the (European) FELASA category C demands. The certificate of completion of the course together with an academic degree in biomedical science will lead to a legal recognition to design animal experiments in the Netherlands.

The objective of the course an laboratory animal science is to present basic facts and principles that are essential for the humane use and care of laboratory animals and for the quality of research.
 
The course will focus on:
the responsible and appropriate use of animals in scientific experiments in which alternatives (refinement, reduction, replacement) play an essential role.

The student:
* will be able to make an ethical argumentation whether the use of laboratory animals in a specific experiment is acceptable (the benefits outweigh the expected adverse effects)

* has insight into the consequences of the animal experiment on the welfare/distress of the laboratory animal and how to effectively tackle this

* will form a critical attitude towards the use of animals in scientific research

* will be able to design an appropriate animal experiment which meets the legal requirements and scientific demands (statistics for example)

* has insight into the possibilities for alternative methods (reduction, refinement and replacement).

The examination is based on a written exam and the evaluation of the groupwork (design of an animal experiment; critical analysis of an article).

* Textbook in Dutch: L.F.M. van Zutphen, V. Baumans en A.C. Beynen (Eds.), 2003. Handboek Proefdierkunde; proefdieren, dierproeven, alternatieven en ethiek. Elsevier gezondheidszorg, Maarssen. Vierde (niet herziene) druk. ISBN 9789035226159.

* Textbook in English: L.F.M. van Zutphen, V. Baumans and A.C. Beynen (Eds.) (2001). Principles of Laboratory Animal Science. A Contribution to the humane use and care of animals and to the quality of experimental results. Elsevier, Maarssen, Second (Revised) Edition. ISBN 13: 978-0-444-50612-2.

The course is not an obligatory part of the study Biology.  

The course on Laboratory Animal Science is organised by the Central Animal Laboratory (http://www.umcn.nl/cdl) The course is lectured in English.

The course is scheduled for:

- September 7th - 25th, 2009
- October 26th - November 9th, 2009
- January 4th - 18th, 2010
- March 1th - 15th, 2010