DYR202 Laboratory Animal Science

The course laboratory animal science will give the students basic knowledge about the use of animals in research, and increased understanding of ethical issues and the legislation related to laboratory animals. Further, the course will give insight into how research with laboratory animals is planned and implemented in the best possible way.

Total 5 weeks (3 weeks theory + exam + 2 weeks practical training in 2nd semester). The course is approved when both the theoretical and practical part of the course are approved.

After completing the course, the students should:

• Have knowledge about the legislation within the field.
• Be able to explain general ethical aspects and animal welfare issues related to research in laboratory animals.
• Understand the principle of "the three Rs" (reduce, refine, replace).
• Have knowledge about the main criteria needed to apply and get permission to perform animal experiments.
• Be able to explain the biology, housing and feeding of laboratory animals.
• Have knowledge about genetical qualities, and related advantages/disadvantages.
• Be able to explain the labeling methods recommended for the different species.
• Be able to explain environmental factors that are important for animal welfare and standardization of experiments.
• Understand the main principles that support the choice of method for handling, injections and blood sampling of laboratory animals.
• Understand the main human health risks related to working with laboratory animals and how we can minimize these risks.
• Have knowledge about specific conditions that apply to production animals and wild animals in a research setting.
• Have knowledge about which methods/preparations are used for anesthesia and analgesia in laboratory animals.
• Be able to explain which methods are used/recommended for humane euthanasia of laboratory animals.
• Know about how we can assess pain in laboratory animals and how humane endpoints are determined.
• Have knowledge about the main infectious diseases that can occur in laboratory animals.
• Understand how health monitoring is carried out and why this is important for ensuring the quality of the experiments.
• Have knowledge about alternative methods for research in laboratory animals that exsist and those that are being developed.
• Know about what quality assurance systems and regulations for internal control that apply to a laboratory animal facility.
• Know about possibilities and tasks related to accreditation.
• Know about how the Norwegian Food Authorities and the laboratory animal environments interact and how animal welfare organizations excert influence.

After the practical part the students should be able to:

• Perform clinical examination, handling, fixation and specific techniques (methods for injection, blood sampling and euthanazia) on laboratory animals according to the manual for practical training.
• Know routines for husbandry, care, hygiene and health security and environment (HSE) in a laboratory animal facility.

DYR202 will help the students acquire the skills and knowledge described in the following ACOVENE Competences from ACOVENEs Dossier of European Competences for the Veterinary Nurse :

• EC 1 Health and safety
• EC 4 Manage clinical environments for procedures and investigations
• EC 6 Provide and administer nursing care
• EC 8 Perform Laboratory Diagnostic Tests
• EC 12 Assist in the provision of anaesthetics to animals
• EC 13 Dispense and administer medication