Description
The goal of this course is to provide the student with enough knowledge concerning the use of laboratory animals, to be legally allowed to function as responsible for animal experiments. The student should about the specificities of different animal species, e.g. concerning morphology, physiology, requirements for nutrition, etc
This course is legally imposed by the Belgian Royal Decree of 29 May 2013, for professionals working with lab animals.
The student should acknowledge the advantages and disadvantages of animal use and learn to optimize laboratory animal welfare, especially focusing on the 3 R’s: Replacement, Reduction and Refinement of lab animal experiments. The student also acquires knowledge on legal implications and possible alternatives for laboratory animal use.
This course equals 80h of classes + practicals and is intended to obtain the certificate for persons directing animal experiments.
The aim is that you follow the video lectures (supported by the handouts and possibly a written syllabus) of all topics. In addition, you are expected to follow a half-day practical session, in which you will have to set up a trial and write an ethical committee application.
After studying the course and following the practical session, you will be given the chance to sit the examination. This examination will consist of a combination of multiple choice questions and essay-type questions.
The aim is to have 3 practical sessions and examination sessions per year. These dates will be communicated well in advance in the "announcements" section of this online course (anticipate on March, June and Nov/Dec every year).
