Entry requirements

Admitted to Master's programme at the Faculty of Medicine at Uppsala University.

Eligibility requires a project plan involving animal experiments to be approved by the course coordinator.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

Upon completion of the course, the student shall demonstrate:

• knowledge in biomedical science and advanced understanding within the specific area of the project
• insight into current research and development activities related to the field of the project
• methodological knowledge relevant to the project
• the ability to describe relevant legislation, regulatory frameworks, authorities, as well as the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) and ethical reasoning concerning the use of animals for scientific purposes
• the ability to explain the fundamental principles of behavior, husbandry, biology, and welfare of the animal species involved in the project
• the ability to theoretically describe minimally invasive procedures and methods for humane euthanasia in the animal species relevant to the project

Competence and skills

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

• compile, analyze, and evaluate knowledge, phenomena, and issues within the field of the project
• define the scope, plan, and carry out a project within a set timeframe using appropriate methods relevant to the project
• analyze and interpret obtained results and assess their relevance for drawing conclusions within an international research context
• clearly present and discuss the project and personal conclusions both orally and in writing, in relation to the underlying knowledge base
• demonstrate proficiency in handling, restraint, and related procedures, as well as perform euthanasia and dissection for the animal species relevant to the project

Judgement and approach

Upon completion of the course, the student shall demonstrate:

• the ability to critically evaluate relevant scientific, societal, and ethical aspects of research and development within the field of the project
• insight into the scientific possibilities and limitations within the area of the project, as well as its significance and potential risks for society and the individual
• the ability to identify the need for further knowledge within the field of the project
• an ethical and empathetic attitude toward animals used for scientific purposes

Content

Under supervision and to some extent independently, the student will carry out an individual project. The aim of the course is to provide broad, scientifically grounded theoretical and practical knowledge within the area of the project through:

• acquisition and understanding of relevant knowledge
• project planning
• implementation and application of appropriate methods
• practical work corresponding to the course's scope
• analysis and critical review of results
• evaluation of results and their significance
• reflection on societal and ethical perspectives
• discussion of future knowledge needs
• oral and written presentation

Students conducting the project participate in regular activities within an industry, government agency, or academic institution, and are expected to engage in the ongoing seminar activities of the respective research group.

The Laboratory Animal Science component is intended to provide fundamental theoretical knowledge and an introduction to practical work in the field of laboratory animal science. The training qualifies students, under supervision, to work with animals in research ("perform procedures" according to SJVFS 2019:9, L150, and Functions A, C, D in accordance with Directive 2010/63/EU).

The Laboratory Animal Science component includes instruction in legislation, regulations, and authorities relevant to the use of animals in research; the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement); application for ethical approval; housing, enrichment, animal welfare and diseases; species-specific biology and physiology; ethology; personal safety in work involving animals used for scientific purposes; species-specific handling; performance of minimally invasive procedures; euthanasia; dissection; and the preparation of records and ethograms.

Instruction

The teaching is primarily conducted within a research group, where the individual project is carried out under supervision and through participation in the activities of the research group.

The instruction in Laboratory Animal Science consists of a web-based theoretical component and a practical component, both adapted to the animal species relevant to the project.

Assessment

To pass the course, the following requirements must be fulfilled:

• approved written report of the project, structured as a scientific article
• approved oral presentation of the project
• passing results on all web-based tests in Laboratory Animal Science
• approved written examination on the theoretical component of Laboratory Animal Science
• approved practical examination on the practical component of Laboratory Animal Science

The assessment of each component is conducted by the supervisor, subject reviewer, and examiner. The final grade is based on the examiner's overall assessment of the individual course components.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the University's disability coordinator.