Current active subject description (last updated 2020/21)
Laboratory Animals and Exotic Pets
BI243F
Current active subject description (last updated 2020/21)
Laboratory Animals and Exotic Pets
BI243F
The course introduces the students to different aspects of research animals and animal research: Historical perspectives, the use of research animals today in Norway and internationally, the legal regulations, and ethical and animal welfare issues regarding use of research animals. The course give an introduction to the biology of common laboratory animals like mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits, and exotic pets like gerbil, degu, chinchilla, ferret, cage birds and reptiles. Housing, handling and common medical conditions in laboratory animals and exotic pets are included.
After sucessfully completed the course, the student is expected to posess the following knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge:
- Knows about legal regulations, application procedures and supervisory regimes regarding use of laboratory animals
- Knows the standards of animal welfare in laboratory animals
- Knows the concept of "the three R's" and alternatives to the use of laboratory animals
- Knows about potential occupational hazards in laboratory animal units, and how to minimize these hazards
- Knows techniques for handling, sampling, anesthesia, analgesia and euthanizing laboratory animals
- Has knowledge about the biology of laboratory animals (mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs and rabbits) and exotic pets (gerbils, degus, chinchillas, ferrets, cage birds and reptiles), and have knowledge about handling, housing and about common medical conditions in these animals
Skills:
- Is able to suggest or discuss measures for improved animal welfare in the keeping and use of laboratory animals
- Is able to suggest and discuss alternatives to the use of laboratory animals in research and education
- Is able to find relevant sources, and use them to inform customers or colleagues about issues about laboratory animals or reptile pets
- Can take necessary precautions to reduce occupational health risks in laboratory animal units
General competence:
- Has insight into the use of animals in research and education
- Has factual knowledge as a base for ethical reflection upon the use of animals in research and education
- Is able to mediate knowledge about laboratory animals and reptiles both written and orally
No tuition fees. Costs for semester registration and course literature apply.
Compulsory for Bachelor in veterinary Nursing.
Lectures, assignment and seminar.
Evaluation using mid-term and final surveys. Students are also encouraged to participate in the central quality surveys.
Compound assessement, grading scale Letter grades
- Compulsory participation in seminars and practical exercises , comprises 0/100 of the grade, grading scale Approved/ Not approved.
- Assessment task - submission and presentation of assignment , comprises 0/100 of the grade, grading scale Approved/ Not approved.
- Written examination, 3 hours, comprises 100/100 of the grade, grading scale Letter grades.
Generating an answer using ChatGPT or similar artificial intelligence and submitting it wholly or partially as one's own answer is considered cheating.
Pen, ruler and up to 2 bilingual dictionaries.
Generating an answer using ChatGPT or similar artificial intelligence and submitting it wholly or partially as one's own answer is considered cheating.