Laboratory Animals and Exotic Pets

After sucessfully completed the course, the student is expected to posess the following knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

• Knows about legal regulations, procesess and supervisory regimes that apply when using laboratory animals
• Knows the standards of good animal welfare in laboratory animals
• Knows the concept of "the three R's" and the alternatives to the use of laboratory animals
• Knows about potential occupational hazards and health risks of working in laboratory animal units, and how to minimize these
• Knows techniques for handling, sampling, anesthesia, analgesia and euthanizing different species of 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 husbandry, housing and 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 laboratory animals in research and education
• Is able to find relevant scientific sources, and use these to inform and explain issues and different topics regarding laboratory animals or exotics
• Can take necessary precautions to reduce occupational health risks in laboratory animal units

General competence:

• Has insight into different aspects of 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 communicate knowledge of laboratory animals and exotics both in writting and orally