neu750 - Laboratory Animal Science

Neurosci. knowlg. Expt. methods + Independent research + Scient. literature Social skills
Interdiscipl. knowlg. Maths/Stats/Progr. Data present./disc. + Scientific English Ethics
Upon successful completion of this course, students

• know the relevant EU legislation governing animal welfare and are able to explain its meaning in common language
• understand and are able to critically discuss salient ethical concepts in animal experimentation, such as the three Rs and humane endpoint.
• have basic knowledge of the biology and husbandry of laboratory animal species held at the University of Oldenburg (rodents and birds)
• are able to critically assess the needs and welfare of animals without compromising scientific integrity of the investigation
• have practical skills in handling small rodents and birds
• have profound knowledge of anaesthesia, analgesia and basic principles of surgery.
• have practised invasive procedures and euthanasia.

NOTE: These objectives aim to satisfy the requirements for EU directive A „Persons carrying out
animal experiments“ and EU directive D „Persons killing animals” for rodents, birds and fish. We
aim to obtain accreditation by the Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science
Associations (FeLaSa) by mid-2017.

Background knowledge on:

• Legislation, ethics and the 3Rs
• Scientific integrity
• Data collection "
• Basic biology of rodents, birds and fish
• Husbandry, and nutrition of rodents, birds and fish
• Animal Welfare
• Health monitoring
• Pain and distress
• Euthanasia

Practical procedures will first be demonstrated, important aspects will then be practiced under
supervision by every partipant:

• Handling and external examination of mouse, gerbil, zebra finch, chicken, zebra fish
• Administration of substances, blood sampling
• Euthanasia and dissection
• Transcardial perfusion
• Anaesthesia and surgery

"LAS interactive" internet-based learning platform
Wolfensohn and Lloyd (2013) Handbook of Laboratory Animal Management and Welfare. Wiley-Blackwell

Course in the semester break
In addition to the exam, completion of an assignment is required to pass the module.
GV-SOLAS accreditation aimed for in 2016, FELASA in 2017

within 2 months of completing the course

Writtten exam of 90 min.