The student:

1. is familiar with legislation concerning the use of laboratory animals.
2. knows about basic principles, which guide towards the ethical judgement of animal experiments.
3. has knowledge of the major anatomical and physiological characteristics of the commonly used laboratory animal species, with respect to the choice of the proper animal model.
4. has knowledge of the requirements of laboratory animals with respect to housing, nutrition and care. Knows about safety aspects and occupational health when working with laboratory animals. has knowledge of the importance of hygienic measures and barrier systems.
5. possesses the necessary knowledge for responsible animal handling and also obtained some practical experience in this respect; has taken note of the different methods for the collection of body fluids.
6. has knowledge of the impact of diseases in laboratory animals on the experimental approach and knows about possible health monitoring.
7. possesses the knowledge to recognise pain as well as discomfort in laboratory animals and to define humane endpoints.
8. has knowledge of the most important methods of anaesthesia, analgesia and euthanasia, which can be used in various laboratory animal species.
9. possesses the knowledge to define and apply humane endpoints.
10. has insight into the possibilities and limitations of alternative techniques.
11. knows the possibilities that statistics offer to optimise the use of laboratory animals. Knows about the specific demands that are necessary for a correct preparation and performance of animal experimental techniques and research. Has knowledge of the possible impact of environmental and procedural factors on experimental results. Has knowledge on information systems to search for alternatives; has knowledge on methods of synthesis of evidence like systematic reviews and meta-analysis.
12. has taken note of the different methods for the collection of body fluids. Has taken note of a number of other frequently used experimental techniques (amongst others cannulation, insertion of catheters).
13. Specific knowledge for mice and rats on items:
    • has knowledge of the anatomical and physiological characteristics of mice and rats with respect to the choice of the proper animal model.
    • has knowledge of the requirements of mice and rats with respect to housing, nutrition and care.
    • possesses the necessary knowledge for responsible handling of mice and rats and also obtained some practical experience in this respect; has taken note of the different methods for the collection of body fluids.
    • possesses the knowledge to recognise pain as well as discomfort in mice and rats
    • has knowledge of the most important methods of anaesthesia, analgesia and euthanasia, which can be used in mice and rats.
    • possesses the knowledge to define and apply humane endpoints in mice and rats.
    • has taken note of the different methods for the collection of body fluids from mice and rats. Has taken note of a number of other frequently used experimental techniques (amongst others cannulation, insertion of catheters) in mice and rats.

Learning outcomes in accordance with the EC Training and Education document relating to Directive EU/2010/63, http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/lab_animals/pdf/Endorsed_E-T.pdf

The objective of the course on laboratory animal science is to present basic facts and principles that are essential for the humane use and care of laboratory animals and for the quality of research. The course will focus on the responsible and appropriate use of animals in scientific experiments in which alternatives (refinement, reduction, replacement) play an essential role. The course has the aim to gain knowledge and insight into the design of an animal experiment in a scientific and ethically justified manner, taken into account the 3Rs principles.

The program of the course on laboratory animal science comprises the requirements of the Dutch 'Wet op de dierproeven' (Experiments on Animals Act).  The Laboratory Animal Science course includes an introductory course as well as a species-specific course on mice and rats. The certificate of completion of the course together with an academic master degree in biomedical sciences will lead to a legal recognition to design animal experiments in the Netherlands. The Laboratory Animal Science course referred to in annex 6 belonging to Article 5 of the Ministerial Order on Animal Experiments 2014 (Dierproevenregeling 2014), and meets the requirements referred to in article 23.2(b) and annex V belonging to article 23.3 of directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes (22 September 2010) of the European Parliament and of the Council.