ANIMAL MODELS AND TECHNIQUES IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH
- Overview
- Assessment methods
- Learning objectives
- Contents
- Full programme
- Bibliography
- Delivery method
- Teaching methods
- Contacts/Info
Although there are no prerequisites in order to successfully face the course, notions of animal biology are recommended
A written test (essay-based) will be administered at the end of the course. It will be based on 3 open questions concerning different topics covered during the lessons and present in the program.
The outcome of the exam will be expressed in thirtieths. The test is considered passed with a score of at least 18/30. The criteria used to verify the knowledge and skills acquired are the degree of in-depth study of the subject matter of the question, the critical ability to connect and elaborate the knowledge acquired, the clarity of the concepts presented, and the properties of the terminology used. Top marks (greater than 28/30), and possibly honors, will be awarded to students who have smartly presented the journal club talks, actively participated in them and in discussions during the course and have demonstrated practical skills ascertained directly during the hours of laboratory activity.
The teaching activity aims to provide the essential bases on Laboratory Animal Science and the problems related to animal experimentation as well as alternative ways to use experimental animals in biomedical research. The main objective is to provide solid preparation for understanding the legislation that regulates animal experimentation in Italy, how an experimental protocol is conducted safeguarding the well-being of the experimental animal and the different experimental methodologies that can be used for the study and treatment of various pathologies affecting both man and animal. The basic notions on the morphological and functional organization, on the methods of development and breeding of model animal organisms used in biological experimentation will be also provided.
This knowledge completes the training of a graduate in Biomedical Sciences with solid and up-to-date skills in the fundamental sectors of life sciences, also based on the use of animal models both in the basic research and in health fields.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student is capable of:
1. describing problems related to animal experimentation as well as alternative ways to use experimental animals in biomedical research;
2. applying the 3R rules: (3Rs Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) with a focus on alternative methods;
3. discussing the general foundations of the morphological organization, the vital, the reproductive functions, and the biological cycles of the animals mainly used in laboratory;
4. describing the invertebrate and vertebrate animals currently used as a model in experimentation, their main applications and the rules that constrain their use
5. developing an independent judgment regarding the correct planning of experiments involving animals;
6. finding information on the web on experimental procedures and alternative methods;
7. discussing current opinions relating to animal experimentation.
The course will be subdivided in two parts:
Lectures (3 CFU-24 hours) concerning the following topics:
1. Historical aspects of animal modelling
2. Ethical and regulatory considerations (restrictive laws regulating the number and type of animal species used for scientific purposes and the use of alternative models in biological research);
3. 3R rules: Replacement, Reduction, Refinement
4. Definition of animal models and their importance in biomedical research
5. Animal species used in the experimentation
6. A practical understanding of the choice, care and use of animal models (the use of a model organism in biomedical research depends on the biological or biomedical problem of interest)
7. Description of some mammalian models in biomedical research (Rodents—rats, mice, guinea pigs, and hamsters are most used because their small size and because they can be bred readily in captivity)
8. Biology of the main species of alternative animal models
9. Alternative methods based on nonmammalian vertebrates and invertebrate (attention is addressed to the lower species that have brought significant hints of novelty in research relating to numerous human diseases).
10. Evaluation of practical applications in the scientific literature
Practical activities (1 CFU-12 hours)
The laboratory module will motivate students and improve their knowledge. The major microscopy techniques in biomedical sciences will be used to prepare and to analyze samples from molecules to cells and tissues.
Lectures:
1. Historical aspects of animal modelling
2. Ethical and regulatory considerations (restrictive laws regulating the number and type of animal species used for scientific purposes and the use of alternative models in biological research);
3. 3R rules: Replacement, Reduction, Refinement
4. Definition of animal models and their importance in biomedical research
5. Animal species used in the experimentation
6. A practical understanding of the choice, care and use of animal models (the use of a model organism in biomedical research depends on the biological or biomedical problem of interest)
7. Description of some mammalian models in biomedical research (Rodents—rats, mice, guinea pigs, and hamsters are most used because their small size and because they can be bred readily in captivity)
8. Biology of the main species of alternative animal models
9. Alternative methods based on nonmammalian vertebrates and invertebrate (attention is addressed to the lower species that have brought significant hints of novelty in research relating to numerous human diseases).
10. Evaluation of practical applications in the scientific literature
Practical activities (1 CFU-12 hours)
The major microscopy techniques (optical, electronand fluorescence microscopy) will be used to prepare and to analyze samples from molecules to cells and tissues.
The material shown in the classroom will be made available on the e-learning platform.
In addition, students must complete the preparation using the scientific literature proposed by the teacher.
The teaching activity includes lectures and laboratory experiences.
• Frontal lectures in the classroom will be carried out with the help of slides in power point presentations and videos.
• The practical activity in the laboratory will be presented both on the first day of the lessons and during the course, with many reminders during the lectures. The experiences are designed to acquire the basic microscopic techniques.
The teacher is available for meetings with students for further information or clarification of the topics covered, by appointment via e-mail (annalisa.grimaldi@uninsubria.it).