Protecting animal welfare in scientific research (2314)

Assoc. prof.dr. sc. Ranko Stojković, ZN. adviser

Department of Molecular Medicine
Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb

Understand the need and ways to protect experimental animals and their well-being during the planning and conduct of experiments performed on animal models.

Ethical and scientific issues of the use of experimental animals, Alternatives to the use of experimental animals, Responsibility for conducting experiments, Pain and suffering in experimental animals, Use of anesthetics, analgesics, tranquilizers and neuromuscular blockers in ensuring the welfare of experimental animals. Performing surgical procedures and pre and postoperative care of experimental animals, Euthanasia of experimental animals, Placement and care of experimental animals, Selection of animal models, planning and conduct of experiments, EU and Republic of Croatia legislation related to the use and protection of animals in research. Development of a experimental protocol for working with experimental animals; Alternatives to the use of laboratory animals through critical analysis of a scientific article in the field of laboratory animal science (Journal club). Finding and using WEB sources in animal welfare protection, Visiting the animal unit of the Rudjer Boskovic Institute and practical presentation of certain procedures.

1. Support the basic ethical and scientific settings of conducting animal experiments as well as responsibility for conducting experiments.
2. Choose ways to manage/control pain and stress in experimental animals during the conduct of the experiment.
3. Apply the basic settings for the placement and care of experimental animals, the "3R" concept and the basic settings for ensuring the welfare of experimental animals at all stages of the experiment.
4. Design and conduct experiments based on animal models, taking into account the welfare of experimental animals in order to ensure that valid scientific knowledge based on the use of animal models is obtained.

Students are obliged to attend classes, and prepare and exhibit seminar work

• Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals: Eighth Edition, 2011
• W.M.S. Russell and R.L. Burch The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique
• Collection of laws and regulations regulating the use of experimental animals and the protection of their welfare in the EU and the Republic of Croatia. The COST Manual of Laboratory Animal Care and Use -Refinement, Reduction, and Research
• All necessary mandatory literature will be received by the participants from the subject manager during the courses through the clouds.

The latest scientific and review papers in the field of science and protection of experimental animals.
All the necessary additional literature will be received by the participants from the subject manager during the course through the cloud.

The success of the course will be evaluated annually by the joint expert committee of the Ruđer Boskovic Institute, the University of Dubrovnik and the University of Josip Juraj Strossmayer in Osijek based on exam success and surveys.