Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Alternative Models to Animal Experimentation
Alternative Models to Animal Experimentation
5
14275
4
First semester
op
MENTION IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH
Main language of instruction: Catalan
Other languages of instruction: English, Spanish,
Other languages of instruction: English, Spanish,
Introduction
For many centuries, humans have used animals for scientific knowledge and thanks to these animals much progress has been made in the development of therapies, surgeries, etc. However, it is currently known that not all results observed in animals correlate with a posteriori behavior in humans and therefore their use has been questioned. In addition, although some statistics point to a decrease in the number of animals used in research, the reality is that many animals are still used and even the use of genetically modified animals is increasing. In 2010, the European Commission approved a new directive on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. This directive is known as the principle of the 3 Rs: Replace, Reduce and Refine. In this context, it is essential to provide training on alternative models to animal experimentation that our students will be able to use in their future. It will try to explain the different options, their uses and particularities and in which cases it is beneficial to use each one according to the scientific question that is tried to answer.
Pre-course requirements
In order to enroll in this elective, it is recommended to have passed: Molecular biology Genetics Genetic engineering and experimental models
Objectives
Understand the current situation of the use of animal models for experimentation. Study and apply in practical cases the principle of the 3Rs. Know the current alternative models, their benefits and use cases. Work on a hypothetical project and propose an alternative model to animal experimentation.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
CB1: That students have demonstrated to possess and understand knowledge in an area of study that starts from the base of general secondary education, and is usually found at a level that, although supported by advanced textbooks, also includes some aspects involving knowledge from the cutting edge of your field of study CB3: That students have the ability to gather and interpret relevant data (usually within their study area) to make judgments that include a reflection on relevant issues of a social, scientific or ethical nature CB4: That students can transmit information, ideas, problems and solutions to both specialized and non-specialized audiences CB5: That students have developed those learning skills necessary to undertake further studies with a high degree of autonomy CG7: Integrate the basic concepts related to the field of biomedicine both at a theoretical and experimental level. CG10: Design, write and execute projects related to the area of Biomedical Sciences CG11: Recognize basic concepts from different fields related to biomedical sciences.
CT1 Develop the capacity for organization and planning appropriate to the moment. CT2 Develop the ability to solve problems. CT3 Develop the capacity for analysis and synthesis. CT4 Interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements. CT5 Use the internet as a means of communication and as a source of information. CT6 Know how to communicate, make presentations and write scientific papers. CT7 Be able to work in a team. CT8 Reasoning and evaluating the situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view. CT9 Have the ability to develop skills in interpersonal relationships. CT10 Be able to carry out autonomous learning. CT11 Apply theoretical knowledge to practice. CT12 Apply the scientific method. CT13 Recognize the general and specific aspects related to the field of nutrition and aging. CT14 Respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values of a culture of peace and democratic values. CE19: Recognize the principles of biomedical sciences related to health and learn to work in any field of Biomedical Sciences (biomedical company, bioinformatics laboratories, research laboratories, clinical analysis company, etc.
CT1 Develop the capacity for organization and planning appropriate to the moment. CT2 Develop the ability to solve problems. CT3 Develop the capacity for analysis and synthesis. CT4 Interpret experimental results and identify consistent and inconsistent elements. CT5 Use the internet as a means of communication and as a source of information. CT6 Know how to communicate, make presentations and write scientific papers. CT7 Be able to work in a team. CT8 Reasoning and evaluating the situations and results from a critical and constructive point of view. CT9 Have the ability to develop skills in interpersonal relationships. CT10 Be able to carry out autonomous learning. CT11 Apply theoretical knowledge to practice. CT12 Apply the scientific method. CT13 Recognize the general and specific aspects related to the field of nutrition and aging. CT14 Respect the fundamental rights of equality between men and women, and the promotion of human rights and the values of a culture of peace and democratic values. CE19: Recognize the principles of biomedical sciences related to health and learn to work in any field of Biomedical Sciences (biomedical company, bioinformatics laboratories, research laboratories, clinical analysis company, etc.
Learning outcomes of the subject
Student: • Has the ability to work in the field of biomedical research. • Applies the tools that allow from the correct choice and interpretation of the bibliography to an adequate integration and participation in the activities of a research group. • Knows and appropriately uses the scientific, technical or specific vocabulary, as well as the specific bibliography of the group or company receiving the external internships. • Demonstrates autonomy in the research laboratory and appropriately uses vocabulary, tests, reagents and other resources of the work environment. • Demonstrates autonomy and critical sense in the interpretation of information. • Understands the bases for planning, organizing and controlling the workload assigned to him. • Develops a professional attitude appropriate to the work environ
Syllabus
Topic 1. Current situation of animal models: inconsistencies in the translation of results to humans. Unit 2. Principle of the 3 Rs. Unit 3. Introduction to alternative non-animal models. Unit 4. Introduction to alternative synthetic or in vitro models. Topic 5. Practical case: what alternative model would you us
Teaching and learning activities
In person
• Lectures: 50-minute presentation of a theoretical topic by the teacher. Visual support in PowerPoint format is used to accompany the explanations. • Clinical cases or case methods (CM): Approach to a real or imaginary situation. Students work on the questions formulated in small groups or in active interaction with the teacher and the answers are discussed. The teacher intervenes actively and, if necessary, contributes new knowledge. In these classes, content that deepens the topics covered in master classes or new topics can be treated. The MCs have the same importance and the same weight of questions in the final exam. • Virtual Education (EV): Online material located on the Moodle platform that the student can consult from any computer, at any time and that will contribute to self-learning of concepts related to the subject. The virtual material is part of the content of the subject and will be evaluated in the final exam.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
Students in first call: Midterm exam: 20% Case method resolution: 15% Laboratory practice exam: 10% Final exam: 55% The teaching staff reserves up to 10% of the grade to be awarded for subjective arguments such as: involvement, participation, respect for basic rules, etc. 2) Students in second call: same criteria as in the first call. 3) Repeating students: the grade of the continuous assessment (participation, case methods, practices) will be saved, although whenever they wish, students will be able to repeat class attendance and obtain a new grade. The grade for the partial will not be saved.
General points to keep in mind about the evaluation system: 1) In the final exam, a minimum grade of 5 must be obtained to be able to make an average with the continuous assessment marks (case methods, attitude and partial). The exams will be multiple choice with 4 answer options, counting +1 for correct answers and -0.25 for errors. 2) Both class participation and laboratory practices will be evaluated by short multiple choice tests. 3) 10% of the questions in the exams could be about concepts that have not been explained directly in the classroom but that are present in the recommended bibliography as well as in discussed articles, press or recommended virtual material. 4) Class attendance: Regular attendance at classes in theory and case methods is recommended. Attendance at the master classes is not compulsory, but the assistants will have to be governed by the norms indicated by the professors. The expulsion of a student from a master class or case method will have a negative impact on ongoing evaluations. Attendance to case methods is optional. The cases evaluated will be averaged proportionally. Attendance at practices is compulsory and students must attend in the assigned groups. The expulsion of a student from the laboratory classroom will mean the automatic suspension of the subject. 5) In the granting of the Honors, among the candidates, special consideration will be given to their participation and involvement in the different methodologies of the subject, as well as respect for the basic rules. 6) The improper use of electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets or laptops can lead to expulsion from class. Misuse is understood to be the recording and dissemination of both the students or teachers during the different lessons as well as the use of these devices for recreational and non-educational purposes.