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180.618.11
Law and Laboratory Animals: Statutes, Regulations and Policies

Course Status
Cancelled

Location
East Baltimore
Term
Summer Institute
Department
Environmental Health and Engineering
Credit(s)
3
Academic Year
2019 - 2020
Instruction Method
TBD
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Description
Evidence-based research is fundamental for designing and supporting effective public health interventions, and laboratory animals are used routinely in studies to support these interventions. For example, studies with animals are important in drug development, toxicity testing and safety evaluations.
Examines the laws, regulations and policies that govern the relationship between biomedical institutions, laboratory researchers and animals that have developed over the past half-century. Focuses on the systems of governmental and self-regulation that are at the heart of the U.S. (and international) efforts to address ethical and societally beneficial laboratory animal use. Explores the ethical foundations of these laws and discusses the relationship between scientists, animals and society. Includes both in-person and online lectures by research scientists, veterinarians, and professionals who are experts in humane science. Features class discussions and case studies.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  1. Describe the statutes, regulations and policies that cover animals used in research, including the Animal Welfare Act, the Public Health Service Act and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals
  2. Analyze the concept of humane science and the importance of humane science in the scientific research that underlies many public health interventions
  3. Explain the concepts of the “3Rs” (refinement, reduction and replacement), and describe their incorporation into U.S. federal laws, regulations and policies and EU directives and regulations
  4. Evaluate key ethical principles underlying the system that governs animals in research and critique their use in laws, regulations and policies
  5. Describe the perspective of the stakeholders – animal advocates, researchers, members of the public – and how these are incorporated into humane science laws, regulations and policies
  6. Assess the system of self-regulation that governs the use of animals in research, with particular emphasis on Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs)
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
  • 40% Homework
  • 20% Participation
  • 40% Final Exam