Caloni F. Course on alternative methods to animal use in toxicology in the veterinary faculty of Milan [abstract]. ALTEX. 2011;28(Special Issue):214. Abstract 113.


Abstract

In Italy the Three Rs, even if experiencing growing demand and starting to interest students, is a topic included only occasionally in the education of life science undergraduates. If existing, it is restricted to ad hoc lessons and rarely included in institutionalized post-graduate or continuing education courses. Even rarer are Three Rs focused courses at the university level in professional degree programs. In the first semester of the 2010-2011 academic year, a mandatory course entitled Alternative Methods for Animal Use in Toxicology was established as part of the curriculum of the two-year Masters Program in Veterinary Biotechnology Sciences, organized by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Milan. It is a 6-credit course totalling 48 hours, 24 theoretical and 24 practical. The aim of the course is to teach the Three Rs by giving a critical methodological view of the use of alternative methods in toxicology, helping students to gain a better understanding of the Three Rs concept, thus educating and training people able to work with the Three Rs in toxicology. This pilot course covers different aspects of the Three Rs, ranging from a general introduction to the illustration of new and innovative techniques that support the Three Rs in toxicological research. It includes hands-on training and an informational website exclusively dedicated to this topic. Very positive feedback has been received from the students about this initiative.



Author's contacts: francesca.caloni@unimi.it



Link to journal: ALTEX - Alternatives to Animal Experimentation