Welfare of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes course
A credit-bearing short course exploring the welfare of animals kept for scientific purposes from within the MSc International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law portfolio.
Welfare of Animals Used for Scientific Purposes
This course enables students to understand and appraise the impact of animals being used for scientific purposes and the international legal and ethical frameworks that determine their use.
- 20 credits
- Course leader: Dr Amanda Novak
- September start
Scientific purposes include testing, breeding for genetic modification, fundamental research, training and education. Ethical frameworks include an analysis for and against the use of animals for scientific purposes with students self-reflecting about your own position, based on the latest available scientific evidence.
For full course information, including learning outcomes, please visit the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study page.
The ethics and welfare of animals used in scientific research is an expanding topic of international concern. This course is aimed at working professionals who want to advance their knowledge of international animal welfare in a research context and improve their professional skills as animal welfarists. Students will gain knowledge of worldwide animal research legislation and practices, as well as methods to reduce animal use and improve animal welfare for animals in a research setting giving you the expertise to implement these methods in practice.
You will learn from your peers as well as from the lecturers. Students come from a variety of backgrounds, including veterinary science, zoology, biological science, pharmacology and animal/equine science, and from all over the world, including UK and Ireland, Europe, USA and Canada, South Africa and South America. Students can discuss their own experiences and challenges, as well as learn from others, and build lasting networks..
Highlights of the course:
- Taught by welfare experts from academia and industry who work internationally within their specialities. Specifically, you will have the opportunity to interact online with research veterinarians, animal welfare scientists, ethicists, supported by an enthusiastic teaching team.
- You will enjoy a variety of teaching and assessment methods on the programme - weekly live Q&A sessions, recorded lectures, discussion boards, live expert panel sessions, self-directed reading, and online assessments.
- You can build on this course with more credit-bearing short courses and towards a PGCert, PGDip or MSc.
- Students are provided with opportunities to carry out independent research.
The programme is intended for high calibre students with a biological background.
A UK 2:1 degree, or international equivalent, in the following would be advantageous:
-
Veterinary science
-
Biological sciences
-
Zoology
-
Animal/Equine Science
-
Pharmacology/Pharmacy
However, candidates with a relevant background and alternative qualifications may be accepted onto the programme, and are encouraged to contact us for further details. If you would like to discuss your eligibility, please contact the programme team at IAWEL@ed.ac.uk
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, we will also need to see evidence of your English language proficiency before we can offer you a place.
Applications must be made through the University's online postgraduate prospectus by following the link to apply to PG Professional Development in International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law (Online Learning)(ICL) - 1-2 years (Part-time Intermittent Study).
Once you have started your application to the degree within which the course sits, you will be asked to specify the course you are applying to.
If you have any questions or concerns throughout the PPD application process, please contact IAWEL@ed.ac.uk