Preclinical in Vivo Models in Research and Drug Development

The course aims to introduce students to animal models used to study the different functions within the CNS, PNS, the cardiovascular system and in drug development. The course is divided into a pharmacology part consisting of lectures, demonstrations, in-depth work and group presentation, as well as an EBM part consisting of a web-course and practical sessions where you get hands-on experience in animal handling (e.g. fixation, injecting, sacrificing).

After completing the EBM part, you are offered to take an experimental animal-certificate which means that you have permission to work independently with laboratory animals at the University of Gothenburg and other universities. This opens up a range of opportunities for students including thesis work in a preclinical lab or if they have plans to become a PhD student (many projects involving animal experiments).

In connection with the advanced assignment, we review the reference tool EndNote, search for articles, go through how to write a scientific article. The students will benefit from this assignment especially in relation to the upcoming thesis work. In conclusion, the students will get an insight into the preclinical activity at the University of Gothenburg where scientists will present and demonstrate the methods used in their projects.

They will also gain practical experience in the most common methods for working with mice and rats, supervised by professionals with extensive experience. If the student wishes, there is an opportunity to take an experimental animal's certificate. Furthermore, the students will get experience in writing an article, which is reviewed by experienced researchers (feedback included).