Master of Veterinary Medicine in Laboratory Animal Science

The first purpose of this qualification is to gain knowledge and experience in the field of Laboratory Animal Science to a level of competence that leads to registration as a specialist in the field with the South African Veterinary Council. As a specialist in Laboratory Animal Science, the incumbent should be able to develop practical qualifications for improved diagnostic procedures and research on the production of biological products, ecological and epidemiological research on reservoirs of infection, comparative medicine and biology, reproductive physiology and laboratory animal medicine. In particular, the establishment of diagnostic, surveillance, information and risk assessment systems to control discipline specific zoo noses. Society gains specialists capable of ensuring the delicate ethical balance in the utilisation of animals in secondary and tertiary teaching, research and testing of biological and cosmetic products by exploring the controversy which it generates in the emerging climate of animal rights. These specialists also consider the special professional role which the veterinary and the para-veterinary professions have in improving the humanity of animal experimentation and promoting productive scientific endeavour in the biomedical sciences.

The second purpose is to provide the skills, knowledge, resources and practical experience to teach Laboratory Animal Science to undergraduate students and veterinary nurses and postgraduate honours and Master's students. An attitude of lifelong learning will be fostered, ensuring continued self-development in the discipline.

The third purpose of this qualification is to contribute to the understanding of research methodology and gain practical research experience through the completion of a research project and a dissertation. The knowledge thus gained will contribute to the advancement of the scientific knowledge in the field and assist with advising on the suitability of protocol topics in the field.

The fourth purpose of this qualification is to provide a basis with which to contemplate further Doctoral studies in the discipline or any other related discipline.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Veterinary Science, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Veterinary Science Honours, NQF Level 8.

1. The application of suitable veterinary expertise in the field of Animal Experimentation.
2. The application of suitable veterinary expertise in the field of Laboratory Animal Technology.
3. The application of suitable veterinary expertise in the field of Laboratory Animal Medicine.
4. The application of suitable veterinary expertise in the field of Comparative Medicine.
5. The application of suitable veterinary expertise in the Regulation of Animal Experiments.
6. Insight into the National Code for the Handling and Use of Animals in Research, Education, Diagnosis and Testing of Drugs and Related Substances in the RSA.

One

1. Understand and explain why modern science and technology does not enjoy full public support.
2. Understand what major dilemma and moral conflict veterinarians face in working in this field and how is this resolved.
3. Explain and justify the principles of humane handling of animals in our exploitation of them and elaborate on the principles of humane experimental technique.
4. Explain what biomedical science is, elaborate on the scientific method and define an animal model.
5. Explain and justify the principles of Laboratory Animal Science.

Two

1. Expand on the purpose and design of Modern Laboratory Animal facilities to ensure the quality of research data from animals.
2. Explain and advise on preventing the entry of parasites and pathogens into animal units
3. Understand the main source of infection in an animal unit and expand on how this is controlled.
4. Explain what Specific Pathogen Free animals are and how are they produced.
5. Explain how pathogens enter in an aerosol form and to control them in an animal house.

Three

1. Explain what Laboratory Animal Medicine is and expand on the essential role of veterinarians in animal experimentation in South Africa, naming their duties
2. Name five ways in which a veterinarian can promote the welfare of laboratory animals in a research setting.

Four

1. Explain what Comparative Medicine is, what contributions a veterinarian can make in this field and expand on employment opportunities in the field.
2. Explain how observations on animal diseases lead to discoveries in human medicine.
3. Expand on how veterinarians in comparative medicine contribute to public health.

Five

1. Explain why animal experiments are strictly regulated and elaborate on what is meant by GLP.
2. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of having legislation to control animal experimentation.
3. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of "in house" animal ethics committee review of animal research projects.
4. Justify why legislation would create a "better" legitimacy for animal experimentation.
5. Explain and justify the criteria applied in the ethical review of research, teaching and safety testing protocols in which experimental animals are to be used.

Six

1. Explain the scope of the definition of an experimental animal in the Code and comment whether or not this is broad enough.
2. Explain where the line is drawn in the causation of pain to experimental animals.
3. Justify why veterinarians should have an overriding discretion on when an animal should be killed or withdrawn from an experiment and explain the responsibility this places on the profession.
4. Explain the ethical and scientific imperatives for moving away from using wild caught animals in laboratory experiments.
5. Explain the regulatory purpose of record keeping of animal experiments.
6. Expand on what expertise is required within the membership of an Animal Ethics Committee and explain the roles of the specified type of membership in protocol review.

Integrated Assessment

• Portfolios.
• Work-place assessments.
• Written examinations.
• Oral examinations.

Other

Practical and clinical assessment.

Computer assisted assessment.

Portfolio

• A dissertation acceptable to peer review.
• Journal article/s accepted to a peer reviewed scientific journal.
• Seminars based on current research, literature or relevant topics.

Formative Assessment

• Continual assessment and monitoring of the learner during studies whilst under the supervision of a registered specialist in the field and other senior personnel. Feedback is provided on an on-going basis during contact time.

Summative Assessment

• Portfolio work that has been completed and assessed by assessors and moderators
• Written and practical assessment occurs at predetermined intervals and at the end of the study period and covering theoretical knowledge, practical skills and acquired experience.