60102 Ethics in Animal Research
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 2 cp
Result type: Grade and marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject is designed to introduce the concepts of animal ethics inside the context of ethical and humane use of animals in research, both in the laboratory and in their natural environment. This course consists of three modules that introduce students to the use and importance of animals in research; delve into the legislation, regulation and guidelines that govern the ethical use of animals in research; and also highlight the importance and maintenance of research animals' wellbeing. This subject focuses on the broad definition of animal research recognised by the Australian legal system and includes activities such as teaching, medical research, testing of biologicals/pharmaceuticals, wildlife studies, and agricultural field trials. Students also learn about the humane and ethical treatment of animals in research; how it is strictly governed and monitored by legislation, regulations and guidelines, as well as care and ethics committees.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
| 1. | Consider the complexities of using animals in research and be able to reframe opinions based on ethical use, legislation and regulation of animals in research. |
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| 2. | Examine the role that animal ethics plays in research and responsibilities of both animal ethics and research stakeholders |
| 3. | Assess and apply animal ethics legislation, regulation and guidelines in animal research laboratories, agriculture and in the natural environment. |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the development of following course intended learning outcomes:
- Critically appraise and apply advanced knowledge and technical skills to discipline specific projects to inform professional practice in science and medical biotechnology. (1.1)
- Assess, argue for, and conduct independent research and solving complex problems by applying a research methodology to address a research need in a relevant professional context. (2.1)
- Develop, prepare, and engage, at times collaboratively, in safe, ethical, organised and transparent work practices that mitigate risk and contribute to solving global health problems in the context of science and medical biotechnology. (3.1)
- Present and communicate complex ideas and justifications using appropriate communication approaches from a variety of methods (oral, written, visual) to communicate with discipline experts, scientists, industry, and the general public. (5.1)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
The Faculty of Science has six graduate attributes that you will develop during your course at UTS. This subject is intended to assess the following graduate attributes:
Graduate Attribute 1 - Disciplinary knowledge: This subject provides an introduction to the complex concept of animal ethics and covers a broad range of aspects associated with this topic. It is designed to give a strong fundamental knowledge base for you to build on your own skills and knowledge in the area, while also prompting inquiry and reflection. This attribute will be assessed using online quizzes that will reinforce the content delivered in the subject and identify shortcomings to be addressed.
Graduate Attribute 2 – Research, inquiry and critical thinking: This subject will allow you to develop and understand important aspects in the topic of animal ethics. You will be informed of the legal and regulatory framework that govern the use of animals in research and development, and on the evaluation and implementation of ethical practices.
Graduate Attribute 3 – Professional, ethical and social responsibility: You will exercise your ability and motivation for intellectual development through the use of reflective essay tasks. These tasks gauge your thoughts and opinions at the beginning and end of the subject. The initial reflection will allow you to identify what you already understand regarding the subject matter. This knowledge is developed through engaging in the subject resources which will lead to a final reflective essay that will internalize new knowledge and thoughts to help you understand and navigate the diverse topic of animal ethics. You will learn about the importance of the use of animal research and why ethical conduct is necessary for the quality treatment of animals.
Graduate Attribute 5 – Communication You will be given the opportunity to develop your communication skills through written reflective essays that focus on your individual knowledge and opinion regarding the topic of animal ethics. You will need to critically articulate your opinion on the use of animals in research and engage with subject content on a broad stakeholder perspective. You will need to communicate the existing legal and regulatory framework as well as the excellent practices required for animal ethics.
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject is delivered entirely online and consists of three interactive, self-directed learning modules. Content in each of the topics will be delivered in a range of formats designed to help you actively engage with the materials. You will be expected to think critically about the materials and develop your own research skills as you find additional materials. As you develop your knowledge you will also have the chance to engage with your peers using the discussion board within CANVAS to share ideas and ask questions. Each topic will be followed by an interactive quiz with immediate formative feedback to test your grasp of the content and help you develop for future assessments.
Content (topics)
Over the course of the subject you will cover the following topics:
- Introduction to use of animals in research
- Important breakthroughs involving animal research
- Communicating the importance of animals in research
- Regulatory requirements for the use of animals in research
- Animal care and ethics committees
- Responsibilities of stakeholders
- Well-being of research animals
- Importance of animal welfare
- Implementing good practices
- Humane endpoints
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Module Multiple Choice and Short Answer Quizzes
| Intent: | The following graduate attributes are assessed in this task: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 2.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 40% |
| Criteria: | Correct responses to multiple choice questions and demonstration of comprehension and critical thinking in short answer responses. The short answers will ask the students to develop their critical thoughts in regards to a specific topic (module 1, 2 and 3). |
Assessment task 2: Research Animal Training Recognition and Prevention of Pain, Suffering and Distress (EU5) eModule
| Intent: | The following graduate attributes are assessed in this task: 1. Disciplinary Knowledge 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 1.1 and 3.1 |
| Type: | Quiz/test |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 25% |
| Criteria: | Module is completed. |
Assessment task 3: Reflections on Animal Ethics
| Intent: | The following graduate attributes are assessed in this task: 2. Research, inquiry and critical thinking 3. Professional, ethical and social responsibility 5. Communication |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2 and 3 This assessment task contributes to the development of course intended learning outcome(s): 2.1, 3.1 and 5.1 |
| Type: | Reflection |
| Groupwork: | Individual |
| Weight: | 35% |
| Criteria: | For the initial reflection, the following criteria will be assessed:
For the final reflection, the following criteria will be assessed:
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Minimum requirements
In this subject you must acheive a grade of 50% overall in order to pass the subject.
Other resources
Other resources will be provided via CANVAS.