The C 01 module covers national animal welfare legislation for Germany and Switzerland (EU Core Module 01). Topics so far include an introduction to EU animal welfare legislation, the German Animal Welfare Act and the associated rules of procedure, as well other areas of law and a chapter on the Swiss Animal Welfare Act.

Module C 02 presents the basic discussion topics on the problem area of animal experiments and the concept of the 3Rs coined by Russell and Burch. A focus of this module is on the web links and information material concerning alternative and supplementary methods.

Module C 03 here includes both general and species-specific content on the physiology, breeding, anatomy and behaviour of laboratory animals as well as their use in research. A summary of animal-specific biology, husbandry and methods can be found, broken down by animal species, in our additional modules (A).

Module C 04 includes general and species-specific content on the husbandry of laboratory animals. This encompasses enrichment, hygiene, health, nutrition, handling and identification. A summary of animal-specific biology, husbandry and methods can be found, broken down by animal species, in our additional modules (A).

Module C 05 comprises general and species-specific content on the evaluation and assessment of the constraints on laboratory animals, as well as pain, suffering and damage.

Module C 06 includes both general and species-specific content on methods of euthanasia in keeping with animal welfare, the humane endpoint and the disposal of animal cadavers. A summary of animal-specific biology, husbandry and methods can be found, broken down by animal species, in our additional modules (A).

Module F 07 contains examples of methods for which the laboratory animals do not need to be anaesthetized. After an introduction on the handling of the animals, the content encompasses both the methods of administration and sampling such as blood and tissue (biopsies). Here, too, the focus is not only on general content, but also on species-specific particulars. This following module presents only blood sampling methods that are routinely conducted without anaesthesia. Blood sampling methods for which anaesthesia is required can be found in in Module A 02.

Module F 09 covers the content from Module C 02 in more depth. It includes two detailed articles on the ethics of animal experiments and the various subject areas of the 3Rs.

Module F 10 addresses the steps to be taken before the actual animal experiment, i.e. database search and planning of the research project, including calculation of the number of animals needed. With reference to the German application form for permission to conduct animal experiments, basic knowledge on the biometric planning of experiments is presented.

Module T 20 presents content on analgesia and anaesthesia for minor procedures in laboratory animals.
The module also includes basic principles of the pharmacology of analgesic and anaesthetic substances. In addition, dosing examples and routes of administration in the various animal species are presented with reference to values reported in the literature. In cases of doubt, a veterinarian or experienced colleague should always be consulted.

Module T 21 presents content on advanced analgesia and anaesthesia procedures in laboratory animals.
The module also includes information on the pharmacology of analgesic and anaesthetic substances. In addition, dosing examples and routes of administration in the various animal species are presented with reference to values reported in the literature. In cases of doubt, a veterinarian or experienced colleague should always be consulted.

This module includes all the information from Module T20 plus extensive facts to be borne in mind in surgical procedures with regard to anaesthesia, analgesia and pharmacology.

This surgery course offers an introduction to the instruments and different methods of wound closure. It is designed raise awareness of the procedures that ensure optimum surgery and wound healing. Surgical procedures in animals are explained with reference to examples. Not only the preparation and procedure itself described, but also the postoperative care. Completion of Modules T 20/21 is a precondition for Module T 22.

Aristoteles, Bantham and Claude Bernard – over the centuries, they and others have contributed to our understanding not only of nature and life processes, but also of the philosophical and ethical or moral issues involved. In this module you will learn about the background to animal experiments, animal welfare and the development of laboratory animal science.

Module A 02 presents common blood sampling methods. The main emphasis here is on correct procedures, which is why the module not only covers the collection of samples and the instruments needed for this, but also focuses on the species-specific particulars.

The main focus of Module A 03 is on the methods that are important in establishing a genetically modified mouse line. This includes embryo recovery, transfer and storage, the incorporation of genes by microinjection, the vasectomy of male mice and cryopreservation.

Module A 04 presents parameters that can be collected by telemetry and discusses advantages and disadvantages of different methods (e.g. implantable versus external telemetry). By way of an example, the correct procedure for the implantation of a transmitter for measuring core body temperature is explained.

This chapter is currently undergoing revision. The contents are so far only available in German and English.

Module A 05 presents non-invasive methods that are used in different areas of animal research. This includes, for example, imaging procedures or measurements of energy consumption (calorimetry). Depending on the experimental design, these methods may have to be combined with procedures that could be classed as a constraint on the animal (e.g. anesthesia). This must be borne in mind.