Postgraduate Course: Genetically modified animals (C-LAS.3) (VESC11070)
Course Outline
| School | Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies |
College | College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
| Course type | Online Distance Learning |
Availability | Not available to visiting students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | The objective of this course is to promote a scientific, evidence based approach to laboratory animal science, and to help candidates develop both practical and theoretical skills in the field. The student is expected to build on the foundation skills developed when undertaking the A and B courses, and to demonstrate progression towards advanced practitioner skills. The student will be able to evaluate their own standards of practice and develop strategies for continuous improvement in the future. |
| Course description |
This assessment-only course forms part of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. Students working towards the designated Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (Laboratory Animal Science) will need to complete the following modules: A-FAVP.1 Foundations in Advanced Veterinary Practice, B-LAS.4, this module, two other C modules (from LAS-designated modules) plus one other B or C module. Upon completion of all the necessary modules, a further synoptic assessment will also be required.
This course focuses on the potential of genetic technology for research into development, medical treatment, and disease susceptibility. In addition to an understanding of genetic technology used in research, the student will be expected to appreciate the law, codes of practice and guidance related to genetically modified organisms. The student will evidence understanding of the methods to create and manage genetically modified and mutant rodent colonies, and phenotype genetically modified rodents, plus the health and welfare issues associated with genetic modification in rodents.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
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Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Course Delivery Information
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| Academic year 2022/23, Not available to visiting students (SS1)
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Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Flexible |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
98 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
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| Additional Information (Assessment) |
1. Case book (33%)
The student is required to submit a case book containing four case exposures not exceeding 300 words each. These cases should demonstrate, for example, the student¿s involvement in establishing animal models, refining existing models, advising on humane end points and participation in experimental design.
All cases are to have been managed by the student. Cases selected should demonstrate that the student has dealt competently with a range of commonly presented conditions or situations from the area of practice in which they are working.
Cases should be recent, with ¿recent¿ indicating cases seen preferably within the period of registration on the module. Where this is not possible, i.e. due to late registration, cases seen within the last 2 years will be acceptable.
2. Short communication report (33%)
The short communication report should relate to topics covered in the module. Examples may include identification and management of a phenotypic abnormality related to genetic alteration, establishment of a ¿passport¿ system for genetically-altered rodents, establishment of best-practice guidelines for colony management, genotyping etc., and establishment of a health-monitoring programme for immunosuppressed mice.
The report should be a maximum of 2000 words formatted along the lines of a scientific paper, e.g.:
¿ Introduction: background information, set stage for problem
¿ Description of case/situation
¿ Actions taken and outcome
¿ Discussion: analysis of case; alternative strategies that could have been adopted, comparison to similar cases/situations in literature
3. Literature review (33%)
The student should submit a comprehensive literature review of a topic relevant to the module content (maximum 3000 words). Examples may include review of one or more genetic technologies utilised in biological/biomedical research (e.g. gene therapy, methods of genetic modification, methods of assisted reproduction in rodents), review of phenotyping profiles for genetically altered mice.
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| Feedback |
Students will have the option to submit drafts of one case study for formative written feedback to aid in preparation for submission.
Full written feedback will be provided with results, and students are encouraged to contact the programme team to discuss if they have any queries. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Appreciate the potential of genetic technology for research into development, medical treatment, and disease susceptibility
- Demonstrate an understanding of methods of creating genetically modified and mutant rodents, and ¿ Understand the health & welfare issues associated with genetic modification in rodents
- Have knowledge of the management of transgenic and mutant rodent colonies as well as standard inbred, outbred and other genetically defined colonies
- Have knowledge of the process of phenotyping genetically modified rodents
- Recognise the legal and ethical requirements in relation to genetically modified organisms
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Reading List
| http://resourcelists.ed.ac.uk/levels/certavp.html |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
A. Research and Enquiry
Graduates of the University will be able to create new knowledge and opportunities for learning through the process of research and enquiry. This may be understood in terms of the following:
¿ be able to identify, define and analyse problems and identify or create processes to solve them
¿ be able to exercise critical judgment in creating new understanding
¿ be ready to ask key questions and exercise rational enquiry
¿ be able to critically assess existing understanding and the limitations of their own knowledge and recognise the need to regularly challenge all knowledge
¿ search for, evaluate and use information to develop their knowledge and understanding
¿ have an informed respect for the principles, methods, standards, values and boundaries of their discipline(s) and the capacity to question these
¿ understand economic, legal, ethical, social, cultural and environmental issues in the use of information
¿ recognise the importance of reflecting on their learning experiences and be aware of their own learning style
B. Personal and Intellectual Autonomy
Graduates of the University will be able to work independently and sustainably, in a way that is informed by openness, curiosity and a desire to meet new challenges. This may be understood in terms of the following:
¿ be able to identify processes and strategies for learning
¿ be independent learners who take responsibility for their own learning, and are committed to continuous reflection, self-evaluation and self-improvement
¿ be able to make decisions on the basis of rigorous and independent thought, taking into account ethical and professional issues
¿ be able to use collaboration and debate effectively to test, modify and strengthen their own views
¿ be intellectually curious and able to sustain intellectual interest
¿ be able to respond effectively to unfamiliar problems in unfamiliar contexts
C. Communication
Graduates of the University will recognise and value communication as the tool for negotiating and creating new understanding, collaborating with others, and furthering their own learning. This may be understood in terms of the following:
¿ make effective use of oral, written and visual means to critique, negotiate, create and communicate understanding
¿ use communication as a tool for collaborating and relating to others
¿ further their own learning through effective use of the full range of communication approaches
¿ seek and value open feedback to inform genuine self-awareness
¿ recognise the benefits of communicating with those beyond their immediate environments
¿ use effective communication to articulate their skills as identified through self-reflection
D. Personal Effectiveness
Graduates of the University will be able to effect change and be responsive to the situations and environments in which they operate. This may be understood in terms of the following:
¿ appreciate and use talents constructively, demonstrating self-discipline, motivation, adaptability, persistence and professionalism
¿ be able to create and harness opportunities
¿ be able to manage risk while initiating and managing change
¿ be responsive to their changing surroundings, being both flexible and proactive
¿ have the confidence to make decisions based on their understandings and their personal and intellectual autonomy
¿ be able to flexibly transfer their knowledge, learning, skills and abilities from one context to another
¿ understand social, cultural, global and environmental responsibilities and issues
¿ be able to work effectively with others, capitalising on their different thinking, experience and skills
¿ work with, manage, and lead others in ways that value their diversity and equality and that encourage their contribution to the organisation and the wider community
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| Keywords | laboratory animal science,laboratory,rcvs,certavp,genetically modified animals |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Ms Sharon Boyd
Tel: (0131 6)51 7449
Email: |
Course secretary | Ms Linda Pollock
Tel: (0131) 650 6149
Email: |
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