Laboratory Animal Science

In the first three semesters, three compulsory thematic blocks (55 ECTS) are taught:

• ethics and legislation in relation to the use of laboratory animals
• management and planning of animal facilities and animal experiments
• laboratory animal science

Throughout each of the first three semesters, lectures are held outside regular office hours in the form of webinars, which can be accessed via the Internet. The webinars are complemented by home study in the form of literature reviews and homework. At the end of each of these semesters, there is a compulsory 9 to 10-day attendance block in Aachen, during which skill training is performed in Aachen University Hospital's facilities, group discussions are held, and case studies are conducted. Furthermore, there are excursions to other leading laboratory animal facilities.

Additionally, during the first three semesters, an elective course (5 ECTS) must be completed. For example:

• In vivo Pharmacology and Applied Toxicology
• Applied Anaesthesia and Microsurgery incl. Medical Technology and Imaging

The fourth semester is dedicated to the completion of a science-based Master's thesis (30 ECTS). The thesis can be literature-based or based upon experimental data generated. Each student has access to an academic supervisor for the completion of the thesis. The suitability of the chosen topic should be discussed with the supervisor prior to commencement.

Educational organisation

Ethics and legislation in relation to the use of laboratory animals
Module 1: Ethics & Philosophy; National and International Law
Module 2: Regulatory Affairs

Management and planning of animal facilities and animal experiments
Module 3: Biostatistics & Biometrics; Design and Evaluation of Animal Experiments; Architecture; Facility Design; Financial and Hygiene Management
Module 4: Alternatives to Animal Experiments

Laboratory animal science
Module 5: Genetics & Breeding; Anatomy & Physiology
Module 6: Pathology & Diseases; Biochemistry, Haematology and Molecular Biology in Laboratory Animal Science
Module 7: Animal Models in Biomedical Research; Anaesthesia & Experimental Surgery

Electives
Module 8: Applied Anaesthesia and Microsurgery incl. Medical Technology & Imaging
or
Module 9: In vivo Pharmacology and Applied Toxicology

Master's thesis
Module 10: Master's thesis

Forms of assessment

Exams, Presentations, Term Papers, Master's thesis

Course objectives

Successful graduates will be awarded the academic title Master of Science (MSc) by RWTH Aachen University. Students will earn 90 ECTS credit points. The programme has been accredited by ASIIN e. V., and an application has been made for FELASA accreditation. The programme is recognised by the German Federal Veterinary Chamber. Veterinarians licensed in Germany can apply for 483 ATF training points.

Language requirements

English language skills: If you are not a native speaker or have not received your initial degree from an English language-based university, proof of ability will be required, e.g.:

• TOEFL Internet-based: minimum score of 90 / paper-based: minimum score of 577
• IELTS: minimum score of 5.5
• Cambridge Test - Certificate of Advanced English
• First Certificate in English (FCE) with a result of at least B / documentation in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR, German: GER) that demonstrates proficiency at level B2. For example, proof of proficiency can be demonstrated by submission of the German school leaving qualification, "Abitur", stating that the applicant continually attended English lessons up to the end of qualification phase 1 (year 11 in the G8 Abitur system, otherwise year 12) and achieved a minimum grade of "satisfactory".
• placement test of the RWTH Aachen University Language Center, level B2

Academic requirements

This course is aimed at graduates from the biological sciences and related fields with at least one year's relevant work experience as well as graduates of human or veterinary medicine. As the course will be conducted in English, proof of English language ability is also required.

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Enrolment fees

1,000 EUR registration fee

Costs of living

The average cost of living and studying, including food, accommodation, personal and social expenses, and study-related costs, is estimated to be 700-900 EUR per month.

Funding opportunities within the university

A limited number of scholarships from various organisations is available to help students finance their studies. Please see the following website for a list of exchange programmes, scholarships, and grants, together with their specific application requirements and conditions, and/or contact the International Office directly for advice and assistance.
http://www.rwth-aachen.de/scholarships

Accommodation