Teaching

The professorship offers seminars. Information about each event can be found here.

Additionally, the professorship participates in Research4Vets and Support4Vetmed.

The professorship offers various elective courses.

These courses reflect the interdisciplinary nature and complexity of animal welfare beyond the contents of the Animal Welfare Act.

Information about each courset can be found here.

"§ 33 Animal Welfare and Ethology

In the examination subject of Animal Welfare and Ethology, students are required to demonstrate their knowledge of species-appropriate and behaviorally appropriate housing and care of animals, as well as their knowledge of animal protection in animal trade, during animal transport, at slaughter or euthanasia, and in animal experiments. They must also demonstrate their knowledge of animal welfare regulations, including their ethical and scientific foundations, and in ethology."

Excerpt from the Regulation for the Licensing of Veterinary Surgeons (TAppV) as of December 6, 2011 (Verordnung zur Approbation von Tierärztinnen und Tierärzten (TAppV) in der Fassung vom 6. Dezember 2011 )

In veterinary practice, successful treatment always relies on a thorough clinical examination and, if necessary, additional diagnostic procedures. However, what happens if the patient refuses to cooperate with the examination? How can coercive measures be reduced, and unpleasant treatments still carried out promptly?

In what is known as Medical Training, knowledge from the fields of animal learning behavior and training (classical and operant conditioning) is imparted, specifically tailored for application in veterinary practice. Through targeted behavior modification, Medical Training aims to achieve cooperation from the patient even during uncomfortable procedures.

A cooperative patient allows for a more thorough examination and accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, stress-induced alterations in examination parameters are significantly reduced. From an ethical perspective, the practical application of Medical Training is desirable as it helps minimize negative emotions for all involved parties.

Moreover, knowledge of Medical Training promotes economically efficient practices. With a cooperative patient, less personnel is required for restraint, and treatments can be conducted more efficiently. Work-related accidents, such as bites resulting from fear-induced aggression, are also reduced or prevented.

Many zoological institutions have benefited from implementing Medical Training for years in the medical care of their wild animals. Similarly, integrating Medical Training into veterinary care for domestic and farm animals can optimize daily practice routines.

Information about specific events related to Medical Training can be found here.

• FB Agrarwissenschaften
• FB Biologie

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS – the 3R Skills Lab of JLU Giessen

The overarching objective of the Giessen 3R Skills Lab IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS is to raise awareness of the 3R concept among future researchers as well as individuals already actively involved in animal-based research. Early engagement with models is intended to initiate a willingness to critically reflect on the use of animal models. To this end, a process-oriented didactic approach is employed that aims to strengthen the learning steps of each individual participant within a competence-oriented learning environment. This approach is designed to enable participants to deal constructively with errors and learning barriers. Practice phases and methodological training can largely be adapted individually, thereby ensuring a maximum degree of independence and self-directed activity. Tutors assume the role of learning advisors. The organizational procedures also support competency acquisition and continuous reflection processes across the various work stages.

Knowledge and competency transfer is achieved through station-based learning. All stations are equipped with computer-based workstations and are supplemented with whiteboards where appropriate. In general, the use and provision of digital media play a major role in teaching. A future-oriented, even more intensive integration of digital media into didactic processes is being pursued. Instructional video material is provided as a contemporary teaching format to support the acquisition of theoretical content and practical skills. In addition, simulators are taken into account in the development of learning stations. This results in a balanced combination of haptic, visual, and auditory components in order to address and engage different learning types.

Students complete the learning stations in small groups of four using the self-directed learning method. This means that students are expected to work through the stations independently within their small group using the learning materials provided. A mentor is available to provide support if questions arise.

The learning stations address all three Rs as thematic focal points. Accordingly, there are learning stations that focus on replacement strategies. Among other aspects, these stations examine which alternative methods could be used to optimally address specific biomedical research questions. In this context, students are also taught how to conduct targeted literature and database searches. The area of reduction addresses measures that can demonstrably contribute to reducing the number of animals used in experiments. A key aspect here is the intensification of in silico strategies. The functional principles of complex organoids are also included in this segment. The third R, refinement, is represented through measures aimed at improving animal welfare. Students learn a respectful and appreciative approach to the experimental animal (model). Within this learning field, particular emphasis is placed on conveying knowledge about complex sensory perceptions and the assessment of animal burden, as well as on identifying suitable components and parameters that contribute to improving or maintaining animal well-being.

Registrations for participation are handled via the secretariat of the professorship.

      
Imagefilm Improve your Skills (German)

                                                   
                                                               Imagefilm Improve your Skills (English)

Veterinary students have the opportunity to complete the laboratory animal science legal module during the 8th semester as part of the Laboratory Animal Science block week.

The module's content is assessed through a 1-hour exam at the end of the block week. Successful participation in lectures is a prerequisite for taking the exam.

Registration is done via Stud.IP.

Instructors: Prof. Dr. Stephanie Krämer, Dr. Guido Haschke, Celina Pabst