CAS Applied 3Rs and Ethics in Animal Testing
Replacement, Reduction and Refinement for responsible research and development
Key data
- Degree
- Certificate of Advanced Studies FHNW CAS Applied 3Rs and Ethics in Animal Testing
- ECTS points
- 10
- Next start
- 20.1.2026
- Final application date
- 18.11.2025
- Teaching language
- English
- Place
- Muttenz
- Fee
- CHF 8'300
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The programme focuses on novel strategies and good practice in replacement, reduction, and refinement of animal testing. It is designed for professionals in various sectors where animal testing is necessary, such as industries (pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, consumer goods, chemicals) and research institutions. It equips participants with knowledge on how to implement alternative methods, minimize animal use, refine current practices, while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Content preliminary
The programme combines theoretical lectures with practical components and real-world case studies.
- History and ethical considerations of animal testing
- Public opinion and political advocacy for animal testing alternatives
- Overview of the 3Rs
- Current use of animal testing
- The need for animal testing
- The need for alternatives to animal testing
- Current status of global regulations and laws
- Case studies and current application of animal research
- Global regulatory bodies: FDA, Swissmedic, EMA and OECD guidelines
- International Acceptance (ICH)
- Regulatory acceptance of NAMs (New Approach Methodologies)
- Basic research vs. requirements of toxicology, pharmaceuticals
- Compliance requirements for animal testing and alternatives
- Context of use, qualification and validation of NAMs
- Preparing regulatory documents for alternative methods
- Alternatives to animal testing
- In-vitro methods: Cell cultures, organ-on-a-chip, and tissue engineering
- In-silico methods: Computer modeling, predictive algorithms, and simulations
- AI in research: Machine learning applications for non-animal testing
- Lab demonstrations of in-vitro and in-silico tools
- Industry case studies on successful implementation of alternatives
- Methods to reduce the number of animals used without compromising scientific validity
- Study design strategies for minimizing animal use
- Obtaining knowledge and suitable choice of methods
- Data analysis and statistical approaches for reducing sample sizes
- Reasons why animal testing has not been completely eliminated
- Analysis of experimental design in case studies
- Significance of refinement in reducing suffering and improving experimental outcomes
- Best practices for refining animal procedures
- Considerations in animal housing, handling and care, Culture of Care
- Advancement in In-vitro methods: advanced cell cultures, organ-on-a-chip, and tissue engineering
- Advancement in In-silico methods: Computer modeling, predictive algorithms, and simulations
- Advancement in personalized medicine and diagnostics
- New frontiers: AI in research, machine learning applications for non-animal testing
- Public opinion and political advocacy for animal testing alternatives
- How to engage in the ethical debate surrounding animal research
- Panel discussion with politicians and advocacy groups
Overview
The programme is designed for professionals across different fields that are involved with animal testing, such as industries (pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, consumer goods, chemicals), research institutions and policy makers:
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Researchers, product developers, regulatory affairs specialists.
- Cosmetics Industry: Product safety experts, regulatory officers, and R&D professionals.
- Chemical Industry: Toxicologists, safety managers, and environmental researchers.
- Consumer goods Industry: Professionals concerned with toxicity and the safety of plasticizers or addi-tives used in production.
- Research Institutions and (Applied) Universities: Animal facility managers, animal care staff, laborato-ry managers, study directors and researchers.
- Policy Makers & Advocacy Groups: Professionals involved in animal welfare, legal advisors, and envi-ronmental advocates.
Tertiary educational qualification (at least Bachelor degree level) and relevant professional experience or Federal Diploma of Higher Education (from a Swiss “Höhere Fachschule” or “eidg. HFP” or “eidg. BP”), and at least 3 years of relevant professional experience in a subject relevant to or related to the continuing training programme.
Interested persons without tertiary educational qualification can be admitted, if they have a minimum of 5 years professional experience in a subject relevant to or related to the continuing education programme and if they have successful completed various continuing training courses (in-company or CAS/MAS/DAS) or discontinuation of tertiary education with advanced participation or partial achievement (> 50%).
As the instruction and educational materials are in English, proficiency in English (minimum level C1) is a pre-requisite.
Upon completion of this part-time training, participants will be able to:
- Comprehend the ethical considerations of animal research
- Navigate the regulatory landscape of animal testing
- Apply the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) principles effectively within the legal framework of applied research and testing
- Gain an understanding of alternative testing methods such as in-vitro, in-silico, and AI technologies
- Contribute to ethical discussions and political debates related to animal testing and alternatives.
Final Project: Participants will develop a proposal for implementing the 3Rs in a specific area of their choice relevant in their professional setting (e.g., pharmaceutical development, toxicology testing).
At the end of the modules, a short quiz will test participants’ understanding of the content. Participants will prepare the panel questions.
Programme specific
- Factsheet CAS Applied 3Rs and Ethics in Animal Testing FHNW (follows soon)
- Programme Description CAS Applied 3Rs and Ethics in Animal Testing FHNW (follows soon)
General Documents