CAS Advanced Research Methods: Implementing the 3Rs in Animal Testing

School of Life Sciences

Learn how the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) can transform your research! Explore responsible and innovative research methods such as New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), in-vitro and in-silico techniques as well as AI-driven solutions. Develop strategies to reduce animal use through ethical study design, while ensuring scientific integrity.

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Factsheet

Degree: Certificate of Advanced Studies FHNW Advanced Research Methods: Implementing the 3Rs in Animal Testing
Learning environment: Onsite and Online
ECTS points: 10
Next start: 14.1.2027
Teaching languages: English
Venues: Online and FHNW Campus Muttenz
Fee: CHF 6 500 (Early Bird)*

At a glance

Master current practices in biomedical research involving animal experimentation and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs).
Analyse novel strategies and good practice for Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (3R) of animal testing.
Develop expertise in the legal and regulatory frameworks.
Ensure scientific validity by learning how to optimize study design, data analysis and statistical methods.
Learn from public and private sector experts via real-world case studies.
Discuss communication, public perception, political advocacy and ethical aspects.

Aims and benefits

Upon completing this programme, you will be able to:

Navigate and interpret national and international regulatory frameworks governing animal use and alternative methods
Critically evaluate and apply 3Rs principles within the legal framework in applied research
Gain insight into NAMs, emerging technologies and strategies for replacing and reducing animal use while maintaining scientific validity and regulatory acceptance
Advocate for, and lead, responsible and ethical research practices by engaging stakeholders and driving institutional change toward greater 3Rs integration and implementation

You will complete the programme with an individual written case study – enabling you to apply your knowledge directly in your professional setting.

Target audience

This part-time programme is suitable for professionals in a broad range of fields interested in biomedical research and animal testing, including those working in industry (pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, consumer goods, chemicals), research institutions, policy-making and advocacy.

Structure and programme contents

This part-time programme has been designed with six separate, focused modules. You will gain in-depth knowledge and acquire practical skills to apply directly to your professional activities.
Each module can also be booked individually. Successful completion of the 6 modules leads to a CAS qualification.

Module 1: Introduction to the 3Rs and ethical aspects of animal use in research, education and testing (1 day)

Focus: Introduce the 3Rs through societal, ethical, historical and practical contexts of animal use in research, education and testing.

Learning goals: Develop a broad understanding of the ethical, historical and research contexts of animal experimentation and the 3Rs.

Module 2: Legal and regulatory frameworks and the 3Rs (1.5 days)

Focus: The changing global regulatory frameworks around animal testing. It outlines international and Swiss legal and regulatory frameworks relevant to animal use for scientific purposes, as well as for the testing of safety and efficacy in different areas.

Learning goals: Understand international and Swiss regulatory frameworks related to animal use and implementation of the 3Rs in various research fields.

Module 3: Implementing the 3Rs: Replacing animal testing (4.5 days)

Focus: Introduce a range of technologies that can replace animal testing through specific case studies.

Learning goals: Acquire knowledge of replacement strategies including in-silico and in-vitro assays; understand the advantages, limitations and implementation in each context.

Module 4: Implementing the 3Rs: Reducing animal use (2 days)

Focus: Methodologies for reducing animal use.

Learning goals: Gain insight into strategies for reducing the number of animals used, without compromising scientific outcomes.

Module 5: Implementing the 3Rs: Refining animal procedures and improving welfare (3 days)

Focus: Refinement and welfare management.

Learning goals: Gain insights into how to refine procedures and improve welfare. Past and present practice in animal handling and management of suffering.

Module 6: Advancing the 3Rs: management, leadership and communication (3 days)

Focus: Equip participants with leadership and communication skills to advance the 3Rs in response to societal, political and institutional drivers.

Learning goals: Understand public and stakeholder dynamics, and apply change management and leadership strategies to advance the 3Rs. Engage in public debate around the need for and regulation of animal testing.

Requirements and admission

At least one of the following admission requirements must be met:

Tertiary educational qualification (at least Bachelor’s degree level) and relevant professional experience.
Federal Diploma of Higher Education (from a Swiss “Höhere Fachschule” or “eidg. HFP” or “eidg. BP”) and at least 3 years’ professional experience in a subject relevant to the programme.
At least 5 years’ professional experience in a subject relevant to the programme and successful completion of continuing education courses (in-company or CAS/MAS/DAS), or partially completed tertiary education (> 50%).

As the instruction and training materials are in English, proficiency in English (minimum level C1) is a prerequisite.

Organisational matters

Format

The modules are taught on Thursdays. Some lessons take place online, while others are held in person at the FHNW campus in Muttenz (Switzerland).

Fee

*Early bird discount: if you book your place at least three months before the programme starts, you will benefit from a special price of CHF 6 500 instead of the standard fee of CHF 7 500.

Programme partner

The course content has been defined in collaboration with the programme partner Swiss 3RCC. The Swiss 3R Competence Centre (3RCC) is a non-profit association dedicated to advancing the principles of Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (the 3Rs) in animal experimentation. By funding research, educating professionals and informing the public about the 3Rs, 3RCC promotes the use of alternatives and improved animal welfare for better science in Switzerland.

It is also supported by the 3R-Network in Baden Württemberg and the 3RCenter Tübingen. The 3R-Center Tübingen focuses on organ-on-chip systems as human-based alternatives and supplements to animal testing. It is active in the areas of i) scientific communication and public outreach ii) training, education and professional development and iii) tailored research support. The center is part of the 3R-Network Baden-Württemberg.