In order to pass the course, the student must have active participation in lectures and practical training. The prerequisite for passing the examination is the preparation and defence of a seminar paper on the topic assigned by the supervisor (in the range A-E), which is the result of self-study. The examination is awarded on the basis of an assessment of the knowledge acquired (in the A-E range).

by completing the course students will gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the use of alternative animal and non-animal models in research. The aim of the course is to show students methods and models that can replace laboratory animal tests by using vertebrate animal models (chicken and quail embryo), invertebrate models (Artemia franciscana and Caenorhabditis elegans), as well as in vitro model systems (cell cultures). Students should be able to decide independently when designing a project whether it is possible to replace experimental animals (e.g., rats, mice) with a model organism after completing the course.

basic characteristics of model organisms.3R principles, Slovak national platform 3Rs. Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. Basic methodologies of work with cell lines, bird and quail embryo, Caenorhabiditis elegans - chick, Artemia franciscana - froglet).

Bellairs, R, Osmond M. Atlas of Chick Development Book, 3rd Edition, 2014. Academic press. ISBN 978-0-12-384951-9

Eisenmann, D. M., Wnt signaling (June 25, 2005), WormBook, ed. The C. elegans Research Community, WormBook, doi/10.1895/wormbook.1.7.1, http://www.wormbook.org.

Piper, J. Artemia: A Model Specimen for Educational Microscopy Projects in Biological and Ecological Fields. Microscopy Today. 2018. doi:10.1017/S1551929518000652

Conditions for completion of course:

In order to pass the course, the student must have active participation in lectures and practical training. The prerequisite for passing the examination is the preparation and defence of a seminar paper on the topic assigned by the supervisor (in the range A-E), which is the result of self-study. The examination is awarded on the basis of an assessment of the knowledge acquired (in the A-E range).