Any university that uses animals in teaching should be complying to the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes. Usually their license to use animals is given under condition they follow this code.
http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/file/publications/synopses/ea16.pdf
Now it's REALLY long and wordy but I referred to it time and time again during my degree (I graduated in Sep with an Animal Science degree and didn't kill, inject, hurt or dissect ONE animal - it CAN be done, don't ever believe it can't - some uni's rely on students not knowing their rights around this, or their ignorance of the Code of Practice and it's guidelines).
Anyhoo because this was basically my bible for 3 and a half years - I can break it down for you to the most important points - and ones you'll be able to quote to lecturers, demonstrators or course coordinators who try to tell you that a dissection is mandatory.
Firstly, Section 2.1.1 (xi) states that one of the responsibilities of institutions is : "establishing mechanisms to respond to enquiries or complaints concerning the use of animals within the institution and ensuring that personnel and students may voice concerns *without jeopardising their employment, careers or coursework*"
(Most uni's know have a Policy for Conscientious Objectors in order to comply with this. Students must be given an alternative and never threatened with a fail for objecting to something based on their ethical beliefs - so if they tell you this - ask for the Policy. If they don't have one, quote that part of the Code).
That should basically cover you for objecting to certain practicals. You may find you have more written work as a result but I actually found that way more beneficial (and finished with a distinction average!
)
I would also recommend attending the pracs that you aren't taking part in to ensure compliance with the code. Personally I can't think of one prac that really NEEDS to be done - they've all been done before (you're pretty musch never gonna discover something brand new) and there are amazing alternatives for all of them
http://www.humanelearning.info/index.htm
So keeping that in mind, these following sections are good to memorise. Uni's using animals should *always* be kept on their toes imho, and students are in the best position to do that!
Section 1.2
1.8
1.9
1.11
1.12
6.1.1
6.1.4
6.2.1 (i)
I really hope this helps, and good luck with your studies!
I really believe that if every student was made aware of this stuff and held teachers and unis accountable - we could even eradicate all use of animals in teaching! How great would that be??
