The rapid expansion of scientific knowledge in recent decades has led to an increasing demand for more refined and sophisticated experimental approaches to understand the complex architecture of biological systems. Consequently, the use of high-resolution, multidimensional, and advanced analytical techniques has become indispensable for contemporary scientific research.
Within the scientific research continuum extending from in vitro and ex vivo studies to in vivo investigations, experiments involving laboratory animals represent the final and most critical stage, where the reliability and validity of biological hypotheses are rigorously tested.
Although global efforts to limit the use of laboratory animals have intensified due to ethical considerations, alternative methodologies such as bioinformatics, organ-on-chip platforms, and three-dimensional culture systems remain insufficient to fully replicate the complex, systemic interactions present in living organisms. As a result, the use of experimental animal models remains indispensable, particularly in the investigation of complex diseases, including but not limited to immunological, neurological, metabolic, and oncological disorders.
The establishment, characterization, and application of these models require researchers with advanced technical expertise and specialized training in laboratory animal science. Accordingly, laboratory animal science encompasses not only the ethical selection of appropriate experimental models but also:
genetic modification of animal models,
development of disease models, and
optimization of data acquisition, monitoring, and analytical processes across experimental workflows.
In this context, the proposed master’s program aims to train highly qualified personnel equipped with advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to develop the most appropriate laboratory animal models for testing scientific hypotheses and to manage experimental manipulations accurately and effectively.

Graduate

Second Cycle

Graduate students to be admitted to the Department of Laboratory Animal Science will be selected from individuals who have completed their undergraduate education in disciplines such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, Biology, Molecular Biology, and related fields. In addition, the faculty members responsible for the thematic laboratories within the department represent a multidisciplinary academic structure, coming from diverse scientific backgrounds.

The provisions in “Regulation on Transfer among Associate and Undergraduate Degree Programs, Double Major, and Subspecialty and the Principals of Credit Transfer among Institutions in Higher Education Institutions” are applied.

To have obtained a minimum score of 50 from a nationally or internationally recognized foreign language proficiency examination. To hold a valid Laboratory Animal Use Certificate.

The Thesis-Based Master’s Program in Laboratory Animal Science is a second-cycle graduate program designed to provide advanced theoretical and practical competencies in laboratory animal research, which constitutes the critical final stage of the scientific research continuum extending from in vitro/ex vivo investigations to in vivo validation in studies aimed at understanding the complex architecture of biological systems.
The program equips students with the knowledge and skills required to establish, characterize, and manage experimental models that enable holistic evaluation of inter-system interactions in living organisms—particularly in complex research areas such as immunology, neuroscience, metabolism, and oncology. Within this framework, students are trained through structured coursework and thesis work to develop expertise in ethics and relevant regulations, model selection and development, preclinical study design, monitoring–data acquisition–analysis processes, and thesis research.
The total workload of the program is 120 ECTS credits and it is structured to be completed over four semesters. The first year comprises coursework/practical components and a seminar, while the second year focuses on specialization courses and thesis supervision/thesis research components.

8.1

Key Learning Outcomes

1. Can plan and conduct research in laboratory animal studies in compliance with ethical principles and relevant regulations/legislation.
2. Can select an appropriate animal species and experimental model aligned with the scientific problem/hypothesis and justify the experimental design.
3. Can integrate knowledge of physiology and anatomy of laboratory animals into experimental design and implementation.
4. Can plan and manage monitoring and data acquisition processes required for the establishment and characterization of disease models.
5. Can design and implement in vivo approaches in preclinical research (including drug development) and appropriately structure the application and follow-up stages.
6. Can select and conduct an appropriate experimental framework for immunological applications, including vaccine studies and related assessments.
7. Can demonstrate competence in method selection, implementation, and data interpretation in areas such as behavioral models and neurodegenerative disease models.
8. Can integrate principles of facility operation, biosafety, and occupational health and safety into research processes in laboratory animal units and experimental laboratories.
9. Can analyze generated data using appropriate methods and produce scientific reports and presentations.
10. Can critically appraise the literature within the scope of seminar and thesis work and present scientific outputs in written and oral scientific formats.
11. Can communicate effectively within interdisciplinary teams and coordinate research processes.
12. Can conduct independent research within the thesis framework and produce scientific outcomes that contribute to the field.

8.2

Key Learning Outcomes - TYYÇ Relationship

Key Learning Outcomes		TYYC-1 KNOWLEDGE (Theoretical - Applied)	TYYC-2 SKILLS (Cognitive - Applied)
Key Learning Outcomes		1	Can plan and conduct research in laboratory animal studies in compliance with ethical principles and relevant regulations/legislation.
2	Can select an appropriate animal species and experimental model aligned with the scientific problem/hypothesis and justify the experimental design.
3	Can integrate knowledge of physiology and anatomy of laboratory animals into experimental design and implementation.
4	Can plan and manage monitoring and data acquisition processes required for the establishment and characterization of disease models.
5	Can design and implement in vivo approaches in preclinical research (including drug development) and appropriately structure the application and follow-up stages.
6	Can select and conduct an appropriate experimental framework for immunological applications, including vaccine studies and related assessments.
7	Can demonstrate competence in method selection, implementation, and data interpretation in areas such as behavioral models and neurodegenerative disease models.
8	Can integrate principles of facility operation, biosafety, and occupational health and safety into research processes in laboratory animal units and experimental laboratories.
9	Can analyze generated data using appropriate methods and produce scientific reports and presentations.
10	Can critically appraise the literature within the scope of seminar and thesis work and present scientific outputs in written and oral scientific formats.
11	Can communicate effectively within interdisciplinary teams and coordinate research processes.
12	Can conduct independent research within the thesis framework and produce scientific outcomes that contribute to the field.

8.3

Key Learning Outcomes - TAY Relationship

Key Learning Outcomes		TAY-1 KNOWLEDGE (Theoretical - Applied)	TAY-2 SKILLS (Cognitive - Applied)
Key Learning Outcomes		1	Can plan and conduct research in laboratory animal studies in compliance with ethical principles and relevant regulations/legislation.
2	Can select an appropriate animal species and experimental model aligned with the scientific problem/hypothesis and justify the experimental design.
3	Can integrate knowledge of physiology and anatomy of laboratory animals into experimental design and implementation.
4	Can plan and manage monitoring and data acquisition processes required for the establishment and characterization of disease models.
5	Can design and implement in vivo approaches in preclinical research (including drug development) and appropriately structure the application and follow-up stages.
6	Can select and conduct an appropriate experimental framework for immunological applications, including vaccine studies and related assessments.
7	Can demonstrate competence in method selection, implementation, and data interpretation in areas such as behavioral models and neurodegenerative disease models.
8	Can integrate principles of facility operation, biosafety, and occupational health and safety into research processes in laboratory animal units and experimental laboratories.
9	Can analyze generated data using appropriate methods and produce scientific reports and presentations.
10	Can critically appraise the literature within the scope of seminar and thesis work and present scientific outputs in written and oral scientific formats.
11	Can communicate effectively within interdisciplinary teams and coordinate research processes.
12	Can conduct independent research within the thesis framework and produce scientific outcomes that contribute to the field.

Graduates are trained to work as researchers in universities and research centers, particularly in laboratories with in vivo research infrastructure, where they can contribute to projects based on experimental animal models. They are also equipped to take roles in preclinical R&D and testing processes (e.g., drug, vaccine, and biomedical research). The program’s interdisciplinary structure aims to bring together graduates from diverse academic backgrounds within a common research framework and to enhance their capacity to establish and conduct experimental models.

Program graduates may apply to doctoral programs related to the field, provided that they meet the admission requirements announced by the relevant universities and comply with applicable regulations. Given that postgraduate structures in Laboratory Animal Science already exist in Türkiye, graduates will have the opportunity to progress to relevant doctoral programs at the national level (for example, your program form indicates that a Laboratory Animal Science PhD program has been initiated at Dokuz Eylül University).

Assessment and evaluation in the program are conducted in accordance with the relevant institute/graduate regulations and are tailored to the nature of each course, using components such as examinations, assignments/projects, practical performance, written reports, and presentations. Seminar course: Students are evaluated based on a literature review, a written report, and a structured oral presentation. Thesis work: Evaluation is carried out through the supervision/monitoring process and the thesis defense.

To graduate from the thesis-based master’s program, students are required to complete all obligations specified in the curriculum, carry out the seminar and thesis processes in accordance with the relevant regulations, and fulfill a minimum total workload of 120 ECTS credits. The program is structured over four semesters, comprising coursework, a seminar, and thesis/thesis supervision components, based on a workload of 30 ECTS per semester.

Full-Time

rogramın yürütülmesi; Bursa Uludağ Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Enstitüsü ve deneysel altyapı kapsamında Deney Hayvanları Yetiştirme ve Araştırma Birimi (DENHAB) üzerinden kurgulanmıştır.

Within the existing facilities, units such as operating rooms, general research laboratories, quarantine rooms, animal care rooms, animal housing and breeding rooms, sterilization/disinfection areas, and cleaning/preparation areas are defined. In addition, examples of thematic laboratories include the Multidisciplinary Molecular Biology Laboratory, the Viral Vaccine Research Laboratory, and the Neuroscience and Experimental Parkinson’s Laboratory.
Your form also states that the current laboratory and classroom facilities are sufficient to deliver the proposed program and that no additional physical space is required.