Alternatives to Animal Experiments in the Life Sciences | anatomical structure and function can be enhanced through high-resolution images, video clips, and animations available in multimedia software Virtual labs can illustrate the interplay between complex phenomena and related symptoms, and support the development of problem-solving skills In true virtual reality (VR), clinical skills and surgical procedures can be practiced in a highly immersive environment, and even the sense of touch—haptics—can be simulated Just as an airline pilot trains using flight simulators in order to be fully versed in all likely scenarios, so must all students and professionals who will be working with patients achieve the required level of mastery Simulations can help guarantee this Ethically Sourced Animal Cadavers and Tissue All future veterinarians will require hands-on experience with animals and animal tissue The use of ethically sourced cadavers and tissue is an alternative to the killing of animals for dissection and surgery practice The term ethically sourced refers only to cadavers or tissue obtained from animals who have died naturally or in accidents, or who have been euthanized due to terminal disease or serious injury Body donation programs can provide cadavers in an ethical way Clinical Work with Animal Patients Student access to clinical learning opportunities could be significantly increased in order to replace animal experiments and to better prepare students for their professions A progressive approach to learning veterinary surgery might involve mastering basic skills using non-animal alternatives, then using ethically sourced cadavers for experience with real tissue, and finally performing supervised work with animal patients Shelter sterilization programs are an important potential resource; students can observe, assist and then perform castrations and spays The clinic can also teach many other skills that the lab cannot, such as post-operative care and supporting the recovery of patients, reflecting a growing awareness that caring is a clinical skill Student Self-Experimentation For further experience of the whole, living body, the consenting student is an excellent experimental animal, particularly for physiology classes The intense involvement and self-reference of such practical classes makes them highly memorable and supports effective learning In Vitro Labs The rapid development and uptake of in vitro technology in research and testing needs to be supported by student familiarity with the technique Animal tissue and cells used for in vitro practical classes can be sourced ethically, and within some biology practical classes, the use of animal tissue can be replaced directly with plant material Field Studies Students may study animals in a laboratory setting as a model for nature, or they may face invasive or otherwise harmful interactions with wild animals However, biology is not just experimentation, nor does its study require harm Studying animals within their natural environment can be a particularly rewarding alternative The use of the above replacement alternatives illustrates the potential of humane education to transform a negative relationship between students and animals into a positive one