ABSTRACT
The Brazilian Law on scientific and teaching use of animals, Arouca’s Law (n° 11.794 – 2008), clearly states that animals should not be used if an alternative method is available. The aim of this study was to describe the development of a software (Pharmasoftware®) as an alternative method of teaching in pharmacology at a Medical School (Federal University of Ceara, Campus Sobral). To support the development and validation of the Pharmasoftware® as an alternative method, students were allocated into two groups: one attending a conventional practical class and the other employing Pharmasoftware®. The results showed that two activities were equally effective in improving the students’ knowledge of drug administration. Pharmasoftware® may therefore represent a tool capable of supporting pharmacology teaching and it also fostering the establishment of alternative methods for teaching Pharmacology in the undergraduate courses.
–Alternatives to the Use of Animals; –Bioethics; –Education; –Pharmacology; –Medical Education
