[The characterization of the use of animals in teaching from the perception of students of biological and health sciences].

Animals are used for various purposes in the scientific realm and their use in teaching is highlighted in this research. Seeking to understand this use better, a questionnaire was administered to 427 students of medicine, pharmacy and biological sciences of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul federal universities. Data was gathered revealing high rates of feelings of discomfort, and the predominant interest in supporting the substitution of animals in the teaching environment. The conclusion reached is that the use of animals for teaching purposes has the ability to generate strong conflict, especially when the perception of animal suffering is identified by the students. Finally, three types of use of animals in the context of teaching are proposed.