Course in Animal Research in Norway, Laboratory animals, theoretical, Function A,B, and D

The main aim of the course is to ensure ethical and humane handling of experimental animals, training in experimental design of experiments involving animals, and collection of informative, objective and reproducible research data from conducted animal experiments.

The theoretical course covers the following species- groups of research animals when used as model organisms in biomedical research: laboratory rodents, swine, and model fish (e.g. zebrafish, medaka).

The course is required, according to regulatory demands, for personnel that will plan and/or perform animal experiments in Norway and is in accordance with the requirements for education and training stated in the Norwegian Regulation on Animal Research § 24 and Annex E (equivalent to Article 23 and Annex 5 in Directive 2010/63/EU). The course fulfils the requirements for theoretical training for function A, B, and D in accordance with the EU Commission´s "Education and training framework document"(http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/lab_animals/pdf/guidance/education_training/en.pdf)

NOTE: In order to perform procedures on animals (Function A and D) the student must in addition complete practical training for function A and D according to requirements given by the course committee. Practical training modules, in accordance with said requirements is offered as separate courses at the cooperating universities in CAREiN.

The course covers the theoretical modules necessary for function A, B and D for the above-mentioned species groups. Specifically, all the following theoretical EU modules are covered by the course:

Core modules (Function A, B, D):

1. National legislation

2. Ethics, animal welfare and the Three Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement), level 1

3.1 Basic and appropriate biology

4. Species specific animal care, health and management

5. Recognition of pain, suffering, and distress (including severity assessment and humane endpoints)

6.1 Humane methods of killing

Function specific modules for function A and B:

7. Minimally invasive procedures without anaesthesia

10. Design of procedures and projects (level 1)

11. Design of procedures and projects (level 2)

Task specific modules:

20. Anaesthesia for minor procedures

21. Advanced anaesthesia for surgical or prolonged procedures

22. Principles of surgery

The detailed learning outcomes for each module of the course is in coherence with the defined learning outcomes the EU Commission´s Education and Training Framework Document (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/lab_animals/pdf/guidance/education_training/en.pdf).

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes (defined in knowledge, skills, and general competence):

Knowledge

The student can:

• Account for the national and international legislation regulating animal research
• Understand the key roles and responsibilities of personnel involved in animal research
• Identify and understand ethical and welfare issues raised by the use of animals in research
• Describe and discuss the principles of the 3Rs and suggest how to implement the 3Rs in a specific study proposal
• Detail biology (anatomy, physiology, genetics, behaviour) of relevant model animals
• Account for appropriate handling and husbandry practices of relevant model animals
• Recognise and describe the principles of pain, pain management, humane endpoints and humane killing of relevant model animals
• Identify potential human health hazards for animal study work and describe appropriate protective measures
• Account for commonly applied species-specific experimental techniques
• Identify and explain the key factors for planning and designing animal experiment appropriately
• Describe and understand the principles of anaesthesia and analgesia
• Describe and understand the basic surgical principles

Skills

The student can...

• consider the use of and apply alternatives and supplements to animal experiments
• make qualified assessments of and respond appropriately to ethical and animal welfare issues
• have a proactive and conscious attitude to factors that may affect the outcome of an animal experiment
• make qualified decisions on the use of analgesia, anaesthesia, humane endpoints and euthanasia
• have a conscious attitude towards preventing human health hazards

General competence

The student is...

• able to plan and direct animal studies
• able to perform procedures on animals under supervision