Animal research - step by step
This is a flowchart showing important steps in animal research
Main content
Training in Laboratory Animal Science - Information and registation
All those who use animals in research must have education and practice in accordance with the Regulation on the use of animals in experiments (Annex E) (Forskrift om bruk av dyr i forsøk, vedlegg E). The training must be carried out before designing and performing experiments, caring for or euthanizing animals, and includes both theory and practice. There are also requirements for documentation of competence through continuous practice and education. The Laboratory Animal Facility offers both theoretical courses, practical training and refresher courses, for students, employees and external parties.
Training for animal studies
Training on the use of animals in research With the implementation of EU Directive 2010/63, a new classification system* was introduced for personnel working with animals in experiments.
Requirements for technical skills (“skills”) apply to people who will perform procedures on animals (Function A, C and D).
People who plan experiments, but do not themselves perform procedures (Function B), must know these procedures, what impact they have on the animals, and how to perform procedures in the most refined way - but they do not need to demonstrate that they master them in practice.
Everyone who is to have access to the Laboratory Animal Department at K1, UiB must document that training has begun.
To apply for experiments in FOTS (Laboatory Animal Administration’s Supervision and Application System) or participate in experiments, you must have completed a theoretical subject (course) and practice, and be able to document this.
If you have a course in laboratory animal science from other countries, parts of this may be approved by the staff veterinarian. You must then complete a self-study program with national regulations, this includes a test. See more information in the separate tab “Courses from abroad”.
* This classification replaces the previous FELASA categories
** The combination of LAS301+302 will be replaced by CAREIN from 2024
Who needs training?
People who design animal studies, perform procedures on or care for animals must have training.
People who plan and design experiments with animals (“function B”) must have completed CAREiN/LAS301+302 (rodents, pig) or LAS303 (fish), or equivalent, depending on which animal the experiment contains.
People who are to perform procedures (“function A”) must in addition to the courses mentioned above work under supervision in the procedures they are to perform until they can demonstrate that they master these.
People who are to euthanize animals (“function D”) must also go through theory equivalent to CAREiN or LAS301/303 and guided practice in the euthanasia methods to be used.
Everyone involved in experiments with animals must maintain and document competence through continuous practice and education. It is recommended to take a refresher course after at most 5 years. The Animal Department arranges update courses, see separate tab “Refresher Courses”.
Content of the training
The training we offer in laboratory animal science is the LAS subjects and CAREiN. These subjects (courses) contain interdisciplinary science that contributes to ethically defensible, humane use of experimental animals and collection of informative, objective and reproducible data.
The subjects include topics such as legislation, ethics, the animals’ inherent properties, influence of the external environment and procedures we perform and how we design studies.
In the course of a subject, you will acquire knowledge about laboratory animals and demonstrate that you can apply knowledge to problem solving e.g. when planning your own experiments, giving an assessment of and input to specific plans for animal experiments or assessing the quality of others’ studies with animals.
For more information about content, we refer to the subject descriptions:
LAS301 (corresponds to LAS601): https://www4.uib.no/en/courses/LAS301
LAS303(corresponds to LAS603): https://www4.uib.no/en/courses/LAS303
CAREiN: see own webpage
It is assumed that the students have basic knowledge in anatomy and physiology.
All subjects consist of preparations (e-lectures, online material), knowledge tests, gatherings, group assignments and exams.
It is expected that participants spend time both before and after lectures for self-studies, group work and exam preparation.
To pass the subjects, participation in compulsory activities and exams is required.
Planned course dates autumn 2024 and spring 2025
Practical information and registration
LAS courses:
UiB students and PhD candidates must register via Studentweb within the usual deadlines for semester registration.
It is possible for students and PhD candidates at other institutions of higher education in Norway, as well as persons affiliated with university hospitals, to apply for visiting scholar right to study, to follow these subjects - see The Faculty of Medicine’s information on guest students.
For all other groups, we offer the Laboratory Animal Science subjects through the Continous Education (EVU). See more information about the courses we offer here:
CAREiN:
Everyone who wants to follow CAREiN must apply for a space on the course. More information can be found on CAREIN’s own pages: CAREIN information.
ECTS credits
Refresher Course
Everyone who has a course from before 1/7-2015 or for more than 5 years ago, or has been away from the laboratory animal field for a longer period should take a refresher course.
The refresher course consists of preparations in the form of self-studies and 1/2 day gathering.
The next refresher course will take place in week 8 2025.
Interested parties can register here. Note that this is only an interest list, and more information will be sent out to registered persons and e-mails.
Courses from abroad
Persons who have FELASA-accredited or equivalent courses from abroad must complete a course in national legislation and ethics in order to work at the Laboratory Animal Facility at UiB. The staff veterinarian assesses and can approve parts of previous education. You must then complete a self-study program with national regulations, this includes a test.
Attach your course certificates and send a message to aurora.bronstad[a]uib.no
As a minimum the training program in accordance with Appendix E of the Regulation on the use of animals in research must cover:
- The Norwegian regulation of the use of animals in research
- Ethics related to relationship between humans and animals, intrinsic value of life and arguments for and against use of animals in research
- Basic relevant biology, anatomy, physiology, reproductions and genetics for the species in question
- Animal welfare, care and enrichment
- Species specific handling
- Animal health and hygiene
- Recognition of species specific signs of fear, pain or other harm
- Anesthesia, analgesia and Euthanasia
- Humane end-points
- 3R
- Design of experiments
