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Training in Laboratory Animal Science - Information and registation

According to the Regulation on the use of animals in research (Norw: “Forskrift om bruk av dyr i forsøk”) everyone involved in planning, performing, caring for, or killing animals must as a minimum fulfill training program in accordance with Appendix E of the regulation. Mattilsynet clearly stated that it is the single researcher’s responsibility to keep his/her CV updated.

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E. Sennesth

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Here you will find information about reserach animal courses offered at UiB

Training for animal studies – why do you need so?

Persons who conduct animal studies must as a minimum be trained in accordance with Appendix E of the Norwgian Animal Reserach Regulation before they design experiments, carry out experiments, care for animals or euthanize animals.

• With the implementation of EU directive 2010/63, a new classification system* was introduced for personnel who conduct animal studies.

• Requirements for technical skills ("skills") apply to people who will perform procedures on animals (Groups A, B and D).

• People who plan experiments but do not carry out procedures themselves (group B) must know these procedures and the impact on the animals, as well as being updated on the most refined practices. But, they do not need to demonstrate mastery of them in practice.

The European Commission made a framework for the training of laboratory animal personnel adapted to EU Directive 2010/63.

Everyone who is to have access to the Animal Facility at MED-UiB must document training  - both theoretical and practical (if applicable).

To apply for or be a project collaborator in animal studies in FOTS, you must have completed the entire educational program (CAREiN, LAS 301+302 or document equivalent education at another educational institution).

If you have education from another country, parts of it can be approved by the chief veterinarian at UiB.

Nevertheless, you must go through a self-study program - including a test - with a focus on national regulations and ethics.

* the new classification system replaces the previous FELASA-categories

Training objectives - Laboratory Animal Science

On the course, the students will acquire knowledge about laboratory animals. The students must demonstrate that they can apply their knowledge to problem solving, for example when planning their own experiments, giving an assessment of and input to specific plans for animal experiments or assessing the quality of other people's studies in animals.

The training program includes:

• Laws and regulations governing the use of experimental animals.
• Knowledge of ethical issues when using laboratory animals. Know what lies in the principle of replacement, reduction and refinement (3R), know how to search for information about this, how and how to apply these principles in best practice.
• Understand how various factors affect the results of animal studies.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the animal species(s) they will use in their studies, including how they are produced and what is meant by different "qualities", genetics, biology and microbiological quality.
• Know how external factors like the animals' environment as well as procedures (such as anaesthesia, surgery and animal handling)  directly impact experimental results
• Familiarize with the health and safety (HSE) aspects of working with animals - particularly with attention to the use if personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent development of allergies and other biological, physical and chemical risk factors related to animal work.
• Know how to plan and design of animal studies and how study design influences the number of animals, the amount of information and conclusions we can draw from our experiments as well as how to control for variables. 

It is a prerequisite that the students have basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

Who must be trained?

Anyone involved in planning, performing, caring for, or killing animals must fulfill a minimum training program 

  • People who plan and design experiments with animals ("function B") must have  fulfill CAREiN or LAS301+302 (rodents, pig) or LAS303 (fish).
    • The students must acquire knowledge about laboratory animals and demonstrate that they can apply the knowledge in a new context, for example when planning their own experiments or giving an assessment/input on specific plans for animal experiments.
  • Persons who perform procedures ("function A") must, in addition to the theoretical courses mentioned above, work under guidance until they master the procedures they are to perform.

Everyone who do animal studies must maintain and document competence trough continuous practice and education

Planned courses 2024/2025 

    LAS301/601 (general module)

    LAS303/603 (fish module)

    • Next time spring 2025

    CAREIN - for work with rodents, ogs and modefish

    • week 34-44

    LAS - Refreshcourses

    Course schedule

    The courses consist of preparations (e-lectures, online material), knowledge tests, assemblies, group assignments and exam.

    The candidate must allocate time for preparation before the face-to-face sessions, group work and exam preparations.

    To get the course approved, participation in compulsory activities and an exam is required.

    Registration

    LAS courses: 

    *UiB students and PhD candidates must register on studentweb in accordance with regular semester deadlines

    *external participants can find more information here

    CAREIN

    All who wants to attend the course must apply through SøknadsWeb. More information can be found on CAREINs own information page: 

    CAREIN information.

    Credits

    • LAS301: 6 credits
    • LAS302/303: 4 credits
    • CAREiN: 8 credits

    Practical training is based on the candidates individual needs and it does not give study credits at UiB 

    Refresher courses

    Anyone who has a course from before 1, July 2015 or more than 5 years ago, or who has been away from animal research activity for a longer period should take an update course.

    • The course consists of preparations such as self-studies and a 1/2 day assembly
    • The next courses will be in week 8 2025
    • Interest in the next course? Register on interest in next refresh course

    Training from an institution outside Norway

    • Persons who have a FELASA-accredited or equivalent course from abroad must complete courses in national legislation and ethics to work at the Animal Facility – UiB.
    • This is a self-study course. Attach your course certificates and send an e-mail to aurora.bronstad@uib.no