Competence course in laboratory animal science

January 25th - February 3rd, 2023

Intensive course in Laboratory Animal Science aimed for researchers who wish to acquire knowledge on the correct use of animals for research purposes.

Course for the  persons carrying out the procedures on animals (a) and killing animals (d), according to Directive 2010/63/EU functions.

Course is held according guideline: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/lab_animals/pdf/guidance/education_training/en.pdf

OBJECTIVES

The main general objective of the course is to supply researchers with education and professional competencies to use animals in scientific research, considering alternatives, applicable legislation, the experimental design and relevant ethical issues, to optimize results.

Participants will acquire basic skills in techniques of handling, restraining, sampling and drug administration in the different laboratory animal species, basic rules of husbandry, housing, genetics, pathology, microbiology and nutrition of laboratory animals.

Competencies will also be acquired in techniques for detection and alleviation of pain and distress, to avoid and minimize animal suffering and to allow for an educated choice of the experimental procedures to adopt.

METHODS

The different subjects will be covered during two weeks in lectures and practical sessions, supplying the participants with the basic scientific knowledge applicable later to maximize the success of their results in future animal experiments, in full respect of related ethics and legislation.

 Lectures: Introduction of laboratory animal science, Ethics of animal experimentation; Allergies and safety in laboratory animal unit; Alternatives to animal procedures; Biology, handling and restraint of mouse and rat; Principles in laboratory animal nutrition; Transportation of animals; Different housing conditions and their effects to animal welfare; Humane endpoint and severity classification; Transgenic animals and their classification; Safety in working with infectious animals; Pain, Pain in rodents; pain assessment of rat based on video analysis; Analgesia and anesthesia; Principles of surgery; Diseases of laboratory animals, zoonosis; Anatomy and necropsy; Handling, restraint and simple procedures, anesthesia, simple surgery

Practices: Practical handling and restraining techniques in mice and /or rats ; experimental techniques: collection of body fluids; administration of substances; surgery and suturing; necropsy procedures.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Participation fee 1290 € /Fee includes certificate of attendance, course materials and practical work during course days/
• Official teaching language – English
• Venue: Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, Tartu
• Work load 78 hours, 3 ECTS credits
• Registration https://forms.gle/M1YRNipix26oTEqt5
• Registration deadline 10.01.2023
• Contact: riin.kikkas@emu.ee 
• https://vl.emu.ee/