MF9495T – Course In Animal Research In Norway (CAREiN) - Theoretical training

Course content

Anyone that plan, design and/or conduct animal experiments is required to complete a course in experimental animal science and conduct their activities according to Norwegian Regulation on Animal Experiment (FOR-2015-06-18-761). This course follows requirements in the Norwegian Regulation on Animal Experiment, § 24 and Annex E, Points 1-11. The course qualifies for the use of animals in research for persons with function A, B and D, in accordance with Articles 23 and 24 of the EU Directive 2010/63/EU, and adheres to the theoretical training requirements for Core Modules and Function Specific Modules for function A, B and D in the EU Education and Training Framework. (Function A = person carrying out procedures on animals, Function B = person designing procedures and projects, Function D = killing animals).

The course goal is to ensure ethical and humane use of experimental animals and generation of informative, objective and reproducible research whenever animals are used for experimental purposes. The complete MF9495 course consists of a theoretical part (MF9495T; Function A+B+D) and practical training (MF9495P; Function A+D). Students must sign up for both MF9495T and MF9495P to obtain a CAREiN Diploma certifying training required for working with research animals.

The theoretical part of the course provides training in mice, rats, pigs and model fish. Practical training will be given in rodents (mice and rats) and is a mandatory part of the course for all students that intent to conduct animal experiments themselves (Function A). Be aware that access to animal facilities requires completion of practical training in relevant species. Practical training in pigs and model fish (Function A+D) must be added and organized by the student according to directions by the course committee. Completed practical training with rodents (MF9495P) is a prerequisite for additional training in pigs and/or model fish, and cannot commence until such training is passed in a CAREiN accredited animal facility.

Note that the course provides theoretical training in the experimental use of mice, rats, pigs and model fish. The course does not qualify for experimental use of other animal species, including other fish species than model fish. Students that intend to work with other animal species must attend additional training in the use of the species in question, or attend an experimental animal course that covers the species in question.

Learning outcome

The course gives an introduction to relevant national and international legal framework (EU), normative biology, handling and housing of experimental animals, the physiology of pain, anesthesia/analgesia, euthanasia, ethical considerations concerning experimental animal use, study design, the use of genetically engineered animals, and alternatives to the use of experimental animals. Furthermore, participants will be introduced to the Norwegian administrative system (FOTS) used for applying and obtaining ethical approval for experimental animal use as well as rules for reporting of the number of animals used in research.

Admission

As of autumn 2023 CAREiN Theoretical training is offered by The University of Bergen as a national course. The course is co-created and taught in collaboration with The University of Oslo, The University of Troms? and The Norwegian University of Science and Technology. See information here: CAREiN - Course in Animal Research (pig, rodent and model fish)

Prerequisites

Formal prerequisite knowledge

Requirement for admission to this course is minimum 3 years education at the university or college level (bachelor degree or corresponding) within biomedicine or biology.

Recommended previous knowledge

BIOS3800 Human Physiology for those who do not have a medical background. Human physiology at the level of the 3. semester.

Suggested literature (one of the below):

  • Handbook of Laboratory Animal Science, Essential Principles and Practices, Vol. 1, Third Edition. Jann Hau and and Steven J. Schapiro.
  • Handbook of Laboratory animal management and welfare (Blackwell Science), Wolfensohn and Lloyd (eds)

Teaching

The teaching will consist of:

  • Web-based self-study. The Web-module and group work MUST be completed before the two announced deadlines in Canvas and prior to lecture attendance during the last course week.
  • Five days with lectures and group work (mandatory attendance).
  • You have to participate in at least 80 % of the teaching to be allowed to take the exam. Attendance will be registered. As the course is based entirely on web-based communication via Zoom, students are required to have their web-camera on during Zoom lectures.

Estimation of time use:

  • The estimated workload for this theoretical course is in total 4 weeks (including self-study, lectures, group work, preparing for MCQ, and home assignment/exam). 

     

    ? Web modules self-study: about 12 days; module 1-10 (7 days), module 20-23 (5 days)
    ? Obligatory lectures: about 2 days (13 lectures)
    ? Obligatory group work: about 7 hours (3 sessions)
    ? Group work presentations and discussion: about 1 day
    ? Home assignment: about 2 days

    The proposed time use is an estimate, and time use will vary depending on for instance prior biology knowledge.

    In order to complete the full MF9495 course and get a CAREiN course certificate for the EU Functions A+B+D, the student must attend organized practical training (provided as the course MF9495P). Time slots for practical training will be announced via Canvas after the MF9495T course start. See MF9495P course pages for additional information.

Examination

To pass the theoretical training (MF9495T), the student must pass an electronic test the last day of the course and deliver a satisfactory home assignment (exam), resulting in a Function B certificate.

To be allowed to practice further under the supervision of experienced personnel and eventually perform and conduct animal experiments on their own, the student must in addition demonstrate sufficient competence during practical handling and performance of procedures with experimental animals (MF9495P), resulting in a Functions A+B+D certificate.

For students attending both MF9495T and MF9495P in the same semester:

  • Students that do not pass the electronic test in MF9495T will not be allowed to proceed with MF9495P.
  • Students that pass the electronic test but fail the home assignment in MF9495T will not be allowed to proceed with MF9495P.

Students that fail the electronic test or the home assignment, and students that have a postponed exam, have to retake the whole course.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

Explanations and appeals

Resit an examination

Special examination arrangements

Application form, deadline and requirements for special examination arrangements.

Evaluation

The course is subject to continuous evaluation. At regular intervals we also ask students to participate in a more comprehensive evaluation.

Facts about this course

Credits
8
Level
PhD
Teaching

Spring 2024:  CAREiN Theoretical training is offered by The University of Bergen as a national course. The course is co-created and taught in collaboration with The University of Oslo, The University of Troms? and The Norwegian University of Science and Technology. See information here: CAREiN - Course in Animal Research (pig, rodent and model fish). - Note the application deadline December 1.

Contact

Faculty of Medicine