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

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

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)