Course content

Practical training in laboratory animal science is a continuation of the theoretical training in laboratory animal science. The combination of theoretical and practical training will adhere to the requirements in the Norwegian Regulation on animal experiments and the Education and Training Framework document by the EU Commission. Completion of the theoretical and practical training will qualify to function (a) (persons carrying out procedures on animals) and (b) (persons who plan and design projects and procedures involving animals).

Persons who will carry out procedures on animals will need practical training as part of the mandatory education and training in laboratory animal science. This course in practical training is relevant only for people who will work with rodents. Students can complete their practical training at their home institution, providing that the training is supervised by certified CareIn instructors and that the training is in accordance with the manual of practical training defined by the CareIn consortium.

The practical training will include basic and minimally invasive techniques. The training will be done on mice and rats.

Learning outcome

During the practical training, the students' competence and ability to perform the different tasks will be assessed.

Learning methods and activities

Practical handling of laboratory mice and rats provided by the staff at the animal facility at the student's home institution. The instructors are certified by the CareIn consortium and the training will be done in compliance with the manual defined by the CareIn consortium.

The students will be divided into groups and introduced to the most basic techniques on animals. The students must practice these techniques until they can demonstrate sufficient skills.

The training will be done over three days. The timepoint for the training will be announced by the animal facility at the student's home institution.

Recommended previous knowledge

The students are recommended to make contact with the research animal facility at their home institution to enquire about how the practical training is organized and to get information about HSE preparations and potential economic compensation.

Required previous knowledge

The theoretical course NEVR8014 Laboratory animal science for researchers or a similar theoretical course at another Norwegian university (UiB, UiO or UiT) must be completed.

Course materials

Written manuals will be handed out to the students prior to the course.