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Training

Training modules

Information about training modules 1 to 5.

Module 1

  • Historical background:
    Legislation and attitudes to animals and animal welfare in the United Kingdom
  • An introduction to ethical aspects of the use of animals in scientific procedures
  • The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986:
    • The Certificate of Designation
    • The Project Licence
    • The Personal Licence
    • Schedule 1
    • Schedule 2
    • Home Office Guidance on the Operation of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986
    • Home Office Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of
    • Animals used in Scientific Procedures
    • Other codes of Practice and Guidelines
  • Other relevant legislation

Module 2

  • Recognition of wellbeing, pain, suffering or distress in the relevant species
  • Handling and restraint of the relevant species
  • Humane methods of killing appropriate to the relevant species
  • Local procedures:
    • Security
    • Administration
    • Supply of animals
    • Disposal of animals
  • Personal Health and Safety


Module 3

  • Biology and husbandry of the relevant species
  • Common diseases and recognition in the relevant species
  • Health monitoring and disease prevention or control:
    • General principles
    • Principles of gnotobiology
    • Local practices and procedures
  • Introduction to anaesthesia and analgesia in the relevant species
  • Conduct of minor procedures in the relevant species:
    • Common methods of dosing
    • Common methods of sampling
    • Minor procedures not requiring sedation, analgesia or general anaesthesia
    • Other minor procedures involving sedation, analgesia or brief general anaesthesia

Module 4

  • Surgical anaesthesia and analgesia in the relevant species
  • Conduct of surgical procedures:
    • Principles of surgery
    • Common surgical procedures
    • Post-surgical care and monitoring


Module 5

  • Ethical aspects of the use of live animals
  • Analysis of the literature:
    • Critical appraisal
    • Literature searches
  • Alternatives:
    • Refinement
    • Reduction
    • Replacement
  • Project design:
    • Plan of work
    • Good laboratory practice
    • Appropriate laboratory methods
    • Selection of appropriate animal models
    • Appropriate statistical methods
  • Project licence management:
    • Responsibilities
    • Supervision of personnel and programme of work
    • Record keeping requirements
    • Annual return of procedures
  • Legal aspects - European, and wider international context

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