Research Animal Training Scheme (RATS)
2013 Training Program
- Modules 1 and 2 are available at any time.
- During 2013, all modules of the RATS program will continue to be offered free of charge.
Program objectives
The overall aim of this program is to provide researchers using animals with the knowledge and practical skills to ensure:
- compliance with the legislation
- humane animal use
- ethical animal use
- minimisation of risks associated with the use of animals.
Potential participants
Persons who are/will be working or studying in areas in which animals are used for research or teaching purposes (eg. under-graduate students, honours students, post-graduate students, and experienced researchers who wish to update their knowledge).
Presentation
The program consists of on-line learning, tutorials, seminars and practical sessions. Participants may participate in or attend all/any of the modules. However, it should be noted that some modules are prerequisites for other modules, and Module 1 must be completed before participation in any other modules.
Registration
University of Newcastle Staff and Students:
Complete the registration form (DOC 114 KB) and send to Donna Feeney in HR Services.
University Staff must also register though HR online. This will ensure that your attendance at the course is recorded.
To access the HRonline Training and Development calendar:
- Log on to HROnline
- Click 'Training and Development',
- Then 'Training Nominations' on the left hand side.
- Then 'Click here to view the list of training course categories'
- Select '00009 - Research' to view online modules.
Program Outline and Structure
Module 1: Introduction to the use of animals in research
| Description | Online course covering the legislative and institutional requirements governing the use of animals for research and teaching at the University of Newcastle, and the principles and practice of animal care and welfare. |
| Prerequisite | Working or studying in areas in which animals are used for research or teaching purposes. |
| Availability | This module is provided via UoNline (Blackboard). Once your registration details are received, you will be enrolled in the course and will have access to UoNline (Blackboard). |
| Dates | From 14 January - 30 November 2013. |
| Assessment | Online quiz which must be completed before proceeding to other modules. |
| Additional information | This module is a prerequisite for Modules 2 - 6. |
Module 2: Monitoring pain management & anaesthesia
| Description | Online course covering the monitoring of animal well-being, the assessment and management of pain and distress in animals, and the principles of anaesthesia. |
| Prerequisite | Satisfactory results following completion of the online quiz for Module 1 |
| Availability | This module is provided via UoNline (Blackboard). Once your registration details are received, you will be enrolled in the course and will have access to UoNline (Blackboard). |
| Dates | From 14 January - 30 November 2013 |
| Assessment | Online quiz which must be completed before proceeding to other modules |
| Additional information | This module is a prerequisite for Modules 3, 4, 5 and 6. |
Module 3: Developing & using a monitoring check list
| Description | Seminar on how to develop and use an effective tool for monitoring the health and welfare of research animals. |
| Prerequisite | Satisfactory results following completion of the online quiz for Module 1 and |
| Date | TBA |
| Time | TBA |
| Venue | TBA |
| Additional information | This module is a prerequisite for Modules 5 and 6. |
Module 4: Animal care, monitoring, handling & basic research procedures
| Description |
Practical session involving:
All participants will have the opportunity to obtain 'hands-on' experience with the demonstrated techniques. |
| Prerequisite | Satisfactory results following completion of the online quiz for Module 1 and 2. |
| Date | TBA |
| Time | TBA |
| Venue | TBA |
| Additional information | This module is a prerequisite for Module 5 and 6 however the number of participants for this module is LIMITED. Morning tea is provided and lunch can be purchased from the hospital facilities. |
Module 5: Principles of anaesthesia in rodents
| Description |
Practical session demonstrating the principles and techniques involved in rodent anaesthesia. Topics covered include: gaseous and injectable anaesthesia, pre-anaesthetic assessment, monitoring, assessment of anaesthetic depth and OHS issues associated with anaesthesia. All participants will have the opportunity to obtain 'hands-on' experience with the basic techniques. |
| Prerequisite | Attendance at Module 4 and fulfilment of all prerequisites for Module 4. |
| Date | TBA |
| Time | TBA |
| Venue | TBA |
| Additional information | This module is a prerequisite for Module 6 however the the number of participants for this module is LIMITED. Morning tea is provided and lunch can be purchased from the hospital facilities. |
Module 6: Surgery & aseptic surgical techniques
| Description |
Practical session for researchers who will be performing surgery on research animals. Areas covered include: instrument identification and use, aseptic technique, preparation of the animal, making incisions, handling tissues, haemostasis, choosing needles and suture material and suturing techniques. |
| Prerequisite |
|
| Date | TBA |
| Time | TBA |
| Venue | TBA |
| Additional information | The number of participants for this module is LIMITED. Morning tea is provided, lunch can be purchased from hospital facilities |
Module 7: Applications to an Animal Ethics Committee
| Description | Tutorial on the completion of an application to an institutional Animal Ethics Committee, Assessment of applications by the Committee and the principle issues that must be addressed by the applicant. |
| Prerequisite | Satisfactory results following completion of the online quiz for Modules 1 and 2. |
| Date: | TBA |
| Time: | TBA |
| Venue: | TBA |
| Additional information | Morning tea will be provided |