ANIMAL WELFARE AND TRAINING UNIT

TRAINING

 

 

Details of the 2013 Research Animal Training Scheme (RATS program) can be found below.

 

Please follow directions under "Registration" to register for this program.

 

Modules 1 and 2 are available anytime.  Registration for Module 7 is now open.

 

DURING 2013 ALL MODULES OF THE RATS PROGRAM WILL CONTINUE TO BE OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE

 

 

2013 Training Program

"Research Animal Training Scheme"

 

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 and send to Donna Feeney (Contact details on registration form).

 

University Staff Only:

 

Also register through HR online.  This will ensure that your attendance at the course is recorded.  To access Hronline Training and Development Calendar, click on the Training and Development link, then click the link on the left side called "Training Nominations".  Click the link "Click here to view the list of training course categories" and select '00009 - Research' to view online modules.

 

PROGRAM OUTLINE AND STRUCTURE

 

MODULE 1:  Introduction to the use of animals in research

 

Description:

On-line 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 Blackboard available at the University of Newcastle website. Once your registration details are received, you will be enrolled in the course and will have access to Blackboard.

Dates

From 14 January- 30 November 2013

Assessment:

On-line quiz which must be completed before proceeding to other modules

 

Additional information:

This module is a pre-requisite for Modules 2-6.

 

MODULE 2:  Monitoring, pain management and anaesthesia

 

Description:

On-line 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 on-line quiz for Module 1

Availability:

This module is provided via Blackboard available at the University of Newcastle website. Once your registration details are received, you will be enrolled in the course and will have access to Blackboard.

Dates

From 14 January- 30 November 2013

Assessment:

On-line quiz which must be completed before proceeding to other modules

 

Additional information:

This module is a pre-requisite for Modules 3, 4, 5 and 6.

 

 

MODULE 3:  Developing and using a monitoring checklist

 

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 on-line quiz for Module 1 and 2

Date:

TBA

Time:

TBA

Venue:

TBA

Additional information:

This module is a pre-requisite for Modules 5 and 6.

 

 

MODULE 4:  Animal care, monitoring, handling, and basic research procedures

 

Description:

Practical session involving:

  • Demonstration of basic animal care and handling, administration of substances (including injection techniques and gavage), and blood collection.
  • Interactive discussion on the monitoring of animal well-being.
  • Demonstration of the conduct of an autopsy.

All participants will have the opportunity to obtain “hands-on” experience with the demonstrated techniques.

Prerequisite:

Satisfactory results following completion of the on-line quiz for Module 1 and 2

Date:

TBA

Time:

TBA

Venue:

TBA

Additional information:

Morning tea is provided, lunch can be purchased from hospital facilities

The number of participants for this module is LIMITED.

This module is a pre-requisite for Module 5 and 6.

 

 

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 and 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:

Morning tea is provided, lunch can be purchased from hospital facilities

The number of participants for this module is LIMITED.

This module is a pre-requisite for Module 6.

 

 

MODULE 6:  Surgery and 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, suturing techniques.

Prerequisite:
  1. Attendance at Module 5, and fulfilment of all prerequisites for Module 5.
  2. Introductory videos/DVDs. Prior to commencement of Module 6, participants must have viewed the introductory videos/DVDs on the "Principles of aseptic surgery", and "Laparotomy in the rat". Copies of the videos and DVDs are available from:
    • The Auchmuty Library, University of Newcastle (for use within the library only) or
    • Instructors for the course (email: Robyn.Gentle@newcastle.edu.au)

Date:

TBA

Time:

TBA

Venue:

TBA

Additional information:

Morning tea is provided, lunch can be purchased from hospital facilities

The number of participants for this module is LIMITED.

 

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 on-line quiz for Modules 1 and 2

Date:

Thursday 4 July 2013 (Closing date for registration is 9:00am Monday 24 June 2013)

Time:

9:15am to 1:00pm

Venue:

Purdue Room, Great Hall, Callaghan Campus

Additional information:

Morning tea is provided.