Animal research training - Code & Animal Research Ethics (CARE)

Training program

Module 1+2 is available online and can be completed at any time. Training modules are available as reference material for UON staff and students.

Program objectives

The overall aim of this program is to provide UON 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 where animals are used for research or teaching purposes (e.g. undergraduate students, honours students, postgraduate students, and experienced researchers).

Presentation

The program consists of online learning, tutorials, seminars and practical sessions. Some modules are prerequisites for other modules, and Module 1+2 must be completed before participation in any other module.


Registration

University of Newcastle staff and students

Registration form (DOC 157 KB)

Send completed form to care@newcastle.edu.au to enrol in Module 1+2 and/or join the waiting list for Modules 3 to 7.

NB:  Induction into Building F is required when participating in Modules 4, 5 or 6.  Please contact Louise Rabbitt at Bioresearch Facilities (or brf@newcastle.edu.au) to organise induction at least 3-4 weeks prior to attending Modules 4, 5 or 6.


Proposed CARE Training Dates for 2024

NB:  These dates are indicative only and are subject to change.

CARE Module

2024 Date

Max. Participants

CARE 3

21 February

20

CARE 3

24 July

20

CARE 4

13 March

6

CARE 4

7 August

6

CARE 5

10 April

6

CARE 5

4 September

6

CARE 6

8 May

6

CARE 6

9 October

6

CARE 7

24 June

20

CARE 7

25 November

20


Program outline and structure

Module 1+2: 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, 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 available online. Request enrolment via the Registration form (DOC 157 KB)

Assessment Online quiz which must be completed before proceeding to other modules.
Additional information This module is a prerequisite for Modules 3 - 7.  

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 completion of Module 1+2.
Availability

Register your interest using the Registration form (DOC 157 KB)

Additional information This module is not a prerequisite for any other modules.

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 a post mortem.

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

Prerequisite Satisfactory completion of Module 1+2.
Availability

Register your interest using the Registration form (DOC 157 KB)

Additional information This module is a prerequisite for Module 5 and 6, however the number of participants for this module is LIMITED to 4.

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.
Availability

Register your interest using the Registration form (DOC 157 KB)

Additional information This module is a prerequisite for Module 6, however the number of participants for this module is LIMITED to 4.

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 and suturing techniques.
Prerequisite Attendance at Module 5 and fulfilment of all prerequisites for Module 5.
Availability

Register your interest using the Registration form (DOC 157 KB)

Additional information The number of participants for this module is LIMITED to 4.

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 completion of Module 1+2.
Availability

Register your interest using the registration form (DOC 157 KB)