ProfCert Training on Experimental Animal Use, Regulations & Procedures

Program Overview

This professional certificate program trains individuals in the ethical and responsible use of animals in research, as required by EU Directive 2010/63/EU. It covers responsibilities, regulatory requirements, and best practices in animal welfare, and is accredited by the HPRA in Ireland. The program consists of core and elective modules, delivered online and completed over one to three months.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This professional certificate is designed to train personnel involved in the use of animals for experimental research, in line with the requirements of Article 23 of Directive 2010/63/EU. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to ethically and responsibly conduct research involving live animals. Students will learn about their responsibilities, regulatory requirements, and best practices in animal welfare. The program is recognized by the HPRA (Health Products Regulatory Authority) as an accredited scientific animal training course in Ireland.

Objectives:

• Define and critically analyze the requirements under national legislation for using animals for research or teaching.
• Define and discuss humane and recommend appropriate methods of euthanizing animals used for research or teaching.
• Demonstrate the necessary skills for animal care, health, and management.
• Describe and critically analyze animal husbandry, care, and enrichment practices.
• Describe the basic and appropriate biology of species specifically used in research or teaching.
• Discuss, research, and apply best practice in ethics, animal welfare, and the principles of Three Rs (Reduce, Refine, and Replace).
• Explain basic principles of surgery.
• Optimally design procedures and projects involving the use of animals for research or teaching utilizing best practice.
• Recognize and assess pain and distress in animals used for research or teaching and to be able to formulate and implement a plan to minimize suffering.

Outline:

The program consists of two core modules delivered online via e-lectures, texts, images, videos, and links to online educational resources. Students will also select a species-specific elective module focused on rodents or farm animals.

Modules:

• Core Modules:
• Elective Modules:

Course Schedule:

• Duration: The program is designed to be completed over the course of one month.
A maximum of 3 months is allowed to complete the course.

Other:

• The program is delivered through innovative online teaching and assessment approaches.
• The program encourages students to become self-regulated learners and ethical practitioners.
• The program is designed to enable students to self-direct their own learning on a part-time basis.
• The program is recognized by HPRA (Health Products Regulatory Authority) as an appropriate accredited scientific animal training course in Ireland.