1. Institutional Animal User Training and Tools
  2. Theoretical Training

Theoretical Training

Registration: QACS 799/800/801/802

Registration is managed by the Office of the University Veterinarian

WHO: Anyone to be listed on an Animal Use Protocol (AUP) must complete a ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Animal Care Service (QACS) course. This includes Principal Investigators (PIs) as well as all individuals responsible for the care and use of animals under an approved AUP.

WHAT: 

  • QACS 799 - biomedical research (particularly rodents)
  • QACS 800 - neuroscience research
  • QACS 801 - biology/wildlife-based research (particularly fish) 
  • QACS 802 - biology/wildlife-based research (particularly birds)(*under development)

The objective of these courses is to educate protocol associates on the care and ethics of animal use in science. The first 5 modules and their respective quizzes cover the following topics, and must be completed with a minimum grade of A-:

  • Guidelines, Legislation and Regulations
  • Ethics in Animal Experimentation
  • The Three R's in Animal Experimentation
  • Occupational Health and Safety
  • Pain, Distress and Endpoints/Fish in Science/Birds in Science (*species-specific module)

WHEN: QACS must be completed prior to being listed on an AUP and registering for practical handling courses.

Rodent Training Process

Below is a workflow outlining the steps for the training of new lab members working with rodents.

Enrollment of a New Lab Associate in Theoretical Training (QACS 799) 
 Theoretical Training Completion 
  • Automatic notification is sent to Training Coordinator once QACS is complete
 TOPAZ Elements & AUP Access
  • New associate is granted access to TOPAZ Elements
  • PI must add associate to Animal Use Protocol (AUP) (required prior to practical workshop participation)
  • Associate confirms training needed for project with PI
  • Associate submits ''Workshop Request Form''
 Workshop Scheduling
  • AUP personnel amendment is approved (notification sent to PI and Training Coordinator)
  • Training Coordinator contacts student directly and schedules practical workshop(s)
 Workshop Completion and Rodent Facility Orientation
  • Training Coordinator sends practical workshop summary email to PI and associate
  • Associate contacts Animal Care Services (ACS) for rodent facility orientation
 Lab Mentorship
  • Once training is complete, associate is mentored in lab by PIs, senior students and technicians to develop proficiency and learn lab-specific procedures
  • Training Coordinator and/or Animal Care Services (ACS) can be contacted at any time if assistance is required