Online Theoretical Course In Laboratory Animal Sciences

 

UPCOMING DATES FOR THE CTO HERE.

 

If you have not yet registered and wish to do so, follow this link (NOTE: STUDENTS REGISTERED IN GROUP MODE WILL BE REGISTERED BY THEIR COURSE COORDINATORS AT THEIR INSTITUTION).

The online theoretical course provides the minimum theoretical training required for authorisation at the investigator level and is designed in accordance with FELASA recommendations for the former Category B. All classes are prepared by experts in their respective fields and with training in Laboratory Animal Sciences. The list of class titles is permanently available on the SPCAL website, as well as the objectives of each session. The course is also being updated to follow the European Commission's guidelines for training in Laboratory Animal Sciences.

This training format allows for:

• Easy and quick access to training from any geographic location
• Flexible study and learning
• Complementing practical training courses
• Reduced training costs (individual and institutional)
• Frequent and timely assessments

Target Audience

This course is primarily intended for candidates seeking authorisation from the Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary (DGAV) to perform functions A, C, and D in accordance with Decree-Law 113/2013, as well as individuals seeking to acquire basic theoretical knowledge in Laboratory Animal Sciences.

To obtain DGAV authorisation, this course must be complemented with practical training, in accordance with the European Commission's recommendations. Registration in the Online Theoretical Course does not include the provision of practical training by SPCAL.

Duration

The sessions of this course are designed to include a minimum of 20 hours of reading.

Location

Available on the SPCAL website after registration and payment. The contents will be temporarily accessible with an individual password.

Assessment

The assessment will be conducted through an online written exam on dates determined by SPCAL. The candidate must take the exam within a maximum of 6 months after registration.

The exam, lasting a maximum of 120 minutes, will consist of 100 multiple-choice questions, each with 4 options, of which only one is correct. Incorrect answers do not deduct points. A minimum of 60% success is required to pass the exam.

Each registration allows one free retake. For the assessment, you can register according to the exam dates published by SPCAL or inquire about alternative dates. For groups of more than 20 participants from the same institution, SPCAL is available to schedule specific dates for these groups.

Registration

To register, click the registration link at the bottom of the course information page. Fill in the registration form fields and indicate your future access password. After receiving the registration confirmation email, make the payment and send a receipt to cursoteorico@spcal.pt. Once payment is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email of your registration and password activation. From this point until the exam (which must be taken within 6 months from this date), you will have access to the course content. Please see the special conditions for more than 20 participants.

Information

www.spcal.pt
cursoteorico@spcal.pt
Registration fee: SPCAL members €100; non-members €130
Special conditions for groups of more than 20 participants (click here)

Design and Coordination

• Ana Isabel Moura Santos, PhD – SPCAL and Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, NOVA University of Lisbon.
• Dolores Bonaparte, DVM – SPCAL and Faculty of Medical Sciences, NOVA University of Lisbon.

Topics Covered

• Anatomy and Physiology of Fish, Rodents, and Lagomorphs
• Behaviour and Environment
• Animal Welfare and Signs of Distress
• Housing - Macro and Micro Environment
• Feeding and Nutrition
• Health Status and Microbiological Control
• Transportation
• Handling, Restraint, and Identification Methods
• Standardisation and Genetic Manipulation
• Substance Administration and Sample Collection
• Anaesthesia and Analgesia
• Pre- and Post-Surgical Care
• Euthanasia
• Ethics and the 3 Rs
• Scientific Integrity and Experimental Design
• Health and Safety
• European and National Legislation and Recommendations

This course covers topics related to fish, rodents, and lagomorphs.

Course Authors

Ana Isabel Moura Santos, Ana Nóvoa, Ana Paula Martins, Anna Olsson, Carla Fernandes, Dolores Bonaparte, Heber Alves, Isabel Carvalho, Joana Bom, Joana Corte Real, Joana Marques, Lara Carvalho, Leonor Galhardo, Luis Antunes, Luísa Guardão, Magda Carlos, Maria Alexandra Ribeiro, Maria Guarino, Nuno Marques Pereira, Ricardo A. Afonso.