Laboratory animal science -basic course and species-specific course rodents and rabbit

What is this course about?

The species-specific Laboratory Animal Science course rodents and rabbits is intended for researchers who are going to plan and perform animal experiments using these species (ex. Art. 9. Of the Dutch Act on animal experimentation or Wod). Relevant species-specific knowledge is covered. We discuss welfare, behaviour, housing, nutrition, etc. and become acquainted with handling methods and some basic experimental techniques.

This course (together with our basic course) is recognised by the Dutch government and FELASA accredited (function A). Be aware: to become qualified as an ‘article 9 officer’ you (usually) need two certificates: the basic certificate from the introduction course AND a species-specific course.

Please note: the course on Laboratory Animal Science is only part of the legal requirements for an ‘Article 9 officer’. You must also be scientifically trained (MSc level) in a member state of the EU or EEA, in a scientific discipline relevant to the work being undertaken.

To assess whether you meet the legal requirements to plan and perform animal experiments and to be registered as an Article 9 officer, please contact the Animal Welfare Body of your license holder. For more information regarding competency in animal experimentation, check out the website of the Animal Welfare Body.

What will this course provide me with as a professional?

In this course, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and professional attitude required to conduct animal experiments carefully, responsibly, and in accordance with the law.

To become officially qualified, you need two certificates:

  • the certificate for the basic course, and
  • the certificate for a species-specific course.

In this course, you will complete both the basic course and the species-specific course for rodents and rabbits.

After successfully completing the entrance test and the examination for the basic course and/or the species-specific course, you will receive the corresponding certificates. Have you lost your certificate? Former course participants can request a replacement certificate for €25 through the secretariat of the Laboratory Animal Science course.

Is this course right for me?

This course is intended for researchers who will be designing and conducting animal experiments. Please note that this course is part of the legal requirements for becoming an Article 9 functionary.

In addition to obtaining the certificates from a recognised Laboratory Animal Science course (basic course + species-specific course), you must:

  • have a scientific education at MSc level,
  • have obtained this qualification in an EU or EEA member state, and
  • have a degree in a field relevant to the work.

Program

  • Core modules

    1 National legislation

    2 Ethics, animal welfare and the 3Rs (level 1)

    3.1 Basic and appropriate biology - theory

    4 Animal care, health and management

    5 Recognition of pain, suffering and distress

    6.1 Humane methods of killing - theory

  • Function specific modules

    3.2 Basic and appropriate biology – skills

    7 Minimally invasive procedures without anaesthesia – theory

    8 Minimally invasive procedures without anaesthesia – skills

    9 Ethics, animal welfare and the 3Rs (level 2)

    10 Design of procedures and projects (level 1)

    11 Design of procedures and projects (level 2)

  • Task specific modules

    20 Anaesthesia for minor procedures

    21 Advanced anaesthesia for surgical and prolonged procedures

    22 Principles of surgery

Date

  • 21 September 2026 – 8 October 2026
  • 30 November 2026 – 17 December 2026

If a course is fully booked, you can join the waiting list via the registration form.

All courses take place at Utrecht Science Park. The exact location will be communicated to you before the start date.

Entrance test

Prior to taking this course, you must complete an entrance test. The test consists of multiple-choice questions and takes 1 hour. Read more about the entrance test here

Registering for the entrance test

Please register to take the entrance test. You can register here

Questions

Sent an email to las@uu.nl

Registration and payment

  • Registration

    Please register via the button on the top of this page.

  • Payment

    After registration, you will receive a link to the webshop. You can pay directly or by invoice through the Osiris environment created for you after registration.

  • Cancellation
    • 22 days or more before the start date: no charge
    • 7–21 days before the start date: 50% of the course fee
    • Within 7 days of the start date or in the event of a no-show: 100% of the course fee

Price

This course is €2.250