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

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.

The learning outcomes of this course are in accordance with the ‘Education and Training Framework’ (relating to Directive EU/2010/63 of the European Commission.

The following modules are covered:

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 (partially) 8 Minimally invasive procedures without anaesthesia – skills

The study load for this course is approximately 40 hours, spread across 3 weeks. Attendance is mandatory for all course subjects. There is a 100% attendance obligation.

22 June 2026 - 9 July 2026 (exam: 9 July 2026) Course is fully booked

If a course is fully booked, you can sign up for the next course via the registration button, or register for the waiting list via the interest form.

NOTE: in case enrollment is too low, courses may be cancelled. We will inform you about this one month before the start of the course at the latest.

Location: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine UU, Utrecht Science Park

The session takes place at Utrecht Science Park. On the Utrecht Science Park website you can find an overview of the different travel routes and transport options. You can also view an overview of the available paid parking options if you plan to come by car .

Contact las@uu.nl

• Sign up via the sign-up button at the top of the page

• Registration via this website is for the Species-specific course Rodents and Rabbits only. This course can also be taken in combination with the Basic Laboratory Animal Science course. Please visit this website for more information.

Certificate

The certificates for the basic and species-specific course will be awarded when you have successfully passed the entrance exam and the final exam of the course.

Former participants who lost their certificates can request a new one for a €25 fee paid in advance. Please contact the main office of the Laboratory Animal Science course.

Payment and Cancellation Policy

Payment

Payment for the course can be made directly or via invoice via the created environment in Osiris after registration.

Cancellation Policy

When cancelling a registration:

• 22 or more days prior to the course start date: no costs will be charged.
• 7–21 days prior to the course start date: 50% of the costs will be charged.
• 7 or fewer days before the course start date or no-show: the full amount will be charged.