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

Theoretical Training

Registration: QACS 799/800/801/802

Registration is managed through the Office of the University Veterinarian.

Please contact the Training Coordinator and provide your name, NetID and the name of the Principal Investigator (PI) you will be working with.

WHO: Anyone to be listed on an Animal Use Protocol (AUP) must complete a Queen's 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