Animal ethics training and other resources

The Australian Code For The Care And Use Of Animals For Scientific Purposes 8th edition, 2013 (updated 2021)  'the Animal Use Code', requires that institutions ensure individuals involved in the care and use of animals understand their responsibilities and the requirements of the Code (2.1.8). This includes the provision of adequate resources for appropriate education and training.

The University of Queensland provides a number of training elements for individuals involved in the care and use of animals at UQ.

Mandatory online course

All UQ staff and students seeking approval from a UQ Animal Ethics Committee for hands-on animal work are required to complete the Animal Ethics Online Training Course. This requirement applies to all participants on Animal Ethics applications, including those added via the amendment process. A refresher course is required at three-year intervals.

The mandatory online course and associated quiz should take approximately 1 hour to complete.

The lessons in this course:

• inform staff and students of the legislation surrounding the use of animals for scientific purposes
• describe the University’s policies and requirements as a registered user of animals
• explain the role of the University’s Animal Ethics Committees
• explain the responsibilities of staff and students to comply with the Australian code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes and to consider the wellbeing of animals throughout their use in research and teaching.

Follow the instructions within the course to complete the lesson and the associated quiz. When you have passed the quiz, take a screen shot of the completion screen for your records.

Please note, this course is hosted via Workday. If you are an undergraduate student, or you are external to UQ, you may have difficulty accessing the course via this platform. If needed, you can complete the training via blackboard and send a copy of your final results to REI to be added to your approvals:

• UQ Students can access the training through Blackboard.
• The course name is SCIE0001N_6420_00001 Using animals for scientific purposes – Competency and Certification

If you have access difficulties (and you are an undergraduate student, or external personnel) please contact the secretary of the Animal Ethics Committee relevant to your work.

Ethical research & teaching with animals at UQ

Training sessions about ethical research and teaching with animals are available for UQ staff. These sessions guide participants on the requirement for them to conduct research and teaching with animals responsibly and advise on the relevant legislation as well as providing an understanding of the common issues with ethics applications. Register in Workday for any of these sessions.

Research ethics: Animal (HDR students)

All HDR students using live non-human vertebrates, cephalopods or crustaceans (if working interstate) require approval from an Animal Ethics Committee (AEC) prior to commencing any animal work.

The following topics related to the use of animals for scientific purposes will be discussed: 

• the legal framework and guiding policy and procedures 
• the ethical and guiding principles 
• the process of seeking ethical approval from one of the UQ AECs prior to starting your project. 

There will also be opportunity for your questions. Register for these sessions on the Graduate School website (Research ethics: Animal)

Educational Videos

Templates presented in the video

• Checklist for developing an experimental timeline.
• Examples of small graphics that could be used in a timeline.
• Example 1. Experimental timeline with various experimental endpoints.
• Example 2. Experimental timeline with variable experimental endpoints.

Brochures

MyResearch Ethics Management System

Information regarding MyResearch and how to access and use the system, is available from the MyResearch Training Hub.

Roadshows

The Animal Ethics Unit holds roadshows where they visit individual schools, centres, faculties and institutes to present information to staff about the use of animals in research and teaching. Roadshows can be requested by contacting the Animal Ethics Unit Coordinator.

Hands-on training

Before proceeding to animal work, participants must be trained in the procedures that they will be using by relevant, experienced staff. The type of training and the person providing training will depend upon the species being used (ranging from laboratory animals, through to companion animals and wildlife) and the types of procedures that need to be mastered. This often involves a combination of central training and training received by experts in specialised procedures and particular species within schools/centres and institutes.

UQ Biological Resources

Staff at UQ Biological Resources (UQBR) deliver a number of training sessions in best practice when using small animals for research and teaching. The courses are listed and can be booked on the UQBR website or by contacting your Animal Facility Manager.