Modules

This module covers ethics, regulations and legislation, environmental variables with impact on research, common hazards encountered in in-vivo work including zoonoses. This is a mandatory online module for all users and contains five short quizzes. 

This is a mandatory online module for all users. The module is divided into 5 short chapters, each with a short quiz. Submit a requisition form and access it on Quercus.

• Chapter 1. Course introduction
• Chapter 2. Ethics of animal use in science
• Chapter 3. Regulations
• Chapter 4. The concept of the three Rs; reduction, refinement and replacement
• Chapter 5. Occupational health and safety

This module is required for all mouse users. It includes theoretical and practical components covering basic biomethodology of the mouse including techniques for handling & restraint and administration of substances by commonly used routes.  A quiz and competency assessment are included. Advanced biomethodology is offered as a separate module.

Prerequisite – working with mice and listed on an approved animal use protocol
Scheduled – biweekly to monthly
Course length – 2-3 hours

Obtain form for registration. 

This module has two components comprising the theory and practice of working with mouse models. The theoretical component is on-line and may be taken at your convenience by logging on to Quercus with your UTORid once you are registered.  Once you have passed the theoretical component, you will be registered for the practical, hands-on session. This includes competency assessments in specific areas. Following this session, you will be provided with a guided tour of the facility you are working in. Advanced biomethodology is offered as a separate module.

• Animal Use Protocol (AUP)
• Working in a Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC) (Competency Assessment)
• Record keeping
• Stressors
• Mouse social housing
• Handling techniques (Competency Assessment)
• Breeding mice
• Sexing mice
• Identification and genotyping
• Subcutaneous (SQ) injections(Competency Assessment)
• Intraperitoneal (IP) injections(Competency Assessment)
• Euthanasia

If you are unsuccessful with the quiz or the competency assessments, additional training will be scheduled.

This module is required for all rat users. It includes theoretical and practical components covering basic biomethodology of the rat including techniques for handling & restraint and administration of substances by commonly used routes.  A quiz and competency assessment are included. Advanced biomethodology is offered as a separate module.             

Prerequisite – working with rats and listed on an approved animal use protocol
Scheduled - biweekly to monthly
Course length – 2-3 hours

Obtain form for registration.

This module has two components comprising the theory and practice of working with rat models. The theoretical component is on-line and may be taken at your convenience by logging on to Quercus with your UTORid once you are registered. Once you have passed the theoretical component, you will be registered for the practical, hands-on session. This includes competency assessments in specific areas. Following this session, you will be provided with a guided tour of the facility you are working in. Advanced biomethodology is offered as a separate module.

• Animal Use Protocol (AUP)
• Recordkeeping
• Stressors
• Handling techniques (Competency Assessment)
• Environmental enrichment
• Health monitoring
• Identification
• Sexing rats
• Subcutaneous (SQ) injections(Competency Assessment)
• Intraperitoneal (IP) injections(Competency Assessment)
• Euthanasia

If you are unsuccessful with the quiz or the competency assessments, additional training will be scheduled.

This module is required for all rabbit users. It covers basic biomethodology of the species and includes techniques for handling & restraint and administration of substances by commonly used routes.  A quiz and competency assessment are included.    

Prerequisite – working with rabbits and listed on an approved animal use protocol
Scheduled – as needed
Course length – 2 hours

Obtain form for registration.

The rabbit module includes a written quiz (80% required to pass), competency assessments in specific areas and a tour of the facility you are working in.

• Animal Use Protocol (AUP)
• Record keeping
• Stressors
• Handling techniques (Competency Assessment)?
• Environmental enrichment
• Health monitoring
• Identification
• Sexing rabbits
• Subcutaneous (SQ) injections
• Intramuscular (IM) injections
• Euthanasia

If you are unsuccessful with the quiz or the competency assessments, additional training will be scheduled.

This module is required for all guinea pig users. It covers basic biomethodology of the species and includes techniques for handling & restraint and administration of substances by commonly used routes.  A quiz and competency assessment are included.   

Prerequisite – working with guinea pigs and listed on an approved animal use protocol
Scheduled – as needed
Course length – 2 hours

Obtain form for registration. 

This module includes the theory and practice of working with guinea pig models. This module includes a written quiz, competency assessments in specific areas and a tour of the facility you are working in.

• Animal Use Protocol (AUP)
• Record keeping
• Stressors
• Handling techniques (Competency Assessment)
• Environmental enrichment
• Health monitoring
• Identification
• Sexing rabbits
• Subcutaneous (SQ) injections
• Intramuscular (IM) injections
• Euthanasia

If you are unsuccessful with the quiz or the competency assessments, additional training will be scheduled.

This module is required for all fish users. It covers basic introduction to working with several species of finfish, water quality, fish health, hazards of working with fish including zoonoses. It is offered by the University of Prince Edward Island.  A quiz is included.   

Prerequisite – working with fish and listed on an approved animal use protocol
Scheduled – as needed
Course length – 2 hours

Click here for details on registration. 

If you will be working with any species of fish, you must successfully complete the Fish Module prior to participating in hands-on training. To access to this training, contact acc.coordinator@utoronto.ca. 

This module includes theoretical and practical components covering advanced biomethodology of the mouse or rat including techniques for blood collection, intravenous injections and gavage.  A quiz and competency assessment are included.

Prerequisite – working with mice or rats and listed on an approved animal use protocol, the Ethics and Regulations Module, one species-specific biomethodology module (rat or mouse)
Scheduled – as needed
Course length – 2-3 hours

Obtain form for registration.

This module has two components comprising the theory and practice of working with mouse or rat models requiring advanced biomethodology. The theoretical component is on-line and may be taken at your convenience by logging on to Quercus with your UTORid once you are registered.  Once you have passed the theoretical component, you will be registered for the practical, hands-on session. This includes competency assessments in specific areas. Note that training in any procedures not covered in the advanced techniques module may be arranged as a one-on-one session with senior DCM trainers.

• IV injections
• Gavage
• Blood collection
  • Saphenous vein
  • Tail vein
  • Cardiac (acute)

This module is required for anyone using an inhalant anesthetic machine for chronic or acute work.  It covers operation of the anesthetic machine and methods for judgement of anesthetic depth.  A competency assessment is included.

Prerequisite – the Ethics and Regulations Module, one species module
Scheduled – biweekly/monthly
Course length – 2 hours

Obtain form for registration.

This module provides a comprehensive review of the most commonly used technique for providing general anesthesia for rat or mouse models. The module also provides theory and demonstration of judgement of anesthetic depth, an integral part of using any general anesthetics. The module has two components. The theoretical component is on-line and may be taken at your convenience by logging on to Quercus with your UTORid once you are registered. Once you have passed the theoretical component, you will be registered for the practical, hands-on session. The anesthetic module is offered on an as needed basis throughout the year.

Identify the components of the machine and rebreathing circuit

• Build a complete anesthetic circuit
• Filing the vaporizer
• Clean up in case of spill
• Safety
• Booking machines

Injectable anesthetics

• Complete a worksheet on drug calculations

Judgement of anesthetic depth

• Parameters for monitoring
• Planes of anesthesia
• Recovery

Documentation for anesthetic procedures

This module is required for anyone performing or assisting survival surgery. Content covers sterile technique, tissue handling, basic suturing and closures. To establish competency, in addition to successful completion of the module, the first surgical procedure the trainee performs will be monitored/evaluated by DCM staff.       

Prerequisite – the Ethics and Regulations Module, one species-specific biomethodology module, anesthesia module and listed on an approved animal use protocol
Scheduled – biweekly/monthly
Course length – 5 hours

Obtain form for registration.

This module provides an introduction to the principles of asepsis, surgical technique, wound closure and a comprehensive review of factors which contribute to the success of your surgical projects. The anesthetic module is a prerequisite. The surgery module is offered on an as needed basis throughout the year. Surgical competency is evaluated throughout the module and during a post training session during which first time surgeons perform their approved surgery under observation. Obtain training request form for registration.

Pre-operative Considerations

• Booking OR time
• Preparation of surgical packs
• Preparation of the surgical area
• Assessment of the patient

Anesthesia

• Anesthetic and analgesia plans
• Documentation

Surgical Considerations: Time Line

• Induction
• Anesthetic monitoring
• Surgical preparation
• Analgesia
• Surgical apparel
• Sterile technique
• Surgical technique
• Suturing and suture materials

Post-operative Care

• Responsibilities during recovery
• Follow-up patient care

This module is required for anyone working with chemical hazards in animal models. It covers safe work practices, PPE, disposal, decontamination, equipment.  A competency assessment is included.     

Prerequisite – the Ethics and Regulations Module, one species-specific biomethodology module, see module for more details
Scheduled – as needed
Course length – 2 hours

Obtain form for registration.

This module provides a practical overview of precautionary measures and safe work practices for projects which include use of chemical hazards in animal models. Species-specific biomethodology training is a prerequisite as is the theory-based course(s) on working with chemical hazards provided by Environmental Health and Safety. The DCM chemical hazard training module is offered on an as needed basis throughout the year. Obtain form for registration.

Prerequisites to work with chemical hazards

• Animal use protocol
• N95 respiratory fit test
• EHS training
• Species-specific biomethodology
• SOP review
• DCM notification

Working with chemical hazards

• Signage
• Personal protective equipment
• Fumehood/biological safety cabinet preparation
• Necessary supplies
• Booking
• Waste disposal
• Clean-up agents
• Spills
• Moving cages between rooms

This module is required for anyone working with Risk Group 2 pathogens or other products requiring Level 2 Containment in animal models. It covers safe work practices, PPE, disposal, disinfection, equipment. A competency assessment is included. 

Prerequisite – the Ethics and Regulations Module, one species-specific biomethodology module, see module for more details
Scheduled – as needed
Course length – 2 hours

Obtain form for registration.

This module provides a comprehensive practical review of precautionary measures and safe work practices required for projects which include use of risk group 2 hazards in animal models. Species-specific training is a prerequisite as is the theory-based course(s) on working with biological hazards provided by Environmental Health and Safety. The DCM containment level 2 biosafety module is offered on an as needed basis throughout the year. Obtain form for registration.

Prerequisites to work with risk group 2 biological hazards

• Animal use protocol
• N95 respiratory fit test
• EHS training
• Valid biosafety permit
• Species-specific biomethodology
• SOP review
• DCM notification

Working with biological hazards

• Signage
• Personal protective equipment
• Biological safety cabinet preparation
• Necessary supplies
• Booking
• Waste disposal
• Clean-up agents
• Spills
• Moving cages between rooms

Advanced, specific training is required for anyone working with Risk Group 3 pathogens in a Level 3 Containment zone.  Contact dcmtraining@utoronto.ca for additional information. 

This module provides an advanced, comprehensive practical review of precautionary measures and safe work practices required for programs which include use of risk group 3 hazards in animal models. Species-specific biomethodology is a prerequisite as is the theory-based course(s) on working with biological hazards provided by Environmental Health and Safety. The DCM containment level 3 hazard training module is offered on an as needed basis throughout the year. Contact dcmtraining@utoronto.ca for more information.

Prerequisites to work with biological hazards

• Animal use protocol
• N95 respiratory fit test
• EHS training
• Valid biosafety permit
• Species-specific biomethodology
• CL2 training
• SOP review
• DCM notification
• Medical Surveillance

Working with biological hazards

• Signage
• Entry/Exit requirements
• Personal protective equipment
• Personal safety
• A2/B2 Biological Safety Cabinet use
• Necessary supplies
• Booking procedure
• Movement of cages
• Decontamination/Waste disposal
• Equipment
• Transfer of biological agents
• Spills
• Emergency procedures