The training information and resources presented on this ACUP website is intended for UBC research investigators, students, and UBC-affiliated partners who are currently listed on an approved UBC ACC protocol. The Animal Care Services training team may assign priority for enrollment and course registration to certain individuals or groups based on institutional research priorities.
The links on this page are intended for staff and investigators working or conducting research at BC Cancer Research Centre's Animal Resource Centre. Please do not register using these links if you do not meet these criteria.
Six courses are currently offered:
1. Introduction to Working with Rodents in Research (IWRR)
This course is required for all users that work with rodents.
The Introduction to Working with Rodents in Research course will cover: rodent behaviour, anatomy and physiology, clinical assessment (recognition of illness and injury), post-procedure monitoring, husbandry effects on research, environmental enrichment and euthanasia. Goals of the laboratory component include introduction to handling, clinical assessment, recognition of humane endpoints, recognition of and monitoring for pain, post-procedure monitoring, euthanasia and basic gross necropsy.
At the end of the hands-on laboratory, each student will be assessed in order to determine whether they have demonstrated competency or proficiency in the techniques taught in this course.
*Prerequisite: CCAC Online Ethics.
View the course outline and rubric.
Register: Mouse Rat
2. Rodent Restraint and SC/IP Injections (RSCIP)
This course is required for students who will be performing rodent restraint and as well as subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injections in their labs.
The Rodent Restraint and SC/IP Injections course will cover: humane restraint, subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injection techniques, and discusses general considerations for injections (such as sterility, needle sizes, syringe sizes, syringe handling, and safe needle handling).
At the end of the hands-on laboratory, each student will be assessed in order to determine whether they have demonstrated competency or proficiency in the techniques taught in this course.
*Prerequisite: Introduction to Working with Rodents in Research.
View the course outline and rubric.
Register: Mouse Rat
3. Introduction to Anesthesia of the Laboratory Rodent (RA)
This course is required only for users that anesthetize rodents, including for terminal or non-survival procedures. This course is not necessary for users who intend to only perform euthanasia.
The Introduction to Anesthesia of the Laboratory Rodent course will cover: administration of injectable and gas anesthetics, emergencies, monitoring, recovery, supportive care and pain management. The laboratory component will include use of gas anesthetics, comparison of multiple injectable anesthetics, and training on monitoring and supportive care during anesthesia.
At the end of the hands-on laboratory, each student will be assessed in order to determine whether they have demonstrated competency or proficiency in the techniques taught in this course.
*Prerequisites: Introduction to Working with Rodents in Research and Rodent Restraint and SC/IP Injections.
View the course outline and rubric.
** Note: You will be working hands on with gas (isoflurane) anesthesia during this lab. Though waste gases are scavenged, there is still a possibility of being exposed to waste isoflurane gas. If you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or should not be exposed to waste anesthetic gases for other reasons, you must contact the training coordinator at gpaquette@bccrc.ca PRIOR to the lab to discuss the precautions that need to be taken during the lab. If you are taking only the injectable anesthetic portion of the course, please contact the training coordinator at gpaquette@bccrc.ca PRIOR to the lab to discuss the options. **
Register: Mouse Rat
4. Introduction to Aseptic Techniques in Rodent Surgery (RSx)
This course is required only for all users that perform surgical procedures on rodents.
The Introduction to Aseptic Techniques in Rodent Surgery course will cover: surgical planning and care, aseptic technique, proper tissue handling, instruments and suture basics, considerations for neonatal and other specialized surgeries, and wound care and management. The laboratory will emphasize performing surgery with aseptic technique, surgery with sterile instrument tips, proper tissue handling and instrument use, suture patterns and tension, and appropriate supportive care.
*Prerequisites: Introduction to Anesthesia of the Laboratory Rodent.
View the course outline and rubric.
Register: Mouse and Rat
5. Rodent Oral Gavage (GAVAGE)
This course is required for all users that perform oral gavage on rodents.
The Rodent Oral Gavage course will cover: administration of substances via oral gavage, restraint required, considerations in choosing appropriate gavage needles/feeding tubes and potential complications. Being proficient at restraint is imperative before performing this procedure.
At the end of the laboratory, each student will be assessed to determine whether they have demonstrated competency or proficiency in the techniques taught in this course.
*Prerequisites: Introduction to Working with Rodents in Research and Rodent Restraint and SC/IP Injections.
View the course outline and rubric.
Register: Mouse Rat
6. Rodent Tail Vein Injection (TVINJ)
This course is required for all users that perform tail vein injections on rodents.
The Rodent Tail Vein Injection course will cover: administration of substances via tail vein injections and discuss general considerations for this route of injection (sterility of substances, needle and syringe sizes, syringe handling and safe needle handling) as well as potential complications.
At the end of the laboratory, each student will be assessed to determine whether they have demonstrated competency or proficiency in the techniques taught in this course.
*Prerequisites: Introduction to Working with Rodents in Research and Rodent Restraint and SC/IP Injections. If injections will be performed under anesthesia, Introduction to Anesthesia of the Laboratory Rodent is also a prerequisite course.
View the course outline and rubric.