Complementary courses in lab animal science
The courses listed below are intended exclusively for individuals who have previous training in laboratory animal science, from either a Swedish university or at an equivalent institution abroad.
Before applying for any of these courses, you must contact the Named Training and Competency Officer (NTCO) to assess your previous training and determine which courses are required for you.
Contact the Named Training and Competency Officer (NTCO)
Read more about competence assessment in laboratory animal science
Swedish legislation and ethics including assessment of practical skills
This course is intended for researchers who have completed their education in laboratory animal science outside Sweden. It provides an introduction to the Swedish regulatory framework governing the use of animals for scientific purposes, as well as the ethical principles and responsibilities associated with laboratory animal research. It includes also a species-specific assessment of practical skills.
You can find the course fee in the current price list for courses offered by the LAS Education Unit.
Swedish legislation and ethics - theory only
This course is intended for researchers who have completed their education in laboratory animal science outside Sweden. It introduces the Swedish regulatory framework governing the use of animals for scientific purposes, as well as the ethical principles and responsibilities associated with laboratory animal research.
You can find the course fee in the current price list for courses offered by the LAS Education Unit.
Laboratory animal science – Function A, theory only
The course content is based on the Swedish regulations (Animal Wlefare Act, SJVFS 2025:28 saknr L151 and SJVFS 2025:29 saknr L152) and the EU framework for the education and training of persons working with research animals. The course programme has been developed in collaboration with the Nordic Consortium for Laboratory Animal Science Education and Training (NCLASET) and is aligned with its educational framework. The course covers the EU modules 1-7 and includes the following parts:
- Swedish law and ethics – online theory
- Species specific function A – online theory
- Species specific function C/D – online theory
You can find the course fee in the current price list for courses offered by the LAS Education Unit.
Anaesthesia, analgesia and surgery in mice and rats
Procedures that may cause pain or discomfort in small rodents must be performed under general anaesthesia. Appropriate pain relief (analgesia) must be provided postoperatively and, where necessary, before or during non-surgical procedures to prevent or minimize pain and distress.
This course provides up-to-date knowledge on laboratory animal anaesthesia, analgesia, and pain management, including the latest recommendations and best practices.
The course covers the following key topics:
- Anaesthesia and analgesia in rats and mice (lectures)
- Recognition and assessment of pain and distress in rats and mice (lectures and video-based exercises)
- Selection of appropriate anaesthetic protocols for different procedures and research needs (theory and hands-on practical training)
Monitoring animals under general anaesthesia, including physiological parameters and perioperative care (theory and hands-on practical training)
Admission requirements
Applicants must hold a Function A qualification, including species-specific practical skills training in rodents (or an equivalent qualification), as a prerequisite for participation in this course. Participants are expected to have prior training and competence in working with mice and/or rats, as the workshop is designed to refresh and further develop existing practical skills.
Upcoming course dates and application
17-26 November 2026:
- November 17-19 Theory
- November 24 or 25 Practical lab session
- November 26 Exam
Course fees
Please see the current price list for courses offered by the LAS Education Unit.
Credit points (ECTS/CPD)
The course on Anaesthesia, analgesia and surgery in mice and rats gives 1.5 ECTS and 4 CPD points.
Refinement of minor procedures on mice and rats
These courses focus on practical skills training for personnel who wish to refresh or further develop their competence in carrying out minor procedures on mice and rats.
Participants will first observe demonstrations by experienced instructors and then practice selected techniques using simulators as well as live animals.
The course covers the following:
- Handling and restraint using non-aversive techniques
- Administration of substances via:
- Intraperitoneal injection
- Subcutaneous injection
- Intravenous injection
- Oral gavage
- Blood sampling from:
- Tail veins
- Saphenous veins
- Application of humane killing methods
- Appropriate procedures for confirming death
Admission requirements
Applicants must hold a Function A qualification, including species-specific practical skills training in rodents (or an equivalent qualification), as a prerequisite for participation in this course. Participants are expected to have prior training and competence in working with mice and/or rats, as the workshop is designed to refresh and further develop existing practical skills.
Upcoming course dates and application
Mice
- September 1 at 1-4 pm and September 2 at 9 am - 4 pm
- September 29 at 1-4 pm and September 30 at 9 am - 4 pm
- October 27 at 1-4 pm and October 28 at 9 am - 4 pm
- November 17 at 1-4 pm and November 18 at 9 am - 4 pm
Rats
The course is held on demand on rats. Please contact the LAS Education unit for course dates.
Course fees
Please see the current price list for courses offered by the LAS Education Unit.
Credit points (ECTS/CPD)
The course on refining minor procedures in mice and rats gives 0.5 ECTS and 2 CPD points.