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University Of Massachusetts, Dartmouth  
  
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Training required for users of animals in research



UMD has developed an online training program that is required for all personnel involved in animal research, including students. The training is required for everyone listed on an active protocol approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

All personnel required to take the course must register a passing score by the next time an application–such as a new protocol or annual review--is submitted to the IACUC. These applications will be approved (and the research allowed to proceed) only if all personnel listed on them have passed the test. In addition, this training will be required of all personnel added to protocols before they can have contact with animals.

Training is designed to cover basic information useful in planning and carrying out animal research and in completing required application forms, and it includes all topics mandated by federal regulations.

The course can be completed in about an hour. Self-test questions are available at the end of each session. Participants must answer all questions within the presentation correctly in order to complete the training.

To gain access to the training module please click the "Online Training" on the link below .

ONLINE TRAINING

 

 

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Responsibilities of the IACUC

  1. The Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) has general oversight responsibility for the UMD animal welfare program and the institution's animal facilities, including satellite facilities. A review of the institution's program for humane care and use of animals and inspection of all of the institution's animal facilities, including animal use areas, is carried out twice a year.
  2. The IACUC serves as an educational training resource for the research community in all aspects of animal research and welfare.
  3. The IACUC serves in an advisory role to the administration in all matters involving animals.
  4. The IACUC has the authority to approve projects involving animals and to require modifications as needed.
  5. The IACUC has the authority and obligation to disapprove projects involving animals and to suspend projects if it determines the activity is not in compliance with the PHS Policy, and IACUC Guidelines.
  6. The IACUC and the UMD veterinarian have the authority to observe, when necessary, surgical techniques and other procedures applied to animals. 

The IACUC serves as a liaison between UMD and the community for all matters involving animal research and welfare.

Activities Requiring IACUC Approval

  1. Activities which require IACUC approval are listed below:

    1. The use of live vertebrate animals in all research and biological testing projects conducted by anyone at UMD regardless of the source of funding.
    2. The use of live vertebrate animals in any research project conducted at another institution or elsewhere by faculty, students, staff or other representatives of UMD when that project is sponsored by a grant made to UMD or its satellite facilities. The IACUC may accept an approval statement from any other PHS approved IACUC.
    3. The use of live vertebrate animals in all teaching or clinical or research training conducted at UMD.

Activities involving the study of animals in their natural habitat without investigator intervention do not require IACUC approval.