New Short Courses on the Use of Aquatic Animals for Scientific Purposes

Aquatic animals are true allies of science.Even though we may not always realize it, they play a vital role in fields such as the development of new drugs, our understanding of heart and mental health conditions, and environmental protection.

However, their use in research projects isstrictly regulated. Everyone involved must completemandatory training to ensure a thorough understanding of the issues at stake and practices that respect animal welfare.

The Continuing Education Department atthe University of Montpellier offers two training programs at the "practitioner" and "designer"levels, designed for professionals working with aquatic animals—whether in breeding, husbandry, reproduction, or the implementation of experimental protocols in laboratories, research institutes, associations, and other organizations.

Program

The first part of the training sessions takes place on the shores of the Thau Lagoon, at the Mediterranean Coastal Environment Station in Sète.

The courses are taught by expert scientists, primarily from the Montpellier area.

The course is organized into several modules, allowing students to build their skills gradually.

Target Skills

• Fundamentals of biology, selection of experimental models, and reproduction (fish, amphibians, and cephalopods)
• Animal husbandry and housing systems
• French regulations governing animal testing
• Ethical principles applied to animal experimentation
• Pain in aquatic species: definition, mitigation, thresholds, and euthanasia
• Population management, identification and tagging, minimally invasive procedures
• Health Management and Biosecurity
• Livestock Management and Animal Welfare

Both courses conclude with a day of hands-on training in the laboratories ofthe Institute of Functional Genomics (IGF) in Montpellier, allowing participants to reinforce what they have learned through practical application.

Upon completion of these training courses, participants will be legally qualified to participate in the implementation of scientific research projects involving aquatic animals.

TRAINING SESSION

A certificate of completion will be issued upon completion of the program, provided the final exam is passed.

Are you interested in this training course?

For more information about our training programs and their content, and to apply, please contact our team at: sfc-aqua@umontpellier.fr