Introduction
The University of Bergen (UiB), in collaboration with the universities of Oslo, Trondheim, and Tromsø, offers a part-time, fully online theoretical training programme in Laboratory Animal Science.
The course is aimed at professionals seeking formal qualifications in laboratory animal science and provides the theoretical foundation required for those working with animals in research settings.
All personnel working with laboratory animals must receive education and practical training in accordance with Annex E of the Norwegian Regulation on the Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (external link), prior to designing, conducting, caring for, or euthanising animals used in research.
With the implementation of EU Directive 2010/63, a new classification system for personnel was introduced:
- Function A, C, and D: Personnel performing procedures on animals must demonstrate technical competence.
- Function B: Personnel responsible for designing procedures must understand the impact of procedures on animals and how to apply refinement techniques, but are not required to demonstrate practical skills.
The CAREIN601 course provides the theoretical foundation required for these roles, focusing on the use of rodents, pigs, and model fish in scientific research.
How to apply
The CAREIN601 course is open to two main groups of participants:
- Master’s and PhD students enrolled at a Norwegian higher education institution
- Employees at research institutions, private laboratories, or similar organisations
Please note that the application procedures differ for these two groups, se below. Also note that:
- Master’s and PhD students are exempt from the tuition fee.
- Employees in research institutions or the private sector are required to pay the tuition fee.
All applicants must apply by 1 August to be considered for the course run in Autumn 2025.
Are you a Master’s or PhD student?
If so, you must apply via Søknadsweb. Log in and search for “Nasjonalt kurs i forsøksdyrlære”. Application deadline: 1 August 2025
You are exempt from the tuition fee. Whether you are required to pay the semester fee of NOK 650 to the University of Bergen depends on your student status and whether you have already paid the semester fee at another Norwegian institution.
- Read more about admission requirements and application procedures for Master’s and PhD students
- Read more about the semester fee and possible exemptions
Are you employed at a research institution or in the private sector?
If so, you must apply via Evuweb (external link). Application deadline: 1 August 2025
Please refer to the sections further down the page for details on admission requirements and documentation of education and work experience.
You are required to pay a tuition fee of NOK 15,000, in addition to the mandatory personal semester fee of NOK 650 to the University of Bergen.
- Read more about tuition and semester fees
Course content
The CAREIN601 course provides 8 ECTS credits and fulfils the general theoretical training requirements set by the Norwegian Food Safety Authority and EU Directive 2010/63 for individuals involved in:
- Performing procedures on animals (Function A)
- Designing animal experiments (Function B)
- Taking care of animals or euthanising them (Function D)
The course also includes species-specific modules for rodents, pigs, and model fish (e.g. zebrafish, medaka) used as model organisms in biomedical research.
CAREIN601 meets the theoretical training requirements for Functions A, B, and D.
Core Modules (Functions A, B, D):
- National legislation
- Ethics, animal welfare, and the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) – Level 1
- Basic and species-specific biology
- Species-specific care, health, and handling
- Recognition of pain, suffering, and distress (including severity assessment and humane endpoints)
- Humane methods of euthanasia
Function-Specific Modules (Functions A and B):
- Minimally invasive procedures without anaesthesia
- Design of procedures and projects – Level 1
- Design of procedures and projects – Level 2
Task-Specific Modules:
- Anaesthesia for minor procedures
- Advanced anaesthesia for surgical or prolonged procedures
- Principles of surgery
Note: To perform procedures on animals (Functions A and D), you must also complete practical training in accordance with current regulations. Practical training modules are not included in CAREIN and must be completed separately.
Admission requirements and Documentation
Admission requirements
The CAREIN601 course is at the Master’s level. Therefore, you are required to hold a Bachelor’s degree, Cand.mag. degree, or another equivalent qualification comprising a minimum of three years of higher education (180 ECTS credits).
In addition, you must provide documentation of at least two years of relevant professional experience, such as a certificate of employment or a written confirmation from your employer.
It is possible to compensate for part of the educational requirement (up to one year/60 ECTS credits) by documenting additional relevant work experience beyond the minimum two years. In such cases, a minimum of two years of higher education (120 ECTS credits) will be sufficient.
Please feel free to contact us for an individual assessment if this applies to you.
Required documentation
To process your application, we must receive documentation confirming that you meet the admission requirements:
- Diploma and/or transcript from higher education
- Confirmation of relevant work experience
- Copy of your valid passport
If you have completed your education at the University of Bergen or another public university or university college in Norway, we will, in most cases, have access to your academic records automatically, and you do not need to upload them.
However, if your education is from a private institution, from abroad, or if it has been a long time since you completed your studies, you must upload your diploma and/or transcript along with your application.
You will find an overview of which institutions share results automatically once you log in to register your application.
In addition, you must upload your CV and either:
- a certificate of employment from a previous relevant position, or
- a confirmation letter from your current employer (e.g. immediate supervisor or HR department) verifying your position and the duration/scope of your employment.
Please note: An employment contract or CV alone is not sufficient documentation.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition Fee
The CAREIN programme course has a tuition fee of NOK 15,000.
An invoice for the tuition fee will be issued around the start of the course. By default, the invoice will be sent to you personally.
If your employer is covering the tuition fee, they must complete a form with the necessary invoicing details. You will receive this information if you are offered admission to the course.
Note: Master’s and PhD students are exempt from the tuition fee.
Semester Fee
All students are required to pay a mandatory personal semester fee of NOK 650 per semester. This fee is collected by Sammen – The Student Welfare Organisation for Western Norway, and contributes to shared welfare services and benefits for all students.
You will receive detailed instructions on how and when to pay the semester fee once you have been admitted to the course.