Experimental surgery I

Basic principles and procedures

Learning objectives

A student who has met the objectives of the course will be able to:

Knowledge

  • Understand legal aspects of invasive procedures on laboratory animals
  • Describe the most commonly applied experimental surgical techniques in the most common laboratory animals

Skills

  • Explain and account for the importance of hygiene in connection to surgical procedures
  • Apply aseptic techniques in connection to surgical procedures
  • Apply basic surgical procedures on rats

 Competencies

  • independently take responsibility to implement and further develop practical skills in the performance of basic experimental surgery

 
Content

The aim of the course is to give the participants a basic knowledge and training in experimental surgery on small laboratory animals. 

The course adheres to module 22 in the European Commission Framework for Education and Training under the Directive 2010/63/EU, and thus covers the required content to cover the specific learning outcomes for this module: https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/fca9ae7f-2554-11e9-8d04-01aa75ed71a1

Theoretical content: Legal aspects of invasive procedures on laboratory animals; anaesthesia and analgesia of laboratory animals; surgical instruments and techniques; common surgical procedures on laboratory animals; hygiene, asepsis, and post-surgical treatment.

Practical content: Application and monitoring of anaesthesia in rats; practice in basic surgical procedures on rats, hereunder castration, vasectomy and various ectomies.

Participants

The course is directed to PhD-students, other academics and technical staff, performing animal experimental procedures involving surgical techniques. The participants shall have passed a course in laboratory animal science for at least functions A and D according to Directive 2010/63/EU, Article 23.2 (formerly FELASA C or B courses).

Language

English

Form

E-lectures, seminar discussions, practical hands-on exercises and practical demonstrations

Course director

Klas Abelson, Professor, PhD
Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences
klasab@sund.ku.dk

Teachers

Klas Abelson, Professor, PhD
Karsten Hammelev, DVM
Heidi Stjerne Tingleff, DVM
Nicole Gutman, DVM
Daniel Kylmann Hansen, Animal technician
Other experts in the field

Course location

Frederiksberg Campus, Stigbøjlen 9, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C.

Price

The course is free of charge for PhD-students at Danish universities. 

For others, the fee is 8.500 DKK for KU-employees and 12.750 DKK for external participants.

The fee includes course materials and refreshments at practical sessions. Lunch is not included.

Dates and Registration

The course is offered several times per year.

Upcoming dates:

11-13 November 2026 
For PhD students at Danish universities. (Other staff and students are welcome to register, but will automatically be placed on a waiting list and cannot be guaranteed a seat). Click here for registration.

3-5 February 2027
For technicians, master students, postdocs and other academic staff. Click here for registration.

21-23 April 2027
For PhD students at Danish universities. (Other staff and students are welcome to register, but will automatically be placed on a waiting list and cannot be guaranteed a seat): Click here for registration. 

1-3 September 2027 
For technicians, master students, postdocs and other academic staff. Click here for registration.

17-19 November 2027
For PhD students at Danish universities. (Other staff and students are welcome to register, but will automatically be placed on a waiting list and cannot be guaranteed a seat). Registation has not opened yet.