Training structure
Service Commun de la Formation Continue
Presentation
Aquatic animals are true allies of science. Without us always being aware of it, they play an essential role in fields such as the development of new drugs, the understanding of heart or mental diseases, and environmental protection.
However, their use in research projects is strictly regulated. All those involved must undergo mandatory training, to ensure that they fully understand the issues at stake and respect animal welfare practices.
The Continuing Education Department of theUniversity of Montpellier is offering an "applicator " level training course. designed for professionals working with aquatic animals, whether for breeding, maintenance, reproduction or experimental protocols in laboratories, research institutes, associations, etc.
Training benefits
The next session is scheduled from November 12 to 21, 2025.
A training certificate will be issued at the end of the course, subject to successful completion of the final exam.
Know-how and skills
- Fundamentals of biology, choice of experimental model and reproduction (fish, amphibians and cephalopods)
- Animal husbandry and maintenance systems
- French regulations applicable to animal experimentation
- Ethical principles applied to animal experimentation
- Pain in aquatic species: definition, mitigation, limits and euthanasia
- Population management, identification and marking, low-invasive procedures
- Health management and biosafety
- Farm management and animal welfare
The course concludes with a day of practical work in the laboratories of theInstitut de Génomique Fonctionnelle (IGF) in Montpellier, to consolidate the knowledge acquired through hands-on experience.
On completion of the course, students will be able to take part in scientific research projects using aquatic animals.
Program
The first part of the course takes place on the shores of the Etang de Thau, at the Station Méditerranéenne de l'Environnement Littoral in Sète.
Courses are taught by expert scientific lecturers, mainly from the Montpellier region.
Teaching is organized into several modules, enabling a gradual build-up of skills.