University Microcredential in Zebrafish Health and Management in Research

Access requirements

Access without previous universitary degree

Pre-registration

You can consult a manual of the admission procedure on the CEP website in Archive or by clicking here
To apply for admission, go to the following link of the virtual secretary
https://matricula.usc.es/Posgrao/SolicitudeEstudosPropios

Access to pre-registration and registration

Selection system

Currriculum vitae and profesional profile. The course is open to researchers and any professional who demonstrates previous experience in research with zebrafish or in the field of fish pathology. Graduates/Graduates in Veterinary Medicine will have priority. Veterinary or Biology students will also be admitted.

- Participants will be able to identify and understand the general aspects of zebrafish used in research, including their anatomy, biology, handling, physiology, histology, welfare, and the applicable legal framework.

- Participants will be trained to analyze the main diseases affecting zebrafish in animal experimentation facilities, as well as to apply monitoring and diagnostic techniques in the research context.

- Participants will develop practical skills to perform clinical procedures such as administering anesthesia and euthanasia, clinical observation, and proper sample collection, applicable in both research and clinical settings.

- Participants will acquire basic competencies to work with experimental animals (fish), improving their knowledge of fish handling and care in various contexts, strengthening their ability to integrate into multidisciplinary teams, and promoting animal welfare and research quality.

Evaluation

Continuous evaluation using a rubric assessing various aspects, including aptitude and attitude. Attendance and active participation in classes will also be taken into account.

Tutoring

This is a theoretical-practical course in a hybrid format, with a predominantly practical component. The theoretical module will cover the basic aspects of the anatomy, histology, biology, physiology, handling, welfare, and clinical pathology of zebrafish. The most common diseases affecting fish in animal experimentation facilities and the sampling protocols for zebrafish in research will also be presented in an applied way. Furthermore, the legal framework and biosecurity measures required in these centers will be addressed. Additionally, the importance of pathological anatomy as a diagnostic tool will be highlighted through the presentation of practical cases illustrated with abundant iconography. The practical part of the course will be divided into two activities. In the first one, participants will have the opportunity to study practical cases using the necessary methodology to assess and monitor live fish, as well as to perform anesthesia and euthanasia. Moreover, attendees will conduct non-lethal diagnostic techniques, necropsies, and sample collection for various analysis techniques. In the second session, they will be able to evaluate different practical cases under the microscope, with the aim of acquiring practical knowledge in cytology and histopathology in fish, learning about some of their most common and uncommon diseases. This will help in better understanding the main differences in disease responses of this species compared to mammals and recognizing the most frequent lesions in organ systems that are diagnostically significant and relevant in research contexts. In parallel to the in-person classes, the course will include 10 hours of online activities through platforms like Virtual Campus and OneDrive. These hours will be self-managed by the participants, using them for personal study, tasks on the Campus Virtual, review of the available online resources, and doubt consultations. Participants will have access to a forum for queries and the availability of professors to address any doubts or concerns they may have (either in person or via email). Additionally, individualized tutorials will be arranged by appointment. Regarding the teaching staff, the course features the renowned professor Michael Kent, an expert in zebrafish pathology and author of numerous works in this field, who will deliver most of the theoretical classes. Moreover, four professors from USC, specialists in aquatic animal health from the Department of Anatomy, Animal Production, and Veterinary Clinical Sciences, will also teach: Roberto Bermúdez Pose (University professor and European diplomate in ECAAH), Mª Isabel Quiroga Berdeal (Distinguished professor and European diplomate in ECAAH), Sonia Vázquez (Associate profesor) and Ana Manuela de Azevedo (Assistant professor and European diplomate in ECAAH). The course will be held entirely in English. However, Spanish-speaking professors will also accompany the students to clarify or resolve any doubts in Spanish.

In-person part: 09.00h to 14.00h and 15.30h to 19.00h

Observations

In-person part:
28/05/25: 09.00h a 14.00h: Sala Norvet, 15.30h a 18.30h: Sala Norvet; 29/05/2025: 9.00 a 14.00h: Sala Norvet, 16.00h a 19.30h: Histology Laboratory, Pavilion 3 2ª Sup; 30/05/25: 9.00h a 14.00h: Sala Norvet, 15.30h a 19.00h: Histology Laboratory, Pavillion 3 2ª Sup
Lunch not included
Online part:
Students will have 10 hour for personal work in "Campus virtual" platform at a time that suits each person.

Code	Subject	Credits
1	Generalities Of The Zebrafish In Research.	1.0
2	Health Of Zebrafish In Experimentation Facilities.	1.5
3	Practical Part I.	0.5
4	Practical Part II.	0.5