The purpose of this advanced course is to provide initial learning of specialized skills in anesthesia and surgery in laboratory rodents, as well as lifelong learning for individuals who have not been working with or caring for animals in surgical procedures for a significant period of time (in any event if exceeding 5 years). The content of this advanced course complies with the training requirements set out in the European Directive EU63/2010 developed by the European Commission in respect of the following modules:
- 20 Anesthesia for minor procedures
- 21 Advanced anesthesia for surgical or prolonged procedures
- 22 Principles of Surgery.

A common education and training framework for the EU aims to fulfil the requirements of Articles 23, and 24 of Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. This common education and training framework facilitates and assures the competence of all persons involved in the use, care and breeding of animals for scientific procedures, and assists the free movement of personnel within EU.

- Identify, describe and discuss anesthesia under the following broad headings (pre-anesthetic considerations, effects of anesthetic agents, anesthetic administration, regional/local/general anesthesia, anesthetic emergencies and recovery from anesthesia); Relate why and when anesthesia might be used; Discuss the relative merits and drawbacks of different anaesthetic agents and their application; Relate the the effects of drugs used during anesthesia and the potential adverse effects on recovery; Know how to monitor a rodent under anesthesia for a surgical procedure from induction to recover; identify when anesthesia may compromise science.
- Plan and design an appropriate anesthetic and analgesic regimen.
- Describe and discuss the Principles of Surgery, covering pre-operative animal assessment and care, preparations for surgery including equipment preparation, aseptic technique, principles of successful surgery, possible complications, post-operative care and monitoring, along with details of the healing process.