Abstract
A working party was convened to consider and recommend on short introductory courses for those intending to undertake experiments under the Cruelty to Animals Act 1876. A course syllabus was drawn up, with accompanying teaching notes. The syllabus was based on the principle that most applicants for licences would be graduates, that it would supplement rather than replace individual coaching, and that typically it should occupy a full working week. Course places for about 700 participants per annum would be required and the report gives guidance as to where courses should be held. The suggested syllabus comprises 3 main sections: a) ethics and legal considerations, b) animals and their environment including consideration of human safety and c) experimental design and procedures.