Biological and Genetic Modification Safety

The Biological and Genetic Modification Safety training course is available both as an e-learning and face to face course. Both courses cover the general principles of biological safety including risk assessment, containment and control for work involving biological agents and genetically modified organisms.

Course topics

• Basic legal requirements for work with biological agents and genetically modified organisms.
• Reference to relevant legislation and guidance sources that may apply.
• Risk assessment for work with biological agents and genetically modified organisms.
• Hazards of biological materials.
• Hazard group and activity class categorizations.
• Routes of exposure or release.
• Containment and controls for work with biological agents and genetically modified organisms.
• Containment levels and laboratories.
• Fieldwork.
• Control measures.
• Emergency procedures.

Suitability

This course is suitable for those working in laboratories, animal and plant facilities and those doing fieldwork. This is an advanced course which is focused on the needs of staff and research students undertaking higher risk laboratory or fieldwork involving biological materials, biological agents or genetically modified organisms, and of technicians, biological safety advisers, safety advisers and safety managers who manage or provide advice on biological safety in their units.  It is also suitable for those who may no longer work in the laboratory but have managerial, supervisory or advisory responsibilities in these areas.

Staff and students who require an introductory course on biological safety should not attend this course but should complete the online training " Introduction to Biological Safety", which is available in People and Money (for staff) and Learn Ultra (for students).

Course

Access to online training

STAFF This course is available in People and Money.  Please use the button below to self-enrol on the course. 

STAFF: Self-enrol on Biological and Genetic Modification Safety on People and Money STUDENTS This course is available in Learn Ultra.  Learn Ultra does not allow students to self-enrol, so please email safety.training@ed.ac.uk with your name, student number and the name of the course you wish enrolled on, and this will be manually done by a member of the Health and Safety department.

Availability & Registration for Face to Face course

There may be occasional face to face sessions to meet demand and relevant School/Area Safety Advisers and Biological Safety Advisers will be advised when sessions are available and asked to publicise details within their School/Area.

Please see the training timetable for up to date training dates and times.

To register for the course please log on to MyEd and locate the course within the Event booking channel.  Alternatively University personnel interested in arranging a session should contact the Biosafety Unit for further details.

Alternatively, University personnel interested in attending a session should contact the Biosafety Unit for further details.

​Duration

The face to face advanced course lasts around 3 hours.

Assessment

The training course is followed by a short assessment.

Training slides

Training slides are available in the course.