It is the policy of the University of Chicago Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) that all investigators, technicians, and students involved with research activities described on a given IBC protocol be appropriately trained to mitigate research-associated risks, as well as to ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations and guidelines. This training will include IBC-mandated training elements, developed and provided by the biological safety team, as well as lab-specific training, provided by the principal investigator for each of their IBC research protocols.
IBC-mandated training for each individual listed on an IBC protocol is indicated in Section VI (Laboratory Practices). These courses must be completed prior to commencement of the research described in the IBC protocol.
Courses
Comprehensive Biosafety Training (in person)
This three-hour, IBC-mandated training course covers Biosafety Level 2 and Recombinant DNA, Bloodborne Pathogens for Biomedical Researchers, and Viral Vector training. The beginning of the session covers the difference between risk groups and biosafety levels; NIH and UChicago policy on recombinant DNA; and work commonly conducted at Biosafety Level 2. It also covers biosafety cabinets, occupational first aid, biohazard spill response, and UChicago's code of conduct for researchers. This will be followed with Bloodborne Pathogen training, which will discuss U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards for handling bloodborne pathogens, as well as the epidemiology, transmission, and symptoms of diseases caused by bloodborne pathogens; it also covers UChicago's exposure control program, including housekeeping, spill response, personal protective equipment, and disposal of waste. The course will end with an overview of common viral vectors used in research laboratories, such as baculovirus, murine retroviruses, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, and lentivirus, and their mechanisms of entry into a host cell. Individuals who complete this course will receive credit for all three training modules. Register for Comprehensive Biological Safety.
Biosafety Level 1 and Recombinant DNA (online)
This course covers the difference between risk groups and biosafety levels, NIH and UChicago policy on recombinant DNA, work commonly conducted at Biosafety Level 1, and UChicago’s code of conduct for researchers. This course can be completed online via EHSA.
Biosafety Level 2 and Recombinant DNA (online or in person)
This course covers the difference between risk groups and biosafety levels, NIH and UChicago policy on recombinant DNA, work commonly conducted at Biosafety Level 2, biosafety cabinets, occupational first aid, biohazard spill response, and UChicago’s code of conduct for researchers. This course can be completed online via EHSA or through a classroom-based session. The classroom style session combines Biosafety Level 2 training with Bloodborne Pathogen and Viral Vector training. Individuals who attend the classroom session will gain credit for all three modules. To register for a classroom session, please visit EHSA.
Bloodborne Pathogen for Biomedical Researchers (online or in person)
This course covers U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards for handling bloodborne pathogens, as well as the epidemiology, transmission, and symptoms of diseases caused by bloodborne pathogens; it also covers UChicago's exposure control program, including housekeeping, spill response, personal protective equipment, and disposal of waste. This course can be completed online via EHSA or through a classroom-based session. The classroom session combines Bloodborne Pathogen training with Biosafety Level 2 and Viral Vector training. Individuals who attend the classroom session will gain credit for all three modules. To register for a classroom session, please visit EHSA.
Viral Vectors (online or in person)
This course provides an overview of common viral vectors used in research laboratories such as baculovirus, murine retroviruses, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, and lentivirus; and their mechanisms of entry into a host cell. This course can be completed online via EHSA or through a classroom-based session. The classroom version combines Viral Vector training with Biosafety Level 2 and Bloodborne Pathogen training. Individuals who attend the classroom session will gain credit for all three modules. To register for a classroom session, please visit EHSA.
Biological Toxins (online)
This course covers the definition of biological toxins, the regulation of toxins, safety, security, decontamination methods, and occupational health in relation to working with biological toxins. To complete the course online, please visit EHSA.
Biosafety Level 3 Operations (online)
This course is only available on an as-needed basis to individuals who will work with select agents required to be handled in a Biosafety Level 3 facility. After clearance is granted, individuals needing this training should contact the biological safety team for availability and planning.
