Deadline for submission of the application : 21 April 2017

Minimum education requirement : Masters in Animal Science/Biochemistry/Chemistry/Feed Science.

Other essential requirements : The candidate must be employed and responsible for the laboratory operation and analyses.

Technology requirements : The candidate must have access to :

• A computer that is less than 4 years old;
• Reliable high-speed Internet connection (cable/DSL or better)
• Office software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Excel or equivalent;
• Common plug-ins (e.g., Adobe Reader, Flash Player, virus protection, etc.); microphone and speakers.

Cost : The participation fee for the course (U$750) covers the cost of instruction, mailing, and materials. Under a special arrangement, candidates selected to participate will be sponsored by FAO and TAMU, and no participation fee will be charged from the candidate or the organization to which s/he belongs. However, in the event of dropping out of the candidate from the course, the candidate or the organization to which the candidate belongs will have to pay an amount of US$ 500.

Procedure for submission of the application : Please submit a one-page motivation letter giving reasons for undertaking this course and how the knowledge gained will be used. Include the following information in your letter:

• First name
• Last name
• Phone number
• Email address

The motivation letter should be accompanied by a scanned copy of a time and resource commitment letter from your Director/Head of the organization.

The course will be administered by Dr. Tim Herrman, Professor, State Chemist and Director Office of the Texas, TAMU, USA.

Spaces in the course are limited. The application can be submitted electronically, at your earliest convenience, but not later than 21 April 2017 to: Harinder.makkar@fao.org

Successful candidates will be informed of their selection by 28 April 2017. Selection will be based on the requirements listed above, the motivation letter from the candidate, and the letter from the Director/Head of the institution in which the candidate is employed. Preference will be given to laboratories that have participated in Proficiency (Ring) tests coordinated by FAO.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Quality systems and method development used within a laboratory; ensuring the integrity of procedures used in lab processes, chain of custody, information management, and international laboratory standards; regulatory requirements for laboratory operation; bio‐security precautions; and laboratory management. Course will be in English and its schedule is included below.

This course will address the following topics :

• Ensuring Validity and Reliability
• Laboratory Procedures
• Quality Assurance: Procedures, Tools & Methods
• Laboratory Management

Time Commitment : About 8 hours per week

Course Goals

After completing this course, candidates will possess a practical knowledge of the standard laboratory practices and quality systems required to oversee a scientific laboratory’s quality management program. This course is intended to equip the candidate with the breadth of knowledge needed to obtain laboratory data and results that are reliable, interpretable, repeatable, and defensible. Candidates will possess the capability to participate on a laboratory management team including budgeting and forming a technology strategy.

Course Tools

All course materials and activities will be presented using the eCampus Learning Management System. You access eCampus by logging into http://ecampus.tamu.edu

Class Readings

Most readings will be available in eCampus in .pdf format. Other readings will be available online, with a hyperlink provided in eCampus.

Course Presentations

Weekly materials will be presented using a variety of formats, including online slide presentations, audio, and videos.

Homework/Discussions

Course discussions and homework will be used to assess your understanding of concepts throughout the course and address the following topics :

• Statistical Process Control
• Developing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
• Corrective/Preventative Actions
• Method Validation

Grading

Your grades will be determined as follows :

Grading Policy

All class assignments must be completed on the dates set by the instructor on the course website unless prior approval has been granted by the instructor.

Attendance, Homework and Make‐up Exam Policy

Due to the participatory nature of this Web‐based class, regular log‐in to the course Web site is expected.

A certificate will be issued upon successful completion of the course

Schedule