VETS 160 - Introduction to Research Animal Techniques

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 2
Laboratory Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): VETS 115, VETS 120, or BIOL 218

Restriction(s): None

Corequisite(s): VETS 131, VETS 132 (if not taken as a prerequisite)

This course will focus on the principles relating to the biology and care of common laboratory animal species. The lab animal industry will be evaluated with a special focus on the guidelines and regulations, humane care, housing, husbandry practices, breeding, diseases, and physiological data of the species most commonly used in the lab animal industry. The close relationship between the use of these animals and human\animal health will also be examined by looking at industry news and advancements. This course will build on the skills and knowledge introduced in pre-requisite courses with a special focus on restraint\handling, sexing, dose calculations, injection techniques, anesthesia, blood collection, biomethodology, and clinical observations\care of the species introduced.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Course:

1. Describe biomedical advancements made possible by animals and the critical role of their care-takers and research team in these advancements.

2. Identify the primary regulatory mandates, the species covered, governing agencies, and their roles in animal care and welfare.

3. Outline the roles of various species as animal models in biomedical research and perform husbandry and enrichment tasks as needed to keep multiple species healthy and cared for.

4. Demonstrate proficiency in AVMA-required techniques described in the laboratory manual.

5. Describe the primary diseases of the species covered and the use of microbiological monitoring for colony health surveillance.

6. Demonstrate proficiency in performing blood volume, dose, conversion, and concentration calculations related to the laboratory animal field.