VETS 460 - Applied Research Animal Technology

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

Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in BS Veterinary Technology degree program or permission from instructor

Restriction(s): Major restricted

Corequisite(s): None

This course will expand on basic rodent care and techniques, with a special focus on gnotobiotics, surgical techniques, vivarium quality control, and advanced dosing\bleeding techniques. Students may be involved with in-house investigative studies; writing\interpreting protocols and collecting study data. The specialized use of different animal models will also be investigated. The students successfully completing this course will be given advanced rodent technical experience in many important areas of laboratory animal science. With exposure to and comfort with the topics covered in this class, students will be prepared for upper-level technical jobs and AALAS certification at the LAT level.

Description of Group Project component: Students in this course will work together to ensure the proper care of animals housed within the barrier and equipment is calibrated\functioning properly.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Course:

Successfully identify the equipment, facilities and personnel needed for implementation and operation of a gnotobiotic barrier facility
Co-author working SOPs, policies and records for gnotobiotic equipment\processes
Proficiency in proper isolator use and maintenance
Successfully carry out the husbandry and care needed to keep animals healthy and cared for
Discuss the physiological differences and any specialized care needed or rodents of differing microbiological statuses
Discuss the importance of animals with different microbiological statuses as it applies to the advancement of biomedical research
Under minimal supervision, successfully prepare for and perform a rodent surgery adhering to strict aseptic protocols
Ensure teamwork is completed by established deadlines. Assist underclassmen with introductory rodent techniques
Discuss the importance of quality control and the steps necessary to establish and maintain a RODAC system for a lab animal vivarium
Proficiency in the creation of study-related documents, collection and analysis of data, and reporting findings
Identify and interpret equipment maintenance needs. Proficiency in calibration\validation techniques
Able to calculate per-diems and show familiarity with the grant process
Able to successfully carry out more advanced techniques\procedures on rodent species