VETS 483 - Applied Primatology Lab

Credit Hours: 1
Lecture Hours: 0
Laboratory (or Other) Hours: 3

Prerequisite(s): VETS 160 or VETS 161; VETS 481 (may be concurrent)
Restriction(s): Enrollment in veterinary technology BS program, or instructor permission.

This lab gives students a unique, hands-on experience working with and caring for nonhuman primates in a captive setting. Students will gain insight into the care and maintenance of a nonhuman primate colony with special focus on husbandry, preventative healthcare, environmental enrichment and the promotion of psychological wellbeing. The students will gain proficiency in multiple techniques including restraint, injections, blood collection, TB testing and anesthesia. Students will be expected to perform behavioral assessments and healthcare requirements as instructed in order to ensure the proper care of our nonhuman primate colony. Students will have hands-on experience unlike any other as no other Veterinary Technology programs have a colony of nonhuman primates for teaching and training.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Course:

Apply knowledge of husbandry, behavior, veterinary care, and welfare assessment in a working setting for the care and wellbeing of a nonhuman primate colony.
Formulate, apply, and assess enrichment and behavioral management plans for captive nonhuman primates including novel enrichment items and positive reinforcement training.
Apply knowledge of and work within the regulatory framework for captive nonhuman primates.
Understand the risks involved in working with nonhuman primates and apply methods to prevent hazardous situations for the public and animal care staff.

Repeatable: No