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: The student successfully completing this course will have acquired the knowledge and techniques necessary to prepare the student for the VTNE licensing and AALAS certification examinations. Students that successfully complete this course will be able to:

Discuss the role and importance of animals in the research industry.
Describe the guidelines and regulations pertaining to the care of lab animals.
Describe the agencies that govern lab animal use and the key parts of the research team
Understand the biological data and care needed for each species covered in lecture and lab
Demonstrate proficiency in restraint, injection, blood collection and anesthetic techniques in mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters
Perform the necessary dose calculations and successfully choose/assemble the appropriate equipment for administration of medication/anesthetics
Describe the common diseases of laboratory animals and the methods for their control.
Describe the principles of husbandry, caging, and housing of laboratory animals.
Describe the mating and breeding systems used in the vivarium and the special care required for breeding animals and their litters
Describe methods of identification and record keeping in the vivarium.
Describe the method of anesthesia and recovery for each of the species studied.