Course overview
This course aims to instil the major principles of the study of laboratory animals and their utilisation for teaching, research and commercial purposes. This will include developing a scientific understanding of the applications and limitations of various laboratory animal species in addition to practical experience in animal handling and other procedures.
Topics will include animal handling, breeding, feeding, maintenance, minor interceptions and minor surgical procedures. Students will be involved with a research project in which relevant aspects of laboratory animal science will be undertaken. Species studied will include mice, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits. The student will become familiar with processes associated with induction of gastrointestinal diseases and disorders in rats and mice which affect humans. These disorders could include chemotherapy-induced mucositis, gastric ulceration and inflammatory bowel disease. Students will also be exposed to the ways in which the animal models can be utilised, for example, in the testing of new treatment modalities.
The course will incorporate two field trips to facilities associated with laboratory animal use.
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the scientific importance and physical requirements associated with aspects of laboratory animal handling, breeding, feed, maintenance, and minor surgical procedures
- Describe the processes associated with induction of gastrointestinal diseases and disorders which affect humans through the use of animal models in laboratory animal species
- Locate, analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources
- Demonstrate the ability to handle a variety of laboratory animal species, including the collection of material from these specimens
- Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team through the collation and presentation of information in small team-based projects