Laboratory Animal Science

Catalog description

Principles involved in maintaining laboratory animals. Emphasis is on management, preventive medicine, and surgical considerations used in laboratory animal colonies. VB SC 405 Laboratory Animal Science (3)This course in Laboratory Animal Science introduces students to the biology and characteristics of a variety of laboratory animal species, explores the care and use of animals in various research environments and examines ethical/legal issues pertaining to the use of animals in research and teaching. The laboratory section reinforces topics discussed in lecture and provides an opportunity for students to learn basic animal handling techniques in a safe and professionally supervised environment. Students work with live laboratory animals including mice, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits. They learn handling techniques, administration techniques (such as by injection), and sample collection techniques (such as blood collection). They also learn surgical principles and perform a surgical procedure using aseptic technique. The Laboratory Animal Science course appeals to and benefits several general groups of students. Those who plan to pursue careers involving animal research such as in academia or industry receive a broad foundation in the field of laboratory animal science as well as an introduction to techniques commonly employed when handling animals. Those pursuing careers involving veterinary medicine or veterinary technology receive training and the opportunity to develop clinical/technical skills focused on a unique group of species. Students that are undecided in their career choice find that the field of laboratory animal science holds many opportunities for those with animal knowledge, handling skills and an understanding of the societal issues surrounding the use of animals in research.