Modules

• Introduction to Laboratory Animal Science: definition, scope, and importance
• History and evolution of animal research
• Ethical principles and the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement)
• Regulations & laws governing animal research (South African)
• Animal welfare and humane handling

• Rodents (mice, rats, hamsters)
• Larger species (rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.)
• Safe handling techniques and minimizing stress
• Understanding animal behavior and body language
• Use of restraint devices

• Principles of anesthesia and pain management
• Types of anesthesia and common agents
• Administration techniques and monitoring
• Humane endpoints

• Rodents, larger mammals, primates, reptiles, poultry, and domestic animals
• Major physiological systems: circulatory, respiratory, nervous, digestive, musculoskeletal

• Roles and responsibilities of animal unit managers
• Operational and financial management
• Facility layout, biosecurity, environmental controls
• Species-specific environmental needs
• Routine maintenance and equipment calibration

• Basic procedures, aseptic technique, surgical site prep
• Instrumentation and equipment management
• Necropsy, biopsies, implantation

• Specimen collection methods
• Handling, labeling, storage, and shipping

• Study design, hypothesis testing, sample size calculations
• In vivo/in vitro research methods
• Data collection, statistical analysis, and presentation

• Species-specific pathology: rodents, rabbits, guinea pigs, primates, farm, domestic, poultry, and wild animals
• Anatomical, clinical, molecular, infectious, neoplastic, and toxicologic pathology

• Basic pharmacology principles: ADME, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics
• Drug classes, administration, dosage calculations, anaesthesia monitoring

• Common research models: rodents, large animals
• Applications in biomedical research, toxicology, and translational research

• PPE, containment levels, chemical safety
• Emergency procedures and spill response

• Organ system pathology: respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal
• Infectious, neoplastic, and emerging disease pathology
• Molecular pathology (PCR, IHC)

• Drug mechanisms, pharmacogenomics, clinical trial considerations

• Career pathways in laboratory animal science
• Preparation for certification exams (e.g., SAVC)
• Lifelong learning and continuing professional development

• Genetic principles, inheritance, and variation
• Breeding strategies: inbreeding, outbreeding, selective breeding
• Colony management, record keeping, pedigree analysis
• Reproductive physiology and estrous detection
• Genetic testing and management of genetic disorders
• Ethical breeding practices and compliance with South African regulations

• Hands-on setup of breeding pairs and trios
• Monitoring mating, pregnancy, and offspring development
• Sample collection for genetic testing (PCR, sequencing)
• Implementing ethical breeding practices in real-world scenarios

• Written exams to test theoretical knowledge
• Practical exams to demonstrate proficiency
• Project work to develop a breeding program or analyze genetic data

If a topic or module is not listed here, we can develop a customized program to meet your specific training needs, whether for individuals or teams, online or on-site.