Master of laboratory animal science program: teaching the science of laboratory animal science

The administrators of the only program of its kind in the US explain the demand for a Master's degree in Laboratory Animal Science, the value of the degree, and plans to expand the program to make it available for distance learning.     

Degrees in laboratory animal science

The unique and challenging nature of work with animals requires special animal care and use training at all levels. Degree programs, certification boards, and continuing education programs ensure that those who work with animals have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide the best care possible.     

The bells are ringing: tinnitus in their own words

Tinnitus, commonly known as "ringing in the ears," is the perception of a ringing noise or other sound within the head when none exists. It is a malady that affects millions, so its occurrence among the famous comes as no surprise. Beginning with Pliny the Elder, who coined the term, this essay describes the travails of a dozen well-known subjects afflicted with this disorder, through several centuries, principally in their own words. For some it was a burden to be endured; for others, it was unendurable. Suggested remedies were many and oft-times strange; cure, even now, is nonexistent.     

Email lists in laboratory animal science

Email lists can be invaluable for acquiring information that may not be easily accessible in the published literature. The author discusses the general format and functioning of email lists and describes six lists that can be valuable tools for education, training, and information exchange in the field of laboratory animal science.     

Modeling sepsis in the laboratory: merging sound science with animal well-being

Despite impressive advances in biomedical research, few noteworthy breakthroughs have been made in the treatment of sepsis during the past several decades. This stalemate is primarily due to the intricate and heterogenic nature of the systemic immune responses characterized as the sepsis syndrome. In general, such complexity must be approached with in vivo models. Several animal models have been described, suggesting that none adequately address all of the pressing needs in sepsis research. The most clinically applicable models involve a localized infection, such as surgically induced polymicrobial sepsis, that gradually propagates a systemic immune response. Because relevant models must mimic a severe and chronic syndrome, animal well-being is often a concern in sepsis research. A balance between the needs of sepsis research and animal welfare can only be achieved through knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of and alternatives to in vivo sepsis models.     

Training in the laboratory animal science community: strategies to support adult learning

The essence of learning is change; learning is the process by which learners customize new information to make it personally meaningful and relevant. Training is the process of helping students make those changes. Research indicates that adults learn differently than children or adolescents and that adults consistently use the following six learning strategies: prior experiences; conversations; metacognition; reflection; authentic experiences; and images, pictures, or other types of visuals. Each of these learning strategies can be combined with the other strategies and often build upon each other. A recent study on how health care professionals learn indicated that the learning strategy they used most often was reflection, which supports learning before, during, and after training. Numerous examples are provided in this article describing how to integrate each of the six adult learning strategies into laboratory animal science training. While lectures and other types of direct instruction are appropriate, they are inadequate and ineffective unless they are integrated with and support adult learning strategies. Both the US Department of Agriculture regulations and the Public Health Service Policy mandate that research institutions must ensure that all personnel involved in animal care, treatment, or use are qualified to perform their duties. Applying adult learning strategies to training for the laboratory animal science community will enhance learning and improve both the science and the humane care of the animals, which is a goal our community must continuously strive to achieve.     

不同层次需求的实验动物学教学特点

实验动物学教学已成为医学教育中不可或缺的组成部分。本文从课程设置背景、课程安排、考核方法等方面总结了不同层次的实验动物学教学特点,以供广大实验动物教学工作者参考。     

Environmental enrichment for laboratory rodents: animal welfare and the methods of science

Because of the difficulty of' establishing objective measures of laboratory rodents' psychological well-being, developing environmental enrichment programs that are actually beneficial to rodents destined to participate in laboratory research is particularly challenging. Many studies of effects of environmental complexity, social housing, and increases in cage size suggest that professional judgments as to the impact of diverse types of environmental enrichment on rodent welfare are not a reliable basis for evaluating the outcomes of enrichment programs for laboratory rodents. Successful enrichment programs will vary from one rodent species to another, between sexes, as well as between age classes. There is a need for objective, measurable goals for proposed environmental enrichment programs for rodents, as well a s for empirical investigations of the beneficial and detrimental consequences of proposed environmental manipulations.     

Employee motivation in laboratory animal science: creating the conditions for a happy and productive staff

High rates of employee turnover are the source of a considerable loss of time and resources, but managers are not always aware of the reasons that motivate employees to stay in their positions. The author compares prominent theories of employee motivation and then puts them to the test by surveying 82 cagewashers, animal caretakers, animal technicians, and supervisors working in a laboratory animal facility to determine the job characteristics that motivate them.