Foundations of Laboratory Animal Care and Welfare

Working with laboratory animals requires strict adherence to ethical and regulatory standards to ensure reliable scientific outcomes and animal well-being. This introductory course provides a systematic understanding of vivarium management, enabling you to confidently maintain high standards of animal welfare, facility hygiene, and regulatory compliance. What you'll learn: * Understand the ethical framework governing laboratory animal use, including the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement). * Learn essential biosecurity protocols and sanitary-hygienic regimes necessary for maintaining a clean and safe vivarium environment. * Master the requirements for housing, enrichment, and environmental control tailored to common species used in research. * Apply standard procedures for health monitoring, welfare assessment, and humane handling techniques. * Configure documentation and record-keeping practices essential for regulatory compliance and quality assurance in an animal facility. The course begins by defining key terminology and ethical responsibilities before moving into practical chapters on facility management, animal husbandry, and health surveillance systems. This course is designed for beginners, including new researchers, veterinarians, zootechnicians, and technical staff starting work in an animal facility (vivarium). No prior experience in laboratory animal management is required. Start building your foundational knowledge in ethical and compliant vivarium management today.