This is the course content for an auto-tutorial web based course delivered using Blackboard. This course fulfills the formal training requirement for UAF faculty, research associates, graduate students, undergraduate students, staff, part-time help, summer interns or externs, etc. - anyone working with live vertebrates in a research, teaching, or diagnostic setting. This formal training requirement is described in the Animal Welfare Regulations and Public Health Service Policy governing the use of live vertebrates and is incorporated into the University of Alaska Fairbanks Animal Care Program. Please be aware that certain activities or procedures may require demonstration of competence or additional hands-on training. This may be arranged through the UAF Attending Veterinarian.

The primary goal of this course is to promote a sensitivity and concern for the needs of the research animal and to ensure that optimal care is provided. Not only is this required under a wide range of regulations and guidelines but, the proper housing and handling of vertebrates with a focus on the reduction of pain and distress will ultimately lead to better results in research, teaching or diagnostics. You are welcome to take the entire course however many individuals only take the specific modules and subsections that pertain to their own needs. Everyone must complete Module I: Introduction to Animal Care Issues. No individual may conduct or participate in any activity involving live vertebrates until they have completed the appropriate modules and subsections. A module or subsection is not considered complete until you have submitted and passed the associated exam(s) available on Blackboard. This course is tailored specifically to UAF procedures and protocols; therefore, completion of a similar training program at another institution is not acceptable. If you have already taken a similar course or you believe you are already knowledgable on animal care issues you are welcome to take the quizzes without reviewing the course content. The quizzes on Blackboard have been set up so you can take them as many times as necessary to achieve the necessary score. We do not count how many times you take each quiz. Once you have obtained the required score do not open the quiz again or your electronic score will be erased!

It is the principal investigator or instructor's responsibility to ensure that all individuals involved in their research or course receives proper training. Contact the IACUC if you have questions.

NOTE: Some links in this course will take you to sites at other universities, institutions, or agencies. Use the "Back" button on your browser to return to the course.

A WARNING AND A FEW RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THIS COURSE: Content for this course in animal care and use has been designed as a resource to researchers. For this reason, course content will be continually under construction. To complete the formal training requirement I strongly recommend that you open up the quizzes (in Blackboard), print them, and use them as a "study guide". I do not view this as cheating because you cannot help but learn something in the process. Many of the pages in this web based training program offer additional information and links to areas that may not be needed by everyone. However, I feel it is useful to have as much as possible made available for those of you interested or motivated enough to learn more. Moreover, some of you may, sooner or later, need access to the information. HAVE FUN!