ANSC 3980 - Animals in Biomedical Research

Spring. 2 credits. Letter grades only.

Prerequisite: two semesters of college-level biology; BIOAP 1100 or equivalent introductory physiology course. Co-meets with ANSC 5980. Offered in odd-numbered years only.

X. Lei.

This course introduces features and applications of various animal models and related cutting-edge tools for biomedical research on human health and diseases. Examples will be given on appropriate animal models for studying human diseases related to diabetes, bone, infection, brain, eye, and nutritional deficiencies. Model species include food-producing animals, recreational/companion animals, and laboratory animals. Lectures cover basic biology, common uses of animals in biomedical research, and unique applications of selected species for target human disease. Comparative physiology between model species and humans, advantages and limitations of given models, regulations of biomedical uses of animals, and combined applications of animal models with omics, machine learning, and big data are also discussed.

Outcome 1: Students will be able to recognize the importance, contribution, and potential of animal models for biomedical research.

Outcome 2: Students will be able to explain physiological bases and molecular mechanisms of animals in modelling human health and disease.

Outcome 3: Students will be able to select appropriate animal models for studying pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of common human diseases.

Outcome 4: Students will be able to find out limitations, alternatives, and regulations of animal models in biomedical research.

Outcome 5: Students will be able to apply new concepts and novel technology for biomedical farming and for developing rewarding careers integrating animal science and biomedical research.