Laboratory Animal Science (VETS2033)

Course overview

This course will give students an introduction to a broad range of laboratory animal models used in biomedical research, and a solid foundation in laboratory animal management, husbandry, experimental techniques and manipulations. Whilst emphasis will be given to classical animal models, the course will include the full range of experimental animal options, including genetically modified animals and non-mammalian species. The ethics and welfare implications of animal model use and confounders in experimental results will also be dealt with.

This course aims to prepare students for the successful use of laboratory animal models in various scientific research careers. It applies to students across a wide range of scientific disciplines where animal models are used in research, including basic and applied science, biomedical research, veterinary technology and medicine, as well as those wishing to explore a future career in laboratory animal science or pursue higher degree research training. Although based at the Gatton campus, the course is offered in external mode online, so it can be accessed by students throughout The University of Queensland or remotely. The course runs as a combination of flexible delivery and 'flipped-classroom' teaching, consisting of online modules for self-directed study, recorded lectures and interactive Zoom tutorials that can be attended via virtual classrooms. In the last weeks of the semester, we will be offering a timetabled on-campus experience using simulators and performing rodent autopsies for students who would like in-person learning. There is a free intercampus bus out to Gatton. For those who can't attend, this material is covered online.

Students will gain a theoretical understanding of the commonly used laboratory animal models in biomedical research, including lower vertebrates and genetically-modified organisms, and the best practices for the design and execution of experiments using laboratory animals. Best practice for laboratory animal management, husbandry, animal handling and experimental procedures will be covered, with a focus on maximising outcomes for scientific research and animal welfare. The ethics and welfare implications of animal model use, including mandatory legislation, are covered, giving students a thorough grounding in requirements for research animal use. Confounders in experimental results and optimal experimental design, particularly optimal control groups, will allow students to avoid the pitfalls and traps that result in manuscript rejections and poorly controlled animal studies. The course has a strong focus on employability through exploring career opportunities in this field with expert interviews, online material and reflective practice. In summary, this course will be highly useful for students who intend to pursue a research career in the biomedical sciences where animal models are used, or those who see a future in laboratory animal facility management and animal husbandry in academia or industry, which are careers with excellent employment opportunities.

Please note this course is offered online in external mode and is supported by online tutorials. As a 2 unit course, students are expected to spend the equivalent of 6 hours of contact time, for a total of 10-12 hours a week, including additional study and assessment. Although there is minimal timetabled contact, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure they can make this time commitment and work in a proactive, independent fashion to achieve the learning objectives and complete the assessment tasks on time. Assessment due dates and structure are designed to ensure students proceed through the coursework at a regular pace. Students who enrol in the course must commit to participating in the external online learning mode of the course.

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Please check your course Blackboard site frequently for the latest Timetable information.

Please note that unexpected changes to the Timetable may occur throughout the Semester. Therefore, it is crucial to regularly check the course Blackboard site. Any updates to the timetable will be communicated to students via Blackboard Announcements.

This course is predominantly delivered online due to its external/flexible format. All live teaching will be captured and uploaded, but students should note that for tutorials and discussions in-person attendance is recommended to maximise learning.

Aims and outcomes

This course aims to prepare students for the successful use of laboratory animal models in scientific research. Students will gain a theoretical understanding of the commonly used laboratory animal models in biomedical research and the best practice for the design and execution of experiments using animals. Best practice for laboratory animal management, husbandry, animal handling and experimental procedures will be covered. The ethics and welfare implications of animal model use and confounders in experimental results will also be examined.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment details

Workbook for Module 1 (Ethical and Legal Implications of Animal Research) and Module 2 (Maximising Animal Welfare)

• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

20%

Due date

26/08/2025 2:00 pm

Other conditions

Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L01, L04, L05

Task description

Submission guidelines

Submit your Assessment through the course Turnitin submission point in Blackboard.

Before submitting your assessment item to Turnitin, please name your file in the following way:

For example, SMITH Bob_54329876_VETS1234_Essay1

All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if one or more of your submissions are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty or, after seven days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Students with acceptable reasons (medical or compassionate reasons or as a result of exceptional circumstances) may apply for an extension of the deadline. Information on applying for an extension can be found here: my.UQ Applying for an extension .

Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time.

If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.

For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24- hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.

Assessment Sequence : Module 3 (Research Animal Models) Computer-based Assessment

• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Tutorial/ Problem Set

Weight

20%

Due date

(Lessons 1, 2, 3, 4) 9/09/2025 2:00 pm

(Lessons 5, 6, 7, 8) 23/09/2025 2:00 pm

Other conditions

Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L02, L03, L07

Task description

Submission guidelines

The computer-based assessment is accessed through the course Blackboard site.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Students with acceptable reasons (medical or compassionate reasons or as a result of exceptional circumstances) may apply for an extension of the deadline. Information on applying for an extension can be found here: my.UQ Applying for an extension .

Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time.

If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.

For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24- hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.

Workbook for Module 4 (Animal Models in Biomedical Research) and Module 5 (Study Design and Research Confounders)

• Online

Mode

Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

20%

Due date

21/10/2025 2:00 pm

Other conditions

Student specific.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L03, L04

Task description

Submission guidelines

Submit your Assessment through the course Turnitin submission point in Blackboard.

Before submitting your assessment item to Turnitin, please name your file in the following way:

For example, SMITH Bob_54329876_VETS1234_Essay1

All students must ensure they receive their Turnitin receipt on submission of any assessments. A valid Turnitin receipt will be the only evidence accepted if one or more of your submissions are missing. Without evidence, the assessment will receive the standard late penalty or, after seven days, will receive zero. In the case of a Blackboard outage, please contact the Course Coordinator as soon as possible to confirm the outage with ITS.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

Students with acceptable reasons (medical or compassionate reasons or as a result of exceptional circumstances) may apply for an extension of the deadline. Information on applying for an extension can be found here: my.UQ Applying for an extension .

Extension applications must be received by the assessment due date and time.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

You are required to submit assessable items on time.

If you fail to meet the submission deadline for any assessment item, then 10% of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item (assessment ‘marked from’ value) will be deducted as a late penalty for every day (or part day) late after the due date.

For example, if you submit your assignment 1 hour late, you will be penalised 10%; if your assignment is 24.5 hours late, you will be penalised 20% (because it is late by one 24- hour period plus part of another 24-hour period). 10% will be deducted per day for up to 7 calendar days, at which point your submission will receive a mark of zero (0) unless an extension has been approved.

End of Semester Exam

• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

40%

Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025

Other conditions

Student specific, Secure.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07

Task description

Exam details

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Students must be available for their examinations on the scheduled date, time, and campus of their course enrolment. The exam format is determined by the CourseCoordinator and may include written (paper-based, online, or digital), practical, oral, or other timed assessments (such as quizzes).

If you are unable to sit for your original examination, you may be eligible for a deferred examination. To apply, you must demonstrate that unavoidable circumstances preventedyou from attending your exam. If this is not possible, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam. All requests for deferred examinations MUST include supportingdocumentation. For more information, including acceptable evidence and application instructions, please visit my.UQ Deferring an Exam.

Please note that there are no provisions to defer an already-deferred exam. You must be available to sit your deferred examination at the allocated time.

Students who submit five or more deferral requests within a twelve-month period will be contacted with advice on the services and support available within the University.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Additional course grading information

To pass VETS2033

• Students must achieve 50% overall summative assessment.

Grade Calculations

When rounding final marks for grade calculations, part marks of <0.5 will be ROUNDED DOWN to the nearest whole number, and part marks of >/= 0.5 will be ROUNDED UP to the nearest whole number.

Assessments are due by 2pm on the date stated in this Course Profile.

It is the student's responsibility to attend to module-based self-directed study in the timelines indicated on the VETS2033 Blackboard site. Students should note: the online tutorial computer-based assessment (accessed through Blackboard) and workbooks (submitted via Turnitin) - as applicable - should be submitted by 2pm on the due date indicated for each assessment item.

Students are encouraged to consult Student Central and MyAdvisor regarding program assessment rules and procedures.

Supplementary Assessment Information

Supplementary assessment will consist of an exam covering all Learning Outcomes of the course.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply.

Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.

If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.

Supplementary assessment can take any form (such as a written report, oral presentation, examination or other appropriate assessment) and may test specific learning outcomes tailored to the individual student, or all learning outcomes.

To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.

Additional assessment information

Assessment using the Inspera platform

Students must click the ‘SUBMIT NOW’ button on the summary page to submit their answers. After submission, a confirmation will appear on the dashboard indicating that the answers have been submitted and can no longer be edited.

For all exams lasting 60, 90, 120, or 180 minutes, an additional 10 minutes of planning time is provided to read the questions and plan responses, though students may start working immediately if they choose.

It’s crucial to ensure your laptop meets the device requirements for Inspera assessments before the exam. If you don’t have a suitable laptop, you can borrow one from the Library. Check Get Familiar with Inspera for the most up-to-date information about using the platform. Note that power outlets will not be available during exams.

Further information

1. Online integrated computer-based lessons are accessed through the Blackboard site for VETS2033. The lesson must be completed and is graded in real time. Only the marks from the first attempt are considered.
2. Workbooks for each module must be submitted through 'Turnitin' portals on the Blackboard site for VETS2033. Students must complete the module workbook by the due date indicated on the timetable. Students are encouraged to review the originality report for their assessment prior to final submission to ensure academic integrity. Feedback will be given through the Turnitin feedback studio if applicable. Students can expect to have feedback within 2-3 weeks of submission.

Assessment items must be the work of an individual student. Students must abide by The University of Queensland academic integrity guidelines. Suspected plagiarism will be reported for academic integrity investigation.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

As this is an online course, students MUST engage with Blackboard to guide them through the required resources.

Exemplars of workbooks and word limits for tasks are also provided on Blackboard as a guide to quality and time commitments expected in flexible delivery.

Students should purchase their OWN copy of the Sirois textbook Laboratory Animal and Exotic Pet Medicine: Principles and Procedures, 3rd edn, as previous library access for allstudents has been problematic. We highly recommend students purchase a hard or electronic copy as early as possible in the semester, as this is required from Week 5. Old editions of the textbook may be suitable.

Other recommended readings will be identified and linked to through the VETS2033 Blackboard site and Talis Aspire. Links to online resources, videos and references will beprovided throughout the online modules on Blackboard. You will need reliable internet and computing resources to complete this course, both to access learning material and tocomplete the assessment.

UQ Student Support and Wellbeing Services

Harmonising study and life commitments and seeking help early when needed is essential for successfully navigating university studies.UQ Student Support and Wellbeing Services(SSWS) and UQU Student Advocacy and Support (SAS) offer numerous resources for BVSc(Hons) and BVetTech students, including various mindfulness programs and counselling services to boost confidence and promote overall physical and mental wellbeing.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the UQ Counselling and Crisis Line on 1300 851 998 (available 24/7, 365 days a year).

The Hub

The Student Clinical Skills Hub is a purpose-built, state-of-the-art self-directed learning facility located centrally in the School (John Mahon (8105), Room 101) with two main areasand an online resource community available for all SVS students.

The Hub has a lab where students can practice their clinical skills using standard veterinary equipment, on simulators and/or models in conjunction with supporting audio-visualresources and a smaller communications suite with two working consult rooms, a viewing room and a debriefing space.

The Hub’s aim is to provide a safe, authentic, self-directed learning environment where students can practice their clinical skills in accordance with individual competencies beyondthe scheduled contact hours of their programs and further enhance their capacity for self-directed, lifelong learning.

The Hub contains simulators and resources applicable to practising handling and basic research interventions on laboratory animals. Students are encouraged to go to The Huband use the provided resources to reinforce tutorial content. Students who aren't enrolled in BVetTech or haven't had a 'Hub' safety induction need to introduce themselves to DrShapter and complete the required inductions on their first visit to the facility (please allow a brief amount of time for this on your first visit)

If you cannot access the community or have any other questions, please contact the Hub Coordinator via svs-hub@uq.edu.au or ext 15046.

SVS BVSc(Hons) and BVetTech Student Support

The 2025 School of Veterinary Science Student Support Blackboard Site can be found by visiting [SCIE0586] Student Support for BVSc & BVetTech programs 2025SCIE0586_7520_00101

This site contains links to valuable resources and information for all BVSc(Hons) and BVetTech students. Here you will find information on topics such as:

• Orientation and new student information
• Mental health and wellbeing
• OH&S
• Program rules and requirements
• Study planners
• Equity, diversity and inclusion
• Study help and support
• Useful SVS staff contacts
• Academic Student Mentors, International Student Mentor, Peers Support Network, SVS Academic Progression and Integrity Officer, SVS Chief Examiner, SVS Director ofStudents and Admissions, etc.
• SVS Student Information Resource Handbook

The site also offers a way for you to share your valuable feedback directly with the School about your experiences as a student. We welcome and encourage your input, as it helps uscontinually improve our processes. If you have a formal grievance regarding academic or teaching standards, please refer to the Student Grievance Resolution Policy to understand your options and the steps you can take.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

• Student Code of Conduct Policy
• Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Examinations Procedure
• Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:

• Occupational Health and Safety in the Laboratory Guideline
• Fitness to Practise Policy
• Vaccinations and Immunisation Procedure