187.650.81 ALTERNATIVE METHODS IN ANIMAL TESTING

Discusses and evaluates strategies for reducing the number of animals utilized in basic and applied research. Addresses traditional in vitro methods, including cell culture and analytical chemistry as well as newer and evolving techniques such as informatics, genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. Also discusses governmental regulatory processes for approving new testing methods, especially in vitro methods.

Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to: - Identify concerns in designing in vitro methods used to replace or supplement in vivo methods. - Evaluate tissue culture methods for their ability to provide useful data. - Define the strengths and limitations of bioinformatic techniques for reducing the numbers of animals in applied basic research. - Explain the regulatory process in approving, verifying, and validating in vitro methods.