Didactic Seminars & Curricula
Tri-Institutional Investigator Seminar Series
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The Tri-Institutional Investigator Seminar Series (MSKCC, RU, and WCM/HSSC) provides monthly seminars on a wide variety of topics concerned with the care and use of animals in biomedical research. Seminar topics include basic handling and injection techniques, the use of anesthetics and analgesics, rodent breeding and reproduction, etc. Investigative staff from the participating institutions is invited to attend. Click here for the current schedule and topics.
Duration: 1.5 hours
The Use of Xenograft Models
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Investigators conducting studies in rodents transplanted with human xenografts, cell lines or cell strains are required to complete xenograft training prior to initiating their work. There are three components to this training. First, viewing 2 web-based modules: 1. General Concepts: which provides an overview of the institutional policies governing studies in animals with human xenografts, reviews OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements and the use of Class II Type A biological safety cabinets; 2: Xenograft Safety which covers animal husbandry procedures and waste handling; and, 3. Participating in a hands-on session during which time you will demonstrate an understanding of the material presented in the didactic session. To schedule a hands-on training, log onto EnCCoMPass University. Web-based training modules must be completed prior to attendance to the wet-lab session.
The Use of Hazardous Materials In Vivo
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Investigative staff conducting studies with hazardous chemicals, carcinogens, and/or biological agents in animals are required to complete hazardous material training prior to initiating their work. There are 3 components to training. First, view the 2 web-based modules 1: General Concepts: which provides a review of compliance with OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard and WCM's Chemical Hygiene Plan as well as applicable RARC guidelines developed to safely conduct investigations with hazardous materials. 2: Chemicals and Infectious Agents: which specifically, will review practices and equipment for working at Animal Biosafety Laboratory 2+ (ABSL2+), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements, and use of Class II biological safety cabinets. Animal husbandry and waste handling procedures will also be reviewed. Lastly, participation in a hands-on session is required during which you will tour the facility and demonstrate an understanding of the material presented in the didactic session. To schedule a hands-on training session click on the registration link and provide your name and the name of the Principal Investigator in whose laboratory you will conduct the planned studies. The web-based training modules must be completed prior to attendance at the wet-lab session.
Rodent Surgery Training
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Online modules: Introduction to Rodent Surgery and Rodent Survival Surgery Wetlab pre-requisiteAll investigators conducting survival rodent surgery are required to complete the Rodent Survival Surgery Curriculum. The curriculum includes the Introduction to Rodent Surgery and the Rodent Survival Surgery Wet Lab. This curriculum and the accompanying Rodent Survival Surgery Guidelines were developed utilizing the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals recommendations for conducting major rodent survival surgical procedures. The following topics are covered: aseptic technique; surgical equipment and instrumentation; animal and surgeon sterile preparation; suture material and wound closure; and, postoperative care, pain, analgesia, and monitoring; incision assessment; and, record keeping requirements.
Duration of Wet Lab: 1.5 hours
Frequency: Every Friday-weekly, (unless otherwise specified) session times alternate between 10:00-11:30 am and 1:30-3:00 pm.
The Use of Radioisotopes In Vivo
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Investigative staff using radionuclides in animals are required to complete this training curriculum consisting of the following components. 1. View the 2 online modules: General Concepts as well as Radioisotope Safety, which reviews compliance with Federal and Institutional regulations governing the use of radionuclides as well as procedures for handling rodents, their caging and equipment, and other animal use materials contaminated with radionuclides. The use of safety equipment, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements, the use of the Class II, Type A biological safety cabinets as well as husbandry and waste handling procedures will also be reviewed. The web-based training modules must be completed prior to attending the wet lab session.
Large Animal Orientation
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Governmental and institutional guidelines and regulations require that all procedures in large animals be performed by trained personnel with close attention paid to aseptic and surgical technique, animal well-being, and the physical state of the animal. This module reviews applicable laws and regulations, protocol preparation, scheduling the pre-surgical start-up meeting, and surgical facilities. Record keeping is essential to ensure regulatory compliance.
Duration: Online modules & primary facility tour
Frequency: Scheduled on request
Primer on Rodent Breeding
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This seminar reviews murine reproductive physiology and behavior including reproductive techniques, sexing and aging mouse pups, mating systems, trouble shooting and record keeping. Attendees are provided a comprehensive monograph on breeding genetically engineered mice
Duration: 1.5 hours
Frequency: 4th Wednesday every other month