Mouse genetics and colony management for animal technologists

This course introduces animal technicians and researchers to the background of mouse genetics and will cover topics such as Mendelian gene inheritance and genetic crosses, as well as covering important colony management aspects such as calculation of breeding numbers and maintaining genetic integrity of genetically altered (GA) lines.

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the underlying biology of how DNA codes for proteins and how errors lead to genetic disease.
• Understand Mendelian gene inheritance.
• Predict the outcomes of genetic crosses.
• Have a working knowledge of the genetic background of mouse strains.
• Understand how to maintain the genetic integrity of genetically altered lines.
• Plan breeding schemes with consideration of the minimum number of animals required.
• Understand how GA lines can be established from modern transgenic technologies.