Training
The Laboratory Animal Care Unit regularly provides training that includes facility orientations and didactic information and hands-on practice in rodent handling, basic rodent procedures and aseptic surgical technique.
Facilities Orientation
LACU facility orientations and tours are completed on an as needed basis. New research personnel should contact Leadra Williford at 901.448.1429 or ledwar17@uthsc.edu for instructions on completing the LACU Orientation and facility tour. Once the orientation and tour have been completed access to the facility will be requested with Campus Police.
Rodent Hands-On Training
Training classes in rodent handling and basic techniques are offered on the 1stTuesday of each month at 10:00 AM and the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 9:30 AM. All training sessions are held in the Coleman animal facility, Room B103. The schedule for the remainder of the 2022-23 fiscal year is:
| 1st Tuesday of the Month | 3rd Wednesday of the Month |
| November 1st at 10:00 am | November 16th at 9:30 am |
| December 6th at 10:00 am | December 20th at 9:30 am |
| January 3rd at 10:00 am | January 18th at 9:30 am |
| February 7th at 10:00 am | February 22nd at 9:30 am |
| March 7th at 10:00 am | March 22nd at 9:30 am |
| April 4th at 10:00 am | April 19th at 9:30 am |
| May 2nd at 10:00 am | May 17th at 9:30 am |
| June 6th at 10:00 am | June 21st at 9:30 am |
Aseptic Technique Training
Training classes in aseptic surgical technique are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10:00 AM. This course consists of a lecture followed by a hands-on lab and takes approximately 2 hours to complete. All training sessions meet in the Coleman animal facility, room B106. The schedule for this course for the remainder of the 2022-23 fiscal year is:
| 2nd Tuesday of the Month |
| November 8th at 10:00 am |
| December 13th at 10:00 am |
| January 10th at 10:00 am |
| February 14th at 10:00 am |
| March 14th at 10:00 am |
| April 11th at 10:00 am |
| May 9th at 10:00 am |
| June 13th at 10:00 am |
To attend a Rodent Hands-On Training session or an Aseptic Technique session, please contact Dr. Tyler Aycock at 901.448.7314 or saycock@uthsc.edu and he will register you directly for the training session you wish to attend.
Research Protocol Specific Training
The LACU veterinary team is also available for more specific or tailored training, especially with regards to our Policies and Standard Operating Procedures. Please contact one of the veterinarians or veterinary technicians if you would like training or further information related to these SOPs.