Translational Research

Online Education from UC Davis Extension

Using genetically engineered mice has opened countless possibilities for advancing the study of human diseases. This series of online courses is intended for scientific personnel conducting or supporting experimental research using mouse models. Gain the foundational knowledge and skills to identify disease patterns in these model animals accurately. Developed in partnership with the internationally recognized Center for Genomic Pathology, the curriculum is tiered to benefit scientific personnel at all levels.

TIER 1: Foundations of Mouse Pathobiology

Suitable for research assistants, research associates, senior researchers, post-doc fellows, laboratory personnel, and others.

Mouse Husbandry and Biology: Gain foundational knowledge in the handling and use of the research mouse, along with normal mouse biology and general pathology. Topics include the history of the laboratory mouse, mouse husbandry, regulations and laboratory accreditation, normal gross anatomy, normal mouse histology, and general pathology.

Mouse Pathobiology: Gain a comprehensive introduction to the pathobiology of the genetically-engineered research mouse, emphasizing the correlation of microscopic findings to clinical and gross observations. Topics include gross and microscopic patterns of disease, basics of necropsy, gene insertion and removal, primary pathology, immunology, reproductive physiology, and toxicological pathology. It also covers experimental design and the responsible use of mouse models.

TIER 2: Mouse Models for Cancer Research (Suitable for principal investigators, scholars, and senior research personnel)

The Mouse as a Model for Mammary Gland Cancer: This course provides background information necessary to function in mammary tumor biology. It includes case examples and interactive conferences and is designed for the trained scientist (Ph.D., M.D., D.V.M.) with exposure to but limited training in comparative pathology and the use of genetically engineered mice to model human mammary disease.

For course schedules, details, and a free sample lesson, go to: https://extension.ucdavis.edu/subject-areas/genomic-pathology

For information about other health sciences programs at UC Davis Extension, go to: https://extension.ucdavis.edu/areas-study/health-sciences