IAT
Level 2
QN: 600/0558/0
Curriculum Active
IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Husbandry
Official qualification regulated by Ofqual, awarded by IAT. Classified as a Vocationally-Related Qualification. Total guided learning hours: 260 hours.
Qualification Level
Level 2
Awarding Body
IAT
Syllabus Units
6 Units
Guided Hours
260 hrs
Instant access to interactive lessons, quizzes, and spaced revision.
Course Syllabus & Study Modules
Complete breakdown of verified curriculum topics and learning objectives.
1
IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Husbandry
Introduction to laboratory animal science ethics
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- The learner will:Understand that there is a broad range of ethical, welfare and scientific perspectives on the use of animals in scientific procedures.Know how the concerns over the use of laboratory animals are minimised.
2
IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Husbandry
Introduction to laboratory animal facility legislation
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Learning OutcomesThe learner will:Identify the broad provisions of the legislation controlling the use of research animals.Know appropriate methods of euthanasia.
3
IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Husbandry
Laboratory animal health and husbandry
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- The learner will:Know methods available to safely handle and sex a laboratory animal.Know/understand methods to estimate the age of a named species of laboratory animal with reasonable accuracy.Know/understand suitable procedures for the safe handling and restraint of a named species for common scientific procedures.Identify signs of ill health in a named species and describe suitable remedial actions.
4
IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Husbandry
Laboratory animal nutrition
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the nutritional requirements for common laboratory animal species
- Explain the components and provision of a balanced diet
- Identify methods for delivering and monitoring water intake
- Recognise signs of nutritional deficiency or obesity
- Evaluate the impact of water quality on animal health and research data
5
IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Husbandry
Laboratory animal housing and routines
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate suitable routines for feeding, cleaning, and handling laboratory animals.
- Analyse the consequences of inappropriate temperature, humidity, and lighting on animal welfare.
- Apply appropriate methods for permanently and temporarily identifying laboratory animals.
- Interpret housing requirements for different species and strains.
- Assess the importance of enrichment in maintaining behavioural health.
6
IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Husbandry
The Production of Laboratory Animals
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe suitable methods for producing laboratory animals (e.g., inbred, outbred, transgenic) and their applications.
- Explain the role of genetic monitoring and health screening in maintaining colony integrity.
- Operate a database system to record, update, and retrieve production information accurately.
- Evaluate the impact of record-keeping practices on colony management and research outcomes.
- Demonstrate the ability to trace animal lineage and production history using database queries.
7
IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology (2021)
Laboratory animal housing and routines
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- The learner will:Know/understand suitable routines and husbandry practices for the maintenance and care for a range of laboratory animals.Know/understand the consequences for the animal resulting from inappropriate environmental conditions.Describe appropriate methods for identifying a range of animals.
8
IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology (2021)
Introduction to laboratory animal science ethics
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the principal ethical frameworks applied to animal research
- Describe the core components of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement)
- Explain how legislation and institutional policies minimise animal suffering and use
- Contrast the perspectives of scientists, welfare advocates, and the public on animal experiments
- Interpret the role of ethical review processes in research governance
9
IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology (2021)
Communication for animal technicians
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Explain the importance of clear communication in maintaining animal welfare and research validity.
- Demonstrate accurate completion of laboratory records, including cage cards and health reports.
- Apply active listening techniques during handover briefings and team meetings.
- Utilize digital platforms (e.g., electronic lab notebooks) to log and share data securely.
- Communicate concerns regarding animal health or behaviour promptly using escalation protocols.
- Adapt communication style when interacting with colleagues, researchers, and regulatory inspectors.
10
IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology (2021)
Laboratory animal health and husbandry
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Demonstrate safe handling and restraint techniques for a named species.
- Apply methods to accurately determine the sex of a given laboratory animal.
- Estimate the age of a named species using physical and developmental indicators.
- Identify clinical signs of ill health and describe appropriate immediate remedial actions.
- Explain the importance of husbandry procedures in maintaining laboratory animal health.
11
IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology (2021)
Introduction to laboratory animal facility legislation
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Summarise the key provisions of the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA).
- Explain the principles of Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement (3Rs) in research animal care.
- Describe appropriate methods of euthanasia for common laboratory species.
- Identify the ethical and legal considerations when determining humane endpoints.
12
IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology (2021)
INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH AND SAFETY PRINCIPLES AND LEGISLATION
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe the key components of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 as applied to animal facilities.
- Identify different types of hazards (biological, chemical, physical, ergonomic) present in a laboratory animal facility.
- Explain the hierarchy of control measures for mitigating identified risks.
- Conduct a basic risk assessment using a standard template for a given animal care task.
- Evaluate the importance of accident reporting and near-miss documentation in maintaining workplace safety.
- Apply the principles of COSHH to the storage and handling of hazardous substances in an animal facility.
13
IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology (2021)
Laboratory animal biology
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate the significance of homeostasis in maintaining physiological stability in laboratory animals.
- Apply knowledge of cell division and differentiation to explain tissue growth and repair.
- Analyse the interdependence of the nervous and endocrine systems in coordinating stress responses.
- Demonstrate the ability to identify key anatomical landmarks and their physiological relevance in common laboratory species.
- Explain how cardiovascular and respiratory systems collaborate to deliver oxygen and remove waste products.
14
IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology (2021)
The Production of Laboratory Animals
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Describe suitable methods for producing laboratory animals, including breeding systems and colony management.
- Explain the use of database technology in managing animal colonies and production records.
- Apply database systems to record and retrieve production information accurately.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of different production methods and database systems in meeting regulatory and welfare standards.
15
IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology (2021)
Numeracy for animal technologists
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Calculate accurate drug dosages based on animal weight and concentration
- Convert between metric units of mass, volume, and length
- Apply percentages to prepare solutions and adjust diets
- Use ratios to mix bedding or feed components correctly
- Record and interpret numerical data from environmental monitoring
- Verify calculations to minimise errors in a facility context
16
IAT Level 2 Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science and Technology (2021)
Laboratory animal nutrition
Verified
Key Learning Objectives:
- Identify the essential nutrients required by common laboratory animal species.
- Explain the importance of water quality and availability for laboratory animals.
- Describe methods for providing a balanced diet to laboratory animals.
- Evaluate the impact of nutrition on animal welfare and scientific outcomes.
- Apply principles of diet formulation to meet species-specific needs.
Regulatory & Verification Details
- Qualification Number (QN)
- 600/0558/0
- Regulated Status
- Available to learners
- Awarding Body
- IAT
- Qualification Type
- Vocationally-Related Qualification
- Operational Start
- Jan 2011
- Operational End
- Sept 2028