Animal Technology

Mouse Genetics and Colony Management for Animal Technologists

Designed for animal technicians and early-career researchers, this course provides a foundation in mouse genetics and colony management. Explore genetic crosses, breeding calculations and best practices for maintaining genetically altered mouse lines.

  • Animal Technology
  • 2 days
Tutor
Michelle Stewart
When
  • 22-23 March 2027
Availability
Open for booking
Duration
2 days

Course Overview

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.

Who is this for? 

  • Animal Technicians
  • Early Career Researchers
  • PhD Students

Includes

  • 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

Course details

Where

This course takes place at Advance, Harwell. You will be working in dedicated training spaces designed for practical scientific learning.

Format

This is a 1 day practical course built around active participation, demonstrations, and supervised technical work.

Level

Suitable for learners who want to translate scientific knowledge into stronger practical capability.

Availability

Register interest

Tutors

Michelle Stewart

Scientific Manager at the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell

Degree in Cell and Molecular Biology; PhD in Neurobehavioural Genetics

Michelle Stewart is the Scientific Manager at the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell. She began her career at the MLC in 2004 as an animal technician, quickly progressing to NACWO and ward manager before taking on the role of Scientific Manager in 2013.

Alongside her professional duties, Michelle completed a part-time degree in Cell and Molecular Biology, followed by a PhD in Neurobehavioural Genetics, which she was awarded in 2019.

Michelle has more than 20 years of experience working with genetically altered mice, with particular expertise in complex breeding strategies, colony management, phenotyping, and all aspects of licensing. In her current role, she oversees the full operation of the animal facility at the Mary Lyon Centre, including husbandry, in-vivo studies such as dosing and phenotyping, gene delivery, and rederivation.

She works closely with both external researchers and internal teams to support and deliver high-quality in-vivo research for academic groups, biotech companies, and pharmaceutical partners across the UK. Michelle is deeply passionate about genetics and is committed to training and mentoring both animal technicians and researchers, promoting best practice and ensuring that the use of animals in research is conducted to the highest scientific and ethical standards.

  • Animal Technology
  • Genetics

What You Will Take Away

The course is designed to give learners practical outcomes they can carry back into their own work immediately.

It was information dense but at the right pace and with enough clarity to make everything digestible.

Hands-on technical mastery

Leave with stronger practical confidence and a clearer understanding of how to troubleshoot real lab problems.

Current methods and emerging practice

Build capability that reflects how active researchers and technical teams are working now.

Confidence to work independently

Apply what you learn immediately, supported by materials, recordings, and follow-on guidance.

In Their Own Words

Questions

What should I bring?

Bring a notebook and any device you regularly use for work. We provide the equipment and materials needed for the practical sessions.

Is prior experience required?

The course is designed for learners who want to build or deepen practical capability. If you are unsure about your level, contact us and we can advise.

Do you offer group bookings?

Yes. We can discuss group bookings, scheduling, and practical requirements for teams or organisations.

Ready to Advance Your Practice?

Secure your place or register your interest today