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If you are new to conducting genetic or genomic research utilizing laboratory mice, this program includes two self-paced MiniCourses that introduce inbred, hybrid, outbred, mutant and transgenic mouse strains and how they can be utilized in research projects. Both courses cover essential information. See below for a complete list of topics.

The Inbred, Outbred, Hybrid, Mutant and Transgenic Mice: A Beginner's Guide Program includes two MiniCourses that each provide a basic overview of a variety of mouse models utilized in genetic and genomic research.  Each course is self-paced and takes 2 to 4 hours to complete:

• Common Laboratory Mouse Strains: A Beginner's Guide:  This MiniCourse provides essential information about inbred, hybrid, and outbred mouse strains, official nomenclature, genetic drift, relevant resources for finding inbred baseline phenotypic information, and animal health monitoring and mouse housing conditions.
• Mutant and Transgenic Mouse Strains:  A Beginner's Guide: This MiniCourse introduces important concepts related to mutant and transgenic mouse strains including tools that can be used to alter the mouse genome to create specific mutations or modifications.  You will discover how mutations can be moved to different genetic backgrounds, how to choose appropriate genetics controls and much more!

You can also receive digital badges and Course Completion Certificates for each of the MiniCourses you complete.

This program is designed to meet the needs of people who are new to utilizing laboratory mice for genetic and genomic research projects, including: graduate and postdoctoral students, research assistants, early career scientists, lab technicians, and advanced undergraduates with a background in biology.

About our Education Offerings

Founded in 1929, The Jackson Laboratory (JAX) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with more than 2,300 employees who are passionate about our mission: to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and to empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health.

While we are not an accredited higher education institution, we offer a variety of education programs — including our non-credit bearing MiniCourses — designed to educate current and future scientists and to provide critical resources, data, tools and services to researchers worldwide.

MiniCourses are created and reviewed by multiple JAX faculty, scientists, educators and other experts, and include interactive content based on the live lectures delivered in our on-campus Courses, Conferences and Workshops.

MiniCourses are available to learners individually and in topical program collections, which are organized around both foundational content and the research areas in which The Jackson Laboratory has earned a reputation for scientific leadership and excellence.

Hardware and Software Requirements

• Audio speakers or headphones
• Screen resolution of 800X600 or higher
• Adobe Reader 5.0 or higher
• JavaScript enabled
• 1GB of RAM
• 2GHz processor

Check the basic computer specifications and supported browsers. Internet Explorer is not supported.

Should you have questions regarding the content of the Certificate Program or if you need technical support, please email Online and Digital Education at The Jackson Laboratory.