About the Course
The Laboratory Animal Science European Union Functions Course takes place at the Laboratory for Research of the Musculoskeletal System of the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, and covers the Modules which are necessary for people who perform the four functions, as stated in article 23 of the Directive 2010/63/EU. The Course covers basic training modules for researchers and personnel who perform procedures (function A), take care of animals (function C), euthanize animals (function D) and design procedures and projects (function B), plus modules 20, 21, 22, 23.
The LAS EU Functions Course has been accredited by the Education & Training Board of FELASA, according to the Board’s accreditation scheme which ensures high quality education in LAS, following the requirements stated in the Directive 2010/63/EU and the European Commission Guidelines (Working document on the development of a common education and training framework to fulfill the requirements under the Directive (Brussels, 19-20 February 2014). The Course is included in the list of Accredited Courses of the FELASA website and has the code number F056/16.
Attendance Details
Language: The language of instruction is English.
Content: The Course covers functions A, B, C and D, plus Modules 20-23. Certification for all functions (ABCD) or 3 functions (ACD) or function B (theory only) is available. For technicians, attending only function C can be arranged. Please see the detailed description for each option at the end of this year’s program. Other combinations may be available upon request.
Delivery: Since 2020, theory and project work are delivered live online via teleconference, while practical skills are taught on-site. Full 100% attendance is required for the 2 weeks of the Course. Please consult this year’s details for updates.
Prerequisites: A good knowledge of English is required. Participation to function Β modules requires a relevant degree (BSc or higher).
Target Audience: Professionals, researchers, PhD and post-graduate students from all fields of Biomedical & Veterinary Sciences who are responsible for directing and/or carrying out animal experiments, as well as animal technologists and technicians.
Registration: Registration on a first come, first served basis by filling an online application form available at the upcoming Course files. Successful applicants receive e-mail confirmation. Registration is confirmed upon receipt of the payment transcript by e-mail.
The registration fee covers: access to the Course lectures and practical training sessions, coffee and lunch breaks, course bag, pdf course syllabus and reference material, ID badge, pen, notepad.
Participants are required to arrange their own accommodation and transport.
Participants are requested to be enrolled in a health/travel insurance program, particularly if they are travelling from abroad.
Cost/Payment: Cost is mentioned at the course announcement. Billing information is forwarded to successful applicants when registration process is completed. The fee is paid by a bank deposit one month prior to the Course. The receipt is delivered to the participant during the Course and is personal unless other arrangements are made during the registration.
The course fee is displayed at the Course Announcement each year. For cancellations 30-15 days before the Course, 50% of the Course fee is refunded. For cancellations less than 15 days before the Course, the fee is non-refundable.
Preparation: Access information, pre-reading and other instructions are sent by e-mail to participants few days before the Course. Reading Directive 2010/63/EU or PD 56/2013 is important (download link).
Evaluation: Evaluation includes a written multiple choice examination (functions ABCD / ACD / B / C), assessment of practical skills (functions ACD / C) and student project presentation (function B). A passing grade of ≥60% is required for each task. Additionally, full attendance of lectures, adequate participation in group work and discussions, collaboration and good conduct are expected.
Certification: Full 100% attendance is required. Certificates are issued only after successful participation and successful evaluation. Course organizers reserve the right to expel participants in cases of incomplete participation, unsucessful evaluation or misconduct – in which case a 60% refund may be claimed.
Accreditation: The Course is FELASA accredited.
Timeline:
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Course announcement: early each year
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Deadline for registration: July
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Notification of participants, billing information: July / August
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Deadline for payment: August / 30-45 days before Course dates
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Confirmation of participations: 45 days before Course dates
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Course dates: September / October
For information on the upcoming Course and to enroll please see the relevant files.
Access & Accommodation: (costs covered by the participant) The venue for the practical training is located at Kifissia, in the premises of KAT hospital. A map is provided in the participants’ webpage once registration is completed. Hotels in Kifissia suggested from previous visitors are Hotel des Roses (17′ walk from the venue, 7′ walk from Kifissia metro station) and Coco Mat Hotel Nafsika (12′ walk from the venue and 8′ walk from KAT metro station). Kifissia is located about 45′-60′ transit from Athens city center with public transport (metro green line, buses 550, 500, A7). Staying in Athens’ city center is a nice option to enjoy the city and nightlife. Areas near the metro stations Ampelokipi, Syntagma (metro blue line), Akropolis (metro red line), Monastiraki, Thissio (metro green line) are popular for visitors of Athens.
Tickets are the same for buses & metro, cost 1.40€ and allow changes between bus/metro/tram lines within 90 min. There are various bulk options. Travelling to/from the Airport with public transport requires a different ticket (6€ bus, 10€ metro). You may organize your commuting with the Google maps application transit option! (Links: ticket options, metro map, buses online schedule, buses application, airport access, Athens visitor guide).
Visit Athens: Some of our suggestions for visiting Athens are: Visit Acropolis museum & Archaeological museum. Walk around Syntagma (have coffee at Public store’s rooftop cafe, eat at Tzitzikas & Mermigkas or To Neoklassiko (for souvlaki)), take Ermou Str. for shopping or Mitropoleos Str. to Monastiraki (eat at Karamanlidika, eat/have a drink at Buena Vista Social Bar rooftop with Acropolis view), take Adrianou Str. to Thissio (eat at To steki tou Ilia, and have coffee at Loux cafe or Kirki or Athinaion Politeia with Acropolis view). Shop at Attica Department Store, walk down Panepistimiou Str. to see the buildings of Academy, University & Library near Panepistimio Metro Station, (eat souvlaki at Prodorpion or fish food at Kapetan Michalis or Lesvos & have coffee at the garden of the Numismatic Museum or Petite Fleur).
2025 Course Files
2025 Course Announcement (pdf)
2025 Application Form (pre-registration is open)
Dates: September 8-19, 2025 The theoretical part will be delivered online (synchronous participation with open cameras required) while the practical part will be on-site for 2 days. Further details will be announced soon.
2024 Course Files
~These files remain online as information. Please refer to the current year files to enroll!~
2024 Application Form (closed)
Dates: September 9-20, 2024
Important Notice: The theoretical and group work parts will be delivered online via teleconference (real-time/synchronous) while the practical training will be delivered on-site! More details will be announced soon.
2023 Course Files
2023 Application Form Applications are now CLOSED! Thank you for your interest!
Dates: September 11-22, 2023
Important Notice: The theoretical and group work parts will be delivered online via teleconference (real-time/synchronous) while the practical training will be delivered on-site! More details will be announced soon.
2022 Course Files
~These files remain online as information. Please refer to the current year files to enroll!~
2022 Preliminary Program updated!
Dates: September 5-16, 2022
Important Notice: The theoretical and group work parts will be delivered online via teleconference (real-time/synchronous) while the practical training will be delivered on-site. Schedule for practical training is subject to change! More details will be announced soon.
2021 Course Files
~These files remain online as information. Please refer to the current year files to enroll!~
Dates: September 20th – October 1st 2021
Important Notice: Due to the continuing COVID-19 preventive measures the theoretical and group work parts will be delivered online via teleconference (real-time/synchronous) while the practical training will be delivered on-site. More details will be announced soon!
2020 Course Files
~These files remain online as information. Please refer to the current year files to enroll!~
Application Form Positions are covered for the 2020 Course! Applications are now closed. Thank you for your interest!
Dates: September 28th – October 9th 2020
Important Notice: Due to the current COVID-19 preventive measures we are monitoring the updates and doing our best to be able to deliver our Course! The theoretical and group work parts will be delivered online via teleconference (real-time/synchronous) on 28/9-6/10, while the practical training will be delivered on-site on 7-8-9/10/2020. In order to be able to modify the schedule, group work will take place in the weekend.
2019 Course Files
~These files remain online as information. Please refer to the current year files to enroll!~
Program
Dates: September 30th – October 10th 2019 (excluding Sunday!)
2018 Course Files
~These files remain online as information. Please refer to the current year files to enroll!~
2017 Course Files
~These files remain online as information. Please refer to the current year files to enroll!~