1. Systems & ecosystems:

• the students will gain knowledge on the concept of “system” and its use for the study of ecosystems
• the students will learn the basic models applied in Ecology

2. Organisms in the environment:

• the students will have knowledge on the basic groups of organisms, which live in ecosystems
• they will learn the basic metabolic steps/pathways, through which energy is produced and transferred within an ecosystem
• the students will learn the concept of “limiting factor” and its role
• they will learn the major environmental factors, which affect the energy flux

3. Populations:

• the students will learn the basic models applied for the study of populations growth within an ecosystem
• they will study/analyze the growth of populations through different exercises and small projects
• they will be able to understand the growth strategies of various species

4. Ecosystems:

• the students will be able to understand the energy flux through food chains & webs
• they will evaluate the energy model
• they will gain knowledge on nutrient cycling
• they will gain experience with exercises & projects

5. Environmental problems & pollution:

• the students will have knowledge of the major environmental problems, in terms of the alteration and degradation of ecosystems
• they will gain knowledge on the concept & importance of biodiversity
• they will be aware of the pollution of water/soil/atmosphere & climate change

6. Environmental management:

• the students will focus on the basic steps of wastewater treatment
• they will work with environmental indicators for the assessment of environmental quality

• Review, analysis and synthesis of data and information, with the use of necessary technologies
• Teamwork
• Environmental protection
• Work in interdisciplinary environment

1. Systems & ecosystems

• The concept of system
• Mathematical models
• System stability
• Application of models in ecology

2. Organisms in the environment

• Categories of organisms
• Chemical synthesis of the cell
• Metabolism - enzymes
• Photosynthesis – Respiration - Chemosynthesis
• Limiting factor
• Interactions between organisms and the environment

3. Populations

• Populations dynamics
• Models on population growth
• Populations interactions
• Natural selection & evolution
• Population growth strategies

4. Ecosystems

• The flux of energy through ecosystems
• Limiting factors in various environments
• Nutrient cycling
• Aquatic ecosystems

5. Deterioration of natural environment

• Deforestation
• Corrosion
• Desertification
• Salination
• Biodiversity

6. Toxic pollution

• Toxic pollutants
• Bioaccumulation
• Volatile organic compounds
• Xenobiotics
• Heavy metals & inorganic compounds ενώσεις

7. Water pollution

• Sources & effects of aquatic pollution
• Oxygen deficiency
• Eutrophication
• Contamination
• Toxic pollutants
• Oil spills
• Thermal pollution

8. Atmospheric pollution

• Sources & effects of atmospheric pollutants
• Acid rain
• Ozone layer depletion
• Greenhouse effect
• Climate change

9. Environmental management

• Aquatic pollution prevention & control
• Environmental indicators & life cycle analysis

• Power point presentations
• E-class support

Assessment Method

Ι. Written final examination (60%).

• Questions of theoretical knowledge. 
• Theoretical problems to be resolved.

ΙΙ. Lab work (40%).

• Ten lab exercises - team reports: 60% of the Lab grade
• Final written lab exam: 40% of the Lab grade

• Οικολογία, Οικοσυστήματα και Προστασία του Περιβάλλοντος, Κωδικός Βιβλίου στον Εύδοξο: 41959128,  Έκδοση 2007, Συγγραφέας: Κ. Χατζημπίρος. ISBN 978-960-266-121-5. Εκδόσεις ΣΥΜΜΕΤΡΙΑ.
• Οικολογία, Κωδικός Βιβλίου στον Εύδοξο: 45453, Έκδοση: 3η/1996, Συγγραφέας: Σ.  Λυκάκης. ISBN: 978-960-266-165-9. Εκδόσεις Σ. ΑΘΑΝΑΣΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ & ΣΙΑ Ο.Ε.
• E-class presentations & notes
• ECOLOGY - From Individuals to Ecosystems, Michael Begon, Blackwell publishing, 4th edition. ISBN-13: 978-1-4051-1117-1 (hard cover : alk. paper)
• Ecology – Concepts & applications, Manuel C. Molles Jr., McGrawHill Higher Education, 4th edition. ISBN 978-0-07-305082-9