https://www.eclass.tuc.gr/courses/MHPER112

www.chenveng.tuc.gr/en/studies/undergraduate/curriculum/1st-semester/1st-semester-enve-112-2

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Define the concept of the system and the use of models in environmental engineering.
• Recognize the ecosystem as a system.
• Describe the basic concepts and operating principles of various ecosystems.
• Recognize the main models, which define the operation and stability of an ecosystem.
• Solve exercises based on those models.
• Evaluate the meaning and the importance of the limiting factor in ecosystems.
• Recognize the most important processes regarding the production and storage of energy.
• Assess the main environmental factors that contribute to and affect the ecosystem stability.
• Recognize the key environmental problems, regarding the deterioration and 
• degradation of an ecosystem.
• Record and assess events of environmental pollution.
• Apply basic tools of environmental analysis, assessment and management (environmental indicators, life cycle analysis & environmental impact assessment studies).

• Review, analysis and synthesis of data and information, with the use of necessary technologies
• Teamwork
• Environmental protection
• Work in interdisciplinary environment 
• Promote free, creative and inductive thinking and writing

1. Systems & ecosystems

• The concept of system
• The concept and use of models
• System stability
• Mathematical models used in ecosystems

2. Organisms and environmental factors

• 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
• Food chains/food webs
• Energy model
• Limiting factors in various environments

5. Exercises on population growth models (methodology and solving)

6.

• Nutrient cycling (biogeochemical cycles)
• Disorder of nutrient cycling

7. 

• Aquatic ecosystems (surface water, groundwater and seawater)
• Lake ecosystem, mathematical model of lake ecosystem
• Various features of aquatic ecosystems

8. Environmental problems – aquatic environment

• Water pollution
• Oxygen deficiency
• Eutrophication
• Thermal pollution
• Contamination
• Toxic pollutants

9. Environmental problems – terrestrial environment

• Deforestation
• Corrosion
• Desertification
• Salination
• Biodiversity

10. Environmental problems – toxic pollution

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

11. Exercises on environmental pollution (methodology and solving)

12. Environmental problems – atmospheric environment

• Main atmospheric pollutants
• Photochemical smog
• Acid rain
• Ozone layer depletion
• Greenhouse effect
• Climate change

13. Environmental management

• Aquatic pollution prevention & control
• Air pollution prevention & control
• Solid waste management

14. Environmental analysis, assessment and management

• Environmental indicators
• Life cycle analysis
• Environmental impact assessment studies

• Power point presentations
• E-class support

Assessment Method

Ι. Written final examination (60% of the final course grade) that includes:   

• Theory
• Problems solving

ΙΙ. Lab grade (40% of the final course grade) that includes:

• Test (40% of the lab grade)
• Projects (60% of the lab grade)

• E-classpresentations&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