To provide the students with basic knowledge on concepts related to the fundamentals of Ecology so that they will be able to gradually introduced to more complex issues addressed in subsequent semesters. In addition, during the practical exercises the students are taught the main methods of studying ecosystem structure and function as well as those for monitoring populations interactions.

Students after attending the course are expected to have developed skills for understanding the basic concepts of the Science of Ecology. More than ever, Ecology is a vital and growing discipline with new information accumulating at a rapid pace. Having followed the course, students will be able to better understand also the causes underlying major environmental problems, such as climate change, natural hazards (e.g. fire), biodiversity loss, species extinctions and biotic homogenization. 

At the end of the course students should: a) be able to acquire enhanced knowledge on ecological issues, b) be able to work in groups, c) be able to use their knowledge in solving simple ecological problems, d) be able to develop their judgment, their critical way of thinking for making decisions on ecological issues.

1.  Introduction to Ecology – 2. The evolutionary basis of Ecology – 3. Life and the physical environment – 4. Energy in the Ecosystems – 5. Biogeochemical cycles – 6. Communities organization in time and space – succession – 7. Biomes – 8. Principles of Biogeography Populations: Growth, Interactions – 9. Evolutionary Ecology – 10. Principles of Conservation Ecology – 11. Applied Ecology

1. Phenology of plant species (field) – 2. Vegetation structure, Life and Growth forms of plants (field) – 3. Organic Horizon types – Decomposition of plant material (field and lab) – 4. Methods of sampling soil invertebrates- structure of soil invertebrate community (field) – 5. Methods for studying avifauna (field) – 6. Methods of studying soil fungi (lab) – 7. Intraspecific competition in tree species (field) – 8. Interspecific competition in invertebrates (field) – 9. Simulation of Predation (lab) – 10. Selection of food – effect of population size (lab)

The course is offered to Erasmus students: Teaching in Greek language - Exams in English language.

Students evaluation is performed in Greek. A final examination is organized covering all subjects taught and it consists of: a) written examination - questions of multiple choice, questions requiring short answers, questions requiring critical judgment (60%), b) written examination in the practicals (20%), c) group reports on each practical exercise (20%). A pass is required in both written examinations for a successful result. The average grade of Laboratory Exercises contributes 40% to the final, total, course grade.