To reveal the uniqueness of the Greek fauna. The factors that have forged the Greek fauna are analysed, with special emphasis put on Greece's endemic species, as well as on those species that maintain their only European populations in our country. Additionally, all the animal taxa found in Greece are presented in a detailed manner. Finally, the students will learn the methodology behind the study of animal taxa and will have the chance for a hands-on experience during the three-day field exercise. With the completion of the course, the students will have acquired a deep knowledge of the wealth of the Greek biodiversity and of the procedures that led to it.

The understanding of the Greek fauna's uniqueness, as well as the study and knowledge on the mechanisms and parameters that characterize Greek biodiversity. The familiarization with and practice of standard methods of analysis and approach of animal groups in the laboratory and the field.

Study of Greek fauna - Paleogeography - Distribution patterns of the Greek fauna - Mollusks – Worm-like taxa - Fauna of fresh waters - Myriapods - Isopods - Arachnids – Insects - Social insects - Fish of internal waters - Amphibians - Reptiles - Birds - Mammals - Human and Fauna - Fauna of caves - Fauna management - Fauna of protected areas - Invasive species - Fauna and Hellenic culture - Wild fauna diseases

1. Morphological adaptations of insects - 2. Land arthropods - 3. Taxonomy of fresh water fish - 4. Taxonomy of Amphibians and Reptiles - 5. Bird taxonomy - 6. Taxonomy of Greek mammals - 7. Methodology for studying fauna - 8. Three-day field exercise

There are no prerequisite courses for the student to take this course. However, in order to optimally follow and understand the course, the student should also have taken the Zoology course, since the basic principles of the science of Zoology are presented therein.

The evaluation process is carried out in Greek language, with a final examination of the whole course that includes: I.  A written exam on the theory of the course, with short expansive questions in order to assess the students critical thought on what they were taught – II. A written exam on the laboratory exercises with short development questions on the systematics and functional characteristics of the animal groups they worked on, slides recognition and methodology questions. The grade of laboratory exams contributes 30% to the total course grade and the grade of the theory exams contributes 70%. The total grade will be the sum of the two above mentioned exams.