The purpose of the course is to provide students with the opportunity to familiarize with the major marine organisms and the biotic and abiotic factors that affect the marine ecosystem. Also, to understand the mechanisms underlying the ever-changing marine ecosystem and to be aware of marine life through the knowledge of its remarkable diversity.

Upon successful completion of the course students are expected to have acquired scientific knowledge, critical thinking and skills-abilities to: a) Understand the structure and the most important functions of marine ecosystems, b) The identification of key groups of marine organisms, c) Familiarise with sampling methods, d) Develop skills for the exploitation of marine biological resources, e)  Assessing the anthropogenic effects on marine ecosystems, f) Understanding, analyzing and presenting research and bibliographic data, g) Organize and implement marine environmental research, h) on-line access to libraries, databases and scientific journals.

1. Introduction to the Marine Environment (4 Hours) – 2. Plankton and planktonic communities (4 Hours) – 3. Deep Sea Biology (4 Hours) – 4. Benthic communities of the Shallow costal zone (4 Hours) – 5. Oceanic Nekton (3 Hours) – 6. Ecology of the Mid-Tidal Zone (4 Hours) – 7. Meiofauna (2 Hours) – 8. Estuarine Systems and Salty Swamps (4 Hours) – 9. Tropical Ecosystems (4 Hours) – 10. Symbiotic Relationships (2 Hours) – 11. Anthropogenic impact on the oceans (4 Hours).

1. Holoplankton: diatoms, dinoflagellates (laboratory / microscope) – 2 & 3. Mediterranean Benthic organisms: observation and identification of various species (molluscs, bivalves, crustaceans) - (laboratory / microscope) – 4. Computer lab exercises, data analysis – learning – 5 & 6. An on-line tool (GIS portal - OC-CCI) for searching, analyzing and synthesizing data (such as satellite-derived phytoplankton biomass observations) in Greek waters – 7. Assignment (essay) and Presentation (PowerPoint) of scientific results. Evaluation

There are no prerequisite courses for the student to select and attend the course. However, a better understanding of the course requires good knowledge of students in the core courses of the Department, such as Zoology.

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

The evaluation process is carried out in Greek language (there is the possibility of written exams in English for Erasmus students) and the final course grade includes: A. Theory: Written examination of deliverables at the end of the semester with a) Multiple Choice Questions, b) Short-Answer Questions, c) Specified Area Development Questions, d) Written work and presentation to evaluate the ability to search, process and present scientific data - B. Laboratory: Lab exams with short development questions to assess students' knowledge and critical thinking in the methodologies and practices they have developed. Laboratory exercises, written work and seminar presentations account for 40% of the final grade of the course. The degree of the laboratory is derived from the evaluation of exercises, assignments and examinations.