To provide students with the opportunity to get familiar with the main organisms that belong to the heterogeneous group of algae and to understand the basic principles of their Systematics and Evolution. Also, to understand the role they play in the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems and their applied importance.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will: a) acquire the basic knowledge of algae, organisms that live mainly in aquatic habitats, b) understand the basic principles of Systematic and Evolution of these organisms, c) understand the role they play in the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems, d) acquire knowledge of their practical importance and utilization for the benefit of humans and the environment, e) become familiar with the methodologies used to study microalgae and macroalgae, f) have the opportunity to recognize organisms in their natural environment, g) have the opportunity to work with fellow students in the field and in the laboratory and to develop a team spirit, h) develop and improve the ability to access online libraries, databases and scientific journals.

1. Introduction to algae, the roles of algae (2 hours) - 2. Algae diversity and taxonomy (2 hours) - 3. Cyanobacteria (2 hours) - 4. Diatoms and periphyton (2 hours) - 5. Chlorophyta (Prasinophyceae, Ulvophyceae, Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Charophyceae) (4 hours) - 6. Dinoflagellates (2 hours) - 7. Other major classes of microalgae (Euglenophyceae, Cryptophyceae, Haptophyta, Chrysophyceae, Synurophyceae, Eustigmatophyceae, Raphidophyceae, Pelagophyceae, Dictyophyceae, Xanthophycea) (4 hours) - 8. Ecology of microalgae (1 hour) - 9. Technological applications of algae (3 hours) - 10. Rodophyta / Endosymbiosis and differentiation of eukaryotic algae (emphasis on Glaucophyta and Chlorarachniophyta) (2 hours) - 11. Macroalgae ecology (2 hours)

1. Collection of microalgae from different habitats, measurements of ecological parameters (field exercise) - 2. Cyanobacteria - Observation and classification of fresh, preserved and cultured material collected in the exercise. Comparative observations and identification of characteristic forms in the above material - 3. Diatoms - preparation of samples. Light microscope observation, morphological analysis and classification of various characteristic genera - 4-5. Chlorophyta - Microscopic observation of morphological features and stages of reproduction in fresh, preserved and cultured material - 6. Dinoflagellates - Microscopic observation of morphological features and classification of various representative genera in preserved material - 7. Rodophyta, - Microscopic observation of morphological features and stages of reproduction in fresh and preserved material.

Field exercise: Day trip: collection, processing, and identification of algae from different habitats. Use of different culture media substrates and comparisons.

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

There are no prerequisite courses for the student to choose and attend the course.

The evaluation process of students is done in Greek (there is the possibility of examination in English for Erasmus students), with a final examination in the whole material that includes: A. Written examination of the laboratory, which is divided into two parts: a) the theoretical part includes short-answer questions for the assessment of comprehension and critical processing of laboratory data, b) the practical part requires the identification of organisms in preserved samples to assess comprehension, critical and inductive thinking and the ability to distinguish between taxa, B. Written examination of the course with: a) Questions of short answer, b) Multiple choice questions, c) Questions of critical thought. The total grade is calculated from the grade of the laboratory examination (40%) and the examination of the course theory (60%).