Τμήμα Ωκεανογραφίας και Θαλασσίων Βιοεπιστημών

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Geoenvironment and Oceanography
School:
Of the Environment
Academic Unit:
Department of Marine Sciences
Level of studies:
Undergraduate
Course Code:
191ΜΥ29Υ
Semester:
Α
Course Title:
Geoenvironment and Oceanography
Credits
6
Course Type:
special background
Prerequisite Courses:
None
Language of Instruction and Examinations:
Greek
Is the course offered to Erasmus students:
No
  • (2) Learning Outcomes
  • Learning Outcomes

The student acquires an integrated and systemic understanding and basic concepts of the geoenvironment and general oceanography from the first semester of his studies; at the same time the student realizes the multi-disciplinary as well as inter-disciplinary nature of the earth sciences problems. The students will have a basic understanding of surficial and sub-surface geological phenomena; geologic time; how the earth interior works and affects surficial earth processes; human interaction with the environment; range of geological sciences applications. The main global environmental problems are presented during the lectures, including problems, impacts and management practices. Case studies, mainly from the Greek environment are also presented.

Classroom exercises include introductory courses in coastal navigation, hydrographic charts, bathymetry etc., which are very useful for the students when they come to the stage to carry out their field work in the marine environment. A number of practicals are provided using the research vessel “Amphitriti” of our Department. The students are getting used to the boat facilities, they are briefed on marine safety measures and routines and they are trained on board on the use of the electronic navigation instruments.

  • General Competences

Adapting to new situations

Respect for the natural environment

Working independently

Introduction to environmental concepts

Basic introductory knowledge for fieldwork planning

  • (3) Syllabus

  • Introduction – Formation of the universe, the solar system the earth and the oceans

  • Earth Materials: minerals, igneous rocks (and volcanoes), sedimentary rocks and metamorphic rocks

  • Geological time

  • Weathering and mass movements (landslides)

  • Movement of surficial water and groundwater

  • Glaciers and deserts

  • Tectonic structures (faults and folds)

  • Earthquakes and the earth’s interior

  • Plate tectonics

  • Human population dynamics

  • Hydrological cycle. Management of aquatic resources.

  • The terrestrial environment. Food webs, energy flow, biodiversity.

  • The coastal environment: structure, dynamics, pressures.

  • Transport mechanisms. Pollution (heavy metals, oil etc).

  • The atmosphere – Atmospheric pollution. Primary and secondary pollutants. Health impact.

  • Climatic change. Possible effects in Greece.

  • Solid waste. Solid waste management.

  • Urban waste water. Waste water treatment.

  • Drinking water. Processing of drinking water. Health problems.

  • Introduction to geological oceanography

  • Introduction to physical oceanography

  • Introduction to biological oceanography

  • Introduction to chemical oceanography

  • Tutorial exercises and practicals (field trips)

  • (4) Teaching and Learning Methods - Evaluation
  • Delivery:

Face to Face

  • Use of Information and Communication Technology:
  • Use of ICT in teaching (PPT presentations)
  • Communication with students via e-mail and e-class platform
  • Uploading course material on e-class system
  • Teaching Methods:
Activity Semester workload
Lectures
39
Seminars
21
Lectures
9
Assignment work
28
Independent study of the course theory
50
Final exam
3
Course total
150
  • Student Performance Evaluation:

Evaluation of students takes place via written exams (multiple choices, short-answer questions and exercises). 70% of the final grade stems from the final written examination and 30% from student performance/essays on laboratory exercises.

In special cases, for students with disabilities, evaluation takes place via oral exams.

Language of evaluation: Greek.

The exam paper is accessible to the students for clarifications regarding the final grade.

  • (5) Attached Bibliography

  • Pdf lecture and lab notes (e-class)

  • Chernicoff S. and D. Whitney, 2002: Geology: An Introduction to Physical Geology (3rd ed.), Houghton Mifflin Company.

  • Doutsos Th., 2000: Geology: Principles and Applications, Leader Books (In Greek).

  • Grotzinger J., T. Jordan, F. Press and R. Siever, 2007: Understanding Earth (5th ed.), Freeman and Company.

  • Jackson, A.R.W. and Jackson, J.M., 1996. Environmental Science. Longman Publications, Harlow Essex.

  • Karvounis, S. And Georgakellos, S. (2003). Environmental management: business and viable development. Stamoulis Publications (in Greek).

  • Miller – Tyler, G., 2004. Environmental Sciences. Parikos and Co Publishing.

  • Papanikolaou D. & Ch. Sideris, 2007: Geology. The science of the Earth. Patakis Press (In Greek).

  • Pinet P., 2017: Introduction to Oceanography (in Greek). Parisianos Publishing (In Greek).

  • Skinner B., S. Porter, J. Park, 2004: Dynamic Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology (5th ed.), J. Wiley and Sons.

  • Smith, C., 2001. Environmental Physics. Routledge, Taylor and Francis Publications, London.

  • Themelarou, S. and Panetsou, S. (2009). The environment. Tziolas Publications (In Greek).

  • Trujillo, A.P. and Thurman, H.V., 2014. Essentials of Oceanography. 11th Edition. Pearson Publications, Boston.

  • Wright, R.T. και Boorse, D.F., 2013. Environmental Science: Toward a sustainable future Parisianos Publishing (In Greek).