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School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering

Now offering two distinct diplomas: Chemical Engineering and Environmental Engineering

Ecology

1. COURSE INFORMATION:

School Environmental Engineering
Course Level Undergraduate
Course ID ENVE 112 Semester 1st
Course Category Required
Course Modules Instruction Hours per Week ECTS
Lectures and Laboratory Assignments 4
Th=2, E=0, L=2
4
Course Type General Background
Prerequisites  
Instruction/Exam Language Greek
The course is offered to Erasmus students Yes
Course URL https://www.eclass.tuc.gr/courses/MHPER112 (in Greek)

 

2. LEARNING OUTCOMES

Learning Outcomes

1. Systems & ecosystems:

  • the students will gain knowledge on the concept of “system” and its use for the study of ecosystems
  • the students will learn the basic models applied in Ecology

2. Organisms in the environment:

  • the students will have knowledge on the basic groups of organisms, which live in ecosystems
  • they will learn the basic metabolic steps/pathways, through which energy is produced and transferred within an ecosystem
  • the students will learn the concept of “limiting factor” and its role
  • they will learn the major environmental factors, which affect the energy flux

3. Populations:

  • the students will learn the basic models applied for the study of populations growth within an ecosystem
  • they will study/analyze the growth of populations through different exercises and small projects
  • they will be able to understand the growth strategies of various species

4. Ecosystems:

  • the students will be able to understand the energy flux through food chains & webs
  • they will evaluate the energy model
  • they will gain knowledge on nutrient cycling
  • they will gain experience with exercises & projects

5. Environmental problems & pollution:

  • the students will have knowledge of the major environmental problems, in terms of the alteration and degradation of ecosystems
  • they will gain knowledge on the concept & importance of biodiversity
  • they will be aware of the pollution of water/soil/atmosphere & climate change

6. Environmental management:

  • the students will focus on the basic steps of wastewater treatment
  • they will work with environmental indicators for the assessment of environmental quality
General Competencies/Skills
  • Review, analysis and synthesis of data and information, with the use of necessary technologies
  • Teamwork
  • Environmental protection
  • Work in interdisciplinary environment

3. COURSE SYLLABUS

1. Systems & ecosystems

  • The concept of system
  • Mathematical models
  • System stability
  • Application of models in ecology

2. Organisms in the environment

  • Categories of organisms
  • Chemical synthesis of the cell
  • Metabolism - enzymes
  • Photosynthesis – Respiration - Chemosynthesis
  • Limiting factor
  • Interactions between organisms and the environment

3. Populations

  • Populations dynamics
  • Models on population growth
  • Populations interactions
  • Natural selection & evolution
  • Population growth strategies

4. Ecosystems

  • The flux of energy through ecosystems
  • Limiting factors in various environments
  • Nutrient cycling
  • Aquatic ecosystems

5. Deterioration of natural environment

  • Deforestation
  • Corrosion
  • Desertification
  • Salination
  • Biodiversity

6. Toxic pollution

  • Toxic pollutants
  • Bioaccumulation
  • Volatile organic compounds
  • Xenobiotics
  • Heavy metals & inorganic compounds ενώσεις

7. Water pollution

  • Sources & effects of aquatic pollution
  • Oxygen deficiency
  • Eutrophication
  • Contamination
  • Toxic pollutants
  • Oil spills
  • Thermal pollution

8. Atmospheric pollution

  • Sources & effects of atmospheric pollutants
  • Acid rain
  • Ozone layer depletion
  • Greenhouse effect
  • Climate change

9. Environmental management

  • Aquatic pollution prevention & control
  • Environmental indicators & life cycle analysis

4. INSTRUCTION and LEARNING METHODS - ASSESSMENT

Lecture Method Direct (face to face)
Use of Information and Communication Technology
  • Power point presentations
  • E-class support
Instruction Organisation Activity Workload per Semester
(hours)
- Lectures 40
- 10  Lab assignments 30
- 10 Lab group reports 20
- Autonomous study 10
Course Total 100

Assessment Method

Ι. Written final examination (60%).

  • Questions of theoretical knowledge. 
  • Theoretical problems to be resolved.

ΙΙ. Lab work (40%).

  • Ten lab exercises - team reports: 60% of the Lab grade
  • Final written lab exam: 40% of the Lab grade

5. RECOMMENDED READING

  • Οικολογία, Οικοσυστήματα και Προστασία του Περιβάλλοντος, Κωδικός Βιβλίου στον Εύδοξο: 41959128,  Έκδοση 2007, Συγγραφέας: Κ. Χατζημπίρος. ISBN 978-960-266-121-5. Εκδόσεις ΣΥΜΜΕΤΡΙΑ.
  • Οικολογία, Κωδικός Βιβλίου στον Εύδοξο: 45453, Έκδοση: 3η/1996, Συγγραφέας: Σ.  Λυκάκης. ISBN: 978-960-266-165-9. Εκδόσεις Σ. ΑΘΑΝΑΣΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ & ΣΙΑ Ο.Ε.
  • E-class presentations & notes
  • ECOLOGY - From Individuals to Ecosystems, Michael Begon, Blackwell publishing, 4th edition. ISBN-13: 978-1-4051-1117-1 (hard cover : alk. paper)
  • Ecology – Concepts & applications, Manuel C. Molles Jr., McGrawHill Higher Education, 4th edition. ISBN 978-0-07-305082-9

6. INSTRUCTORS

Course Instructor: Associate Professor D. Venieri (Faculty - EnvEng)
Lectures: Associate Professor D. Venieri (Faculty - EnvEng)
Tutorial exercises:  
Laboratory Exercises: I. Gounaki (LTS - EnvEng)