Geoenvironment and Oceanography
(1) General
School: | Of the Environment | ||
Academic Unit: | Department of Marine Sciences | ||
Level of studies: | Undergraduate | ||
Course Code: | 191ΜΥ29Υ | Semester: | A |
Course Title: | Geoenvironment and Oceanography | ||
Independent Teaching Activities | Weekly Teaching Hours | Credits | |
Total credits | 6 | ||
Course Type: | special background | ||
Prerequisite Courses: | None | ||
Language of Instruction and Examinations: | Greek | ||
Is the course offered to Erasmus students: | No | ||
Course Website (Url): | https://www.mar.aegean.gr/?lang=en&lesson=1029&pg=3.1.1 |
(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
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Introduction - Formation of the universe, the solar system the earth and the oceans
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Earth Materials: minerals, igneous rocks (and volcanoes), sedimentary rocks and metamorphic rocks
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Geological time
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Weathering and mass movements (landslides)
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Movement of surficial water and groundwater
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Glaciers and deserts
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Tectonic structures (faults and folds)
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Earthquakes and the earth’s interior
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Plate tectonics
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Human population dynamics
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Hydrological cycle. Management of aquatic resources.
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The terrestrial environment. Food webs, energy flow, biodiversity.
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The coastal environment: structure, dynamics, pressures.
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Transport mechanisms. Pollution (heavy metals, oil etc).
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The atmosphere - Atmospheric pollution. Primary and secondary pollutants. Health impact.
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Climatic change. Possible effects in Greece.
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Solid waste. Solid waste management.
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Urban waste water. Waste water treatment.
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Drinking water. Processing of drinking water. Health problems.
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Introduction to geological oceanography
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Introduction to physical oceanography
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Introduction to biological oceanography
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Introduction to chemical oceanography
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Tutorial exercises and practicals (field trips)
(4) Teaching and Learning Methods - Evaluation
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Use of Information and Communication Technology: |
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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
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Pdf lecture and lab notes (e-class)
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Chernicoff S. and D. Whitney, 2002: Geology: An Introduction to Physical Geology (3rd ed.), Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Doutsos Th., 2000: Geology: Principles and Applications, Leader Books (In Greek).
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Grotzinger J., T. Jordan, F. Press and R. Siever, 2007: Understanding Earth (5th ed.), Freeman and Company.
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Jackson, A.R.W. and Jackson, J.M., 1996. Environmental Science. Longman Publications, Harlow Essex.
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Karvounis, S. And Georgakellos, S. (2003). Environmental management: business and viable development. Stamoulis Publications (in Greek).
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Miller – Tyler, G., 2004. Environmental Sciences. Parikos and Co Publishing.
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Papanikolaou D. & Ch. Sideris, 2007: Geology. The science of the Earth. Patakis Press (In Greek).
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Pinet P., 2017: Introduction to Oceanography (in Greek). Parisianos Publishing (In Greek).
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Skinner B., S. Porter, J. Park, 2004: Dynamic Earth: An Introduction to Physical Geology (5th ed.), J. Wiley and Sons.
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Smith, C., 2001. Environmental Physics. Routledge, Taylor and Francis Publications, London.
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Themelarou, S. and Panetsou, S. (2009). The environment. Tziolas Publications (In Greek).
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Trujillo, A.P. and Thurman, H.V., 2014. Essentials of Oceanography. 11th Edition. Pearson Publications, Boston.
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Wright, R.T. και Boorse, D.F., 2013. Environmental Science: Toward a sustainable future Parisianos Publishing (In Greek).