1. Sampling Design, Environmental Data Analysis and Ecological Models
Abstract: Sampling methods and strategies. Estimators. Types of data. Collection and organization of ecological data. Analysis methods per question and data type. The concept of ecological models. Types of models. Construction of models. Examples and applications.
Syllabus: Sampling, estimation and estimators: basic concepts. The concepts of representative sample, accuracy and bias. Organization of sampling. Sampling strategies and estimators (simple random, stratified, multi-stage, systematic). Data Types (Properties and Constraints). Collection and organization of ecological data. Analysis methods according to queries and data type (real examples using SPSS & other software). Tests for Differences (parametric and non-parametric tests). Relationship Tests (correlation, regression). Explorative methods (multivariate analysis). Presentation and interpretation of results. The concept of the model. The model as a tool for understanding and describing systems and mechanisms. Model types, features and uses, model variables and external parameters. Create models. Interpolation-extrapolation. Customization, control and model improvement. Empirical models. Creating an empirical model Importing variables. Ways to associate variables. Multi-variable models. Scale interactions. Detailed models. Status Variables-Flow Variables. Create a detailed model. Numerical methods of integrating equations, scale choices, parameter homogenization. Examples and applications from case studies.
Download course outline 2. Biodiversity assessment and monitoring of species and habitats
Abstract: Levels and estimators of biodiversity. Biodiversity patterns. Methods for the estimation and analysis of biodiversity. Implementation of the Directive 92/43/EC. Examples and applications. Fieldwork.
Syllabus: Basic concepts and principles, at different levels (from genes to ecosystems), biodiversity patterns with emphasis on plant diversity. World, Mediterranean and Greek biodiversity centers. Directive 92/43 / EU and the ecological network of protected areas Natura 2000. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Greece. Methods and techniques for sampling and measuring Biodiversity. Methods and techniques for analyzing Biodiversity parameters. Methodology and results of monitoring and assessment of habitats’ conservation status. Methodology and results of monitoring and assessment of plant species conservation status. Species and habitat types databases, Geographic databases. Case studies from the Greek territory and Mediterranean area / Biodiversity and monitoring of plant taxa in island ecosystems. IUCN Criteria, Red Data Lists. Field sampling protocols to monitor and assess flora and fauna species conservation status. Field sampling protocols to monitor and assess habitat types’ conservation status.
3. Environmental Planning and Management of Natural Areas
Abstract: Principles of environmental planning. Protected areas and habitats. Management Plans. Examples and applications. Fieldwork.
Syllabus: Principles, goals and methodology for the organization of management plans. Monitoring of protected areas. Organization and effectiveness of management plans for natural areas, habitats and species. Criteria of ecological assessment. Protected areas and Habitats. Framework of management and operation. Environmental framework and designation of protected areas. Management of Mediterranean type ecosystems and basic principles of Ecotourism. Island ecosystems and their management. Implementation of Geographical Information Systems in ecosystems management. Management case studies.
4. Fish population Dynamics and Management of Marine Biological Resources
Abstract: Exploitation, monitoring and management of marine biological resources. Population and fish stocks. Parameters of population dynamics. Methods for stock assessment. Aquacultures.
Syllabus: Exploitation of marine biological resources and the necessity for monitoring and management. Population and stock, interrelations between biology and exploitation. Parametres determining the dynamics of a population: growth, mortality, reproduction. Μain parametres used in the quantification of exploitation (fishing effort, selectivity, fishing mortality, CPUE). Global models: Logistic model of population growth, surplus production models. Analytical models: Age frequency, age-length keys, Virtual Population Analysis (VPA), yield-per-recruit. Protocols, procedures and collection of data on fishing activity, fishing effort and yield. Modern methods in stock assessment. Fisheries management and the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management. Interactions between fisheries and environment. Fish behavior in aquaculture.
5. Assessment, Protection and Management of aquatic ecosystems
Abstract: Principles for the management of aquatic ecosystems. Implementation of Water Framework Directive WFD 2000/60EU. Typology of aquatic ecosystems. Monitoring and assessment tools. Main pollutants of aquatic environment. Ecological risk assessment. Organisms as bioindicators and biomarkers. Protection of coastal areas. The impact of aquacultures on the aquatic environment. Genetic pollution.
Syllabus: General principles of water ecosystem management. Water Framework Directive WFD 2000 / 60EE. Aquatic Ecosystem Typology – Classification Systems. Aquatic Ecosystem Monitoring and Evaluation Tools. Biological Qualitative Elements (phytoplankton, macrophytes, macroinvertebrates, fish) as indicators of Eco-water Quality Assessment. Aquatic Ecosystem Monitoring and Evaluation Tools – Degradation Problems – Anthropogenic Effects. Main pollutants in the aquatic environment – Input of pollutants into aquatic ecosystems. Ecological risk assessment. Xenobiotic substances and aquatic organisms. Impact assessment of aquatic organisms: principles of toxicity / ecotoxicology and methods. Use of biomarkers and biomarkers in water pollution bio-monitoring strategies. Protection of coastal urban areas – Municipal waste management and the role of Biological Purification Units. Water quality monitoring chart for coastal areas. Design of in vitro exposure experiments for aquatic organisms. Analysis of data from in vitro toxicity experiments on aquatic organisms. Statistical processing of data from toxicity experiments using SPSS statistical package. Impact of aquaculture on the marine environment and genetic pollution. Cultivation of microbes and their use for capturing exhaust. Organic aquaculture (Wheat cultivation and disinfection using essential oils. Microbiological analysis).
6. The Impact of Environmental Stresses on the Mediterranean Plants
Abstract: Functional adaptations of plants to the Mediterranean environment. Main factors of environmental stress and methods for assessing their impact. The impact of climate change on the Mediterranean plants.
Syllabus: Functional adaptations of plants to the Mediterranean environment. Main factors of environmental stress and methods for assessing their impact: solar radiation, drought, temperature, salinity, heavy metals, air pollution. The impact of climate change on the Mediterranean plants: temperature increase, CO2 increase, greenhouse effect, change of the precipitation pattern, desertification, enhanced of UV-B radiation.