Bachelor's Degree in Marine Sciences. Department of Marine Sciences. Faculty of Environment. University of the Aegean.

Description

The graduates of the Department of Marine Sciences:
- Understand the principles and concepts of the basic sciences comprising Oceanography and Marine Sciences in general.
- Have an all-encompassing perception of the sea processes and of their interactions, as well as of the basic theories and knowledge with regard to the function of the Ocean.
- Have a systemic approach towards ecosystems and understand the interactions between the marine environment, the land and the atmosphere, while taking into consideration the planet change.
- Understand the processes taking place in the coastal zone.
- Have knowledge on environmental economics and environmental law.
- Have basic knowledge on the raising of marine organisms.
- Understand the factors affecting the growth and the health of marine livestock.
- Understand the scientific methodology and its application to marine sciences through the formulation of questions and the use of experiments, observations, and literature analysis for case studying.
- Design and apply with safety field and laboratory techniques, using the respective scientific instruments and methods.
- Know, understand and apply analytical laboratory methods that relate to the biological function of marine organisms, pathogen microorganism, and the diseases caused.
- Analyse the outcomes using statistical and calculative tools.
- Operate and programme computers in order to solve scientific problems.
- Process and conduct analyses through telemetry and satellite data.
- Conduct scientific literature search.
- Are capable of interacting and collaborating with the purpose of dealing with environmental issues related to the coastal zone and the oceans that require an interdisciplinary approach.
- Combine and analyse field observations, telemetry data and results from simulations and literature search in geographical information systems.
- Combine the above knowledge for the interpretation of phenomena, verifying hypotheses, resolving problems concerning the marine environment, and improving the management of marine resources.
- Present the outcomes of their work through a scientifically structured manner.
- Have the competence of drafting / supervising / reviewing studies of environmental impacts and of contributing to the sustainable management of marine and coastal resources.
- Combine an integrated perception of marine and coastal environmental processes with an understanding of their socioeconomic impacts.

Further Information

The objective of the Department of Marine Sciences, according to the Government Gazette issued for the Establishment of the Department of Marine Sciences (bulletin no. 223/4.11.1997, Presidential Decree 316, article 2), is the "the cultivation and promotion of Marine Sciences and the education / training of scientists who are able to: a) study and understand the natural, chemical, biological, and geological processes in the marine environment in order to draw conclusions related to the exploitation of its natural resources, b) acquire firstly knowledge of marine engineering, in order to understand the interaction between the sea and the human structures concerning the marine environment (coastal structures, floating means) and secondly knowledge on the economy and legislation of marine and coastal activities, in order to understand the issues related to the them.

Specifically, the objectives of the Department could be summarised as follows:
- Cultivation and promotion of knowledge and research on issues of marine environment, with emphasis on Natural, Chemical, Biological and Geological Processes.
- Education and research on issues related to Fishing, Fishing Management, and Aquacultures.
- Use of modern technologies and methodological tools for education and research on issues of marine and coastal applications, such as: (a) Environmental Studies, (b) Remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS), (c) Arithmetic Simulation - Models (d), Design, Development and investigation of Environmental Impacts of Subsea and Coastal projects, and € Marine Spatial Planning and Integrated Management of coastal and marine areas.

The Programme of Studies, which has been formulated based on a modern perception of studies, using international experience on marine sciences, is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach and includes the following:
- Basic background courses, such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and geology, which contribute to the creation of a strong profile for a "positive sciences" scientist for graduates.
- Courses (Theory, Laboratories, and Field Exercises) over all cognitive domains related to marine sciences. Specifically, the cognitive domains of Marine Processes are developed (natural, chemical, biological, and geological processes) and of the Interactions thereof, of Marine Resources (e.g. Fishing Management, Aquacultures), and of Marine Applications (Remote sensing, Geographical Information Systems, Coastal Engineering and Operational Oceanography).
- Courses offering knowledge and skills over specific subjects that expand the employment prospects for graduates, exceeding the field of marine sciences. These include, among others, the Geographical Information Systems and the applications thereof, as well as the Environmental Impact Studies (EIS).

Relation To Employment

The graduates of the Department of Marine Sciences may work as Ichthyologists. Following a simple application, they are registered in the Geotechnical Chamber of Greece (GEOTEE) and receive the relevant practice license (Ichthyologist). It must be noted that the employment of an ichthyologist for a fee is compulsory in fish farms (Presidential Decree 344/2000, Government Gazette 297/Α), in businesses producing fish genetic material, in units processing fish products, in industries preparing fish feed, in fish auction facilities, as well as for the preparation of investment plans for fish farms, based on the provisions of the above Presidential Decree on the "Conduct of the Geotechnician's profession.
In addition, the graduates of the Department of Marine Sciences can be appointed in public organisations (Ministries, Public Legal Entities, 1st and 2nd level Local Governments, such as municipal and prefectural local governments, Local Municipal and Community Associations - TEDK, and organisations supervised by the local governments) and in branch University Education - Environment (Presidential Decree 50/2001, Government Gazette 39/Α).

Transitions

Access to this type of qualification have those who have completed at least the secondary education (level 4).
Holders of such qualifications gain access to study programmes at the same level or at level 7 or 8.

Ways To Aquire

Qualifications of this type are acquired via formal education.