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DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY
Website: www.biology.uoc.gr
Chairperson: Despoina Alexandraki
Email: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394405, Fax: 0030 2810 394404
Departmental Secretariat
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel: 0030 2810 394401, Fax: 0030 2810 394404
Department Secretary
Maria Smyrnaki
13.1 BACKGROUND OF THE DEPARTMENT
The Department of Biology, located at the University campus at Vasilika Vouton just
outside the city of Heraklio, was founded in 1981, when the Governing Council of the
University invited Prof. F.C. Kafatos and Prof. V. Nafpaktitis to join the faculty, on joint
appointments (with Harvard University and University of Southern California, respectively).
The first two professors organized the new Department along modern lines, into two
Divisions reflecting broad levels of biological organization rather than traditional disciplines.
One Division included Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cellular and Developmental Biology,
while the other Division included Biology of Organisms, Populations, Environment and Marine
Biology. Another initiative, novel for Greece, was to add a section devoted to applications of
the Life Sciences, that of Biotechnology and Applied Biology.
In terms of subject matter, the original plan envisaged emphasis on selected areas of
Biology in which a critical mass of internationally competitive faculty could be attracted, and
which offered the possibility for the new Department to play a pioneering role in the Greek
University system. Among these focal areas were Molecular Genetics, Cell and Developmental
Biology, Marine Biology, Applied Biology and Biotechnology. This emphasis was reinforced by
the creation of two Research Institutes, independent of but in close collaboration with the
Department of Biology. The Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) and the
Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), both administrated by the Secretariat for
Research and Technology of the Ministry for Development, were founded following initiatives
by faculty members of this Department.
These institutes, IMBB and HCMR offered important research opportunities for faculty
members in the respective areas of interest, and made possible the foundation of an
organized Postgraduate Programme. As the Department grew, it expanded its coverage in
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the areas of Biochemistry, Physiology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology and Microbiology, thus
permitting the development of breadth as well as depth in the curriculum and the research
programme.
Reflecting its emphasis on scholarship, the Department began its educational activities
in 1983 at the postgraduate programme level, including a full course curriculum, laboratory
rotations and qualifying examinations. The first undergraduate students were admitted in
1987. The above scheme enabled fast development of research laboratories and produced
knowledge which was used in the subsequent laboratory training of undergraduate students.
Today the Department has about 500 undergraduate students and more than 200
postgraduates. The Museum of Natural History of Crete, which is under the Faculty of
Sciences and Engineering of the University of Crete, is also the result of initiatives by the
Department of Biology.
13.2 DIVISIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT
13.2.1 Division of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cellular and
Developmental Biology.
Research activities in this Division are focused on the molecular and cellular aspects of
life. The interests of the various groups include protein structure and function, gene
regulation, development, genomics and proteomics. A wide range of model systems is used,
such as mammals, insects, plants and yeast. Most groups in that Section collaborate closely
with IMBB, at which many Faculty members hold a joint appointment. Furthermore, most
groups maintain close collaborative ties with related research groups within Greece and
abroad. More specifically the following research groups are included:
Yeast Molecular Genetics. Genomics-proteomics of Saccharomyces cerevisiae,
metalloregulated transcription and homeostasis - DNA repair components in yeast.
Immunobiology. Regulation of the immune response by membrane and soluble class I
and class II histocompatibility antigens/autoimmunity, immunology of Reproduction:
mechanisms concerning the semi-allogeneic fetus development, cell differentiation: from the
hemopoietic stem cell to organogenesis.
Cell Biology. Mammalian developmental biology, mouse as model system to
investigate the molecular basis of diseases.
Molecular Genetics of Development. Cell fate acquisition in Drosophila (nervous
system, eye, wing), cell-cell signaling. Notch pathway, transcriptional regulation – bHLH
proteins.
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Crystallography. Crystallographic studies of protein folding, structural studies of
proteins involved in plant-pathogen interactions, engineering of restriction endonucleases and
DNA methyl transferases for gene therapy, analysis of the protein – DNA recognition “code”,
development of tools for high-throughput crystallography.
Genetics. Genomics (genome sequencity, microarray technology), analysis of
interactions between mosquitoes and malarial parasites, development of a genetic database
for Anophelines.
Gene Regulation & Molecular Immunology. Transcriptional regulation of the Major
Histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes in health and abnormal conditions
(autoimmunity, oncogene products). The role of the MHC class II coactivator CIITA, control
of MHC genes during cell cycle, apoptosis and via the action of Acetyltransferases and
Histone Deacetylases, development of cell and transgenic mouse systems for the expression
of MHC molecules to study and control autoimmunity and cancer.
Plant Molecular Biology. Study of the plant proteins, which play a role in the
replication and spread of viruses and viroids (pathogens of plants), construction of virus –
resistant plants.
Computational Biology. Modeling of DNA regulatory elements, modeling
and simulations of gene networks, evolution of RNA viruses, study of
the sequence-structure-function relationships.
Cell Cycle and Division. Understanding the mechanisms of DNA damage, DNA
replication and mitotic spindle checkpoints in vertebrate cells and ultimately finding ways of
exploiting them to make anti-cancer therapies more effective.
13.2.2 Division of Biology of Organisms, Populations, Environmental and
Marine Biology
The research activities in this Division include Biochemistry, Molecular physiology,
Biotechnology and Taxonomy of plants, Evolutionary biology, Ecology, Marine biology and
Neurosciences. More specifically, the following research groups are included:
Marine Biology. The research subjects of this group include studies of the genetic
origin of Greek sea populations, trophic chains, fish physiology and marine environment.
Plant Physiology, Biochemistry and Biotechnology. The research topics of this group
include molecular physiology of plant abiotic stress with emphasis on the regulation of
polyamine homeostasis and oxidative stress: Regulation of enzymes of ammonia assimilation.
Also, photosynthesis and photobiology.
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Biosystematics and Ecology. The research directions of this group include plant
systematics, computerized taxonomical methods of plants, and terrestrial ecology.
Population genetics and Evolution. Population genetics of terrestrial and marine
organisms using molecular markers. Molecular evolution of mitochondrial DNA. Evolutionary
processes in sequenced genomes.
Plant Molecular Biology and Plant Development. Studies of the RNA silencing
mechanism. Identification and analysis of endogenous and exogenous factors affecting
silencing initiation and maintenance. Plant-pathogen interactions with emphasis on viruses
and viroids.
13.2.3 Division of Biotechnology and Applied Biology
Research in this Division focuses on applied aspects of organismal and molecular
biology, particularly in what concerns problems related to the Greek economy.
Aquaculture research and management. Mass rearing and cultivation technologies of
valuable marine fish species and selected hybrids. Expert systems in automation and control.
Biology of development, behaviour, nutrition, physiology and health of farmed fish.
Biogestion and culture technologies of several phytoplankton and zooplankton strains.
Plant protection. a) Compatible biocontrol of fruit flies as an alternative to the use of
chemical insecticides. Mass rearing and release of genetically sexed (by genetic engineering
or conventional methods) males following gamma sterilization. Exploitation of food and
pheromone attractants. Species and sex specific insect attractants. Postharvest fruit
treatment for insect control. b) Molecular mechanisms of microbial phytopathogenesis.
Genetic engineering of pathogen-resistant plant varieties.
Enzyme Biotechnology. a) Chitin Enzymology and Biotechnology. b) Enzymology and
Biotechnology of psychrophilic microorganisms. c) Downstream processing of enzymes d)
Molecular mechanism of secretion of enzymes and toxins through biological membranes. e)
Development of protein secretion biotechnology applied to the production of human
cytokines and other high value added polypeptides.
Microbiology. a) Protein secretion and membrane biogenesis. b) Secretion of
specialized toxins from pathogenic bacteria. c) Biotechnological production of human
polypeptides in microorganisms. d) Development of novel antibiotics.
Biosensor Technology. Development of acoustic biosensors for the real time study of
biomolecular interactions; creation of membrane models for investigating cellular events such
as the mechanism of anti-microbial peptides with membranes; kinetic study of immunological
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interactions such as protein-protein and protein-peptide; application of acoustic biosensors in
biotechnology.
13.3 UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES
The goals of the Undergraduate Programme, at the Department of Biology, are:
- Conformity with the contemporary concepts of Biological Sciences.
- High level and quality, according to international standards, and proper combination
of depth and breadth.
- Applied orientation with emphasis on experimental and laboratory education.
The accumulation of knowledge and the necessity of specialization led the Department
of Biology to officially develop two (2) scientific Directions:
1. Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology which concentrates mainly at the
cellular and subcellular level of life, namely gene regulation, protein interactions,
macromolecular structure and functions, cellular functions and interactions.
2. Environmental Biology and Management of Biological Recourses which
focuses at the level of organism in the environmental context of life.
Since the academic year 2004-05, the students select one of the two previously
mentioned Directions and are compelled to attend all corresponding obligatory courses as
well as other optional courses at the student’s discretion.
The workload of each course is counted in ECTS units. The semester work load of a
student is the sum of the credits of the courses in which (s)he has enrolled during that
semester. It is recommended that this load be approximately equal to 30 ECTS per semester.
As the vast majority of the literature in Biological Sciences is in English, technical
fluency in this language is an absolute necessity for studying Biology. The students should
take the corresponding required English for Specific Purposes (ESP)(Biology) courses during
the first two years of their studies, unless they already know English at a level, which enables
them to pass the corresponding examinations without attending some of the courses.
Rules and regulations of exams and evaluation/grading
Final Exams
There is a continuous process of exams throughout the whole semester, which is
indispensable to the educational process. The instructor in charge of each course is fully
responsible for deciding how to test students’ progress, as well as grading and announcing
the results.
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More specifically, all data concerning student evaluation are gathered on the basis of
student attendance at the lectures, the assignments required in certain courses, occasional
progress tests taken, student performance and relevant skills in laboratories, as well as the
results of final exams.
The exact format of the examination process (number of tests-frequency-way of testing
and evaluation of student progress) is determined and described at the beginning of each
semester by the instructor who is responsible for the course.
After the completion of courses in each teaching semester there are two (2) exam
periods, which last two (2) weeks each (the duration is decided by the Dean) and students
take written tests.
In case students fail in a subject at the corresponding exam period of the academic
teaching semester, they can take the tests again during the second examination period
(September of the same year). If they fail again they can be re-examined under the new
stipulations of 3549/2007 Law. Grading is determined on the basis of a 0 to 10 scale.
Examination is considered successful if students get at least five (5).
The detailed program of final exams is drawn up by the administrative secretariat (in
consultation with a representative of the Student Union) and is announced in due time.
Elaborate regulations that are relevant with planning, location of exams, rights and
obligations of both examinees and examiners, as well as the announcement of results are all
included in the Exam Rules of the School.
13.3.1 Requirements for Graduation
The requirements for graduation are as follows:
Admission to the Department and enrollment in courses for at least eight semesters.
Successful completion of all core courses (Table 1)
Successful completion of elective courses (Table 2). The number of optional courses
depends on the student’s workload (credits). Alternatively, the students may elect to 18 ECTS
with laboratory work leading to B. Sc. Dissertation.
Successful accumulation of 240 ECTS in total. Before being allowed to enroll in
optional courses the students must have successfully completed five (5) of the eight (8)
following courses: Introduction to Zoology, Cell Biology, Structure and Function of Plants,
Biochemistry I, Organic Chemistry, Genetics I, Microbiology and Ecology.
The graduates of the Department take their Degree in Biology. The direction of their
Studies Programme, which they have attended throughout their studies, is additionally
specified on it.
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The Directions refer to the above mentioned two subject areas of cutting edge research
in biological sciences as follows:
- Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology (Molecular Direction)
- Environmental Biology and Management of Biological Resources
(Environmental Direction)
Table 1. Core Courses (compulsory)
A’ Semester hours C.C. ECTS
BIOL-101 Introduction to Zoology (M. Pavlidis, N. Poulakakis)
4 Χ13 4 6
ΒΙΟΛ-102 Laboratory Course in Zoology (N. Poulakakis, M. Pavlidis)
3 Χ11 2 3
BIOL-103 Physics (I. Papanikolaou)
5 Χ13 4 6
BIOL-105 General Chemistry (A. Rizos)
4 Χ13 4 6
BIOL-107 Organic Chemistry (Department of Chemistry) (The Course will be taught in B Semester only for the academic year 2013-14)
4 Χ13 4 6
BIOL-109 Uses of Computers I (M. Kokkinidis)
2 Χ13 2 2
BIOL-111 English I (M. Koutraki)
3 Χ13 3 2
B’ Semester hours C.C. ECTS
BIOL-150 Cell Biology (G. Chalepakis) (The Course will be taught in A Semester only for the academic year 2013-14)
5 Χ13 4 6
BIOL-152 Structure and Function of Plants (K. Kotzabasis)
3 Χ13 3 4
BIOL-153 Laboratory Course in Structure and Functional Organization of Plants (K. Kotzabasis)
3 Χ11 2 3
BIOL-154 Biochemistry I (Ch. Spilianakis)
4 Χ13 4 6
BIOL-156 Biomathematics (K. Lyka)
4 Χ13 4 6
BIOL-158 English II (M. Koutraki)
3 Χ13 3 2
BIOL-155 General Methods for the Identification and Analysis of Biological Macromolecules (D. Tzamarias, Ch. Spilianakis)
4 Χ11 2 3
C’ Semester hours C.C. ECTS
BIOL-201 Microbiology (A. Economou)
4 Χ13 4 6
BIOL-Ecology (S. Pirintsos)
4 Χ13 4 6
BIOL-204 Methods in Ecology 3 Χ11 2 3
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(S. Pirintsos)
BIOL-205 Genetics I (Ch. Delidakis)
5 Χ13 4 6
BIOL-207 Molecular Biology (I. Papamatthaiakis)
4 Χ13 4 6
BIOL-208 General Methods of Cellular and Genetic Analysis (A. Oikonomou, Ch. Delidakis, V. Bouriotis)
3 Χ11 2 3
BIOL-211 English III (M. Koutraki)
3 Χ13 3 3
D’ Semester hours C.C. ECTS
BIOL-251 Methods for the Functional Analysis of Biological Macromolecules (G. Garinis, V. Bouriotis, E. Athanasaki)
3 Χ12 2 3
BIOL-252 Biochemistry II (D. Tzamarias)
4 Χ13 4 6
BIOL-254 Genetics II (G. Garinis)
3 Χ13 3 4
BIOL-256 Physical Chemistry (I. Papanikolaou)
3 Χ13 3 4
BIOL-263 Laboratory Course in Animal Biodiversity (M. Mylonas)
3 Χ11 2 3
BIOL-257 Biodiversity and Plant Evolutionary Ecology (S. Pirintsos)
3 Χ13 3 4
BIOL-259 Laboratory Course in Plant Biodiversity (S. Pirintsos)
3 Χ11 2 3
BIOL-265 Marine Biology (M. Kentouri, I. Karakasis, M. Pavlidis, G. Koumoundouros)
3 Χ13 3 4
BIOL-266 Laboratory Course in Marine Biology (M. Kentouri, I. Karakasis, M. Pavlidis, G. Koumoundouros)
3 Χ11 2 3
BIOL-258 English IV (M. Koutraki)
3 Χ13 3 3
Ε’ Semester hours C.C. ECTS
BIOL-300 Advanced Methods for the Analysis of Cellular Processes (D. Alexandraki, E Athanasaki, G. Zachos)
3 Χ11 2 3
BIOL-303 Evolution (E. Ladoukakis)
5 Χ13 4 6
BIOL-305 Enzyme Biotechnology (V. Bouriotis)
4 Χ13 4 6
BIOL-307 Immunobiology (E. Athanasaki)
4 Χ13 4 6
BIOL-309 Biostatistics (K. Lyka)
4 Χ13 4 6
BIOL-313 Biogeography (M. Mylonas, N. Poulakakis)
3 Χ13 3 4
BIOL-311 Human Genetics (G. Garinis)
3Χ13 3 4
F’ Semester hours C.C. ECTS
BIOL-350 Developmental Biology (D. Alexandraki)
4 Χ13 4 6
BIOL-352 Biotechnology (M. Kokkinidis, I Vontas, K. Kalantidis)
4 Χ13 4 6
BIOL-358 Plant Physiology (K. Kotzabasis)
3 Χ13 3 4
BIOL-355 Methods of Analysis for Physiological Processes (K. Kotzabasis, K. Sidiropoulou)
3 Χ11 2 3
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BIOL-357 Animal Physiology (K. Sidiropoulou)
3 Χ13 3 4
BIOL-315 Computational Biology (Ch. Nikolaou)
4 Χ13 4 5
Table 2. Elective Courses
WINTER SEMESTER
a. Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology
Course hours C.C. ECTS
BIOL-406 Crystal Structure Determination of Biological Macromolecules (M. Kokkinidis)
2 2 4
BIOL-408 Topics on Cell Cycle and Differentiation (D. Alexandraki)
2 3 4
BIOL-410 ΜΕ-RNA (E. Tsagri) (The course will not be taught for the academic year 2012-13)
2 2 4
BIOL-412 Cell Growth, Proliferation and Cancer (G. Zachos) (As prerequisite, the courses Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics I and Genetics II are recommended)
3 3 4
BIOL-414 When Biochemistry meets Epigenetics (Ch. Spilianakis)
3 3 4
b. Environmental Biology and Management of Biological Resources
Course hours C.C. ECTS
BIOL-413 Ichthyology (M. Pavlidis)
3 3 4
BIOL-403 Aquacultures (M. Kentouri)
3 3 4
BIOL-405 Terrestrial Ecosystem Management (S. Pirintsos)
3 3 4
BIOL-407 Topics in Physical Geography and Geomorphology (M. Mylonas)
3 3 4
BIOL-409 Marine Pollution (I.Karakasis) (The course will be taught every even academic year)
3 2 4
BIOL-411 Benthic Ecology (I. Karakasis)
3 3 4
c. Common Courses Course hours C.C. ECTS
BIOL-440 Photosynthesis (K. Kotzabasis)
3 3 4
BIOL-443 Reading Course Faculty Member
2 4
BIOL-444 Quarterly Laboratorial Course Faculty Member
2 4
BIOL-447 Developmental Plant Biology (K. Kalantidis)
3 3 4
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BIOL-445 Laboratory Course – Green Biotechnology (K. Kotzabasis, K. Kalantidis, S. Pirintsos, I. Vontas, E. Tsagri)
3 3 4
BIOL-449 Introduction to Medical and Economic Entomology (Ch. Louis, I. Vontas)
2 2 4
SPRING SEMESTER
a. Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology hours C.C. ECTS
BIOL-452 Proteine Engineering (M. Kokkinidis)
2 2 4
BIOL-454 Topics in Enzyme Biotechnology (V. Bouriotis) (As prerequisite, the course Enzyme Biotechnology is recommended)
2 2 4
BIOL-456 Molecular Oncogenesis (I. Papamathaiakis)
(The course will be taught every odd academic year) (As prerequisite, the courses Genetics I, Cenetics II, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Developmental Biology are recommended)
2 3 4
BIOL-457 Organizing atoms in space (Y. Papanikolaou) (As prerequisite, the courses Physics, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry I, Biochemistry II and Physical Chemistry are recommended)
3 3 4
BIOL-458 New Technologies in Molecular Biology, Principles and Applications (K. Kalantidis, I. Vontas)
3 3 4
BIOL-460 Molecular Plant Virology (E. Tsagri)
2 2 4
BIOL-462 Special Topics in Immunology (E. Athanasaki) (As prerequisite, the course Immunobiology is recommended)
4 3 4
BIOL-464 Protein Structure and Function (A.Oikonomou) (As prerequisite, the courses Biochemistry II and Enzyme Biotechnology are recommended)
3 3 4
BIOL-468 Developmental Biology of Drosophila (Ch. Delidakis) (As prerequisite, the courses Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics I and Genetics II, are recommended)
2 3 4
b. Environmental Biology and Management of Biological Resources
Course hours C.C. ECTS
BIOL-453 Management of Marine Biological Resources (G. Koumoundouros)
2 2 4
BIOL-455 Marine Biotechnology (M. Kentouri)
2 2 4
BIOL-465 Fauna of Greece (M. Mylonas) (As prerequisite, the course Animal Biodiversity is recommended)
3 3 4
BIOL-461 Laboratory Course in Fauna of Greece (M. Mylonas)
3 2 3
BIOL-471 Evolutionary Ecology (N. Poulakakis)
3 3 4
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c. Common Courses Course hours C.C. ECTS
BIOL-463 Photobiology (K. Kotzabasis)
2 2 4
BIOL-446 Molecular Evolution (E. Ladoukakis)
2 2 4
BIOL-490 Molecular Stress Physiology in Plants (K. Kotzabasis) (The course will be taught every even academic year) (It is recommended for the reception of the above course the successful completion of the compulsory course Plant Physiology)
3 3 4
BIOL-491 Plant Biotechnology (K. Kotzabasis) (The course will be taught every odd academic year)
3 3 4
BIOL-492 Neurobiology (K. Sidiropoulou)
3 3 4
BIOL-493 Applications of Current Microscopy Techniques (G. Zachos)
2 2 4
BIOL-443 Reading Course Faculty Member
2 4
BIOL-444 Quarterly Laboratorial Course Faculty Member
2 4
BIOL-494 Introduction to Programming (Ch. Nikolaou, K. Lyka) (Addressed to all students (2
nd, 4
th, 6
th semester, etc) – no
prerequisites)
2 3 4
BIOL-495 Application of Biosensors to Biotechnology (H. Gizeli) (As prerequisite, the courses Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry I are recommended) (The course will be not taught at the academic year 2013-14)
2 2 4
The Undergraduate Studies Committee consisting of three faculty members and two
student representatives is responsible to manage all problems pertinent to the Programme of
Studies. Undergraduate students may also address any question related to their Programme
of Studies and/or personal problems to the undergraduate student advisors.
13.4 Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP)/ERASMUS
Erasmus is a European Commission exchange programme that enables students in 31
European countries to study for part of their degree in another country. The Department
participates in programs of the European Community that promote free trading of students
and recognizes courses that have been successfully completed in other European Universities
in the context of these Community Programs. Students can participate in this programme
following completion of the first three semesters of studies in the Biology Department.
Students, who participate in this program, may transfer credits of successfully
completed courses upon approval by the Department’s Undergraduate Studies Committee.
Within the framework of the aforementioned scheme, the program of studies in the
Department of Biology can be described by means of ECTS credit fulfilment on the basis of
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the European system of transfer and accumulation of credits. The coordinator of ECTS for the
academic year 2012-13 is Assistant Professor Michael Pavlidis,. As a coordinator, Dr. Pavlidis
is responsible for all practical and academic matters concerning the application of the
European system of transfer and accumulation of credits. In addition, Dr. Pavlidis offers to
the students of the Department all possible advice, support and guidance to any relevant
matters.
13.5 POSTGRADUATE STUDIES
Postgraduate studies have been one of the major activities of the Department since its
inception. Yearly, the Department accepts about 60 postgraduate students. Recently the
postgraduate programme was reorganized and secured funding from the ministry of
Education. As a result, since 1998 the Department of Biology has been offering Master’s and
Doctoral degrees in the following three thematic areas:
1. Molecular Biology and Biomedicine
http://www.biology.uoc.gr/postgraduate/mbb.htm
2. Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
http://www.biology.uoc.gr/postgraduate/PlantMolBiolBiotec/index.htm
3. Environmental Biology - Management of Terrestrial and Marine Resources
http://www.biology.uoc.gr/postgraduate/EnvBiol/index.htm
4. Protein Biotechnology
http://www.biology.uoc.gr/postgraduate/Probiotech/index.html
5. Bioethics http://bioethics.fks.uoc.gr/
Admission to the Postgraduate Programme requires successful completion of a
Bachelor's degree. At the time of application, the students must be near completion of their
Bachelor’s degree and must document a good command of the English language. Applicants
are selected according to their grade point average, reference letters and personal
interviews.
To obtain the Master’s degree the requirements are: residency of four semesters;
successful completion of courses (totalling 200 hours); two or three laboratory rotations
(about three or two months each respectively); completion of an original research project.
For the Doctorate degree the requirements are (in addition to the above): passing of oral
qualifying examinations; residency of at least six semesters; completion of an original
research project and successful defence of their thesis.
13.5.1 Molecular Biology and Biomedicine
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The Postgraduate Programme in Molecular Biology and Biomedicine (MBB) has been
established and run jointly by our Department and the Division of Basic Sciences of the
Department of Medicine, University of Crete. IMBB, part of the Foundation for Research and
Technology Hellas (FORTH), a leading research Institute in molecular biology participates
actively in all the educational, training and research activities of the MBB Programme. The
scope of this programme is to provide high quality training to young scientists in molecular
biology, with an emphasis on cutting-edge developments and up to date technologies, and to
prepare them to pursue careers in both the academic and industrial research and
biotechnology. The quality and the large number of research groups of the three
collaborating institutions (Department of Biology, Department of Medicine and IMBB) offers
excellent training, allows selection from diverse areas of modern molecular biology with the
goal of better understanding molecular functions as well as the development of potential
medical and technological applications.
13.5.2 Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology is a Postgraduate Programme leading to a
Master’s and to a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.
Applicants must hold a B. Sc. from a Greek University or an accredited foreign University in a
related field (e.g. Biology, Plant Sciences, Agriculture, Chemistry, Medicine, Pharmacology,
Physics, Geology, etc) . An additional requirement is good command of the English language.
All candidates are subject to an oral interview by faculty members of the postgraduate
programme. The object of this interview is to assess the student’s general competence in
his/her field, personality, compatibility, and to determine any possible gaps in undergraduate
studies which may require supplementary courses or instruction. Those candidates who
cannot be present for an oral interview must submit in addition to other papers, the results of
Graduate Record Examinations in the Biological Sciences.
The scope of this Postgraduate Programme includes:
Improvement of theoretical knowledge of postgraduate students with advanced
compulsory postgraduate courses in subjects of current interest in Plant Biology including
Plant Genomes, Transgenic Plants, Regulation of Photosynthesis, Cytochemistry, Secondary
Metabolism and Genetic Engineering, Molecular Biology of Abiotic Stress, Plant
Developmental Biology, Molecular Phytopathology, Biotechnology of Industrial and Aromatic
Plants, Molecular Analysis of Nitrogen Metabolism and Immuno-and Molecular Plant
Diagnostics.
Specialization of graduate students in the field of Applied Biotechnology focusing on
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the development of transgenic plants, training in plant cell, tissue and organ cultures,
increase of production of secondary metabolites from plant cell cultures, development of
molecular markers for genetic typing of plants, development of immunodiagnostics for plant
pathogens, and so on.
Training of postgraduate students in laboratory techniques and introduction to
research following laboratory courses and three rotations in research laboratories of the
Department of Biology for a three-month period each.
Additional training includes: training in writing scientific papers; pursuance of the
current literature using modern electronic search programmes; postgraduate student seminar
organization, research activity and publication of results; participation in local and
international scientific congresses; attendance at scientific seminars, advanced research
workshops, advanced study institutes and intensive courses; and familiarization with job
opportunities.
The training offered by this postgraduate programme allows young scientists to
become competitive worldwide in the field of Plant Biotechnology and provides several job
opportunities.
13.5.3 Environmental Biology – Management of Terrestrial and Marine
Resources
This Postgraduate Program is a joint effort of the Department of Biology of the
University of Crete, the Museum of Natural History of the University of Crete and the HCMR.
Teaching support is also provided by other Departments of the University of Crete, the
Departments of Biology of the Universities of Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras and the
Department of Environmental Engineering of the Technical University of Crete. Furthermore
scientists from the national and international scientific community give a series on seminars
of the latest progress in subjects pertinent to the postgraduate programme. The scope of the
postgraduate program includes:
Integrated knowledge in the biology and management of marine and terrestrial
resources.
Integrated knowledge in management of terrestrial and insular ecosystems.
Theoretical and applied knowledge of Aquaculture science and technology.
Training in laboratory techniques and introduction of students to research after
participating in three rotations in research laboratories of the Department of Biology, the
Museum of Natural History of the University of Crete and the Hellenic Centre for Marine
Research.
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Advanced knowledge on technology of protection and management of coastal
ecosystems and fisheries resources.
Additional related activities include: research activity and publication of results;
attendance at scientific seminars, advanced research workshops, and intensive courses;
training in writing scientific papers; participation in local and international scientific meetings
on topics related to management of terrestrial and marine resources.
13.5.4 Protein Biotechnology
This program aims at providing first-rate training in the field of Protein Biotechnology at
the Master’s and Ph.D. level, to students who have graduated in Biology, Chemistry and
other relevant disciplines. It has an initial two-year cycle, (one year of intensive course work
plus one year of research leading to a M. Sc. dissertation) and is offered jointly by the
Departments of Biology and Chemistry of the University of Crete as an interdisciplinary
program. The various courses/course modules are delivered primarily by the participating
members of the Biology and Chemistry Departments with the assistance of research scientists
of IMBB and several external instructors from Greek and foreign academic and industrial
establishments. Courses scheduled include: Protein structure and function, Proteins in intra &
extracellular environment, Methods of structural analysis of proteins, Modern techniques in
analysis of proteins and proteomes, Bioinformatics and applications in the analysis of
proteomes, Gene structure and genome organisation, Protein production technologies,
Applications of proteins in biotechnology and health.
Important novelties of the programme include the organization of summer courses
focusing on the latest developments in the rapidly advancing field of Proteomics and the
establishment of close links with private companies. In addition, the program aims at
interacting closely with other international postgraduate programmes and encouraging the
exchange of teachers and students and the joint preparation of Web-based teaching material.
13.5.5 Bioethics
The department of Biology collaborates with the Departments of Sociology, Psychology,
Medicine and Philosophy and Social Studies (Coordinating Department) in the framework of
the joint Postgraduate Programme in Bioethics. This programme aims at investigating the
ethical problems arising from, or being directly connected to, Life Sciences and their
applications, as well as their influence on Society and Environment. The goal of the
programme is to provide specialized knowledge to scientists and researchers who will
contribute towards strengthening bioethics in Greece. This will be achieved by providing
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educated staff to Universities, Research Centers, Public Administration and Health-related
institutions.
13.6 FACULTY MEMBERS
Professors
Athanassakis-Vassiliadis, Irene (Division of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology,
Cellular and Developmental Biology), Ph.D. 1988, University of Alberta.
Research interests: Immunology, Reproductive Immunology, Regulation of MHC antigen
expression, T-regulatory cells, Immune regulation.
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394355, 394354.
Bouriotis, Vassilios (Division of Biotechnology and Applied Biology), Ph.D. 1980,
University of Liverpool.
Research interests: Enzyme Biotechnology.
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394375, 394052.
Chalepakis, George (Division of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cellular and
Developmental Biology), Ph.D. 1988, University of Marburg.
Research interests: Cell biology; epithelial – mesenchymal interactions during development.
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394359, 394358.
Delidakis, Christos (Division of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cellular and
Developmental Biology), Ph.D. 1988, Harvard University.
Research interests: Molecular genetics of development; cell fate specification mechanisms by
intercellular signalling and transcriptional regulation; emphasis on Notch signalling and on
networks of transcription factors in developmental decisions in Drosophila.
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 391112, 391142.
Economou, Anastassios (Division of Biotechnology and Applied Biology), Ph.D.
1990, University of East Anglia, Norwich.
Research interests: Microbiology.
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394371, 391166.
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Karakassis, Ioannis (Division of Biotechnology and Applied Biology), Ph.D. 1991,
University of Crete.
Research interests: Marine Ecology and Biodiversity; Dynamics of coastal ecosystems;
Anthropogenic effects on marine communities; Environmental impacts of Aquaculture.
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394061, 394064.
Kentouri, Maroudio (Division of Biotechnology and Applied Biology), Ph.D. 1980,
University of Aix – Marseille II and 1985, University of Montpelier.
Research interests: Fish cultures: Behaviour of fishes under controlled conditions.
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394063, 394062.
Kokkinidis, Michael (Division of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cellular and
Developmental Biology), Ph.D. 1981, Max Planck Institute, Münich.
Research interests: Crystallography of macromolecules; protein structure; biocomputing;
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394351, 394350.
Kotzabasis, Kiriakos (Division of Biology of Organisms, Populations,
Environmental and Marine Biology), Ph.D. 1987, University of Marburg.
Research interests: Plant physiology and biochemistry, photobiology, photosynthesis and
bioenergetics, photobiology.
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394059, 394068.
Louis, Christos (Division of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cellular and
Developmental Biology), Ph.D., 1977, University of Heidelberg.
Research interests: Molecular genetics of Drosophila, Ceratitis capitata, and Anopheles
gambiae; hybrid dysgenesis.
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 391119, 391149.
Mylonas Moisis (Division of Biology of Organisms, Populations, Environmental and
Marine Biology), Ph.D. 1983, University of Athens.
Research interests: Zoology, island ecology, evolutionary ecology.
E-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 393275, 394079.
Pachnis, Vassilios (appointment pending), Ph.D. 1986, University of Pennsylvania.
Research interests: Molecular biology of disease.
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Papamatheakis, Joseph (Division of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cellular and
Developmental Biology), Ph.D. 1975, University of Athens.
Research interests: Gene expression and control in vertebrates and humans; molecular
control of genetic and viral diseases.
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 391175,, 391165.
Associate Professors
Alexandraki, Despina (Division of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cellular and
Developmental Biology), Ph.D. 1982, Harvard University.
Research interests: Molecular genetics; structural and functional analysis of yeast genes.
Metalloregulated transcription and DNA repair components.
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394363, 391161, 391171
Gizeli, Electra (Division of Biotechnology and Applied Biology), Ph.D. 1993,
University of Cambridge, Institute of Biotechnology.
Research interests: Biotechnology; Biosensors.
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394373, 394093
Koumoundouros, George (Division of Biology of Organisms, Populations,
Environmental and Marine Biology),, Ph.D. 1998, University of Crete.
Research interests: Marine Biology.
e-mail: [email protected]
Pavlidis, Michael (Division of Biology of Organisms, Populations, Environmental
and Marine Biology), Ph.D. 1990, University of Athens.
Research interests: Fish physiology; environmental and endocrine control of early
development; molecular and endocrine regulation of stress; fish welfare.
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394084, 394089.
Pirintsos, Stergios (Division of Biology of Organisms, Populations, Environmental
and Marine Biology), Ph.D. 1993, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
Research interests: Plant ecology and systematics; conservation biology; lichenology; air
pollution biomonitoring.
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e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394085, 394377.
Tzamarias, Dimitris (Division of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cellular and
Developmental Biology), Ph.D. 1990, University of Crete.
Research interests: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chromatin mediated
Transcriptional regulation, Epigenetic inheritance.
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 391162, 931172
Vontas, John (Division of Biotechnology and Applied Biology), Ph.D. 1997,
Agricultural University of Athens.
Research interests: Molecular Entomology, Insecticide Resistance, Insects of Medical
Importance, Agricultural Biotechnology, Molecular Diagnostics, Microarrays, Biosensors.
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394077, 394438
Assistant Professors
Kalantidis, Kriton (Division of Biology of Organisms, Populations, Environmental
and Marine Biology) Ph.D. 1995, University of Nottingham.
Research interests: Developmental Plant Biology, RNA silencing.
e-mail: [email protected]. Tel: 0030 2810 394435, 394364
Ladoukakis, Emmanuel (Division of Biology of Organisms, Populations,
Environmental and Marine Biology), Ph.D. 2001, University of Crete
Research interests: Evolutionary Biology, population genetics, evolutionary genomics.
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394067, 394074
Lika, Konstadia (Division of Biology of Organisms, Populations, Environmental
and Marine Biology), Ph.D. 1996, University of Tennessee.
Research interests: Mathematical biology.
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394081, 394092.
Poulakakis, Nikos (Division of Biology of Organisms, Populations, Environmental
and Marine Biology),Ph.D. 2005, University of Crete.
Research interests: Systematic Zoology, molecular phylogeny, phylogeography and
Conservation genetics, ancient DNA (aDNA).
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e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394065, 393282
Spilianakis, Charalampos (Babis) (Division of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology,
Cellular and Developmental Biology), Ph.D. 2003, University of Crete.
Research interests: Biochemistry, Molecular Immunology, gene regulation in the
Immune system, nuclear organization of the genome.
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 391163, 391173
Tsagri, Efthimia (Division of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cellular and
Developmental Biology), Ph.D. 1987, University of Giessen.
Research interests: Plant molecular virology.
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394367, 394366.
Zachos, George (Division of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cellular and
Developmental Biology), Ph.D. 1997, Medical School, University of Crete.
Research interests: Cell Biology, cancer, cell cycle checkpoints, cell division.
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394380, 394365
Lecturers
Sidiropoulou, Kyriaki (appointment penting, Division of Biology of Organisms,
Populations, Environmental and Marine Biology), Ph.D. 2003, Rosalind Franklin University of
Health and Sciences/ The Chicago Medical School Research interests: Neurophysiology
e-mail: [email protected]
English Tutor
Koutraki, Maria
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394053
Specialized Technical Staff (Undergraduate Students Laboratories)
Dokianaki, Despina
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394460, 394418.
Dramountani, Maria
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394074.
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Gomboitsos, Athanasios
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394058, 394415.
Kouimtzoglou, Eleni, Phd. 1999
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394460, 394433.
Markaki, Maria
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394052, 394433.
Papadaki, Anastasia-Polykseni, Ph.D. 2000
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394070, 394072.
Papadakis, Georgios
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394460, 394376.
Petropoulos, Konstantinos
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394432
Papadogiorgaki, Eva
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394425, 394427
Computing Center
Papadakis, Nektarios
e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394430
The Department also employees Adjunct Professor on a yearly contract basis.
13.7 RETIRED PROFESSORS
Damanakis Michael e-mail: [email protected]
Eleftheriou Anastasios e-mail: [email protected]
Economopoulos Aristeidis e-mail: [email protected]
Kafatos Fotis e-mail: [email protected]
Nafpaktitis Vasileios e-mail: [email protected]
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Panopoulos Nikolaos e-mail: [email protected]
Stratakis Emmanoel e-mail: [email protected]
Tsimenidis Nikolaos e-mail: [email protected]
Zouros Eleftherios e-mail: [email protected]
Roubelakis-Angelakis, Kalliopi e-mail: [email protected]
13.8 HONORARY PROFESSORS
• David HOGNESS (Stanford U., USA) 1986
• Ilse SCHWIDETZKY (Mainz, Germany) 1988
• Robert SOKAL (Suny at Stony Brook, USA) 1990
• Francois JACOB (Institut Pasteur, Paris, France) 1991
• Richard LEWONTIN (Harvard U., USA) 1996
• Michael ASHBURNER (Cambridge U., UK) 2002
13.9 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR GRADUATES
Upon graduation the students of the Department of Biology have acquired the
skills for various job appointments:
Work in public and private sectors in the context of Biomedicine,
Biotechnology, environmental protection, pollution control and fisheries.
Work as researchers in public or private Research Institutes.
Exert teaching activity at all educational levels (from high schools to
Universities).
To be appointed in Health Units of the public and private sector focusing on
genetic diagnosis, birth control, in vitro fertilization, molecular diagnosis etc.
Work in industries, especially in sectors of food technology and
pharmaceuticals.