DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY...E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 0030 2810 394401, Fax: 0030 2810 394404...

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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

http://www.biology.uoc.gr/

mailto:[email protected]


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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


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


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.


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.


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.


Economou, Anastassios (Division of Biotechnology and Applied Biology), Ph.D.

1990, University of East Anglia, Norwich.

Research interests: Microbiology.







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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.


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.


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;


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.


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.


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.


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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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.


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.


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.


Lika, Konstadia (Division of Biology of Organisms, Populations, Environmental

and Marine Biology), Ph.D. 1996, University of Tennessee.

Research interests: Mathematical biology.


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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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.


Tsagri, Efthimia (Division of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cellular and

Developmental Biology), Ph.D. 1987, University of Giessen.

Research interests: Plant molecular virology.


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.


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


Dramountani, Maria

e-mail: [email protected], Tel: 0030 2810 394074.









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Gomboitsos, Athanasios


Kouimtzoglou, Eleni, Phd. 1999


Markaki, Maria


Papadaki, Anastasia-Polykseni, Ph.D. 2000


Papadakis, Georgios


Petropoulos, Konstantinos


Papadogiorgaki, Eva


Computing Center

Papadakis, Nektarios


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.





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