This course represents the basic introduction to the discipline of Biogeosciences, incorporating principles of Micropaleontological science. The course material deals with the functions of the Biosphere in space and time, also considering the degree of the anthropogenic impact. In this context, the contribution of the main groups of microfossils that correspond to single-celled, eukaryotic organisms with a resistant shell, is examined. These microorganisms, forming or being close to the base of the food chain and presenting rapid rates of reproduction, emerge as an ideal tool in environmental and geo-environmental research, playing an important role in the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, silica and carbonates of the oceanic systems and at the same time contributing to the biogenic carbonate and siliceous sedimentation.
Introduction to BioGeosciences: Basic elements of cell function, the role of biological metabolism in changing environmental conditions, the biological derivatives preserved in the geological record as well as the changes that occur in biomolecules and elements due to sedimentary processes and the recycling of organic matter and inorganic elements through biogeochemical cycles.
Basic principles of Micropaleontology: Physiology and morphology, basic principles of identification, description, determination and classification of the main groups of microfossils (coccolithophores / calcareous nannoplankton, benthic and planktonic foraminifera, diatoms, radiolaria).
Geoenvironmental applications of microfossils: Use of microfossils in biostratigraphic applications, and in paleoceanographic, paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic research, as well as their contribution to the processes of sedimentation and their interaction with the modern environment and climate. Computational exercises.
Laboratory techniques: Sampling and analyses protocols.
Biofacies: Identification and use of the microfacies and the content in microfossils for the determination of the characteristic sedimentary sequences in the Greek area.