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COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Physics course outline: (First Semester, First Year)
Introduction to Environmental Studies. The relationship between
physics and environmental studies (basic understanding of
the phenomena - pollutant monitoring). Modern perceptions
of the Universe ('Big Bang' Theory). Basic concepts (system-environment,
biosphere (ecological and social systems), energy mass, evolution
rates, environmental degradation). Principles of the nuclear
theory (electromagnetic nature of matter, Thomson, Millikan,
Rutherford experiments, nucleus nature, size, form, mass &
division, Rutherford atom theory). Principles of Quantum mechanics
(quanta, photoelectrical phenomena, emission and absorption
spectra, wave particles, Heisenberg Principle of Uncertainty,
Schroedinger equation, quantum numbers). Thermodynamics -
Statistical mechanics (laws of thermodynamics, temperature,
heat and work, thermodynamic processes, rates of heat transfer,
gas kinetic theory, molecular explanation of temperature and
pressure, molecular thermal capacity of noble gases, molecular
speed distribution, entropy in reversible and irreversible
processes, environmental applications).
Top
Introduction to Environmental Engineering
Historical Overview - Mass balances with conservative and
non-conservative chemical species - Energy balances - Combined
energy and mass balances - Heat transport - Population prediction
models - Depletion of non-renewable natural resources - Microbial
population growth models - Human population pyramids - Hazardous
substances, risk assessment. Air pollution. Pollutant dispersion
in the atmosphere. Water pollution (surface waters, groundwater).
Soil contamination, types of soils, soil erosion, fertilizers,
pesticides. Water and wastewater management, drinking water
quality and wastewater treatment systems. Solid waste management,
classification of waste, treatment and final disposal techniques.
Top
Environmental Physics: Radiation
Electromagnetic radiation (nature, sources, emission spectrum,
interaction between materials and radiation). Ionizing radiation
(Natural and anthropogenic radiation, radon, dosimetry, protection
and auditing principles, measurement devices). Ultraviolet,
visible and infrared radiation (characteristics, measurement
devices, biological effects). Cohesive light (Lasers) Microwaves,
radiofrequencies and exceptionally low frequencies (General
Principles, measuring units, Sources and Exposure. measurement
devices, Risk, Dosimetry).
Top
Aquatic Chemistry
Structure and properties of water. Composition of various
types of water. Chemical balances (kinetic and thermodynamic
methods). Aquatic solutions, Ionic strength of solutions.
Concentration and activity of solutions. Mathematic modeling
of aquatic systems. Graphical techniques for problem-solving
(pC-pH diagrams). Types of acids and bases. neutralization
of acid-bases. Titration Curves. Buffering solutions. Water
- Gas partitioning systems. Alkalinity and acidity. Water
- solid partitioning systems. Solid - water - gas partitioning
systems. Carbonic systems (closed and open). Complex chemical
species, Distribution diagrams for complex chemical species.
Solubility constants. Redox reactions and equations (pC-på
and på-pH diagrams).
Top
Solid and Hazardous Waste Management
Waste management systems (WMS) - strategies in integrated
waste management. Waste generation. Storage, collection and
waste transportation. Treatment Processes. Material and energy
recovery. Final disposal of solid and hazardous wastes. Landfill
Design (siting, design, construction). Leachate collection
and treatment. Biogas management. Landfill Operation monitoring,
Remediation of old Landfill Sites and final uses. Post-closure
monitoring, WMS design. Legislation and management authorities.
Top
Environmental Hydrogeology
Fundamental concepts of the hydrologic cycle. Natural materials
and processes, types of aquifers, groundwater storage and
transportation parameters, Darcy's Law, hydraulic conductivity,
transmissivity and storativity, mean linear velocity and specific
discharge, hydraulic conductivity, aquifer vulnerability,
pumping methods used to estimate aquifer properties, main
sources of ground water contamination, laws of pollutant transport
in porous media, advection and diffusion/dispersion laws,
geological and hydrogeological parameters accounted for during
landfill siting, modeling of groundwater and contaminant movement,
remediation and monitoring of contaminated groundwater.
Top
Environmental Geology
Fundamental
concepts, earth materials and processes (geologic cycle,
minerals, rocks, soils, water, wind and ice), river flooding,
landslides and related phenomena, earthquakes and related
phenomena, volcanic activity, land waste disposal, mineral
resources and environment.
Evaluation:
Written examination or written essay
Bibliography: Handouts, Journal articles and recommended books
from the library
Top
Resource management and Waste I
Fundamental resource (air, water, soil, energy) and waste
(gas, water, solids, energy) characteristics, Management strategies
(prevention, recycling, treatment, disposal), Integrated management
systems, Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of resources
and waste, System monitoring programs, Data collection and
processing, Problem specification/definition in existing resource
and waste management systems (gases, sewage, refuse etc.)
Resource and waste management case studies in islands of the
Aegean Sea.
Methods for Eco-efficiency
Fundamental concepts: "Integrated Management", "Cleaner
Technology", "Cleaner Production", "Organic
and 'Eco' Products", "Eco-efficiency" and "Eco-performance".
Methodological tools: Environmental Management Systems (EMS),
Life cycle analysis (LCA). European Union Certification institutions:
(EMAS) Environmental Management and Auditing System) for production
plants, EU Eco-labeling for various products, ISO 14000 (International
certification for production plants and products).
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