General Information

The Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics provides teaching support for undergraduate courses offered by the Departments of Physics (Energy & Environment track), Mathematics, and Geology. These courses focus on environmental physics, meteorology, atmospheric physics, and air pollution, and some of them include laboratory sessions.

In the following links you can find specific information about each course.

Department of Physics – Introduction to Environmental Physics

This is a 3rd-semester course. Notes and files related to the course can be found at:

http://www.physics.upatras.gr/main.php?categoryId=4&subCategoryId=4&name=courseAnalytic&subCatExist=true&courseId=109

Intended learning outcomes of the course

By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

  • Identify the structural characteristics of the environment and the physical laws governing them.
  • Apply the principles of environmental physics to explain cutting-edge problems.
Skills

By the end of this course, the student will have further developed the following skills:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential data, concepts, principles, and theories related to environmental physics.
  • Apply this knowledge and understanding to solving qualitative and quantitative problems related to the course content.
  • Possess the cognitive foundation and experience for potential future engagement with elective courses that deepen knowledge in environmental physics.
  • Interact with others on problems of a physical or interdisciplinary nature.
Prerequisites

There are no prerequisite courses. Students should have at least basic knowledge of Thermodynamics, Optics, and Fluid Mechanics.

Course contents (syllabus)

1. Environment & radiation

Solar radiation, Earth’s thermal radiation, structure and composition of the atmosphere, interaction of radiation and matter, ozone and ultraviolet radiation, greenhouse effect and climate change, energy balance, elements of weather and climate, mathematical models of weather and climate.

2. Atmospheric pollution

Chemical compounds and suspended particles, elements of fluid mechanics, diffusion and dispersion of pollutants, turbulence, measurements and models of atmospheric pollution.

3. Energy uses

Elements of thermodynamics, elements of heat transfer, solar energy, other renewable energy forms, nuclear energy.

4. Noise

Elements of acoustics, noise and humans, noise reduction.

Recommended bibliography
  1. “Introduction to Environmental Physics”, A. Argyriou and M. Giannouli, University of Patras course notes
  2. “Introductory Courses in Atmospheric Physics”, C. Zerefos, Papasotiriou Publications, 2008
  3. “Principles of Environmental Physics”, John Monteith and Mike Unsworth, Academic Press, 2008
  4. “Environmental Physics”, Egbert Boeker and Rienk van Grondelle, John Wiley & Sons, 2nd edition, 1999
  5. “Environmental Physics”, Clare Smith, Routledge, 2001
Teaching and learning methods

Lectures with PowerPoint presentations, tutorial sessions with worked example problem solving, and in-class problem-solving exercises by students during lectures.

Assessment / grading methods

Written examination (100% of the final grade)

Department of Physics – Atmospheric Pollution

This is a winter-semester course in the “Energy and Environment” track. Notes and files related to the course can be found at:

http://www.physics.upatras.gr/main.php?categoryId=4&subCategoryId=4&name=courseAnalytic&subCatExist=true&courseId=198

Intended learning outcomes of the course

By the end of this course, the student will be able to:

  • Identify the main atmospheric pollutants and the physical laws governing their behavior.
  • Apply the principles of atmospheric pollution to explain cutting-edge problems.
Skills

By the end of this course, the student will have further developed the following skills:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential data, concepts, principles, and theories related to atmospheric pollution.
  • Apply this knowledge and understanding to solving qualitative and quantitative problems related to the course content.
  • Possess the cognitive foundation and experience for potential future engagement with postgraduate-level courses that deepen knowledge in atmospheric pollution.
  • Interact with others on problems of a physical or interdisciplinary nature.
Προαπαιτήσεις

There are no prerequisite courses. Students should have at least basic knowledge of environmental physics.

Course contents (syllabus)

1. Solar radiation and the structure of the atmosphere

Absorption, scattering, and propagation of radiation in the atmosphere; vertical distribution of atmospheric constituents.

2. Chemical compounds in atmospheric pollution

Properties, emission sources, primary and secondary pollutants, photochemical smog.

3. Suspended particulate matter

Properties, emission sources, mechanisms of formation and evolution, optical properties, direct and indirect effects on climate change.

4. Techniques for measuring atmospheric pollution

Sampling and sample analysis, differential optical absorption, remote sensing using a laser beam.

5. Atmospheric diffusion and dispersion

Atmospheric dispersion, turbulent diffusion, description of fluid motion, atmospheric dispersion models, Gaussian plume model.

Recommended bibliography
  1. “Atmospheric Pollution with Elements of Meteorology”, M. Lazaridis, Tziolas Publications, 2005
  2. “Atmospheric Pollution: Impacts, Control and Alternative Technologies”, I. Gentekakis, Tziolas Publications, 2003
  3. “Atmospheric Pollution”, M.Z. Jacobson, Cambridge University Press, 2002
  4. “Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics: from air pollution to climate change”, J.H. Seinfield, S.N. Pandis, John Wiley & Sons, 2006
Teaching and learning methods

Lectures with PowerPoint presentations, tutorial sessions with worked example problem solving, and in-class problem-solving exercises by students during lectures.

Assessment / grading methods
  • Presentation assignment on contemporary topics related to the course subject (10% of the final grade; counted only if the student scores at least 5 in the final exam)
  • Assignment aimed at familiarization with the use of simple atmospheric diffusion/dispersion models (10% of the final grade; counted only if the student scores at least 5 in the final exam)
  • Written examination (80% of the final grade)

Master’s Specialization in Applied Meteorology & Environmental Physics

Since the academic year 2018–2019, within the framework of the Department of Physics’ Master’s Program titled “Applications of Physics in the Atmosphere and Electronics,” a Master’s specialization in Applied Meteorology & Environmental Physics has been operating.

The specialization was approved by the Department of Physics on the initiative of the Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics. Teaching is provided by the faculty members of the Laboratory, in collaboration with the Laboratory for the Study of Atmospheric Pollution of the Department of Chemical Engineering.

Basic information

Applications for admission: Submitted annually each summer. Exact dates are announced in the call for applications issued by the Department of Physics, University of Patras (info: secrphysics@upatras.gr, +30 2610 996077, +30 2610 996098).

Who can apply: The following degree holders are accepted:
(a) Graduates of the Departments of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering & Informatics, and Materials Science, from Greek universities or equivalent recognized institutions abroad, whose degree has been recognized by DOATAP;
(b) Applicants from other schools, provided they document the necessity of attendance and accept the requirement to acquire the necessary background knowledge;
(c) Holders of degrees from related departments of TEI (Technological Educational Institutes), in accordance with Law 2916/01, Article 5(12), the prerequisites set by the Department, and the provisions of the University’s Postgraduate Studies Regulations.

Selection criteria: Based on the algorithm defined by the Department of Physics, the following are taken into account: degree grade, duration of studies, thesis related to the master’s program, publications in scientific journals or conferences, good knowledge of a foreign language (preferably English), and an interview.

Start: early October of each academic year

Duration: 3 academic semesters (2 semesters of coursework and 1 semester for the thesis)

Maximum time period (for part-time attendance): 36 months

Language of instruction: Greek or English (if there is a non-Greek-speaking audience). In the second case, sufficient explanations are also provided in Greek.

Cost: The program has no tuition fees.

For questions or clarifications, contact:

Athanasios Argyriou, Professor, athanarg@upatras.gr, +30 2610 996078
Andreas Kazantzidis, Professor, akaza@upatras.gr, +30 2610 997549
Ioannis Kioutsioukis, Associate Professor, kioutio@upatras.gr, +30 2610 997426

Aim of the program

The program provides comprehensive education on understanding, modeling, and forecasting atmospheric processes. All lectures are accompanied by weekly assignments aimed at collecting, managing, processing, and producing atmospheric data for a variety of applications. The main goal is applied knowledge (e.g., weather forecasting models or radiation transfer models, ground-based and satellite measurements—processing—analysis), so that graduates become familiar with key tools and are in an advantageous position for further work in Meteorology, Climatology, and Environmental Physics.
Particular emphasis is placed on understanding physical and mathematical descriptions of a range of atmospheric phenomena through the combined use of models and measurements. Thus, the program covers the theoretical basis for various atmospheric phenomena, together with the use of numerical models for weather, near-surface processes, the energy balance, climate, and renewable energy sources.

Available infrastructure

A complete meteorological and radiometric station is available and used within the program. Students also have access to a wide range of meteorological equipment (instruments for meteorological observations, solar radiation measurements and a calibration unit, measurements of suspended particulate concentrations, a real-time satellite data reception station, data logging systems). Finally, computers and Windows/Linux workstations are available for diploma (thesis) research work.

Courses

To successfully complete the program, students must successfully attend the courses described below. Each course includes three hours of lectures per week and weekly assignments. Course attendance and timely submission of weekly assignments are mandatory. In addition, as part of deepening their knowledge on atmospheric measurements and models, students are required to participate in teaching the corresponding laboratory exercises of the undergraduate courses of the Department of Physics: Atmospheric Physics I – Meteorology and Atmospheric Physics II.

During the program, students are required to attend scheduled lectures given either online or by researchers visiting the University of Patras.

Note: Students who during their undergraduate studies have not taken courses covering the material of the Department’s undergraduate courses Atmospheric Physics I – Meteorology and Atmospheric Physics II are required to attend them informally and pass the examinations. The grades of these courses are not counted toward the final grade of the Master’s Degree they will be awarded.

Semester A

AME11, Dynamic and Synoptic Meteorology: Provides students with basic knowledge of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics on synoptic and planetary scales, as well as atmospheric turbulence. Theoretical and practical applications are carried out with MATLAB.

Instructor: Ioannis Kioutsioukis
AME12, Measurements and Data Management in Atmospheric Sciences: Covers the concept of calibration, methods of collecting and quality-controlling atmospheric data, and time-series analysis, with examples and applications from major databases. Taught in combination with learning and using Python and R.

Instructor: Athanasios Argyriou
AME13, Radiation–Atmosphere Interaction: Students are taught the basic principles of solar and terrestrial radiation, the processes of absorption and scattering in the atmosphere by atmospheric constituents, and the energy balance. Applications are carried out in analytical radiation transfer models and linked with measurements and satellite data.

Instructor: Andreas Kazantzidis

Semester B

AME21, Atmospheric Simulations: Students are introduced to numerical weather and climate prediction. Fundamental equations of atmospheric flow and solution methods are presented, along with physical parameterizations of the boundary layer, clouds, and atmospheric chemistry. Finally, model predictive skill and evaluation methods are examined. Applications are carried out with boundary-layer models and meteorological forecast models.

Instructor: Ioannis Kioutsioukis
AME22, Statistical Methods in Atmospheric Sciences: Presents basic statistical methods, uncertainties, distributions, and forecasting for meteorological and climatological applications.

Instructor: Athanasios Argyriou
AME23, Energy Meteorology: Concerns the use of meteorology in assessing and forecasting solar and wind energy. Basic models for estimating and forecasting solar potential across various spatial and temporal scales are presented using digital images of the sky dome, satellite images, and weather prediction models. Students are also taught vertical wind profiles over flat and complex terrain, offshore wind, and methods for assessing wind potential.

Instructor: Andreas Kazantzidis
AME24, Atmospheric Pollution Management: Presents basic principles of tropospheric chemistry, the role of water in the atmosphere, and processes related to suspended particulate matter.

Instructor: Spyridon Pandis

Semester C

Master’s thesis: An independent project of each student, aimed at further in-depth study of cutting-edge topics in applied meteorology and environmental physics. In collaboration with the supervising professor, the student actively participates in ongoing research projects of the Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics, with the final outcome being presentation of results in a conference or journal.

Prospects after graduation

In combination with the program’s courses and the research activities of the Laboratory of Atmospheric Physics, students gain knowledge and specialization in areas such as:

  • Weather forecasting: extreme weather events, specialized forecasts, near real-time forecasting.
  • Air pollution: air quality, gaseous emissions, measurements, forecasting, environmental impact studies, health effects.
  • Atmospheric remote sensing: analysis and processing of information from satellites/radar/ground-based instruments.
  • Synergistic use of meteorological data: data assimilation into models, computing/intercomparison/visualization.
  • Energy meteorology: available wind and solar potential, variability and trends, forecasting across spatial and temporal scales (10 m to 100 km; 1 minute to 3 days).
  • Climatology: climatological data analysis, homogenization of climatological time series.
  • Climate change: processes influencing climate, models, and applications across all the above fields for mitigation and adaptation.

Completed doctoral dissertations