Aristotle University Thessaloniki
The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is the second oldest tertiary education institution in Greece. Named after the philosopher Aristotle, who was born in Stageira, about 55 kilometres east of Thessaloniki, it is the largest university in Greece and its campus covers 230,000 square metres in the centre of Thessaloniki, with additional educational and administrative facilities elsewhere.
The university consists of 41 schools, organised in 11 faculties, those being: The Faculty of Sciences, The Faculty of Engineering (Polytechneio), The Faculty of Health Sciences, The Faculty of Philosophy, The Faculty of Law, The Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, The School of Education, The Faculty of Fine Arts, The Faculty of Social and Economics Sciences and The Faculty of Theology.
My favorite part when visiting this university was the Faculty of Sciences, where we were shown live reptiles used for studying: a one-and-a-half-year-old snake, a Vipera ammodytes —a venomous species native to southern Europe, including Greece—easily recognized by the distinctive horn-like scale on its nose, and a Glass lizard. We got to observe live tarantulas, a big collection of taxidermy animals, and a room full of various species of pressed flowers. Some of the students showed us equipment for analyzing marine wildlife, like baby sea turtles, and on top of the building we saw a machine that measures the level of pollen in the air.
In conclusion, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is a cornerstone of higher education in Greece and a vibrant academic environment. Its rich history, diverse faculties, and dedication to students make it a standout institution. Visiting the Faculty of Sciences was especially memorable, offering a glimpse into the university’s research and teaching. From live reptiles and rare plants to modern environmental tools, the experience showed the university’s innovative and nature-connected approach to education.
|
|