Entrance Examinations – Legal Framework and Regulations

Legal Framework

The procedure is carried out in accordance with:

1. a) Article 78A of Law 4957/2022 (as added by Article 131 of Law 5224/2025, effective from 05-08-2025),
2. b) Decision No. EXE 26356/2025 of the Senate of the Ionian University concerning the revision of the Internal Regulations of the Ionian University (Government Gazette 7391/B/31-12-2025),
3. c) Ministerial Decision No. 43083/Z1/06-04-2026 (Government Gazette B’ 2040).

Admission via Entrance Examinations

The following categories are entitled to admission to Departments or Single-Faculty Schools of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) through entrance examinations:

1. a) Graduates of HEIs, Higher Ecclesiastical Academies, Technological Educational Institutes (TEI), and the Higher School of Pedagogical and Technological Education (ASPETE),
2. b) graduates of foreign institutions included in the National Register of Recognised Foreign Higher Education Institutions maintained by the Hellenic National Academic Recognition and Information Centre (DOATAP), under Article 304,
3. c) graduates of branches of Legal Entity Universities (N.P.P.E.),
4. d) holders of degrees from higher vocational schools of at least two-year duration under the Ministry of Education and other Ministries,
5. e) holders of a certificate under paragraph 1 of Article 76 of Law 4957/2022 (students who have been deregistered due to exceeding the maximum duration of studies), certifying at least 120 ECTS credits.

Examination Procedure

The Department conducts entrance examinations annually between 1–20 December. Candidates participate in written examinations in three (3) subjects, selected by the Department Assembly and defined by Senate decision.

For the academic year 2026–2027, the examined subjects are:

• General & Inorganic Chemistry
• Introduction to Food Science and Technology
• Biology

The syllabus for each subject is defined by the Department Assembly and published on the Department’s website. The examination schedule is also announced in advance on the Department website.

General & Inorganic Chemistry (Prof. A. Moustakas – N. Kopsachelis)

Syllabus:

1. Basic Chemistry Concepts

• Atoms, molecules, and ions
• Stoichiometric calculations and chemical equations
• Chemical reactions
• The gaseous state

2. Atomic and Molecular Structure

• Quantum theory of the atom
• Electronic structure and periodicity
• Ionic and covalent bonding

3. States of Matter and Solutions

• Liquids and solids
• Solutions
• Chemical Reactions and Equilibrium

4. Reaction rates

• Chemical equilibrium
• Acids and bases
• Acid–base equilibria
• Solubility and complex ion equilibria
• Thermodynamics and equilibrium

Introduction to Food Science and Technology (Prof. E. Katsalirou – A. Papadaki)

Syllabus:

• Definitions and general concepts in food science and technology; food industry
• Composition, nutrients, and nutritional value of foods
• Carbohydrates (stereochemistry, chemical and physical properties; structural and storage polysaccharides)
• Proteins (structure, role, properties)
• Fats and oils (structure, fatty acids, properties)
• Water in foods (structure and properties)
• Mineral components (macro- and micro-elements and their role)
• Vitamins and food additives (antioxidants, preservatives, colourants)
• Modern challenges in the agri-food sector
• Food groups and origin
• Food hygiene and safety; spoilage and contamination; microbial effects and toxins
• Principles of food processing, preservation, and packaging (heating, cooling, freezing, concentration, dehydration)
• Sensory and quality evaluation of foods

Biology (Prof. M. Alexandri – V. Kachrimanidou)

Syllabus:

The science of Biology; science and society; basic properties of life; origin and evolution of life; chemistry of life; energy and metabolism; eukaryotic cell structure and function; cell cycle and cell division; prokaryotic microorganisms and viruses; DNA–RNA and genetic material.

In detail:

1. Chemistry of Life

• Chemical composition of living matter
• Water and environmental suitability
• Carbon and molecular diversity of life
• Structure and function of biological macromolecules

2. The Cell

• Cell structure and function
• Membranes
• Metabolism introduction
• Cellular respiration and energy
• Photosynthesis
• Cell communication
• Cell cycle

3. Genetics

• Genes and chromosomes
• From gene to protein
• Gene expression regulation

4. Evolution

• Population evolution
• Bacteria and archaea
• Protists
• Fungi
• Viruses

5. Structure and function of plants and animals
6. Organismal ecology

Application Procedure

Applications are submitted annually between 1–15 November. The following documents are typically required:

• Application form
• Copy of identity card
• Copy of degree
• Transcript of records

Candidate Obligations During Examinations

Candidates must:

• arrive 1 hour early on the first day and 30 minutes early on subsequent days
• present valid identification
• use only blue or black ink
• carry no prohibited materials or electronic devices
• not leave and re-enter the examination room
• avoid any indication of personal identity on answer sheets
• are disqualified in cases of cheating or misconduct

Admission of Successful Candidates

Successful candidates are enrolled in the 3rd semester of studies on dates announced by the Department Secretariat.

The Department Assembly may exempt candidates from courses in which they achieved a grade of 5 or higher during the entrance examinations.

Upon application, exemptions may also be granted for courses previously studied, based on curriculum equivalence and ECTS credits.

Key Dates

April–May (previous academic year): Announcement of subjects and syllabus

November: Publication of examination schedule

1–15 November: Application period

1–10 December: Examination period