Course code BIO314

BIO314 Fish physiology and aquatic adaptations

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Showing course contents for the educational year 2018 - 2019 .

Course responsible: Øivind Andersen
ECTS credits: 5
Faculty: Faculty of Biosciences
Teaching language: EN, NO
(NO=norsk, EN=Engelsk)
Teaching exam periods:
Autumn parallel
Course frequency: Yearly
First time: Study year 2018-2019
Course contents:
The course gives a detailed overview of the physiology of fishes and the adaptive traits of water-living organisms. The lectures covers the basic topics of respiration and gas exchange in water, locomotion and buoyancy, osmoregulation, cardiovascular system, sensory organs and various reproductive strategies.This will further be illustrated by drawing comparisons between fish and land-living organisms, including diving mammals. Group work and student presentations deal with novel adaptive traits in specialized fish such as carp surviving oxygen depletion, icefish without hemoglobin, air-breathing and freezing resistant fish.
Learning outcome:
The course will provide students with an understanding of the unique physiological characteristics that allow fish to thrive and survive in water. The students should be able to discuss main differences betwen fish and land-living organisms related to specific physical conditions in water and air. Knowledge about novel adaptive traits and the underlying molecular mechanisms should be demonstrated by presenting examples from group work.
Learning activities:
Lectures and student presentations of group work on review papers handed out..
Teaching support:
-
Syllabus:

Animal Physiology - Adaptation and environment 5th edition, Knut Schmidt-Nielsen.

Selected review papers presented by the students.

Recommended prerequisites:
Mandatory activity:
One compulsory assignment to be handed in.
Assessment:
Written final exam counts 100%.
Nominal workload:
Lectures: 24 hours. Group work and preparation for student presentation: 15 hours. Individual study :125 hours.
Entrance requirements:
Special requirements in Science.
Examiner:
Allowed examination aids: A1 No calculator, no other aids
Examination details: One written exam: A - E / Ikke bestått