Type of course

Obligatory prerequisites

Course content

Objectives of the course

After completing the course, the students should know:

• The structure, function and physiology of major organs in fish; the nervous system and sense organs, the respiratory and circulatory systems, the digestive system, the kidneys and the osmoregulatory system, the endocrine organs and the reproductive system.
• How environmental factors such as temperature, photoperiod and water quality affect the physiology of fish, with particular emphasis on coldwater species.
• Common causes of stress in fish kept in captivity, with special emphasis on cultured species (e.g. Atlantic salmon).
• How to read, discuss and present scientific data.

The students should be able to:

• Describe the structure and function of major organs in fish, and explain their physiology.
• Describe how environmental factors such as temperature, photoperiod and water quality affect the homeostasis of fish, with particular emphasis on physiological adaptations in coldwater species.
• Describe the General Adaptation Syndrome and how abiotic (environmental) and biotic (e.g. food, behavior) stressors may affect the homeostasis and physiology of fish.
• Write a scientific report based on laboratory work.

The course will give the students:

• A general background in fish physiology.
• An understanding of how important biotic and abiotic factors affect the physiology and welfare of cultured fish.
• Insights into how experimental studies on fish are performed.
• Skills in reading, discussing and presenting scientific data.

Language of instruction and examination

Teaching methods

Assessment

Recommended reading/syllabus