spring 2017
BIO-2506 Introduction to fish biology - 10 ECTS

Application deadline

Applicants from Nordic countries: 1 June for the autumn semester and 1 December for the spring semester. (Concerns only admission to singular courses.) Exchange students and Fulbright students: 1 October for the spring semester and 15 April for the autumn semester.

Type of course

The course is available for students at the study programs Fiskeri- og havbruksvitenskap, Akvamedisin and Biologi, klima og miljø and Miljøledelse og forurensningsbiologi. The course is also available to exchange students at a biology study program. Available as singular course. The course capacity for Bio-2506 is a maximum of 60 students each semester, but in the event of capacity problems priority will be given to students who have the course as an obligatory subject in their degree program.

Admission requirements

Nordic applicants: Admission requirements are generell studiekompetanse + REALFA.

Application code: 9336

International applicants: Higher Education Entrance Qualification and certified language requirements in English. A list of the requirements for the Higher Education Entrance Qualification in Norway can be found on the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education website - nokut.no  

All applicants: The course requires basic knowledge in biology and ecology at university level. Basic knowledge in chemistry and mathematics is an advantage.


Course overlap

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

F-131 Biology of Fishes 6 stp
BIO-2505 Fish Biology 10 stp
FSK-2506 Introduction to fish biology 10 stp

Course content

The course gives an introduction to the life-styles of fishes, with an emphasis on anatomy and physiological adaptations to different aquatic habitats.The following themes are covered: fish diversity and distributions, swimming, osmoregulation, respiration, feeding and digestion, reproduction and larval development, and life-histories.

The laboratory course gives students an introduction to practical work in the laboratory, data analysis and the writing of reports. Students are also required to write aterm-paper (essay) on a selected topic.


Objectives of the course

Students that have completed Bio-2506 Introduction to Fish Biology:
  • Can describe the structural, functional and physiological adaptations shown by fish in relation to their environment
  • Have knowledge of the inter-relationships of the major groups of fishes in an evolutionary and developmental perspective
  • Have knowledge of the anatomy and function of the organ systems of fish
  • Be able to write scientific reports based upon the results of laboratory experiments and  exercises
  • Be able to read and understand scientific literature, and be able to précis, discuss and prepare written presentations based upon their reading

Language of instruction and examination

The language of instruction is English and all of the syllabus material is in English. Examination questions will be given in English, but may be answered either in English or a Scandinavian language.

Teaching methods

The course has multiple teaching approaches. Necessary safety training will be given.

Assessment

There are two work assignments (project/group-work) consisting of a laboratory course with report, and the writing of an essay (term paper). The assignments are evaluated as pass/fail. Participation in the written examination is conditional upon students having achieved pass grades for both the laboratory report and essay.

There is a final written examination (4 hours duration). A graded scale of five marks from A to E for pass and F for fail.

There will be no re-sit examination in Bio-2506. Candidates who fail the written exam in one semester can re-register for the course and take the ordinary written examination the following semester.


Recommended reading/syllabus

See either Classfronter or contact Malcolm Jobling

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  • About the course
  • Campus: Tromsø |
  • ECTS: 10
  • Course code: BIO-2506