Fish Physiology

The course describes physiological mechanisms in fish. Topics covered include nerves and sense organs, endocrinology, circulation, respiration, iono- and osmoregulation, digestive system, reproduction, parr-smolt transformation and stress in fish.

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. Basic knowledge in chemistry and mathematics is an advantage.

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

Written exam (4 hours). A graded scale of five marks from A to E for pass and F for fail.

Coursework requirements: Laboratory report. In order to sit an examination, the student must complete and gain approval for any coursework requirements.

There will be a re-sit examination for students that did not pass the previous ordinary examination. The re-sit examination is a written exam.