spring 2021
BIO-3512 Early life of marine fish - 10 ECTS
Course content
Initially the course gives an introduction to the reproductive patterns and gonad development of fishes, followed by a detailed description of egg and larval development, metamorphosis, larval feeding, behaviour, growth, predation and starvation; including factors affecting these processes. Fish larval ecology, factors determining recruitment and sampling methods are also focused. Examples from the various themes are given from both field and experimental situations. A laboratory course is included and both living and fixed gonads, eggs, larvae and juveniles from selected species are studied.Objectives of the course
A candidate who has completed his or her qualification should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:
Knowledge about:
- Key stages in embryo- and larval development of marine fish
- Different embryo- and larval developmental patterns between fish species
- Different stages in male and female gonad development
- Principles of, and the main endocrine factors regulating male and female gonad development
- Know how environmental factors such as temperature and photoperiod influence reproductive development, egg quality, embryonic- and larval development
- How to read, discuss and present scientific data
Skills: The candidate should be able to:
- Evaluate and discuss influences of environmental changes of, for example, temperature and prey abundance, on egg and larval survival under aquaculture and natural conditions
- Propose and discuss key stages of reproductive, embryonic and larval development which are sensitive/robust to environmental influences under aquaculture and natural conditions.
- Explain and discuss causes of variable egg- and larval survival and growth in nature and culture
- Undertake egg/larval sampling and identify the sampled species
- Write a scientific essay based on broad knowledge of relevant literature
- Understand the biology and functionality of early life history stages of fish
General competences:
- Demonstrate broad insight in reproductive strategies and gonad development of marine fish
- At a scientific level, be able communicate knowledge and discuss influences of environmental factors on embryonic and larval development under aquaculture and natural conditions
- Independently be able to give advice about how important environmental factors will influence gonad development, embryonic development and larval survival in fish under aquaculture and natural conditions
- On a general level be able to evaluate, extract and present information about early development in marine fish
Assessment
Essay (counts 40 %), 4 hours written examination (counts 60 %). A graded scale of five marks from A to E for pass and F for fail.
Coursework requirements: Laboratory report. All coursework requirements must be approved in order to take the exam.
There will be a re-sit examination for students that did not pass the previous ordinary examination.
- About the course
- Campus: Tromsø |
- ECTS: 10
- Course code: BIO-3512
- Responsible unit
- The Norwegian College of Fishery Science
- Contact persons
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