Early life of marine fish

Master course for biology students and masterstudents in fishery science - The course is available as a singular course.

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.

Local admission, application code 9371 - Master`s level singular course.

Admission requires a Bachelor`s degree (180 ECTS) or equivalent qualification, with a major in biology of minimum 80 ECTS. A Bachelor's degree in Fiskeri- og havbruksvitenskap with relevant courses in the 6. semester is regarded as an equivalent qualification.

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

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:

• BIO-307 Early life history of fishes 6 ects

Language of instruction and examination

Schedule

This course is available for inbound exchange students.

This course has academic prerequisites. Please see the «Admission requirements» section for more information.

Re-sit examination