Fish Biology I - Systematics and Anatomy

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The aim of the course is to give a broad introduction to fish anatomy, systematics and behavior. The course covers all groups of fish, from cyclostomes to lungfish,with the main emphasis on teleosts. The anatomy section includes the macroscopic anatomy of all major organ systems: skin, skeleton, respiration, digestion, blood vessel system, swim bladder, urogenital, nervous system, sensory organs and endocrine organs. in systematics, all groups are mainly reviewed down to the order. The fish behaviour covers distribution areas, life cycles, feeding migration, breeding strategies, camouflage.

The course focuses on the general and specific features of fish. The lab course includes exercises on identification (systematics) and dissection of some teleost fish (anatomy).

Learning Outcomes

After completing the examination, the students should be familiar with the structure of all organ systems in the most important groups of fish (cyclostomata, cartilaginous fish and teleost9. Students should be able to identify fish to the level of order. The students should have a good knowledge of the strategies for fish behavior throughout the life cycle.

Semester of Instruction

Autumn.

This course has a limited capacity, enrolment is based on application. The application deadline is Wednesday in week 33 for the autumn semester. Please see this page for more information. You will receive confirmation of whether you received a seat in Studentweb no later than Monday the week after the deadline.

It is compulsory to attend the first lecture/orientation meeting, or you risk losing your seat. If you are unable to attend the first lecture, you must contact the Study Section (studie.bio@uib.no). The time of the first lecture/orientation meeting can be found in the schedule on the course website or on Mitt UiB.

Required Previous Knowledge
Fundamental courses in biology.
Recommended Previous Knowledge
Compulsory parts of the Bachelor degree in biology
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Laboratory course incl submission of journal.
Forms of Assessment
Oral (90%) and approved journal (10%). Grade scale (A-F)
Grading Scale
The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade in the grading scale, grade F is a fail.
Course Evaluation
Students will evaluate the course in accordance with the quality assurance system at UiB and the Department. You can find courseevaluations in the Quality Assurance Reports.