BIO-2506 Introduction to fish biology - 10 stp

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 a term-paper (essay) on a selected topic.

Students who register to follow Bio-2506 must have some prior knowledge of biology and ecology, chemistry and mathematics (Participants must have taken introductory level university courses, and achieved pass grades, in these subjects). The course capacity for Bio-2506 is a maximum of 48 students each semester.

BIO-2506 may be taken as an elective course or individual subject, 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.

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

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.There is also a final written examination (4 hours duration). Participation in the written examination is conditional upon students having achieved pass grades for both the laboratory report and essay. Students who have previously achieved pass grades for one or both of the work assignments but have not yet passed the written examination are advised to submit their approved assignment work (laboratory report and/or essay) for checking in the semester that they wish to (re-) take the written examination.

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.

The date for the exam can be changed. The final date will be announced at your faculty early in May and early in November.