FØS8127 Fish anatomy, physiology, and welfare

Contents and structure

This course is divided in two parts. The first one is focused on giving a detailed overview on fish physiology and the adaptative traits in relation to their environment. The student will learn about general anatomy, and the basic topics of respiration and gas exchange, locomotion and buoyancy, osmoregulation, digestion, circulation, reproduction, the nervous system, and sensory organs. The second part is focused on fish disease, immune response, and welfare. Welfare indicators for farmed fish will be discussed, as well as prevention and treatment of stress, disease, and injuries in aquatic organisms, focusing on Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Practical laboratory dealing with fish anatomy and histopathology will also be carried out.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge

Upon completion of the course, the student:

• has acquired knowledge about the anatomic and physiological characteristics that allow fish to live underwater.
• understands how the fish immune system functions.
• has general knowledge on fish disease pathogens.
• has general knowledge on fish welfare indicators and how to treat and prevent stress/disease.
• can explain how different physiological processes are regulated.

Skills

Upon completion of the course, the student:

• is able to identify anatomical structures in fish.
• is able to prepare and examine simple histological preparations from fish.
• is able to recognize most important organs and tissue types, as well as differentiate between healthy and diseased tissue.
• the student can write laboratory reports and interpret laboratory results.
• can discuss the factors that affect fish welfare and how to detect signs of stress/disease.

General competence

Upon completion of the course, the student:

• can exchange views with professionals and participate in professional discussions.
• has experience with laboratory work.
• has experience with working in teams.

Entry requirements

None.

Recommended previous knowledge

Basic knowledge in biology.

Teaching methods

Lectures (in person and online), class discussions and team-work, and practical laboratory work.

Compulsory learning activities

• A lab report must be submitted and passed before the exam. It will be graded as pass or fail.

Assessment

Individual home exam 10 days - 100%

All topics reviewed in this course can be subject of examination, meaning theory and lab practice.

Grading scale: A-F

Examination support material

All allowed.

More about examination support material