Aquatic Ecophysiology: Physiological adaptations of high-latitude fish

Fakultet for biovitenskap, fiskeri og økonomi

Theoretical subject.

Previous knowledge in fish physiology (BIO-2504) and general physiology (BIO-2305) is recommended.

BIO-2504 Fish Physiology

The course encompasses topics of universal character (neural, endocrine and genetic control mechanisms) and topics that are relevant for fish at high latitudes (i.e. seasonality). The course gives initially a detailed description of basic regulatory mechanisms at the molecular, biochemical and physiological level, followed by more specific part that focus on adaptational mechanisms associated with an aquatic life at high latitudes. The latter includes such that enable fish to prepare for, and cope with seasonal variations in their environment. Some of these adaptations may reveal mechanisms of universal interest and most of them are important to know within a context of fish farming in the north.

The aim of the course is to give the students a basic understanding of how regulatory signals are transduced and perceived in vertebrates, and how these signals regulate adaptations of fish living in a strongly seasonal environment in the north.

In addition the students will gain experience in reviewing and dissecting scientific publications.

Students who has completed the course should:

• Know how endocrine information is transduced between body compartments in vertebrates and how such information are perceived and output appropriate responses.
• Understand the challenges of living in an environment with strong seasonal changes in food availability and how long-term energy homeostasis is regulated in general (humans), in animals with regulated changes in seasonal food intake and growth (e.g. ground squirrel) and in fish.
• Understand the evolutionary background for the anadromous life strategy of salmonid fish, the physiological challenges of this life-strategy and the preparatory changes they undergo before seaward migration.
• Know the facts about the pollutant load in Arctic animals and the toxicokinetics of lipophilic pollutants (e.g. PCB) in animals undergoing strong seasonal changes in body fatness.
• Understand how research projects are conceived, accomplished and published.
• Evaluate "established truths", and conclusions based on single studies.
• Understand that biological mechanisms and adaptations are multiple and complex.

English

Lectures, laboratory work and student colloquium.

Written exam that counts 2/3 of the final grade Evaluation of lab report that counts 1/3 of the final grade

Rapport
Skriftlig eksamen 05.12.2011

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

Available on request