sci1bif biology of fish
BIOLOGY OF FISH
SCI1BIF
2019
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
In this subject students will develop fish husbandry skills in the management of sustainable aquaculture. Central to this subject is the development of knowledge of taxonomy and important features of the various groups of fishes and the study of the effects of environmental variables on physiology. Students will explore the physiological approaches used by different fish groups to cope with environmental variables and the physiological basis of fundamental life processes such as respiration, blood circulation, reproduction, metabolism, osmoregulation and migration. The life cycle of important fish species will also be covered including development, age, growth and survival and mortality. Students will be introduced to scientific experimentation: health and safety in laboratory conditions, record keeping, and presentation and reporting, and learn biological sample preservation techniques.
SchoolSchool of Life Sciences
Credit points15
Subject Co-ordinatorDimuthu Wijesinghe
Available to Study Abroad StudentsNo
Subject year levelYear Level 1 - UG
Exchange StudentsNo
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites Admission into SBATE
Co-requisitesN/A
Incompatible subjectsN/A
Equivalent subjectsN/A
Special conditionsN/A
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | An introduction to ichthyology | Recommended | Moyle, P & Cech, J 2004 | 5TH EDN, PRENTICE HALL, NEW YORK, USA |
| Readings | Biology of fishes | Recommended | Bone, Q & Moore R 2008 | TAYLOR AND FRANCIS GROUP, NEW YORK |
| Readings | Bond's biology of fishes | Recommended | Barton, M 2007 | 3RD EDN, THOMSON BROOKS, MELBOURNE |
| Readings | Osmotic and Ionic Regulation: Cells and Animals | Recommended | Evans, D 2009 | CRC PRESS, BOCA RATON, FL |
| Readings | Osmotic, sodium, carbon dioxide and acid-base state of the Port Jackson shark, Heterodontus portusjacksoni, in response to lowered salinity | Recommended | Cooper, A & Morris, S 2004 | JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOLOGY, VOL. 174, NO. 3, PP. 311-222 |
| Readings | Plasma and erythrocytesolute properties of juvenile bull sharks, Carcharhinus leucas, acutely exposed to increasing environmental salinity | Recommended | Pillans, R, Anderson, W, Good, J Hyodo, S Takei, Y, Hazon, N & Franklin, C 2006 | JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY, VOL. 331, PP. 145-157 |
| Readings | Reproductive biology and phyogeny of fishes (agnathans and bony fishes) | Recommended | Jamieson, B 2009 | SCIENCE PUBLISHERS, ENFIELD, USA |
| Readings | Sexuality in fishes | Recommended | Pandian, T 2011 | SCIENCE PUBLISHERS, NEW JERSEY, USA |
| Readings | Sharks and rays of Australia | Recommended | Last, P & Stevens, J 2009 | CSIRO PUBLISHING, COLLINGWOOD, VICTORIA |
| Readings | The diversity of fishes | Recommended | Helfman, G, Colette, B, facey, D & Bowen, B 2009 | WILEY-BLACKWELL, LONDON UK |
| Readings | The effects of changes in salinity on osmoregulation and chloride cel morphology of juvenile Australian snapper, Pagrus auratus | Recommended | Fielder, D, Allan, G, Pepperall, D & Pankhurst, P 2007 | AQUACULTURE, VOL. 272, PP. 656-666 |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Describe and explain the biological principles of aquaculture
- Activities:
- Group discussion and practical sessions will be used to explore the principles of aquaculture. Field trips will be used to demonstrate theses principles.
02. Identify fish taxonomy and describe the migration and distribution patterns in relation to the life cycles of fish
- Activities:
- Group discussions and case study analysis will be used to explore the migration and distribution patterns of fish. Group discussion and research tasks in workshops will also be used.
03. Explain morphological and anatomical structure and physiological processes of fish in relation to their environment
- Activities:
- group discussion and practical sessions will be used to demonstrate and identify the morphological structures of fish.
04. Identify appropriate methods for biological sample preservation in relation to practical aquaculture
- Activities:
- Practical workshops and group discussion will be used to develop methods of taking biological samples of fish and maintaining them for analysis.
Subject options
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Epping, 2019, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolmentYes
Maximum enrolment sizeN/A
Enrolment information
Subject Instance Co-ordinatorPenelope Smith
Class requirements
Laboratory ClassWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
WorkShopWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Examination - 2 hours (2,000-words equivalent) | 30 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Written Essay (1,000-words) | 20 | 01, 02, 03 | |
| Two written Exams -1.5 hours each (1,500-words equiv each, total 3,000-words equiv.) | Mid semester and end of semester 3 hours total | 50 | 01, 02, 03 |