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 TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsAn introduction to ichthyologyRecommendedMoyle, P & Cech, J 20045TH EDN, PRENTICE HALL, NEW YORK, USA
ReadingsBiology of fishesRecommendedBone, Q & Moore R 2008TAYLOR AND FRANCIS GROUP, NEW YORK
ReadingsBond's biology of fishesRecommendedBarton, M 20073RD EDN, THOMSON BROOKS, MELBOURNE
ReadingsOsmotic and Ionic Regulation: Cells and AnimalsRecommendedEvans, D 2009CRC PRESS, BOCA RATON, FL
ReadingsOsmotic, sodium, carbon dioxide and acid-base state of the Port Jackson shark, Heterodontus portusjacksoni, in response to lowered salinityRecommendedCooper, A & Morris, S 2004JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOLOGY, VOL. 174, NO. 3, PP. 311-222
ReadingsPlasma and erythrocytesolute properties of juvenile bull sharks, Carcharhinus leucas, acutely exposed to increasing environmental salinityRecommendedPillans, R, Anderson, W, Good, J Hyodo, S Takei, Y, Hazon, N & Franklin, C 2006JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MARINE BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY, VOL. 331, PP. 145-157
ReadingsReproductive biology and phyogeny of fishes (agnathans and bony fishes)RecommendedJamieson, B 2009SCIENCE PUBLISHERS, ENFIELD, USA
ReadingsSexuality in fishesRecommendedPandian, T 2011SCIENCE PUBLISHERS, NEW JERSEY, USA
ReadingsSharks and rays of AustraliaRecommendedLast, P & Stevens, J 2009CSIRO PUBLISHING, COLLINGWOOD, VICTORIA
ReadingsThe diversity of fishesRecommendedHelfman, G, Colette, B, facey, D & Bowen, B 2009WILEY-BLACKWELL, LONDON UK
ReadingsThe effects of changes in salinity on osmoregulation and chloride cel morphology of juvenile Australian snapper, Pagrus auratusRecommendedFielder, D, Allan, G, Pepperall, D & Pankhurst, P 2007AQUACULTURE, 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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Start date between: and    Key dates

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 elementComments%ILO*
Practical Examination - 2 hours (2,000-words equivalent)3001, 02, 03, 04
Written Essay (1,000-words)2001, 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 total5001, 02, 03