Physiology of Aquatic Animals

Code:

MA224

Acronym:

FAA

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	General and Aquatic Biology

Instance: 2012/2013 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Microscopy
Course/CS Responsible:	Aquatic Sciences

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
LCMA	39	Plan 2012 to 2017	2	-	5	49	135

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

Following the knowledge of anatomy, histology and comparative animal physiology previously acquired, it is projected now address, a perspective more particular aspects related to the physiology of aquatic animals with emphasis on fish, but also covering topics selected mollusks, crustaceans and mammals.

With the approach aims to become an emphasis of integrating aspects of endocrinology, particularly with interest applied to the areas of reproduction and growth. Elected as central pedagogical concern the ability of the student to be an active element in the search for knowledge and exploration of unreleased songs from the scope of the unit, using the knowledge that has systematically from their experience as a student of the aquatic sciences.

Learning outcomes and competences

Provide students with the ability to better understand the physiology of organs and systems of aquatic animals, including a perspective of neuro-endocrine integration and adaptive needs against environmental changes.

Understand the importance of key environmental factors on the physiology of aquatic animals, through case studies and appreciating diversity. Understanding how physiological knowledge can be applied to practical problems in production and biomonitoring.

Increase the ability of students searching, selecting, critically analyze and present information of a physiological, schematically and integrating it with previously learned concepts.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1. Central Nervous System (CNS)
1.1. Introduction
1.2. Physiology of the brain, pituitary and hypothalamus of fish
1.2.1. Neurotransmitters
1.2.2. Hypothalamic factors (GnRH I, II and III), neuropeptide Y, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine, inhibition of gonadotropin hormone

1.3. Pituitary
1.3.1. Structure and functioning
1.3.2. Chemical messengers (target organs)

2. Pineal Gland
2.1. Structure and mode of action / relationship with Central Nervous System
2.1.1. Photoperiod - Melatonin - Season reproductive

3. Gonads
3.1. Physiology of ovaries and testes
3.1.1. Relationship between the action of the pineal gland, CNS and gonad
3.1.1.1. Main stages of development of gametes
3.1.2. Different types of gonads (fish synchronous, asynchronous, synchronous groups)
3.1.3. Formation and release of pheromones (examples of various species in which the action of pheromones is essential in reproduction)

4. Thyroid
4.1. Structure and mode of operation
4.2. Functions of thyroid hormones in fish and amphibians

5. Liver
5.1. Liver involvement in growth and reproduction
5.1.1. System Insulin-like growth factor
5.1.2. The relationship between liver, CNS tissue such as muscle, cartilage and bone

6. Pancreas
6.1. Structure and mode of operation
6.2. Role of insulin in aquatic animals

7. Gill
7.1. Structure and its role in osmoregulation
7.2. Cells chlorine

8. Kidney
8.1. Structure and its role in osmoregulation
8.1.1 Rim endocrine
8.1.2. Chromaffin cells
8.1.3. Renin-angiotensin system
8.1.4. Corpuscles of Stannius

9. Gland Ultimobranchial

10. Caudal neurosecretory system and the neuroendocrine system flow

11. Physiological adaptations of the invasion of land by fish

12. Advances in the physiology of the digestive tract of fish

13. Advances in the physiology of molluscs

Themes practical classes

1. Theme (s) on hot topics
1.1. Aquaporins in fish - research on its importance
1.2. Endocrine modulation of the immune system by oestrogens

2. Theme (s) on general metabolism
2.1. Production and excretion of ammonia in fish, their toxicity and role in defense
2.2. Importance of leptin in the physiology of teleost

3. Theme (s) connected to the physiology of diving
3.1. Decompression problems in aquatic mammals - their detection imaging
3.2. Responses to the environment and adptações - hypoxia

4. Theme (s) on the physiology of the circulatory system
4.1. Aspects of rheology of blood in mammals
4.2. Design and heart physiology of fish

5. Theme (s) on physiology of migration
5.1. Adaptations for anadromous fish (salmon)
5.2. Adaptations catadromous fish (eel).

6. Theme (s) on cellular physiology
6.1. Isolation of cells for physiological studies - primary cultures of hepatocytes
6.2. Estimation of cell viability on situations of stress (osmotic, ethanol)

7. Theme (s) on serotonergic mechanisms of aggression
7.1. Neurotransmitters and Aggression in invertebrates and aquatic vertebrates
7.2. Noninvasive testing laboratory on mechanisms of aggression in Betta splendens

Mandatory literature

Anthony P. Farrell; Encyclopedia of Fish Physiology: From Genome to Environment, Academic Press Inc , 2011. ISBN: 0123745454
Sofronios E. Papoutsoglou; Textbook of Fish Endocrinology, Nova Science Publishers, 2012. ISBN: 978-1-62100-270-3

Complementary Bibliography

Nicholas J. Bernier, Glen Van Der Kraak, Anthony P. Farrell and Colin J. Brauner; Fish Physiology: Fish Neuroendocrinology, Academic Press Inc, 2009. ISBN: 0123746310
M Reinecke, Giacomo Zaccone, B.G. Kapoor; Fish Endocrinology (2 Vols.) , Science Publishers, 2006. ISBN: 978-1578083183

Comments from the literature

Complementary information and specific bibliography will be advanced by the treaching staff.

Teaching methods and learning activities

Lectures, classes, research and analysis of information, presentations by students, laboratory classes with in vitro experiments and in vivo.

keywords

Natural sciences > Biological sciences > Zoology > Animal physiology

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Description	Type	Time (hours)	Weight (%)	End date
Final exam	Exame	2,00	60,00
Regularity and perfomrance	Participação presencial	49,00	40,00
	Total:	-	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Description	Type	Time (hours)	End date
Classes	Frequência das aulas	49
Self study	Estudo autónomo	86
	Total:	135,00

Calculation formula of final grade

Final rating = Note theoretical final exam (60%) + Note continuous assessment (40%)

The scores for each component are initially assigned on a scale of 0 to 20. It requires 9.5 minimum grade for approval as each of the components in question.

Continuous assessment rewards attendance, level of commitment, and even the quality of performance of each student during the lessons.

Classification improvement

After an initial approval to the course the student may apply for grade improvement final exam. No substitution of continuous evaluation score by any act of nature alone. A possible improvement in continuous assessment involves attending classes again, performing all activities inherent.