Physiology of Aquatic Animals

Code:

MA224

Acronym:

FAA

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	General and Aquatic Biology

Instance: 2023/2024 - 4T (of 22-04-2024 to 14-06-2024)

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	40	Official Study Plan	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 aquatic 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

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Knowlegement about the histology and anatomy of fish (mostly teleost), molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic mammals.

Program

1. Central Nervous System (CNS).
Physiology of the brain, hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
Hypothalamic Factors

2. Physiology of the Pineal Gland.
Structure and mode of action/relationship with the Central Nervous System.
Photoperiod - Melatonin - Reproductive season.

3. Pituitary Physiology.
Structure and operation.
Chemical messengers (target organs).

4. Physiology of Sensorial Organs.

5. Physiology of Gonads.
Main stages of development of the gametes.
Different types of gonads (synchronous, asynchronous, synchronous fish by groups).
Mating systems.

6. Physiology of Thyroid.
Structure and mode of operation.

7. Ultimobranchial Gland and Stannius Corpuscles.

8. Liver.
Involvement of the liver in growth and reproduction.

9. Pancreas.
Structure and mode of operation.
Role of insulin in aquatic animals.

10. Gills.
Structure and its role in osmoregulation.
Chlorine cells.

11. Kidney.
Structure and its role in osmoregulation.
Endocrine kidney.

12. Caudal neuroendocrine system.

Mandatory literature

Anthony P. Farrell; Encyclopedia of Fish Physiology: From Genome to Environment, Academic Press Inc , 2011. ISBN: 0123745454
Robert E. Shadwick (Editor), Anthony Peter Farrell (Editor), Colin J. Brauner (Editor); Physiology of Elasmobranch Fishes: Structure and Interaction with Environment, Academic Press; 1 edition, 2015. ISBN: ISBN-10: 0128012897 ISBN-13: 978-0128012895

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

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, virtual laboratory classes.

keywords

Natural sciences > Biological sciences > Zoology > Animal physiology

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	60,00
Participação presencial	40,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	86,00
Frequência das aulas	49,00
Total:	135,00

Eligibility for exams

3/4 attendance considering TP and P classes.

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.

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

The weighting of each item evaluated is done according to the items presented in the table below. In each item, the student needs to reach a minimum of 9.5 values. 

DESIGNATION	Weighting (%)
FINAL EXAM	60
CONTINUOUS EVALUATION	40
PRACTICAL CONTINUOUS EVALUATION	Average of the classifications of the works in carried out in the practical classes * 40% 1.Failure to deliver the written work implies the assignment of 0 values. 2. The work of each student in the elaboration of each practical work will be taken into account (in terms of% effort) in the final evaluation of each work performed.
TOTAL FINAL	100

 

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.