75763 - Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology of Aquatic Species

Learning outcomes

The student should know the general aspects of sexual and metabolic endocrinology in reared teleostea, with particular reference to the control methods of productive and reproductive functions; the student will acquire knowledge concerning main contaminants in aquatic environment with a special reference to endocrine disruptors

Course contents

Although NOT compulsory, it is recommended to follow the lessons, as the teaching material is very specific and not easily extrapolated from textbooks or international texts and bibliography.

Attendance can certainly facilitate the understanding of the subject and the preparation of the exam

 

Physiological aspects of the central nervous system: synaptic transmission.
Physiology aspects of the sympathetic and parasympathetic autonomic nervous system.

The endocrine system and its organization. Metabolic and stress physiology in teleost.

Physiology of the reproductive system: modality of sexual reproduction in the teleostei.

Hermaphroditism and sexual inversion.

Reproductive endocrinology: hypothalamic-pituitary control over gametogenesis. Maturation and development phases of male and female gametes. Gonadadic steroidogenesis: production of male and female sex hormones.

Secondary sexual characteristics and sexual dimorphism.

External and internal fertilization. Notes on embryonic development and hatching.

Climatic and environmental influences on reproductive processes and on embryonic and larval development.

Artificial fertilization and manipulation of gametes.

Stages of larval growth and weaning after resorption of the yolk sac;

Aspects of ontogenesis of the digestive system.

Notes on reproductive technologies in species of interest in aquaculture.

Students who do NOT attend classes are advised not to use only the teaching material provided by the teacher for exam preparation; this material must be integrated with the recommended texts or with the notes taken during the lesson as the only images and diagrams are not sufficient for exam preparation!

Readings/Bibliography

The physiology of fishes (Fifth edition).Currie, S., & Evans, D. H. (Eds.). (2021). CRC Press.

Fisiologia degli animali marini. Alessandro Poli, Elena Fabbri. II edizione EdiSES s.r.l, Napoli 2018 

Encyclopedia of Fish Physiology From Genome to Environment Reference Work • Editor-in-Chief: Anthony P. Farrell; Elsevier 2011

Fisiologia animale. R. Hill, G. Wise, M. Anderson. Zanichelli editore, Bologna 2006

The laboratory fish  edited by Gary K. Ostrander. Academic press, San Diego (CA) 2000.

Teaching methods

Ex-catedra lectures

Practical lessons in the laboratory or experimental fish farm

During the course, "in itinere" checks will be made to evaluate the learning of students

Assessment methods

In cases where provided for by the DSA and Disability regulations, aids are allowed which must be agreed in advance with the teacher (= before taking the exam) and with the teaching services of the CdS.

The examination is ORAL.

value scale that determines the final grade

preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course and analytical skills that emerge only with the help of the teacher expression in an overall correct language: 18-19

preparation on a limited number of topics covered in the course and autonomous analysis skills with modest connection skills expression in correct language: 20-24

preparation on a large number of topics covered in the course ability to make independent choices of critical analysis and connection between topics, mastery of specific terminology: 25-27

substantially exhaustive preparation of the topics covered in the course ability to make connections and autonomous choices of critical analysis, full mastery of specific terminology with capacity for argumentation and self-reflection: 28-30-30L

 

Teaching tools

• Slides and teaching material on the UNIBO VIRTUAL portal
• Audio-visual material
• Educational visits

Links to further information

http://www.acquacoltura.unibo.it/

Office hours

See the website of Albamaria Parmeggiani