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Duration and Location:
A one-day field course, usually held in October, takes place at the Ruda field station near Veselí nad Lužnicí during pond fish harvests. Accommodation and Station Facilities: • The station has electricity and running water (non-potable). • Students should bring their own sleeping bags; a sleeping mat and flashlight are recommended. • Field footwear and suitable (warm, durable) clothing are required, prepared for potential contamination with fish blood. • Indoor slippers should be used inside the station only. • Cold meals for the whole day; grilled fish with bread provided in the afternoon. Hot tea and drinking water are available free of charge. Course Program and Schedule: • Arrival at the station is recommended the day before; departure or start of pond fish harvest around 7:00 AM. • Practical activities include: * demonstration and identification of common fish species with expert commentary, * field examination of fish for parasitic infections, * systematic dissection of fish to examine internal anatomy and collect parasite samples, * preparation of temporary and permanent slides, microscopy, and stereomicroscopic observation, * identification of parasite species found, including their taxonomic classification and life cycles, * documentation of findings through notes, drawings, and photographs for subsequent report preparation. • The course links field experience with laboratory analysis, ecological and theoretical context, supporting an interdisciplinary approach combining fisheries, zoology, parasitology, microscopy, and ecology. • Students work in groups, including collaboration between Czech- and English-speaking participants. Course Completion: • The academic program ends around 17:00; students depart independently (by train, or by car if arranged). • The station is accessible by car via a forest road; passability depends on weather conditions. Required Equipment: • Notebook and writing materials, digital camera for documentation. • All notes, drawings, and photographs will be used to prepare the report. Course Output and Credit Requirements: • Active participation in the course and submission of a parasitological examination report of fish, which includes: * a list of dissected fish (Czech and Latin names) and their taxonomic classification, * a list of parasites found (Latin names, taxonomic groups), * a description of the complete life cycles of the parasites found, according to the literature, * original drawings or photographs of the observed parasites and hosts. • The report must be submitted electronically (*.doc, *.docx, max. 10 MB) within 1 month after the course. Main Course Objectives: • Link field experience with laboratory analysis and theoretical knowledge, • Practice practical skills: handling fish, dissection, microscopy, working with optical equipment, documentation, slide preparation, • Support critical thinking and the ability to interpret results in a biological and ecological context, • Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and teamwork among students of different linguistic and academic backgrounds. Last update: Votýpka Jan, doc. RNDr., Ph.D. (08.01.2026)
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Literature: · Nemoci a chorobné stavy ryb: https://uzrhv.af.mendelu.cz/wcd/w-af-uzrhv/ryb/aktuality_obr/nemoci_ryb_www_optim.pdf · Ergens R., Lom J.: Původci parasitárních nemocí ryb. Academia, 1970 · Scientific articles concerning individual parasite species · Internet sources Last update: Votýpka Jan, doc. RNDr., Ph.D. (07.01.2026)
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Course Output and Credit Requirements: · Active participation in the course and submission of a parasitological examination report of fish, which includes: o a list of dissected fish (English and Latin names) and their taxonomic classification, o a list of parasites found (Latin names, taxonomic groups), o a description of the complete life cycles of the parasites found, according to the literature, o original drawings or photographs of the observed parasites and hosts. · The report must be submitted electronically (*.doc, *.docx, max. 10 MB) within 1 month after the course. Last update: Votýpka Jan, doc. RNDr., Ph.D. (08.01.2026)
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Upon completion of the course, the student will acquire the following: Knowledge · Explain the role of fish and their parasites within the ecosystem and the basic principles of fish ecology in relation to parasites · Describe the anatomy and morphology of major fish species with respect to their relationship to parasites · Recognize and distinguish common pond fish species and their ecological characteristics · Identify the main groups of fish parasites and classify them within higher taxonomic categories · Understand the life cycles of observed parasites and relate them to host biology and environmental conditions · Place practical experience from fish sampling and dissection within a broader biological and ecological context Skills · Participate in field fish sampling and actively follow expert guidance, including fish species identification and ecological observations · Handle fish and perform systematic dissections to obtain tissue and parasite samples · Prepare wet mounts and work independently with a microscope and stereomicroscope for parasite identification · Document findings through notes, drawings, and photographs · Process data into a structured protocol, including taxonomic lists of fish and parasites and life cycle descriptions based on literature · Work effectively in a team, including collaboration between Czech and English-speaking students Competences · Integrate field and laboratory experience with theoretical knowledge to develop a comprehensive understanding of fish parasitology · Apply an interdisciplinary approach combining fisheries science, zoology, parasitology, microscopy, and ecology · Critically evaluate observational results and interpret host–parasite–environment relationships · Contribute to teaching and teamwork in a multilingual student group, share knowledge, and support collective data processing · Adhere to safety and ethical standards when handling fish, biological material, and laboratory equipment
Last update: Votýpka Jan, doc. RNDr., Ph.D. (08.01.2026)
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