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Intended for: English-speaking students (ERASMUS exchange programme).
The course is mixed with the Czech version (MB160T39), but all teachers speak English fluently and will provide instructions and explanations in English. Minor changes to the program may occur depending on the specific conditions of the year. Duration and Location One-day field course, usually held in October, at the Ruda Field Station near Veselí nad Lužnicí, South Bohemia, during the traditional fish pond harvesting season. The exact date will be announced in the second half of September (after the fishery announces the schedule). Course Objective This course introduces students to: • Common fish species in Czech ponds, their anatomy, morphology, behavior, and ecological adaptations. • Pond management and husbandry practices, with historical context and contemporary perspectives. • History of pond fisheries in the Czech Republic and the ecological impact of traditional and modern management. Parasites are included as an important part of fish health observation. The course combines fieldwork with laboratory analysis, documentation, and an interdisciplinary approach (zoology, ecology, parasitology, fisheries science). Program and Schedule • Arrival: Organized by the staff. Departure from the faculty usually around 6 a.m. Exact date and time will be announced in advance. • Field activities: o Identification and description of fish species, including anatomy, morphology, and ecological adaptations. o Practical demonstration of pond harvesting techniques and seasonal aspects. o Talk by a local fisherman about the history of fisheries in the region and traditional and modern management methods. o Observation of fish health and examination of parasites. • Laboratory activities (at the field station): o Systematic fish dissections to study anatomy and internal organs. o Preparation of native slides; use of microscopes and stereomicroscopes. o Documentation of findings with notes, drawings, and photographs. • The course encourages teamwork and international collaboration among Czech- and English-speaking students. Daily Schedule Highlights: • Morning: Visiting pond, talk by local fisherman, collection of fish for lab analysis. • Midday+afternoon: Laboratory demonstrations, fish dissections, observation, species identification, note-taking and drawing for protocol. • Late afternoon: Cooking and tasting fish dishes, discussion and consolidation of field observations. • Course ends around 5:30 PM; students depart independently or via arranged transport. Practical Information • Required equipment: sturdy field shoes, waterproof warm clothing, hat, indoor slippers, notebook, pens/pencils, and optional digital camera. • Food for the day is required (brunch), hot drinks and drinking water provided, grilled fish late afternoon. • Electricity and utility water are available. Heating is local (wood stove), latrines are outdoor-style. • Students may need cash for small purchases (refreshment) during field visit at the pond. • Binoculars are optional for observing wildlife or fishermen. • Transportation details will be provided in advance. Course Output • Active participation in field and laboratory activities. • Submission of a structured protocol/report within one month: o List of fish species (common and scientific names), ecology. o List of parasites observed, theit scientific names and taxonomy, description of life cycles and ecology. o Documentation with drawings or photographs. • Credit awarded upon successful submission. Contacts and Communication • Course guarantor: Dr. Libor Mikeš – mikes@natur.cuni.cz, +420 603 114 711 • Specific instructions, transport details, and possibly pre-course meetings for ERASMUS students will be communicated via email after enrollment. Last update: Mikeš Libor, RNDr., Ph.D. (15.01.2026)
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There is no useful monograph available. Students will be informed during the course where to find appropriate source of information. This usually includes internet resources and original scientific papers. Last update: Mikeš Libor, RNDr., Ph.D. (15.01.2026)
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Students are required to actively participate in all course activities, including parasitological dissections of fish, observation and identification of parasite species, and recording findings through drawings and notes for their protocols. Within one month after the course, students must complete their protocols, using information from both scientific literature and online resources. The protocols should include: · Lists of fish and parasite species observed, including scientific (Latin) names, · Grouping of fish and parasite species according to their phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic positions, including the Latin names of higher taxonomic ranks (e.g., family, order, class, phylum), · Descriptions of the life cycles of each parasite observed during the course. Students are encouraged to include original drawings and photographs made during the course to supplement their protocols. All sources used, both printed and electronic, must be fully cited. Protocols should be submitted electronically to the course guarantor as a MS Word file (.doc or .docx), not exceeding 10 MB in size. If the protocol meets the required standards, students will receive course credit. If there are errors or omissions, the guarantor will provide feedback, and students are required to submit a revised version. Last update: Mikeš Libor, RNDr., Ph.D. (15.01.2026)
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After completing this course, the student will be able to: Knowledge · Describe common fish species in Czech ponds, including their anatomy, morphology, behavior, and ecological adaptations. · Explain the ecological role of fish in pond ecosystems and their interactions with the environment. · Understand historical and contemporary practices of pond fisheries in the Czech Republic, including traditional and modern management techniques and their ecological impact. · Recognize basic principles of fish health assessment, including observation and determination of parasites. · Integrate field and laboratory experiences with theoretical knowledge, connecting fish biology, ecology, and fisheries management. Skills · Identify pond fish species in the field and describe their ecological characteristics. · Perform systematic dissections of fish for the study of anatomy and internal organs. · Prepare native slides and use microscopes and stereomicroscopes to observe anatomical features and parasites. · Document observations accurately through notes, scientific drawings, and photographs. · Compile structured reports/protocols, including species lists, anatomical and ecological descriptions, and parasite biology. · Work effectively in small, multicultural groups, collaborating with Czech- and English-speaking students. Competences · Integrate fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and theoretical knowledge to develop a comprehensive understanding of pond fish biology and ecology. · Apply an interdisciplinary approach, combining zoology, ecology, parasitology, and fisheries science. · Critically analyze and interpret field and laboratory observations, including ecological relationships and pond management practices. · Contribute to team projects and collaborative learning in an international context, sharing knowledge and supporting group documentation. · Follow safety and ethical guidelines when handling fish, biological materials, and laboratory equipment. Last update: Mikeš Libor, RNDr., Ph.D. (15.01.2026)
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