Introduction to Aquaculture

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

The course includes the biology and rearing of salmonids, marine fish species, shellfish, crustaceans and algae, including the design and operation of fish farms and the control of environmental factors which are important for cultivation and production routines. Other important topics are fish health, environmental impact from fish farming, nutrition, feeds and feeding, genetics and international aquaculture. Compulsory assignments focus on key aspects of controlled biological production and reflect the main emphasis of the required reading list, while lab work and excursions give practical insight into challenges facing the industry.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the course the students should have a thorough understanding of biological challenges related to farming of salmonids, marine fish species, shellfish, crustaceans and algae, with emphasis on cold water species. Integrated in these skills, the students should have insight into key topics which are central for aquaculture and production planning, design and management of aquaculture farms, fish health, genetics and breeding, and international aquaculture. Through the writing of student papers, the students will demonstrate skills and knowledge about critical topics related to aquatic biological production.

ECTS Credits

10 ECTS

Level of Study

Bachelor (advanced) and master. Students in the master's programme in biology will be prioritised.

Semester of Instruction

Autumn.

This course has a limited capacity, enrolment is based on application. The application deadline is Wednesday in week 33 for the autumn semester. Please see this page for more information. You will receive confirmation of whether you received a seat in Studentweb no later than Monday the week after the deadline.

It is compulsory to attend the first lecture/orientation meeting, or you risk losing your seat. If you are unable to attend the first lecture, you must contact the Study Section (studie.bio@uib.no). The time of the first lecture/orientation meeting can be found in the schedule on the course description website, or on Mitt UiB.

Place of Instruction

Bergen
Required Previous Knowledge
Compulsory courses in bachelor's in biology, or equivalent courses.
Recommended Previous Knowledge
None
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
MAR250 Introduction to Aquaculture (10 ECTS) overlaps 100% (discontonued course code which now is BIO203 Introduction to Aquaculture).
Access to the Course
In order to be admitted to the course, you must be admitted to a study programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Students in the master's programme in biology will be prioritised.
Teaching and learning methods
Lectures
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
  • Compulsory written group assignments.
  • Approved compulsory activities are valid for 6 semesters, including the semester of completion. Compulsory activities have to be passed in order to take the exam.

    Forms of Assessment
    Portfolio, consisting of:
    • Written school exam (3 hours), accounts for 80% of final grade.
    • Written individual assignment, accounts for 20% of final grade.
    • Approved written group assignments (compulsory activity).
    Grading Scale
    The grading scale used is A to F. Grade A is the highest passing grade, grade F is a fail.
    Assessment Semester
    Written school exam in both spring and autumn semesters. In semesters with no teaching, the examination will take place at the beginning of the semester, and the grade for the individual written assignment (20%) from the previous semester will be included in the final grade.
    Reading List
    The literature list will be available by June 1 for the autumn semester and December 1 for the spring semester, and you'll find it on course description website or on Mitt UiB.
    Course Evaluation
    Students will evaluate the course in accordance with the quality assurance system at UiB and the Department. You can find course evaluations in the Quality Assurance Reports.
    Examination Support Material
    None
    Programme Committee
    The Programme Board is responsible for the content, structure and quality of the course.
    Course Administrator
    The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences by the Department of Biological Sciences has the administrative responsibility for the course.