BIOL2732 Aquaculture Systems and Technology

2020

4.5

2 x 50-minute lectures weekly
1 x 50-minute tutorial fortnightly
1 x 3-hour practical fortnightly
1 x 45-hour industry placement per semester

1 BIOL1101 - Evolution of Biological Diversity
2 1 of BIOL1102, BIOL1112, BIOL1203
Must Satisfy: (1 and 2)

BIOL8732 has been successfully completed

Skills and knowledge such as can be found in BIOL1101 Evolution of Biological Diversity and BIOL1102 Molecular Basis of Life.

The topic will provide students with a theoretical and practical capacity to design, construct and maintain systems for culturing aquatic animals. Students will be familiar with the requirements of aquatic animals in culture systems, the systems themselves, management of water quality within these systems, feeding practices within the aquaculture industry and industry placement. At the completion of this topic, students will be expected to demonstrate their ability in the areas of understanding design and management of aquatic animal production systems, know where to search for suppliers of equipment and stock, and be able to critically analyse peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed literature in this area.

Students completing this topic should be competent in designing systems of containment structures (tanks, ponds, cages etc.) and treatment systems for the maintenance and production of aquatic animals. Students will:

1. Understand the importance of maintaining water quality to suit the species in culture, and how to achieve optimal water quality
2. Have a thorough understanding of the various components of aquatic animal containment/ production systems and how these are applied in the culture of the different life stages of aquacultured species
3. Be competent at maintaining the nutritional well-being of animals in aquatic culture
4. Be able to critically analyse research and other literature associated with aquaculture engineering and farming technology

The topic will also develop students' abilities in:

1. Laboratory practical skills
2. Laboratory report writing skills
3. Independent learning skills from current literature through writing a research report
4. Interacting with aquaculture industries

At the completion of the topic, students are expected to be able to:

1. Manage commercial-scale systems for aquacultured organisms
2. Demonstrate ability and understanding in systems management in aquaculture operations
3. Show effective reporting skills for managing aquaculture systems