BIOL8732 Aquaculture Systems and Technology GE

The topic will provide students with an advanced theoretical and practical capacity to design construct and maintain systems for culturing aquatic animals. Students will become 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 able to demonstrate advanced skills in designing systems of containment structures (tanks, ponds, cages etc.) and treatment systems for the maintenance and production of aquatic animals. Students will:

• Understand the importance of maintaining water quality to suit the species in culture, and how to achieve optimal water quality
• Have an advanced 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
• Be highly skilled at maintaining the nutritional well-being of animals in aquatic culture
• Be able to critically analyse research and other literature associated with aquaculture engineering and farming technology

• Laboratory practical skills
• Laboratory report writing skills
• Independent learning skills from current literature through writing a research report

1. Manage commercial-scale systems for aquacultured organisms
2. Demonstrate advanced ability and understanding in systems management in aquaculture operations
3. Show advanced reporting skills for managing aquaculture systems
4. Understand and apply relevant scientific principles and work effectively, cooperatively and productively within a team