Vår 2022

BIO-3011 Advances in Aquaculture - 10 stp

The course is administrated by

Institutt for arktisk og marin biologi

Type of course

Master course for biology students and for students at the program Fiskeri- og havbruksvitenskap - retning Havbruk. The course is available as a singular course.

Course contents

The course is an advanced course in aquaculture covering topics such as fish genetics, fish disease and interactions between farmed and wild stocks. Focus is on relevant biotechnological developments and the sustainability of aquaculture practices in Norway. Commercial applications and ecological issues pertinent to fish biotechnologies and feed management are discussed. The course is organized into theoretical and practical modules. The practical part is both field- and lab-based, and involves the delivery of activity reports.

Application deadline

Concerns only admission to singular courses: Applicants from Nordic countries: 1 June for the autumn semester and 1 December for the spring semester. Exchange students and Fulbright students: 1 October for the spring semester and 15 April for the autumn semester.

Admission requirements

Local admission, application code 9371 - - Master`s level singular course. Admission requires a Bachelor`s degree (180 ECTS) or equivalent qualification, with a major in biology of minimum 80 ECTS.

Objective of the course

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

Knowledge:

Have thorough knowledge about the principles of fish breeding with a focus on the interaction between genetics, nutrition and health.
Learn the role of gut microbiota and its importance in promoting fish health and welfare in a nutritional context.
Develop an understanding of the biological basis (molecular, cellular, physiological) controlling the reproduction, growth and condition of aquaculture species common to the Norwegian aquaculture industry.
Have understanding of the challenges facing modern aquaculture industry with reference to environmental issues and interactions between farmed and wild fish stocks; transfer of diseases and parasites, the impact of escaped fish, and the threats and benefits of GM fish.
Have knowledge of the general requirements needed for developing sustainable aquaculture practices.

Skills:

Appraise the general theory, methods and techniques behind modern aquaculture practices.
Knowing the principles of feed composition and management with focus on Atlantic salmon aquaculture.
Have gained sufficient understanding of the interactions between open-ocean aquaculture and the environment to be able to point out main ecological impacts and possible mitigation measures.
Obtain practical experience (hands-on) in techniques of artificial fertilization, chromosome manipulation, functional physiology and molecular biology.

General competences:

Develop critical evaluation of scientific literature and ability to compare, discuss and summarize experimental work for communication to a specialist or general audience.
Write scientific reports based upon the results of laboratory experiments and exercises.
Organize work independently and develop basic teamwork skills.

Language of instruction

English

Examination questions will be given in English and Norwegian and may be answered either in English or a Scandinavian language.

Teaching methods

Lectures and field/laboratory activities. Safety training for laboratory work: All necessary safety training will be provided by the laboratory instructor(s) before starting each activity.

Assessment

The exam consist of a 4 hour written exam. A graded scale of five marks from A to E for pass and F for fail.

Coursework requirements

In order to sit an examination, the student must complete and gain approval for the following coursework requirements:

Participation to field/laboratory activities and delivery of a report (Pass/Fail).

Approved work requirements have a duration of 3 years, from the semester in which the work requirements were taken.

Re-sit exam:

There will be a re-sit examination for students that did not pass the previous ordinary examination.