Høst 2025

BIO-2407 Introduction to Aquaculture - 7.5 stp

The course is administrated by

Norges fiskerihøgskole

Type of course

The course is primarily for students taking degree program Fisheries and Aquaculture science (Fiskeri- og havbruksvitenskap). It is also open as an elective course for exchange students who are taking a biology study program. BIO-2407 has a maximum capacity of 80 students; in the event of the course being oversubscribed priority will be given to students who have the course as an obligatory subject in their degree program.

Course overlap

BIO-2508 Aquaculture I 10 ects

Course contents

The course is an introduction to culture of aquatic organisms. Emphasis is put on species that are common to the Norwegian aquaculture industry, but aquaculture in temperate and tropical areas will also be covered. The first part deals with aquaculture production in the world, spanning from algae to fish. A general description of techniques used in marine hatchery and a description of fry production of different species will also be given. The course then focuses on the cultivation of salmonids with main emphasis on Atlantic salmon. Other key themes are fish breeding / genetics, feeding and nutrition, and diseases and parasites. The last part of the course covers aspects related to sustainable aquaculture production.

Admission requirements

Nordic applicants: Admission requirements are generell studiekompetanse + REALFA.

Application code: 9197

International applicants: Higher Education Entrance Qualification and certified language requirements in English. A list of the requirements for the Higher Education Entrance Qualification in Norway can be found on the Norwegian Agency for Quality Assurance in Education website - nokut.no

Course participants are expected to have a reasonable working knowledge of mathematics chemistry and aquatic biology/ecology, i.e. have taken introductory university courses (minimum 10 STP) in these subjects.

Objective of the course

Knowledge:

Have a broad knowledge of aquaculture production in the world, from algae to fish.
Describe farming techniques for species that are common to the Norwegian aquaculture industry.
Have an understanding of how fish hatcheries are built-up, based on the biological and technological prerequisites of each species.
Have knowledge of basic principles of fish breeding / genetics as well as nutrition and health.
Have basic knowledge of the ecological effects of aquaculture, focusing on marine cage culture and environmentally sustainable production.

Skills:

Be able to understand the general theory, methods and techniques used for the cultivation of aquatic organisms.
Knowing the principles of nutrition, feed composition and growth in fish.
Describe the most common fish diseases and parasites and know how to deal with these.
Have an understanding of the growing aquaculture industry, and see the need and the challenges of cultivating a range of aquatic species in an environmental sustainable manner.

General competences:

Be able to acquire relevant information, exploit, and benefit from research-based knowledge in aquaculture.
Communicate and exchange views on the most central questions, challenges and different solutions in aquaculture.
Understand the role and impact that the aquaculture industry has within the food-producing sector.

Language of instruction

The language of instruction is English and all of the syllabus material is in English. Examination questions will be given in English but may be answered either in English or a Scandinavian language.

Teaching methods

Lectures and excursion. Necessary safety training will be given.