Example course "Aquaculture Production Systems"

This course explains the basic processes affecting water quality in aquatic environments. The student learns to which extend and how these basic processes can be controlled in aquatic ecosystems ranging from lakes to super-intensive recirculating aquaculture systems. The ultimate goal is to learn how to provide culture organisms with a favorable and stable living environment, the latter considering the direct living space but also the wider ecosystem, naturally or man-made. By the end of the course, the student will understand and master basic water quality management, effluent treatment, aquatic animal husbandry (e.g. stocking density, feeding strategies) and overall design criteria for aquaculture systems. The knowledge gained can be applied for the management of natural ecosystems (including inland lakes, ornamental ponds or marine public aquaria systems), aquaculture ponds, flow-through systems or super-intensive recirculating aquaculture systems.

In principle, any students with a background in biological sciences at BSc level can participate in the course. In case of lack of biological background the student should follow the course “Life History and Biology of Aquatic Organisms” ( AFI-31306 ). A basic notion of parameters determining water quality is highly recommended. In case of limited water quality knowledge, the student should follow an introductory course on aquatic ecology like “Processes in Aquatic Systems” ( AEW-20306 ).

The course has a study load of 6 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System), each credit representing a work load of 28 hours (including lectures, exercises and study). The study activities are divided between lectures (3 ECTS; 24 contact hours) and Practical Training (3 ECTS; extensive 17 contact hours & intensive 54 contact hours).