HV0200, Sustainable aquaculture, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-VH, 2025-04-23
Valid from : Autumn semester 2026 (2026-08-31)

Level

First cycle (G1N)

Main field of study

Animal Science

Grading Scale

5 / 4 / 3 / U

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

English

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The course will provide the student with basic knowledge in the field of Aquaculture.

On completion of the course the student should, within each respective topic, be able to:

• describe the basic anatomy and physiology of our most common farmed fish species,
• critically review the most common aquaculture production systems,
• explain the fundamental nutritional needs of our most common aquaculture species,
• describe the pros and cons of present and future feed ingredients for farmed fish and the impact their properties have on feed production, feeding and fish performance, as well as their quality as food items,
• account for critical factors involved in the genetics and reproduction of our most common aquaculture species,
• describe how genetic breeding values are estimated for our most common aquaculture species,
• describe fundamental health and welfare factors of our most common aquaculture species.

Content

The course is divided into five thematic units.

1. Important aquaculture species and production systems. Background knowledge will be provided regarding the main aquaculture species including fish, shrimps, bivalves, other invertebrates and algae. Furthermore, we will present and explain the main aquaculture production systems and their respective pros and cons with regard to production and environmental impact.

2. Reproduction in aquaculture species. The course will provide information on the main reproductive strategies that we encounter in aquatic organisms that are relevant for aquaculture. Moreover, critical genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors involved in reproductive physiology will be presented.

3. Aquaculture breeding and genetics. Through this course, the student will be introduced to common breeding schemes in aquaculture species including those aimed for release into natural environments. Introductory theory regarding the estimation of genetic parameters and breeding value estimation under aquaculture breeding schemes will presents. Additionally, modern genomic tools for aquaculture breeding purposes will be presented. The student will also gain practical experience using the R programming language for performing simple numerical calculations for breeding purposes. Computer exercises will be based on aquaculture datasets derived from traditional pedigree schemes as well as genomic information.

4. Aquaculture nutrition, feeding and feed technology: This thematic unit will provide students with an introduction to various feed ingredients, and their use in the formulation and production of aquafeeds. The main technologies used for aquafeed production will be presented. The course will address the nutritional impact of the ingredients on the growth performance, reproduction, health, and quality of farmed fish and shellfish. This involves learning about the digestive system of fish and shellfish, and the digestibility of various feed ingredients and nutrients. The course will also cover the antinutritional factors in feed and feed ingredients and their impact on the performance of the farmed aquatic animals as well as on the environment. Students will also learn about nutritional programming, alternative feed resources and nutraceuticals used in aquafeed, and the regulations that the food safety agency and the industry must deal with within this area. Hands-on training will be given to the students in assessing and using nutritional information, feed formulation and feeding, and the design of nutritional experiments.

5. Health and welfare: In the framework of this thematic unit, the students will be introduced to major infectious and non-infectious diseases affecting a wide variety of farmed fish and shellfish. This includes pathogenic microbial agents, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi-like agents that threaten the health and well-being of these farmed animals. This module will also cover the issues of non-infectious diseases associated with extreme weather events and/or intensive aquaculture culture. Focus will be on infection control through preventive measures anomaly detection and sampling. Knowledge on health, welfare, and disease indicators as well as medical treatments are provided.

The teaching is in the form of online lectures and demonstrations of calculations, as well as laboratory exercises and study visits. This will be complemented discussions and answering questions online. There will also be own work and assignments to hand in.

Training in the following general competences are included in the course: problem solving, written communication.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Passed written examination. Approved assignments. Participation in the online-discussions can give bonus points for the exam. The online discussion meetings will also be used as a compliment examination form in addition to the written exams and assignments, which are also done online. The different formats of the examination include verbal discussions and written multiple choice.

•  If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.
• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.
• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.
• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Animal Biosciences

Supplementary information

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	15.0	0101

Other Information

All teaching within the course is given online, with no mandatory on-campus meetings. It is a necessity for the student to have access to a computer and an internet connection.

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.
• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.