BI1458, Principles of fisheries science, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: PN-NJ, 2023-11-14
Valid from : Autumn semester 2024 (2024-09-02)

Level

Second cycle (A1N)

Main field of study

Biology

Grading Scale

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 aims at training the students in the principles of science-based fisheries management, building on the core need for a transition to more sustainable fisheries and food systems. This includes the collection and analysis of data to support scientific advice on the sustainable use of fish and shellfish resources, and is completed by ecological and socio-economic evaluations of the risks and trade-offs associated to alternative management actions in an ecosystem context.

After completing the course, the students should be able to:

1. Describe aspects of fish biology and fish life history traits relevant for fish population dynamics and fisheries management

2. Explain the main ecological responses of fish populations to environmental variability, including climate change, and their implications for scientific advice

3. Describe direct and indirect impacts of fisheries on fish populations and exploited food-webs

4. Apply and relate the main phases of the assessment of aquatic resources (ie, data collection, analysis and scientific advice) to the management of sustainable fisheries

5. Analyse the role of fisheries management for sustainable food-systems

Content

Subject-related content

The course teaches the principles of fisheries science, from the study of fish life history traits to the assessment of fish resources and explores how these principles link to the scientific advice for the management of sustainable fisheries.

Teaching formats

The course employs a student-focused and interactive learning approach combining lectures, laboratory practice sessions, exercises, group discussions and excursions. The students are engaged in individual and collaborative work on complex problems linked to the evaluation of fishery resources and to advice for sustainable development in the context of ecosystem-based fisheries management.

The course is structured in seven modules which integrate multidisciplinary competences:

• introduction to fisheries management processes,
• biological units for conservation and management,
• fish life history traits and collection of biological data,
• targeting, selectivity and fisheries behaviour,
• ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity and fishery oceanography,
• stock assessment methods and advice for management,
• ecosystem-based fisheries management and transformative adaptation for a sustainable development.

**The course focuses on the following generic competencie: 
**

The course develops the students' skills in oral and written communication.

Compulsory components

Complete and approved project work and assignments. Active participation in at least 80% of the laboratory work.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

Project work and assignments. - If the student fails a task, the examiner may give the student a supplementary assignment, provided this is possible and there is reason to do so. - If the student has been granted special educational support because of a disability, the examiner has the right to offer the student an adapted test, or provide an alternative assessment. - If changes are made to this course syllabus, or if the course is closed, SLU shall decide on transitional rules for examination of students admitted under this syllabus but who have not yet passed the course. - For the examination of a degree project (independent project), the examiner may also allow the student to add supplemental information after the deadline. For more information on this, please refer to the regulations for education at Bachelor's and Master's level.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Aquatic Resources

Supplementary information

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Principles of fisheries science	15.0	0001

The Course Replaces

BI1341

Other Information

• 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.
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The students are expected to participate in a week visit and laboratory activities at the Institute of Marine Research (Lysekil) and a day trip to the Institute of Freshwater Research (Drottningholm). All activities outside the Ultuna campus are included and organized by the course responsible department.