Aquaculture and Development
The aim of the Aquaculture and Development programme is to provide appropriate and flexible learning opportunities through which students can acquire and further develop the knowledge and skills necessary to establish, manage and appraise aquaculture development projects in a sustainable manner.
Qualification Requirements
The programme is modularised so that SCQF credits are accumulated at the end of each assessed topic towards a PG qualification. All routes to achieving your qualification are possible on a full-time or part-time basis to fit with your individual needs.
PG Diploma in Aquaculture and Development:
- 6 foundation topics
- 3 compulsory advanced topics
- 6 non-compulsory advanced topics
Master of Science in Aquaculture and Development:
- 6 foundation topics
- 3 compulsory advanced topics
- 6 non-compulsory advanced topics
- a research project
A series of 6 foundation level topics will equip you with the core skills needed to understand aquatic animal biology and physiology,
welfare and health management, reproduction and genetics, environmental requirements and management, production systems and economics,
and nutrition requirements and food safety. Our links with various commercial industries in Scotland facilitate a study tour which will
give you the opportunity to experience the range of practices in the UK aquaculture industry. The advanced topics offer you the
opportunity to engage with a wider range of activities within the aquaculture sector. As a student of Aquaculture and the Environment,
there are 3 compulsory advanced topics and a choice of 3 from 10 possible advanced topics.
Compulsory advanced topics
Non-compulsory advanced topics
Aquatic Animal Biology and Health (AQUPF1)
Prof Lindsay Ross & Prof Jimmy Turnbull
This initial Foundation topic consists of two parts; the Biology and Physiology of cultured fish and invertebrates, followed by consideration of
Diseases and Strategies to Maintain Health. Our overall objective is to present you with ideas about form, function, malfunction and aspects of
husbandry and welfare which relate specifically to Aquaculture. The emphasis is placed on satisfying physiological and biological requirements in
aquaculture, understanding energy flow and optimising culture conditions. The main viral, parasitic and fungal diseases of fish and shrimp and
their diagnosis and treatment are reviewed . Practical sampling sessions and case studies provide the opportunity to gain some hands on experience.
This topic will be a useful starting point for those wishing to gain broad knowledge of the main components of aquatic animal biology and health.
Learning Outcomes
- Practical and theoretical understanding of teleost, molluscan and crustacean physiology.
- Understanding of culture requirements of teleost fishes, molluscs and crustaceans
- Knowledge of anaesthesia and sedation techniques
- Theoretical and practical knowledge of aquatic animal diseases and causative factors.
- Ability to develop differential diagnoses of aquatic animal diseases and adequately report clinical and non-clinical factors
to reach a reasoned outcome.
Aquatic Animals and the Environment (AQUPF2)
Dr Trevor Telfer
This topic focuses on the main aquatic environments used for aquaculture. This takes into account aquatic physico-chemical processes,
community structure and function. There are two field sessions within the topic including a freshwater and marine site visit with practical
sampling sessions at each. Environmental risk assessment and the environmental impacts of aquaculture are key components. This topic will be of
interest to anyone concerned with the role of aquatic environments in aquaculture and to those involved in environmental impact assessments.
Learning Outcomes
- Understanding of the interactions between aquaculture and the aquatic environment
- Understanding of the characteristics of freshwater, brackishwater and marine production environments
- Understanding the principles of environmental assessment and risk assessment for aquaculture management
- Understand the importance of environmental aspects of site selection for aquaculture systems.
- Practical sampling of water quality parameters
- Safe execution of environmental sampling techniques
Aquatic Animal Nutrition and Food Safety (AQUPF3)
Dr Kim Jauncey
This topic gives you the chance to gain understanding of the principles of aquatic animal nutrition. This topic covers the
major nutritional needs of aquatic animals and feeding needs over a number of different aquaculture systems ranging from
extensive and semi-intensive pond systems to intensive re-circulating and cage aquaculture systems in both temperate and
tropical climes. Feed formulation, manufacture and practical husbandry provide relevant background. Against a climate of
increasing consumer concerns about food safety, we address this hot topic as well as the concept of relative risk.
Learning Outcomes
- Understanding of the limitations of present data and research in this field and introduction of skills to enable critical evaluation of
published scientific data in a wider context.
- Knowledge of the nutritional requirements of aquatic animals and the role of nutrients in their growth and development.
- Understanding of the issues facing the development of appropriate feeds for extensive, semi-intensive and intensive aquaculture systems.
- Understanding of current trends in the nutrition of aquatic animals and sustainability issues within the sector.
- Knowledge of the emerging issues in consumer relations, food safety and standards.
- Understanding of fatty acids, particularly those of aquatic origin, and their roles in human nutrition and development.
- Understanding of the key issues in feeding and associated husbandry of larval finfish and crustacea including production of live
feeds.
Aquatic Animal Reproduction and Genetics (AQUPF4)
Dr Brendan McAndrew
This topic gives you the opportunity to learn about broodstock management, spawning, egg quality and gender control using a series of
lectures and practical sessions. The application of genetic manipulation in aquaculture includes hybridisation, sex reversal, quantitative
genetics and cryopreservation. The topic covers a number of the most commercially important species such as salmon, rainbow trout, cod
and halibut. There is strong emphasis on hatchery processes including larval rearing, hatchery operation, design and management.
Learning Outcomes
- have a basic understanding of the reproductive biology and its control in major farmed freshwater and marine finfish
- understand the importance of genetic management for the long-term maintenance and improvement of hatchery produced finfish species
- understand the importance of combining reproductive and genetic technologies to ensure the sustainable and cost-effective production of high quality seed for the industry.
Aquatic Animal Production Systems (AQUPF5)
Prof Dave Little and Mr John Bostock
This topic provides a wide range of information on aquaculture production systems including system design for both land and water
based systems of many aquatic species. The production system is explored from the hatchery through to grow-out. Engineering components
are considered including pond, tank and cage and recirculation systems. Design aspects also consider water treatment. Additionally, this topic also
provides an insight into farm construction management and will be of interest to those wishing to gain more experience developing farm
systems.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the design, operational and management principles, key systems and components essential for effective aquaculture production.
- Understand and apply the concepts of production planning in aquaculture systems
- Appreciate and apply the key issues of dimensioning and design, and the specification and sizing of key components
- Understand the linking of components into reliable and cost-effective aquaculture systems
- Develop choices in designs and cost options, and carry out selections
- Understand the key aspects of project development and commissioning
Aquaculture in Practice (AQUPF6)
Dr Herve Migaud and Mr John Bostock
This topic provides you with the opportunity to understand the connections between aquaculture and post-production operations, and financial,
economic and marketing issues. These connections are put into context by gaining first hand experience of the range of Scottish aquaculture
production and post-production systems on a week-long study tour. The first week of this topic will focus on basic business principles,
marketing and economics, including aquaculture markets, business environments, and financial and economic appraisal of commercial and
artisanal aquaculture projects. The second week of the topic is a study tour set in some of Scotlands most spectacular scenery. On
the tour you will see many of the techniques, skills, and strategies used in the production and processing of the most economically
important species farmed in the UK. You will explore a variety of systems and meet people involved in the production and management
side of aquaculture and the ornamental industry in Scotland. The Institute's close links with industry ensure that unrivalled access is
afforded to students wishing to gain more first-hand knowledge of aquaculture practices typical of the European aquaculture sector.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe basic financial, economic and marketing principles relevant to the aquaculture sector
- Assess sectoral features and implications for longer-term economic development
- Ability to conduct an appraisal of aquaculture farm operations
- Describe how engineering applications can meet the needs of aquaculture production and post-production systems
- Understand health and safety issues and their implications in the aquaculture industry environments
Advanced Environmental Management (AQUPA1)
Dr Trevor Telfer
This topic provides you with the opportunity to broaden your understanding of the impact of the environment. This topic sets aquaculture in the context of other food production systems. A number of activities which need to converge to minimise aquaculture’s impact are brought together in this topic, such as the need for planning, monitoring, modelling and husbandry. The topic also highlights the potential for aquaculture to make a positive contribution to the environment. This topic is likely to interest environmental managers as well as aquaculturists and aims to provide a balanced overview of one of the most talked about issues in aquaculture today.
Learning Outcomes
- have a basic understanding of the principles involved in assessment of environmental risks posed by the introduction of new compounds in aquaculture;
- understand the role of environmental impact assessment and monitoring in environmental management;
- understand the principles by which sampling programmes are designed, field samples are collected and processed and how data are stored and managed;
- have a basic understanding of how to present and interpret spatially and temporally-related field data using a range of PC-based analytical software packages;
Business and financial management (AQUPFM)
Mr John Bostock
This topic provides you with an insight into business and financial management; necessary skills for any entrepreneur or site manager. Topics covered include business management, customer relations, personnel management, and the principles of financial management and accounting. The key aim of this topic is to enable you to develop a professional business plan taking into consideration risks and profitability.
Learning Outcomes
- Define typical forms of business structure and their basic features
- Prepare an outline business plan, and understand the key issues involved in doing so;
- Understand the basic aspects of project financing
- Define key roles in operational management, have basic experience in handling typical aquaculture management problems,
- Understand basic aspects of business and management accounts, and of management and market decisions, particularly risk assessment and costing and pricing
- Define the essential aspects of business and industry development, and understand the appropriate requirements, including practical aspects of sectoral representation
- Understand the particular management requirements of small groups and co-operatives
GIS and Remote Sensing (AQUPA2)
Prof Lindsay Ross
This topic develops cross-cutting concepts of aquaculture project development based on spatial analysis. Geographical Information
Systems are used as an environment for linking biology and physiology, environment, resource use and development constraints into
expert systems. Remote Sensing, Digital mapping, environmental profiling, and GPS are considered as data sources, as well as issues
surrounding digital data quality and verification. Data processing and enhancement and use of Proxy data is developed in creating a
spatial database. This topic will be of interest to those eager to develop their understanding of modelling, particularly those keen
to develop a career in aquaculture planning and development.
Objectives
- Understanding the use of spatial data in aquaculture development
- Understanding the basis of GIS and Remote Sensing and their application in production system planning.
- Develop experience of GIS as an environment for linking environment, physiology, resource use and development constraints into expert systems.
- Ability to develop spatial models to understand and conduct analyses using GIS, RS, digital mapping.
Practical Feed Production (AQUPA3)
Dr Kim Jauncy
As the majority of world aquaculture depends on farmer-made feeds, this topic focuses on the use of appropriate raw materials to develop suitable aquaculture feeds for a variety of fish and crustaceans. This topic will enable you to identify suitable on-farm feedstuffs, consider individual species requirements and be able to develop appropriate feeding strategies for farms in a number of different economic and resource scenarios.
Learning Outcomes
- Ability to analyse an aquaculture production system and determine an appropriate overall feeding strategy that may involve pond management, fertilisation, supplementary feeding and/or complete feeding
- Ability to prepare a simple production plan for aquaculture grow-out
- Ability to identify appropriate solutions for pond management maximising natural feed production
- Ability to identify appropriate inputs, in the form of fertilisers and feed materials, with respect to cost, availability, processing requirements, method of use and nutritional/nutrient value
- Ability to formulate supplementary and/or complete aquaculture feeds
- Ability to develop appropriate methods for distribution/application of fertilisers and/or feeds
- Ability to identify the principal capital equipment items required for on farm fertiliser and feed processing and production and to cost these
- Ability to construct a simple economic cost-benefit analysis of an on farm feeding strategy
Biodiversity, Sustainable Development and Aquaculture (AQUPBD)
Prof Lindsay Ross
This topic focuses on the concepts of sustainable development as they are applied to aquaculture. There is a strong emphaisis on biodiversity
planning in this topic, which also reviews the Convention on Biodiversity and policy implications at national and international levels. You will
have opportunity to examine several case studies where the Convention on Biodiversity has been implemented and explore the practicalities and
constraints experienced. The ways in which governments and the public perceive problems are also dicussed. This topic will be of interest to
anyone wishing to develop their understanding of environmental and conservation issues at the policy level.
Learning Outcomes
- Awareness of SD issues and the relationship between SD and Biodiversity
- Awareness of the history of the Convention on Biodiversity, and its implementation.
- Awareness of National and International biodiversity policies, including government and public perception.
- Be able to develop and critically review biodiversity strategies for implementation at a regional level, with particular focus on sustainability
of aquaculture.
Aquaculture Systems Engineering (AQUPA9)
Mr John Bostock
Water supply and waste water management are of increasing interest to planners of aquaculture systems and providers of public water services.
This topic explores the hydrological balance behind good reservoir management practice. For the aquaculturist, the components of intensive
aquaculture systems; cages and recirculating tank systems are explored. Design issues encountered in developing aquaculture systems for optimal
performance and waste management are key areas of the topic which will be appealing to people with a practical interest in aquaculture systems
design or environmental concerns.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand and apply basic engineering concepts in key production systems
- Specify conditions for development of pond and tank based systems
- Make an outline design for intensive and recycle systems
- Specify and provide outline design for a floating aquaculture system
- Make an outline design of water/waste treatment facilities for given objectives
- Ability to apply selected concepts to a design topic of their own choice
Livelihoods and Aquatic Resources Management (AQUPLV)
Dr Dave Little
This topic focuses on the multiple issues involved in managing aquaculture and aquatic resources for both people and aquatic
animals. You will be able to develop your systems thinking to consider the wider implications of aquatic resources development on
various stakeholder groups. Case studies and interaction with active development projects in Asia are used to stimulate practical
learning under realistic and varied conditions. The topic will be of interest to anyone interested in wider development issues,
management of aquatic systems and working developing country contexts.
Learning Outcomes
- demonstrate an ability to approach understanding complex situations
- assess the current role/capacity of institutions for improving aquatic resource management
- analyse livelihoods at community and household levels
- plan an analysis of stakeholders
- be capable of working in a team with other unit participants and individuals from institutions responsible for promoting improved ARM
- demonstrate a capacity to communicate key information to people who can use it
Policy, Planning and Management (AQUPA7)
Dr Dave Little
This topic takes a focus on the management and operation of development projects. The issues of sustainable development are
elaborated here with case studies relating to aquaculture development examined in the process. This topic will be of interest to
anyone keen on getting involved with policy and planning as the roles of public and private sector players are discussed. Some of
the more practical planning issues such as sourcing materials, current and historical resource use patterns, energy flows and
ecological systems as well as some systems based approaches are also used. This topic will be very relevant to those wishing to
work in development in any country and will train you in the methods and processes needed to make credible and sustainable
development decisions.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe economic, social and resource policy development and planning processes, and relate these to selected countries and environments;
- Understand the role of aquaculture within these contexts; and describe the essential aims, resource issues and allocation questions involved;
- Understand and apply concepts of comparative development impact for aquaculture.
- Describe the processes by which sustainable aquaculture may be defined, supported and developed, and the key constraints understood and tackled;
- Define the linkages and issues to be addressed in such circumstances, and explain how development and policy support may be organised to meet
appropriate goals.
Epidemiology and Health Control (AQUPA5)
Prof Jimmy Turnbull
Epidemiology is a large and complex subject based on very simple principles. This topic looks at epidemiology and health control
measures in populations. An epidemiologist looks for patterns and tries to determine what the difference is between affected and unaffected units.
We are designed as humans to look for patterns in everything and do it all the time whether there is a pattern there or not. What epidemiology does
is to formalise that process so that you can determine how confident you should be in your estimate of what is happening. The topic begins by looking
at epidemiological principals, followed by a discussion of population sampling exercises such as sample size calculation and analysis of outbreak
information. We then look at methods of developing a differential diagnosis, risk factors and means of controlling suspected disease outbreaks if
they should occur. This topic will be of use to those interested in farm management and fish health alike.
Learning Outcomes
- have an understanding of the nature of farmed aquatic animal health and welfare.
- have experience of investigation and control of aquatic animal disease problems at a population level.
- understand the applied risk management in aquaculture systems.
- understand the theory and legislative framework underpinning chemotherapy in aquaculture.
Management of Broodstock and Genetics (AQUPA6)
Prof Brendan McAndrew
The range of reproductive and genetic techniques and information currently available to hatchery and broodstock management will be
considered with the objective of supporting aquaculture production. This topic is an advance on the foundation broodstock management
and genetic resources topic and will require some prior knowledge of broodstock management and hatchery processes. The topic takes
the form of a case study where you will be able to develop appropriate management strategies for farm breeding programmes.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand how a range of genetic and reproductive techniques can be integrated in managing hatchery populations of a range of
aquaculture species
- Have developed, as part of a small group, a plan for the management of a hatchery population of a particular species
- Appreciate how the biology and culture of different species influences hatchery management
Sustainable Shrimp Aquaculture (AQUPA4)
Dr Janet Brown
Shrimp aquaculture has grabbed the headlines because of unsustainable culture practices, environmental impact and disease problems.
This topic comprises a series of workshops that will look in depth at the technical and environmental problems facing shrimp aquaculture.
The emphasis is on understanding, promoting and regulating appropriate culture practices to aid shrimp aquaculture to develop in a
sustainable manner. By discussing the merits of different technical culture strategies and their possible environmental impacts, this
topic will enable you to better define sustainable shrimp farming systems.
Learning Outcomes
- Understanding of the positive and negative technical, socio-economic and environmental issues in shrimp production systems
- Ability to reason and assess the viability and impacts of shrimp farming operations in overseas situations
- Understanding of the species of shrimp in common aquaculture production and their position in the marketplace.
- Assessing factors around domestication issues in relation to shellfish culture in general.
Ecotoxicology (AQUPTX)
Dr Michael Leaver
Intensive aquaculture employs chemicals which may cause environmental impacts. This topic explores the potential impacts of
chemicals used in aquaculture covering toxicological and ecological methods, from functional ecology to molecular biomarkers. The
principles of environmental risk assessment of chemicals are reviewed and the process of regulation of chemicals within the environment
explained. The uses of molecular biomarkers are addressed and the major techniques employed are explained. This topic will be of
interest to anyone concerned with sustainable practice, environmental processes and keen to develop their career in regulation and
environmental management.
Learning Outcomes
- To understand the scope of ecotoxicology as a subject
- To appreciate the challenges inherent in ecotoxicology
- To gain knowledge of the major chemical pollutants and their environmental fate
- To gain knowledge of the major aquaculture pesticides and their ecotoxicity
- To understand the principles governing toxicity of pollutants in living organisms
- To understand the derivation and use of biomarkers in ecotoxicology
- To appreciate the challenges associated with ecosystem modelling in ecotoxicology
- To understand new molecular technologies as applied to ecotoxicology
- To critically appraise recent scientific literature in ecotoxicology
Systemic Pathology and Histopathology (AQUPV1)
Dr Mags Crumlish
The topic is a progression from the topic on aquatic animal health and biology, therefore students should have a grasp of
the current disease challenges in aquatic animal health management. The practical sessions will focus on fish histopathology and
will enable you to develop a core competence. Seminars highlighting current disease concerns and research will provide you with an up to date insight into practical diagnostic work here at the Institute. Completion of the topic will help you to develop your own thoughts about how one might diagnose a disease; building on clinical signs and applying laboratory techniques.
Learning Outcomes
- Understanding of structural and functional anatomy and pathology in aquatic animals.
- Ability to identify normal tissue from a range of aquatic animals
- Ability to identify and describe a wide range of histopathological lesions and reach a histopathological diagnosis for the more common conditions, including suggested aetiology and treatment.
Microbial Diseases (AQUPV2)
Dr Mags Crumlish
A series of lectures practicals and seminars on the principals and practice of bacteriology, virology, mycology and related diseases.
Practical sessions will focus on isolating and identifying aquatic animal microbial pathogens using advanced and specialised identification
techniques.
Learning Outcomes
- Understanding of the principles of microbiology and microbial diseases.
- Ability to isolate and identify aquatic animal microbial pathogens
- Appreciation of more advanced and specialised identification techniques
Parasitic Diseases (AQUPV3)
Dr Andy Shinn
The topic provides an introduction to aquatic parasitology in order to ensure a basic knowledge of the wide variety of fish
parasite pathogens. Sufficient knowledge of their taxonomy, morphology and lifecycle strategies will be provided to identify
pathogens in aquaculture and fisheries. Knowledge of specific parasitic diseases encountered in freshwater culture, both tropical
and temperate, will be provided as well as those in mariculture. Although the topic is predominantly focussed on diseases of
cultured fish, parasite problems in fisheries and in ornamental fish will also be considered. Special attention is also given
to current problems especially where there is an economic impact. Throughout the topic, issues of management and control will
be discussed.
Learning Outcomes
- Understanding of the range of parasitic diseases in temperate and tropical climates and the interaction between parasite
proliferation and environmental factors.
- Ability to find, process, diagnose and identify parasites.
- Understanding of the economic impact of parasitic infections and methods available for their management and control.
Immunology (AQUPV4)
Dr Kim Thompson
This topic covers some of the more biochemical means of detecting viral problems in fish. A large practical element of the course uses techniques
such as ELISA and immunohistochemistry to monitor immune responses in fish following exposure to infection or vaccine. The topic also covers the
identification of vaccine antigens using electrophoresis and Western blotting. This topic will be of interest to those with an interest in fish
disease and will develop your biochemistry skills.
Learning Outcomes
- Improved understanding of fish immunology and its application for vaccine development.
- Understanding of the use of antibody probes in fish health control and fish vaccine development and administration.
- Ability to understand the advantages and disadvantages of various immunological methods versus traditional diagnostic methods.
Research Project topic (AQUPRJ)
Upon completion of the advanced topics, a research project will be undertaken, chosen from from a list provided by the programme
directors. The research undertaken will be relevant to the named programme for which the student is registered, irrespective of the
individual discipline of research. The research project must be approved by the programme directors. The research project is a
training in research methods as well as a training in a specific subject area.
The research project is conducted independently of the taught course and students have control over their own timetable.
Learning Outcomes
- Ability to design, plan and conduct a defined research project, making a contribution to a relevant field of knowledge
- Ability to report and relate research outcomes to a wider field of knowledge
- Understanding of the application of the research undertaken and ability to identify limitations and further research needs.
