Aquaculture I
About the 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.
The course is available as a singular course.
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.
Objectives 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
Prerequisites
Recommended prerequisites
BIO-2406 Fish Biology, BIO-2506 Introduction to Fish Biology
Credit reduction
If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:
- BIO-2508 Aquaculture I 10 ects
Teaching methods
Language of instruction and examination
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.Schedule
The schedules are normally finalized and published well in advance of the start of the semester, often a few weeks beforehand. This gives students the opportunity to organize their studies and prepare for upcoming activities.
It is recommended to check the schedule regularly, as changes may occur.
Information to incoming exchange students
This course is open to incoming exchange students.
Study level: Bachelor’s
Admission prerequisites:
Participants are expected to have a solid working knowledge of mathematics, chemistry, and aquatic biology/ecology.
For details on how to apply for exchange, course selection guidelines, or to contact the Incoming Admissions Team, please visit: Admissions for Student Exchange.
Examination
| School exam | Date: 19.11.2026 09:00 Duration: 4 Hours |
Grade: A–E, fail F |
To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements
| Excursion report | Grade: Approved – not approved |
Everything you need to know about before, during, and after the exam; registration, absence, appeals, and diplomas: UiT Exams homepage