09725 - Aquaculture

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course the students will be aware of the technical aspects related to the aquaculture production along with the main equipments that could be necessary for implementing this activity both inland and in the marine environment.

Course contents

Aquaculture production statistics: state of the global, european and italian aquaculture production.

Fundamentals of fish biology, with particular emphasis on the skeletal and muscular systems and the main anatomical structures involved in locomotion. Overview of the integument and its functions, hydromineral balance and the principles of osmoregulation. Structure and function of the gills and the swim bladder.

Aquaculture techniques: description of the main farming systems (intensive and extensive), including vallicoltura (i.e., coastal lagoon aquaculture) with an overview of its principles and the chronological sequence of farming activities. Description of the main characteristics of inland and marine aquaculture facilities (e.g. tanks, raceways, cages, and recirculating aquaculture systems) and of the equipment used in aquaculture.

Aquaculture species of commercial interest, with particular emphasis on the culture of salmonids (salmon and trout), the main marine finfish species (European seabass and gilthead seabream), and bivalve aquaculture, including mussels and clams.

Readings/Bibliography

• Teaching material
  
• Cataudella S. & Bronzi P. Unimar. Acquacoltura Responsabile- Uniprom 2001
• Giordani G. Melotti P. Elementi di Acquacoltura - Edagricole, Bologna, 1984
• Stickney R.R. & Gatlin D.M - Aquaculture, an introductory test - 4th Edition, CABI, Boston, 2022

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures, seminars to be held by experts, and technical visit to an aquaculture plant.

Assessment methods

Written examination consisting of three open questions to be answered in two hours.

The maximum score that can be achieved is 30 cum laude and the exam is considered passed when a mark higher than 18/30 is obtained. 

A student who, in accordance with the University regulations, intends to reject the result of the written test, shall notify the teacher by e-mail within 10 days from the date of communication of the result.

The score will be formulated based on: i) in-depth knowledge and connection between the main topics of the course, ii) clarity in the presentation of the contents and, iii) appropriate use of the specific terminology and language of the sector. 

 

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Teaching tools

Power point slides of the lectures will be available through the Virtuale platform.

Office hours

See the website of Francesca Soglia