BL5831 Sustainable Aquaculture: Genetics and Reproduction

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 2

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

15

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 11

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Availability restrictions

Available only to those admitted to study Sustainable Aquaculture programmes or modules online

Planned timetable

N/A

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module coordinator

Dr M D Powell

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module Staff

Mr AO Ekpeki and Dr MD Powell

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module will discuss the principles of breeding and reproduction in different aquatic species. Students will learn about modern application of genetic techniques in aquaculture including broodstock management, environmental and hormonal controls, genetic markers, hybridisation, selective breeding, sex determination, species identification. The distinction between genetic improvement, manipulation and modification will be discussed. The role of environmental and hormonal control in larval rearing and gender manipulation will be examined in detail with regard to environmental effects and sustainability.

Assessment pattern

Coursework - 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework - 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

self-paced with some guidance 1 lecture (recorded) per week (10 weeks) 1 tutorial (synchronous) per week (6 weeks) 1 seminar per week (4 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

20

The number of compulsory student:staff contact hours over the period of the module.

Guided independent study hours

130

The number of hours that students are expected to invest in independent study over the period of the module.

Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand the practical aspects and challenges of captive breeding of finfish and invertebrates.
  • Understand the role of broodstock management and larval rearing in aquaculture production.
  • Relate the reproductive biology of farmed fish to the genetic management of culture species.
  • Appreciate the role of genetic techniques in improving cultured species via selection and breeding programmes to provide animals that are optimal for aquaculture.
  • Evaluate the potential role of genetic engineering in developing improved aquaculture production and the challenges associated with consumer acceptance.
  • Discuss the ethical and sustainability issues of using genetically modified organisms in aquaculture.