BL5832 Sustainable Aquaculture: Innovation, RAS and Other Technologies

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 explore innovations in aquaculture production, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) and other approaches such as aquaponics. The module will cover the use of automation, artificial intelligence, precision systems for data collection as well as the applications of technologies such as blockchain in traceability and certification. Closed systems apply engineering and technical solutions to operate aquaculture in land-based production. These offer opportunity for genetically improved species to be cultured in entirely closed conditions that could address many of the sustainability and consumer concerns. Aquaponics and biofloc systems hold considerable potential to develop additional sources of food production. All these systems and technologies could be powerful means to achieve sustainable development goals, but need to be considered in the wider context of ethical, social, environmental and financial sustainability.

Assessment pattern

Coursework - 100%

Re-assessment

Coursework - 100%

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

self-paced with some guidance 1 lecture (recording) per week (10 weeks) 1 tutorial (synchronous) (5 weeks) 1 seminar (synchronous) (4 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

19

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

  • Appreciate the current technological direction of the aquaculture industry and the application of innovative technologies such as AI and blockchain.
  • Understand the application of aquaponics, biofloc systems, precision systems and other developing technologies as part of a sustainable aquaculture industry.
  • Discuss the application of other sustainable approaches to aquaculture production systems including Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture and Ecological aquaculture.
  • Design a RAS or water -reuse system for the production of a particular species.
  • Evaluate the design and development of closed and RAS systems.