BL5829 Aquaculture: Feeding and Nutrition

Academic year

2025 to 2026 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 A O Ekpeki

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

Module Staff

Mr Akpojotor Ekpeki, Dr Neil Hazon, Dr Jonathan David

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 involve an examination of the nutritional requirements of different aquatic species, the formulation and production of balanced feeds as well as feeding strategies for various aquaculture species. This will cover raw materials, sourcing and storage including novel aquaculture feed ingredients. A detailed look at non-fed aquaculture will also be undertaken with a consideration of the effects on the environment from a nutrient-based perspective. Students will also be introduced to growth modelling and the principles of bioenergetics.

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) linked to topics 1-5 (5 weeks) 1 seminar (synchronous) linked to topics 1-5 (5 weeks) 2 practicals (recorded, guided worksheet) linked to topics 3 & 4 (2 weeks)

Scheduled learning hours

22

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 nutritional requirements of aquatic animals and the importance of proper nutrition in commercial aquaculture operations.
  • Understand the role of nutrients in the growth and development of aquatic organisms as well as the principles underlying growth models and bioenergetics.
  • Evaluate the issues facing the development of appropriate feeds for aquaculture systems.
  • Assessing the sustainability of raw material sources such as fish meal and fish oil and the effectiveness of alternative protein sources.
  • Evaluate the nutritional regime for different aquaculture species, formulate feeds for different species and design adequate feed management regimes.
  • Relate adequate nutrition to clinical nutrition and optimal animal welfare.