course-details-portlet

BI1011

Salmon Biology in Aquaculture - production, handling and environment

Credits 7.5
Level Foundation courses, level I
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction Norwegian
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Aggregate score

About

About the course

Course content

Introduction to salmon biology and lifecycle part I. Phylogenetic development in fish. Anatomy. Fresh water phase, egg development, hatching and start-feeding. Introduction to recirculation technology and hatchery production. An introduction to environmental impacts of salmon farming - sustainability. Animal welfare including stress. Vaccination and diseases. Salmonid nutrition.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

  • Basic biological knowledge of salmon biology and life cycle.
  • Practical knowledge of animal husbandry and follow-up of a life cycle in salmon from the egg stage to the start-ready fry and thus a good understanding of professional ethics throughout a semester.
  • Basic knowledge of water chemistry and recycling plants
  • Basic knowledge of how aquaculture can affect the marine environment.
  • Basic knowledge of the principles of sustainable aquaculture and that technology must be compatible with the nutritional and welfare needs of the fish.
  • Basal experience in nutrition and nutritional needs in salmonids.
  • Introduction to fish diseases and vaccines in aquaculture.
  • Knowledge of effects on fish health, fish welfare, and environmental interactions of farming.

Skills:

  • Master biological methods and professional tools for holding and handling salmon at all stages of life.
  • Must be able to apply their knowledge to understand and contribute to solutions of biological and operational issues.
  • Perform simple laboratory experiments in an efficient manner within requirements for HSE (health, safety and environment), as well as analyze and evaluate results from these.
  • Be able to reflect independently on academic issues and challenges and work independently in multidisciplinary teams.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures

Practical exercises: First term includes handling and work with salmon eggs and start-feeding. Dissection of fish. Exercises will be summarized in two reports. These will be assessed as 30% of the total grade.

Thematic excursions/projects at commercial aquaculture facilities such as hatcheries, sea-pens and slaughteries. The reports from the excursions will be evaluated as approved/not-approved.

Compulsory assignments

  • Attendance lab
  • Excursion

Further on evaluation

The course consists of two assessment components: Lab reports (30%) and a written exam (70%). Both components are given an individual grade. If both are passed a final grade will be calculated.

In case of fail:

  • A final exam is held during the exam period each semester
  • A revised version of lab reports can be resubmitted

Improvement of grade:

  • A final exam is held during the exam period each semester
  • Follow teaching and lab work again and submit new lab reports

Appealment of grade:

  • The written exam and lab reports can be appealed within three weeks after the grade is given.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Aquaculture - Engineering (BIHAV)

Required previous knowledge

None

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
BI1008 7.5 sp Autumn 2023
This course has academic overlap with the course in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Aqua Culture
  • Marine Biology

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Biology

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Aggregate score
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

School exam
Weighting 70/100 Examination aids Code D Date 2025-12-02 Time 09:00 Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment
Place and room for school exam

The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.

Sluppenvegen 14
Room SL310 hvit sone
25 candidates
Room SL510
7 candidates
Room SL111 brun sone
6 candidates
Room SL311 brun sone
1 candidate
Lab reports
Weighting 30/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

School exam
Weighting 70/100 Examination aids Code D Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.
Lab reports
Weighting 30/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment