Health Management in Aquaculture
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Aquaculture, the controlled production of aquatic organisms, plays a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for health, tasty and sustainably produced seafood. The rapid growth and intensification of seafood farming has inevitably resulted in the increased occurrence of viral, bacterial, parasitic or stress-related disease outbreaks. Indeed, current fa may in many farming practises tend to promote the presence of unwanted micro-organisms. It is an aspect of modern aquaculture that, until recently, has been largely underestimated or ignored in some regions, but that needs to be approached in a strategic way if current aquaculture production is to be improved in a sustainable way. In salmon aquaculture, for instance, spreading of viral diseases and parasites (salmon lice) are among the main current health and welfare challenges. In penaeid shrimp farming, viral disease outbreaks have occasionally decimated the production of whole countries causing huge economic losses and threatened livelihoods of numerous family-run business. Science-based efficient health management and well-educated specialised personnel are paramount for overcoming these problems.The programme starts with a common semester at Ghent University where students receive courses on fundamental aspects in health management in aquaculture an essentials in statistics and aquaculture practices.Students can choose between one or the two learning lines each at another of the four programme partner institutes.The learning line of NTNU, Norway, on ‘Ecosystems and Health’Involves important interactions between farmed and native organisms, including how diseases and parasites are spread (salmon lice); interactions between native microbial communities and farmed hosts; the influence of water quality (e.g. toxic algae) on the health and welfare of farmed fish. The overall focus is normally on how the environment, or the ecosystem, may affect fish health, not on the effects of farming on the environment. Learning activities include mainly health, welfare and environmental issues for fish from larval to adult stages. NTNU currently has major involvement in research on health issues in marine fish farming and has a strong relationship with industry. The learning line at WU, Netherlands, on ‘Disease Prevention Management & Health’Focuses on relevant innovations by studying fish and shellfish nutrition and health. This is mainly in circular aquaculture systems, be it in recirculating aquaculture systems or ponds. Research looks into how nutrition influences health and how novel feeds improve disease resistance; it also considers the latest strategies in terms of activation of the immune system and key therapeutic tools, such as new generation vaccines. The learning line of UAB/UB, Barcelona, on ‘Physiology and Health’With the main purpose of acquiring knowledge on the physiological mechanisms involved in the overall health of fish and shellfish. Therefore, the following aspects will be considered: harmonious growth and balanced nutrition; the generation of the stress response and stress prevention methodologies; the innate and adaptive mechanisms of immune defences; the regulatory systems involved; knowledge of infections; pathological signs; and the patho-physiological response.In the second and third semester, students will also do an internship at one of the many international industry or research partners of the programme consortium.Fourth semester: Master’s DissertationStudents can choose the topic for their master’s Dissertation (thesis) in a broad range of disciplines in which the scientific staff of the master’s programmes is active. In general, the students become involved in ongoing research within the research laboratories of their promoter(s). Thanks to our extended international network, students can perform their master’s dissertation work in laboratories in other (non-) European countries. Students have to conduct research with the appropriate expertise in order to contribute to the development of a particular research domain. The ultimate goal is to initiate students into research at an academic level so that, upon completion of their master’s programme, they are able to autonomously carry out scientific research.
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Admissions Requirements
Bachelor's degree of 180ECTS (is equivalent to 3y) from a university or recognized equivalent.
Related Programs
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Bellaterra
Catalonia
8193
Spain
- 2 years
- Full Time
- On Campus Learning
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