Cultivation Techniques of Plankton

Course ID: M330140D

Credits: 3

Objectiv: Based on the international industrial and research trends, this course aims to introduce the biology, isolation, cultivation and nutritional analysis technologies of planktonic organisms. The course could enhance student’s knowledge on the latest industrial and academic developments in plankton cultivation. Demonstrations of live feed cultivation technique are included in this course, and is aimed to established students’ capacity to develop plankton cultures and their application as live feed in aquaculture. The course aims to allow the students to contribute to aquaculture industry and research activities.

Course Prerequisites: Biology

Outline:

The course is designed to provide students with the knowledge on modern research and industry development of planktonic organisms. The training aims to enhance student’s understandings on morphology, ecology and cultivation, and nutrition analysis techniques of various plankton species. The topics includes microalgae, rotifera, Cladocera, copepods, brine shrimp, jellyfish, and other zooplanktons.

Teaching Method:  Lecture, Seminar and Manual demonstration

Reference:  Støttrup, J., & McEvoy, L. (Eds.). (2008). Live feeds in marine aquaculture. John Wiley & Sons. Allan, G., & Burnell, G. (Eds.). (2013). Advances in aquaculture hatchery technology. Elsevier.

Course Schedule (subject to change):

Week 1: Introduction of plankton biology 

Week 2: Plankton and marine larviculture 

Week 3: Isolation and purification of microalgae culture

Week 4: Cultivation techniques of microalgae species 

Week 5: Isolation and purification of zooplankton 

Week 6: Biology and cultivation techniques of Rotifera 

Week 7: Biology and cultivation techniques of Artemia 

Week 8: Biology and cultivation techniques of Copepoda 

Week 9: Biology and cultivation techniques of Cladocera 

Week 10: Mid-term exam 

Week 11: Biology and cultivation techniques of jellyfish 

Week 12: Seminar-live feed research Week 13: Introduction of nutrition analysis of plankton

Week 14: Analysis of carbohydrate, lipid and protein 

Week 15: Analysis of vitamin, mineral and pigments 

Week 16: Seminar-nutritional analysis Week 17: General discussion and prospective 

Week 18: Final exam

Evaluation: Mid-term exam-35%, final exam-35%, Seminar-30%