Course description

Aquaponics – The Circular Food Production System

Aquaponic technology continues to attract a lot of attention around the globe, especially in the context of urban farming. But how exactly do an aquaponics system work and more important what knowledge do I need to successfully run an aquaponics system? In this course, you will obtain answers to these questions. The curriculum will give you an understanding of central topics in the field of aquaponics. Aquaponics is a circulation technology based on a broad knowledge base: from water chemistry, fish and plant physiology, to engineering and microbiology. It can thus serve as a learning model for inter-and transdisciplinary thinking and acting.

This course is for:

Everyone interested in Aquaponics with a basic understanding of natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) on an undergraduate degree level
Professionals in the sector of Aquaculture and Hydroponics
Aquaponic practitioners who want to gain additional knowledge on specific topics

Upcoming start dates

1 start date available

Start anytime

Self-Paced Online
Online
English

Suitability - Who should attend?

Prerequisites

This course is for:

Everyone interested in Aquaponics with a basic understanding of natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) on an undergraduate degree level
Professionals in the sector of Aquaculture and Hydroponics
Aquaponic practitioners who want to gain additional knowledge on specific topics

Outcome / Qualification etc.

What you'll learn

Understand the basic technological principles behind aquaponics, be able to assess the advantages and disadvantages of aquaponic systems, and have an insight into current research and potential applications in terms of urban agriculture and vertical farming.
Be familiar with fish anatomy and physiology, fish feed and growth along with fish health and welfare.
Understand the principles of fish cultivation in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), the required technical components, the calculation of dimensions in terms of engineering, and the important role of water treatment and monitoring.
Understand basic plant anatomy, physiology, and growing requirements. Know the basic principles of hydroponics and its different cultivation systems. Be able to calculate the nutrient supply in hydroponic systems and determine nutrient supplementation in aquaponics if required.
Be familiar with the plant varieties suitable for aquaponic systems, learn how to monitor plants, and understand the key factors of integrated pest management.
Know how to assemble the basic components of an aquaponic system and understand the importance of water flow from one component to another. Be able to plan and design an aquaponic system and calculate its dimensions yourself.

Training Course Content

To run an aquaponic system you need broad knowledge ranging from water chemistry, fish and plant physiology, to engineering and entrepreneurial thinking. Therefore, the course is structured into six main topics:

Basic Principles of Aquaponics

Basics of Aquaponics; Opportunities, Risks, Challenges, and Limitations; Aquaponics and Urban Agriculture, a global perspective

Aquaculture Part 1

Fish Anatomy and Physiology; Feeding and Growth; Fish Health and Welfare in Aquaculture

Aquaculture Part 2

Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) Engineering; Management; Calculations

Hydroponic Part 1

Hydroponic Systems; Plant Anatomy, Physiology and Growth Requirements; Nutrient Supply

Hydroponic Part 2

Plant Varieties; Plant Monitoring; Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Aquaponic System Design and Calculation of Dimensions

System Design and Planning; Calculating the Dimensions of your Aquaponic System

To enhance your learning, you will have access to videos, course literature, forum contributions, discussions, practical sessions, individual work, and quizzes. In week 6, as a project, you will design an aquaponic system and calculate its dimensions.