Two part-time, flexible, modular courses, which start at the end of October, are available online via TheFishSite.com, and are aimed at anyone wishing to further their career in the growing, global industry of sustainable aquaculture.
Using a variety of web-based tools and downloadable material, a team of marine scientists who specialise in the aquaculture industry tutors the courses, which include academic, practical, technical and commercial modules to suit all levels of learning requirement.
Both the Certificate and Diploma/Masters Course are particularly suited to people looking to focus on the rapidly expanding Asian and South American markets.
- The Undergraduate Certificate in Sustainable Aquaculture course consists of three 12-week modules delivered over a period of 44 weeks. Lectures, tutorials, discussions and case studies will cover the global aquaculture industry, fish and invertebrate biology, and aquaculture products and markets.
Modules are taught twice over a 12 month period, allowing students to study and progress at their own pace. The course is aimed at those wishing to develop general knowledge and skills in the aquaculture industry and gain a recognised qualification in order to promote their career prospects. Successful completion of the Certificate course can lead to the post-graduate Diploma/MSc. - The Diploma/Masters Course in Sustainable Aquaculture leads to an advanced postgraduate qualification in sustainable aquaculture and is aimed at those who have a degree in a relevant area of biology or who have previously completed the Certificate course A and have relevant industry work experience.
Taught in modules delivered over a two year period, the Diploma/Masters course explores the sustainability of all global aquaculture systems. Graduates will typically pursue a career in higher level management, research and development or business development within the global aquaculture business.
Modules include the environmental impact of and technical and financial issues associated with fish farms and the supply chain, and the health and welfare of farmed and domestic fish, shellfish and crustaceans.
Pete Southgate, Director of FVG, Dr Neil Hazon and Dr Jonathan David at the Scottish Oceans Institute of St Andrews University and Dr Simon Wadsworth collaborated to develop the online Certificate course three years ago. Their newly developed Diploma/Masters Course provides a flexible, advanced learning opportunity with St Andrews accreditation for people all over the world.
Jim Muirhead, Director of 5m Publishings online aquaculture hub TheFishSite.com, said: Aquaculture is one of the worlds fastest growing industries, with an average growth rate of over eight per cent per year for the past 10 years."
"Over half of all the aquatic species consumed are now produced from aquaculture and it is estimated that a further 40 million tonnes of aquatic food will be required by 2030 to supply the increasing demand."
"The aquaculture industry will face many challenges over the next few years to be economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. It will require trained and experienced staff to successfully address these issues and to meet anticipated future growth. TheFishSite.com is delighted to partner with the Fish Vet Group, and St Andrews University to facilitate cost-effective, flexible aquaculture education on an e-learning platform.
The Certificate course starts at the end of October 2011. The Diploma course starts in October 2012. For more information on the course and registration, please visit www.thefishsite.com/learn
