Aquaculture Courses at OSU

College of Agricultural Sciences

Introduction to diseases of fish including pathogens important to aquaculture and ornamental industries as well as to wild fish populations and conservation programs.

Principles and practices for the aquaculture of fish, shellfish, and algae.

Biology and culture requirements of fish, shellfish, and algae. Emphasis on laboratory culture techniques and practical experience in handling organisms.

Introduction to diseases of fish including pathogens important to aquaculture and ornamental industries as well as to wild fish populations and conservation programs. 

Physiological specializations and adaptations of major groups of fishes.

An overview of the background, theory, evolution, ecology, politics and conservation of invasions by introduced species in aquatic environments.

Integrated and synthetic training in the ecological processes of estuarine environments, with emphases on ecological interactions among organisms and the biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nitrogen. Topics include geomorphology, estuarine physics and chemistry, primary and secondary producers, ecosystem metabolism, element cycling, food webs, fisheries, restoration, management, and impacts of climate.

Introduces micro- and macro-algal biology, reproduction and evolution. Emphasizes how the endosymbiosis theory ties algae together as a functional group. Explores algal diversity through lectures and experiential learning activities (e.g., laboratory, field trips). Develops skills in laboratory methods for isolation, culturing and maintenance of algae for aquaculture and research.

Covers major primary producers in aquatic ecosystems. Explores both the bottom-up (light and nutrients) and top-down (grazing and mortality) controls on primary production. Addresses the ecosystem services provided by aquatic primary producers in supporting food webs and fisheries.

Focuses on transport, fate, and effects of toxic substances in freshwater ecosystems. There is special emphasis on impacts on fish.

College of Science

Introduction to diseases of fish including pathogens important to aquaculture and ornamental industries as well as to wild fish populations and conservation programs.

Role of microorganisms in food spoilage, infection, and intoxication; also basic principles in contamination control and germicidal treatment during processing, preparing, and distributing food for consumption.

The interactions of society and the marine environment, emphasizing the ecological, biogeochemical, economic, sociological, and political significance of the oceans. Topics of current critical importance will include marine pollution, protecting marine habitats, conserving marine biodiversity, fisheries and aquaculture, ocean energy, biogeochemical change, global warming, ocean acidification, and sea level rise.

Circulation of the coastal ocean including continental shelf circulation, upwelling, coastal jets, undercurrents, coastal-trapped waves. Fundamentals of surface waves and tides; tsunamis, wind generation, breaking waves. Estuary classification and circulation patterns; shallow-water processes and beach morphology.

Integrated and synthetic training in the ecological processes of estuarine environments, with emphases on ecological interactions among organisms and the biogeochemical cycling of carbon and nitrogen. Topics include geomorphology, estuarine physics and chemistry, primary and secondary producers, ecosystem metabolism, element cycling, food webs, fisheries, restoration, management, and impacts of climate.

Comparative survey of eight major invertebrate phyla and many lesser-known phyla. Areas of emphasis will be 1) invertebrate identification, 2) natural history (diversity, habitat, feeding, behavior), and 3) comparative anatomy (adaptive significance of morphological structures). 

Comparative survey of eight major invertebrate phyla and many lesser-known phyla. Areas of emphasis will be 1) invertebrate identification, 2) natural history (diversity, habitat, feeding, behavior), and 3) comparative anatomy (adaptive significance of morphological structures). 

The chemistry of food components in real-world food systems. Focused on water, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and food polymers, their interactions, and the effects of food processing and storage. Integrates writing as a learning tool and means of professional communication.

College of Veterinary Medicine

An introduction to the basic principles of ornamental fish medicine including basic husbandry, handling and clinical procedures.

Explores the most important diseases of wild and aquaculture invertebrates, including seafood borne pathogens and biotoxins. Identifies diagnostic methods, treatments and prevention measures, and environmental factors that contribute to disease. Explores the ecological and economic importance of the species and diseases discussed and regulations and policies pertaining to these issues.

College of Engineering

Theory, planning, analysis, and design of hydraulic structures. Application of basic principles detailed analysis and design. Engineering planning and design of water resource systems.

Covers the principles of microbiological methods pertinent to environmental engineers with an emphasis on applications in drinking water treatment, wastewater treatment, and soil remediation. The course is targeted at engineering students that do not have much experience with culture-based and molecular-based techniques.