Enrolments for 2022 have closed.
This subject requires on campus attendance. Refer to Additional Requirements for more information.
Aquatic Health and Microbiology
Undergraduate | TAS-ZAS227 | 2022
Course information for 2022 intake View information for 2024 course intake
- Study method
- Online & on-campus
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Prior study needed
- Duration
- 14 weeks
HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Aquatic Health and Microbiology
About this subject
Upon completion of this subject, the student should be able to:
- Explain the aetiology and impacts of common pathogenic diseases in aquaculture
- Use tools and techniques to investigate signs of disease in aquaculture
- Research and report on disease in aquaculture in practice situations
- Communicate biosecurity and aquatic animal health management information
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Impact of microorganisms
- 3. Immunology
- 4. Epidemiology, biosecurity, pathogen biology & disease dynamics
- 5. Finfish - Salmon: AGD
- 6. Finfish - Salmon: Yersiniosis
- 7. Finfish - Salmon: POMV
- 8. Finfish - Barramundi (common warmwater diseases)
- 9. Crustaceans - Prawns
- 10. Molluscs - Oysters
- 11. Molluscs - Abalone
- 12. Tools and Technology
- 13. Content review
In this subject you will investigate pathogenic diseases that impact the aquaculture industry, using case studies from local industries. You will explore the effects of aquatic viruses, bacteria and parasites on animal and human health. You will acquire an understanding of the biology, life-cycle and taxonomy of pathogens in aquaculture, and learn relevant sampling, detection and identification techniques. You will also develop an understanding of biosecurity implications and control measures in aquaculture. This subject will include a laboratory-based workshop.
This subject builds on concepts of learning through practice in Year 1 of study by introducing you to more complex learning experiences.
You will be introduced to:
- discipline-based skills and knowledge in dynamic practice situations. This will include authentic and purposeful, industry-related experiences
- concepts of managing effective relationships and communicating with others
- the development and use of adaptive leadership skills and how these skills relate to innovative and entrepreneurial practice
- the nature of responsible, accountable and reflective workplace skills, and creative and critical thinking relevant to para-professional practice.
You will exercise self-awareness, initiative and judgement to manage yourself and professional relationships effectively. The application of tacit knowledge and capabilities will be reflected in a Practice Manual.
- AT2: Laboratory Report (35%)
- AT3: Sector-specific disease fact sheet (35%)
- AT1: Biosecurity in Aquaculture (30%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
Prior study
You must either have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject, or currently be enrolled in the following subject(s) in a prior study period; or enrol in the following subject(s) to study prior to this subject:
Please note that your enrolment in this subject is conditional on successful completion of these prerequisite subject(s). If you study the prerequisite subject(s) in the study period immediately prior to studying this subject, your result for the prerequisite subject(s) will not be finalised prior to the close of enrolment. In this situation, should you not complete your prerequisite subject(s) successfully you should not continue with your enrolment in this subject. If you are currently enrolled in the prerequisite subject(s) and believe you may not complete these all successfully, it is your responsibility to reschedule your study of this subject to give you time to re-attempt the prerequisite subject(s).
Additional requirements
- Attendance requirements - Students will be required to attend 1 face to face workshop in Launceston, Tasmania for a period of 3 days. This workshop will occur in week 6 of the semester, more information will be available prior to semester commencement.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
What to study next?
Once you’ve completed this subject it can be credited towards one of the following courses
UndergraduateTAS-SAC-ADG
Associate Degree in Applied Science (Sustainable Aquaculture)
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