Semester 2
Semester 2 at the University of Crete
In Semester 2 of the EMJMD ACES+ students will study at the University of Crete (Department of Biology) in Greece, a centre of excellence focusing on fish physiology, endocrinology, behaviour, welfare and innovative new methodologies that test fish and product quality. The University of Crete also specialises in the aquaculture-environmental interactions of Mediterranean marine species. During semester 2 students also undertake a 6-week industry based internship with an Associate Partner in Greece. This internship usually takes place during June-July and, completed alongside the professional and entrepreneurial skills session (UHI-SAMS), it is part of a new core module validated by the University of Crete (6 ECTS).
Teaching at the University of Crete is led by professors and associate professors with international reputations in the above fields. Teaching during semester 2 is also supported by key staff at the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), a government research organisation operating under the supervision of the General Secretariat for Research and Technology (GSRT) of the Ministry of Development and Investments. The HCMR has considerable experience in co-ordinating industry based placements including the EMJMD ACES+ research dissertations.
| MODULE 4: Managing Lifecycles in Captivity: Finfish biology, nutrition and reproduction (Core: 6 ECTS)
Module Leader: Prof Michalis Pavlidis |
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| Description | Students will gain extensive, detailed and critical knowledge of the main features, techniques and current research on the biology of marine and freshwater farmed fin-fish species. Students will use a significant range of standard and specialised research equipment and techniques which are applicable to the rearing systems used during the whole life-cycle of aquaculture fish. Students will also gain a critical understanding of how the aquaculture industry manage the biological life-cycles of fin-fish and critically review, consolidate and extend their knowledge in thinking applicable to the critical points of production.
Indicative content includes:
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| Teaching methods | Laboratory and practical classes, lectures, seminars, guided use of open learning materials, tutorials, and site visits |
| Assessment | Multiple-choice test and short answer questions |
| MODULE 5: Fish Welfare and Disease Management (Core: 6 ECTS)
Module Leader: Prof M. Pavlidis & Dr. P. Katharios (Hellenic Centre for Marine Research) |
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| Description | To gain extensive, detailed and critical knowledge of the main features, techniques and current research on stress biology, main pathogens, disease diagnosis and treatment of marine and freshwater farmed fin-fish species. To gain a critical understanding of how the aquaculture industry manage health and welfare of finfish and critically review, consolidate and extend knowledge in thinking applicable to the critical points of life-cycle in captivity and production. To get training into a significant range of the principal skills, techniques and practices, which are associated with the assessment of stress, health and welfare of farmed fish.
Indicative content includes:
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| Teaching methods | Laboratory and practical classes, lectures, seminars, guided use of open learning materials, tutorials, and site visits |
| Assessment | Multiple-choice test and short answer questions |
| MODULE 6a: Fish Quality – Environmental and Genetic Components (Core: 6 ECTS)
Module Leader: Prof. George Koumoundouros |
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| Description | Students will gain an extensive and critical understanding of the different aspects of quality of reared fish, as a developing organism and as a final product. Students will apply a critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis of knowledge regarding the factors which determine fish quality. Students will also critically review, consolidate and extend knowledge of the latest skills and techniques for the assessment and improvement of fish quality.
Indicative content includes:
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| Teaching methods | Laboratory and practical classes, lectures, guided use of open learning materials, tutorials |
| Assessment | Final lab evaluation (40%) and final exam (60%) |
| MODULE 6b: Environmental Impact Assessment for Aquaculture Projects (Core: 6 ECTS)
Module Leader: Prof I Karakassis |
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| Description | Students will develop a thorough understanding of the Environmental Impact Assessment process and its application to aquaculture projects. They will acquire an in-depth knowledge of the available methods and tools for the prediction of impacts at various spatial scales. Students will gain an understanding of the approaches used for site selection and determination of the carrying capacity of aquaculture. Students will also gain an understanding of the importance of the participation of stakeholders in the EIA process in the context of the Ecosystem Approach to Aquaculture.
Indicative content includes:
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| Teaching methods | Laboratory and practical classes, lectures, guided use of open learning materials, tutorials |
| Assessment | Laboratory and practical classes (30%); mid-term multiple choice test (20%); written/presentation assignment (40% essay and 10% presentation) |
| MODULE 7: Professional and Entrepreneurial Skills, including a 6-week internship supervised by a faculty member at the University of Crete (Core: 6ECTS)
Module Leaders: Professor Michalis Pavlidis |
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| Description | To enhance the employability of the students this module will focus on providing them with a critical understanding of the key skills required for becoming a highly effective employee and/ or entrepreneur. |
| Teaching methods | Semester 1 (UHI-SAMS)
Semester 2 (University of Crete): 6-week internship with an Associate Partner in Greece or abroad |
| Assessment | Oral presentation (50%) and Internship Report (50%) |