A ThinkPad University program!
Course Descriptions

Technical Courses

NATR 150 - Aquaculture

An introduction to the husbandry of aquatic organisms. Course places emphasis on rearing unit theory and management, stock inventory, growth projections, and water quality management. Laboratory exercises feature visits to state and commercial hatcheries, and hands-on activities at the SUNY-Morrisville Aquaculture Center.

NATR 152 - Fish Reproduction

This course explores fish reproductive strategies and their management implications in aquaculture; topics include: modes and requirements of reproduction, embryology, spawning induction, genetics, hybridization and genetic engineering. Hands-on components include manual spawning of salmonids, egg enumeration, and larval fish identification.

NATR 158 - Fish Nutrition

Introduction to the nutritional requirements of fish. Emphasis is placed on natural and artificial feeding of fishes, digestive physiology, nutritional requirements and deficiencies, and feed formulation. Laboratory exercises include hands-on study of fish digestive anatomy, and the calculation of feed rations.

NATR 250 - Aquatic Ecology

A study of the physical, chemical and biological interactions affecting the productivity of freshwater environments throughout central New York. Origins, parameters, communities and populations of lakes, lake basins, streams, wetlands, and estuaries. Laboratories include identification of aquatic plants and invertebrates, habitat assessment, and the construction of bathymetric charts. Projects on limnological studies are conducted on local streams and reservoirs.

NATR 252 - Fish Ecology & Management

An introduction to the morphology, biology, ecology, behavior, and taxonomy of fishes. Strong emphasis is placed on the identification of New York's common freshwater and estuarine fish species. Other topics include fisheries management and biology, and the application of seine nets, trapnets, gill nets, and electroshocking fishing gear.

NATR 254 - Fish Health Management

A capstone course dealing with the development and maintenance of hygienic culture facilities. The course progresses from disease and diagnostic theory, through pathogenic and parasitic diseases, to chemical and cultural means of disease prevention and eradication. Laboratory exercises include necroptic and microbiologic techniques, pathogen and parasite identification, and chemotherapeutic treatments.
   
Practical Courses  

NATR 156 - Aquaculture Practicum I

Practical hands-on experience with emphasis on day-to-day aquaculture facility management. Care of cultured fishes and facility maintenance, including fish stock inventory and feed ration calculation.

NATR 256 - Aquaculture Practicum II

Advanced methods in aquaculture, including incubation and early-rearing of fish stocks, and water quality management.

NATR 257 - Aquaculture Practicum III

In this continuation of the Aquaculture Practicum series, the student assumes the role of a fish hatchery crew supervisor. In supervising the daily routine of work crews, the student develops mentoring and leadership skills. Additional competency is developed in grow-out, harvesting, fish sales, and delivery.

NATR 258 - Aquaculture Practicum IV

Final course in the Aquaculture Practicum series. Students will continue to develop and apply mentoring and leadership skills in the management of the SUNY-Morrisville Aquaculture Center. AP IV students will plan and implement work schedules of AP I-III students, conduct performance evaluations, determine feed orders and supply budgets, and develop long-range strategic plans for the AQ Center.

For more information contact: Laurie Trotta, Aquaculture Program Director

315-684-6240, trottala@morrisville.edu

main