Independence Junior College

Savannah Road, Independence Village

Stann Creek District
Tel: 523-2566 ◊ Fax: 523-2220
Email: info@ijc.edu.bz
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Course Code: AGRI 122
Course Title: Introduction to Aquaculture

Section: --

Class Venue Room 3

Class Meeting Times Tues/Thurs 12:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Field Trips Yes

Program Associates in Agribusiness

Credits: 3

Required Textbook None (handouts will be provided)

Prerequisite/s: None

Required or Elective: Required

Semester: II (January – April 2022)

Course Coordinator: Ing. Agr. Tamara Recinos

Contact Information: 6157140

trecinos@ijc.edu.bz

Office Hours & Location: IJC Staffroom 9:00 a.m. – 9:40 a.m.
AGRI 122 Introduction to Aquaculture
Course Information:
An introductory course that provides an overview of the field of aquaculture, including water quality guidelines, production systems, nutrition,
reproduction, and the common fish/shellfish crops cultured in Belize and the Caribbean.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will:

a. Demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts of aquaculture including water quality measurements, anatomical and physiological terms,
recommendations for feeding and nutrition.
b. Describe the anatomy and physiology of the Tilapia and Freshwater shrimp species used for commercial aquaculture production in Belize and the
Caribbean.
c. Demonstrate an understanding of all important physiological processes especially that of the sexual reversal process in Tilapia.
d. Explain the principles of adequate pond construction and management.
e. Compare and contrast different management systems based on stocking densities and production output.
f. Examine the relationship between aquaculture and the local economy.
g. Determine the appropriate site to establish a pond.
h. Evaluate the benefits and constraints of using the cage system over the pond system.

Course Schedule
Date Topic/Subtopics Teaching Strategies & Readings/Assignments Assessments & Due Dates
Activities
Wk. 1 Introduction Discussion/Lecture Reading 1: Aquaculture: Assignment 1: Fishing in the
 Introduction to course Simulation Activity What is it all about? Commons Simulation
 What is Aquaculture and where did it Critical Thinking
come from?
 Classifying Aquaculture systems

Wk. 2 The Business of Aquaculture Discussion/Lecture Assignment 2: Case Study

 Aquaculture and the Economy Critical Thinking (Aquaculture in Maine)
 To culture or not to culture (economic
and environmental impact) Quiz #1

Wk. 3 Pond Construction Discussion/Lecture Reading 2: Fish Pond Assignment 3: Calculating Dike
 Planning and design Lab Activity Construction Height and Width
  Construction Test 1
- Earthen ponds
- Cages

Wk. 4 Water Quality Discussion/Lecture

 Importance of water quality Lab Activity
 Quality parameters
- Temperature
- Suspended solids
- Dissolved Oxygen
- pH

Wk. 5 Water Quality Assignment 4: Water quality

- Alkalinity and Hardness analysis
- Carbon Dioxide
- Ammonia and Ammonium Quiz 2
- Salinity
- Coliform bacteria
- Others (Hydrogen sulphide)

Wk. 6 Managing Aquaculture Systems Discussion/Lecture Test 2

 Types of systems Hands on learning
- Water based systems
- Land based systems
- Recycling systems
- Integrated farming systems

Wk. 7 Managing Aquaculture Systems Discussion/Lecture Assignment 5: Mass and

 Stocking density Volumetric enumeration of
- Extensive fingerlings worksheet
- Semi intensive
- Intensive
 Pond drying and preparation
- Fertilizer usage
- Limestone application
Wk. 8 Fish Biology Discussion/Lecture Assignment 6: Classification of
 Morphology and Taxonomy Video and Handouts Fish Worksheet
- Types of fishes Lab Activity
- Body forms and function Quiz 3
- External and Internal anatomy

Wk. 9 Fish Biology Discussion/Lecture Presentation 1: Fish Organ

 Physiology Oral Communication Systems
- Circulation
- Respiration Test 3
- Excretion
- Digestion
- Locomotion

Wk. 10 Fish Biology Discussion/Lecture Assignment 7: Disease

 Tilapia varieties Management Chart
 Hatchery and farm management
 Major pathogens and diseases

Wk. 11 Fin Fish Biology Discussion/Lecture Presentation 2: Methods of

 Sexual Maturity Oral Communication controlling reproduction in Tilapia
 Controlling Reproduction
- Manual separation Quiz 4
- Hybridization
- Sex reversal process
- Genetic engineering

Wk. 12 Fin Fish Biology Discussion/Lecture Reading 4: Understanding Assignment 6: Feed Conversion
 Feeding and Nutrition Problem Solving Fish Nutrition, Feeds and Ratio and Biomass calculations
- Major nutrient groups Feeding
- Metabolism Test 4
- Feed types and ingredients
- Feed formulation
- Feed practices

Wk. 13 Shellfish Biology Discussion/Lecture Assignment 7: Anatomy

  Morphology and taxonomy Lab Activity worksheet
- Types of shellfish
- Internal and External anatomy of
shrimp and lobster

Wk. 14 Shellfish Biology Discussion/Lecture Presentation 3: Shellfish Organ

 Physiology Oral Communication Systems
- Circulation
- Digestion Quiz 5
- Respiration
- Excretion
- Reproduction
- Locomotion

Wk. 15 Shellfish Biology Discussion and lecture Assignment 7: Video review

 Hatchery and farm management Critical Thinking
 Nutrition and feeding
 Major pathogens and diseases

Wk. 16 Final Exam

Course Assessments/Activities:
Description Weighting (%)
Tests (4) 30
Quizzes (5) 20
Assignment/Projects 15
Presentations (3) 15
Final Exam 20
Total 100

IJC Grading Scale:

Criteria Percentage Range
Passing Grades:
A 95 – 100 i. Tests:
A- 90-94
Approximately six (6)
B+ 85 – 89
B 80 – 84 tests will be given during
C+ 75-79 the semester. These tests
C 70-74 will be announced at least
Failing Grade: two days ahead and
D+ 65-69 teacher will discuss topics
D 60-64 to be covered on the tests
F 0 – 59 with students. If a student
was absent for the day of the test, he/she is required to inform the lecturer prior to or no later than the next
meeting of the class the reason for the absence. If the reason is found valid, a make-up test will be given
to the student. Make-up tests may or may not be the same as that taken by the rest of the class; it may
come in different forms such as oral or written.

ii. Quizzes:
Short announced quizzes will be given throughout the semester in preparation for tests and must be taken
on the given day in class. Students who are absent on day of quiz must present a doctor letter in next class
meeting or a zero will be given.

iii. Assignments:
Different types of assignments will be given throughout the semester in order for students to be able to
acquire information other than what is given in class and also to assist them to be able to develop their
writing and presentation skills. Assignments are to be submitted on given date by lecturer; assignments
submitted more than two days late will not be accepted.

iv. Oral presentations:

During the semester oral presentations will be given to cover course topics. Students will follow the
guideline established by instructor (see presentation rubric in appendices).

 Presentations should be:

- kept within the timeframe (10-15 minutes)
- consist of visual aids done in Microsoft PowerPoint (font size no smaller than 28)
- legible and visible from the back of the room
- organized in a logical manner
 PowerPoint presentation should include:
- a slide with topic, course id/name and name(s) of student(s)
- an introduction
- description of topic: diagrams/pictures/videos can be used here
- conclusion
- references

 Students must be dressed professionally (dress shirt, long pants, shoes [not tennis])

Course Policies and Regulations:

 Attendance: Students are required to attend all classes. Failure to do so may lead to dismissal from
the school. Students having one week of unexcused absence, whether consecutive or not, will be
asked to drop the course. Lecturer should be notified when a student will be absent.

 Lateness: Students who arrive within 5-10 minutes of the class session will be allowed to sit in the
class. However, if this becomes a pattern, the grace period will be disregarded and student will be
recorded as absent.

 Cell phones: Cell phones are to be on vibrate or turned off while in class. NO CELL PHONES are
to be answered in class or during practical sessions.

 Dress Code: No caps and sunglasses are to be worn in class. Dress according to IJC catalogue.

 Class Policies:
- Students are responsible for material presented in class during their absence.
- Students are expected to consult with the lecturer as necessary about individual concerns,
progress, and/ or any other relevant issues.
- Assignments for submission are to be type-written (Times New Roman font, size 12, 1.5
spaced) and turned in at the beginning of the class period when due.
- Students are expected to honor the scholastic work of others and should therefore site references
as necessary. Any student that plagiarizes will receive a failing grade (zero) on the specific
assignment.
- Students are expected to show the utmost respect towards the opinions of others in the classroom.
- If student is caught cheating, he/she will receive an automatic F.

 Disability Clause: IJC will provide the infrastructure to facilitate students with physical disabilities
(please see catalogue).

 References:
Meyer, D. E. (2004). Introduccion a la Acuacultura. Escuela Agricola Panamericana. Zamorano,
Honduras

Students are encouraged to make use of the Junior College’s resource center to gather additional
information on the subject.

Appendices
 Rubric for Oral Presentations (Group)

Name(s): ____________________________________________ Date: ___________________

Category Scoring Criteria Points

Design of presentation is appropriate for the topic and audience. /5
Organization Information is presented in a logical sequence. /5
(15 points) Writing is legible from back of the room; little to no /5
spelling/grammar errors.
Introduction is attention-getting and presents an outline for the /5
rest of the presentation.
Technical terms are well-defined; language appropriate for the /5
Content target audience.
(40 points) Presentation contains accurate information. /10
Material included is relevant to the topic; appropriate amount of /10
material is presented.
There is a conclusion that summarizes the presentation. /10
Speaker maintains good eye contact with the audience and is /10
appropriately animated (e.g., gestures, moving around, etc.).
Speaker uses a clear, audible voice. /5
Presentation Delivery is controlled and smooth. /5
(30 points) Good language skills and pronunciation are used. /5
Speaker fields questions easily. /5
Time Mgt. Length of presentation is within the assigned time limit (15 /5
(5 points) minutes).
Team Work All team members collaborated with the assignment. /5
(10 points) More than one team member presented and answered questions. /5
Total Points /100
 Rubric for Oral Presentations (Individual)

Name: ____________________________ Date: _______________ Topic: _________________

SPEAKING SKILLS All elements Most elements Some elements No elements

present present present present
Delivery (Presenter doesn’t rush, 4 3 2 1
shows enthusiasm, avoids likes,
ums, kind ofs, you knows, etc. Uses
complete sentences.)

Eye Contact (Presenter keeps 4 3 2 1

head up, does not read, and speaks
to whole audience.)

Posture (Presenter stands up 4 3 2 1

straight, faces audience, and doesn’t
fidget.)

Volume (Presenter can be easily 4 3 2 1

heard by all. No gum, etc.

CONTENT All elements Most elements Some elements No elements

present present present present
Introduction 4 3 2 1
Presentation begins with a clear
focus/thesis.

Topic Development 4 3 2 1
a. Presentation includes all
elements previously determined by
the teacher.
4 3 2 1
b. Presentation is clearly organized.
(Material is logically sequenced,
related to thesis, and not repetitive.)
4 3 2 1
c. Presentation shows full grasp and
understanding of the material.

Conclusion 4 3 2 1
a. Presentation highlights key ideas
and concludes with a strong final
statement.

b. Presenter fields questions easily. 4 3 2 1

Comments:
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
 Research Paper Rubric
Name(s):_____________________________________________

CRITERIA All elements present Most elements Some elements No elements present
present present

Introduction (grabs interest 4 3 2 1

of reader and states topic clearly.
Well developed).

Quality of evidence (paper 4 3 2 1

is well researched, extremely
detailed, and accurate. Information
clearly relates to the topic).

Analysis/Discussion (is 4 3 2 1
critical, relevant and consistent
connections made between
evidence and topic).

Organization (is clear, 4 3 2 1

logical, mature, and thorough
development of topic with good
transition between and within
paragraphs).

Conclusion (good summary of 4 3 2 1

topic with concluding ideas that
impact reader. Does not introduce
new information).

Grammar/Mechanics 4 3 2 1
(free of spelling, punctuation, and
grammatical errors).

Citation Format (follows 4 3 2 1

APA rules for formatting; citation
of sources are present and correct).

Works cited/References 4 3 2 1
(entries are correct as to APA
format).

COMMENTS:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________