Aquaponics – the circular food production system from edX

Aquaponic technology continues to attract a lot of attention around the globe, especially in the context of urban farming. But how exactly do an aquaponics system work and more important what knowledge do I need to successfully run an aquaponics system? In this course, you will obtain answers to these questions. The curriculum will give you an understanding of central topics in the field of aquaponics. Aquaponics is a circulation technology based on a broad knowledge base: from water chemistry, fish and plant physiology, to engineering and microbiology. It can thus serve as a learning model for inter-and transdisciplinary thinking and acting.

This course is for:

Everyone interested in Aquaponics with a basic understanding of natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) on an undergraduate degree level
Professionals in the sector of Aquaculture and Hydroponics
Aquaponic practitioners who want to gain additional knowledge on specific topics

What you'll learn

Understand the basic technological principles behind aquaponics, be able to assess the advantages and disadvantages of aquaponic systems, and have an insight into current research and potential applications in terms of urban agriculture and vertical farming.
Be familiar with fish anatomy and physiology, fish feed and growth along with fish health and welfare.
Understand the principles of fish cultivation in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), the required technical components, the calculation of dimensions in terms of engineering, and the important role of water treatment and monitoring.
Understand basic plant anatomy, physiology, and growing requirements. Know the basic principles of hydroponics and its different cultivation systems. Be able to calculate the nutrient supply in hydroponic systems and determine nutrient supplementation in aquaponics if required.
Be familiar with the plant varieties suitable for aquaponic systems, learn how to monitor plants, and understand the key factors of integrated pest management.
Know how to assemble the basic components of an aquaponic system and understand the importance of water flow from one component to another. Be able to plan and design an aquaponic system and calculate its dimensions yourself.

What's inside

Syllabus

To run an aquaponic system you need broad knowledge ranging from water chemistry, fish and plant physiology, to engineering and entrepreneurial thinking. Therefore, the course is structured into six main topics:

Basic Principles of Aquaponics Basics of Aquaponics; Opportunities, Risks, Challenges, and Limitations; Aquaponics and Urban Agriculture, a global perspective

Aquaculture Part 1 Fish Anatomy and Physiology; Feeding and Growth; Fish Health and Welfare in Aquaculture

Aquaculture Part 2 Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) Engineering; Management; Calculations

Hydroponic Part 1 Hydroponic Systems; Plant Anatomy, Physiology and Growth Requirements; Nutrient Supply

Hydroponic Part 2 Plant Varieties; Plant Monitoring; Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Aquaponic System Design and Calculation of Dimensions System Design and Planning; Calculating the Dimensions of your Aquaponic System

To enhance your learning, you will have access to videos, course literature, forum contributions, discussions, practical sessions, individual work, and quizzes. In week 6, as a project, you will design an aquaponic system and calculate its dimensions.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces the basics of aquaponics for professionals in the sector of Aquaculture and Hydroponics

Develops a strong understanding of basic plant anatomy, physiology and growing requirements

Provides insights into the key factors of integrated pest management

Focuses on the calculation of dimensions for aquaponic system design

Taught by instructors with expertise in fish and plant physiology, engineering, and microbiology

May require a basic understanding of natural sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) on an undergraduate degree level

Reviews summary

Aquaponics circular food system

According to students, this aquaponics course is a great option for beginners who are looking to learn more about circular food production. The course covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of aquaponics to more advanced concepts like organic farming.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Aquaponics – the circular food production system with these activities:

Review electrical theory

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Helps refresh knowledge of electrical theory and prepare for course

Browse courses on Electricity

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Review notes and textbooks on basic electrical theory
Solve practice problems related to electrical circuits and components

Aquaponic System Design and Calculations

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Starting an aquaponic system design project will help you practically apply your knowledge of system design and calculations learned in the course.

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Gather materials and resources.
Identify and define the scope of your design project.
Brainstorm and sketch out potential design ideas.
Calculate the dimensions of your system based on the principles learned in the course.
Present your final design and calculations for feedback.

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Career center

Learners who complete Aquaponics – the circular food production system will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Aquaponics Farm Manager

An Aquaponics Farm Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations and maintenance of an aquaponics system. This course covers a broad spectrum of knowledge required for success including topics in fish and plant physiology, hydroponics, engineering and water chemistry.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aquaponics Farm Manager

Aquaponics Engineer

Aquaponics Engineers design, operate and maintain aquaponics systems, which combine aquaculture (the cultivation of fish) with hydroponics (the cultivation of plants in water). This course provides comprehensive knowledge in both aquaculture and hydroponics, enabling one to succeed in this role.

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Fish Farmer

Fish Farmers raise fish for food or other purposes. This course provides an in-depth understanding of fish anatomy, physiology, feed and growth, as well as fish health and welfare, which are essential knowledge for Fish Farmers.

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Sustainable Agriculture Specialist

Sustainable Agriculture Specialists develop and implement sustainable agriculture practices. This course provides knowledge in aquaponics, a sustainable food production system that combines aquaculture and hydroponics. It can help Sustainable Agriculture Specialists gain a better understanding of this innovative and sustainable approach to food production.

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Plant Scientist

Plant Scientists study the biology and cultivation of plants. This course covers essential topics in plant anatomy, physiology and growth requirements, as well as the principles of hydroponics and integrated pest management. It can help Plant Scientists gain a better understanding of plant cultivation in controlled environments.

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Aquaculture Technician

An Aquaculture Technician supports fish culturists, biologists and other professionals involved in raising fish and other forms of aquatic life. This course provides a detailed introduction to fish anatomy and physiology, including feeding and growth. It also covers essential topics in fish health and welfare, which is of concern to Aquaculture Technicians.

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Hydroponic Farmer

Hydroponic Farmers grow plants in water without soil. This course covers the fundamentals of hydroponics, including plant anatomy, physiology and nutrient supply, as well as hydroponic system design and operation. It can provide a solid foundation for Hydroponic Farmers.

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Freshwater Ecologist

Freshwater Ecologists study the ecology of freshwater ecosystems. This course offers a comprehensive overview of water chemistry, fish and plant physiology, and the principles of recirculating aquaculture systems, which can be useful for Freshwater Ecologists working in areas such as aquaculture and water resource management.

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Water Resources Engineer

Water Resources Engineers design and manage water systems. This course covers topics such as water chemistry and treatment, as well as the principles of recirculating aquaculture systems. It can be useful for Water Resources Engineers working on projects related to aquaculture and water resource management.

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Natural Resource Manager

Natural Resource Managers plan and manage the use and conservation of natural resources. This course can provide valuable knowledge in topics such as water chemistry, fish and plant physiology, and the principles of recirculating aquaculture systems, which can be relevant for Natural Resource Managers working in areas such as fisheries and aquaculture.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers develop solutions to environmental problems. This course covers topics such as water chemistry and treatment, principles of recirculating aquaculture systems, and engineering calculations. These topics align with the technical knowledge required for an Environmental Engineer specializing in aquaponics.

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Biological Scientist

Biological Scientists study living organisms and their interdependence with each other and their environment. This course offers a solid foundation in biology, especially in plant physiology, which can be valuable for Biological Scientists working in the field of aquaponics.

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Zoologist

Zoologists study the biology and behavior of animals. This course provides an introduction to fish anatomy and physiology, as well as the principles of aquaculture. It can be useful for Zoologists interested in the field of aquaculture and fish biology.

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Marine Biologist

Marine Biologists study the biology of marine organisms and their ecosystems. This course may be useful for Marine Biologists interested in aquaculture, as it offers a good understanding of fish anatomy, physiology, and the principles of recirculating aquaculture systems.

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Environmental Planner

Environmental Planners develop plans and programs to protect the environment and natural resources. This course may be helpful for Environmental Planners working on projects related to urban agriculture and sustainable food production systems.

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