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:

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Comprehensive aquaponics system design

According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and well-structured understanding of aquaponics, serving as a strong foundation for both enthusiasts and aspiring professionals. Students highlight the detailed explanations that cover basic principles, aquaculture, hydroponics, and system design. The course is widely praised for its practical application, particularly the system design project, which helps solidify learning. While generally a positive experience, a few reviews suggest some topics could benefit from greater depth for advanced learners, and some materials might need occasional updates to remain cutting-edge. Overall, it's considered an excellent resource for building aquaponics knowledge.

Organized and easy-to-follow curriculum with clear explanations.

"The course structure flows logically, making complex topics digestible and easy to understand."

"I found the lectures well-presented and the concepts explained clearly, even for someone new to the field."

"The course is very well-organized, and the quizzes helped reinforce the learning effectively."

Emphasizes hands-on system design and practical calculations.

"The system design project in week 6 was the highlight; it really made all the theoretical knowledge click into place for me."

"I now feel confident in planning and calculating my own aquaponics system after completing this course."

"The focus on practical elements like water treatment, flow, and dimensioning is highly valuable for real-world setup."

Provides a detailed and broad overview, suitable for various knowledge levels.

"This course offers a thorough exploration of aquaponics, covering everything from fish biology to system design, which was incredibly helpful."

"I appreciated how comprehensive the lectures were; truly a complete guide for getting started in aquaponics."

"Even as a beginner, I found the explanations clear and the scope of topics very comprehensive, exceeding my expectations."

Forum activity could be more active, potentially impacting discussion.

"I hoped for more lively discussions in the forum; it felt a bit quiet at times, which limited peer interaction."

"While the course material was strong, I found instructor presence or peer engagement in the discussion forums to be limited."

"I had a few specific questions that went unanswered in the discussion boards, which was a bit frustrating."

Some external resources or data may benefit from updates.

"A few of the recommended external links were broken or led to outdated information, which was a minor inconvenience."

"I noticed some statistics cited might be a few years old; a refresh with more current data would be great."

"The core concepts are timeless, but supplemental readings and examples could be updated to reflect recent industry advancements."

Could offer more in-depth coverage for advanced or professional users.

"While excellent for beginners, I wished for a deeper dive into commercial-scale aquaponics operations and advanced troubleshooting."

"As a professional in the field, some parts felt a bit introductory; more nuanced engineering or economic analysis would be beneficial."

"I felt that certain engineering aspects could have been explored with more technical detail and case studies."

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.

Show all two activities

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Aquaponics Engineer

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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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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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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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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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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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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