NPA in Aquaculture

If you are thinking of a career in Aquaculture/Marine Science, you may be interested in this course.

This qualification is for anyone who is at school and would like to study an introductory course in Aquaculture.  The course will be delivered between August 2011 and June 2013. Tuition will be given by local members of staff who have a depth of practical experience in industry.

The course has been designed to:

• Provide practical skills and knowledge to pursue a career in aquaculture/marine industries
• Give an insight into a demanding industry to help students make decisions on the future based on a taste of commercial reality
• Present a lead into vocational courses recognised by the Scottish Qualifications Authority and from there into higher education if desired

Applications are welcomed from anyone in Secondary 3.

Pupils will attend the NAFC Marine Centre in Scalloway for a full day (Friday) every second week over a period of two years.  The course is a balance of classwork and hands-on experience with field trips.

This course is aimed at S3 and is designed to give pupils both a range of practical skills and a basic grounding in marine activities which will prepare them for work in a range of related industries.  Successful completion of the course will lead to a National Progression Award which is SQA accredited at SCQF level 4 – equivalent of Intermediate 1.

The course will include a wide-ranging introduction into many aspects of aquaculture and industry.

• Introduction to Aquaculture and the Environment – Local investigation (mandatory)
• Northern European Aquaculture (mandatory)
• Basic Seamanship - based on RYA Powerboat 1
• Introduction to Finfish Farming
• Finfish rearing systems
  • Cage production
  • Feeding
  • Fish anatomy, health and welfare
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Fish handling, grading and harvesting
• Introduction to Scottish Sea Fisheries
• Netmending
  • Ropework
• Introduction to Shellfish Production
• Spat collection
  • Anatomy
  • Biology

There are a limited number of places and therefore all pupils who apply will be given an interview.  Pupils will be informed the outcome of the interview soon afterwards to allow them to change their course options, should that be necessary.

Course Dates 2011/12:

For Secondary 3 (Year one of course)