Program Overview

Course Overview

The course Introduction to Fish Welfare (BI6005) provides an introduction to fish welfare from the individual to the industrial level. The course aims to increase understanding of what provides good fish welfare, how to monitor and evaluate fish welfare, and why this is important.

Course Details

• Credits: 2.5
• Level: Further education, lower degree level
• Course Start: Spring 2026
• Duration: 1 semester
• Language of Instruction: Norwegian
• Location: Trondheim
• Examination Arrangement: Off campus exam

Course Content

The course covers topics such as:

• The natural life history of wild and farmed salmonids for increased understanding of the fish's needs through different life stages
• Basic physiology with focus on production, smoltification, and how stress affects the fish
• Fish welfare and welfare indicators
• Fish welfare from an industrial perspective with examples from challenges with parasites and strategies for dealing with these

Learning Outcome

Upon completion of the course, students will have:

• Basic knowledge of the life history of wild salmon and farmed salmon
• Basic knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of salmonids, with a focus on production, smoltification, and stress
• Familiarity with the use of welfare indicators as a measure of fish welfare
• The ability to place the acquired knowledge into an industrial perspective

Learning Methods and Activities

The course includes digital teaching and one in-person seminar with a laboratory exercise and group work.

Compulsory Assignments

• Approved digital course
• Attendance at the in-person seminar

Evaluation

Approved mandatory activity gives access to the digital home exam. All aids are allowed. In case of failure or valid absence, a new exam can be taken the following semester.

Specific Conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required.

Recommended and Required Previous Knowledge

There are no recommended or required previous knowledge prerequisites for this course.

Subject Areas

• Aquaculture
• Biology
• Marine Biology

Department and Faculty

The course is offered by the Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences.