Aquaculture Courses
Aquaculture Science
1st Year Students / Double Period / One Semester (1) credit
This course serves as an introduction to Aquaculture as it relates to the laboratory and worldwide marine and fresh water environments. The course includes studies of the scientific method, classification, microscopy, marsh transects, the water cycle, earth science, the periodic table and science experiments designed to improve CAPT readiness. Laboratory and field experiments reinforce student understanding in the scientific method while facilitating mastery of basic scientific concepts. The information and skills taught in this course are integrated in laboratory and field experiences in and around New Haven harbor aboard research vessels, and on local marshes and streams. The first half (one marking period) has a strong emphasis on the scientific method, natural resource management/earth science and ecosystem dynamics. The second half (one marking period) will focus on small groups designing controlled experiments. School wide winners will be entered in the New Haven Science Fair in March.
Aquaculture Biology
2nd Year Students / Double Period / One Semester / One (1) credit
The primary purpose of this course is to provide a broad overview of key concepts of Biology with an emphasis on major Aquaculture species. It is designed to offer content and skills necessary for advanced aquaculture study, college preparation, and good citizenship. Aquaculture Biology investigates the world's waters as they relate to marine biology, marine life, habitats and aquaculture production. Student skills are developed and guided in working cooperatively and individually to solve problems utilizing the Scientific Method. Specific emphasis is on laboratory practica and field activities. Field trips on Long Island Sound extensively study this estuary aboard our research vessels. Marsh, stream, lake studies and coastal processes are essential to fulfill the program objectives.
Laboratory work will explore the foundational knowledge and advanced skills for applying technology to developing and improving bioremediation, bioprocessing, enhancement of biocultivation hatchery techniques for aquatic species and expanding the understanding of biological systems. Curriculum units include: Introduction to biology, microscopy, introduction to aquaculture, aquarium projects, cell biology and reproduction, organisms that inhabit marine and freshwater environments, management practices for finfish, Crustaceans, and Mollusks, fundamentals of nutrition, and Aquaculture Business.
Aquaculture Chemistry: Water Quality
3rd Year Students / Double Period / One Semester /One (1) credit
The Aquaculture Chemistry course concentrates on the methodologies and techniques used in industry and by government agencies to monitor water quality of treated water and wastewater. Biological analysis protocols will include Aquatic Toxicity Testing, Potable Water Bacteria Tests, Benthic Macroinverte Rate Studies, and Planktonic Community Studies. Treatment of water and wastewater will be covered. The class will work with local and state agencies investigating water treatment and water quality issues and coordinate with local regulatory and watershed agencies to participate in ongoing research projects. The course will emphasize the use of instrumentation, laboratory techniques including quality assurance and quality control, use and maintenance of sampling equipment and laboratory equipment. Report generation of studies performed will be the culmination of the course. This course is cross-credited as a college preparatory chemistry course. It is the first course in the Water Quality concentration sequence.
Aquaculture Life Sciences I
3rd Year Students / Double Period / One Semester / One (1) credit - Prerequisite: Aquaculture Biology
In this class, students will learn about the history and methods of farming finfish for ornamental purposes, human consumption, and enhancement of wild and recreational stocks. They will develop skills in the classification and identification of finfish. Time will be devoted to studying the life history and ecology of different finfish species, their anatomy, morphology and physiology. They will cover extensive and intensive culture methods, water quality management, bio-remediation, pathology, nutrition, aquaculture and the environment, as well as commercial operations. Students will construct and maintain small-scale aquaculture systems, collect data, and write reports. Attempts will be made to breed fish.
Participants will learn through hands-on experiences the techniques and methods employed in the commercial shellfish industry along the New England Coast, with particular emphasis being placed on the propagation techniques currently being used in Long Island Sound. The course is also structured to give students a greater understanding and realization of the extreme importance of protecting Long Island Sound as a natural resource. The students will learn the life cycle of commercially important bivalves, perform the water quality tests used in shellfish hatcheries, participate in activities that will teach them the anatomy, morphology and physiology of shellfish, learn the biological parameters that are necessary for the survival and spawning of shellfish in closed systems and participate in the design, construction, use and maintenance of various systems used to culture shellfish. This course is the first in the Aquaculture Life Science concentration sequence.
Aquaculture Biotechnology I
3rd Year Students / Double Period / One Semester / One (1) credit
This course focuses on DNA and genetic control of the cell and its processes. It provides the knowledge base necessary for senior Biotech. Mitosis, meiosis, genetics, DNA, and an introduction to biotechnology will be covered in this course. Laboratory exercises, field trips, and/or guest speakers will supplement classroom learning. This is the first course in the Aquaculture Biotechnology concentration sequence.
Water Quality II: Special Topics
4th Year Students / Double Period / Full Year / Two (2) credits. Requires Previous Course Sequence or Permission of Instructor and Advisor
This is the second course in the Water Quality sequence. It concentrates on the methodologies and techniques used in industry and by government agencies to monitor water quality, treated water and wastewater. Biological analysis protocols will include Aquatic Toxicity Testing, Potable Water Bacteria Tests, Benthic Macroinvertebrate Studies, and Planktonic Community Studies. Treatment of water and wastewater will be covered. The class will work with local and state agencies investigating water treatment and water quality issues and coordinate with local regulatory and watershed agencies to participate in ongoing research projects. The course will emphasize the use of instrumentation, laboratory techniques including quality assurance and quality control, use and maintenance of sampling equipment, and use and maintenance of laboratory equipment. The culmination of the course will be the generation of a report of studies performed.
Aquaculture Life Sciences II: Special Topics
4th Year Students / Double Period / Full Year / Two (2) credits. Requires
Previous Course Sequence or Permission of Instructor and Advisor This course is the second in the Aquaculture Life Science sequence. Students choose one of the following two modules:
Finfish Culture:In this class, students will learn about the history and methods of farming finfish for ornamental purposes, human consumption, and enhancement of wild and recreational stocks. They will develop skills in the classification and identification of finfish. Time will be devoted to studying the life history and ecology of different finfish species, their anatomy, morphology and physiology. They will cover extensive and intensive culture methods, water quality management and bioremediation, pathology and nutrition, aquaculture and the environment, and commercial operations. They will construct and maintain small-scale aquaculture systems, collect data, write reports, and breed fish of different species.
Shellfish Culture:Participants in this course will learn through hands-on experiences the techniques and methods employed in the commercial shellfish industry along the New England Coast, with particular emphasis being placed on the propagation techniques currently being used in Long Island Sound. The course is also structured to give students a greater understanding and realization of the extreme importance of protecting Long Island Sound as a natural resource. The students will learn the life cycle of commercially important bivalves, perform the water quality tests used in shellfish hatcheries, participate in activities that will teach them the anatomy, morphology and physiology of shellfish, learn the biological parameters that are necessary for the survival and spawning of shellfish in closed systems and participate in the design, construction, use and maintenance of various systems used to culture shellfish.
Aquaculture Biotechnology II: Special Topics
4th Year Students / Double Period / Full Year Two (2) credits. Requires Previous Course Sequence or Permission of Instructor and Advisor
This is the second class in the Aquaculture Biotechnology sequence. This course is designed to provide students with an interest in biotechnology the opportunity to design and implement applications concerning the marine environment. The course begins with various standard procedures in microbiology and progresses through several short and long term projects originating from the "Microbes for Hire" curriculum, designed by the Center of Marine Biotechnology and the Maryland Sea Grant Extension Program. Laboratory experiments include: The Kombucha Biofilm-Bacteria, yeast, tea and symbiosis, using bacterial signals to measure chemical impacts, osmosis and Halobacteria, and Halobacteria and DNA extraction. Each student will also be responsible for a long-term study of his or her choice, with teacher approval, which will culminate in a research paper to be submitted in the last marking period.
Aquaculture Technology I
1st Year Students / Double Period / One Semester / One (1) credit
This course introduces freshman students to several marine technology and aquaculture technology areas. As so much of the emerging aquaculture industry is dependent upon traditional nautical, sail training, and seamanship skills, therefore, students are provided exposure to and experiences in a variety of marine related areas. Units of instruction cover in depth small boat safety, rowing, sailing, seamanship, outboard engine operation and the DEP approved CT Safe Boating Certificate Course. Special instructional areas include: trouble shooting and emergency procedures, nautical science, introduction to navigation, boat maintenance and repair and basic small vessel construction techniques.
Aquaculture Technology II
2nd Year Students / Double Period / One Semester / One (1) credit
Students are exposed to vessel technologies, electronics, propulsion systems, marine mechanics and fishing gear technology. They receive instruction in small boat operations, seamanship, marine electronics, coastal piloting, recreational and commercial fishing gear technology and marine mechanics. Outboard engines will be broken down, and parts cleaned or replaced as necessary. The engines will then be rebuilt and brought to the test tank to monitor their operation. The electronics part of the course includes basic electronic theory, conductors, insulators, flow, power, voltage and resistance as well as mathematical applications In the fishing gear technology part of the course, the students will learn to design and construct recreational and commercial fishing gear such as fykes, trawls, pots and gillnets. The small boat handling portion of the course will focus on motorboat operation and handling skills. This entails learning advanced seamanship skills, line handling, rules of the road, coastal piloting and application of the knowledge gained through completion of the CT Safe Boating course the previous year. In the fishing gear technology section of the course, there is a considerable amount of time spent on the water.
Marine Engineering I
3rd Year Students / Double Period / One Semester / One (1) credit Prerequisites: Algebra I & II, Geometry
This course introduces students to various areas of physics through application to marine technology and the engineering process. The curriculum includes units on Drafting, Computer-Assisted Drafting/Design (CAD), Analog Electronics, Mechanisms, Pneumatics, Hydraulics and Sub-Sea Physics. These disciplines are brought together in a semester-ending project wherein students design, construct and test a Remotely-Operated Vehicle (ROV) which must perform a variety of underwater tasks. Emphasis is placed on the completion of short-term projects, daily in-class work, and the group project to end the semester. Mathematics and algebraic expressions are utilized frequently. Geometry, Algebra I and Algebra II should have been completed successfully prior to taking this course. The course requires students to document their daily and weekly progress and include reflective writing about their experiences and projects. Students who are highly self-motivated and willing to challenge themselves will succeed in this course. This course is the first in the Marine Engineering concentration sequence.
Marine Construction I
3rd Year Students / Double Period / One Semester / One (1) credit
Students will build boat models using our computer driven router (CNC router and CAM software) to cut the pieces which have been drafted on the computer. Students will periodically be responsible for school projects such as maintaining boats in the fleet, building floating docks and completing special projects for the Science Department. Small craft design topics include hull types, hydrostatic calculations and balancing the rig of a sailboat. Class discussions will include the topics of horsepower, propulsion, displacement, stability and righting moment. Geometry, Algebra I and Algebra II should have been completed prior to taking this course. This course requires students to document their progress and to include reflective writing.
This instructional program will introduce students to both traditional and modern boat construction methods. Standard wood working equipment will be used to shape marine plywood, Oak, Cedar, Pine, etc. Activities will range from basic wood working practices such as drawing and shaping a simple half hull to the construction of power and sail boats up to 40 ft. in length. Both mechanical and chemical fastenings will be used. Small repairs will require the use of epoxy resin and paint. This is the first course in the Marine Construction concentration sequence.
Vessel Operations I
3rd Year Students / Double Period / One Semester / One (1) credit
Participation in this course is designed to train the student as a large vessel crew member and to eventually become captain of a motor launch, charter boat, ferry, fishing vessel, or to develop the knowledge and skills that could lead to a career in the Merchant Marine, the Navy or the Coast Guard. Students taking this course will be introduced to the coast Guard Regulations applicable to the construction, maintenance and operation of vessels and to obtaining various Coast Guard licenses. They will be introduced to what is involved in the operation of large vessels and how to navigate by various methods. Advanced seamanship skills will be learned such as light cargo handling and towing. They will become familiar with all of the systems that are present aboard a vessel and how each functions to support the operation of the vessel. The use of various communication systems and radar will be practiced. There will also be instruction in watch standing procedures, emergency procedures, heavy weather procedures, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary Coast Watch Program. This is the first course in the Vessel Operations concentration sequence.
Marine Mechanics I
3rd Year Students / Double Period / One Semester / One (1) credit
Participation in this course will provide students with a working knowledge and experience in mechanics and the workings of outboard engines. Emphasis will be placed on engine systems and how the engines work, with special attention given to common problems and repairs. Knowledge of the fundamental and specialized tools used, safe working practices, and what constitutes a good working environment will be achieved through hands on experience with engines. Outboard engines will be broken down, the parts cleaned or replaced, the engines rebuilt and then brought to the test tank to test and monitor operation. Outboard manufacturer?s maintenance and repair videos will be used to enable students to work independently at workstations. The topics/units that students will receive instruction in will include ignition systems, engine cooling systems/ water pumps/ propellers/ lower units, fuel systems (fuel injection and carburetion),lubrication systems, 2-stroke and 4- stroke cycles ,engine rigging, winterization and maintenance. Time permitting, MM II students may experience units dealing with Metal Fabrication (cutting and welding) and marine diesel engine principles and operation. This is the first course in the Marine Mechanics concentration sequence.
Marine Construction II / Special Topics
4th Year Students / Double Period / Full Year / Two (2) credits. Prerequisites: Algebra I & II, Geometry Requires
Previous Course Sequence or Permission of Instructor and Advisor This is the second course in the Marine Construction sequence. The focus of this course is on the individual design and construction of a sailboat or a powerboat. Student-built models will be water tested and successful designs may be constructed as full size vessels using our computer driven router (CNC router and CAM software) to cut out the planking and frames. To begin this process, students will have to research historic vessels and document the progress of their chosen hull types. More detailed investigation on hydrostatics, balancing the rig of a sailboat, power requirements and stability will be required before individual designs can proceed. Students competent in Algebra and Geometry who feel confident in their skills are encouraged to enroll in this course. This course requires students to document the steps of the design process and to include reflective writing.
Marine Engineering II / Special Topics
4th Year Students / Double Period / Full Year / Two (2) credits. Requires Previous Course Sequence or Permission of Instructor and Advisor
This is the second course in the Marine Engineering sequence. This course explores in greater depth those topics begun in the junior year course, and expands into further areas of current marine technology. Students continue to develop their skills by completing advanced units in CAD, Digital Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, Programming, Robotics, and Underwater Technology/Systems. Emphasis is once again placed on the completion of both short- and long-term projects, as well as daily class work. Class projects include the use of sidescan sonar to map a portion of Long Island Sound and the construction, testing and use of a hydrophone, a Conductivity/Temperature/Depth sensor, a fresh water Remotely-Operated Vehicle (ROV) for intra-class competition, and an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV). The final project involves the construction of an ROV for entry in the National ROV Competition, wherein all phases of project management are studied and incorporated into daily class work. Mathematics and algebraic expressions are utilized a great deal. Completion of (or concurrent enrollment in) Pre-Calculus is preferred, as trigonometric concepts will be used. This course requires students to document the steps of the engineering process and to include reflective writing on their experiences. A high degree of self-discipline and academic motivation is understood to be a prerequisite for successful completion of this course.
Vessel Operations II / Special Topics
4th Year Students / Double Period / Full Year / Two (2) credits. Requires Previous Course Sequence or Permission of Instructor and Advisor
This is the second course in the Vessel Operations sequence. Participation in this course is designed to train the student as a large vessel crew member and to eventually become captain of a motor launch, charter boat, ferry, fishing vessel, or to develop the knowledge and skills that could lead to a career in the Merchant Marine, the Navy or the Coast Guard. Students taking this course will be introduced to the coast Guard Regulations applicable to the construction, maintenance and operation of vessels and to obtaining various Coast Guard licenses. They will be introduced to what is involved in the operation of large vessels and how to navigate by various methods. Advanced seamanship skills will be learned such as light cargo handling and towing. They will become familiar with all of the systems that are present aboard a vessel and how each functions to support the operation of the vessel. The use of various communication systems and radar will be practiced. There will also be instruction in watch standing procedures, emergency procedures, heavy weather procedures, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary Coast Watch Program.
Marine Mechanics II / Special Topics
4th Year Students / Double Period / Full Year / Two (2) credits. Requires Previous Course Sequence or Permission of Instructor and Advisor
This is the second course in the Marine Mechanics sequence. Participation in this course will provide students with a working knowledge and experience in mechanics and the workings of outboard engines. Emphasis will be placed on engine systems and how the engines work, with special attention given to common problems and repairs. Knowledge of the fundamental and specialized tools used, safe working practices, and what constitutes a good working environment will be achieved through hands on experience with engines. Outboard engines will be broken down, the parts cleaned or replaced, the engines rebuilt and then brought to the test tank to test and monitor operation. Outboard manufacturer?s maintenance and repair videos will be used to enable students to work independently at workstations. The topics/units that students will receive instruction in will include ignition systems, engine cooling systems/ water pumps/ propellers/ lower units, fuel systems (fuel injection and carburetion),lubrication systems, 2-stroke and 4- stroke cycles ,engine rigging, winterization and maintenance. Time permitting, MM II students may experience units dealing with Metal Fabrication (cutting and welding) and marine diesel engine principles and operation.
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