OVERVIEW

The teaching deals with the design phase in the creation of artificial aquatic systems, taking into account all the problems connected to the maintenance of aquatic organisms in captivity with particular attention to the systems for public aquariums (mechanical and biological filtration, sterilisation, temperature control, lighting, water movement, protein skimmers and automation).

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The teaching concerns the design and functionality of artificial systems for the captive maintenance of marine and freshwater organisms.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the teaching, the student will be able to:

• Develop a project of an artificial aquatic system for recreational, scientific or commercial purposes

• Apply the main structural, hydraulic, and physical-chemical concepts in the maintenance of an artificial aquatic system

• Apply the main guidelines for the maintenance of freshwater and marine aquatic organisms in good health

PREREQUISITES

There are no specific requirements.

TEACHING METHODS

The teaching consists in frontal lessons and field trips.

Attendance at classes is strongly recommended.

The way lessons are taught may be modified due to emergencies that prevent in-person lessons from being held. In this case, classes will be held via the Teams platform using suitable substitute teaching tools.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Introduction and presentation of the teaching

• The phases of the feasibility study and the design of a public aquarium

• Analysis of a feasibility study

• Design of the tanks: types and materials used

• Artificial aquatic systems, introduction to the design of the Life Support System

• Water circulation 1: pipes, valves and fittings / Mechanical filtration: types of mechanical filters and sizing

• Water circulation 2: pumps, types and sizing

• Water disinfection, ultraviolet / Biological filtration

• Denitrification / Protein skimmers / Maintaining the water temperature: heat exchangers

• Ozone

• Aquarium procedures

• Edutainment and scientific dissemination

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Material provided by the teacher and available on AulaWeb.

LESSONS

LESSONS START

For lessons start and timetable visit: https://easyacademy.unige.it/portalestudenti/

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final evaluation of the training course will be carried out through a multiple choice test.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The student must demonstrate a basic knowledge of and the ability to make logical connections between different aspects of various problems.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sara Ferrando (sara.ferrando@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.