Class Descriptions

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One Day Training Seminars Five Day Training Seminars 4, 8 or 12 Week Courses

One Day Training Seminar
Fundamentals of Raising Tilapia

Description
A one-day training seminar designed to teach the basics of raising tilapia and aquaponic plants in a naturally balanced, integrated culture system (aquaponics). Participants will learn about the basic needs and habits of tilapia and how they should be cared for and raised to marketable size. Participants will also learn how to use the wastewater from the fish to raise pesticide-free, nutritious healthy vegetables without soil.

Methodology
All courses at MSF include lecture, small group discussion, and hands on experience with fish and aquaponic systems. Courses are fast paced, interactive and challenging. Course setting is informal, allowing plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion.

Target Audience
Perfect for middle and secondary school or vocational students and teachers of science, ecology, and agriculture, gardening clubs, FFA clubs, or individuals interested in learning an innovative way to produce a constant supply of fish and vegetables using a simple, naturally balanced, ecologically sound system. No prior knowledge of aquaponics is required or assumed.

Topics Covered

• Basic characteristics, needs, habits, and advantages of Tilapia
• Dos and Don’ts of raising Tilapia
• Integrating hydroponics to Tilapia culture (aquaponics)
• Building and managing a small backyard or demonstration sized system

Class Fees

Five Day Training Seminar
Tilapia Culture with Aquaponics

Description
A five-day, more in-depth course than the one-day seminar that teaches the fundamentals of aquaponic systems, tilapia biology and aquaculture. Students will learn the different options that exist setting up aquaponic systems and the principles that you need to know for efficient operation. Lots of invaluable hands-on training that will allow participants to get a feel of what it takes to be a successful aquaponics farmer.

Methodology
Course focuses on in-classroom lectures as well as hands-on experience and training. Course is fast paced, interactive and challenging. Informal course setting which allows plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion.

Target Audience
Intended for individuals that are seriously considering investing in their own aquaponic system to produce safe, healthy and nutritious fish and vegetables for their own consumption, or as an innovative business. Students, professors or industry professionals looking to expand their skills, knowledge or career opportunities, missionaries and community workers interested in aquaponics or aquaculture as a way to produce a constant supply of high quality protein and nutritious vegetables for community development and enrichment.

Topics Covered

• Aquaponics systems, components and design
• Basic characteristics, needs, habits and advantages of Tilapia
• Dos and Don’ts of breeding and raising Tilapia
• Integrating hydroponics to Tilapia culture (aquaponics)
• Plant selection, culture, propagation, pest control, and harvesting
• Building and managing small backyard or demo-sized systems

Class Fees

4, 8 & 12 Week Courses
Raising Tilapia with Aquaponics for Community Development

Description
An intensive course in raising Tilapia and aquaponic plants in order to provide a protein rich food source and economic growth to developing communities. The course is designed to help students master the basic information and technologies necessary to raise Tilapia and hydroponic plants successfully. It emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning and provides actual experience with working systems at the MSF aquaponic facility. Participants will also learn basic principles of effective community development to help them create self-sustaining projects in their communities. Students will leave the course with practical experience in training others. Course duration is four weeks.

Methodology
All courses at MSF include lecture, small group discussion, hands on experience with fish and aquaponics systems, laboratory work, role play, simulation and reciprocal teaching methods.

Target Audience
Community development workers, missionaries, or others who are in a position of leadership in their communities and see themselves as becoming learners and trainers in Aquaponics. Also for individuals considering aquaponics as a business enterprise or career. Students interested in doing a research project or school project can use our facilities, results of experiments can be published in the Aquaponics Journal.

Topics Covered

• Aquaponics systems, components and design
• Basic characteristics, needs, habits and advantages of Tilapia
• Dos and Don’ts of breeding and raising Tilapia
• Integrating hydroponics to Tilapia culture (aquaponics)
• Plant selection, culture, propagation, pest control, and harvesting
• Building and managing small backyard or demo-sized systems

Course Versions

4 Week (Short Version)
Course focuses on in-classroom lectures and the fundamentals of aquaponics systems and tilapia biology. Its primary aim is to introduce the basics of Tilapia aquaculture and aquaponics theory. The short version of the course provides sufficient practical hands-on experience to allow the participant to understand the requirements of operating a full scale aquaponics facility, and train others.

12 Week (Full Version)
A more in depth course for those interested in pursuing aquaculture as a possible career, or for those interested in working in the mission field establishing community fish farms and teaching others the knowledge and skills of aquaculture. At the end of the course you will be able to design aquaponic facilities, estimate the economic potential and socioeconomic impact of a project, and operate and manage a full scale aquaponics facility.

Class Fees