Principles of Fisheries Science – 15 credits

Last changed: 19 March 2025
Students analyzing fish

How much can we fish without jeopardising fish stocks and ecosystems? Fisheries science is the field that answers that question. In the course Principles of Fisheries Science you will learn all about the trade, from data collection and stock assessments to scientific advice and fisheries management.

This is a multi-disciplinary course which provides you with theoretical understanding and practical skills in the principles of science-based fisheries management: from fish ecology, population dynamics and stock analyses to scientific advice and fisheries management actions. The course is intended for a broad range of students who are interested in fish, fisheries and sustainable development who want to learn the foundations of the scientific advice for sustainable fisheries and conservation of aquatic resources.

The course includes a week visit and laboratory activities at the Institute of Marine Research (SLU) in Lysekil, on the Swedish west coast.

One full year of fish studies

The course Principles of Fisheries Science can preferably be taken in combination with the course Ecology for Fish Management and Conservation. The courses are held during the same term (semester) and form a solid basis for students who want to work nationally or internationally with water and fish management issues. By taking the courses together, in combination with one thesis project, they cover one whole academic year of fish studies (60 ECTS).

The courses can be taken within the SLU (and partners) Master Programs EnvEuro, and for students on the Masters in Sustainable Development and Sustainable Food Systems, or as an independent master course, if you fulfill the prerequisites of 15 credits in Biology or Environmental Science.

Qoutes from past students

Principles of Fisheries Science is a great course for students who are interested in fisheries modelling and stock assessment science, where the return in knowledge exchanged for the 10 weeks of course time is very high. The course touches on a variety of topics that are relevant in the context of fisheries science”. /Previous student

 

Facts:

Principles of Fisheries Science

  • Freestanding course
  • Language = English
  • Course period: Uppsala, 2025-11-03 to 2026-01-18.
  • Prior knowledge. Knowledge equivalent to 180 credits with at least 15 credits Biology or 15 credits Environmental Science. English 6.
  • You apply to the course at www.universityadmissions.se
  • Everything about the course, syllabus, previous course evaluations, literature list and more can be found on SLU's course page.

 


Contact

Valerio Bartolino, Researcher
Department of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Marine Research, SLU
valerio.bartolino@slu.se, +46 10 478 40 58

Örjan Östman, Senior Lecturer, Director of Studies - basic education
Department of Aquatic Resources, SLU
orjan.ostman@slu.se, +46 10 478 41 53