Phytoplankton Cultivation and Biotechnology

The course Phytoplankton Cultivation and Biotechnology provides comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge essential for the production of high-quality, healthy, and reliable phytoplankton cultures. Students will gain hands-on experience with all key stages of phytoplankton cultivation, from the initial preparation of culture facilities to the completion of the production cycle.

The course covers the preparation and sterilization of culture systems, artificial seawater production, and the control of critical physical and chemical parameters such as light, temperature, nutrients, and water quality. Students will learn proper inoculation techniques, growth monitoring, harvesting at peak culture performance, and post-harvest management to ensure culture stability and biosecurity. Phytoplankton production will be presented using both traditional batch culture systems and modern cultivation approaches. Special emphasis is placed on advanced photobioreactor technology, where batch, semi-continuous, and continuous cultivation methods are demonstrated. These systems reflect the design of modern hatchery operations, in which phytoplankton cultures are maintained under constant sensor-based monitoring and automated control. By minimizing human intervention, these technologies improve culture consistency, efficiency and biosecurity, preparing students for contemporary applications in aquaculture, biotechnology, and sustainable marine production.

General learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to understand the principles of phytoplankton biology and cultivation, design and operate culture systems including batch, semi-continuous, and continuous methods, and produce high-quality, contamination-free cultures. They will be able to monitor growth using analytical and sensor-based tools, manage environmental and nutritional parameters, and optimize harvesting and post-harvest procedures. Students will also recognize the role of phytoplankton in sustainable aquaculture and marine biotechnology and demonstrate practical skills in both traditional and modern photobioreactor-based cultivation systems.