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Mar 02, 2026
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2025-2026 University Catalog
Aquaculture and Aquarium Science, B.A.
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Aquaculture and Aquarium Science are two rapidly growing areas within the field of marine biology. Aquaculture now accounts for over 50% of seafood consumed globally, while aquarium science examines the multi-billion dollar world trade in ornamental species as well as the research and education opportunities offered through public aquaria. The major is housed within the Department of Biology, Marine Biology and Environmental Science, and is highly inter-disciplinary, practical and outcome oriented. This degree integrates research, writing and critical thinking skills and will lead to a Bachelor’s of Arts (B.A.) degree. Students are provided with the creative, entrepreneurial and technical training to succeed within these dynamic and exciting disciplines. In addition to the required courses, students may participate in faculty directed research aimed at solving real-world problems faced by the aquaculture and aquarium science industries. These studies often involve contact and interaction with industry members, and are conducted using the state-of-the-art laboratories at RWU that include a production-scale shellfish hatchery, an extensive marine ornamental research facility and an aquatic animal veterinary laboratory.
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Program Requirements
The major in Aquaculture and Aquarium Science (AQS) is offered as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. In order to guarantee a broad undergraduate experience, a second major of the students choosing is required. Students must complete the AQS course sequence and the course sequence for a second major of their choice. In addition, students must satisfy all University Core Curriculum requirements, the College speech requirement (COMM 210 ) and sufficient electives to total 120 credits. Specific requirements of the program are outlined below. Criteria for Admission
The requirements for declaring the Aquaculture and Aquarium Science major are the successful completion of the following four major prerequisite courses with a combined G.P.A. of 2.50 or higher. If this G.P.A. has not been achieved, students may pursue the AQS minor. Requirements for the Major
Required level of academic achievement: a combined GPA of 2.50 or higher in courses selected for this major is required in order for this degree to be awarded. Progress toward this goal will be monitored during biannual academic advisement meetings using program evaluation data generated by the Registrar’s Office. Students must complete the AQS course sequence and the course sequence for a second major of their choice. AQS 262 and AQS 264 can simultaneously apply to both the AQS degree and the Marine Biology major or minor degrees. A maximum of two courses from among the Required, Elective and Applied course lists can simultaneously apply to both the AQS major and the Biology or Environmental Science major or minor degrees. AQS/Marine Biology double majors must complete a core concentration outside of Biology or Marine Biology. A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation. Take 3 Additional Elective Courses as Follows:
Complete a Minimum of 3 Credits from Among the Following Applied Courses:
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this program students should: - Identify and describe the three fundamental elements for proper animal care and cultivation:
- 1) System Design and Engineering - the equipment and infrastructure needed to house aquatic animals
- 2) Aquatic Animal Husbandry - the nutritional and environmental conditions needed to successfully raise aquatic animals, and
- 3) Aquatic Animal Health - how to identify and treat disease issues as they arise.
- Observe, document and analyze changes in the rapidly expanding aquaculture industry - which now accounts for more than 50% of seafood consumed worldwide and is projected to increase in the future.
- Observe, document and analyze the growing field of aquarium science - which examines the multi-billion-dollar trade in ornamental species as well as the research and education opportunities offered through public aquaria and aquatic animal husbandry.
- Demonstrate the creative, entrepreneurial and technical skills to succeed within these dynamic and exciting disciplines.
- Identify and propose solutions to real-world problems faced by the aquaculture and aquarium science industries, often through direct interaction with industry members and practitioners.
- Demonstrate responsible use of dedicated applied marine facilities at RWU that include a production-scale shellfish hatchery, an extensive marine ornamental and coral research facility, and an aquatic animal veterinary diagnostic and research laboratory.
- Evaluate evidence critically and quantitatively and apply this knowledge to novel situations.
- Communicate scientific information orally, graphically, and in writing to diverse technical and non-technical audiences.
- Understand the ethics and environmental impact of the aquaculture and aquarium science industries and societal actions.
- Understand the process and important role in animal welfare provided by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
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