Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 University Catalog 
    
2022-2023 University Catalog [ARCHIVED 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.

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.

 

 

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