Academic Catalog

Aquarium Science Program

Home > Aquarium Science

The Aquarium Science Program offers a comprehensive two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and a one-year Certificate that is open only to individuals who already possess a Bachelor’s degree in a life science area. Both the Certificate and the AAS provide theory and practical experience designed to prepare students for a career in aquatic animal husbandry.

Enrollment in the Aquarium Science Program is limited. For additional information and to apply for the program online visit the college webpage at http://www.oregoncoastcc.org/aquarium-science or contact, the Aquarium Science Program Manager.

Students who successfully earn a degree or certificate will be qualified to work in the aquatic animal husbandry profession. They may be eligible for entry-level positions as aquarists, aquatic biologists, and keepers. Potential employment opportunities include public zoos and aquariums, ornamental fish retailers and wholesalers, aquaculture businesses, fish hatcheries, research programs, marine educational centers, state and federal natural resource agencies, as well as self- employment.

Admissions Requirements

Enrollment is limited to 20 to 24 students each year. Individuals wanting to enroll in the program must complete an on-line application located at http://www.oregoncoastcc.org/aquarium-science. Each applicant will have an interview with the Aquarium Science faculty.

Program Outcomes

Students completing the AAS or certificate will:

  • Accurately communicate, verbally, and in writing, scientific concepts, research findings and ideas to professionals and the general public.
  • Maintain, analyze, diagnose, and repair aquatic life support systems and their components.
  • Perform basic water quality analysis using standard testing equipment.
  • Maintain healthy animal populations by applying industry standards and practices to aquarium set-up, monitoring, and animal care.
  • Identify healthy, physically compromised animals, and abnormal animal behaviors.
  • Work as a member of a team to conceptualize, plan, construct, and manage environments that promote healthy fishes and invertebrates.
  • Apply fundamental knowledge and skills in science, mathematics, and communications for success in a professional or academic setting (AAS degree specific outcome).

 

Aquarium Science Degrees and Certificates

Aquarium Science Classes

AQS 100 : Introduction to Aquarium Science

Credits: 3

Examines the history of animal keeping and present day aquatic animal husbandry industries. Explores the biological processes occurring in the aquarium environment. Learn proper setup and maintenance of home aquaria.

AQS 110 : Aquarium Science Practicum 1

Credits: 2

Introduces aquatic animal husbandry work environment and the care of captive aquatic animals. Emphasizes daily animal care and exhibit readiness.

Prerequisites

AQS 100

AQS 111 : Aquarium Science Practicum 2

Credits: 2

Builds upon the experiences gained in Practicum 1. Involves participation in a higher level of aquatic animal husbandry activities including animal health procedures, long-term record keeping and life support systems training.

Prerequisites

AQS 110

AQS 165 : Current Issues in Aquarium Science

Credits: 1

Students understand both internal operational issues and external issues which impact zoological facilities. Incorporates various topics each term.

AQS 186 : Introduction to Scientific Diving

Credits: 3

Examines the technical and safety components of scientific diving and meets all academic training requirements compliant with American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) standards. Includes professional level of emergency responder certifications, watermanship proficiency, and authorization as a surface tender to support scientific diving operations.

AQS 215 : Biology of Captive Fishes

Credits: 4

Examines the anatomy and physiology of freshwater and marine fishes and the constraints placed upon them in a controlled environment. Increases an understanding of fish behavior through the use of ethograms.

Prerequisites

BI 103 or consent of instructor.

AQS 216 : Elasmobranch Husbandry

Credits: 2

Examines the history of captive shark and ray management, current regulations, legislation and conservation of elasmobranches. Emphasizes requirements associated with keeping a healthy population of elasmobranches.

Prerequisites

AQS 100 or consent of instructor

AQS 220 : Biology of Captive Invertebrates

Credits: 4

Reviews the life history and captive care requirements of invertebrates commonly cultured in the aquatic animal industry/profession.

Prerequisites

AQS 100 or consent of Instructor.

AQS 226 : Biology of Diverse Captive Species

Credits: 2

Examines the basic husbandry and system requirements of a broad range of phyla found in public aquariums, research, and other zoological collections. Highlights specialized needs of selected invertebrate and fish species and introduces students to challenges and considerations for reptile, amphibian, avian, and marine mammal husbandry.

AQS 232 : Reproduction and Nutrition of Aquatic Animals

Credits: 4

Examines the reproductive strategies of fishes and invertebrates in a controlled environment and the manipulation of environmental and physiological parameters that initiate reproduction. The nutritional requirement of selected aquatic animals throughout their life history is explored. Industry standards for food handling and HACCP requirements are also discussed.

Prerequisites

AQS 215

AQS 240 : Life Support System Design and Operation

Credits: 4

Examines the role of life support systems in maintaining a balanced, stable aquatic environment. Presents how to design, construct, maintain and troubleshoot semiclosed, closed and open systems.

Prerequisites

AQS 215 (this is more of a co-requisite since the two courses occur Simultaneously).

AQS 245 : Animal Husbandry in a Research Capacity

Credits: 2

Examines the use of fish in research and the ethical issues associated with this practice. Common procedures and research methodology such as anesthesia, biopsy, blood draws, minor surgeries, field study, behavioral techniques, and euthanasia will be presented.

Prerequisites

AQS 100 or consent of instructor

AQS 252 : Exhibits and Interpretation

Credits: 4

Introduces the principles of exhibit development and interpretive presentations. Covers projects in exhibit planning, performing interpretive presentations, and writing interpretive pieces. Emphasizes the process of developing exhibits and interpretation from conceptual statement through fabrication, performance, or publication.

Prerequisites

AQS 215 or consent of instructor.

AQS 270 : Fish and Invertebrate Health Management

Credits: 4

Reviews the common infectious and noninfectious diseases of captive fish and invertebrates. Examines the common techniques of fish and invertebrate health management.

Prerequisites

AQS 215 or consent of instructor.

AQS 295 : Aquarium Science Internship

Credits: 12

Exposes students to the daily diligence, responsibilities and rewards of the aquatic animal husbandry profession. Includes daily animal care and facility readiness routines, assisting life support staff and animal health management professionals, and evaluation of operational aspects of the facility.

Prerequisites

AQS 111, AQS 270 and Department permission required.

The Oregon Coast Community College Catalog is published each academic year.  This catalog is effective Fall 2018 through Summer 2019.

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this catalog, Oregon Coast Community College has the right to make changes at any time without prior notice.  This catalog is not a contract between Oregon Coast Community College and current or prospective students.  Updates and corrections may be made from time to time to the online catalog; in the event of a discrepancy between a printed copy of the catalog and the online catalog, the Dean of Students and the Dean of Academics and Workforce will have the final authority in determining the catalog of record.