Aquarium Science

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.

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

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.

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

This course covers water chemistry dynamics in aquatic systems and covers topics including lab safety, occupational safety, the Nitrogen cycle salinity, dissolved oxygen, acid/base chemistry, pH and pH buffering, ozone chemistry, coliform bacteria testing, working knowledge of spectrophotometers and other lab techniques, proper handling and disposal of water quality (WQ) reagents, management of conservative and nonconservative salts, dilutions, molarity, stoichiometry, and basic calcifying invertebrate chemistry and husbandry. The class will focus on the chemistry of human managed aquatic systems like aquarium and aquaculture facilities but will relate the issues to the ecosystems that aquatic animals inhabit. The Aquatic Animal Life Support Operators (AALSO) Water Quality Technician Level 1 test will be incorporated into the final exam for this course. 

Addendum to Course Description

A Working knowledge of water chemistry and how different chemical compounds interact to promote or degrade the health of a living aquatic system and the animals living in it is essential to the success of a professional aquatic animal keeper. The lectures and labs in this course provide hands-on training in different aspects of water chemistry and how to properly and safely maintain or manipulate water chemistry parameters.

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.

First semester of Applied Learning in Aquarium Science. This course provides degree-seeking students beginning their second year in the Program enhanced learning opportunities and additional development by applying what they learned in their first year in instructor-directed projects in the Teaching Aquarium or at an offsite facility.

Second semester of Applied Learning in Aquarium Science. This course provides degree-seeking students beginning their second year in the Program enhanced learning opportunities and additional development by applying what they learned in their first year in instructor-directed projects in the Teaching Aquarium or at an offsite facility.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.