Aquaculture and Aquarium Science

Feinstein School of Social and Natural Sciences
Department of Biology, Marine Biology and Environmental Science

Aquarium and Aquaculture Science (AQS) are rapidly growing areas within the field of marine biology. There is need for people trained in raising and caring for aquatic animals and the RWU AQS program, one of the first in the nation, effectively fills that void.

Aquaculture of marine and fresh water fish and invertebrates, already important as a food supply, is projected to increase in the future becoming one of the main sources of food for the world.  Aquarium science is a multi-billion dollar, world-wide business that encompasses trade and display of ornamental animals. Diseases of aquatic animals is a limitation in maintaining animals in both aquariums and aquaculture. The AQS minor offers both didactic and experiential, hands-on learning and will prepare the student for entry into this diverse and growing field.

New Program for 2025: Undergraduate Certificate

The RWU Aquarium Science faculty and staff partnered with The Aquarium Vet to launch the Undergraduate Certificate in Aquaculture and Aquarium Science for the 2025 academic year. Please visit the program page for more information. 

Degree Requirements

Aquaculture and Aquarium Science, B.A.

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
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) 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.

 

 

Required Courses

Take 3 Additional Elective Courses as Follows:
Complete a Minimum of 3 Credits from Among the Following Applied Courses:
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Aquaculture and Aquarium Science Minor

Program Requirements

Required Courses

Complete a Minimum of Six (6) Additional Credits Chosen from Among the Following Courses:

Note:

A maximum of two (2) courses may be simultaneously applied to the Aquarium and Aquatic Science Minor and the Major or Minor in Marine Biology.

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Aquarium Science learning outcomes:

  1. Explain and synthesize concepts needed to care and raise aquatic animals, develop aquatic animal care systems and manage aquatic animal care facilities.
     
  2. Develop questions and hypotheses, and conduct experimental, field-based and descriptive research in basic, applied and interdisciplinary sciences.
     
  3. Use data, scientific literature, and evidence-based reasoning to analyze biological and environmental systems across spatial and temporal scales.
     
  4. Communicate scientific information verbally, in writing, and visually to diverse audiences including scientists and non-scientists.
     
  5. Discuss interactions between science and society, including human-environment relationships, ethical aspects of scientific research, and using evidence-based decision-making to propose solutions to important issues in society.  
     
  6. Apply their knowledge and scientific competencies to their own personal and professional development, and to engage in their communities.  

Guaranteed Research Opportunities

Student feeds fish in RWU's Wet Lab.Undergraduate research is integrated into the Aquarium and Aquaculture Sciences curriculum, with opportunities for students to earn academic credit for doing research, to develop proposals and compete for small grants to fund their projects, and to present their findings at regional, national and international conferences. 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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