Coho Fry

Bachelor of Science (BSc), Minor in Aquaculture

  • Program Length
    4 Years
  • Credential
    Bachelor Degree
  • Options
    Minor
  • Location Offered
    Nanaimo

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science, Minor in Aquaculture is designed for students who have an interest in aquaculture but have additional academic and career aspirations. As a ‘Science Minor’ the Bachelor of Science, Minor in Aquaculture will have the ability to combine with several other major or minor programs (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Math) so that students will be able to develop a multi-disciplinary program. The Bachelor of Science, Minor in Aquaculture will provide students a broad background knowledge in biological, aquatic, and related sciences plus general knowledge, skills and abilities required in the field. In addition, graduates will possess specific knowledge, skills and abilities required for the sustainable production of aquatic animals. Topics include the culture methods of finfish, shellfish and crustaceans and important methods to maintain animal health and nutrition.

The Bachelor of Science, Minor in Aquaculture curriculum will be taught using lectures, laboratories, seminars, and experiential learning opportunities at VIU aquatic animal culture and research centres which include: 1) the Centre for Shellfish Research (CSR); 2) the Deep Bay Marine Field Station (DBMFS) and; 3) the Centre for Innovation in Fish Health. Utilizing state-of-the-art facilities that support these Centres offers students the chance to gain theoretical knowledge and practical experience to prepare them for the workforce. Graduates with a Bachelor of Science, Minor in Aquaculture will be able to: directly enter the workforce in the discipline of their Major and/or subdiscipline of their Bachelor of Science, Minor in Aquaculture with relevant and demonstrable research and practical experience; and directly enter positions engaged in a broad array of scientific enquiry, including graduate and professional schools, with relevant knowledge, practical skills and direct research experience.

The Fisheries and Aquaculture programs, including the Bachelor of Science, Minor in Aquaculture are well supported by the aquaculture industry in British Columbia which employ many of our graduates. The industry supports optional paid Co-op opportunities which offers students direct experience in aquatic culture operations.

For additional information on the program, faculty, and undergraduate research, please visit the VIU Fisheries and Aquaculture Website.

BSc General Admission Requirements

Notes on Admission Requirements

  • Courses in first year have different prerequisites. To satisfy all first year course prerequisites, students must complete all of the following B.C. Secondary School course requirements:
    • A minimum grade of "C" in English 12;
    • A minimum grade of "C+" in each of Biology 11 or 12, Chemistry 11 and 12; and
    • A minimum grade of "B" in Mathematics 12 (Pre-calculus 12 or Principles of Mathematics 12).
  • Students who do not satisfy all of the first-year course prerequisites will not likely be able to complete the full degree program in four years. Students who are lacking any or all of the first-year course prerequisites should speak with a VIU Advisor about upgrading courses.

Program Regulations

Prerequisites to most AQUA courses require a minimum “C-“ grade (55%) in the corresponding prerequisite course(s). 

Requirements for a Minor

BSc Minor students must fulfill all Institutional B.Sc. Degree Requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below.

Core Courses

Years 1 and 2

Credits

Select one of the following three options:

  • Complete all of:
    • BIOL 123 - (Introduction to Cellular Molecular Biology)
  • Complete all of:  
    • BIOL 123A - (Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology Theory) and
    • BIOL123L - (Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory)
  • Complete all of:
4
AQUA 101 - (Introduction to Aquaculture)3

6 credits from the following courses: 
BIOL 212

CHEM 212 

FISH 127, 133, 222, 223, 231, 241, 254

INDG 203, 204

MATH 181, 203, 211*

6
Total Credits13

Check upper-level course prerequisites to guide lower level course selections. 

*Only one of MATH 181, MATH 203, and MATH 211 may be used to fulfill this credit requirement.

Years 3 and 4

Credits

Minimum of twelve credits from at least four AQUA courses numbered 300 to 499.  Up to three credits among the following courses may be counted towards this requirement: 
any 300 level or higher FISH course

GEOG 356 - (Policy, Resources, and Sustainability)

INDG 300 - (Indigenous Knowledge: Land as Life)

MGMT 381 - (Entre/Intrapreneurship)

12
Total Credits12

 

 

Domestic Fees | International Fees

Domestic Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees for One Year Amount
Tuition (30 credits x $169.73 per credit) 5,091.90
Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) 162.96
Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) 179.92
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $38.87 per month) 310.96
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) 285.00
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year (Note: Books and supply costs vary depending on course load and course type.) 1,500.00
Total 7,530.74
Notes

*  The above table is based on ten 3-credit courses taken over two semesters. For programs that require 4-credit courses, students should adjust the fee totals accordingly.

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.

Science and Technology courses with a compulsory lab have a lab fee of $24.38 per course.

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.


International Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees for One Year Amount
Tuition (30 credits x $815.77 per credit) 24,473.10
Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) 162.96
Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) 179.92
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $38.87 per month) 310.96
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) 285.00
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year (Note: Books and supply costs vary depending on course load and course type.) 1,500.00
Total 26,911.94
Notes

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.

Science and Technology courses with a compulsory lab have a lab fee of $24.38 per course.

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.

Domestic (Canadian)

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Campus

International

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Campus