AQUARIUM
& AQUACULTURE SCIENCE
Saddleback Community
College – Mission Viejo, CA
Approved
by the California Community College Vocational Education, FALL 04
Certificate Program, Aquarium and Aquaculture Science:
The Aquarium and Aquaculture Science certificate
program provides students with career preparation for entry level work
in public aquarium, interpretive/education centers, pet industry, private
business or aquaculture related venues. For those already in the
field, a skills upgrade in the latest techniques and information relating
to water chemistry and toxicology, filtration, life support and habitat
design, culture protocols, health, nutrition and disease and equipment
will be covered using hands-on application and innovative scientific approach.
Current industry standards, state and federal regulations and licensing
are addressed. Through guided practical and technical experience,
field trips and internships, students will acquire good husbandry skills
required to properly care for aquatic organisms and the dynamics involved
in aquarium science.
|
MST 10
|
Introduction to Aquaculture |
3 units |
|
MST 100
|
Aquarium Systems |
2 units |
|
MST 101
|
Aquarium Management |
1.5 unit |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aquatic
Animal Health & Disease Management
|
3
units
|
|
|
Water
Quality and Toxicity for Aquatic Systems
|
3
units
|
|
|
Aquatic
System Design and Life Support
|
3
units
|
|
|
Internship:
Aquarium and Aquaculture
|
1.5
units
|
|
|
Cooperative
Work Experience
|
1
units
|
|
9 Required Courses
|
Total =
|
21
units
|
It
is strongly recommended that students seeking cooperative work experience
internships at public aquariums, obtain an Open Water SCUBA Certification
from a reputable and Nationally recognized organization; (PADI, NAUI, etc.)
and complete a basic first aid, CPR and Dan oxygen administration course(s).
Associate Degree, Aquarium and Aquaculture Science
Completion
of the certificate program and a minimum of 60 units including the general
education requirements with an overall GPA of 2.0, qualifies the student
for the Associate in Science degree. A minimum of 12 units must be completed
at Saddleback College.
Refer
to the Graduation Requirements for the specific course list meeting general
education requirements.
RECOMMENDED
ELECTIVES: ENV 19: Marine Biology or BIO 1A: Animal Diversity and Ecology,
CHEM 108: Introduction to General, Organic and Biochemistry, Math 351:
Pre-algebra Math and CIM 1: Introduction to Computer.
Catalog
Description of the AAS Certificate Courses:
MST 10:
Introduction to Aquaculture 3
units (2.5
lec/1.5 lab)
Introduction
to the science of rearing marine and freshwater organisms used for fisheries
enhancement, ornamental trade and food production. Organisms, culture systems
and the basic knowledge used to culture them will be explored. The impact
of technology and conservation issues will be covered.Labs
will focus on techniques that are standard in the industry. Labs may include
field trip(s). Transfers to University of CA.
MST
100:Aquarium Systems2
units (1.5
lec/1.5 lab)
Includes the chemical, physical, and biological
environment as it pertains to marine aquaria ecosystems, water quality,
filtering systems, lighting, husbandry of organisms, disease prevention,
diagnosis and treatment, and multiple tanks. Students are required to setup,
maintain and conduct investigation using on-site marine aquarium facilities.
Labs may include field trips. Transfers to Cal State.
MST
101: Aquarium Management1.5
unit (4.5
hrs lab)
Students
will be required to install, operate, troubleshoot and maintain various
aquarium devices utilized for life support of large and stand-alone marine
aquarium systems. Emphasis will be placed on maintaining proper water quality,
circulation, and species compatibility for the overall health and success
of various marine organisms. Cultivation and propagation techniques of
specific marine organisms will be introduced and implemented. Labs will
include field trips. Transfers to Cal State.
MST
203: Ecology of Captive Fish and Invertebrates3
units(2.5
lec/1.5 lab)
A
survey of the marine fish and invertebrates encountered in the trade of
marine ornamentals and the conservation issues surrounding their use. Ecology
of the compatibility, propagation potential, captive breeding, culture
challenges and advancements in technology will be examined. Acquisition,
collect/capture, transport and acclimation will be introduced. May
include field trips
MST 204:
Aquatic Animal Health and Disease Management3
units (2.5 lec/1.5lab)
Introduction
to the common diseases and health management of marine and freshwater organisms
used for fisheries enhancement, ornamental trade and food production. The
response of the animals to numerous pathogens and syndromes will be discussed
and the methods of treating and avoiding these diseases. Clinical and non-clinical
diagnostic procedures for the determination of disease will also be reviewed.
Labs will focus on techniques that are standard in the industry. Labs and
field trip(s)
MST
205:Water Quality and Toxicity3
units (2.5
lec/1.5 lab)
Introduction
to how water quality and toxicity impacts and is impacted by aquatic organisms.Methods
will also be described for the measurement of water quality parameters
and the different treatments available for its control.Labs
will focus on techniques for measuring parameters and methods of treatment.
Labs and field trip(s)
MST
206: Aquatic System Design and Life Support:3
units (2.5lec/1.5lab)
Principles
of fluid mechanics, functional operation, facility planning, construction
and design of aquatic life support and auxiliary structures will be introduced
and demonstrated.
MST
207: Internship Aquarium / Aquaculture Sciences1.5
units(1.5
lec/1 lab)
Combines
on-campus instruction with work experience at local public, research or
commercial aquarium or aquaculture facilities for on-the-job training while
learning aquatic husbandry skills.
CWE
168/169:Cooperative Work Experience1
unit
Provides
supervised work experience extending classroom-based occupational learning
at an on-the-job learning station at local public, research or commercial
aquarium or aquaculture facilities relating to the student's occupational
goal.Student, instructor, and employer will cooperatively develop a minimum
of three learning objectives. One unit of credit awarded for each 75
hours of paid or 60 hours of volunteer employment, for successful completion
of learning objectives, and for attendance at scheduled seminar sessions.
A maximum of four units may be applied toward major requirements for certificate.