Aquarium and Aquaculture Science

Type of degree: A.A.S.

Brief overview of program: 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. Lab work is an essential and vital component of our comprehensive program. We mandate on-site, first-hand experience, as well as facilitate specialized workshops and tours at several,regional and partnered hosting facilities; Aquarium of the Pacific, Stephen-Birch Aquarium of Scripps Institute, Hubbs Sea World Research Institute, Sea World San Diego, Ocean Institute of Dana Point, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Sea Dwelling Creatures,Doheny Aquarium and a variety of Specialty Pet Shops. We are located in the heart of southern California; 10 minutes from Dana Point Harbor and beautiful beaches of San Clemente and tidepools of Laguna Beach, and an hour, either direction, between Los Angelos and San Diego. An area that is economically rich and fluorishing in venue of aquariums; retail, wholesale, exhibition, entertainment, education and research! Our instructional team have strong disciplinary backgrounds in the courses they teach, use advanced teaching methods and strategies, incorporate years of first-hand knowledge with cutting edge developments,are intellectually vigorous and excited about their disciplines, and are pro-active for increasing student learning outcomes and nurturing career pathways.

Website: Click here for program website

Tuition (2007):In State: $20/ unit, Out of State: $171/ unit

Number of students enrolled in 2007: 15

Where do most of the students go upon graduating or leaving the program?
Continue Education: 15% | Enter Workforce: 80% | Do not know: 5%

For the students that enter the workforce, what are the most common occupations that they pursue with this degree or certificate? Majority of students are hired into the Aquarium Pet industry, wholesale, retail and consultant before completing the program. Many obtain aquarist position relating to exhibition to public at large restaurants, interpretive centers

Program Photos:

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  117-1711 Students capture and transfer rockfish into quarantine system. Julie Anderson

Description of Facilities: Training begins right here on our campus. The Aquarium Science Facility utilizes a renovated greenhouse with outside patio area, approximately 3,000 ft2 and circulates 3,200 gallons of seawater and freshwater in several stand alone and multiple tank systems. The recent addition of an aquaponics system and a small research area of 15, 30 gallon tanks makes this a fantastic hands-on training facility.

Program Faculty: Julie Anderson Acting Director, Associate Faculty, Biology and Aquarium & Aquaculture Science and Senior. Lab Technician Biological Sciences. Teaches MST 100 Aquarium Science, MST 203 Captive Ecology, MST 101 Aquarium Management, MST 207 Internship and CWE Paul Curtis Manager/Consultant AquaSolvers, MST Advisory Committee Chariman. Teaches: MST10 Aquaculture, MST205 Water Quality & Toxicity and MST204 Health & Disease and MST 207: Intenrship course. Timothy Hovanec Ph.D. Chief Science Director of Aquaria Inc., Moorpark, CA. MST Advisory Committe member. Teaches; MST205 Water Quality & Toxicity. Fernando Nosratpour Assistant Curator at Birch Aquarium, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, San Diego, CA. Instructs; MST 100 Aquarium Systems, MST 203 Captive Ecology Mike Paquette Hubbs-SeaWorldResearch Institute. Teaches: MST 206Aquatic Systems Design & Life Support and MST 289: Aquaponics John Richards LabTechnician, Associate Faculty, Environmental Sciences and Aquarium & Aquaculture Science and Private Consultant for environmental science projects. Teaches MST 101Aquarium Management Sandy Trautwein Curator of Fish and Invertebrates at the Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, CA. Team teaches; MST 203 Captive Ecology/Workshops

Student Support: Scholarships, financial aid,work study programs are available - please contact our Financial Assistance Office: http://www.saddleback.edu/fao/

Program Point of Contact: Julie Anderson

Email: janderson@saddleback.edu

Department: Marine Science Technology

Institution address: Saddleback College - Advanced Technology & Applied Science Division 28000 Marguerite Parkway
                             Mission Viejo,CA 92692

Phone: 949-582-4657 or 949-582-4