Aquarium and Aquaculture Science
College or University: Saddleback Community College
Type of degree: A.S.
Brief overview of program: Saddleback College is a comprehensive two-year institution of higher education and offers more than 140 programs leading to an Associate in Arts or Science degree in academic subjects or occupational certificates. Saddleback is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is located within a10 minute drive to Dana Point Harbor. Classes are offered on the college's 200-acre hillside campus, as well as at approximately 40 community sites.
The Aquarium and Aquaculture Science Program is the first and only approved and accredited program of its kind in the California Community College System. The program offers an Occupational Certificate and Associate of Science degree and is aimed at the future in producing technically skilled and knowledgeable work force that will be necessary to fill the predicted job market growth in aquarium and aquaculture related venues.
The Aquarium and Aquaculture Science 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.
Training begins here on our Saddleback College campus in our 3,000 ft2 Aquarium Science Lab! We circulate 2,500-4,000 gallons of seawater in several stand-alone and multiple tank systems and, also operate a freshwater aquaponic system.
We are partnered with over 14 local and regional facilities, many provide on-site workshops at their facilities and host our student interns; Aquarium of the Pacific, Birch Aquarium of Scripps Institute of Oceanography, Ocean Institute of Dana Point, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute, Hubbs Fish Hatchery, Doheny Aquarium, Chula Vista Nature Center, Newport Bay Interpretive Center and many, many more.
We produce aquarists, farm technicians, and knowledgeable business-oriented aquarist.
We educate and train teachers, educate the public, produce aquatic organisms, and introduce students into research. We also provide education opportunities for those already in the profession and host many tours and special workshops to special interest groups.
*The program and coursework are open-enrollment.There are no pre-requisites for this program, although a suggested sequence of courses is preferred. There is no application of wait-list for the AAS program, but there is an application and fee to enroll in courses at Saddleback College. Please see www.saddleback.edu for more information.
Website: Click here for program website
Tuition (2007):In State: $350.00 (approx, Out of State: $4200.00 )appro
Number of students enrolled in 2007: 17 Where do most of the students go upon graduating or leaving the program?
Continue Education: 8% | Enter Workforce: 88% | Do not know: 4%
For the students that enter the workforce, what are the most common occupations that they pursue with this degree or certificate? Aquarium technician, aquarist assistant, Aquarium business (open own business shop, consultant & maintenance, retail sales and marketing associates), Aquaculture research associate and aquaculture technician, private owner of aquaculture farm
Program of Study:
Description of Facilities: see above
Program Faculty: Our Instructional Team:
Julie Anderson, Sr. Lab Technician, Associate Faculty, Biology and
Aquarium & Aquaculture Science and Creator/Acting Director. 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 Richardson, LabTechnician, Associate Faculty, Environmental Sciences and Aquarium & Aquaculture Science and Private Consultant for environmental science projects. Teaches MST 101Aquarium Management
Sandy Trautwein, Curator at Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, CA. Team teaches; MST 203 Captive Ecology/Workshops Student Support: http://www.saddleback.edu/ss/finaid/
Program Point of Contact: Julie Anderson
Email: janderson@saddleback.edu Department: Marine Science Technology/Aquarium Aquaculture Science Institution address: 28000 Marguerite Parkway
Mission Viejo,CA 92692 Phone: (949) 582-4541
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