Program Length
- 4 Years
Credential
- Bachelor Degree
Options
- Minor
Location Offered
- Nanaimo
The Aquaculture (BSc) Program
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 (i.e. Biology, Chemistry, 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 facilities which include: 1) the Centre for Shellfish Research (CSR); 2) the International Centre for Sturgeon Studies (ICSS); 3) the Deep Bay Marine Field Station (DBMFS) and; 4) the Centre for Innovation in Fish Health. Utilizing these state-of-the-art facilities offers students an experience 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.
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: | 4 |
Select one of the following: | 4 |
Select one of the following: | 4 |
Select one of the following: | 4 |
| Select one of (MATH 203 is recommended): MATH 203 - (Biometrics) MATH 211 - (Fundamentals of Statistics I) | 3 |
| CHEM 212 - (Environmental Chemical Analysis) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 22 |
*CHEM 142A/142 is for students who have taken Chemistry 12 and scored at least a C+. CHEM 141A/141 is for students who do not meet this Chemistry 12 requirement. Both courses share the same laboratory material, and final examination.
| Years 3 and 4 | Credits |
|---|---|
| Select twelve upper-level AQUA credits numbered 300 and above. Six of those credits may be from the following courses: FISH 371 - (Senior Work Experience I) FISH 372 - (Senior Work Experience II) FISH 391 - (Advanced Applied Techniques I) FISH 392 - (Advanced Applied Techniques II) FISH 490 - (Directed Studies in Fisheries and Aquaculture) FISH 491 - (Undergraduate Research Project) | 12 |
| GEOG 356 - (Policy, Resources and Sustainability) | 3 |
| MGMT 381 - (Entre/Intrapreneurship) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 |
| Total Program Credits | 40 |
BSc General Admission Requirements
- General admission requirements apply.
- A minimum "B" grade in either Pre-calculus 12 or Principles of Mathematics 12.
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).
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 $166.40 per credit) | 4,992.00 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $19.97 per month) | 159.76 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.05 per month) | 176.40 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| 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 | 7,333.96 |
* 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 $23.90 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 $799.77 per credit) | 23,993.10 |
| Student Activity fee (8 months x $19.97 per month) | 159.76 |
| Student Services fee (8 months x $22.05 per month) | 176.40 |
| VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month) | 220.80 |
| 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 | 26,335.06 |
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 $23.90 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Science Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Accepting late applications to Fall 2024 until August 15, 2024. Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Science Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Science Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Science Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Science Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Science Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Next Intake(s):
The Bachelor of Science Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June.
Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Assistant:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk Phone: 250.746.3512 Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:
Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca. |
|||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Campus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Jenny Carpen-Rouget Email: Study@viu.ca
Comments:
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquires to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Jenny Carpen-Rouget Email: Study@viu.ca
Comments:
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquires to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
| to | Nanaimo | ||
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Jenny Carpen-Rouget Email: Study@viu.ca
Comments:
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquires to WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
Get more information on The Aquaculture (BSc) Program
Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.
Visit the Department WebsitePrevious versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.