- Program Length4 Years
- CredentialBachelor Degree
- Location OfferedNanaimo
The Aquaculture (BA) Program
The Bachelor of Arts, 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 Arts, Minor in Aquaculture will have the ability to combine with several other major or minor programs (i.e. Economics, Digital Media, Geography, Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies) so that students will be able to develop a multi-disciplinary program. The Bachelor of Arts, 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 Arts, 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 (CIFH). 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 Arts, Minor in Aquaculture will be able to: directly enter the workforce in the discipline of their Major and/or sub-discipline of their Bachelor of Arts, 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 Arts, 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
BA Minor students must fulfill all Institutional B.A. Degree Requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below.
Core Courses
|
Years 1 and 2 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
BIOL 121 - (Introductory Zoology) |
4 |
|
BIOL 123 - (Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology) |
4 |
|
Select one of the following pairs (CHEM 142 is recommended): |
8 |
|
Select one of (MATH 203 is recommended): |
3 |
|
AQUA 101 - (Introduction to Aquaculture) |
3 |
|
CHEM 212 - (Environmental Chemical Analysis) |
3 |
|
Total Credits |
25 |
|
Years 3 and 4 |
Credits |
|---|---|
|
AQUA 323 - (Invertebrate Aquaculture) |
3 |
|
AQUA 328 - (Methods and Techniques of Finfish Culture) |
3 |
|
AQUA 332 - (Finfish, Shellfish and Crustacean Nutrition) |
3 |
|
AQUA 342 - (Finfish, Shellfish and Crustacean Health) |
3 |
|
AQUA 375 - (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)) |
3 |
|
GEOG 356 - (Policy, Resources and Sustainability) |
3 |
|
MGMT 381 - (Entre/Intrapreneurship) |
3 |
|
Total Credits |
21 |
|
Total Program Credits |
46 |
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.
BA 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).
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 $159.94 per credit) |
4,798.20 |
|
Student Activity fee (4% of tuition) |
191.93 |
|
Student Services fee (30 credits x $7.07 per credit) |
212.10 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $24.88 per month) |
199.04 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) |
265.00 |
|
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year |
1,500.00 |
|
Total |
7,166.27 |
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.
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 (2 semesters x $9613.50 per semester) |
19,227.00 |
|
Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $426.07 per semester) |
852.14 |
|
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $24.88 per month) |
199.04 |
|
Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year) |
265.00 |
|
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year |
1,500.00 |
|
Total |
22,043.18 |
Tuition in the above table is based on a maximum of 15 credits at $739.50 per credit, up to a maximum of $9,613.50 per semester for 12-15 credits; $739.50 per credit beyond 15 credits. Ancillary Fees in the above table are based on a maximum of 15 credits at $32.77 per credit, up to a maximum of $426.07 per semester for 12-15 credits; $32.77 per credit beyond 15 credits.
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.
All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.
UpdatedDomestic (Canadian)
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 5, 2023 | Ongoing |
tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River)
|
|
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Jan 5, 2023
Accepting International Applications
No
Application Fee
$43.40
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Waitlist
No
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erin Johnson Comments
|
|||
| Sep 5, 2023 |
Oct 1, 2022 to Mar 31, 2023
|
Nanaimo
|
|
|
Next Intake(s)
Application Fee
$43.40
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erica Ellenchuk |
|||
| Sep 5, 2023 |
Oct 1, 2022 to Mar 31, 2023
|
Cowichan
|
|
|
Next Intake(s)
Application Fee
$43.40
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erica Ellenchuk |
|||
| Sep 5, 2023 | Ongoing |
tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River)
|
|
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 5, 2023
Accepting International Applications
No
Application Fee
$43.40
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Waitlist
No
Testing Required
No
Admissions Assistant
Name: Erin Johnson Comments
Please consult Student Services/Advising at 604-485-2878 or email PR.StudentAffairs@viu.ca for more information on program or admission requirements. |
|||
International
| Program Start Date | Accepting Applications | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 5, 2023 |
Oct 1, 2022 to Mar 31, 2023
|
Nanaimo
|
|
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 5, 2023
Next Intake(s)
Accepting International Applications
Yes
Application Fee
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Waitlist
No
Testing Required
No
International Admissions Officer Contact
Name: Elham Akhoundi Comments
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to World VIU at WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
| Jan 8, 2024 |
Mar 29, 2023 to Nov 30, 2023
|
Nanaimo
|
|
|
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Jan 8, 2024
Next Intake(s)
Accepting International Applications
Yes
Application Fee
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Waitlist
No
Testing Required
No
International Admissions Officer Contact
Name: Elham Akhoundi Comments
For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to World VIU at WorldVIU@viu.ca. |
|||
Please consult Student Services/Advising at 604-485-2878 or email PR.StudentAffairs@viu.ca for more information on program or admission requirements.