Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquaculture Students rescuing a fish
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Aquaculture (BSc)

  • Program Length 
    4 Years
  • Credential 
    Bachelor Degree
  • Options 
    Minor

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:

  • BIOL 121 - (Introductory Zoology)
  • Complete both of:

4

Select one of the following:

  • BIOL 123 - (Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology)
  • Complete both of:
    • BIOL 123A - (Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology Theory)
    • BIOL123L - (Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory)

4

Select one of the following:

  • CHEM 140 - (Chemistry Fundamentals I) 
  • Complete both of:
    • CHEM 140A - (Chemical Fundamentals I Theory)
    • CHEM 140L - (Chemical Fundamentals I Laboratory)

4

Select one of the following:

  • CHEM 141* - (Chemistry Fundamentals II)
  • CHEM 142* - (Chemistry Fundamentals II)
  • Complete both of:
    • CHEM 141A* - (Chemical Fundamentals II Theory)
    • CHEM 142L - (Chemical Fundamentals II Laboratory)
  • Complete both of:
    • CHEM 142A* - (Chemical Fundamentals II Theory)
    • CHEM 142L - (Chemical Fundamentals II Laboratory)

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

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 $166.40 per credit)

4,992.00

Student Activity fee (4% of tuition)

199.68

Student Services fee (30 credits x $7.35 per credit)

220.50

VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month)

220.80

Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year)

265.00

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

7,397.98
Notes

*  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 $23.43 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 (2 semesters x $11996.55 per semester)

23,993.10

Ancillary Fee (2 semesters x $463.40 per semester)

926.80

VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $27.60 per month)

220.80

Health and Dental Plan fee ($265.00 per year)

265.00

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

26,905.70
Notes

Tuition in the above table is based on $776.48 per credit, up to a maximum of $10,870.72 per semester for 15 credits; $776.48 per credit beyond 15 credits. Ancillary Fees in the above table are based on $33.10 per credit, up to a maximum of $463.40 per semester for 15 credits; $33.10 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.

Science and Technology courses with a compulsory lab have a lab fee of $23.43 per course.

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.

Updated
Monday, April 3, 2023

Domestic (Canadian)

Program Start Date Accepting Applications
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
Anticipated intake for someone applying today
Sep 2, 2025
Accepting International Applications
Yes
Application Fee
$150.00
Accepting Late Applications
Yes
Testing Required
No
International Admissions Officer Contact

Name: Yuzo Ishida
Email: Study@viu.ca

Comments

For prospective international applicants, please send your inquires to WorldVIU@viu.ca.

Further information on this program can be found on the Department website.


Previous versions of this program can be found in the Program Archive.