MSc Program

     Aquaculture is the production of biomass of any aquatic plant or animal, including algae, molluscan, crustacean, and fish species, through artificial cultivation techniques. The MSc (Aquaculture) program is a non-thesis degree option consisting of courses and a special project related primarily to the production of coolwater and coldwater fin-fish species. The objective of the degree is to provide an intensive, multidisciplinary program of study, without areas of sub-specialization. Graduates will obtain an integrated, technical knowledge of the concepts of animal production, agribusiness and state-of-the-art technology as they relate to aquaculture. The program includes a wide range of courses, a special project requirement and a practicum intended to provide essential experience in applied fish-production systems.

     Students may be admitted to the MSc (Aquaculture) program from a variety of undergraduate backgrounds, including honours degree programs in animal or agricultural science, environmental biology, fisheries biology, marine biology, microbiology, nutritional sciences, wildlife biology, and zoology. The adequacy of a student's background and experience will be assessed by an admissions committee before a student is permitted to enter the program. All applicants must meet the university minimum criteria for admission to graduate studies. In addition, the admissions committee will look for relevant work experience or recognized educational training in agrifood systems and aquatic or fisheries science.
     Applications must be accompanied by a letter of intent expressing the student's reasons for wanting to enter the program. Prior completion of introductory basic science courses will be expected.

Degree Requirements
     The program requires the completion of a minimum of 6.5 course credits. Students will be permitted to take additional, elective course credits if desired. At least 4.5 of the course credits will be at the graduate level and all undergraduate courses must be eligible for graduate credit. The selection of the courses will be dependent, in part, on the courses completed in the student's undergraduate program. The total duration of the program is expected to be 3-4 full-time semesters, or longer if part-time study is undertaken. Detailed schedules of studies are available from the program co-ordinator or from any member of the graduate faculty in the program. The student's advisor will provide leadership in making arrangements for, and providing advice on, the student's overall program, including the special project. Students in the program will be under the guidance of the Aquaculture Interdepartmental Group, and will register both in the interdepartmental program and in the department of their advisor. The Aquaculture Interdepartmental Group consists of members of the graduate faculty whose teaching or research interests are wholly or partly related to aquaculture.