Graduate Certificate in Aquaculture

at The University of British Columbia

WHAT MAKES THE PROGRAM UNIQUE?
 

• British Columbia – and UBC – are perfectly situated for the aquaculture industry. Access to large tracts of coastline and moderate temperatures have helped aquaculture grow into a $700 million industry in the province.
• UBC offers the only graduate-level aquaculture program in Western Canada. The program trains people who possess foundational critical thinking and problem solving skills to become future leaders in the industry.
• While here, students will discover the types of jobs available in aquaculture throughout the province, earn credits in courses that prepare them for all aspects of aquaculture, and build a network with industry professionals.
   

PROGRAM STRUCTURE
 

Courses will be delivered at the UBC Vancouver campus during Winter Term 1 (September – December). Students will complete the certificate on a full-time basis over a period of 4 months, completing 7 required courses:
 

• AQUA 501 (3 credits) Aquaculture Production Systems
• AQUA 502 (2 credits) Fish Nutrition, Feeds and Feeding
• AQUA 503 (3 credits) Fish Health
• AQUA 504 (2 credits) Finfish Genetics and Reproduction in Aquaculture
• AQUA 505 (2 credits) Ecological Sustainability of Aquaculture
• AQUA 506 (2 credits) Business concepts in Aquaculture
• AQUA 507 (2 credits) Seafood Processing

MINIMUM ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
 

The Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies establishes the minimum admission requirements common to all applicants, usually a minimum overall average in the B+ range (76% at UBC). The graduate program that you are applying to may have additional requirements. Please review the specific requirements for applicants with credentials from institutions in:
 

• Canada or the United States
• International countries other than the United States
   

Each program may set higher academic minimum requirements.

The cost of studying at The University of British Columbia varies largely depending on the type of university and the degree chosen. More often than not, humanities, arts, and education courses are less expensive than degrees in medical, engineering, or management. Furthermore, students who choose to study at the postgraduate level typically pay higher tuition fees, which again vary depending on the programme chosen. Most universities provide scholarships or financial aid to students in order to help them offset their tuition costs. Students should be aware that additional course fees and incidental expenses may not be included in tuition.The tuition fees for this program is To Be Confirmed.

There are many aquaculture career opportunities in B.C., across Canada and around the world, spanning coastal to urban communities. The range of careers is wide and working conditions are equally varied. Our graduates can expect to find work in a place that fits their interests: land-based or sea-based farms; in a feed or food processing plant; or in an office or lab. Here are some careers available to those with an aquaculture education.
 

Careers at a sea-based or land-based farm site:

• Fish production technician / manager
• Hatchery technician / manager
• Fish health technician
• Aquatic veterinarian
• Fish biologist
• Aquaculture diver
• Waste management technologist
   

Careers in an office:

• Environmental and regulatory affairs manager
• Aquaculture engineer
• Research scientist / technician
• Habitat biologist
• Research and development coordinator
• Environmental assessment technician
• Regulatory affairs officer
   

Careers at a feed mill:

• Feed production technician
• Environmental assessment technician
• Nutrition researcher
   

Careers at a food processing plant:

• Processing line operator / supervisor
• Quality assurance manager
• Product developer
• Waste management technologist
   

Careers with the government:

• Aquaculture policy advisor
• Aquaculture extension officers
• Aquaculture development specialist
• Environmental assessment technician
• Regulatory affairs officer