The Master of Science (Aquaculture) is a 72-unit program comprising coursework and industrial work placement offered by the College of Science and Engineering. The course articulates the 18-unit Graduate Certificate in Science (Aquaculture) and the 36-unit Graduate Diploma in Science (Aquaculture), and the sequentially developed topics allow progression through the three awards.
Admission requirements
Applicants must normally hold the Graduate Diploma in Science (Aquaculture) or a degree in any relevant discipline of science or equivalent qualification from an approved tertiary institution. The Dean (Education) may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.
The Master of Science (Aquaculture) is not available to graduates of the BSc (Aquaculture) or BSc (Aquaculture) (Honours) or equivalent.
Course aims
The primary aim of this course is to facilitate skills transfer from another relevant area of science to the study of aquaculture. The specific aims include providing students with:
- in-depth theoretical and technical knowledge in aquaculture and specialised skills in global aquaculture farming and practice
- advanced knowledge in nutrition, water quality, reproduction, production quality and health issues relevant to global aquaculture
- well-developed understanding of aquaculture operations through a combination of theoretical coursework and technical practicals and the ability to apply them to the profession
- extended practical experience through industrial work placement to prepare for future professional roles in aquaculture
- an ability to apply advanced numerical and statistical skills relevant to aquaculture
- strong business management skills that can be innovatively applied to aquaculture operations
- the ability to apply a range of skills independently in the design of aquaculture facilities
- training for independent critical analysis, well developed communication and complex problem solving skills in aquaculture
- the ability to work professionally as an individual and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course, graduates should be able to:
- proficiently apply advanced skills and comprehensive theories in global aquaculture to solve problems
- apply an in-depth understanding of aquaculture nutrition, water quality, reproduction, production quality and health for the management of global aquaculture operations
- apply advanced numerical skills relevant to aquaculture production
- use advanced business skills to autonomously manage complex aquaculture operations
- understand and proficiently apply the established production protocols and marketing procedures of aquaculture industry in a professional situation
- communicate effectively with other aquaculture professionals and the wider community using a range of methods
- plan and execute a research project in aquaculture
- work and learn independently
Program of study
To qualify for the Master of Science (Aquaculture), a student must complete 72 units with a grade of P or better in each topic, according to the following program of study.
Core - Year 1 & 2 topics
67.5 units comprising:
BIOL8702 Genetics, Evolution and Biodiversity GE (4.5 units)
BIOL8732 Aquaculture System and Technology GE (4.5 units)
BIOL8741 Experimental Design and Statistics for Biology GE (4.5 units)
BIOL8751 Aquaculture Nutrition and Water Quality GE (4.5 units)
BIOL8752 Fisheries Biology, Science and Management GE (4.5 units)
BIOL8831 Aquaculture Reproduction GE (4.5 units)
BIOL8832 Aquaculture Health and Product Quality GE (4.5 units)
BIOL9001 Aquaculture Practicum (18 units)
BTEC8001 BioBusiness GE (9 units)
STEM8001 Research Methods and Professional Skills (4.5 units)
STEM8100 Research Project in Science GE (4.5 units)
Option - Year 1 & 2 topics
Plus 4.5 units selected from
BIOL8004 DNA to Genome GE (4.5 units)
BIOL8711 Ecology GE (4.5 units)
BIOL8722 Conservation and Ecological Genetics GE(4.5 units)
BIOL8731 Plant and Algal Diversity GE (4.5 units)
BIOL8742 Disease and Immunology GE (4.5 units)
BTEC8002 Molecular Biotechnology (4.5 units)
BTEC9011 Plant Science to Food Biotechnology GE (4.5 units)
BTEC9012 Environmental Biotechnology GE (4.5 units)
BUSN9022 Marketing Principles (4.5 units)
BUSN9113 Accounting Fundamentals (4.5 units)
BUSN9116 Economics for Business (4.5 units)
BUSN9229 Sustainability and Ethics in Management (4.5 units)
BUSN9248 Managing People (4.5 units)
BUSN9262 Advanced Recruitment and Selection (4.5 units)
BUSN9263 Performance Management and Rewards (4.5 units)
BUSN9264 Consumer Behaviour (4.5 units)
ENGR9704 Project Management and Innovation (4.5 units)
ENVH7722 Food Safety (4.5 units)
ENVH7742 Microbiology and Communicable Diseases (4.5 units)
ENVH9704 Risk Assessment and Management (4.5 units)
ENVS9731 Public Health Aspects of Water Quality (4.5 units)
