Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquaculture

See the section on Institutional B.Sc. Degree Requirements. The 130 credits required for graduation are as follows:

Note: Most core and elective courses have prerequisites. Students should check prerequisites carefully and consult the Fisheries & Aquaculture Advisor when planning their program.

Core Courses

* FISH 123 is the preferred option.

** Effective September 2011: CHEM 140 will replace CHEM 122, CHEM 141 will replace CHEM 111, and CHEM 142 will replace CHEM 121. Students who have already completed the old Chemistry courses can still use those courses to meet the 1st-year chemistry requirements.

Note: Because of scheduling, some courses listed in second year may have to be delayed until third year and replaced by electives in second year. Students should plan their program with the Fisheries & Aquaculture Advisor.

List of Suggested Electives

Note: These courses may not be offered every year.

Options to take Courses Elsewhere

Most university-level courses offered at the Bamfield Marine Station during Fall or Summer sessions are also accepted as Science electives and, in some cases, as core courses in the B.Sc. in Fisheries & Aquaculture degree program. The Bamfield Marine Station offers many high quality courses and a unique West Coast experience. Accredited Science courses offered at many other universities may also be acceptable as either Core or Science elective courses. Students should, however, consult with the Chair or Faculty Advisor of Fisheries & Aquaculture before including such courses in their degree planning. Discussions are underway to arrange other one-semester exchange options at universities in both Canada and the United States.

Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Fisheries & Aquaculture takes place at the first, second or third-year level.

Admission to third year requires completion of a minimum of 54 credits of university study, see Program Outline. In addition, admission to the B.Sc. program (including the practicum courses, FISH 371/372) will require an interview with the faculty that can be arranged during the second year. The interview will determine the student’s understanding of the current fisheries and aquaculture industry. This interview is necessary, as these two courses involve considerable work with institutions or companies outside VIU. Advanced standing may be granted for previous course work.

Courses in first year have prerequisites. To satisfy all first-year course prerequisites, students must complete the following B.C. Secondary School courses, or equivalent:

• English 12 with a minimum grade of “C.”
• Biology 11, Chemistry 12, and Principles of Physics 11, all with a minimum grade of “C+”.
• One of Principles of Mathematics 12 or Pre-calculus 12 with a minimum grade of “B”.
• Biology 12 and Physics 12 are recommended but not required.
• Some seats are available for students who have completed Chemistry 11 with a “C+” but have not completed Chemistry 12.

Students who are lacking any or all of the above-noted prerequisites for first-year courses should speak with a VIU Advisor about upgrading courses.

Note: Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

Admission following completion of VIU’s Fisheries & Aquaculture Diploma program

Students who successfully complete the Diploma in Fisheries & Aquaculture program at VIU will be given third-year standing in the B.Sc. in Fisheries & Aquaculture. Several courses in the Diploma program are similar to those in the B.Sc. program and will receive direct transfer credit. Several other courses in the Diploma program are transferable; students may opt for Diploma (first or second year) credit, but with additional assignments may be able to receive upper-level credit (third year) for courses.

Students admitted in this manner will likely complete first-year Science courses then go on to complete the remainder of the program in an additional two or three semesters. Admittance to the B.Sc. in Fisheries & Aquaculture program through this route requires an interview. Students will be assessed by the interview results and their GPA score.

Entry with Advanced Placement

Entry into other years of the program will be based on the individual’s academic record. Students holding a two-year diploma in a field related to the biological sciences may receive advanced standing, depending upon their program.

All students who request advanced placement in the program must consult with the Department Chair or an upper-level Advisor within the department of Fisheries & Aquaculture during their first year at VIU. As with all other categories of placement, admittance is determined by an interview and by previous GPA score. Applicants are strongly urged to consult with the Fisheries & Aquaculture Chair or Faculty Advisor before the interview.

Note: Computer literacy (use of word processing, spreadsheets, and databases) is not an entrance requirement; however, it is expected that students entering second year will have those skills. Students may acquire computer literacy through self-study or may take a computer literacy course in their first year, e.g.,CSCI 110 or QUME 185.

Notes on Admission

• Aboriginal students can apply for reserve seats by submitting the Access Initiative for Indigenous Students form.