Program Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Aquaculture is a 4-month, 17 credit specialized program that will prepare students with the necessary skills and knowledge for careers in the aquaculture and related industries.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Graduate Certificate in Aquaculture must meet the minimum requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies for a Master's degree as follows:
- Completion of a recognized Bachelor of Science at an accredited academic institution. Applicants who have completed a Bachelor of Applied Science will be considered on a case-by-case basis
- Academic standing of a minimum 76% (B+) average in 300- and 400-level,
- with at least 12 credits of 300- and 400-level level courses in the A grade range (80% or higher at UBC) in the field of study presented.
- Submission of an application form (from the website), official transcripts from all academic institutions attended, and a personal written statement explaining why the applicant is seeking enrolment in the Aquaculture Certificate Program.
- English competency: Applicants from a university outside Canada for which English is not the primary language of instruction must present evidence of competency to pursue studies in the English language, prior to being extended an offer of admission. Acceptable English language proficiency tests for applicants are listed at English Language Proficiency Standards and GRE Requirements. Note: these tests must have been taken prior to and within two (2) years of starting the program.
- Recommended: completion of at least one course in each of Biology, Organic Chemistry, Calculus.
Program Requirements
Courses will be delivered during the 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_V 501 (3) Aquaculture Production Systems
- AQUA_V 502 (2) Fish Nutrition, Feeds and Feeding
- AQUA_V 503 (3) Fish Health
- AQUA_V 504 (2) Finfish Genetics and Reproduction in Aquaculture
- AQUA_V 505 (3) Ecological Sustainability of Aquaculture
- AQUA_V 506 (2) Business Concepts in Aquaculture
- AQUA_V 507 (2) Seafood Processing
Definition of Satisfactory Progress
The minimum passing grade in any course taken by a student enrolled in the certificate is 60%. However, only 3 credits of courses with grades in the C to C+ range (60-67%) may be counted towards the certificate. For all other courses, a minimum of 68% must be obtained.
Where a failing grade is obtained in a course, on the recommendation of the Faculty’s Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, the student may repeat a course for higher standing. If the Associate Dean does not make such a recommendation, the student will be required to withdraw. A student who obtains a grade of less than 68% in more than 3 credits will normally be required to withdraw for inadequate academic progress. The student will be informed of unsatisfactory academic progress in writing before any action regarding withdrawal is taken.
When repeating a failed course, a minimum mark of 74% must be obtained.
If a course is repeated, both marks will appear on the transcript. The higher mark will be used to determine promotion in a program and in any decision to admit or withdraw a student from a program. For all other purposes, averages will be calculated using both marks.