Mission

Provide theory and practical experience designed to prepare students for careers in the aquatic animal husbandry profession, including positions as aquarists, aquatic biologists, and keepers. Potential employment opportunities include public zoos and aquariums, ornamental fish retailers and wholesalers, aquaculture businesses, fish hatcheries, research programs, marine educational centers, state and federal natural resource agencies, as well as self-employment.

Learning outcomes

1. Demonstrate critical thinking by engaging in laboratory experimentation, field research, data analysis and interpretation at multiple course levels.
2. Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, scientific concepts, research findings and ideas to professionals and the general public.
3. Maintain, analyze, diagnose and repair aquarium life support systems and their components.
4. Perform basic water quality analysis using standard testing equipment.
5. Maintain healthy animals through proper set-up, monitoring and accepted animal husbandry practices.
6. Identify physically compromised animals and abnormal animal behaviors.
7. Work within a group to conceptualize, plan, construct and manage environments that promote the health of fishes and invertebrates.

Formal admission to the AQS major is required to begin coursework at OCCC. Students must have less than 32 credits remaining in their Foundational Science and Business and Economics courses in order to be admitted to the major.