
Aquaculture and Fishery Technology
Outcome Statements for Aquaculture and Fishery Technology Majors
KNOWLEDGE
DEPTH AND APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE –
acquire knowledge and skills necessary to obtain
or pursue a professional position or graduate training in aquaculture
and fisheries science and technology. By the time you complete your
education you will have
(Aquaculture track)
Knowledge of:
• basic biology of aquaculture organisms, including finfish, shellfish and aquatic plants
• aquaculture practices for major aquaculture species worldwide and locally
• aquaculture systems for major aquaculture species worldwide and locally
• principles of health management for aquaculture species and facilities
• aspects of nutrition important to growth and health of aquaculture organisms
• elements of water quality important to aquaculture
• impacts of aquaculture activities on society, the economy, and the natural environment
• basic principles of fishery science and technology
• basic principles of marketing and food science
Ability to:
• culture several species of finfish, shellfish and aquatic plants
• measure and manage water quality in aquaculture systems
• design culture systems for fish, including consideration of size and shape of containment system, flow rates, pumping requirements, proper siting, etc.
• assess the growth and health status of fish and shellfish in culture
• evaluate the risks and benefits of aquaculture operations
(Fisheries track)
Knowledge of:
• basic marine and freshwater environmental science
• navigation, seamanship, and personal safety at sea
• basic biology of aquatic living resources
• fish catching methods of the world
• effects in fishing on habitat
• interactions between fisheries and protected species
• basic principles of fishery science
• design and performance evaluation of fishery resource harvesting and scientific sampling gears
• concepts of fish stock assessment
• basic principles of aquaculture
Ability to:
•Collect, process, and analyze data that support the development of a fish stock assessment, as this is the basic scientific contribution to the management of a fishery.
Collect biological samples and environmental data on fishery resources in the field on board research vessels
• collect fishery data on board commercial and recreational vessels
• process biological samples in the laboratory, and conduct the analyses of the resulting data to quantify fish population dynamics
• interpret the results of the analyses so as to predict the trend in fish abundance resulting from alternative management strategies
QUANTITATIVE COMPETENCE –
identify and use appropriate quantitative methods
to analyze physical, biological, or social phenomena.
By the time you complete your education you will:
• Understand and use basic mathematical concepts and methods (i.e., algebra, geometry, calculus) to solve quantitative problems
• Understand and use basic statistical concepts and methods to analyze data
• Use computer software to implement statistical analyses and graphical representation of data
• Read and interpret current research
METHODS OF INQUIRY –
understand and use methods of inquiry appropriate
to fisheries and aquaculture. By the time you complete
your education, you will have:
Knowledge of:
• The scientific method
• Sampling methods
• Modeling approaches
Ability to:
• Observe natural phenomena in a fisheries or aquaculture context
• Develop testable hypotheses based on your observations
• Test hypotheses through experimentation, sampling or simulation
• Identify the limitations of the methods used
PROBLEM-SOLVING –
use acquired knowledge, skills, and ingenuity to
solve complex problems. By the time you complete
your education, you will be able to:
• Recognize the existence and scope of a problem
• Use existing information to develop problem-solving strategies
• Choose and implement an appropriate strategy
• Evaluate results and refine the strategy accordingly
• Draw and communicate conclusions
COMMUNICATION
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT –
gather and interpret information from diverse sources.
By the time you complete your education, you will be able to:
• Locate, compile and organize information from both print and electronic media for a research paper on an important issue or topic in aquaculture or fisheries
• Critically evaluate the quality of the information you obtain from media sources, including any sources of bias, facts vs. opinions, etc.
COMMUNICATION –
communicate clearly and effectively using a variety
of methods. By the time you complete your education,
you will be able to:
• Orally present your knowledge and ideas effectively to your peers and faculty members
• Write logically and effectively for diverse audiences
• Use graphic communications methods appropriate to fisheries and aquaculture audiences
• Listen effectively to your peers and faculty members and respond appropriately
MULTIDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVE –
recognize the value of, and participate in, multidisciplinary
teams. By the time you complete your education,
you will:
• Understand the perspectives and scope of related disciplines, especially resource economics and coastal policy
• Work effectively as a team member, e.g., in a class with students from other majors
• Interact effectively with peers and professional in other fields
PERSONAL GROWTH
ETHICAL PRINCIPLES –
understand and apply ethical principles to issues,
problems, and professional practices. By the time you complete your
education, you will:
• Develop a personal environmental ethic
• Be conversant in the ethical standards of the American Fisheries Society
• Understand the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries
GLOBAL AWARENESS –
develop an awareness of global community and ecology
in their physical, biological, and social dimensions.
By the time you complete your education you will:
• Become familiar with Earth systems and the manner in which they have been modified by human activity over time, especially with regard to fisheries and aquaculture
• Recognize and appreciate the diversity of human cultures and their relationships to local and global ecosystems
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT –
develop a sense of responsibility to self, community,
and society. By the time you complete your education,
you will:
• Use reflection and self-evaluation to set goals for personal improvement
• Recognize the value and benefits of being a contributing member of your community and society
• Understand and respect differences among diverse populations
