Aquaculture
Bachelor of Technology (Aquaculture) - BTech(Aquaculture)
| Fast Facts |
| Course Level: | Undergraduate |  |
| Course Length: | Three years full-time or equivalent part-time. Four years with Honours.
Combined Degrees:
Aquaculture / Innovation and Enterprise (Science & Technology)
- one additional year to your full-time study program; and
Aquaculture / Diploma in Language - one additional year to
your full-time study program. |
| Location: | Taught on-campus at Flinders. |
| Available To: | Australian and international students. |
| Prerequisites: | None.
No assumed knowledge. |
| SATAC Code: | 214011 |
| Entry Cutoff Scores: |
Tertiary Education Rank (TER)
-
Science & Engineering Bonus Points Scheme for High School Students
 |
| Course Program Details: | A program of study is available in the University's Course Information Handbook. |
About the Course
What is Aquaculture?
Aquaculture is commonly referred to as fishfarming. However, aquaculture also includes the farming of other aquatic animals such as:
- molluscs (including oysters, abalone, mussels and scallops);
- crustaceans (such as shrimps, prawns, freshwater and marine crayfish); and
- aquatic plants (seaweeds).
Aquaculture, unlike wild capture fisheries, implies ownership of stock and some level of intervention in the rearing process to enhance production.
Aquaculture currently provides 30% of the fish and shellfish consumed globally, and is expected to increase steadily for the foreseeable future.
Career Opportunities
Our graduates find work: establishing and maintaining aquaculture operations; undertaking research to develop and apply new aquaculture technologies and methods; and assisting with government planning and decision making.
They fill a wide variety of positions including:
- aquaculture development officers;
- aquaculture research scientists;
- farm managers;
- hatchery technicians;
- laboratory technicians;
- technical officers;
- business managers;
- nutritionists;
- biologists; and
- aquaculture consultants.
Potential employers include:
- the South Australian Research & Development Institute (SARDI);
- Primary Industries & Resources (SA);
- Commonwealth fisheries management agencies;
- marine research institutes;
- universities; and
- many private companies in Australia and overseas.
To find out more about the jobs this degree can lead to, go to the Your Career section of the Flinders' graduate careers website.
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Combining Degrees
Aquaculture/Innovation and Enterprise
Adds an additional year to your full-time study program.
If you want to boost your business, management, enterprise and communication skills, and undertake a concentrated period of practical work experience,
consider combining Aquaculture with Bachelor of Innovation and Enterprise (Science and Technology) (BIE).
You’ll graduate with two degrees. More importantly, you’ll increase your immediate attractiveness to employers and your potential to become a business leader. You will need to apply for both the Bachelor of Technology (Aquaculture) and the BIE via SATAC.
What Will I Study?
In First year you'll take introductory topics in aquaculture theory, systems and operations, while gaining a grounding in supporting areas such as biology, applied chemistry, marine science and quantitative methods.
In Second year, more specialised topics are introduced, including: Aquaculture Procedures, Aquaculture Practice, Introduction to Fish Health and Water Quality.
In Third year you'll expand your knowledge of specific fields of aquaculture, including reproduction and genetics, study management, marketing, business and law, learn about fish health and hygiene, and complete a research project. In Second and Third year you also can select some elective topics of interest from other areas of the university.
Workplace education is provided in collaboration with aquaculture operators in various locations in South Australia, interstate and overseas.
The full program of study, including topic descriptions, is set out in the Course rule and topic information for this degree.
Why Study Aquaculture at Flinders?
This course was established in response to demand for graduates who have specialised knowledge and training in aquaculture technology and business management. It is the only university course of its kind in South Australia and has the backing of industry through the South Australian Fishing Industry Council.
The focus is on combining a strong background in the natural sciences with an understanding of health and safety issues, practical and management issues, and business and communication skills. Two periods of work experience at commercial aquaculture ventures help to reinforce the information learned in lectures and practical classes.
The course builds on Flinders' expertise in marine biology and much of the practical work is carried out in our purpose-built aquarium systems in Adelaide.
Opportunity exists for additional research to be carried out at our Lincoln Marine Science Centre in Port Lincoln.
The formal course aims are set out in the Course rule and topic information for this degree.
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Entry requirements
Australian Students
SATAC Code: 214011
No prerequisites or assumed knowledge.
Year 12 applicants must have qualified for SACE and obtained Recorded Achievement in at least five two-unit SACE Stage 2 subjects. Included among the five must be four HESS General subjects.
Applicants who have completed
one of the following are eligible to apply:
- SACE (Year 12) or interstate equivalent;
- International Baccalaureate (IB);
- TAFE/VET;
- Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT);
- Foundation Course/Bridging Program;
- Overseas qualifications;
- Tertiary Transfer (Grade Point Average - GPA); and
- Other access schemes are eligible to apply.
International Students
CRICOS Provider Code: 00114A
See the Why choose Flinders section for the following information about this and other Flinders courses:
- Tuition fees
- Course entry requirements
- English language requirements
- Australian visa and health cover requirements
- Scholarships Information for AusAID applicants
See the When and how to apply section for information about the application process and access to application forms.
Note: Australian qualifications are recognised in most countries, but students are advised to discuss their proposed programs with the professional registration authority and relevant professional associations in their home country before commencing studies.
Required Background
No assumed knowledge or pre-requisites required.
Aquaculture appeals to students who have a broad interest in science and the business world.
Australian aquaculture is an exciting and expanding opportunity for individuals
or companies to:
- grow an established culture species
- develop culture practices or technologies for species new to aquaculture
- to sell to new or established markets at home and overseas
- contribute to employment in rural or metropolitan areas
Given this, a background in science or business management is the best
preparation. However, it is entirely possible to pursue the degree without
either a science or business background.
How do I get the Required Background if I don't already have it?
Any experience with a commercial aquaculture operation will be useful.
Aquaculture involves understanding the factors that constrain efficient growth in aquatic animals, and an aquaculture career usually begins with an extended period of manual tasks such as fish feeding, tank cleaning, moving or harvesting animals.
Once you have shown competency in these basic, but very important, jobs will you get the opportunity to take on more technically challenging positions in, for example, hatchery areas or in managing staff and/or production areas.
Transferring Credit
Credit transfer arrangements are in place for applicants who have successfully completed certain TAFE courses.
Students completing the TAFE Diploma of Aquaculture with an appropriate mix of elective subjects receive credit in up to one-third of the units required to earn the Flinders degree.
An Application for Credit form and relevant policies are available on the web.
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More on Aquaculture
Professional Recognition
There is no professional certification of aquaculture professionals. However, all the hands-on topics which are taught through TAFE are accredited Seafood and Aquaculture Industry Training Package material. A measure of professional recognition of Flinders aquaculture graduates is the high employment rates of these people in local, national and international aquaculture industries.
Research Activities
Flinders University is a partner in the Cooperative Research Centre for Sustainable Finfish Aquaculture, and is closely involved in two projects related to the farming of southern bluefin tuna:
- environmental impacts of tuna farming
- tuna product quality
Flinders also has research linkages to the oyster, abalone and freshwater crayfish aquaculture industries.
Web Resources
Disclaimer: The following links lead to a variety of Internet sites that are not affiliated with Flinders University. The presence of a link in the table below does NOT indicate an endorsement of the ownership, content or condition of the corresponding web site.
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Further Information
Flinders Web Resources
The following are additional links within the University of Flinders website where you will find information on costs, financial assistance, and other courses offered by the University.
Contact Us
If you would like to find out more about this course, or any of our other courses, please contact us:
Admissions Office
Science & Engineering
Course Co-ordinator
Apply Now!
If you've read enough and want to apply for entry into this course then contact:
Last reviewed August 2006.
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