Degree overview

SAFS prepares students to meet the highest professional standards in the area of Science and specifically, the Aquatic Sciences. Our rigorous program places a high value on individual-based learning and critical thinking, and integrates innovation, collaboration and flexibility.

Our degree program is structured to develop key skills, explained here, relevant to our student’s advancement.

Photo inset:  Kristian Haapa-Aho

We foster the basis for lifelong enquiry through the mastery of subjects in the Aquatic Sciences

Aquatic & Fishery Sciences provides diverse training in basic and applied aquatic sciences with emphasis on biology, ecology, conservation, and management.

We promote literacy and critical evaluation in Science and the Scientific Method

We use lab classes, proposal writing, field experience and quarter long research projects to encourage evidence-based and rigorous investigation.

We advance student proficiency in scientific methodology and analytical approaches

We provide many opportunities for early application of knowledge in small, instructor guided learning environments.

We encourage an understanding of the social and ethical issues in our field so that graduates can contribute to society in a positive and productive manner

Key issues in our field are taught within their social context, and healthy debate is encouraged in all of our classes.

We facilitate the development of effective and persuasive communication skills

Our favorable student to faculty ratio means that students have substantial opportunity to practice their oral and writing skills in all of our classes.

We encourage an understanding and appreciation of the importance of the liberal arts and social sciences

Our degree requirements incorporate a range of complimentary subjects across campus that encourage breadth as well as depth.

We foster the development of academic and social skills that allow graduates to practice across different modes of enquiry, disciplines, cultures and communities

Our students are exposed to a wide range of learning environments that promote these skills. Examples include internships, interactions with external agencies and field-based courses.