Aquatic Biology

The main objective of the Aquatic Biology thrust area is to expose students to the basic principles of the aquatic sciences. Since about 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, fresh, marine and brackish water ecosystems are the major environment on Earth.  Aquatic biology and environmental biology is therefore very closely related. Students majoring in Aquatic Biology are also exposed to the principles of environmental sciences. For this reason, the thrust areas of Aquatic Biology and Environmental Biology are both coordinated under the same Programme Chairperson and come under the AQEN Bio (AQuatic & ENvironment Biology) group. With the basic knowledge acquired in these thrust areas, students can then utilise it in applied fields. Students will be exposed to the structures and functions of aquatic flora and fauna.  They will also be exposed to basic ecological aspects of various ecosystems and the economics of management, exploitation and conservation of these aquatic resources. The use of aquatic resources in agriculture and fisheries together with aquaculture techniques will be taught through lectures, laboratory practical, field visits and focused research projects. Upon successful completion of the programme, students are expected to have grasped the necessary knowledge and skills to manage the exploitation of aquatic resources together with the proper use of aquatic resources for agricultural production.  Students should then also be able to carry out research in the field of aquatic and environmental sciences. Having a good understanding of current global issues such as global warming, pollution, environmental deterioration, loss of biodiversity, climate change, etc, will give Aquatic Biology students a competitive advantage in many related job prospects as more and more companies are using the “eco-friendly” tag as a central theme of their company’s public image.

Programme Outcomes

1. Able to acquire knowledge and understand the fundamental and applied concepts in aquatic biology and environmental biology.
2. Able to apply the acquired knowledge and practical skills to succeed in solving real-world issues in the aquatic and environmental sciences.
3. Able to possess a sense of environmental stewardship.
4. Able to analyse, synthesize and evaluate experimental data and information objectively.
5. Able to communicate and present ideas clearly and effectively.
6. Able to demonstrate practical experience in aquatic sampling inventory and various field and lab-based measurement techniques.
7. Able to manage the sustainable exploitation of aquatic resources for agricultural and food production.
8. Able to understand and adhere to professional practices and ethical responsibilities in the profession.
9. Able to practice a collaborative and team spirit in coordinating projects related to aquatic and environmental biology.

10.   Able to pursue independent research in post-graduate courses leading to higher academic qualifications.

Course Structure

Total minimum overall credit                          60 units
Total minimum credit in Biology courses       30 units

Students who do not register for a final year project must replace the 8 units with BOE 300/2 – Special Topics in Biology, which is a 2 unit course.  The remaining 6 units can be obtained by taking other biology courses which will support the Aquatic Biology field of specialisation, as approved by the programme.

Year I Core Courses (30 Units)

All School of Biological Sciences’ students must enroll and attain passing grades in these courses. Students must obtain a total of 30 units.  The courses are as follows:

Aquatic Biology students must enroll in all the core required courses that are listed here: