Aquarium Science Technology, A.A.S.

A20260  Total credit hours: 64

The Aquarium Science Technology curriculum prepares students for employment in zoological parks, aquaria, or other settings requiring animal care, breeding, education/conservation, or health of exotic animals.

Course work emphasizes anatomy, physiology, reproduction, behavior, and nutrition of exotic animals that are on exhibit for education and/or conservation purposes or for animals maintained for medical purposes. Students have practical experiences with basic husbandry skills, animal handling/capture/restraint skills, the ability to detect illness, and creative design of exhibits.

Graduates of the curriculum should qualify for entry-level employment opportunities in a variety of settings, including zoos, aquaria, nature science centers, and animal research facilities.

This program prepares individuals to conserve and manage wilderness areas and the flora, marine and aquatic life therein, and manage wildlife reservations and zoological/aquarium facilities for recreational, commercial, and ecological purposes. Potential course work includes instruction in wildlife biology, marine/aquatic biology, freshwater and saltwater ecosystems, the design and operation of natural and artificial wildlife habitats, limnology, wildlife pathology, and vertebrate zoological specializations such as mammalogy, herpetology, ichthyology, ornithology, and others.

Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to follow written protocols.
2. Communicate with the public in a professional manner.
3. Effectively apply principles of Environmental Enrichment in a zoo or aquarium setting.
4. Demonstrate skills valued in the workplace.

Technical Standards

In addition to DCCC requirements and course objectives, there are professional standards that encompass communication, motor skills, sensory and cognitive ability and professional conduct that are essential for the competent study and practice of this program.  Zoo and Aquarium Science Technical Standards  (PDF)