Brunswick Community College

The Aquaculture Technology curriculum prepares individuals for careers in aquaculture and management of aquatic ecosystems. The program provides a broad background in science and math as well as specialized course work and practical experience in fish, shellfish, and aquatic plant production and management, which prepares individuals to select, culture, propagate, harvest, and market domesticated fish, shellfish, and marine plants, both freshwater and saltwater. Graduates may find employment on private farms and government hatcheries or at public aquariums. Graduates may also start new businesses in fish, shellfish, or aquatic plant farming; pond and lake management services; or home/office aquarium or water garden management services. Course work includes biology, chemistry, and math, as well as water quality and limnology, nutrition and feeding, genetics and breeding, facilities construction, and business. Students will spend time working in the industry through the cooperative work experience or conducting an individualized study through the aquaculture project. The Biotechnology curriculum, which has emerged from molecular biology and chemical engineering, is designed to meet the increasing demands for skilled laboratory technicians in various fields of biological and chemical technology. The program focuses on the application of the biological sciences, biochemistry, and genetics to the preparation of new and enhanced agricultural, environmental, clinical, and industrial products, including the commercial exploitation of microbes, plants, and animals. Graduates should be qualified for employment in various areas of industry and government, including research and development, manufacturing, sales, and customer service. Course work emphasizes biology, chemistry, mathematics, and technical communications, including instruction in general biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, genetics, and cellular biology. The Marine Biotechnology curriculum, which has emerged from molecular biology and chemical engineering, is designed to meet the increasing demands for skilled laboratory technicians in various fields of biological and chemical technology. The program focuses on the scientific study of the ecology and behavior of microbes, plants, and animals inhabiting aquatic environments. Graduates should be qualified for employment in various areas of industry and government, including research and development, manufacturing, sales, and customer service as research assistants, laboratory technicians, and quality control analysts.Course work emphasizes biology, chemistry, mathematics, and technical communications including instruction in geology and hydrology; aquatic ecosystems; microbiology; mycology; botany; ichthyology; mammalogy; population biology and biodiversity; studies of specific species, phyla, and habitats; and applications to fields such as natural resources conservation, fisheries science, and biotechnology.