华盛顿大学

The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences (SAFS) encompasses multi-disciplinary programs at the interface between the traditional fields of natural history, environmental biology, and natural resource management. Primary foci are the management of sustainable fisheries of commercially important species; bio complexity and ecosystem-based management; and sustainable aquaculture. In addition, human-induced effects on natural ecosystems (including habitat change and restoration, impacts of climate change, emerging diseases, the effects of invasive species, and processes affecting endangered species and declining populations) are major areas of research. In pursuit of these objectives, a variety of basic sciences are used, including ecology and evolution, population biology, behavior, physiology, microbiology, and genetics. The scope of aquatic systems ranges from watersheds, rivers and lakes, to estuarine and near-shore shelf, open ocean systems and culture facilities. Graduates of the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences are uniquely qualified for careers in universities as well as other educational settings, natural resources management agencies at the local to international levels, environmental consulting, and non-profit organizations with an environmental focus.

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: Aquatic and fishery sciences is a life science major designed to provide students a broad framework of knowledge and sets of skills for employment in a variety of areas (e.g., natural resource management, environmental consulting, fish or aquatic wildlife biology, aquaculture). In addition, students receive excellent preparation for graduate study in a number of life science fields. Expected student outcomes include:

Skills in written and oral communication, data analysis, field and laboratory skills. Skill sets have been integrated into all core and flagship courses.
Exposure to career paths in the field and interaction with professionals. Skills gained allow students to obtain an entry-level aquatic scientist position or admission to graduate school.
Emphasis in one of three focus areas (aquatic ecology, conservation and management, aquatic biology and culture); students get a broad overview, then may specialize in one of the three areas.
Strong encouragement to pursue multiple internship and research experiences, including opportunities like FHL research apprenticeships and Alaska Ecological Research Program.
Understanding not only of the science, but also the socio-political-economic environment and its impact on the field of aquatic and fishery sciences.
All students participate in a capstone experience that requires them to demonstrate acquired skill sets (including public presentation in an undergraduate research symposium).