AQS 100 Introduction to Aquarium Science 2 class and 2 lab hrs/wk, 3 cr. Examines the history of animal keeping and present-day aquatic animal husbandry industries. Explores the biological processes occurring in the aquarium environment. Learn proper set-up and maintenance of home aquaria. AQS 110 Aquarium Science Practicum 1 6 lab hrs/wk, 2 cr. Introduces aquatic animal husbandry work environment and the care of captive aquatic animals. Emphasize daily animal care and exhibit readiness. AQS 111 Aquarium Science Practicum 2 6 lab hrs/wk, 2 cr. Builds upon the experiences gained in Practicum 1. Involves participation in a higher level of aquatic animal husbandry activities including animal health procedures, long-term record keeping, and life support systems training. Can be repeated for additional credits. Prerequisite: AQS 110. AQS 141 Interpretation and Communication 3 class and 2 lab hrs/wk, 4 cr. Examines the techniques used to present natural resource educational experiences to visitors. Emphasizes developing the skills to conduct informational research and assimilate information into a presentation that takes into account individual learning styles. AQS 150 Special Projects 6 lab hrs/wk, 2 cr. Provides the opportunity to work on an approved special project in aquarium science. Topics may include independent research in an area of interest or in-depth study in a particular aspect of aquarium science. AQS 165 Current Issues in Aquarium Science 2 class hrs/wk, 2 cr. Industry professionals share their experiences about facility operations and challenges facing their organization. Discussion topics may vary by term. AQS 186 Introduction to Scientific Diving 3 lab hrs/wk, 1 cr. Introduces the technical and safety components of scientific diving. Includes underwater activities related to fish identification and behavior analysis. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the Aquarium Science program and PE 185SA or open-water diving certification from an internationally recognized certification agency or consent of instructor. AQS 187 Scientific Diving 3 lab hrs/wk, 1 cr. Continues the training of scientific divers in the safety aspects and techniques of underwater science activities. Prerequisite: AQS 186. AQS 215 Biology of Captive Fish 3 class and 2 lab hrs/wk, 4 cr. Examines the anatomy and physiology of freshwater and marine fishes and the constraints placed upon them in a controlled environment. Increases an understanding of fish behavior through the use of ethograms. Prerequisite: BI 103 or consent of instructor. AQS 220 Biology of Captive Invertebrates 3 class and 2 lab hrs/wk, 4 cr. Reviews the life history and captive care requirements of invertebrates commonly cultured in the aquatic animal industry/profession. Prerequisite: BI 103 or consent of instructor. AQS 226 Biology of Diverse Captive Species 2 class and 2 lab hrs/wk, 3 cr. Examines the basic husbandry requirements and the most commonly experienced health ailments of different phyla found in public aquarium animal collections. Reviews the natural history and wild-population status of selected species. Prerequisite: BI 103, enrollment in Aquarium Science program, or consent of instructor. AQS 232 Reproduction and Nutrition of Aquatic Animals 3 class and 2 lab hrs/wk, 4 cr. Examines the reproductive strategies of fishes and invertebrates in a controlled environment, and the manipulation of environmental and physiological parameters that initiate reproduction. Explores the nutritional requirement of selected aquatic animals throughout their life history. Discusses industry standards for food handling and HACCP requirements. Prerequisite: AQS 215 and AQS 220. AQS 240 Life Support System Design and Operation 3 class and 2 lab hrs/wk, 4 cr. Examines the role of life support systems in maintaining a balanced, stable aquatic environment. Presents how to design, construct, maintain, and troubleshoot semi-closed, closed, and open systems. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in AQS 215 and AQS 220 or consent of instructor. AQS 250 Principles of Exhibit Development 3 class and 2 lab hrs/wk, 4 cr. Examines the processes involved in natural resources-related exhibit development. Presents the issues, materials, and technologies associated with aquatic exhibit development. Emphasis is placed on integrating diverse goals, assimilating information, and coordinating personnel to ensure an effective exhibit team. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in AQS 270. AQS 270 Fish and Invertebrate Health Management 3 class and 2 lab hrs/wk, 4 cr. Reviews the common infectious and non-infectious diseases of captive fish and invertebrates. Examines the common techniques of fish and invertebrate health management. Prerequisite: AQS 215 and AQS 220. AQS 275 Aquarium Science Internship 400 lab hrs, 12 cr. Exposes students to the daily diligence, responsibilities, and rewards of the aquatic animal husbandry profession. Includes daily animal care and facility readiness routines, assisting life support staff and animal health management professionals, and evaluation of operational aspects of the facility. Prerequisite: AQS 111 and AQS 270.