Something fishy

Something fishy

Course road test: Bachelor of Aquaculture at NMIT

What's this one all about?

Aquaculture, says Saleh Mobin, head of Northern Melbourne Institute of TAFE 's aquaculture program, is the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, molluscs, crustaceans and aquatic plants. Students on this degree learn everything about this fast-growing industry, from basic biology to the construction of fish farms and seafood processing.

I see. But do they get their hands wet?

You bet. Dr Mobin explains that this three-year degree has a strong vocational focus, with more than half of the course being hands-on. NMIT's Epping campus is home to its Aquaculture Training and Applied Research Centre with its 40-tonne freshwater and 20-tonne saltwater systems and specialised research laboratories. Here, students learn about culturing fresh and saltwater creatures.

And go home smelling of fish?

Not according to Dr Mobin, who stresses this is not a smelly business if hygienic conditions are maintained. As well as taking classes covering aquatic biology, reproduction and the culture of aquatic animals, NMIT's aquaculture students learn about the business side of the industry, aquaculture engineering and aquatic environmental management.

But NMIT is not a university, can it offer degrees?

Yes, it offers several bachelor degree programs, which it says are of equivalent standard to that of universities.

Right. So who is looking for a future in fish farming?

Dr Mobin says the course attracts a mixture of school leavers and mature-aged students. Among the latter, some are employed part-time in the aquaculture industry and are keen to improve their skills. Others are hobbyists. The course also has international participants from as far afield as Sri Lanka and Mauritius.

What do they need to get in?

School leavers need to have completed VCE, including maths and either chemistry or biology. A four-week bridging course is offered in January, before the degree starts, for those wanting to enrol and who don't have VCE biology or chemistry. Mature-aged students need simply to demonstrate that they have the capacity to do the course and are often interviewed before being offered places. Some students enrol after a diploma in aquaculture or the seafood industry.

And on graduating?

Dr Mobin says there are good job opportunities in aquaculture, both in Australia and overseas. He says graduates are likely to find work in fish farms in assistant management or technical officer roles.

What do the students have to say?

Tristan Chipchase, 29, is a third-year student who has "thoroughly enjoyed" the course. Previously, he worked as a fishmonger but decided he wanted to try his hand at farming. "It was clear to me that aquaculture cod was superior to wild cod in consistency and quality," he says. He describes the degree as "very diverse". "We've done everything from plumbing to dissection to breeding algae. The lecturers are fantastic and really know their stuff."

So where do I get more information?

www.nmit.edu.au/courses/bachelor-of-applied-aquaculture