Aquatic Resource Development (MSc-Postgraduate Diploma-Postgraduate Certificate)
ObjectivesThe principal objective is to empower students to advance their education and to further develop skills without having to leave their employment and lose income earning potential in the broad area of aquatic resource development. This part-time programme provides appropriate and flexible learning opportunities through distance learning. The programme fills a vital demand for Higher Education that offers training relevant to international development. The programme provides the student with a range of skills and abilities, supported by a strong theoretical framework, relevant to their employment and career development. Emphasis is placed on the development of transferable skills and knowledge relevant to a wide range of employment.
Entry requirementsEntrance Requirements The programme has been developed in consultation with stakeholders to meet the needs of aquatic resource development in Bangladesh. An Honours degree in a relevant subject or equivalent academic or professional qualification from a recognised university or college is required.
Academic titleAquatic Resource Development (MSc/Postgraduate Diploma/Postgraduate Certificate)
Course descriptionStructure and Content
The programme is modular and is completed over a three-year period by continuous part-time study.
Year 1 Postgraduate Certificate
During this year the student completes a series of compulsory modules that aims to provide a comprehensive background to aquatic resource development. The modules are:
- Aquatic Ecology
- Production Systems
- Aquatic Animal Health
- Feeds and Feeding
- Field Skills
- Livelihoods
- Project Management I
- Information Handling and Analysis I
Year 2 Postgraduate Diploma
Upon successful completion of the Certificate year the student proceeds to the Diploma year consisting of the following eight modules:
-Aquatic Systems and Impacts
-Fisheries and Aquatic Common-Pool Resources
-Resource and Nutrient Management
- Public Health and Aquatic Systems
- Biodiversity and Genetics
- Project Management II
- Markets and Marketing
- Information Handling and Analysis II
Year 3 MSc
The third year is a research or development project equivalent to four modules, carried out over two semesters in a subject relevant to their employment and agreed upon in advance between the employer, the candidate and programme tutors.
Delivery and Assessment
A distance-teaching approach is used. In addition to online programme materials, self tests and discussions, a number of activities and assignments must be completed.
Programme assessment is continuous and based on assignments, diaries and discussion inputs as well as written examinations, to be held during a compulsory one-week face-to-face residential period. The Postgraduate Certificate is awarded to candidates upon successful completion of eight core modules, after which the student proceeds to the Diploma year for a further eight modules. Successful candidates may then proceed to the MSc year where a project is completed over two semesters. The research project is examined by both Institute examiners and an external examiner.
Career Opportunities
The 28 years of continuous cooperation between the Institute and BAU has produced over 50 successful postgraduates working in the field of aquatic resource development and aquaculture in Bangladesh. This link has had a significant developmental impact on fisheries and aquaculture, through development of government institutions, NGOs and importantly, improvement in the livelihoods of fishers and farmers across Bangladesh.
The Aquatic Resource Development programme has been developed in response to changing employment opportunities in Bangladesh in which a broader range of skills is required; specifically those that better meet the need of the Millennium Development Goals and the emerging dynamic private and non-government sectors.