The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences studies aquatic organisms, the rivers, lakes and oceans in which they live, and how we conserve them. The degree draws on the disciplines of natural history, physiology, ecology, evolution and quantitative sciences, and applies these principles to conservation and management of natural resources. Graduates of the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences are uniquely qualified for careers in universities and other educational settings, management agencies at the local to international levels, environmental consulting, and non-profit organizations.
Program of Study: Major: Aquatic Conservation and Ecology
Program Overview
The Aquatic Conservation and Ecology (ACE) degree program is about the ecology of aquatic organisms, the rivers, lakes, and oceans in which they live, and how we conserve them for the benefit of people and the planet. This degree integrates the disciplines of ecology, evolution, and quantitative sciences and applies these principles to contemporary conservation and natural resource management issues. Graduates of the ACE major are uniquely qualified for careers in universities and other educational settings, management agencies at the local to international levels, environmental consulting, and non-profit organizations.
This program of study leads to the following credential:
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Aquatic Conservation and Ecology
Recommended Preparation
Suggested First- and Second-Year College Courses:
Recommended courses for first year students: ENGL 199; Q SCI 291 or MATH 124; Q SCI 292 or MATH 125; CHEM 120, or CHEM 142 and CHEM 152; one of: OCEAN 295, CHEM 220, CHEM 223, or CHEM 237; BIOL 180; FISH 250/OCEAN 250/BIOL 250; MARBIO 301 or FISH 300. Recommended courses for second year students: BIOL 200; BIOL 220 or FISH 270/MARBIO 270/OCEAN 270; Q SCI 381; FISH 230/ECON 230 or ANTH 210; CSE 160 or Q SCI 256; FISH 290 or MARBIO 305; and any additional courses that meet the College of the Environment's general education requirements. Students should start aquatic conservation and ecology core knowledge area courses as soon as they meet the appropriate prerequisites.
Admission Requirements
Students in good academic standing may declare this major at any time, including on their application for admission to the UW. After notification of admission and before registration, new students should visit or email the Student Services Office for help in planning their programs.
Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Aquatic Conservation and Ecology
Completion Requirements
93-104 credits
Foundation Courses (39-47 credits)
Quantitative (15 credits):
one of the following options: (1) MATH 124, MATH 125; (2) MATH 134, MATH 135; (3) Q SCI 291, Q SCI 292
Q SCI 381
Chemistry (9-17 credits):
one of the following options: (1)CHEM 120; (2) CHEM 142, CHEM 152; (3) CHEM 145, CHEM 155; (4) CHEM 143, CHEM 153
one of the following: OCEAN 295, CHEM 220, or CHEM 223
Biology (15 credits):
BIOL 180, BIOL 200
BIOL 220 or FISH 270/OCEAN 270/MARBIO 270
Aquatic Conservation and Ecology Introductory Courses (13- 15 credits):
Life in Water (3 to 5 credits): FISH 200 or FISH 250/OCEAN 250/BIOL 250
People in the Environment (5 credits): one of the following: FISH 230/ECON 230, ANTH 210, or ESRM 235/ECON 235/ENVIR 235
Connecting to Career Pathways (1 credit): MARBIO 301 or OCEAN 300/FISH 300/MARBIO 300
Programming and Data Science (4 credits): Q SCI 256 or CSE 160
Skills Courses (7-8 credits):
Communicating Science (3 credits): MARBIO 305 or FISH 290
Data Analysis and Modeling for Ecology and Conservation (4-5 credits): Q SCI 482 or FISH 454/Q SCI 454
Aquatic Conservation and Ecology Core Knowledge Areas (14 credits):
Conservation and Management of Aquatic Resources (4 credits): FISH 323
Aquatic Ecology (5 credits): FISH 312
Genetics (5 credits): FISH 340/BIOL 340 or FISH 370/MARBIO 370/OCEAN 370
Advanced Topics Courses: minimum 20 credits of upper-division elective courses
Aquatic Ecology (minimum 5 credits): see department website for list of approved courses
Aquatic Conservation and Resource Management Issues (minimum 5 credits): see department website for list of approved courses
Minimum 5 credits must have a significant portion of the course dedicated to applying data wrangling, quantitative analysis, and modeling skills. See department website for list of approved courses.
Maximum 7 credits allowed between: (1) FISH 493, FISH 494, FISH 495; (2) FISH 499
Program of Study: Minor: Aquatic Conservation and Ecology
Program Overview
Students studying aquatic conservation and ecology learn the dynamics of aquatic environments and the sustainable management of aquatic resources.
This program of study leads to the following credentials:
Minor in Aquatic Conservation and Ecology
Minor in Freshwater Science and Management
Minor in Aquatic Conservation and Ecology
Credential Overview
The Minor in Aquatic Conservation and Ecology is designed for students with an interest in studying the biology of aquatic organisms and managing aquatic resources.
Completion Requirements
26 to 30 credits
Three courses (two of which must be at least at the 300-level) from FISH 200, FISH 230/ECON 230, FISH 250/OCEAN 250/BIOL 250, FISH 312, FISH 323, either FISH 340/BIOL 340 or FISH 370/OCEAN 370/MARBIO 370 (13-15 credits)
Q SCI 381 or Q SCI 482
Electives (8-10 credits): minimum two upper-division FISH courses totaling at least 8 credits. See department website for list of approved courses
Maximum 11 credits may overlap with a student's major requirements
Cannot apply both FISH 340/BIOL 340 and FISH 370/OCEAN 370/MARBIO 370 to minor requirements
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for courses applied to the minor
Students studying Freshwater Science and Management gain knowledge of the complex relationships between freshwater ecosystems and human societies, including topics associated with global change, ecosystem services, fisheries, water pollution, land use, climate change, watershed and river basin management, water technology, environmental engineering, stakeholder processes, and water policy. With a focus on science, management and sustainability, students work with professors and regional partners to understand the myriad of environmental challenges facing freshwater ecosystems. Hands-on instruction and fieldwork offer students rich opportunities for experiential learning and service.
Completion Requirements
Minimum 27 credits
Core (19-21 credits):
FISH 200 (3 or 5 credits), FISH 447/ESRM 447, CEE 478, FISH 400
one of the following options: (1) FISH 473/BIOL 473 and FISH 474/BIOL 474/CEE 463; (2)CEE 462 and FISH 474/BIOL 474/CEE 463
Electives (minimum 6-8 credits): at least one course must be taken in each of these categories: (1) physical processes; (2) biological and management. Refer to department website for approved list of courses.
Minimum 15 credits of upper-division courses
Minimum 17 credits taken outside student's major requirements
Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA for courses applied to the minor
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).
SAFS graduates pursue careers in the private sector (environmental consulting firms, private companies), the public sector (state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, non-governmental agencies, education), and many continue into graduate programs in either research or policy. The undergraduate degree prepares students for either direct employment in a number of fields within public and private sectors, or for competitive entry into applicable graduate programs worldwide.
Instructional and Research Facilities: The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences is housed in several buildings on the University of Washington campus. In addition, the school maintains various facilities off campus, including field research stations in Washington State and Alaska.
Honors Options Available: With College Honors (Completion of Honors Core Curriculum and Departmental Honors); With Honors (Completion of Departmental Honors requirements in the major).
Research, Internships, and Service Learning: SAFS scientists work closely with employers in both the public and private sectors, leading to opportunities for undergraduates to receive both internship and research experience. Scientists from area agencies (NOAA, National Marine Fisheries, Alaska Fisheries Sciences Center, National Marine Mammal Lab, the U.S. Forest Service, the Student Conservation Association, and the Seattle Aquarium) come to the school to attend weekly SAFS departmental seminars; undergraduates are encouraged to attend. The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences is second only to the UW Medical School in federal research dollars brought to the UW campus, providing many paid hourly student positions within the department.
Department Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit, financial need,and other factors. The annual application process for continuing students begins in spring; check with the Office of Student Services for applications and deadlines. All undergraduates, both freshmen and transfers, are considered for recruitment scholarships if they have declared AFS as their major on their application to the University of Washington.
Student Organizations/Associations: SURF (Society for Undergraduate Resources in Fisheries) organizes social, career, and educational activities for undergraduates in aquatic and fishery sciences. SURF also prints t-shirts, welcomes new students to the program, represents the program at events, and collaborates with student groups in other related departments on events.
Of Special Note:
The School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences has sent a small group of students and three faculty members to two Alaska Salmon Field Stations for a six-week course in aquatic ecology. These students receive education in ecology, limnology, population modeling, field techniques, scientific writing, and presentation skills.