Bachelor in Marine Science and Fisheries

Marine Science and Fisheries
Oman occupies a strategic position in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf Region with an extended coastal line of 3165 km and clean water. The country is ideally placed geographically with excellent infrastructure and an internationally recognized tradition of fishing having been an important activity of the nation for thousands of years. The development and support of aquaculture facilities through the development of fishing fleets and the development of human resources through training will contribute to further growth of the industry. The objective of this program is to provide trained and skilled Omani staff in fisheries management, as well as to support and develop value-added fisheries and marine products that support the Oman vision 2040 of finding non-oil resources that support sustainable development and the national economy. The scope of the Fisheries and Marine Sciences program includes the teaching of basic and applied aquatic sciences with a focus on fisheries management and marine science where the student is awarded a diploma or a bachelor's degree.

Program vision statement
The vision of the program is to provide graduates who are leaders in the field of marine science and fisheries, and that the program is recognized at national, regional and international levels.

Objectives
The Department of Marine Science and Fisheries aims to train students through advanced and systematic programs, including education in practical locations, to provide them with the necessary skills and capacities to play an active role in preserving the marine environment and the sustainable production of marine biological resources, marine education; breeding and reproduction of marine organisms and resources. Marine organisms interact with the environment. They are the basis of field marine science. As environmental and marine resources management is a matter to be addressed, students must acquire sufficient scientific communication skills and the ability to conduct basic research. This program will therefore provide the students with a:

• comprehensive understanding of marine life, environment and marine science, which are important foundations, including knowledge about the cycle and quality of water;
• the ability to design research, write and evaluate scientific documents;
• the ability to gather the correct scientific information, analytical skills and the ability to create ideas through practical field learning.

Students will also acquire scientific communication skills in English through oral lectures, presentations and seminars. 

Curriculum
The Marine Science and Fisheries (MSAF) curriculum has a total of 123 credit hours consisting of 21 credit hours of University requirements, 36 credit hours of college requirements, and 66 credit hours of program requirements. The program requirements of 66 credit hours are comprised of 57 credit hours of core courses and 9 credit hours of electives.

Entry Criteria
A student should:

• have successfully completed the courses of all subjects of the general education diploma or equivalent;
• achieve the standards set for subjects of the General Foundation Program (GFB) at ASU or equivalent programs
• have been accepted in the Diploma Program and have successfully completed 12th year education requirement, i.e., biology, chemistry, mathematics, science, along with university requirements.
• have studied subjects which qualify him/her to be enrolled in programs in the College of Applied and Health Sciences
• must be medically fit.

A mature student who is either independent or nominated by a government Ministry can be accepted on the program as per the rules and regulations of MOHE

Teaching and Assessment
The curriculum is designed to ensure Marine Science and Fisheries students have the following capabilities at the time of graduation:
(a) An ability to apply knowledge of the marine environment and fisheries.
(b) An ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data.
(c) An ability to function on multidisciplinary teams.
(d) An ability to identify, formulate, and solve problems.
(e) An ability to communicate effectively.
(f) Recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
(g) Knowledge of contemporary issues.

Assessment
Assessment and evaluation processes will be implemented that periodically document and demonstrate that the program objectives are being met and that graduating students attain the program outcomes. Assessment processes will utilize several instruments. 

Graduate Attributes
The distinguishing features of an A’Sharqiyah University graduate contained in its declared graduate attributes are: 

• Knowledge of a discipline
• Commitment to national development and Omani ethical values
• Innovative spirit
• Global insight
• Adaptability to changing environments.

Career opportunities
The number of jobs in marine science and fisheries is increasing steadily due to economic, social and legislative factors. Graduates of the Department of Marine Science and Fisheries can work for a wide range of companies. These include: Universities, fisheries and aquaculture in the private sector, local and regional authorities, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs.