Building a Sustainable Future with
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
and AQUACULTURE
Addressing the Climate Code Red
Climate change, primarily driven by human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation, is causing a rise in global temperatures. This sets off a chain reaction of consequences, from rising sea levels and disrupted weather patterns to more frequent and intense heatwaves, storms, and wildfires. These effects resonate widely, affecting human wellbeing, economies, and ecosystems, particularly those in water environments. As temperatures rise globally, aquatic populations and biodiversity are thrown off balance, ultimately reducing our fish stocks, and hence, jeopardizing our food security.
Especially for a small island nation like Singapore, climate change presents an existential challenge. Taking a firm stand on building a sustainable future, the Singaporean government has introduced The Green Plan 2030 which involves creating opportunities for industries to shift towards a Green Economy. The United Nations defines a Green Economy as one that is "low-carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive." In other words, the Green Economy is about living, working, and growing while prioritizing environmental well-being and maximizing sustainable use of limited resources, which includes enhancing local food production through sustainable fish farming.
At the Singapore Campus of James Cook University (JCU), we recognize the profound impact of environmental science and aquaculture, and are dedicated to equipping our students to excel in these dynamic fields.
Bridging the Business-Science Gap
With growing awareness among society and governments about environmental consequences of business operations, businesses are compelled to shift their practices to mitigate these impacts and transition into a Green Economy. Hence, there is a high demand for professionals who possess both business and environmental science expertise to develop holistic approaches that allow businesses to address these issues while simultaneously driving financial growth.
The Bachelor of Business and Environmental Science at JCU Singapore offers an equal balance of business and science subjects and diverse teaching methods, such as laboratory practicals, local and international field visits, industry interactions, independent projects, real-life scenario debates, and multimedia production. Our Work-Integrated Learning approach and strong ties with businesses also allow students to have hands-on experience to tackle real-world problems through on-campus events, site visits, and internship programs, ensuring the program remains relevant.
Career Outlook
The multidisciplinary nature of this program allows graduates to work in a range of public, private and non-profit industries. Graduates can opt for either a business or science-focused career path, or choose a career that bridges the business-science gap, such as sustainability. Potential career paths of graduates include:
- Environmental advisor to businesses
- Advisor on the use of natural resources
- Academics (research/teaching)
- NGO officers
- Policy advisor
- Spatial planning
- Oil exploration
- Environmental impact assessment
- Government employees in industry regulation
Learn about Business and Environmental Science
with Associate Professor Neil Hutchinson
Study Bachelor of Business
and Environmental Science
at JCU Singapore
Green Economy in a Blue World
With over 90% of our food imported and the increasing environmental impacts of climate change on supply disruption, the Singapore government is proactively seeking ways to enhance food resilience. The Green Plan 2030 features the "30 by 30" goal, which aims to increase local agri-food production in Singapore to 30% of total food by 2030, with funds set aside to help agriculture and aquaculture companies innovate. The government is also looking into the expansion of sustainable fish farming in Singapore's coastal and deep waters. With the focus on aquaculture as an avenue for food source, there is a constant need for graduates with relevant skills to support this industry.
Students of the Bachelor of Science (Majoring in Aquaculture Science and Technology) at JCU Singapore will explore the scientific and practical applications of breeding, rearing and harvesting of fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants in all types of water environments, especially at our very own Aquaculture Research and Teaching Faculty. Students will also learn about the biodiversity of species and how they are farmed, and the design of aquaculture systems. Our partnerships with both government and industry to work on industry-relevant issues, such as the 'scale drop disease' affecting baramundi fish production, ensure our program stays relevant.
Career Outlook
There is more to aquaculture than merely fish farming. The industry is also driven by science and technology. Possible career paths of graduates include:
- Freshwater and marine farming
- Fish health management
- Hatchery management
- Seafood post-harvest technologist
- Stock nutrition program and management
- Technical advisor
- Aquaculture research and development
- Academics (research/teaching)
- NGO officers
- Entrepreneurs and business owners
Learn about Aquaculture with Associate Professor Jose Domingos
Study Bachelor of Science
(Majoring in Aquaculture
Science and Technology)
at JCU Singapore
Experience the best of Both Worlds
With a growing understanding of the environmental impact of business operations, and an escalating demand for sustainable food sources due to factors like climate change affecting the global food supply, having a comprehensive grasp of aquaculture within this context becomes especially valuable. Professionals equipped with the knowledge of business, environmental science, and aquaculture are primed to contribute effectively to a Green Economy while steering the course toward a more food-secure and ecologically conscious future.
The Bachelor of Business and Environmental Science (Majoring in Aquaculture) at JCU Singapore provides students with core knowledge and training in the application of business and environmental principles, with particular attention to aquaculture. Students may consider this program if they have an interest in both the Bachelor of Business and Environmental Science and the Bachelor of Science (Majoring in Aquaculture Science and Technology), and experience the best of both worlds through learning how to manage the delicate balance between profit, policy, conservation and aquaculture.
Career Outlook
Graduates majoring in Aquaculture have the opportunity to follow career paths similar to those pursued by graduates of the broader Bachelor of Business and Environmental Science program. Additionally, having specialized in sustainability principles and tropical contexts in the area of aquaculture, graduates can explore further career paths including:
- Feed company management
- Hatchery management
- Aquaculture systems design
- Growout farm/production management
- Advisor and manager to the aquaculture industry
Hear from Farzanah about her experience at JCU Singapore
Study Bachelor of Business
and Environmental Science
(Majoring in Aquaculture)
at JCU Singapore
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Which of these degree programs is suitable for me?
What are the career prospects if I study these programs?
Discover Bachelor of Business and Environmental Science and
Bachelor of Science (Majoring in Aquaculture Science and Technology)
at JCU Singapore with Associate Professor Neil Hutchinson
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*Information is accurate as of article publication date.
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