THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FISHERIES PROGRAM
The Bachelor of Science in Fisheries Program is a four-year professional curriculum that is designed to prepare well-rounded fisheries professionals with competencies in the principles and practice of fisheries science. The curriculum is made up of five components; a) General Education courses (36 units), b) Legislated courses (3 units), c) Foundation courses (21 units), d) Core courses (80 units), and e) Electives (14-16 units). Fisheries courses are jointly offered by the four institutes of the College – the Institute of Aquaculture (IA), Institute of Fish Processing and Technology (IFPT), Institute of Fisheries Policy and Development Studies (IFPDS), and Institute of Marine Fisheries and Oceanology (IMFO).
The program Expected Learning Outcomes (ELOs), which consist of generic (including lifelong learning) and subject specific outcomes, reflect the competencies that BSF graduates should possess. The generic competencies expected of all UP graduates such as critical and creative thinking, oral and written communication, personal and civic responsibility, ethical values, problem-solving, leadership, and people’s skills can be acquired primarily through the GE courses. On the other hand, the BSF foundation and core courses provide fundamental knowledge and skills in the sciences and adequate instruction in all aspects of fisheries. Fisheries elective courses will develop competence in the specific field of fisheries science, while the thesis, practicum and other core courses prepare students for higher studies and lifelong learning.
HISTORY OF THE BSF PROGRAM
The history of the BSF program is the history of Fisheries education in the Philippines. BSF traces its roots to 1927 when formal education in fisheries in the Philippines started at the UP College of Agriculture in UP Manila which offered the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, major in Fisheries. In 1936, the Department of Zoology started offering the BSF program (without major). While the program was suspended in 1948, the Philippine School of Fisheries (PSF) in Navotas, Manila continued to offer a two-and-a-half-year Certificate in Fisheries program with 3 majors – fish capture, fish culture, and fish preservation. The PSF, later renamed Philippine Institute of Fisheries Technology (PIFT), established additional 15 PIFT branches in different parts of the country, offering fisheries in vocational high schools.
The PIFT in Navotas was transferred to UP Diliman in 1957 as its College of Fisheries. In addition to its diploma program, it then started its implementation of a new BSF degree program with 4 majors – Marine Fisheries, Inland Fisheries, Fish Processing Technology, and Fisheries Education. The College of Fisheries continued to offer the BSF curriculum that is both oriented to industry and research, but later on abolished the major in fisheries education and the Diploma course. In January 1978, the BSF program was revised with four major disciplines: Inland Fisheries, Marine Fisheries, Fish Processing Technology and Fisheries Business Management. Meanwhile, the administration of the 15 PIFTs across the country was transferred from the Bureau of Fisheries to the Department of Education, and then later elevated into state or polytechnic colleges.
In 1981, the Philippine government pursued the development of fisheries education with a World Bank funded project that identified the College of Fisheries as the lead tertiary fisheries education institution in the country. This also led to the establishment of UPV, with fisheries and aquatic sciences as its flagship program. The project also established 7 Regional Institutes of Fisheries Technology (RIFT) as vocational technical education institutions and 7 Regional Fishermen Training Centers (RFTC), under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, as fisheries training centers. Eventually, these RIFTs became colleges or institutes offering the BS Fisheries program and were then transferred to the different state universities and colleges under CHED.
In May 1988, the College of Fisheries physically transferred to UPV in Miagao, Iloilo and was reorganized with its departments converted into institutes. In August 2001, the College of Fisheries was renamed to the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS). Through the years, UPV CFOS has responded to the needs and challenges of society, especially to the call for development of expertise in the field of fisheries, through its effective curricular offerings, both in the undergraduate and graduate levels. In 2004, CFOS abolished the majors, and adopted a more holistic BSF curriculum, providing knowledge and competencies in all aspects of fisheries (aquaculture, capture fisheries, post-harvest fisheries, and coastal resource management).
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Program Title:
Bachelor of Science in Fisheries
Name of Final Award:
Bachelor of Science in Fisheries
Awarding Body:
Constituent University:
University of the Philippines Visayas
College:
College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
Degree Granting Unit:
College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
DETAILS OF THE ACCREDITATION BY A PROFESSIONAL OR STATUTORY BODY
The BSF program of UPV has been recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as a Center of Excellence in Fisheries Education (effective 01 January 2016). It has also been identified by CHED as a National University of Fisheries under the National Agriculture and Fisheries Education System (effective 19 June 2009).
PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES
The BS in Fisheries Program aims to:
- Form a professional resource pool who are attuned with current technologies, knowledgeable in the developments in the fisheries industry and research, and informed of the needs and priorities of the nation and the world
- Develop a skilled manpower with work habits that display ethical standards, motivation, competence, independence and adaptability
- Produce graduates who have appreciation and commitment to continuing professional growth.
- Preserve and nurture the Filipino and Visayan culture and heritage and promote sustainable utilization
- Promote the sustainable utilization and management of fisheries and aquatic resources
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
Graduates of the BS in Fisheries Program shall form a professional and skilled resource pool who are able to:
Common to all programs (based from CHED)
Common to all programs (based from CHED)
- Articulate and discuss the latest developments in the field of fisheries;
- Work effectively and independently in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams;
- Act in recognition of professional, social, and ethical responsibilities; and
- Preserve and promote “Filipino historical and cultural heritage” (based on RA 7722)
- Possesses critical and creative thinking and problem-solving skills;
- Communicates effectively in innovative, creative and discursive ways;
- Exhibits responsiveness and resiliency to change in both local and global contexts
- Nurtures the Visayan culture and heritage and promotes its proper utilization;
- Pursues professional development and lifelong learning.
- Generate and share knowledge in the study of fisheries science;
- Formulate and implement appropriate fisheries development plans and programs towards the sustainable utilization and management of aquatic resources;
- Provide solutions to problems and issues besetting the fisheries and aquatic ecosystems;
- Practice effective leadership in the country’s fisheries profession and community and pursue collaborative relationships;
- Discuss the concepts and principles of capture fisheries, aquaculture, fisheries post harvest and fisheries management;
- Demonstrate capability to conduct research and public service related to fisheries and aquatic sciences; and
- Manage and protect the integrity and quality of aquatic ecosystems.
ADMISSION CRITERIA OR REQUIREMENTS TO THE PROGRAMME
All UP students require qualification through the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT), which is administered annually by the UP System. All UPCAT announcements, application information and admission requirements are detailed and easily accessible to students, parents, and high school administrators through the UP System and the UPV website, as well as the UPV social media platforms Facebook & Twitter.
However, in AY 2021-2022, adjustments were made, with the approval of pertinent authorities, to the UP College Admissions (UPCA) process in response to the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The adjusted UPCA was adopted by UPV with the approval of the UC.
The general requirements for students from within the UP System and other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) who wish to transfer to UPV are detailed in the UPV Academic Guidebook and UPV Student Handbook.
Transfer admission is allowed for students who have enrolled and earned at least 33 units in another HEIs with a weighted average of 2.00 or better. The College Admissions Committee, composed of the College Secretary and Institute Directors, evaluates the grades and other credentials and, in some cases, administers a diagnostic examination and/or interviews the applicant.
RELEVANT BENCHMARK STATEMENT
Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 43 series of 2006 which details the Programs, Standards and Guidelines (PSG) for the Bachelor of Science in Fisheries (BSF) Program.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE & REQUIREMENTS
One BSF Program
The most recent revision of the BSF program curriculum was approved by the UPV University Council (UC) on 20 October 2017. This curricular revision took into consideration the shift to outcomes-based education (OBE) as encouraged by the Philippine Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and University of the Philippines System (UP System), the implementation of the Enhanced Basic Education (K to 12) Program of the Department of Education, the Policies, Standards, and Guidelines (PSG) set by CHED for BSF programs, and conformity with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) requirements and quality standards to allow graduates of the BSF program to practice their profession throughout the region. It allows students to specialize in Aquaculture, Fish Processing Technology, Marine Fisheries or Coastal Resource Management. The revised BSF curriculum was implemented in the first semester of Academic Year (AY) 2018-2019. The first batch of students under this curriculum recently graduated at the end of second semester AY 2021-2022.
Number of years:
4-year undergraduate program
Credit Units:
154-156 units
REVISED BACHELOR OR SCIENCE IN FISHERIES
EFFECTIVE ACADEMIC YEAR 2018-2019
General Education Courses (36 units)
Required GE courses (Core) (21 units)
ARTS I Critical Perspectives in the Arts (3.0)
COMM 10 Critical Perspectives in Communication (3.0)
ETHICS 1 Ethics and Moral Reasoning in Everyday Life (3.0)
Hist 1 Philippine History (3.0)
KAS 1 Kasaysayan ng Pilipinas (3.0)
Math 10 Mathematics, Culture, and Society (3.0)
STS 1 Science, Technology and Society (3.0)
WIKA 1 Wika, Kultura at Lipunan (3.0)
Elective GE* (15 units)
AQUA SCI 1 People and the Aquatic World (3.0)
PHILARTS I Philippine Arts and Culture (3.0)
SAS 1 Self and Society (3.0)
Science 10 Probing the Physical World (3.0)
Science 11 Living Systems, Concepts and Dynamics (3.0)
Soc Sci 5 Understanding Gender (3.0)
Foundation Courses (21 units)
Bio 14 Integrative Biology (5.0)
Chem 23 Inorganic Analytical Chemistry (3.0)
Chem 23.1 Inorganic Analytical Chemistry Laboratory (2.0)
Physics 21 Introductory Physics (4.0)
Math 50 Applied Calculus (4.0)
Stat 102 Statistical Methods in Research (3.0)
Core Courses (80 units)
Fish 100 Introduction to Fisheries Science (3.0)
Fish 101 Aquatic Fauna and Flora (4.0)
Fish 102 Ichthyology (4.0)
Fish 104 Introduction to Fisheries Entrepreneurship (3.0)
Fish 106 Aquatic Ecology (3.0)
Fish 109 Physiology of Aquatic Organisms(3.0)
Fish 110 Fisheries Organic Chemistry (5.0)
Fish 117 Health Management in Aquaculture (3.0)
Fish 118 Fisheries Laws, Policies and Institutions (3.0)
Fish 119 Fisheries Engineering (3.0)
Fish 120 Fisheries Biochemistry(3.0)
Fish 124 Fisheries Extension(3.0)
Fish 125 Aquaculture Technologies (5.0)
Fish 137 Fish Capture Technology (3.0)
Fish 147 Fish Genetics(3.0)
Fish 150 Fisheries Management (5.0)
Fish 154 Fisheries Microbiology (3.0)
Fish 156 Fisheries Post Harvest Technologies (5.0)
Fish 175 Coastal Resource Management (3.0)
Fish 181 Oceanography and Limnology(3.0)
Fish 195 Practicum(3.0)
Fish 196 Methods of Research (3.0)
Fish 200 Undergraduate Thesis (4.0)
Electives (14-16 units)*
Fish 107 Aquatic Invertebrates (3.0)
Fish 111 Phycology (3.0)
Fish 115 Nutrition of Aquatic Animals (3.0)
Fish 116 Hatchery Management (3.0)
Fish 131 Aquatic Ecosystems Health and Management (3.0)
Fish 134 GIS and Remote Sensing for Fisheries (3.0)
Fish 140 Fish Stock Assessment (3.0)
Fish 151 Fishery Product Development and Value Addition (3.0)
Fish 155 Chemical Evaluation of Water and Aquatic Products(3.0)
Fish 159 Fish Plant Management (3.0)
Fish 160 Fish Handling and Preservation of Product (3.0)
Fish 167 Actual Fishing (3.0)
Fish 169 Fisheries Biotechnology (3.0)
Fish 171 Food Engineering Applications in Fisheries (3.0)
Fish 176 Community-Based Coastal Resource Management (3.0)
Fish 177 Ocean Resource Utilization and Conservation (3.0)
Fish 182 Field Oceanography (2.0)
Fish 185 Navigation and Seamanship (3.0)
Fish 197 Special Topics in Fisheries**(3.0)
Fish 191 Philippine Fishing Grounds (2.0)
Bio 150 Introduction to Molecular and Cell Biology (3.0)
Bio 151 Environment Management (3.0)
Bio 152 Principles of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (3.0)
Bio 189 Technical Writing for Life Sciences (3.0)
MCB 120 Microbial Physiology (3.0)
MCB 150 Microbial Ecology (3.0)
Comm 12 Technical Communication (3.0)
Chem 184 Chemistry of Food and Food Products (3.0)
CMSC 11 Introduction to Computer Science (3.0)
Math 153 Computer Programming I (3.0)
Econ 11 Introductory Economics (3.0)
Econ 102 Microeconomics (3.0)
Econ 174 Fisheries Economics (3.0)
Acctg 1 Fundamentals of Management Accounting (3.0)
BA 101 Introduction to Business Management (3.0)
CM 102 Introduction to Cooperatives (3.0)
Mgt 170 Introduction of Marketing Management (3.0)
* a.) To include all other 100-level courses approved by the CFOS faculty. b.) A BS in Fisheries student should enroll in at least two Fisheries Electives.
** Student enrolls Fish 197 in UPV and may attend classes in foreign universities where UPV or UP System has an existing MOA/MOU and earns credit.
Other Courses (3 units)
PI 100 The Life and Works of Jose Rizal (3.0)
PE 1, PE 2 Swimming, PE (8.0)
NSTP/ROTC (6.0)
The revised BSF program plan is cohesively designed, providing knowledge and competencies in all aspects of fisheries through its core/professional courses. This is to prepare graduates for the Fisheries Technologist licensure examination and become competent professionals who possess attributes of a UP, UPV and BSF graduate. In addition, the program offers a wide-range of elective courses to allow students the option to pursue specialization in capture fisheries, aquaculture, fisheries post-harvest or coastal resource management.
