4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The Bachelor of Science in Marine Fisheries and Animal Science at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is a four-year undergraduate program that combines biological science with practical skills to prepare students for careers in aquaculture, livestock production, fisheries management, and animal science research. It suits students passionate about food security, sustainable animal production, and resource management in arid environments, offering a blend of foundational science and hands-on experiential learning.
Curriculum structure
Year 1:
In the first year, students build strong scientific foundations essential for animal and marine studies through courses like General Chemistry I, Basic Biology I, and Introduction to Fish and Animal Science, which introduce core chemical and biological principles. These units help students understand the basic structures and functions of biological systems, and the broad scope of animal science in natural and managed environments. General education courses such as Academic English for Humanities and STEM and Statistics for Biology develop communication, analysis, and quantitative skills that support later specialised learning.
Year 2:
During the second year, learners deepen their understanding with subjects such as Animal Biology, Animal Nutrition, and Natural Resources, focusing on the biology, dietary needs, and sustainable utilisation of animal and marine ecosystems. Principles of Fisheries Management familiarises students with stock assessment, management principles, and conservation strategies necessary for responsible fisheries science. This stage also includes critical courses like General Genetics for Non-Majors, which equips students with genetic insights relevant to animal breeding and production.
Year 3:
In the third year, students advance to more specialised modules such as Animal Breeding & Biotechnology, Anatomy & Physiology of Animals, and Production Medicine, integrating applied science into animal husbandry and health management. These courses emphasize understanding physiological systems, genetic improvement strategies, and disease prevention in both aquatic and terrestrial animals. Students also explore Agricultural Technology Transfer, where they learn how to adapt scientific innovations to field settings, bridging research and industry application.
Year 4:
In the final year, learners focus on senior-level topics and professional readiness with courses such as Reproductive Physiology, Seminar in Animal Science, and the Senior Project, which involves independent research synthesis. Students also complete an Internship that places them in real-world settings to apply academic knowledge in fisheries, aquaculture, livestock operations, or animal production enterprises. Electives from concentrations — like Fish Breeding and Propagation or Dairy Cattle Management — allow specialisation towards either marine fisheries or broader animal science streams.
Focus areas (in a string):
Animal biology, marine fisheries management, animal nutrition, physiology, genetics, animal breeding & biotechnology, natural resource sustainability, production medicine, aquaculture, livestock production, technology transfer.
Learning outcomes (in a string):
Explain animal production and marine fisheries systems in arid contexts, design sustainable strategies using knowledge of genetics, physiology, and nutrition, analyse environmental impacts, evaluate production systems for food security, translate research into practical recommendations, and communicate effectively in scientific and professional contexts.
Professional alignment (accreditation):
The program is offered by UAEU’s College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, fully accredited by the UAE Ministry of Education’s Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), ensuring it meets national and regional academic standards for agricultural and biological sciences.
Reputation (employability rankings):
UAEU is ranked #229 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, with strong subject recognition in agriculture, life sciences, and related fields, supporting solid employability prospects in sectors like aquaculture, fisheries management, environmental conservation, food production, and animal health.
Admission Requirements (in a string):
High school completion or equivalent, meeting UAEU’s science subject prerequisites, and English language proficiency as specified by university admission standards.
This applied learning approach is structured through these specific facilities and program requirements:
Marine and Aquatic Facilities: Students use the Marine Science Laboratory, an Aquaculture Research Facility for fish and shellfish culture studies, and a dedicated Fisheries Laboratory for stock assessment and ecology work.
Animal Science Laboratories: Practical work is conducted in the Animal Nutrition Lab, Animal Physiology and Reproduction Lab, and Animal Genetics Lab, equipped for feed analysis, health monitoring, and genetic studies.
Mandatory Fieldwork and Trips: The curriculum includes compulsory field trips to diverse ecosystems such as mangrove forests, coral reefs, seagrass beds, and coastal lagoons. Students also utilize the UAEU Field Station for longer-term ecological and agricultural projects.
Research Vessel and Sampling Equipment: Students gain hands-on experience with marine sampling using the department's research vessel, ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles), plankton nets, sediment corers, and water quality monitoring equipment (e.g., YSI meters, CTDs).
Industry-Standard Software and Analysis: Students are trained in specialized software for data analysis, including GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for habitat mapping, statistical packages (e.g., R, SPSS) for ecological data, and population modelling software for fisheries management.
Graduates of UAE University's Bachelor of Science in Marine Fisheries and Animal Science program excel in sustainable aquaculture, fisheries management, livestock production, and environmental conservation, addressing food security in arid regions through practical expertise.
Typical job roles include aquaculture specialist, fisheries manager, livestock production manager, and animal nutritionist.
Progression & Future Opportunities:
Career Placement Center provides internships on experimental stations and job networking with agribusinesses.
High demand for UAE food security roles; salaries AED 12,000–25,000 monthly.
Partnerships with local fisheries and farms for training; accreditation ensures global standards; outcomes include sustainable practices and innovation.
Further Academic Progression: Pursue MSc/PhD in animal science or marine biology at UAEU, leveraging lab training for research in arid agriculture.



Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
