The first testimonials are cut and pasted from our Survey with the questions that we ask after the completion of each module. These are real people with real jobs in real aquariums and zoos and we always ask their permission. The rest are snippets of feedback from the surveys, as well as some feedback from the Curators who believed in educating their aquarists and signed up their teams.
The only complaint we have ever received from a few people is that it is a hard course, and the comment we hear often is, its takes a lot of time. We say if you have the inclination for anything then you find the time. How many Netflix series have you watched yet there's no time .....? If we can educate the people handling and caring for the animals, then it’s better welfare for the animals and its enrichment for our students. We always go back to our Vision Statement - To Improve the Health and Welfare of Aquatic Animals in Aquariums and Zoos Globally.
In your own words please answer the following questions:
- Exactly what did you get out of doing the E-quarist Course and how will that help you at work?
Learning the basics of fish anatomy and physiology, as well as water quality has set me up for success as a future aquatic animal veterinarian. A solid foundation in husbandry is vital when it comes to preventing and treating health problems in aquatic species.
2. Can you think of ways we can improve the course?
Not the course itself, however it would be helpful to be able to access digital versions of the course content. I understand this may not be feasible in order to prevent widespread dissemination of the material.
3. Do you have a favourite module and why?
I enjoyed modules 1 and 3 the most. Having in depth information on fish anatomy/physiology as well as water quality was extremely valuable. Most of this information I have had to sort through multiple sources to find. Having all of this information in one comprehensive unit was extremely helpful.
General Comments: I learned a lot! Everything was very in depth and well organized. Thank you for all of the hard work you have put into this valuable course!
Dr Michelle R. Rivard (DVM Veterinary Intern Mystic Aquarium, USA)
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- Exactly what did you get out of doing the E-quarist Course and how will that help you at work?
An in-depth look into the functioning of both the public aquarium systems and the animals that live in them. The information learned on this course can be applied in day-to-day aquarist duties, especially on the animal health front.
2. Can you think of ways we can improve the course?
The use of more “tests” - this could break up the sections a bit more, allow for more frequent revision, and serve as a guideline for students as to which particular areas they might be struggling with (and spend more time revising).
3. Do you have a favourite module and why?
Disease Concepts and Diagnostics, and Diseases and Treatments. Animal health is a section that I am most unfamiliar with, so these modules introduced me to a wealth of information I had not encountered before.
General Comments:
A thorough course and well thought out regarding the essential topics that need to be considered by potential and current aquarists. These are topics not otherwise available in education - even from among tertiary-level institutions - which means that those entering the field may be otherwise ill-equipped if not for courses like this one.
Tim Smith (uShaka Sea World, Durban, South Africa)
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- Exactly what did you get out of doing the E-quarist Course and how will that help you at work?
I really took a lot out of all the different types of diseases and treatments noted for the animals. Before the course there were only a select few that I could identify and know their treatments, dosages, etc. The course has really helped expand my knowledge of that so I am not having to rely on our veterinary staff to 100% understand what may be going on with an animal’s health. Aquatic medicine is so interesting and there is still so much to learn, but the course has been a great foundation for aquatic vets and aquarists moving forward.
- Can you think of ways we can improve the course?
I am personally a very visual learner. I don’t believe I would have gotten as much out of the course if I were not physically working in the environment day to day to apply what I’ve been reading. For those that may not see as much of what is discussed firsthand, or those who are not as hands on as Aquarists and vets may be with the animals, more visuals such as diagrams and photos/videos throughout the chapters would be great.
- Do you have a favourite module and why?
My favorite module by far would be the Elasmobranch module (7). I work primarily with elasmobranchs and have always been fascinated with, and eager to learn as much as possible about them. It was interesting to read through the module and realize how much I already knew, but all the new information I picked up was very exciting to learn about and to be able to apply to my day to day work with the animals.
- General Comments:
This is definitely a course to be considered by all entry-level aquarists and veterinary students to get more in depth knowledge and understanding of working in aquaria and the marine biology field.
- Do we have your permission to include some or all of your feedback for our testimonials page on our website? Yes
Candice Latini (Georgia Aquarium Aquarist 1, USA)
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Thank you very much. The conference (E-Aquarium) was very insightful, and I think many people (including me) were able to take a lot of applicable knowledge from this to further their hobby and profession.
Shelby Stensrud (Associate Brand Manager, Segrest Farms, USA)
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I would just like to say that as an extremely new aquarist (6 months so far) life support and water quality are my weakest areas and this module definitely taught me so much and I am very appreciative of the entire course but especially this module so far:)
Abby Haag (Aquarist II, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, USA)
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Not only did the E-quarist course set a great baseline for the type of information that we expect all of our aquarists to have, but it also sparked an increased desire in many of our staff to investigate topics further on their own and find ways to improve the care of our collections. The course exceeded all of our expectations, and we could not have asked for a better return on our investment.
Alan McDowell (Associate Director/ Director of Husbandry & Operations, North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, USA)
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The Aquarium Vet’s E-quarist Course has been of great benefit to members of the Zoological Teams at Georgia Aquarium. The Course’s thorough and detailed course curriculum and ‘learn as you go’ approach to online training has helped new aquarists and technicians gain broad insight into the principles of aquariology and related topics. Focused modules allow the student to learn the basics and subsequently dive deeper into more sophisticated aspects of the material. E-quarist courses serve as another tool by which to train new members of the team, while updating experienced members with the latest new information.
Chris Coco (Sr. Director, Zoological Operations – Fishes & Invertebrates Georgia Aquarium, USA)
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By the way, I’ve been in this business for several decades. A lot of the material so far is either something I never learned, or maybe I forgot I learned, and I’m only on Chapter 1! I’m glad I’m taking the course along with my Aquarist team.
Thank you!
Sally Hoke (Area Manager Oceans, Indianapolis Zoo)
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The course was very interesting, it's the best course for someone who want to be an aquarist.
I am an aquarist since 2006 at the Aquarium du Québec and i learned so much with the theoric training on the LSS on module 4.
Thank again!
Simon Garneau
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I found module one provided me with an outstanding foundation detailing everything I needed to learn in order to form a base knowledge moving forward, module two allowed me to grasp an understanding of the processes required when disease occurs and highlighted influencing factors to investigate as to why disease arose, not to mention the tools to arrive at an informed diagnosis. It expanded on the content in module one, encouraging me to draw on and therefore reinforcing aspects of anatomy that I’d previously learnt.
Module three introduced me to the importance of water quality and chemistry, describing how different parameters affect animal health and how to successfully test for and rectify detrimental conditions.
Overall the e-quarist course is very well balanced, practically and scientifically, and not only suits the needs of professional aquarium staff like myself, but also those with a keen interest. The team supporting me through these learnings have also been amazing. Katrina is always available to answer the questions that I’ve had and the passion that both her and Rob have for our underwater realm is truly inspiring. I’m clearly enjoying the course immensely and am looking forward to expanding my knowledge further as a move through the later modules.
Brendan Kelly (SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, Australia)
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I gained a better understanding of every aspect of LSS and some valuable calculations that are needed when it comes to LSS design and construction.
I have done similar courses in the past ……… however, this has been such a step up and has really increased my knowledge in all areas.
Phil Robinson (The Deep Aquarium, United Kingdom)
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Over all I see this course as being a great benefit to my career.
Lauren Larese (Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid Memphis, Tennessee, USA)
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I love this course, even though I have been working in the industry for many years I always learn something new and I find is a good test of my knowledge base. I can then improve my aquarium by applying little tweaks here and there and assist with the development of the team.
Kate Willson (Curator, Sea Life Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia)
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The module helped me understand and appreciate details of shark physiology and husbandry I was previously not aware of - especially nutrition. Can definitely help in planning our shark feeding and care.
Geddes Hislop (Cayman Turtle Centre : Island Wildlife Encounter, Cayman Island)
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The nutrition module was excellent. It was very clear and very interesting/useful.
Tasha K. Esaki (Tennessee Aquarium, USA)
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I gained a better understanding on how important life support systems operate, and the impacts it has on fish health.
Yvonne Chia (Resorts World Sentosa Aquarium, Singapore)