While the "animal" specializations can be taken as part of any major under the B.Sc. (AES), some are more suited pedagogically. These include:
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Major in Life Sciences
Program Director: brian.driscoll [at] mcgill.ca (Prof. Brian Driscoll) -
Major in Agro-Environmental Sciences
Program Director: roger.cue [at] mcgill.ca (Prof. Roger Cue)
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Major in International Agriculture and Food Systems
Program Director: humberto.monardes [at] mcgill.ca (Prof. Humberto Monardes)
One of the most appealing aspects of the Major in Life Sciences is its comprehensive nature. Students who enroll in this Major will receive a well-rounded education that encompasses many areas in the life sciences including health sciences, biology, biotechnology and agricultural and environmental biosciences, any of which provide viable career options upon graduation.
The following is the suggested 1st year course schedule for students in the Life Sciences Major:
| U1 (Fall) | U1 (Winter) |
| AEBI 210 Organisms 1 | AEBI 211 Organisms 2 |
| AEHM 205 Science Literacy | AEBI 212 Evolution and Phylogeny |
| AEMA 310 Statistical Methods 1 | LSCI 202 Molecular Cell Biology |
| LSCI 211 Biochemistry 1 | LSCI 204 Genetics |
| Elective or FDSC 230 Organic Chemistry* | LSCI 230 Introductory Microbiology |
| * if "Organic Chemistry" has not been taken in High School/CEGEP |
In a world that is facing continued population growth, dwindling resources, and environmental degradation, agricultural management is critical and offers many opportunities for skill building and varied careers. This program has been designed with a curriculum that covers the biology of cultivated plants, domestic animals, arable soils and the economics of agriculture. Students will learn how to manage the agricultural ecosystem to supply essential human needs for food, fibre, fuel and medicines while maintaining the highest environmental standards.
With a fully functioning farm on Campus, students will benefit from a hands-on, direct approach to learning the management of the complex ecosystem called “agriculture”. Also included in this program are visits to agricultural businesses, internships, and the opportunity for international experience.
Graduates may be eligible to become members of the Ordre des agronomes du Québec or to become Professional Agrologists (P.Ag.).
Students should choose one or two specializations according to their specific career goals.
Food and agriculture are fundamentally important to the well-being and economic development of communities and countries, particularly in Africa, Asia and Latin America. In this major, students will gain competency in natural and social sciences in the ways that agriculture can help define sustainable and ecologically sound solutions to food insecurity, malnutrition, poverty, and underdevelopment. The courses in this multidisciplinary program are complemented by opportunities for internships and independent research to gain a more hands on understanding of agricultural and food systems in developing countries.