Bachelor of Science (Agricultural and Environmental Sciences)
There are excellent programs available for those students interested in the study of animal science at the undergraduate level. Whether students are interested in the improvement of livestock production from the point of view of nutrition, breeding and reproduction, or the study of animals in a health context, or even the biotechnology aspects that provide a basis for further laboratory research and an opening to animal models and their impact on human health and disease, there is a specialization that will appeal to those needs.
Major in Life Sciences
Students majoring in Life Sciences will take 42 credits of core courses in fundamental biological sciences (animal, plant, microbiology, cell, and molecular) and 24 credits of courses in a specialization of your choice. Those interested in animal sciences should explore the suggested specializations below.
Course information not available.
Suggested specializations:
Animal Biology
This specialization will focuses on the basic biology of large mammals and birds including animal physiology and function, reproduction and nutrition, immunology, genetics and biotechnology and its uses with animals. There is a strong ‘hands-on’ component to many courses, coupled with the close proximity of the Macdonald Campus Farm as well as the Integrated Facility for Research on Large Animals.
Program information not available.
For more information, contact Professor Jennifer Ronholm, Specialization Coordinator, Animal Biology
Animal Health and Disease
This specialization is structured around courses within the biological and health sciences that gives students a background in basic sciences like genetics, molecular biology and biochemistry.
Although McGill does not currently offer a Veterinary Medicine program, this specialization prepares students for a career in animal health sciences, or for further studies at the graduate level in the life sciences, various health fields or animal sciences. Learn more about our pathways to veterinary medicine and other animal health careers.
Program information not available.
For more information, contact Professor Vilceu Bordignon, Specialization Coordinator, Animal Health and Disease
Wildlife Biology
Students specializing in Wildlife Biology learn about the biology, ecology, and behaviour of vertebrate animals, especially mammals, birds and fish species. This specialization focuses on the management and conservation of wildlife species and their habitats as well as on the most recent techniques and findings in wildlife research, and how they have and can be applied to wildlife conservation. Students get hands-on experiences in a field setting, studying wildlife in their natural environments.
Program information not available.
For more information, contact Professor Denis Roy, Specialization Coordinator, Wildlife Biology
Program Director, Life Sciences - Prof. Jennifer Ronholm
Undergraduate Student Program Advisor, Julie Major
Major in Sustainable Agricultural Systems
This major prepares you to lead in sustainable agriculture through hands-on learning, ecological practices, and food system innovation. You'll study at McGill’s Macdonald Campus with access to farms and labs, and can qualify for the Ordre des agronomes du Québec (OAQ) with the right course selection.
Program information not available.
Suggested specialization
Livestock
Students specializing in Livestock will learn about the improved efficiency of livestock production at the national and international levels, and are exposed to animal nutrition, reproduction and breeding in a context that respects environmental concerns and animal-welfare issues. Senior-level courses emphasize cutting-edge aspects of the various animal industries (dairy, beef, swine, sheep and poultry).
When taken in conjunction with the Major in Agro-Environmental Sciences and the Specialization in Professional Agrology, it conforms with the eligibility requirements of the Ordre des agronomes du Québec.
Program information not available.
For more information, contact Professor Sergio Burgos, Specialization Coordinator, Livestock
Global Food Security
The Global Food Security Specialization dives into sustainable, economically sound strategies to improve nutrition, manage water resources, and drive rural development—empowering communities and shaping a more food-secure future.
Program information not available.
For more information, contact Professor Elsa Vasseur, Specialization Coordinator, Global Food Security
Program Director, Major in Sustainable Agricultural Systems - Professor Kevin Wade
Undergraduate Program Advisor, Julie Major
Pathways to Veterinary School and other animal health careers
Students in the B.Sc. (Ag.Env.Sc.) Life Sciences major, specializing in Animal Health & Disease, gain foundational knowledge in animal physiology and health.
Hands-on experience with farm animals, labs, internships, and research at Macdonald Campus Farm prepares them for veterinary and animal health careers.
International Veterinary Program Partnerships
McGill University has entered formal agreements with the following schools of veterinary medicine, and has established pathways for students in the Life Sciences (Biological and Agricultural) Major and the Animal Health and Disease Specialization.
McGill University has a formal agreement with The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh and has established pathways for students in the Life Sciences (Biological and Agricultural) Major, and the Animal Health and Disease Specialization. Students obtain a B.Sc. (Ag.Env.Sc.) degree from McGill, and a BVM&S degree from the University of Edinburgh (UE) in a total of 6 years after the foundation year (2 years at McGill*, and 4 years at UE instead of 5).
*Excluding the foundation year for non-Québec residents.
Explore our partnership programs
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine
St Matthew's University School of Veterinary Medicine
Length of program
4 years
3.25 years (no summer break)
3.25 years (no summer break)
Scholarship (tuition rebate) for student following the pathways
None, but eligible to apply for R(D)SVS International/Graduate Scholarship of GBP 5,000 per year (competitive award process)
2,000 USD per semester for the first three semesters (lifetime cap of 6,000 USD)
15,000 USD
Minimum GPA
3.4 overall
3.0 overall and in specific courses, no F or D grades in a pre-requisite course designated by RUSVM
2.7 overall
Application fee
Waived
Waived
Waived
Number of spots reserved for McGill students
None (spots offered based on interview)
4 per admission term
4 per admission term
Guaranteed interview
Yes (must be on track to meet all academic entry requirements and provide evidence of relevant work experience)
Yes
Experience needed to apply
No minimum requirement, but evidence of relevant animal handling experience is expected
150 hours in a professional veterinary practice
No minimum requirement, but evidence of relevant animal handling experience is expected
Learn more
Read testimonials from McGill graduates
“Throughout our long standing relationship with McGill University we have recruited a number of outstanding McGill graduates into our Veterinary Medicine and Surgery degree programme. McGill graduates are diligent, have an in-depth understanding of the subject and go on to make excellent vets.”
Sally Anne Argyle (MVB Cert SAC, PhD MRCVS)
Director of Veterinary Admissions, The University of Edinburgh
Courses
The program includes courses designed to prepare students for careers in animal-related fields. These courses include:
Basic science Animal physiology Animal health and disease Also...
Required courses
LSCI 204. Genetics.
LSCI 230. Introductory Microbiology.
AEHM 205. Science Literacy.
LSCI 211. Biochemistry 1.
ANSC 312. Animal Health and Disease.
ANSC 350. Food-Borne Pathogens.
ANSC 323. Mammalian Physiology.
MICR 341. Mechanisms of Pathogenicity.
LSCI 202. Molecular Cell Biology.
PARA 438. Immunology.
ANSC 424. Metabolic Endocrinology.
PARA 424. Fundamental Parasitology.
ANSC 400. Eukaryotic Cells and Viruses.
Optional courses
ANSC 250. Introduction to Livestock Management
ANSC 251. Comparative Anatomy.
ANSC 234. Biochemistry 2.
ANSC 303. Farm Animal Internship
ANSC 324. Developmental Biology and Reproduction.
ANSC 420. Animal Biotechnology.
ANSC 555. The Use and Welfare of Animals.
ANSC 433. Animal Nutrition and Metabolism.
Plus a range of other courses, including Internships and Research Projects to allow students to explore related interests